The King County Library System is getting rid of late fees for overdue items and is also clearing all current late fees for library users.
In a news release on Thursday, the KLCS explained that late fees are doing more harm than good.
Through research, KLCS staff found that late fees discourage library use and most impact those with low incomes and those with limited access to transportation and technology. They also generate little revenue and made up less than 1% of the KCLS’ budget last year. The KCLS also has to pay to process late fees and print notices which takes staff time. Also, more library goers are switching to digital which doesn’t have late fees. Other libraries have already eliminated the fines, said the KCLS.
“Those most impacted by late fines already face the greatest challenges in accessing the library,” said KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “When fines become a thing of the past, libraries can become a bigger part of everyone’s future.”
The KCLS’ Board of Trustees approved the changes on April 26 and will take effect on May 9.
“We thank KCLS for their insightful analysis and proposal, and we are pleased to approve this policy change,” said KCLS Board President Harish Kulkarni. “We hope patrons enjoy the new fines-free experience, and find that they have greater access to information and opportunity.”
However, replacement fees are different from late fines. If library materials are more than 60 days overdue, they are considered lost and the patron will be charged a fee for lost, damaged, and/or missing items as required by state law, added the KCLS.
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