Why eliminate fines?

Research shows that overdue fines are not effective in encouraging the return of library materials. Instead, fines can quickly become a barrier to using the library. Our hope is that by going fine-free we will encourage prior users to come back to the library and attract new users to experience everything our library has to offer.

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1. Why eliminate fines?
2. Will everything be fine-free?
3. What if I have old overdue fines on my account?
4. What if I have fines from another library?
5. Won't people just check things out and never return them?
6. Will there still be due dates?
7. Will I still receive reminders about returning materials?
8. What about hold times? Will I have to wait forever for my item?
9. What happens if someone doesn’t return their items?
10. I have an item that I’m being charged for as “lost”. Can I still bring it back?
11. Won't this affect the library's budget?
12. Have other libraries eliminated late fines?
13. I like to give a little donation to the library if I return my items late. May I still do that?