September is national Library Card Sign-Up Month, and FDL is excited to celebrate by announcing we are now officially FINE FREE! The Board of Trustees has revised library policies to stop the assessment of overdue fines for items checked out at FDL and approved clearing all outstanding overdue fines on items checked out at FDL from patron accounts, effective September 1, 2020.
We’re making these changes to provide the community with more equitable access to library materials and services. Studies have shown that fines do not motivate borrowers to return items on time and actually make people less likely to visit or return to the library. Eliminating fines as a financial barrier will expand access, services, and benefits to the FDL community.
However, “no more fines” doesn’t mean “no responsibility!” Patrons are still expected to adhere to loan periods and return or renew items on or before the due date, and patrons will still be responsible for the repair, replacement, or collection fees for lost or damaged items. Please visit our Fine Free FAQ page for more details about these new policies.
Clearing existing fines applies to anything checked out at FDL no matter where the item is from, where the patron’s library card is from, or where the item is returned. Patrons are still responsible for fines due to other libraries.
Additionally, renewing or signing up for a library card in September will earn patrons an entry into a prize drawing for an Amazon Fire HD8 tablet! District residents can sign up for a card at the Circulation Desk or online. Cards can be renewed at the Circulation Desk or the drive-up window.
FDL celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month with the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning. There’s nothing more empowering than using your library card to access books, technology, resources, and educational programs — tools and opportunities for people of all ages to pursue their dreams and passions.