The change, according to Moon, will have a minimal impact on the library’s budget, as overdue fines have accounted for 0.02% of revenues in recent years. Many libraries nationwide that have eliminated overdue fines have reported either a negligible or even positive impact on the rate of items being returned on time, with more patrons returning items promptly, compared to when overdue fees were in place. “Libraries that have made this move have found that return rates remain the same or even better. That has been a major concern that people are worried about, that popular items won’t get returned on time and that it will increase hold times, but the research shows that people are more likely to return an item if they know they aren’t going to have to pay that overdue fine,” Moon said. But going fine free doesn’t mean there’s no responsibility for library patrons. “Fine free doesn’t mean consequence-free. People will still be charged if they never return an item. … We really want the item back. There are a lot of chances and a lot of notices that we are going to send to patrons to try to get those items back,” said Moon. Those who decide not to return an item or who keep something well beyond their due date will continue to be charged a replacement fee for lost or damaged books and materials. Patrons with $15 or more in fees on their account will not be able to borrow any more items until overdue items are returned or the fees are paid. The Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham made the move to go fine free in 2021. For more information about the Bloomfield Township Public Library, call (248) 642-5800 or visit www.btpl.org.

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