Local library to give patrons relief from late fees

Many of us have had the experience of forgetting about a library book and subsequently dreading the resulting late fees. We tell ourselves things— that we might still read the book, or that we will drop it in the dropbox just as soon as the library is closed. For some patrons, the cycle continues. They pay their fines, then check out more books— which inevitably become overdue.

For others, the cycle stops. A library late fee can add up quickly, and for families who struggle to make ends meet, the burden is enough to discontinue the use of the library and perhaps never even return the books.

Both are trends that Eddy- New Rockford Librarian Susie Sharp has seen in her years behind the circulation desk. Since March, when COVID-19 hit the scene, Sharp has done away with late fees.

Noting the requirements on quarantining books upon return, Sharp asks, “If you’re sick, please wait to return your books.”

Last week, Susie presented the idea to eliminate late fines altogether. The library’s board of directors voted to approve the elimination of late fees indefinitely.

That’s right, you won’t get a late fee for that Berenstain Bears book you found under your child’s bed, or the juicy novel you finished and left in the car right before a blizzard.

Full disclosure though, fees for lost and damaged books still apply.

Sharp explained that while the fees procured from late items did contribute a small amount of cash to the library’s budget, it never exceeded $100 annually.

Other libraries across the nation are adopting a no-fee structure including facilities in North Dakota, Minnesota, New York, Los Angeles and more.

The results have been surprising. In Chicago, more than 100,000 books were returned to the public library system. West Fargo Public Library reports that almost all libraries of any size that have gone fine-free see very little change in when materials are returned. In addition, the lack of fines encourages patrons to check out more books and other items. In 2018, the Fargo Public Library eliminated late fines on children’s items, and these items continue to be returned to the library at the same rate as before the elimination of children’s fines.

The Eddy- New Rockford Public Library is open to patrons M-F from noon- 6 p.m. Patrons are welcome to access the library and select their own books. However, there are several other ways to snag some great reads. Sharp welcomes phone orders and or patrons can request books on the library’s website https://newrockfordndlibrary.com.