Overdue library book? Georgina Public Library forgiving fines

Keswick, Pefferlaw and Sutton public library branches part of fine-free pilot project

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 11, 2020
Amanda Persico

The Georgina Public Library is joining the ranks of hundreds of public libraries across North America in holding overdue fines.

The library is testing a fine-free model, where patrons will be charged lost or damage fees instead of incurring overdue fines. And those accounts currently stuck with overdue charges will be forgiven.

The pilot project will run until December 2021.

“Our mission is to open doors to a lifetime of information, entertainment and learning. Overdue fines can be a significant barrier to accessibility within our community,” said Mary Catherine Macaluso, chairperson of the public library board.

“By removing fines, we’re sending a strong message that we’re here for everyone.”

According to the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries, an umbrella organization that oversees more than 400 public libraries in the province, going fine-free is more aligned with the real mission of a public library system: providing accessible information for all residents. And overdue fines disproportionately affect the people who need the library most -- children, newcomers and those in precarious financial situations.

“Public libraries play a crucial role in connecting people with the resources they need to study, advance their career or build their business. We also provide people with the opportunity to explore new subjects, discover interesting stories, and broaden their understanding of our world,” said Georgina library director and CEO Valerie Stevens.

“These opportunities should be available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation, which is why we are conducting this fine-free pilot project.”

Instead of tacked-on late fees, fines will be charged for lost or damaged items after they are more than a month overdue.

Patrons will be charged the full replacement cost plus a $5 admin. fee for lost or damage items.

Late fees, along with other fines, user fees and services charges amounted to about 6 per cent -- about $165,000 -- of the Georgina Public Library’s total revenue in 2019.

Earlier this summer, the Vaughan Public Library made the move to permanently remove overdue fines -- one of the first libraries to do so in the GTA.

Newmarket, East Gwillimbury and Richmond Hill public libraries are currently not charging late fees on overdue items.

For more information and updates, visit georginalibrary.ca.