Imperial County libraries launch ‘Fine Forgiveness’ program ahead of August closures

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - If you have an overdue library book collecting dust on your counter, your wallet is about to thank you.

The Imperial County Free Library system has officially launched its "Fine Forgiveness Bi-Week" program, giving local readers an opportunity to clear their accounts completely free of charge. Officials decided to bring the initiative back after it was a massive hit with the community last year.

Between Monday, July 20 and Friday, July 31, book lovers can return overdue or slightly damaged library materials to have all associated late fees entirely wiped clean.

To make the process even easier, residents do not even need to step foot inside a building. Materials can be dropped off directly into the outdoor drop boxes at any of the county's four participating branch locations in Heber, Holtville, Calipatria, and Salton City.

"We understand life happens, things happen, and not everyone has the means to pay a fine depending on how many books they've checked out," said Imperial County Librarian Mary Jane Guerrero. "We try to be accommodating in that sense."

Guerrero emphasized that every returned book helps support the local region.

"We are relatively smaller than comparing ourselves to the larger libraries that have more of a central base community," Guerrero said. "So, we try to ensure that everything brought back allows us to continue providing the services and materials needed by these small communities."

While the library is offering a clean slate for late returns, administrators noted a few important restrictions to keep in mind before you head out.

The grace period does not cover completely lost items, nor does the program apply to older, unrelated fines already sitting on a patron's record. However, fees will be waived for minor book damage, provided the total repair cost does not exceed $25.

The push to get books back on the shelves comes just ahead of a system-wide shutdown. All Imperial County library branches will close to the public starting Monday, August 3, to allow staff to conduct an annual inventory audit.

The cleanup will ensure catalogs are accurate and collections remain accessible. Doors are scheduled to reopen just in time for the upcoming school year on Monday, August 17.