Fine Free
Hopkins District Library is now Fine Free!
Hopkins District Library will no longer charge late fines on books and other circulating materials, effective immediately. The library board unanimously voted to join a growing number of libraries no longer charging daily late fines on overdue materials.
A growing body of research shows that overdue fines do not increase return rates for checked out items, and removing fines increases new library card signups and item checkouts.
The library is intended to be a resource for the entire community, and late fines create a barrier that prevents some community members from utilizing that resource. Late fines disproportionately impact people without the means to pay, and may cut them off from using library resources entirely. Removing these fines (while still requiring the items to be returned), will allow more people to make use of the library’s collections, resources, and programs, and welcome back community members who may feel unwelcome because of past fines.
Eliminating late fines does not mean patrons won’t have to bring items back to the library. Items will still have a due date and materials will still need to be returned. Patrons will still be charged for lost or damaged items, and late fines may still apply when borrowing materials owned by other libraries. Late fees will still be charged on Mobile Hotspots because of the high demand and the ongoing costs to the library.
For more information call the library (269)793-7516, or stop in!
Info and Frequently Asked Questions SheetFAQ's
Any book you check out that belongs to Hopkins District Library will no longer be charged a daily late fine if it is not returned by the due date. If you check books out from other libraries (through Lakeland or MeL) those books may still accrue late fines depending on what library owns the book.
Research has shown that charging late fines doesn't increase the number or timeliness of items returned, and it actually keeps people from using the library who otherwise would. In an effort to make the library a more welcoming place for the entire community, we will no longer charge daily late fees for overdue materials. Late fines make up less than 1% of the library's budget, and it's more important for everyone to be able to freely access information than the small monetary boost provided by fines.
No, materials you check out still have a due date. We ask you to return (or renew) the item by that date. Items that are not returned (or are returned damaged) will eventually be billed, and you will be unable to check out more books until those overdue items are returned or paid for.
Past fines for overdue materials will be forgiven. Past charges for lost or damaged books are still your responsibility.
Because of the high demand and the monthly cost to the library, mobile hotspots will still accrue late fees at the rate of $1/day.
If you have questions, you can email the Library Director, Kevin Meyer (kmeyer@hopkinslibrary.org), or talk to any of the library staff.