Toronto Public Library drops overdue fines for kids, and might go further

Thestar.com
March 3, 2021
David Rider

Kids will no longer face overdue fines on Toronto Public Library books, DVDs and other materials -- a possible precursor to the end of all such fines in Canada’s busiest library system.

TPL board chair Sue Graham-Nutter said Toronto is joining a growing “fine free movement” among North American library systems trying to make branches -- which increasingly serve a variety of functions in the community -- more equitable and welcoming for all.

Officials made the announcement during an online news conference Tuesday. Libraries are closed during the pandemic, except for “contactless” pickup and drop-off, with no new fines being levied.

“I believe strongly in TPL’s mandate to be free and equitable -- that’s especially important in a city as diverse as ours, with many newcomers and people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds,” Graham-Nutter said. “Fines are a barrier to the use of all library services including free children’s activities, homework help, computer and Wi-Fi access.”

Fines on most kids’ materials, including books and DVDs, were 10 cents per day to a maximum $4.

Five per cent of children from low-income neighbourhoods have cards suspended for nonpayment compared to one per cent of kids in other areas. Kids in lower-income families don’t get more fines, officials said; they just can’t pay them.

Other systems that scrapped fines have seen increases in library memberships with the same or increased rate of returns, Graham-Nutter said, including some materials long held for fear of the bill.

When libraries resume normal operations, all existing fines for children’s materials will be erased. Going forward, no fines will be levied on books or other children’s materials borrowed with a child card available only to users aged 12 and under.

Borrowing periods and renewal options still apply. Users will still get due-date notifications and are expected to return materials. Failure to do so, or returning damaged materials, will still see users get a bill for the replacement cost.

The total cost of foregoing children’s fines is an estimated $600,000 per year. Donations to the system via the library’s fundraising foundation is covering half the cost while the other half is coming from the City of Toronto budget.

TPL calls itself “the world’s busiest urban public library system” with more than 46 million annual branch and online visits. Computers, 3D printers and video gear including green screens are free for use. Some branches host youth drop-in hubs.

Vickery Bowles, Toronto’s chief librarian, said her budget proposal for 2022 includes removal of teen and adult fines as well.

That would cost $1.4 million, Bowles said, adding her staff is working with the Toronto Public Library Foundation to seek donations to help offset that cost.

The Star reported in January 2020 that, for youths, libraries often serve as community centres and shelters -- “the beating hearts of neighbourhoods,” one councillor dubbed them -- but their funding has not kept pace with inflation.

Mayor John Tory, who on Tuesday enthusiastically endorsed the removal of fines for kids, said city council will give the proposal to eliminate library fines altogether “due consideration” for 2022