Wautoma Public Library goes fine-free starting Apr. 1

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Hannah Klusmeyer, Director of the Wautoma Public Library since Oct. of 2017, and the Library Board of Trustees have been working towards an exciting initiative for the patrons of Wautoma. For six months they been working towards eliminating fines from the library, a movement that has swept through libraries across the nation. On Apr. 1 the Wautoma Public Library will go fine-free with most of their collection in hopes of attracting patrons to take advantage of the valuable resources within the library.

“The American Library Association (ALA) declared that fines create a barrier to the libraries’ valuable tools to the community,” stated Hannah, who could not agree more with the statement. With this new program, late returned items will no longer be charged to a patrons account.

The change encourages patrons to use the resources within the library. Overdue fines can quickly build up which then prevents users from utilizing or accessing library resources. During the pandemic, the library has become more important than ever as they offer a stable internet connection and endless entertainment. With fines, users could be barred from service after they reached a certain amount owed on their card. Now anyone will be able to utilize the library’s services without worrying about being blocked from accessing the resources.

This movement will not let patrons get away with keeping the borrowed books or movies from the Wautoma Public Library though, as the library will still encourage prompt returns.  Returning materials on time ensures the same enjoyment to other patrons in the community and the system. If a user has not returned a product within 30 days, a bill will be sent for the cost of the book or movie. If the product is returned in good condition after receiving the bill, they will not have to pay it. However, frequent habit of late returns may result in limited allowances.

 

Patrons who currently have outstanding fines from the Wautoma Library will have the amount forgiven as of Apr. 1 unless they have lost or damaged the product.

Wautoma Public Library is a part of the Winnefox Library System, which currently has 15 libraries that are fine-free, including Oshkosh’s Public Library. Wautoma will also being joining a few Waushara County Libraries who have either recently switched or have always been fine-free. This includes Coloma, who switched to fine-free in 2020, as well as Pine River, Poy Sippi, and Wild Rose who have always been fine-free. Hannah has noticed good feedback from their users and is excited to include Wautoma in the list.

Anyone needing to use a computer is able to visit the Wautoma Public Library to use the internet, as well as print out documents needed. With the pandemic limiting services, there are only two computer spaces available on a first come first serve basis. They have two laptops available, and you are also able to bring your own. Wireless printing is very useful and utilized often. With fines, some were not able to take advantage of this convenient asset when they needed it. Now, you will not need to worry about your internet needs, which is especially important to students.

Library card holders are able to take advantage Overdrive, which is full of ebooks and audiobooks. New to Overdrive are 3,000 magazine titles that are always available. Wautoma card holders are able to take advantage of Hoopla, a platform full of movies, tv shows, and other fun things.

A library card is a great tool to access awesome resources and is completely free. All you need is your ID and proof of address to gain access to all the library has to offer. The first week of April is Library Week, where new users are encouraged to visit the library for their very own card that will be able to be used throughout the entire Winnefox System (30 libraries). The replacement fee for a lost card will also be waived in honor of the week.

The community can look forward to a number of upcoming entertainment programs in the coming months, with the most recent being “Spring into Reading.” Readers are encouraged to sign up for the library’s reading programs on Beanstack with challenges and prize incentives. “Spring into Reading” is for all ages and goes from March 20 to May 24. You can also look forward to the summer reading program tentatively starting in June.

So, if you are looking for a sign to visit the Wautoma Public Library, this is it. The new fine-free program will be valuable to citizens throughout the county. Hannah hopes that with the new incentive, more of the community will benefit from everything the library has to offer.

 

The Wautoma Public Library is located at 410 West Main St., and is currently open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., and closed Sundays. To contact the library, call 920-787-2988. Visit their website at www.wautomalibrary.org to learn more and stay up-to-date on events.

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  • The Wautoma Public Library will be going fine-free starting Apr. 1. They will continue offering patrons a variety of resources, along with many entertaining activities.
    The Wautoma Public Library will be going fine-free starting Apr. 1. They will continue offering patrons a variety of resources, along with many entertaining activities.