ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – Elkhart and Goshen libraries are going fine free beginning February 22, the libraries announced Thursday.

Beginning Tuesday, the two library systems will no longer charge overdue fines for circulating materials.

The libraries are also the first in Indiana to forgive all existing debt on library accounts.

Only materials unreturned after 31 days will be charged. Once those items are returned after the 31 days, the fee will be removed.

Both libraries went fine free on all kids’ materials in 2019.

The libraries are going fine free to encourage community members to return to the library with a clean slate, without worrying about overdue or long-lost books.