Overdue fines – also called late fees – accumulate on any material not returned by its due date. This initiative does not apply to fees related to lost or damaged items, holds expired, or any administrative fees. Fees will still apply in these circumstances.
Fine Free FAQ
Over the past several years, many public library systems throughout North America have begun to examine the true value of levying fines for overdue materials. In recent years many systems, large and small, have embraced offering fine-free services to their patrons.
Overdue fines were meant to deter people from returning material late. However, studies show that fines may actually increase the likelihood that library material does not get brought back at all.
We want everyone to be able to access our library without having to worry about financial repercussions for bringing back materials a few days late. Overdue fines create a barrier for those who are most in need of our services, especially now when so many people have been affected economically by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With all of this in mind, the Kawartha Lakes Public Library Board decided that eliminating fines would be a way to provide greater access to all of our amazing services and resources as well as welcome back members we may have lost over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is more information that will hopefully help you understand why we are going fine free, and how we are doing it.
What qualifies as an overdue fine?
What does going fine-free mean for me?
Overdue fines will no longer be applied to your account. But you are still responsible for returning everything you borrow. Please do your best to return them on time, someone else may be waiting for them. If you do keep items past their due date, they will be marked as lost on your account after 8 weeks and replacement fees, as well as processing fees ($10) will be applied. You won’t be able to borrow anything if that happens, or use the Digital Library. We’ll waive the replacement fee if you return the items, even after 8 weeks overdue. However, the processing fee of $10 will still be applied.
Sign up for e-notifications to stay in the loop! You’ll receive reminders notifying you when your items are almost due as well as when you have holds ready. Provide us with your email address if we do not already have it, by emailing LibraryAdministration@kawarthalakeslibrary.ca.
Will outstanding overdue fines be waived?
Yes! Effective October 1,2020, the Library will clear all outstanding overdue fines from all patron records.
What library items qualify for fine free?
Almost everything! This includes any print materials, audio-visual materials (DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs), book club sets and kits.
Fines will still apply for Interlibrary Loan material***. This is material that we borrow from other library systems for you.
How will this initiative change the experience at the library?
This initiative will give patrons more freedom to explore our collection, and without the stress of facing possible overdue fines. To ensure borrowed items are still returned in a timely fashion, we have a limit of four overdue items before accounts get blocked. Library accounts with four or more overdue library items will be blocked from borrowing more physical materials, placing holds and accessing our Digital Library until the overdue materials are renewed or returned.
How do I get my card unblocked?
Library accounts with four or more library items that are overdue will be blocked until the items are renewed or returned. To remove the block from your card, simply return your items. You will not be able to renew items online through your account if you have four or more items overdue so please contact the library if you would like to renew them.
If your account is blocked, and you have already returned material, call your local branch or email libraryadministration@kawarthalakeslibrary.ca for assistance.
Will this program affect library revenue?
Yes, but overdue fines in this category represent a very small percentage of the library’s operating budget. Eliminating these types of fines aligns with our strategic priorities as an organization, and will not have an impact on our overall budget.
I didn’t really lose items that are still on my account, can I still bring them back?
Yes! Bringing back items will remove replacement costs from your account. There will still be a $10 processing fee on your account, but all overdue fines will be removed. Please talk to library staff regarding this fee so you can continue using your card and our services.
What if I lose or damage an item?
A replacement fee will be added to your account for the lost or damaged item and the account holder will be responsible for the cost. A $10 processing fee will also be included. Borrowing privileges will be suspended after accruing $10 or more in fees.
What notifications will I get when material is due?
If you receive email notices from the library, you’ll get:
- A pre-overdue notice 3 days before your item is due
- A 7-day overdue reminder if the item hasn’t been returned
Each week, staff at all branches review a list of items that are 2 weeks overdue. They will:
- Check the shelves in case the item was returned but not checked in
- Call you to remind you about the overdue item
At 4 weeks overdue (28 days), a reminder letter is sent by email or mail.
At 8 weeks overdue (56 days), the item is marked as lost and you’ll be billed for it.
If you return the item after the 8-week mark, you’ll only need to pay a $10 processing fee.
If the item is lost or damaged, replacement fees will still apply.
Want to receive notices?
Make sure we have your email! You can send it to us at LibraryAdministration@kawarthalakeslibrary.ca.
I thought of fines as a donation to the library. Can I still donate to the library?
Yes! Donations to the Library can be accepted. All donations will go towards supporting important library services for our community.
Are other libraries fine free?
The trend is growing and more libraries around the world are expected to adopt a fine free model over the next few years.
Over the past several years, many large library systems in the US have eliminated overdue fines: San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago and Phoenix to name a few. Within Ontario, about a dozen medium to large systems have gone fine-free in recent years: Brampton, Oakville, Hamilton, Halton Hills, Newmarket, and Niagara-On-The-Lake, among others.
When you register, you will receive instant access to our digital collection for 3 months and can place holds on physical items immediately. Your temporary library card number will be emailed to you after you complete the form.
If you place a hold and want to pick it up, bring ID to the branch to get your physical library card.
To keep using your card after 3 months, visit any library branch to get your permanent card.
I haven’t visited the library in years. Will my library card still work?
Library accounts must be renewed every two years. Please contact the library so we can help you reactivate your account. You can phone us at 705 324 9411 ext. 1291, or email LibraryAdministration@kawarthalakeslibrary.ca.
Will there still be fines on my Interlibrary Loan books?
Yes. Interlibrary Loan material will still continue to have a $1.00 late fine per day because this material does not belong to us.
How will the Library encourage people to return overdue items?
The Library encourages patrons to return books in a responsible and timely fashion to the Library so others may enjoy the shared resources of their Library. Per the Library’s existing procedures, items not returned after 8 weeks will go to billed status.
Patrons will continue to be responsible for reconciling any billed items on their library account by either returning the items or paying the replacement fee. Patrons with an item with a billed status on their library account cannot check out additional physical materials from the library.
Contact Us
Kawartha Lakes Public Library
P.O. Box 9000, 190 Kent Street West
Lindsay, Ontario, K9V 2Y6
Phone: 705-324-9411 ext 1291
Email