SALISBURY – Rowan Public Library on Thursday began extending a grace period through May 31, to all borrowers of physical materials. Typically, physical materials have a two-week borrowing period, with two renewals allowed (barring holds placed on the item), and overdue fines are 20 cents a day. 

The grace period, which automatically applies to all physical materials currently on loan and any checked out between now and May 31, is an effort to help patrons as they re-negotiate their daily routines during the evolving COVID-19 outbreak. 

“We want to assist borrowers who choose to limit their visits to public buildings and practice social distancing,” said RPL Director Melissa Oleen.

How do patrons take advantage of the grace period? Simply by using their materials. The current RPL circulation software doesn’t allow for automatic renewals, so items will still show a due date that falls before May 31 for patrons who keep track of their accounts online. However, no fines (new or additional) will accrue from March 12 through May 31. 

E-books borrowed through Libby or Overdrive will continue the usual practice of automatic returns and no fines. 

Patrons who are interested in learning how to manage their accounts online are encouraged to contact their nearest RPL branch. All it takes is a current library card number and a four-digit PIN that serves as the password for online account access. Forgotten PINs are easily reset. 

Visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org and follow RPL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about the library’s services and resources.