It’s the library craze that’s sweeping the nation! Fine Free initiatives throughout the library world have sought to reduce boundaries to library access by ending fees for overdue materials. Main libraries are no exception and the resources found on this page can be used to help navigate any fine free decision making at your library.
Current Fine Free Libraries
How do I go fine free?
When your library is ready to go fine free, open a ticket with the Main office to coordinate updating the items in your collection to have the “No Fine” fine code. Be sure to consider if there will be any exceptions to the fine free policy (museum passes, for example). To ensure enough time for discussion with Main office staff, please plan to open the ticket at least 1 week in advance of the effective fine free date.
Fine Payments After Going Fine Free
Though your library is now fine free, patrons may still accumulate fines on items belonging to other libraries. Policy in the Main Library Alliance is that one library may not waive fines for items belonging to another library. If your patron accrues fines, some actions to consider include:
- Accept payment for fines on the patron record at your library.
- Leave fines on the patron record (if they owe less than $10 they can continue normal activity).
- Instruct the patron to visit the item’s home library or any other Main library to pay fines.
What about extant fines on my collection?
Though your library is now fine free, patrons may still accumulate fines on items belonging to other libraries. Policy in the Main Library Alliance is that one library may not waive fines for items belonging to another library. If your patron accrues fines, some actions to consider include:
- Accept payment for fines on the patron record at your library.
- Leave fines on the patron record (if they owe less than $10 they can continue normal activity).
- Instruct the patron to visit the item’s home library or any other Main library to pay fines.
Will patrons still return items?
Yes! Here is a report showing returned items (before/after due date) for libraries which have been fine free for at least several months. While there is a slight rise in the percentage of overdue returns, items are still returned to the library eventually!
Need to know more?
Click the links on the fine free library list above or the related links list on the right (bottom on mobile) for more fine free resources and/or library specific information.