Eliminating Fines: A win-win for your library and community

Libraries have traditionally charged overdue fines for three reasons: to generate revenue, to get materials back on time, and to teach responsibility. But what if all of these assumptions are wrong? It turns out they are!

In this webinar, you will discover why these reasons are old fashioned, incorrect notions that create a barrier for many people. You will hear how eliminating fines can lead to an increase in library use and circulation, with no negative effects. Presenters Beth Crist and Meg DePriest will review the research and results from the growing number of libraries across the country that have ditched late fines and coaxed new and former users to their doors. They will discuss how to gather your libraries’ data and patron stories to create advocacy tools. They will share talking points, tips, and an advocacy tool you can use to build a case to eliminate fines in your library. It’s a win-win for your library and community!

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

• Understand, and be able to explain to others, why the traditional notions about late fines and their effectiveness are incorrect
• Be well-equipped to gather their libraries’ data and patron stories to create advocacy tools
• Feel inspired to advocate for ditching late fines at their libraries in order to provide more equitable service

This webinar will be of interest to: public library staff and directors and anyone interested in advocating for this policy change that welcomes more community members into public libraries.

Presentation Material

Speakers' slides

Template One - Eliminating Fines

Template Two - Eliminating Fines

Transcript (machine readable text file)