Posted January 31, 2020
GPPL is fine free
Starting Feb 1 most fines are eliminated
The Grosse Pointe Library Board of Trustees unanimously voted to eliminate overdue fines on most materials at its Board meeting January 23, 2020. The Board also approved forgiving past overdue fines. These changes are effective February 1, 2020.
“Our mission is to expand learning, inspire creativity and connect our community,” said Jessica Keyser, Library Director. “Fines are a barrier to service. Removing barriers to knowledge is more important than ever.”
The American Library Association passed a resolution last year encouraging libraries to eliminate the imposition of overdue fines. Research has shown that overdue fines are not effective in encouraging the return of library materials. Instead, they can quickly become a barrier to using the library altogether. Fines make up less than .5% of the GPPL’s total revenue.
Any patrons with past due items are encouraged to bring them back to the Library – no questions asked and no fines. All patrons with past due fines will be waived. Patrons just need to stop in the branch to update their records.
What items are fine free? Everything except WiFi Hot Spots, Tools and Wireless charging stations.
More than 200 libraries across the country are fine free. The Austin Public Library, Chicago Public Library, the Cromaine Heartland Public Library, the Detroit Public Library, Kalamazoo Public Library, Kent District Library, LA County Library and Palm Beach County Public Library are just a few of the libraries that have eliminated past due fines.
For more information click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
