Library News

W-TCPL Eliminates Fines for Late Returns

(09/1/2022) – Warren-Trumbull County Public Library customers will no longer be charged late fees for returning books and other library items after their due dates, as the library system goes “fine-free.”

The W-TCPL Board of Trustees moved to eliminate all fines and late fees effective Sept. 1, 2022.

Executive Director Jim Wilkins says many libraries nationwide are moving to a fine-free service model as a way to remove economic barriers to library use.

“We understand that sometimes situations can interfere with returning a library book back on time. We never want the fear of incurring overdue fines to prevent someone from borrowing library materials.”

According to Wilkins, overdue fines account for less than half of 1% of the W-TCPL total revenue and have a very minimal impact on the library system’s budget.

“We hope that this change will encourage people to visit our libraries to borrow items and utilize our free programs and services,” Wilkins said.

Fees will continue to be charged for damaged library materials and for lost items that are not returned to the library.

 

# # #

For more information, contact: Cheryl Bush, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, at bushc@wtcpl.org.