Library eliminating fines to encourage greater use
The Calgary Public Library will no longer levy fines for overdue materials as of July 1.
“We know for a fact that one of the things that keeps people from using the library is the fact they may incur fines,” said Mark Asberg, chief executive of Calgary Public Library.
“We don’t want there to be barriers to library usage. In particular, we don’t want there to be barriers to library usage at this moment in time when we know our community has the greatest need as a result of the economic impacts of COVID-19,” said Asberg.
“In economic hardship, we know the library is more important than ever connecting people to resources and for school success and career advancement and getting a job.”
More than 100 major libraries in North America have adopted finefree models, according to a news release from the Calgary Public Library.
The fines previously applied to physical materials only — returns are automated for digital materials.
Asberg said revenue from fines has been declining at the Calgary Public Library, making up only 1.5 per cent of total revenue, primarily due to the increase in digital resources, which now represent one-third of total materials.
Digital circulation increased 56 per cent compared with April of 2019, while Calgarians took 169 per cent more free online learning courses through the Calgary Public Library.
“Fines have been decreasing over a number of years, precisely for that very reason,” Asberg said. “We’ve been preparing for this impact over time, knowing fines have been disappearing as a revenue source.”
Until July 1, no fines will accrue and all existing fines will be forgiven.
For those wishing to donate their fines, the Calgary Public Library Foundation, with the support of a group of generous donors, will match individual donations up to $25,000 until May 31. Funds raised will be directed to the Resiliency Fund at the Calgary Public Library Foundation.
“I would like to applaud Calgary Public Library for taking this bold step to help Calgarians during a time when the cost of a library fine could determine if you can get the services and resources you need,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said in a news release. “…But try to return your materials on time so other people can use them.”
Branches across the city have been closed since March 16 during the pandemic. Libraries are listed in Stage 2 of the province’s relaunch strategy, but the province has not indicated when that will begin.