Genoa City Public Library is going Fine Free!
What does that mean, you ask? Good question!
Q: Why are you getting rid of overdue fines?
A: In recent years, public libraries have come to recognize fines as a barrier to access. By definition, library fines are regressive in the sense that they disproportionately impact those who are least able to pay them. Simply put, we believe that no one should be denied access to the library or its collection because of an inability to pay.
Q: Is everything at the library Fine Free now?
A: Not everything - DVDs, Blu-rays, and Videogames will still charge overdue fees if returned late.
Q: Won’t the library suffer financially as a result?
A: No. Overdue fines made up a very small portion of our annual revenue. Furthermore, the cost of assessing, maintaining, and collecting overdue fines often outweighs any revenue generated by them.
Q: Does this mean I can keep a book or other item for as long as I want?
A: No. Standard due dates still apply. Library users will still be charged replacement costs for items that are lost or damaged. If an item is not returned or renewed within 60 days of the due date, the item will be considered lost and a replacement charge will be added to that user’s library account. If charges exceed 9 dollars on an account, the user will be blocked from checking out additional items until the charges are paid or the items are returned.
Q. What types of charges may still be incurred on my library account?
A. If an item is overdue for 60 days, it will be considered lost and a replacement cost will be charged to your account. Additionally, if an item is damaged or a part is missing from an item when it is returned, you may still be charged for the item.
Q. Are there any exceptions to the fine-free policy?
A. Yes. There are 4 important exceptions in which overdue fines will still be charged:
1. For items checked out by Genoa City Public Library cardholders at other Lakeshore System Libraries that still charge overdue fines.
2. If any item that is returned damaged or is lost.
3. If a user returns any DVDs, Blu-Rays, and Videogames as late.
4. For items borrowed from outside of the Lakeshore Library System through Interlibrary Loan. These items are loaned to our library by academic or public libraries in Wisconsin and across the country. If items are consistently returned late, this can negatively impact our ability to borrow in the future.
Q. Will current late charges be taken off of my account?
A. No. Any late fees charged before we went fine free will still need to be paid or taken care of at the library. If the overdue fines on your account are preventing you from using the library, give us a call at 1-262-279-6188, email us at genoa@genoacity.lib.wi.us, or visit the library in person and we’d be happy to help you get things sorted out! Keeping people from checking out is the last thing we want.
Q. I always thought of fines as a way to support the library. How do I continue to support the library, if not through fines?
A. Great question, and thanks for your continued support! As always, the library relies on gifts and donations to purchase additional materials and fund programs for all ages. Donations to the library or to the Friends of the Library group can be mailed to the library to the attention of Director Rachel Strehlow, given in person, or added by way of our donation jar. 😀