Effective July 1, patrons of the East Hartford Public Library will no longer have to pay a fine for returning an overdue book.

According to Mayor Mike Walsh’s office, the decision to go “fine-free” was easy. The library has not collected an overdue book fine since March, 2020 when the pandemic shut down the building. In a press release the mayor’s office noted East Hartford would be “joining with public libraries across the country in a movement to reduce barriers to library access.”

For book borrowers, items will still have due dates. The library wants patrons to bring books and movies back on time so that other residents may enjoy them. The library will also charge a replacement fee for any lost or damaged borrowed item.

“A bill for the replacement cost of an overdue items will be generated automatically once an item is four weeks overdue. However, as soon as you return the item, the bill will be canceled and no fines will remain on your card,” added the release.

The library also has decided to remove all old late fees from patron’s accounts. If a overdue item fine is blocking your ability to use your library card, check in with the librarians and they will remove them.

The “fine-free” status only applies to East Hartford items. If you check out an item belonging to another library (example: item borrowed through a system hold) at EHPL, you’ll be charged fines based on the policy of the loaning library.

The main library branch is the Raymond Library, 840 Main St. Now open also is the renovated Wickham Memorial Library at 656 Burnside Avenue (corner of School Street – parking through the Public Safety Complex lot at 31 School St.