Public library ends overdue fines for kids

Toronto system says it’s joining a movement across North America

Kids will no longer face overdue fines on Toronto Public Library books, DVDs and other materials — a possible precursor to the end of all such fines in Canada’s busiest library system.

TPL board chair Sue GrahamNutter said Toronto is joining a growing “fine free movement” among North American library systems trying to make branches — which increasingly serve a variety of functions in the community — more equitable and welcoming for all.

Officials made the announcement during an online news conference Tuesday. Libraries are closed during the pandemic, except for “contactless” pickup and drop-off, with no new fines being levied.

“I believe strongly in TPL’s mandate to be free and equitable — that’s especially important in a city as diverse as ours, with many newcomers and people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds,” GrahamNutter said.

“Fines are a barrier to the use of all library services including free children’s activities, homework help, computer and Wi-Fi access.”

Fines on most kids’ materials, including books and DVDs, were 10 cents per day to a maximum $4.

Five per cent of children from low-income neighbourhoods have cards suspended for nonpayment compared to one per cent of kids in other areas. Kids in lower-income families don’t get more fines, officials said; they just can’t pay them.

When libraries resume normal operations, all existing fines for children’s materials will be erased. Going forward, no fines will be levied on books or other children’s materials borrowed with a child card available only to users aged 12 and under.

Borrowing periods and renewal options still apply. Users will still get due-date notifications and are expected to return materials.

Failure to do so, or returning damaged materials, will still see users get a bill for the replacement cost.