Sunday January 7, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Starting January 10, the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) will become an overdue fine-free library, with all existing late fines being cleared from patron accounts.
The news made quite the local buzz when announced last week on January 3, perhaps not so much for the dollar amounts involved (about 0.3% of revenues came through fines) for any patrons but the loosening up on a punitive-style approach to collections management.
“The Library Board’s decision to eliminate overdue fines aligns with our commitment to reducing barriers for all library users. Eliminating overdue fines removes a significant barrier and increases access to the critical library services people count on,” stated Andrew Appleton, GVPL Board Chair.
Fines were also a throwback to a time when people were largely respectful and responsive to fines. Other libraries have already dropped fines, including the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) which made that shift in January 2023.
Going with the trend:
The revenue generated from overdue fines has continued to decrease in recent years, says Sawa, due to “the rising popularity of eBooks and other digital materials that do not accrue overdue fines and the lenient approach to fine collection that we took in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic”.
Overall, it just seems like the politically correct thing to do, as after 21 days any items will be considered lost — for which there will still be a fine.
Seeking donations:
At the same time, GVPL is pitching for financial donations.
“For anyone who wishes to support the library in celebration of this milestone, GVPL welcomes financial donations. For more information on how to contribute, visit GVPL’s Canada Helps online donation page. For further details on GVPL becoming an overdue fine-free library, go to gvpl.ca.”
Inclusivity:
GVPL says late fines can create feelings of shame and embarrassment that keep people from returning to the library, and that late fines can also create financial barriers that prevent people from using the library in the first place.
“Financial constraints should never hinder someone’s ability to engage with the library’s wealth of information and opportunities,” said Maureen Sawa, CEO, GVPL.
“We trust our community to care for the library’s collection and to return items when they are due. The decision to go fine free is about fostering a culture of inclusivity. Becoming a fine-free library will help ensure everyone in our community has equal access to the resources they need,” said Sawa.
Unblocking accounts but still a charge:
GVPL says that effective January 10, all overdue fines on GVPL cardholder accounts will be removed, and accounts blocked due to unpaid overdue fines will be unblocked.
But after 21 days an item will be considered lost. There will be a fee for lost or damaged items.
Lifelong learning:
“The cornerstone of our library’s mission is to build community and support literacy and lifelong learning. We hope that anyone who was not using the library because of an outstanding fine, or the fear of accruing fines, will feel welcome to visit once again,” said Appleton in the January 3 news release.
===== RELATED:
- BC school library funding: operating grants & fundraising (December 11, 2023)
- Library now fine free on all physical items at Vancouver Island Regional Libraries (January 5, 2023)
- Big crowd for long-awaited Sooke Library opening (June 12, 2022)
- More than books at new Esquimalt Library (March 30, 2022)
- Waiving overdue fines on kids’ books is a plus (January 27, 2019)
===== ABOUT ISLAND SOCIAL TRENDS:
Island Social Trends posts news daily news insights at IslandSocialTrends.ca and is launching a biweekly print edition in January 2024.
Covering news through a socioeconomic lens in the south Vancouver Island region since 2008 under the leadership of Mary P Brooke as founder, editor and publisher, through a series of publications: MapleLine Magazine (2008-2010), Sooke Voice News (2011-2013), West Shore Voice News (2014-2020), and Island Social Trends (since mid-2020).
Island Social Trends is published by Brookeline Publishing House Inc.