COOS COUNTY, Ore. -- The Coastline Library System announced on Feb.19 that public libraries in Coos and Curry counties will not be charging overdue fines on children’s material.

Children’s material includes books and audiobooks. The new guidelines do not apply to special collections, visual media and young adult materials. Any children’s material checked out after Dec. 4 is covered under the new guidelines.

Library staff said they are embracing the change because they believe getting rid of the fines will encourage families to use the library more.

The Coastline system is a dual-county library network of 13 libraries in Coos and Curry counties and Southwestern Oregon Community College.

Libraries where the new guidelines are in effect in Coos County include: 

• Bandon Public Library
• Coos Bay Public Library
• Coquille Public Library
• Hazel M. Lewis Public Library in Powers
• Flora M. Laird Public Library in Myrtle Point
• North Bend Public Library
• Dora Public Library

What do you think about the change? Let us know in the comments below.