RIVER FALLS – Effective March 7, 2022, late fines will no longer be assessed for overdue items that are owned by the River Falls Public Library (RFPL). Bills will still be assessed for items that …
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RIVER FALLS – Effective March 7, 2022, late fines will no longer be assessed for overdue items that are owned by the River Falls Public Library (RFPL). Bills will still be assessed for items that are:
•Lost
•Not returned
•Returned damaged What fine free means for me?
•If you have any existing fines for materials owned by the RFPL, those fines have be waived.
•You will no longer receive late fines on overdue RFPL items.
•You must continue to renew items online, by phone, or in-person if you want to extend due dates.
•You are still responsible for returning your items.
•The library will still send you two courtesy notices to remind you to return your items.
•If items are not returned after two notices, the item will be billed.
Is it fiscally responsible?
Fine systems are not a sustainable form of revenue. In fact, revenue from fines has been decreasing for many years. This is primarily due to the rise in use of electronic materials which do not accrue fines. Improved communication with patrons may also be part of the decline in fines for late physical materials. In 2021, only 43% of our total revenue came from fines.
Improves library access
One of the primary goals for public libraries is to provide community access to everything it has to offer. Unfortunately, fines can disproportionately impact households that have fewer financial resources. Due to fines or bills exceeding $10, there were hundreds of blocked RFPL library cards.
Supports for public education
In 2021, almost 20% of River Falls School District students were reportedly living in an economically disadvantaged household. Public libraries play a critical role in the dissemination of knowledge, education and literacy to the community. Going fine free supports that role and protects students’ access to library materials.
National Library Week
Enjoy complimentary coffee and cookies from Monday, April 4 to Saturday, April 9.
Everyone is welcome. If you haven’t been here for a while, we hope you will come back. If you’ve never been here, we hope you’ll stop in and apply for a library card.
Submitted by Tanya Misselt, Library Director
