Thinking About Going Fine-Free?

Have you been hearing about other libraries going fine-free? Is it a discussion starting in your library?

Libraries are beginning to think in a more global way about the effects of fines - and the cut-off of service to many users who can least afford to be blocked from access to what libraries offer. Ramiro S. Salazar, PLA President makes powerful arguments for why this is important in the September/October, 2019 issue of Public Libraries. His library looked through an equity lens as well as one that recognizes that institutional practices can unintentionally serve as barriers to access.

Check out a few of these resources to jumpstart your thinking on whether going fine-free is something your library wants to do.

End Library Fines. Woodworth, A.
This website, curated by Andy Woodworth, has a great resource page, links to articles in major journals and the national press and a fine-free map.

Imagining a Fine Free Library. Morehart, P. American Libraries. Feb 18, 2019.
A brief article highlighting an ALA program with panelists sharing their journey to fine-free.

Fine Free Libraries Map. Urban Library Council
"By clicking on the location markers, you can see which library systems have taken steps to get rid of overdue fees, noted by the type of elimination and their reasoning for taking this step. Additionally, there is a link in each pop-up window to learn more about that library’s case."

UPDATE 10/22/2019: A blog post from DPI has more great info on Dane County Libraries including a recent presentation and some stats from the larger WI library community. "Libraries are Eliminating Fines." Dennison, M.