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The Anderson County Library System (ACLS) became a bit easier to access earlier this month when it officially waived and removed most late fees for users. Removing fines for overdue materials removes a financial barrier to using the library, keeping to the library’s mission of being accessible to all, marketing and communications manager Brianna McDonell said. Charleston County Library System and York County Libraries have also recently gone fine-free, she said. t’s a growing trend nationwide.
There are approximately 76,500 active library users in the system, she said, and the overdue fines account for less than 1% of the system s operating budget. She did not have an estimate for how much debt was forgiven when the elimination of the fees went into effect July 1.
That space is essential for the seamless operation of court proceedings during the pandemic, he said.
Most of the Upstate s federal inmates are housed in Anderson and Spartanburg, Graham noted, meaning transportation costs and security risks both increase without the two courthouses in operation.
Graham said the two cities will incur great financial setbacks without the patronage of those visiting and doing business at the federal courthouses.
Anderson officials said the move wouldn t likely affect contracts with the federal government to house inmates in the city jail, though hotels, restaurants and retail establishments typically see an influx of business when trials take place.