The Norton Public Library has officially gone fine-free!
We have been canceling fines since COVID-19, but the Board of Trustees voted to remain fine free at their September meeting.
As of October 6, 2021, all old fines for overdue Norton checkouts will be forgiven. Items borrowed at our library will not incur any overdue charges for late library returns. Replacement fees will still be charged for lost or damaged items.
The Norton Public Library Board of Trustees and Staff are committed to a library that is welcoming and accessible to all. By removing overdue fines, we are removing barriers to access our materials and services for library visitors, and increasing lifelong reading and learning opportunities for all. We hope this change will benefit everyone and encourage everyone to visit the library often to make the most of our resources.
Questions? Ask one of our library staff or email Library Director Lee Parker at lparker@sailsinc.org
F.A.Q.
Why is the library going fine free?
Eliminating fines will improve customer service and the library experience for patrons
Fines can be a prohibitively expensive penalty for many who depend on the materials the library offers, including families
We want to increase access for patrons who cannot currently use our library’s materials
The model of charging fines is growing obsolete in a digitally advanced world, as no fines occur on digitally borrowed materials
Many other local & national public libraries have already changed their policies and are now fine-free
Studies have shown that fines are not an effective incentive to return books on time
What does fine-free mean? How does it work?
If you return an item late, you will no longer be charged an overdue fine for items checked out at the Norton Public Library (*see below for exceptions). Overdue fines are the daily charges applied to items not returned by their specified due date.
Old fines have been forgiven so library users can have a fresh start. Items checked out at other SAILS Libraries, as well as lost or damaged items, will still incur fines and replacement costs.
Fees for lost, damaged, or unreturned materials are still in effect.
Is this for ALL library loans? To ALL borrowers?
Although most items are included, there are a few exceptions: Museum passes, equipment, Chrome Books, and items borrowed from libraries outside our SAILS network (ComCat) will incur fines if they are returned late.
Yes, all of our borrowers, not just seniors or children, will benefit from our fine-free policy!
Do our library materials have due dates anymore?
Yes, checkout periods on materials will remain the same, but we are eliminating overdue fines. We ask that you continue to return your items on time out of consideration to other borrowers.
Won’t this encourage people to keep things out forever?
Even though patrons have been able to borrow books for 2-3 months with renewals, most items are actually returned in 1-2 weeks.
In order to make our materials available to as many people as possible, library users are still encouraged to respect the due dates on their items. Due date reminders will continue to be sent.
What about really overdue books? Or damaged books?
Long overdue items (120 days past final due date) will be assumed lost and borrowers will be billed replacement fees.
If the item is returned in good condition, no fines will be charged. If items are returned with damage beyond normal use, the borrower will be billed the replacement cost.
I consider my fines to be donations to the library. How can I continue to support the Norton Public Library?
We thank you for your support! There are several ways you can support the library. The Friends of the Library are always looking for more members. You can join the Friends, help with their fundraisers, and/or make donations directly to the Friends. The Norton Public Library is a 501c3 and can also accept donations.
The best way to support the library is visiting us and using our resources!