The Becker and Clearwater branches of the Great River Regional Library (GRRL) system have some exciting new benefits to offer patrons, as well as current offerings many residents aren’t yet aware of.

 

Starting last month, GRRL’s ‘Read Down Your Fines’ program is now open for patrons of all ages, not just youth.

 

“The GRRL Board voted for the new ‘Read Down Your Fines’ program in the effort to make the library more accessible for everyone,” said Clearwater Librarian Cyrene Bastien. 

 

“If fines are holding you back from enjoying your library, please come in and talk to us on how to get them waived.”

 

Patrons can pay their fines by coming into the library to read, either to themselves or someone else. For every 15 minutes spent reading in the library, $1 in fines are waived. Reading materials can be physical or digital and aren’t limited to items borrowed from the library. 

 

The ‘Read Down Your Fines’ program applies only to fines and lost processing fees, not lost materials, debt collection or revenue recapture blocks. The expanded program is being funded by undesignated donations to GRRL.

 

Along the same lines, another new program has just been released by GRRL; there will be no more fines at all for children and young adult materials.

 

“Having no fines removes barriers to kids to check out books,” said Becker Librarian Jeannette Burkhardt. “Because putting books in the hands of kids is the primary goal of a library.”

 

The new program is retroactive and won’t erase fines accrued before June. Overdue notices will still be sent after 10 days as a reminder to return the items, and permanently lost or damaged items will still be the financial responsibility of the patron.

 

A fun and unique item that has been available at all GRRL branches for a while now that many patrons aren’t aware of are Brain Fitness kits. Brain Fitness kits are boxes filled with games and puzzles to build and retain brain power, helping to ‘keep brains fit.’

 

Kits like these are used by nursing homes and to help Alzheimer’s patients. Studies have shown a direct link between playing games and retaining brain function.

 

Although intended for adults, the Brain Fitness kits are fun for the entire family. The games can be played from ages 8 to 99, so for example, grandparents who have grandkids coming to visit can pick up a box and create fun family memories playing new games with their grandkids.

 

The Brain Fitness kits are made possible through donations. The Clearwater Friends of the Library recently purchased four kits to add to the collection, which can be used by any of patrons in the GRRL system. The kits can be requested through a librarian or online through a search for “brain fitness kits.”

 

Last year, the Clearwater Library also purchased a frisbee golf set patrons can check out for a week; it can be requested at the front desk.

The frisbee golf set was purchased through the annual Locally Grown’ fundraising program.