Library System Going Fine Free in 2022

(KNSI) – The Great River Regional Library is going fines-free starting in 2022. According to the library, no fines will accrue on overdue items at all 33 library locations.

The library says it’s collecting donations during its year-end campaign to remove the fines to let everyone explore, learn, and connect in their community. The library system plans to go fine-free on January 3rd, 2022.

Library cardholders are responsible for returning or renewing their checked-out materials by the due date so others can enjoy them too. Charges will only apply for materials that are damaged or lost.

The library started moving towards the no-fee model in 2019 with the elimination of overdue fines on children and teens. According to the research by St. Cloud State University Survey Center and GRRL’s user/non-user surveys, transportation and finances are the most significant barriers that keep people from using the library.

For those who rely on public transportation or a parent, returning things to the library on time can be a challenge. According to a press release, eliminating the fines will help the library become diversified, equitable, and inclusive by removing another barrier for families in central Minnesota.

The program aims to break down financial barriers that prevent people from using the library and increase the amount of time staff spends helping library users.

Several libraries across the country have done away with overdue fines and have seen their use increase. According to the GRRL, the Chicago Public Library saw a 240 percent increase in returned books in the month after they eliminated fines, and Salt Lake City’s Public Library saw late returns drop from 9 percent to 4 percent after fines were eliminated.

The 2022 budget supports the expansion of the library’s fines-free initiatives. These fines are a declining revenue source and makeup only 1% of the budget. Great River Regional Library is a joint powers organization with Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright.

If late fines have never prevented you from using your library, the library asks you to pay it forward by donating to the library’s Year-End Campaign.

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