No more fines at Summit County Library!

I have overdue items, now much is the fine?

A little late? No problem. Return all items on your account, and there is no overdue fine. We love a fresh start.

Does this mean I can keep library items as long as I want, regardless of due date?

No. Library patrons are still expected to return items on or before the due date. By keeping library materials, you are preventing others from using those items. Reminder notifications will be sent on the customary schedule (see below), and items not returned 30 days after they are due will be billed to the cardholder.

NOTIFICATIONS:

Courtesy Notice: Three days before due date by email or text

First Overdue Notice: One week after due date by email or text

Second Overdue Notice: Two weeks after due date by email, text, phone, or postal mail

Billed Notice: 30 days after due date by postal mail. Account blocked and borrowing privileges suspended.

What happens if I don't return my library items?

If items become 30 days overdue, the replacement cost of the item + a $5.00 processing fee is billed to your library account. Your library account will be blocked from using print or digital resources. Once paid in full, or if the item is returned, all charges are removed from your account and your will be library card blocked.

If I have charges on my account from before April 1, 2021, do I still have to pay?

All existing overdue fines will be cleared April 1, 2021. However, fees for previous lost or damaged items will remain.

Isn’t the Library losing money by not charging fines?

Fines are less than 1% of our annual budget. In the library’s view, giving up 1% of annual revenue in order to increase patron access to library resources is a worthwhile goal.

Why eliminate fines?

Eliminating fines helps people who need the library most regain full access to library services. Such fines were never intended to serve as a deterrent to using the library.

Urged by the American Library Association

The ALA asserts that imposing monetary library fines creates a barrier to the provision of library and information services, and urges libraries to actively move towards eliminating fines.

Growing cultural shift

As seen across the nation— from Denver to D.C., San Francisco to Salt Lake City, Nashville to Telluride-- public libraries of all sizes are eliminating library fines.

Fines are not effective

Studies have shown that overdue fines do not have any impact on return rates. Libraries across the country are eliminating late fines, with no reported negative outcomes.

Equal access for all

We want to encourage use by all community members no matter their income. Late fines inhibit use by those who often need library resources the most.

No fines does not mean no responsibility

Patrons are responsible to return library materials in good condition. The replacement cost of unreturned materials will be billed to the patron. Library accounts will be blocked when an item is 30 days overdue.

Not a significant source of revenue

Overdue fines are not a significant source of revenue for the Library (less than 1% of the annual budget).

Show goodwill

We value and care about our community.
We want to ensure that everyone can use our stellar collections.
We aim to make life just a little bit easier and less stressful for all.

Does this mean patrons must wait longer for holds?

Libraries that have eliminated fines generally report that most materials continue to be returned on time or within one week of the return date. Hold times – the amount of time patrons must wait for items to be returned by other patrons – were generally unchanged after libraries eliminated fines. Summit County Library will carefully monitor returns, hold times, and other metrics to ensure that the elimination of fines does not diminish the library’s convenience to patrons.