Anyone who has an overdue book from the Austin Public Library (APL) in the future doesn’t have to worry about parting with a few dollars anymore.
“BIG News, @AustinPublicLibrary is going fine-free!” the APL’s official Twitter account announced.
The Austin City Council approved an ordinance on Feb. 17 eliminating monetary penalties for materials returned or renewed past their due date.
Library director Roosevelt Weeks said the library is committed to providing Austinites “free and equitable” access to its resources.
“The Austin Public Library is committed to providing free and equitable access to all of our resources for the citizens of Austin,” Weeks told Austin ABC affiliate KVUE. “We want to make sure our resources are available to those impacted the most by fines.”
According to the APL’s website, the new policy goes into effect on Feb. 28.
“Late fines create a financial barrier for many people in accessing library materials, and have been found to be an ineffective way of encouraging returns,” the library wrote on the FAQ page for the ordinance.
The library had already eliminated overdue fines for children’s materials.
Cardholders with current fines, however, still have to pay them as the change isn’t retroactive.
According to Austin officials, fines harm more than they do help.
They cited studies that fines aren’t an effective way to encourage timely returns, KVUE reported.
The American Library Association passed a resolution in 2019 encouraging libraries in the U.S. to eliminate fees in an effort boost visits and access.
“Austin Public Library joins more than 400 libraries around the country to eliminate overdue fines,” Austin Mayor Steve Adler tweeted.
KVUE reported that the ordinance stemmed from the Austin Library Commission’s unanimous recommendation to do away with late fees.
“The Library Commission is very excited for what this change means for ensuring more equitable access to our libraries,” ALC chair Patricia Dabbert told the station. “I am grateful for the work my fellow commissioners have done in taking the lead on this issue.”
