By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – Public libraries across Illinois are either eliminating late fees or are looking into such a policy.
Chicago Public Library recently waived late fees. Starting Wednesday, the Fox River Valley Public Library District says patrons will no longer be charged fines for late materials.
In Springfield, Alderwoman Erin Conley said she is getting a lot of interest from constituents “asking if our library could look into the budget impacts and kind of give an analysis of us eliminating late fees.”
The impacts to the budget would be minimal, Lincoln Public Library Director Rochelle Hartman said. They only bring in about $40,000 a year in late fee revenue whereas a possible increase in returned materials could save on buying replacements.
“I just came from a library that instituted a fine free policy. It creates a lot of good will and makes people feel a lot more welcome in the library,” Hartman said. “There’s a lot of shame associated with having lost materials or late fees and it can be undoable for some families who are at risk.”
“Just two dollars could be a carton of milk, you know, so you just have to make those decisions,” Hartman said.
The Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich has waived late fees for several years but tells patrons if they never return, or return damaged material, they would still be responsible for the cost.
On its website, the Ela Area Public Library says they waived late fees because “Creating financial barriers to using the Library is counterproductive.” It wants “to encourage more use, not discourage it.”
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