Vaughan libraries: ‘All overdue fines currently on record will be forgiven’

More than 5,500 VPL customers have their borrowing access blocked due to outstanding fines

Yorkregion.com
June 22, 2020

Citing their 2018 customer satisfaction survey, which showed that one in every 20 people agreed that fines kept them from borrowing items, Vaughan Public Library Board said Friday it made the “monumental socially responsible” decision to eliminate overdue fines.

“This means that no future overdue fines will be applied for the late return of library materials and that all overdue fines currently on record will be forgiven,” according to a statement.

So far, more than 5,500 library customers have their borrowing access blocked due to outstanding fines and at least 3,000 of these accounts involve children’s items.

That means that there are more than 3,000 family households in Vaughan that have been denied access to borrowing because of library policy, the library explained.

While fines have historically been standard practice for libraries, the Vaughan library explained that “they do not align with our mission to be inclusive and accessible for the entire community.”

The library has curbside pickup service available at its three largest locations. To place your curbside request, visit www.vaughanpl.info/curbside.