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type of distancing among the children, and may necessitate moving the Children's <br /> Programs entirely into the Event Room--at least through the end of 2021. This will <br /> impact the availability of the Event Room for other Library programs and potential use <br /> by outside groups, but seems increasingly likely for the near future. <br /> Staff are working on organizing a book and DVD sale. A large inventory of donated and <br /> withdrawn items have been accumulated in the last two years and no additional storage <br /> space is available. <br /> Mary LeClair exited the meeting at 7:00 p.m. <br /> Policy Updates <br /> Fines and Fees: <br /> The Library Director presented information and data related to the CLAMS Network Fine Free <br /> Project. Prior to the COVID-19 building closures, the CLAMS network had voted to allow <br /> individual libraries to vote to eliminate the practice of charging overdue fines to patrons, and to <br /> break with the long standing practice of standardized loan rules for all member libraries. The <br /> Martha's Vineyard libraries piloted the project and all six implemented fine free practices. <br /> During the COVID-19 building closures, all overdue fines were suppressed since patrons had no <br /> mechanism to return items for processing in a timely manner. After staff at libraries returned to <br /> in person work in the buildings, as a safety measure all returned items were placed in quarantine <br /> for up to a week before being handled, necessitating that the systemwide suppression of overdue <br /> fines remain active. The practice continued systemwide until late spring of 2021,when libraries <br /> began to resume services and deliberate permanently adopting the policy on a local level. <br /> Currently, nearly 70% of all CLAMS libraries have permanently adopted a fine free policy, <br /> following the lead of many large national libraries, including the Boston Public Library. <br /> The Library Director presented factors for consideration and advocated for the Board to adopt a <br /> fine free policy for the library. The Trustees discussed the policy and the desire to remove <br /> barriers to access the collections, and provide more equitable service. <br /> MOTION: Joan Lyons motioned to amend the Library's policy and eliminate the practice of <br /> charging overdue fines on materials that are returned in good condition after their due date. <br /> Ann Macdonald seconded the motion. <br /> Vote-Yes-6 <br /> Roll Call Vote: Amanda Hall, yes Sandra Lahart, yes <br /> Joan Lyons, yes Ann Macdonald, yes <br />