As a recognition of students' grin-and-bear-it attitudes, beginning after the topping off on March 18, VCU Libraries will not charge fines on overdue books received by midnight on March 31.

"Our students have been patient with disruptions due to construction," said University Librarian John Ulmschneider. "It's been dusty and noisy at times, but we're still open around the clock, and students are filling every seat we have and getting their work done."

Amnesty is for books from the general collection only. Not eligible: equipment, course-reserve books, DVDs, CDs or interlibrary-loan items. Fees or fines for lost or damaged books will not be waived.

Patrons can return books at a service desk or by way of book-return bins at Cabell Library or Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences during regular library hours.