Special to Iredell Free News

Beginning August 1, the Iredell County Public Library will expand its lending catalog to include Chromebook laptops. Chromebooks will be available for checkout to patrons in need of computer access at home.

In order to borrow a Chromebook, patrons must have an Iredell County Public Library card and be over the age of 18. Chromebook checkouts are limited to one per household and can be kept for up to 14 days.

This new service is a response to a growing need for tech services and help that has been observed in library patrons. The library staff hopes to help bridge the digital divide for county residents. The library will offer additional help and troubleshooting for the new laptops during its weekly Tech Tuesday programs at the Main branch in downtown Statesville.

More information about Iredell County Public Library services can be found on our website at https://iredell.lib.nc.us/. To take advantage of the library’s free tech assistance program, you can contact the Information Services department directly at 704-878-3090 ext.2400.

The addition of Chromebooks was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Library eliminates late fees

The library has eliminated fines on library materials. This change in operations is intended to remove barriers to county residents accessing library services.

Effective July 1, all previous late fees on library materials will be waived from patron accounts. Moving forward, no future fines will be charged for materials that are returned after their due dates.

Fees associated with lost or damaged items will remain in place.