Fine Free FAQ

YOUR library is now fine free! We no longer charge fines on late items. This ensures that all people have access to library books and materials, which is our primary purpose as a public library. Here you’ll find information about this new policy and how it affects you.

It’s good for our community. Our community is stronger and healthier when people have access to the programs, services, and materials they need to pursue their educational, career, family, and life goals. We hope this will encourage prior users to come back to the library and attract new users to experience our offerings.

Late fines are not effective. Studies have shown that small fines have no impact on return rates. According to “Removing Barriers to Access,” a Colorado State Library whitepaper: “The scant research on the impact of library fines and fees does not indicate a clear benefit to administering these policies and may be costly to enforce.”

It’s fiscally responsible. Due to the rise in electronic materials (which do not accrue late fines) and other factors, fines are not a sustainable form of revenue for the library. Money collected from fines and fees has gone down steadily for the past ten years, especially with the advent of auto-renew.

• You will no longer receive a daily late fine on overdue items.
• You are still responsible for returning your items. We do want all items back!
• The library will send you reminders to return your items.
• If you have overdue fines from other libraries in the Finger Lakes Library System, you are still responsible for paying these at the library where these fines accrued. If you check out materials while visiting another library in the Finger Lakes Library System, you could still be charged fines based on that library’s fine policy (some have fines, some do not).
• Materials that are 30 days overdue are assumed lost and you will be billed for the replacement and processing costs.
• If you return the items within 6 months, the replacement costs and processing fees will be cleared from your account.
• Replacement fees and processing charges for lost or damaged items still apply.
• If you have overdue fines from TCPL that you accrued before we went fine free, you are no longer required to pay these fees. We have cleared many of the accounts, but if you still have a fine that appears on your account, please ask to speak to a supervisor at the Circulation Desk.
• $1.00 a day out-of-system interlibrary loan fees set by the Finger Lakes Library System still apply.

1. Do I still have to pay a fine that was on my account prior to TCPL going fine free?
   If you’ve returned all materials, your fine has been waived.
    
2. Fines have been waived, so why does my account still have a balance?
   While TCPL is doing away with overdue fines, fees for lost or damaged materials remain.
    
3. How will the Library get people to return borrowed materials?
   “No fines” does not mean “no responsibility.” Materials that are 30 days overdue are assumed lost and you will be billed for the replacement and processing costs.
    
4. Will I still receive reminders about returning materials?

   NOTICE	METHODS	WHEN
   Reminder	Email only	2 days before item is due
   Overdue	Patron preference	5 days overdue
   Overdue	Patron preference	15 days overdue
   Bill	Patron preference	30 days overdue Patron billed for replacement and processing fees

    
5. How is the Library budget affected by the loss of fine income?
   Overdue fines on average make up less than one quarter of one percent of the Library’s annual budget.
    
6. I’ve always thought of paying my fines as my donation to the library. Can I still donate?
   Yes! Now and in the future, donations to the Library can be made through the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation. Your donation will support critical Library programs and services.
    
7. What is the difference between a fine and a fee?
   Fines are punitive. Fees are for library services and products such as library cards, copying, printing, material replacement costs, etc.