LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Lawrence library is joining a growing number that are dropping fines for overdue books.

The library's board voted unanimously Tuesday to make the change, The Lawrence Journal-World reports. Library patrons would still be charged for lost or damaged items. Patrons also would be blocked from checking out additional books and materials once an item became two weeks overdue, but return of the overdue item would immediately restore access.

Among those expressing concerns was Michael Austin, who said the change could result in people keeping books for long periods of time,...