No More Late Fees At La Grange Public Library

LA GRANGE, IL — Late fees are out at the La Grange Public Library. The library updated its policy this week so that patrons no longer have to accrue late fees for overdue material, La Grange Public Library Community Engagement Manager Arcadia McCauley said.

The additional revenue the library saw from the late fees became minimal in recent years. Library staff cites the introduction of auto-renewals in 2017 as a reason.

"We believe this will result in more equitable and increased access and utilization of our services, which is what the library is all about," said Charity Gallardo, La Grange Public Library executive director. "Late fees for overdue library materials serve as a barrier to access for those who can least afford it. They also tend to disproportionately impact children and families who often check out large numbers of materials and can find their cards blocked pending payment if those many items are even a few days late."

With the change, a library card would be suspended after four or more items are overdue, but once materials are returned, the library-goer's card returns to good standing and their access is restored.