Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library is suspending late fines on overdue materials (except for Interlibrary Loan Items; this is dependent upon fees charged by the lending library) beginning June 1, 2022 until May 31, 2023.

Suspending fines for one year means more people in the community have greater access to vital materials, resources and services, the library said in a release.

“Late fines, no matter how small, are a very real and significant burden for low-income individuals, children and families,” the news release said. “These kinds of financial barriers can discourage many people who rely on our libraries, which means they cannot access books required for schoolwork, use public computers or job resources, or simply have a safe, open, welcoming space to visit.”

Library experts have found that charging overdue fines inhibits access to library materials and services. Studies indicate that even modest penalties deter people from registering for a library card or using the library because of the risk of incurring fines.

Rather than motivating borrowers to return items on time, fines act as an inequitable barrier to service, disproportionately impacting minors, students and community members with limited financial resources.

From the Library: Frequently Asked Questions About No Late Fines

 What does it mean to be fine-free?

It means the library will no longer charge a daily late fine on overdue materials. The Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library Board of Trustees and staff want to ensure that everyone has access to our resources in as barrier-free ways as possible. Fines tend to penalize more vulnerable individuals or families who cannot afford them. We want all people to be able to use our resources without money creating a barrier.

Why go fine-free?

Communities are stronger and healthier when all people have access to the programs, services and materials they need to pursue their educational, career, family and life goals regardless of their ability to pay for them. Libraries are a place open to anyone and everyone. We hope this will encourage prior users to come back to our libraries and attract new users to experience our offerings.

When you walk through our doors, we want to do our best to help you, not badger you about a late fine. Going fine free makes a trip to one of our libraries more pleasant for both you and our staff.

Have other libraries eliminated late fines?

Yes! In the U.S., over 500 libraries have adopted fine-free policies, and the number is growing every day.

Won’t removing late fines keep people from returning items on time?

Actually, late fines are not effective. Studies have shown that small fines have no impact on material return rates. In fact, once someone has a late fine, they are less likely to return to the library again. Libraries that have removed late fines report few adverse effects on material return rates. If you want to learn about this research, we have included a resource list on this page. The public library model is based on a trusting relationship between borrowers and a valued community resource. Library staff trusts that borrowers will return items on time, so others may use them.

Libraries that have adopted fine free policies found that:

• Library card registrations increased
• Borrowing of materials increased
• More library items were returned
• Students returned to the library to use homework resources
• Staff time was redirected from handling fines to more patron-focused services

Will there still be due dates?

Yes. You are still responsible for returning your items. The library still has a set time limit for materials to be borrowed and we expect items to be returned on time. Be respectful of your fellow library users who may be waiting for items to be returned. Bring back materials when they are due, so everyone has equal access to our collections. We do still want all items back.

How will the library get people to return borrowed materials?

“No fines” does not mean “no responsibility.” The library will still send you courtesy reminders to return your items. Materials that are 28 days overdue after their final renewal are assumed lost and you will be billed for the replacement cost.

How will I receive reminders about returning materials?

You can sign up for text and email alerts by logging in with your library card number and 4-digit PIN on the online catalog:  https://wcvpl.biblionix.com.

With text alerts, you can respond to the system, asking for automatic renewal.

• 7 days after final due date: Patron is notified by phone, email or text
• 14 days after final due date: Patron is notified by phone, email or text
• 28 days after final due date: Patron is notified by postcard. Patron’s account is billed for replacement cost and account is blocked until item is returned or replacement fees paid.

Do I still have to pay a fine that was on my account prior to WCVPL going fine-free?

If you have overdue fines from MCLS that you accrued before we went fine free, you are no longer required to pay these fines. We have cleared many of the accounts, but if you still have a fine that appears on your account, please speak to staff at the Circulation Desk for help clearing your account.

Fines have been waived, so why does my account still have a balance?

WCVPL is doing away with overdue fines. Fees for lost or damaged materials remain. Past replacement fees for lost or damaged items still apply and need to be paid. If you have charges from lost or damaged material, please speak with us and we will work with you to find an equitable solution. If you have long overdue items, returning the materials is the best way to clear your account.

What happens if someone doesn’t return their items?

Patrons may renew items twice, provided none of the items checked out are on hold for another patron. If items are not returned by the final due date, they will be considered late and must be renewed in person or by phone or returned before additional items are checked out. Otherwise, borrowing privileges will be suspended. Patrons will be sent overdue reminders asking them to return the items once the item is late and periodically afterward until the item is 28 days overdue from the final due date. Materials that are 28 days overdue from the final due date are assumed lost and patrons will be charged a processing and replacement fee unless the materials are returned.

Is everything free of overdue fines?

Almost everything. Books, movies, audiobooks, magazines and downloadable materials are all fine-free.

How will this affect the library’s budget?

As a good steward of taxpayer money, WCVPL is always carefully watching the bottom line. However, any loss of overdue fine revenue is tiny compared with the good this new policy will do for our communities. Overdue fines account for less than 1 percent of the library’s overall income and going fine-free will not significantly impact the budget moving forward. Fines have never been a sustainable form of revenue for the library. Above all, it is worth it to us to forgo potential fines to remove barriers to library use.

I’ve always thought of paying my fines as my donation to the library. Can I still donate?

Yes. Your donation will support critical library programs and services.

What is the difference between a fine and a fee?

Fines are punitive. Fees are for library services and products such as copying, printing, faxing, material replacement costs, etc.