Some area libraries are ditching fines on late materials — learn why they’re doing it and how it will work

Ditching late fines is a trend in libraries across the country. This change is an effort to increase access to resources and to address equity issues.

What many libraries have found is that late fees weren’t serving their purpose. The idea was to encourage patrons to return items, but, instead, they were keeping people from returning items and using the library again, because they couldn’t afford to pay.

Many libraries have found that soon after they adopted a fine-free model, long-lost materials were returned to the library, and, more importantly, long-lost users became active library patrons again. 

Not only that, but fines are not always even cost effective. For example, in San Diego, the library system was spending nearly $1 million each year to collect $675,000 in library fees.

Here’s a rundown of how library systems in the Triangle handle fines.

We’ve also included some information on the current status of each library system. Although none are physically open, some are allowing patrons to put holds on items and pick them up, curbside. In addition, all the libraries have a rich collection of online resources that are still available.

Wake County Public Library 

On January 2nd, 2020, Wake County Public Library announced that they were going Late Fee Free. This cleared all existing late fees from patrons’ accounts, and eliminated them going forward.

Library patrons are still responsible for the replacement of lost or damaged books and other materials. However, you can return outstanding materials to clear replacement fees, and you won’t ever be charged a daily late fee!

WCPL encourages patrons to return books in a responsible and timely fashion so others may enjoy our shared resources.

• Check-out period: 3 weeks, not including e-materials and InterLibrary Loan items
• Renewal limit: 2 renewals, 3 weeks each. (Excludes Lucky Day and Books on Request)
• Check-out limit: 100 items
• “Long Overdue”: 3 weeks after the due date a replacement cost for the item will be added to your account. However, it will be cleared when the book is returned.
• Borrowing privileges suspended: If you have three or more items in “Long Overdue” status you won’t be able to borrow more items until the items are returned or paid for.

Current situation: Wake County Public Library is temporarily closed.

Durham County Library

On July 2nd, 2020, Durham County Library announced that it was going fine free too.

Existing overdue fines will be forgiven and more will not accrue. That change should be reflected in your account by late July 2020. While library users still have to pay to replace lost or damaged items, including a $5 processing fee, no fines will be charged for items returned late. Items are declared lost at 40 days overdue. The replacement cost will be refunded if the lost item is returned in usable condition within 6 months of the date the item was set to lost status payment date. The processing fee is non-refundable.

You can read Durham County Library’s complete Circulation and Library Fee Policy, but here are the highlights:

Books, audiobooks, periodicals, read-along kits, puzzles, and CDs:

• Maximum allowed: 50
• Holds allowed: 10
• Loan period: 21 days
• Renewals: 5

Feature film, documentary, juvenile DVDs:

• Maximum allowed: 10
• Holds allowed: 10
• Loan period: 7 days
• Renewals: 5

TV Series DVDs

• Maximum allowed: 3
• Holds allowed: 10
• Loan period: 21 days
• Renewals: 5

Current situation: Durham County Library is open for hold pickup by appointment only. Automated book return at Main Library is now open.

Chapel Hill Public Library

Chapel Hill Public Library announced that as of July 1st, 2020, it, too, was going fine free. 

From their announcement:

Before this change in policy, a user who kept items past the due date would accumulate fines for each successive day past the due date. Under the new policy, a user who keeps items past the due date will receive a series of notices reminding them that the item should be returned. If the items are not returned after a certain period of time, the user will receive a bill for the replacement cost of the materials and their ability to check out other materials will be suspended. If the item is returned, the user’s ability to borrow materials will be restored. If the items cannot be found, the user can pay the bill for the items and then their ability to borrow materials will be restored.

Current situation: Chapel Hill Public Library is not yet open, but curbside pickup is available, and book returns are open.

Orange County Public Library

Orange County Public Library does charge late fees, but is not charging them during this time, while the library buildings remain closed. August 5 is the new due date for items checked out before the library closed in March.

This is their regular policy:

Late fee policy

• Adult books, CDs magazines, and audio books: $0.20/day; $5 max
• Children’s books, CDs magazines, and audiobooks: $0.10/day; $2 max
• Literacy bags, Kindles, WiFi to Go, and Book Club Kits: $1/day; $5 max
• Movies: $1/day; $5 max
• Young Adult books, CDs and magazines: $0.20/day; $5 max

They have several ways to decrease or get rid of fines:

• Fines are capped at $5/item.
• There are have payment plans.
• They collect food and toys for fines in November and December.
• You may read down your fines in April and May.
• They provide fine-free accounts to all students and staff in both school systems and certain independent schools.

Current situation: There’s a drive-thru book drop to return DVDs, books, video games and CDs. Curbside service has begun.