The Jefferson County Library system stopped charging fines for most overdue materials on June 16.
“If you return your (materials), you will not owe anything. Fees for replacement or damages remain,” Library Executive Director Tony Benningfield said.
He said he brought the idea of eliminating fines with him from his old job as the head of the De Soto Public Library. He said that switching to “fine-free” policies on overdue materials is a national trend among libraries.
“It was started (in Jefferson County) in De Soto about a year ago by me when I was director out there,” Benningfield said.
While the Library will not charge late fees for books, audiobooks, magazines and DVDS checked out from any of its three branches, fines will be charged for overdue materials the branches got from other libraries through inter-library loans. Also, fees will be charged to cover items that are damaged or lost, including items from the Library of Things, such as binoculars, neckties, telescopes or fishing poles.
Not all the same Library of Things items are available at each of the system’s three branches – the Arnold Branch, 1701 Missouri State Road; the Northwest Branch, 5680 Hwy. PP, in High Ridge; and the Windsor Branch, 7479 Metropolitan Blvd., in Barnhart.
Benningfield said eliminating fines did not lead to more lost materials while he was at the De Soto Public Library.
“The numbers of card holders and our circulation went up. We had no problems, not at all,” he said.
“We feel confident in adopting this fine-free practice because our community members support the social contract that libraries require. Our staff can attest that the vast majority of patrons are respectful of each other and return materials promptly when finished so everyone may enjoy them. Our staff will also save time by no longer needing to process small fines and the corresponding paperwork that goes along with those transactions.”
Library board member Susan “Retta” Tuggle said she, too, thinks eliminating fines is a good idea.
“The Jefferson County Library is committed to equity and to supporting literary efforts in our community,” she said. “A fine of $5 can feel very different to families with different economic situations. With the additional burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want everyone in our community to feel encouraged to check out reading material for their families. We also want to avoid penalizing busy families who might accidentally miss a due date (and) help encourage them to read and make the library an important part of their active lives.”