ICYMI: Pasco County Libraries Announces Fine-Free Policy

PASCO COUNTY, FL ---- Joining a national trend with documented success, Pasco County Libraries will no longer impose fines on overdue materials beginning Feb. 10. The new programcoincides with Library Lovers Month and represents a substantial savings for the library system while removing fees that can represent a barrier to service for some customers.

Borrowed materials will still have the same return due dates – you just won’t have to pay if you can’t bring them back on time.

The program kicks off with a “book amnesty” period from Monday, Feb. 10 through Tuesday, March 10, when all accumulated fines (large or small) associated with overdue materials will be forgiven once the item is returned.

In fiscal year 2019, libraries collected $67,288 in overdue fines, but the administrative cost to manage and collect the fees was $386,345.

In addition to saving $319,057, the change allows libraries staff to devote more time to assisting customers, conducting outreach and presenting enrichment programs.

“Fines for overdue materials can act as an inequitable barrier to service, disproportionately affecting minors, students and community members with limited financial resources,” said libraries program manager Robert Harrison. “Libraries have seen increases in return rates, borrowing and library card registrations after adopting fine-free policies.”