Submitted by San Juan Island Library.

In conjunction with our reopening on June 8, the San Juan Island Library announced that all library patrons will receive COVID-Relief Amnesty for billed charges on patron accounts incurred between January 2016 and December 2020. All charges have been waived. In light of the financial and social impacts of the last year, the Library is excited to welcome everyone back to the library fine free with full access to materials and services.

As we turn the corner on an exceptionally difficult time, we want nothing to hinder any islander’s access to library materials.

“Library services are more important than ever,” San Juan Island Library Assistant Director Rowan Buckton said. “Our Library’s mission is to provide access to materials, information, learning, and community in all of its forms—and that’s our immediate aim in removing these financial barriers.”

San Juan Island Library hopes to encourage the return of any overdue library materials by removing the hardship of fines and will restore library borrowing privileges to all patrons whose past and current fines have prevented them from accessing library services.

So what does this mean in practice? And how does it work?

• Overdue items: Return your items to the library no matter how overdue, and no fees will be assessed. In fact, we’ll say “Thank you!” and will likely extend an air high-five!

• Lost and damaged items: If you’ve permanently lost or damaged an item checked out prior to January 2021, all associated fees have been waived.

• Donations: Donations are always welcome. Feel free to donate what you like for late, lost, or damaged materials, or other charges that have been waived.

Our COVID-Relief Amnesty is motivated by our desire to help our entire community and ensures that all islanders have access to the Library and all it has to offer.

“This a unique opportunity for community members to reconnect with the Library. We all deserve a fresh start without question after the last year, and everyone deserves access to their local library,” Library Director Laurie Orton said. “We are excited to welcome all patrons and community members back to the Library with open arms.”

For more information, please visit the Library website at https://www.sjlib.org and follow us on social media.