A Path Forward on Library Fines

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Elgin County Library is considering implementing a Fine Free Initiative, and we want to hear from you!

The Fine Free movement seeks to remove barriers of access to everyone in a community. Research shows that fines are not as much of an incentive to return materials as once believed. Materials that are overdue for a long time will still be subject to replacement costs. At the end of the day we want the library books back more than we want your money.

We are proposing a phased in approach over the next few years. Please watch the video below to learn more about the Fine Free Movement and fines in the Elgin County Library System. Once you have watched the video there are a variety of ways you can participate below. Fill out a survey or share your stories about Library Fines.

A PDF version of the video below can be found in the documents section of this page, located in the right sidebar.



Elgin County Library is considering implementing a Fine Free Initiative, and we want to hear from you!

The Fine Free movement seeks to remove barriers of access to everyone in a community. Research shows that fines are not as much of an incentive to return materials as once believed. Materials that are overdue for a long time will still be subject to replacement costs. At the end of the day we want the library books back more than we want your money.

We are proposing a phased in approach over the next few years. Please watch the video below to learn more about the Fine Free Movement and fines in the Elgin County Library System. Once you have watched the video there are a variety of ways you can participate below. Fill out a survey or share your stories about Library Fines.

A PDF version of the video below can be found in the documents section of this page, located in the right sidebar.



  • June 1, 2022 = Phase 1 of Fine Free at Elgin County Library

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    Elgin County Library is very pleased to announce that starting June 1, 2022, the library will begin a phased approach to no longer charge overdue fines on library materials.

    Studies have shown that there is no evidence that late fines make people return library materials on time. in fact, libraries that have stopped overdue fines report the opposite. Late fines also create a financial barrier for community members, which Elgin County Library looks forward to eliminating.

    At the February 22, 2022 Elgin County Council meeting, it was approved that Elgin County Library would start the fine free process by stopping overdue fines on children's materials first. Adult materials will be next, with the goal of all overdue fines being gone by the end of 2024.

    For the full news update please visit the Elgin County Library website.

    The full copy of the report approved by County Council is available on the Elgin County website by searching for the February 22, 2022 County Council Meeting Agenda.

    The full media release can be found on the Elgin County website.

Page last updated: 14 Mar 2023, 12:11 PM