Fine Free
The Nitty Gritty
Centuria Public Library is proud to announce that we are Fine Free!
Going fine free eliminates a barrier to access that will ensure we are able to fulfill our mission to provide open access to services and materials for everyone in our community.
Late charges will no longer accrue for items borrowed from the library that are returned past their due date.
Old overdue fines are being removed from patron accounts as we move towards becoming fine free.
Lost or damaged items will still be charged a replacement fee.
Spread the word, tell your friends they can bring back their long-lost library books and happily use the library again!
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are you getting rid of overdue fines?
A: Going fine free eliminates a barrier to access that will ensure we are able to fulfill our mission to provide open access to services and materials for everyone in our community.
In recent years, public libraries have come to recognize fines as a barrier to access. For people who can afford them, late fines are too small to make a difference. For those who struggle financially, a fine balance becomes a reason to be wary of checking out materials and may prevent the patron from coming back at all. Simply put, public libraries believe that no one should be denied access to the library or its collection because of an inability to pay.
A. Library lovers who still wish to support the library are welcome to donate any money they might have spent on late fines if they desire, but we will never limit library access to them if they are unable to, or choose not to do so.
We would much rather accept a voluntary donation from someone who can afford it than see someone stop using the library’s resources just because they kept their items a bit too long.
A: No. Standard due dates still apply. Library users will still be charged replacement costs for items that are lost or damaged.
If you keep an item too long, it will still go to billed status and a replacement charge will show up on your account. But as always, that charge disappears when you return the item in good condition. While a replacement charge exists on your account, you will be blocked from checking out additional items until the charges are paid or the items are returned.
A. Yes. There are a few important exceptions. There will still be replacement charges for items that are lost or damaged.
Any items that are checked out by Centuria Library Cardholders at other MORE Libraries may still accrue overdue fines.
Again, items that have been checked out for longer than their maximum loan period will be charged to your account. As always, when the item is returned in good condition, that charge will be waived.
A: Old overdue fines are being removed from patron accounts as we move towards becoming fine free.
Q. I always thought of fines as a way to support the library. How do I continue to support the library, if not through fines?
A. The best way to support the library right now is to make voluntary donations. Please also stop by to browse the revolving materials sale in the library that includes DVDs and books for sale for a goodwill donation.
