REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Informational Discussion of Fine-Free Library Movement
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
Overdue fees have traditionally been viewed as a means of encouraging library patrons to return material on time. In the past decade, libraries across the country have carefully reexamined this idea and found that overdue fines create significant barriers to access for some users, particularly low or fixed-income individuals and those from communities of color. Furthermore, studies have shown that overdue fees do not significantly affect if an item will be returned on time making their use unnecessary. These inequitable outcomes are in opposition to the general mission of a library to provide free, equal, and equitable access to all. In response to this, many libraries have chosen to go fine-free for all ages in recent years.
In March 2016, the New York Times published an article (attached) revealing how overdue fines disproportionately affect immigrant and low-income residents of San Jose, California. The article notes that nearly a third of library card holders in specific neighborhoods were denied access to library materials and computer usage due to accruing fines over $10. The article illustrates that for low-income patrons, a $10 fine may result in them, or their family, choosing not to use the library. This creates a dynamic in which those who potentially need the library's resources the most are least in the position to overcome financial barriers imposed by the library. At the time of the article's publication, San Jose Public Library had approached its City Council to approve the elimination of fines on all juvenile and young adult materials. Shortly after, Santa Clara City Library enacted a similar policy.
Santa Clara City Library's circulation increased by 10% in the first year following the elimination of fines on youth materials. A direct correlation is diffic...
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