Collingswood Public Library: Going Fine-Free for Adults December 1, 2024
The Collingswood Public Library is proud to announce that, effective December 1, 2024, extended use fees will not accrue on most library materials – including books, CDs, and DVDs – no matter the age of the person checking out the items.
The library ended extended use fees for children’s materials in June of 2023, finding that fees were discouraging children and their guardians from returning to the library. This “test pilot” program has shown that materials still return to the library in a timely manner, and users appreciate the trust that the library has shown in their ability to do so. Now we are pleased to announce that adults will receive the same benefit.
We are excited to follow the practice of many libraries around the country by removing this potential barrier to patrons using the library. The American Library Association asserted in a 2019 policy statement “that imposition of monetary library fines creates a barrier to the provision of library and information services.” To that end, many libraries across the country have chosen to reduce or remove fines. The result has been an equivalent rate of return on items, a greater retention of library users, and improved patron satisfaction.
The Collingswood Public Library’s mission is to serve the local community’s informational, educational, cultural, and social needs through open access to a wide range of ideas, resources, and services. Putting an end to extended use fees on most materials is one effective way to remove a barrier to access for all of our patrons. Removing these fees will allow more users to access our collections for educational and personal development.
The library will still encourage patrons to return materials on time to make them available for others. To that end, the following guidelines will apply:
- Most materials — including books, CDs, and DVDs — will not accrue fees as long as the materials are returned in good condition and within a reasonable time frame.
- Museum passes, Interlibrary Loans (ILL), games, craft kits, Launchpads, talking books, and some other limited collections will still accrue extended use fees. See details here.
- Library patrons will be charged the full cost for lost or damaged items.
- Any patron account will be suspended once an item is 21 days overdue. Though most items will not accrue fees, accounts will remain suspended until all overdue items are returned.
- Existing fees will not be waived, but only accounts with a balance over $10 – or those with a lost or damaged item – will require payment.