Fine Free Zone

On July 1, 2020, the Jefferson County Public Library will be fine free. The library is eliminating fines charged for overdue materials. “Our mission is to provide the opportunity for the use of materials and services by our community. Overdue fines impede our efforts and actually prevent people from using the library,” said Judi Terpening, Library Director.

The community needs the library now more than ever. According to the Indiana Department of Labor, in April, the unemployment rate for Jefferson County was 21.9%. Out of Indiana’s 92 counties, Jefferson County ranked 13th for highest unemployment rate. Historically, library usage increases during periods of economic downturn. Visitors use library resources for a variety of purposes, which include applying for jobs, registering for unemployment and other benefits, obtaining assistance with resume writing, using document services, and accessing the internet. They can also check out books, music, magazines, and movies that they might otherwise have to buy. Overdue fines create an unnecessary barrier at a time when residents are facing financial hardship.

“Implementing a fine-free policy is just one example of the many ways Judi and her staff have responded to the changing needs of our community. The board commends them for their commitment to making our libraries accessible and welcoming to all,” said Mary Kay Butler, President of the Library Board of Trustees.

Public libraries in Indiana and across the nation have made the decision to go fine free. In the 2018 Indiana Public Libraries Report, 25 libraries were listed as fine free, including nearby New Albany-Floyd County, Bartholomew County, and Charlestown-Clark County public libraries. Several others in Indiana have joined the ranks since, including Harrison County, Elkhart County, Morgan County, Monroe County, and Bedford (IN) public libraries. Across the nation, large metropolitan libraries like Chicago, Seattle, Boise, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Toledo, and others make the list of fine free public libraries.

“Jefferson County Public Library joins the growing number of libraries, both public and academic, who are eliminating overdue fines. These fines can be a deterrent for some patrons, who may be reluctant to return to their library. Fines are a tiny fraction of revenues collected by the library and serve little purpose besides alienating the very folks they serve,” said Kelly Joyce, Director of Duggan Library at Hanover College. “Public libraries serve as a source of information and enjoyment for all community residents, and accumulation of fines places an undue burden on the low income and disenfranchised, who rely on the library.”

Overdue fines were originally meant to encourage patrons to return materials on time. In reality, many patrons are embarrassed by the fines or just cannot pay them, so they don’t return the items or visit the library at all. In her research of fine free libraries, Terpening found several recurring themes. All libraries reported that staff and patrons were much happier which in turn improved customer service. Freewill donations and circulation of materials increased. And several libraries experienced an influx of returned items.

“During stage one of the public health emergency, the library extended due dates and stopped charging overdue fines. It turned out to be an opportune time to see the effect of eliminating fines. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Patrons were relieved to discover that the library was supporting them,” Terpening said. “We felt that it was time to extend the benefits of a fine free policy to our community.”

Eliminating fines does not eliminate responsibility. In a fine free system, patrons are still responsible to return library materials. If an item is 28 days overdue, it is considered lost. At that time, the replacement cost and processing fee are charged to the patrons account. Patrons can clear their accounts by returning the items.

It’s fiscally responsible. Due to the rise in the use of electronic materials, such as eBooks, which do not accrue late fines, fines are not a sustainable form of revenue for the library. In 2019, the revenue from overdue fines constituted about one-third of one percent of the library’s operating budget. The cost of collecting the overdue fines in staff time and the use of collection agencies is higher than the miniscule income recovered.

Patrons can still donate to the Library. Some patrons consider payment of their overdue fines as a way to support the library. Donations are still accepted and encouraged. They can be made in person or through several different options online at https://www.mjcpl.org/donate.

Welcome back. Jess McAlister, Patron Services Coordinator at the library, is looking forward to welcoming new patrons. “I am so excited and hopeful that being fine free will bring old patrons back to visit and encourage new ones to try the library knowing there are no barriers. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the library, and this is another step to make sure the community can.”