By Cara Luddy, Communications Assistant at Central Library

As of November 1, 2019, all of the Syracuse City Branch Libraries have gone fine-free for veterans and active service members.

"We are honored to offer our veterans and active duty military personnel who use our City Branch Libraries access to our collections without having to worry about accruing overdue fines. It is our way of thanking them for their service and the sacrifices they have made for our country," said Dawn Marmor, Executive Director of Onondaga County Public Libraries.

Marmor expects that the move to go fine-free for veterans and active service members will encourage those who have served to take advantage of the many resources available at Syracuse’s branch libraries. In 2016, OCPL went fine-free for children and teens (ages 18 and under) at City Branch Libraries. This latest move is another step toward making public libraries in Syracuse more accessible for the communities that surround them.

What does fine-free for veterans and active service members mean exactly? Qualified patrons will not be charged overdue fines on any items they check out. This includes books, movies, music, and much more. To take advantage of this benefit, patrons must present a current, valid military or veterans ID card to staff at any city library so that their accounts can be updated. Please note that lost or damaged items must still be paid for and that this new policy does not negate fines incurred before November 1.

The Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville, Liverpool Public Library, Manlius Library and Onondaga Free Library also have policies in place that waive overdue fines for veterans and active military personnel.

Have questions? Call (315) 435-1900 or email reference@onlib.org for more information. Visit www.onlib.org/locations/city-libraries to see a full list of public libraries in Syracuse.