No More Library Fines in Oxford County

Monday, 18 December 2017 at 15:05

The Oxford County Library system is going to eliminate late fee's in 2018.

Libraries in Oxford County are going fine free in the New year.

This means they will not charge for you overdue items starting in 2018. The goal is to remove any barriers for people and families who struggle with the impact of fines or potentially avoid using the library so they don't get stuck with a late fine. CEO Chief Librarian, Oxford County Lisa Miettinen says a fine-free initiative supports the County’s commitment to reducing poverty through removing barriers.

"I guess we have heard so many times in the library branches, families or parents saying to their children that they can't take books out because they might get fines, so we know that those fines are a real barrier."

Miettinen says Oxford County is proud to offer this service in the New Year.

"Oxford County Library is proud to be among the first public library systems in Ontario to put a fine free program in place. We want our libraries to be inclusive spaces, and we want to reduce barriers for individuals and families, encouraging them to visit and make the most of all the resources available to them. The vast majority of our customers are conscientious about the need to return items on time, but we recognize how easy it is to accrue overdue fines, particularly for families who borrow large quantities. We know the critical importance of reading to a child’s development, so the Library Board has taken this action to remove the punitive and discouraging interaction of fines collection."

Research has shown that books are still returned at the same rate, or even better when the fine system is not in place. The Library will continue to send out reminders through emails and other alerts to get you to return any item you have taken out.

Customers currently owing fines on their accounts will have their accounts cleared of fines in the new year, although they are encouraged to participate in the Food for Fines amnesty program.