Are you avoiding the Library because you’re worried about an overdue book? Good news! The New York Public Library has gotten rid of late fines. Tony Marx, NYPL President,  explains that “research shows that fines are not effective in ensuring book returns—New Yorkers are quite reliable and responsible, clearly respecting our collections and the need for them to be available for others to borrow.” 

Eliminating library fines is an extension of the library’s commitment to free and equitable access for New Yorkers. Tony Marx explains further that,  “fines are quite effective at preventing our most vulnerable communities from using our branches, services, and books. That is the antithesis of our mission to make knowledge and opportunity accessible to all, and needed to change. As New York grapples with the inequities laid bare by the pandemic, it is all the more urgent that we ensure the public library is open and freely available to all.” He also pointed out that the 10 NYPL branches with the most blocked cards are all in high-needs communities, and on average one in five cards at those locations are blocked.The library doesn’t want fear of fines to keep New Yorkers from accessing the Library’s resources. 

 

A statement on the NYPL Website outlines the details of the fine rollback plan:

 

As of October 5, 2021, everyone is getting a fresh start at the Library:

 

All existing fines and replacement fees in all patron accounts have been cleared and erased. 

 

Late fines will no longer accrue on borrowed materials returned after their due date.

 

Please note: some replacement fees will still apply. Learn more about our new policy.

 

As always, e-books are easy to access and will never be overdue. Find out about the Library’s free e-reader app, SimplyE, today!

Learn More:

https://www.nypl.org/spotlight/fines

Are you avoiding the Library because you’re worried about an overdue book? Good news! The New York Public Library has gotten rid of late fines. Tony Marx, NYPL President,  explains that “research shows that fines are not effective in ensuring book returns—New Yorkers are quite reliable and responsible, clearly respecting our collections and the need for them to be available for others to borrow.” 

Eliminating library fines is an extension of the library’s commitment to free and equitable access for New Yorkers. Tony Marx explains further that,  “fines are quite effective at preventing our most vulnerable communities from using our branches, services, and books. That is the antithesis of our mission to make knowledge and opportunity accessible to all, and needed to change. As New York grapples with the inequities laid bare by the pandemic, it is all the more urgent that we ensure the public library is open and freely available to all.” He also pointed out that the 10 NYPL branches with the most blocked cards are all in high-needs communities, and on average one in five cards at those locations are blocked.The library doesn’t want fear of fines to keep New Yorkers from accessing the Library’s resources. 

 

A statement on the NYPL Website outlines the details of the fine rollback plan:

 

As of October 5, 2021, everyone is getting a fresh start at the Library:

 

All existing fines and replacement fees in all patron accounts have been cleared and erased. 

 

Late fines will no longer accrue on borrowed materials returned after their due date.

 

Please note: some replacement fees will still apply. Learn more about our new policy.

 

As always, e-books are easy to access and will never be overdue. Find out about the Library’s free e-reader app, SimplyE, today!

Learn More:

https://www.nypl.org/spotlight/fines