The Squamish Public Library is no longer charging for overdue items and has eliminated all existing late fines.
Late fines are a barrier to library access and a common reason why people stop using the library.
“In our research of other libraries that eliminated late fines, we learned that people who had stopped using the library because of late fines returned, there was no significant changes in the return rate of borrowed material, and there was an increase in library users,” the library said.
Patrons won’t be charged when a library item is overdue and they can continue to borrow items up to 21 days after the due date.
For those who have an overdue item for more than 21 days, the account will be temporarily blocked from borrowing and a replacement fee will be added to the account.
However, the fees will be removed once the overdue item is returned and no late fines will be charged.
The library is also offering personal suggestions on what to read, listen to, watch or play next as part of their take-out service. Patrons are being asked to fill out a form and the staff will send suggestions on what to take out from the library next.
Robjorkman says
So, the next time you go into the library, their will be nothing there…