The Orange County Library System has eliminated overdue charges and late fees as part of a trend across the nation’s libraries.
On Sunday, October 16, OCLS joined dozens of other libraries in eliminating all late fees and cancelling overdue charges for any library cardholder accounts.
“This has been a long time coming for us. The elimination of overdue charges and debt is part of a nationwide trend in public library service,” reads a statement from the library.
Library officials cite research that shows that overdue fines are a barrier that “prevents those who need libraries the most from using them.” The American Library Association has recommended that all libraries with the ability to do so should consider removing overdue fines as a way to expand services in the community.
Library systems across the nation have been moving towards a fee-free model, including all of the largest library systems in Florida.
Although overdue charges are being removed, materials will still have due dates, and library officials say they will continue to notify people who are expected to return them on time. If an overdue item is not returned after 14 days, a customer’s card will be blocked, and they will not be able to borrow additional materials until the overdue items are returned. Customers will also still be responsible for lost or damaged materials.
“I believe that the decision to go fine-free will be a game-changer in our community. It will allow us to reinstate library cards for hundreds of children in Orange County, giving them a chance to access reading materials and resources that promote literacy. It will reinvigorate our libraries by rebuilding relationships with customers who stopped using library services because they were unable to pay an overdue fine or were simply embarrassed to address the fines on their accounts,” said Orange County Library System Director Steve Powell.
Powell believes the changes will bring the local library system in line with best practices across the state and country.
“I am truly grateful to our Trustees for taking this step and giving us this opportunity to better serve the residents of Orange County. I can’t think of a better way to kick off our 100 Year Celebration.”