LAPLACE — In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month and National Literacy Month, a “fine free” period for September will be observed at all four of the branch libraries in St. John the Baptist Parish (La Place, Reserve, Garyville and Edgard).

The courtesy will give patrons the opportunity to return items that are overdue without the penalty of a fine. To take advantage of the service, overdue items must be returned to either the service desks or in the book drops during September.

There are exceptions, however. State library circulating laptop computers are not included in the forgiveness of fines.

Also, if fines are already on a patron’s record, the patron will still be responsible for those fines: existing fines will not be waived. In addition, the cost of replacement cards will be the responsibility of the patron. The first replacement library card is 50 cents, and losses thereafter are $1 per card.

Library leaders encourage patrons to take advantage of the opportunity.