The Fairmount Community Library, located at 406 Chapel Drive has instituted a fine free policy for most library materials. The library will no longer be charging a late fine on items from any patron. Removing the barrier of late fees provides access to library resources for all, ensuring that the Fairmount Community Library will be a welcoming space for everyone who visits.

Many libraries began suspending fines during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Research has shown that fines can be a significant burden on some families and patrons discouraging them from visiting the library. The Fairmount Community Library Board of Trustees wants to provide access to all patrons with no barriers.

“We see that fines are creating widespread barriers for patrons who need library services the most,” said library director, Brenda Shea. “We hope this change allows patrons to return to the library and take advantage of all that their library has to offer.”

Patrons will still continue to get helpful reminder calls and emails when library materials are due, and they will be charged a replacement fee for lost or damaged items. However, the late fee policy will be a thing of the past. Revenue accrued from overdue fines will be lost, but it doesn’t compare to the good will the policy will initiate. In addition, the policy will allow more time for library staff to focus on patrons and patron related services and programs.

The Fairmount Community Library’s mission is to connect our community through information sharing, fostering communication and enhancing lifelong learning. Visit the FCL website at fairmountlibrary.org for more information.

If you would like to learn more about the library and programming please contact Denise Headd, director of community relations at 315-345-1369.

The Fairmount Community Library, located at 406 Chapel Drive in Syracuse offers Family Storytime, Music is Magic classes, Encanto Family Spanish Lessons, Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Earth Day Celebration, and much more during the month of April. To register for library programs, visit the library website at www.fairmountlibrary.org. Please note, any indoor programs require registration and space is limited.

Music is Magic at the FCL: Thursday, April 14, at 10:00 am Children ages Birth to 5 years old will enjoy instruments, dancing, bubbles, and fun with a parachute. Come and enjoy the benefits of introducing music and movement at such an early age. Registration is required. Register by visiting our website at www.fairmountlibrary.org.

Preschool Playgroup at the FCL: Friday, April 15, 10:00 am until Noon Spend time in the FCL’s Community room to socialize and gather with other toddlers for gross motor, sensory, and imaginative play. Come and go at your own leisure as this is an unstaffed program.

Storytime at the FCL: Tuesday, April 19, at 10:00 am Join Miss Karen for a fun, interactive musical storytime. Children will participate in songs, stories, and activities. This storytime is geared towards children Birth to 5 years old. Register by visiting our website at www.fairmountlibrary.org.

Music is Magic at the FCL: Thursday, April 21, at 10:00 am Children ages Birth to 5 years old will enjoy instruments, dancing, bubbles, and fun with a parachute. Come and enjoy the benefits of introducing music and movement at such an early age. Registration is required. Register by visiting our website at www.fairmountlibrary.org.

Earth Day Celebration at the FCL: Friday, April 22, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Join us for this wonderful event as we celebrate all the earth has given us. We’ll have a water demonstration, rain barrels, saplings to take home, earth-theme sensory play, we’ll make bird feeders and much more! Registration is required. Register by visiting our website at www.fairmountlibrary.org.

April Baby Circle at the FCL: Saturday, April 23, at 10:00 am Join Miss Karen for this new monthly storytime geared towards infants up to 9 months old. Enjoy this special time with your baby and learn the value of introducing literacy early in the developmental phase. Registration is required. Register by visiting our website at www.fairmountlibrary.org.

Family Storytime at the FCL: Saturday, April 23, at 11:00 am Join Miss Karen for a fun, interactive and musical storytime. Children will participate in songs, stories, and activities. Register by visiting our website at www.fairmountlibrary.org.

Sensory Monday at the FCL: Monday, April 25, at 10:00 am Join us for sensory playtime. Miss Karen will read a story, followed by playtime and sensory activities. Registration is required. Register by visiting our website at www.fairmountlibrary.org.

Storytime at the FCL: Tuesday, April 26, at 10:00 am Join Miss Karen for a fun, interactive musical storytime. Children will participate in songs, stories, and activities. This storytime is geared towards children Birth to 5 years old. Register by visiting our website at www.fairmountlibrary.org.

Encanto Family Spanish Lesson: Wednesday, April 27, at 5:30 pm Children ages 5 to 9 years old and their families will learn beginner vocabulary, fun songs, and they’ll learn about Colombian food and culture, in the theme of the popular movie, Encanto. Siblings are welcome. Registration is required. Register by visiting our website at www.fairmountlibrary.org.

Music is Magic at the FCL: Thursday, April 28, at 10:00 am Children ages Birth to 5 years old will enjoy instruments, dancing, bubbles, and fun with a parachute. Come and enjoy the benefits of introducing music and movement at such an early age. Registration is required. Register by visiting our website at www.fairmountlibrary.org.

The Fairmount Community Library’s mission is to connect our community through information sharing, fostering communication and enhancing lifelong learning. Visit the FCL website at www.fairmountlibrary.org for more information.

If you would like to learn more about the library and programming please contact Denise Headd, Director of Community Relations at 315-345-1369.