All Library Items Now Fine-Free At Arlington Heights Memorial Library

Press release from the Arlington Heights Memorial Library:

Get ready to say goodbye to library fines, Arlington Heights. Starting January 2, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library is officially going fine free. What does this mean for any existing overdue fines you may have? If you had library fines on your account in 2020, they will be waived on January 2.

“The focus has shifted to simply getting the materials back on time and continuing to allow access to the library,” said Executive Director Mike Driskell.

Customers will still be responsible for returning library items as borrowing privileges will be suspended when an item is 14 days overdue, meaning their library card will no longer be able to check out library items or access online library resources until overdue items are returned.

As soon as overdue items are returned, the account will become active once again. If overdue items aren’t returned, customers will receive another reminder overdue notice a week later. Their account will be billed for the item if it is not returned within 35 days of the due date. If it is still not returned within 45 days of the due date, the account will be referred to a material recovery agency.

“Using data collected during our previous fine forgiveness events, we learned that our community returns their materials on time, and even earlier than they are due, for the shared benefit of their neighbors, and not because fines are an incentive to return materials on time,” said Community and Circulation Services Manager Shannon Meyer.

Items checked out through interlibrary loans will not accrue fines either, although customers will remain responsible for any replacement costs the other library charges.

“Moving to a fine-free model will help us eliminate inequitable access to library services and resources and re-engage customers by reducing financial barriers,” Driskell said. “Libraries are finding that fines don't impact how quickly an item is returned and instead they stop many families from borrowing materials in the first place."

“We don’t think it is necessary to keep someone from being able to use the library because they forgot to return items,” Meyer continued. “We want everyone to love the library.”

Stay up-to-date with the library’s latest updates by visiting ahml.info/StayInformed.

This press release was produced by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.