After months of research, careful data review, and a two-month Fine-Free Fall trial. The results were clear: eliminating fines increased returns, boosted program attendance, and brought hundreds of neighbors back to the Library.
Fines weren’t teaching responsibility—they were keeping people away. Going fine-free removes barriers, builds trust, and helps everyone in our community read more and stress less.
What's Changing
- No more overdue fines on regular materials checked out at MCL including books, DVDs, and magazines
- All existing MCL overdue fines are erased
What Stays the Same
- Lucky Day and Thingery materials still have overdue fines
- You will still pay for lost materials
- You will still pay for damaged items
The Bottom Line
Fines were 1.5% of our budget—but they blocked 712 neighbors from using their library.
We chose people over penalties.