No more overdue fines at Mid-Columbia Libraries. New policy starts soon

The Mid-Columbia Libraries will no longer charge fines for overdue library books and other material starting Jan. 1.

In addition, the staff is authorized to forgive overdue fines already piling up.

The Mid-Columbia Libraries is following a national trend to reduce barriers to access, with the Seattle Public Library and Spokane Public Library among those that no longer collect overdue fees.

The local library board made the decision to quit charging overdue fines, saying that the fines create barriers to using the library for some people, especially children and families.

They reduce access for children during times critical to learning and development, the libraries said in it announcement.

The change is not expected to cause a drop in revenue.

The cost of collecting fines exceeds the amount collected, the library said.

Other fees remain

In fact, the majority of accounts with past-due balances become inactive and the fees are never collected.

Now overdue fines are 25 cents a day per book or other material, after a two-day grace period. The maximum overdue fee per item is $5.

Borrowing privileges are suspended when library users owe $25 or more.

Although there will be no more late fees, customers will still be charged for lost or damaged materials and they may be charged a $10 fee if their account is turned over to a collection agency.

Overdue notices will continue to be sent out and Mid-Columbia Libraries expect items to be returned in a timely manner so other customers can check them out, it said in a statement.

The Mid-Columbia Libraries has branches in Kennewick, Pasco, West Richland, Prosser, Benton City, Basin City, Connell, Kahlotus, Othello and Merill’s Corner. The Richland Public Library is not part of the Mid-Columbia Libraries.

This story was originally published November 27, 2019 at 8:35 AM.