“You’re still going to get those gentle reminders (to return items), and ultimately if the book doesn’t get returned to us, you’ll get a bill in the mail.” “You’re still going to have the due date,” Sherry said. Materials will also still have due dates. Patrons will be charged for damaged or lost items. Some of the earliest fines on record, which will all be forgiven, date back to 2000.Īlthough overdue fees will be eliminated entirely, Sherry noted that the fine-free system doesn’t apply to lost or damaged materials. In total, Sherry said the library will be forgiving about $6,700.
“We’re trying to break that down and make the library as accessible to as many people as possible.” “When a $10 fine blocks your account, that’s a lot of people who are prevented from using the library for really no good reason,” she said. The hope is that in removing the potential for an unpleasant interaction, people will be encouraged to use the library again, Sherry said. Once you get rid of fines, you’re more likely to get your materials back because people don’t have that awkwardness or fear or shame of going into the library.”
“Numerous studies have been published showing that fines are a barrier of access to people - and that fines don’t actually encourage people to return books on time, unfortunately” she explained. 1, 2022, the Elizabeth Taber Library will join the ranks of libraries nationwide that are joining the growing fine-free movement. Library Director Elizabeth Sherry announced that starting Jan. MARION - Anyone facing library fines for overdue books, DVDs or other materials will start the new year with a clean slate, as the Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion will be forgiving outstanding fine balances - and entirely doing away with fines for overdue materials.