Why go fine-free?
It’s good for our community. Our community is stronger when people have access to the materials, programs, and services libraries provide. Research has shown that overdue fines are not effective in encouraging the return of library materials. Instead, fines can quickly become a barrier to using the library. We hope eliminating overdue fines will encourage former users to come back to the library and attract new users as well.
The bottom line is going fine-free allows us to focus on serving our community with as few barriers as possible.
What is the difference between a fine and a fee?
Fines are punitive. Fees are for library services and products such as copying, printing, material replacement costs, etc.