The Collingwood library is getting rid of late fees forever.
The library says it is focused on removing barriers of use for its patrons and removing fines was the next step in doing this.
At the start of the pandemic, the library eliminated overdue fines and as the pandemic has continued, the library says so has the idea to eliminate fines.
It says since fines account for very little of the library’s annual revenue, removing fines is not hurting the library’s operating budget.
Removing overdue fines does not mean that patrons are off the hook for lost materials. Patrons are encouraged to return their items before or on their due dates and will be sent a series of reminder notices as normal. If a patron has had an item for 10 weeks, the item will be presumed lost and the patron will be charged for the replacement of the item. Similarly, if an item has been damaged, the replacement fee will remain.
As of January 1, 2021, all fines on patron’s accounts have been removed.
For more details about going fine free, click here: