Clean Slate For Peterborough Public Library Users With Eliminated Fines

All outstanding late fees from the Peterborough Public Library are no more as they have been eliminated according to a press release on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Public Library.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the library stopped charging late fees and forgave outstanding fines on people’s accounts.

“We were happy to discover that library items continued to be returned regularly,” says Jennifer Jones, Library CEO. “There were no noticeable changes in people’s returning habits with or without the late fines.”

Late fines have been shown to create feelings of shame and embarrassment, keeping people from returning to the library according to the press release.

The Library also noted that outstanding fees can also create financial barriers that prevent people from ever using the library in the first place. By eliminating late fines, the library can better support literacy efforts in the community and reduce barriers to accessing library materials and services.

“If you’ve been avoiding the library because you think you might have fines, we want to welcome you back to the library with a clean borrowing record and a fresh start,” said Jones. “Technology isn’t perfect so if you notice fines on your account after September 21, please reach out to library staff. We may have missed something or you may have fees for lost items on your account.”

The move to a fine-free library service will allow 11,927 members to have late fines removed from their accounts. In addition, 1,694 members will have their library accounts unblocked.

Items will still have due dates and need to be returned. An item is considered lost when it has not been returned for more than 44 days past the due date. At that point, the member’s account is charged a replacement and processing fee for the item.

Any member with more than $10 in fees will be blocked from using their account. Visit ptbolibrary.ca/borrowing for full details on how the Library handles lost and damaged items.

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