Fine Forgiveness Program At Orange County Libraries

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA —Don stay away from the library for fear of overdue books anymore! Free library days have come to the OC Public Library system.

Library card holders can enjoy a fine forgiveness program, “Fine Free Library Days,” from February 14-29, 2020.

To celebrate the Leap Year, library users with outstanding library fines are invited to “Take a Leap Back to the Library.”

Items with overdue fines or marked "lost" can be returned to any of the library system’s 32 branches, and related fines and fees will be waived.

“Many people stay away from the library because of fines they may have accrued over the years,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District. “This program is designed to show residents how much the library values them and their patronage.”

Committed to the library’s mission of providing access to library services for residents, OC Public Libraries will be initiating “Fine Free Library Days” to support local communities and welcome back patrons who may have avoided the library because of their fines.

“Libraries are a vital resource to our communities,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District. “Patrons can find thousands of book choices, programs for all ages, and free computer use, all at the library.”

In 2019, OC Public Libraries offered “Fine Free Library Days” and 41,624 overdue or lost items were returned to the library system, equaling $60,940.48 in returned materials. A total of 44,813 patron fines were waived.

“Patrons have the chance for a fresh start at the library,” said Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District. “Now is the time to return and get those fines waived.”

Additionally, over 25,000 more items were checked out compared to the same time period in 2018, a 14 percent increase in library circulation. OC Public Libraries’ branches also received a 9% increase in library visitors during “Fine Free Library Days” with over 12,600 more visitors walking into one of the 32 local branches.

“The library offers beneficial services such as tutoring, computer classes and even free lunch during the summer months, ” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity and re-engage with resources the library offers.”

“So much can be accessed online in today’s world,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “OC Public Libraries continues to hone our community connection and ensures our information is valid and up to date.“

For more information about OC Public Libraries and to see a list of branches to return overdue materials, visit www.ocpl.org

Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.