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Librarians across the five boroughs say the policy is encouraging more book worms.
In October 2021, the city’s libraries abolished fines on overdue materials and predicted it would unlock hundreds of thousands of people who had their cards blocked.
The result two-and-a-half years later has been a resounding success with a spike in materials taken out, library cards issued, and program attendance, according to officials in charge of New York City’s three library systems.
On October 5, the three New York City library systems—Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), New York Public Library (NYPL), and Queens Public Libra
The rationale is simple: Fines and fees present a barrier to library use among the communities that need access most. They also contribute to material attrition, as a patron who can’t afford to pay the fine on a late item may not return it at all. While eliminating fines cuts a line item out of many libraries’ revenue, most have discovered that the loss could be absorbed—and that getting rid of fines raises circulation numbers, brings lapsed users back to the library, and boosts goodwill.
How has COVID-19 impacted the movement of libraries going fine-free?
Almost any reader with a library card will be familiar with the concept of library fines. Libraries have been collecting fines since at least the late 1800s, originally using them to generate revenue for the library and also, in an example of strict father morality, to punish those who cannot adhere to arbitrary timelines.
When researching for this article, I was surprised to learn that research on going fine-free has been published since as far back as the 1970s. Similar to other movements involved with equality and equity, it took several decades — and in this case, a global pandemic — to put the idea across the finish line.
Going back to the Before Times, despite 35 years of research, over 90% of libraries still collected fines of some sort as of 2016. In January of 2019, the American Library Association (ALA) adopted a resolution adding the following to the ALA Policy Manual:
“The American Library Association asserts that imposition of monetary library fines creates a barrier to the provision of library and information services.”
Viewed through the lens of economic justice, it becomes easy to see how library fines would create a barrier to those who are most likely to need the library’s service: children and the socioeconomically disadvantaged.
It is clear that the elimination of library fines is a growing trend, and rightfully so. When we consider that the total amount of library fines collected prior to policy changes added up to to less than one half of one percent of each library system’s budget, the way forward seems clear.
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Black Friday Deals at Lester Public Library!
Two years ago I was in a tent – literally in a tent and stealing food occasionally. Eventually I got a job and sorted myself out, but then suddenly I’m getting driven around in a nice car in the biggest and best show in the world; just shows how your fortunes can change. Amazing. I managed to go back there and pay my library fines.
Rory McCann who portrayed Sandor 'The Hound' Clegane quoted in a piece at sify.com which originated at IANS. That quote is taken from the Reunion Special which is included with the DVD boxed set of all eight seasons. Presumably this particular bit was originally recorded circa 2012.
It shows how quickly your fortunes can change when you just hang in there.
Also, props to Rory for paying his library fines! 💳
Can someone neglect library fine along enough that they get arrested? Cuz I really want a stereotypical scene of guys going around the circle in a jail cell answering the 'what are you in for?' Question and some ripped dude with a deep voice is like "library fines" and they're all like 'Mmm' 'yeah' 'been there' or 'my cousin did six months for library fines'
Source: Pinterest.com
' I HAVE NO IDEA WHICH BOOK THIS IS. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT....
*Shows picture* OH THAT ONE! WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY SO FROM THE BEGINNING. NO. I HAVEN’T BORROWED IT!
