Fine-Free FAQ
When did KPL go fine-free?
KPL became a fine-free library on January 1, 2020.
What is fine-free?
As of January 1, 2020, overdue materials no longer accrue fines. Patrons are still responsible for replacement charges for lost or damaged materials. However, once a lost material is returned, the entire replacement cost is dropped.
Why did KPL go fine-free?
Fines do not encourage the on-time return of materials. What fines do is prevent access for patrons who cannot afford to pay for fines. At any given time, 10% of KPL’s patrons have their accounts blocked due to overdue fines. We wanted to remove as many barriers to access as possible, and fines represent a significant barrier to residents of lower socioeconomic status.
Also, going fine-free is in keeping with our KPL Plan, commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, and our customer service philosophy of Creating Community. We want all Kalamazoo residents to use the library without worrying about whether they can afford it.
How does being fine-free affect the library’s budget?
It doesn’t. For the fiscal year 2019-2020, revenue from fines is expected to be 0.2% ($20,100) of our annual operating budget. Additionally, the time cost allocated for staff interactions regarding overdue fines exceeds the overall cost of the fines themselves.
What happens when items are overdue?
Patrons are still responsible for returning materials. Any materials that are 10 days overdue will result in the patron’s account being blocked until the items are returned. This block also applies to access to digital materials. When materials are 30 days overdue, patrons will be charged the replacement cost for it. Once those items are returned, the entire bill is removed from the patron’s account.
Accounts owing more than $30 will be sent to a collection agency if the materials are not returned or paid for after 21 days from the billing date. This information is not reported to credit bureaus.
How does having lost or damaged item fees on my account affect my ability to use the library?
If the material is overdue at 30 days, a bill for the replacement cost is automatically placed on the patron’s account. Also, if something is returned damaged to the point that the library cannot repair it, a damaged charge will be placed on that patron’s account. The patron will not be able to check out materials until these bills are paid.
However, anyone can come into our locations and use our computers, attend our programs, get answers to their questions, or just sit and read, regardless of what they may owe the library.
But will patrons turn their materials in on time?
Interestingly, libraries that have eliminated overdue fines have found that return rates actually go up. By removing the threat of daily accumulating late fines, people are less likely to avoid returning to the library and more likely to bring back any overdue items they’ve checked out. No late fines mean more people using the library.
What about increased wait times for holds?
Our research of other fine-free libraries indicates that hold times are minimally affected. KPL’s collection development team will monitor the number of copies vs holds ratio and adjust accordingly to limit any effects on wait times.