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1. Why eliminate fines?

• Fines serve as an economic barrier that impedes access to library materials and services for financially disadvantaged people within our community, particularly children.
• Overdue fines often prevent parents from allowing their children to take out large numbers of items.
• Patrons who are blocked stop using the Library.
• Patrons who are blocked as children/teens often come back to the library as adults, but because the block does not go away (as long as they remain living in central or western Massachusetts), patrons are deterred from becoming library patrons once again, and if they have children, those children are prevented from becoming patrons. This affects early literacy.
• In our experience, overdue fines are not what teaches children the importance of returning their books. Statistics show that in libraries where overdue fines are not charged, patrons of all ages continue to respect the fact that library books belong to all citizens and therefore returning them on time is an important civic duty.
• Data shows that the number of library card holders increases when overdue fines are eliminated, circulation increases, and voluntary donations to the library increase when overdue fines are eliminated.

2. What happens if I don’t bring materials back by the due date?

When materials have no more automatic renewals and are overdue by 2 to 4 weeks (depending on the format) they enter “Lost” status in our circulation system, and your account is charged a replacement fee. This may block your ability to request items from other libraries, or borrow items from Jones Library. When materials are returned and checked in, the “Lost” status is cleared from your account and no fines will remain for that item.

3. What if materials don’t come back?

There is no data showing that library fines deter patrons from returning library materials on or before the due date. Studies have shown that 95% of items are returned within one week of their due date. Studies also show the only way fines serve as a deterrent is by imposing steep fines. We will continue to maintain our collection and replace lost items in accordance with our Collection Development Policy.

4. Has the library eliminated replacement fees?

No. The library will still charge patrons to replace lost or damaged items. However, if a library item enters “lost” status and is subsequently returned in good condition, no fines or fees will be associated with the item.

5. Will it take longer to fulfill holds?

So far, we have not seen a change in our circulation statistics as a result of eliminating fines. The number of reminders we send out for books that are 60 to 90 days late has not changed. The number of adult AV items specifically that become “Lost” each week has not changed. This data affirms our belief that holds will continue to be fulfilled in a timely manner and our collection will remain robust.

6. How will the library replace revenue from fines?

By law, overdue fines have always been turned over to the Town of Amherst. With automatic renewals and increased usage of electronic items, the amount we receive in overdue fines continues to decrease substantially every year. Although the amount we receive in overdue fines has been a source of revenue for the town in the past, the staff and Trustees feel that overdue fines do more harm than good.

7. What about other libraries’ materials?

All materials returned through the Jones Library System will be checked in without fines, even if they belong to another library. Overdue fines stay at the library where the patron is paying them, so the owning library loses that revenue anyway. We have made this policy decision based on what we feel is best for our patrons.

8. I liked paying fines! How can I support the Jones Library now?

Thank you! We have collection boxes at our circulation desks and are grateful to accept donations in lieu of fines. Donations can also be made online. These donations will continue to support library services and collections.

9. Do you have a question not answered here?

Please contact Director Sharon Sharry at sharrys@joneslibrary.org.