The LW Library is now a fine-free zone

GRF POLICY CHANGE

by Taylor Greene

Library Operations Supervisor

Late fines are officially a thing of the past at the Leisure World Library. On May 24, the GRF Board voted to amend the library policy to eliminate all late fines, past and present. Residents who have outstanding fines and have been hesitant to visit the library are welcome to stop by, and library staff will remove fines and fees from their accounts. It is hoped the elimination of fines will give longtime library users more flexibility in case they can’t make it to the library by the due date.

Why go fine free?

The LW Library found that fines were not the most effective way to encourage returns. Over the last few years, it has reduced fines, instituted automatic renewals and emailed due-date reminders in an effort to curb overdue fines.

How will the library get its materials back?

Studies in libraries have shown there is no discernable difference in items returned late or on time to a library after switching to a fine-free model. Rather, studies have shown that fines keep patrons from returning materials and using libraries in general. The new fine-free policy is in keeping with a national trend to eliminate fines.

What happens if I keep an item for a long time past its due date?

Depending on the check-

LW Library has eliminated overdue fines.

out period of an item, library staff will attempt to contact the resident via phone to encourage the return of borrowed items.

If materials are not promptly returned after the call, the item will be logged as lost and the patron will be charged for the cost of replacing that item.

What if I need more time to try a lost book?

The library will give residents time to locate materials, but residents need to let the library know they are still looking for misplaced items. Studies show that the elimination of fines can encourage the return of materials and increase patron use of the facility. Residents can borrow most books for three weeks and DVDs for one week. Most items can be renewed once, and the system is automated to renew materials before they are due. Patrons who abuse the new policy by routinely holding on to popular books will be issued warnings. Repeated warnings can lead to library privileges being revoked on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the situation. For more information, visit the library Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m-3:30 p.m. or call (562) 598-2431.