Pierce County libraries waived late fees during the pandemic. Here’s where that stands.
The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will be considering eliminating fines on overdue books and updating the community about a new library in Lakewood at its next meeting.
On April 12 library administrators will share the results of a study that was conducted to stop charging fines on overdue books, movies and other materials. Since 2020 the library system hasn’t fined people for not returning materials past the due date. The library stopped charging fines during the pandemic to reduce economic burdens on residents.
The study “concluded eliminating fines at this time is warranted and will continue to remove barriers to using and enjoying library services by all people, especially for individuals in asset-limited households,” according to a library board news release.
Lakewood interim library
At the March Board of Trustees meeting, trustees approved a bid award for Modern Building Systems to construct an interim library in Lakewood, according to the release. At the April board meeting, library administrators will give an update on the interim library and discuss the results of an in-depth study on public opinion about the county’s library system.
The meeting will be held in person at the Library’s Administrative Center at 3005 112th St E, Tacoma WA 98446. The meeting will also be streamed virtually.
