Brampton libraries join Mississauga in cutting fines on overdue materials

Mississauga.com
Jan. 13, 2022

The Brampton Library has joined its sister city in permanently slashing fines on all borrowed materials for local residents.

Last month the library board voted to remove fines on overdue materials, which had made children’s materials fine free since Sept. 2018.

Returning items in a timely manner is still appreciated, said the library, but residents will no longer be monetary penalized for not abiding by this.

However, residents may face fines if returns aren’t brought back in good condition.

“Fines are increasingly at odds with the Library’s mission, impacting those least able to pay, most vulnerable, and often racialized,” said CEO Todd Kyle, in a release announcing the changes.

In 2020, the Brampton Library won an award from the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries for removing fines on children’s materials, committing themselves to providing “barrier-free access” for all residents and championing early literacy.

The Mississauga Library also recently removed fines on all overdue materials, in an attempt to promote equitable access to its services.

All fines will be removed from customer accounts Jan. 31, however customers can still be fined for returning damaged items or for holds that have not been picked up, according to a release from the city.

The library will be notifying customers of due dates of their borrowed items and will send out notices when items become overdue through emails.

City council approved this move by the library through the 2025 Business Plan and 2022 budget, which was approved Dec. 8.

Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, Ottawa and Vaughan library systems have also removed all fines on overdue materials.