Woodstock Library Goes Fine Free

Tuesday, 1 June 2021 11:22

Starting today, the Woodstock Library is eliminating overdue fines and all outstanding overdue fines will be wiped clean.

WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock Library is eliminating overdue fines.

This officially takes effect today as the Library Board has eliminated overdue fines on all library materials. Library Board Chair Ken Whiteford says all outstanding overdue fines will also be wiped clean.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has made the existing inequalities in our society more evident. As civic leaders, the Board wants better ways to engage and support the physical and mental health of our community. As such, access to library resources has increasingly become a priority. The Library has encouraged residents to explore e-books and digital e-audiobooks during this time of social distancing. However, many individuals are fearful or unable to utilize the resources of their public library simply because they have unpaid overdue fines."

Around 270 libraries across North America have eliminated overdue fines. The fines do not motivate people to return materials. Library CEO David Harvie says a recent study of nine public library systems in North America that eliminated overdue fines, none have experienced increases in late returns, longer hold times, or gaps in their collections. In fact, one library saw its late-return rate drop 5%.

"Overdue fines impede the Library’s core value of providing equitable access to library services, especially as fines have a disproportionate impact on families with children, visible minorities, low-income earners, and new Canadians. Research clearly shows that early literacy and school readiness are closely linked to children’s earliest experiences with books and stories, yet we know that overdue fines are a barrier for many caregivers and families."

Right now in Woodstock, around 556 accounts are blocked due to fines and fees. This includes 120 children who cannot access the Library's physical or digital collections. Overdue fines do not make a lot of money for the Library and account for 1% of the overall library budget.

Harvie says they want to shift away from a punitive service model using overdue fines and instead focus on recovering lost and damaged items.

"We just want our stuff back. We hope that long overdue items will be returned to the library."

While overdue fines will be forgiven, patrons are still responsible for lost and damaged items and their replacement fees.