While overdue fees are gone, the library will still bill cardholders for lost, damaged, or long overdue books. Long overdue is defined as 21 to 28 days past due. However, once a book is returned, the fee will be removed.
“The community is stronger when everyone has equal access to the programs, services, and materials they need to pursue their education, career, and life goals. Removing these overdue fines helps to support a more equal access to our materials and allows everyone to become, I think, a better person — and at least maybe a better user of our library system,” Stock said.
Stock said that more and more libraries across Pennsylvania and the rest of the country are becoming fine-free.
The Free Library of Philadelphia made the switch in 2020. The Newtown Public Library, Ridley Park Public Library, and Media-Upper Providence Free Library are all also currently fine-free.
“We’re the fourth library in Delaware County Libraries to adopt this change and it would be lovely if more and more of our library institutions adopt this as well,” Stock said.