Lethbridge Public Library. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Public Library eliminates late fees

Feb 1, 2021 | 10:13 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Public Library (LPL) has introduced a new initiative that it says will reduce barriers to accessing its content.

Effective Monday, February 1, you will not be charged late fees for overdue items. If you had existing overdue fees, they have been forgiven.

Instead, after the item’s due date, there will be a 28-day grace period.

If you have still not returned the item by the end of the grace period, it will be identified as lost and replacement fees will be applied.

Before you are able to borrow any additional items, you will need to either return the item or pay the replacement fee.

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“Our move to fine free is about focusing on recovering Library materials versus charging monetary fines,” says LPL CEO Terra Plato. “We understand that fines provide a significant barrier to many, and eliminating them ensures that all residents are able to access the Library’s physical and virtual spaces equally. And now, more than ever, as we work to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our community needs access to its Library.”

More than 300 public libraries across North America have either eliminated or reduced late fees including locations in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Sylvan Lake, and Strathcona County.

According to LPL, there have been studies showing that libraries that have gone fine-free have seen no marked increase in late returns, and in some cases, have actually seen a lower rate of late returns. The exact studies were not specified.

At least one reason for this is that some people cannot afford to pay late fees, which might prevent them from being returned. Others might feel “embarrassed or ashamed” to have overdue fees so they might avoid the library altogether.

“Lethbridge Public Library is committed to meeting community needs through responsive Library services, and is the first goal in our current Plan of Service,” adds City of Lethbridge Library Board Chair, Craig Brown. “This change also reinforces the Board’s commitment to the Canadian Urban Libraries Council’s statement on Race & Social Equity.”

If you have any questions, call LPL at 403-380-7310 or email questions@lethlib.ca