The Hood River County Library District is going to go “fine free” starting on February 1.  “Fine free” means that patrons will not be fined daily for overdue materials.  The change is a part of an institutional movement from libraries nationwide, guided by the recommendations of the American Library Association in an effort to increase free public access to library services.  A statement from the district says studies in libraries that have eliminated fines show that there has been no impact on return rates, and the step can even increase use of library materials.  The District will also erase all past overdue fines for patrons.  This does not include past fees for lost or damaged items.  Items will still have a due date and materials will still need to be returned.  Last fiscal year the amount collected from fines was less than 1% of the Hood River County Library District’s budget.