Alameda libraries go 'fine-free' to give customers fresh start
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO - APRIL 24, 2019: A selection of books on men's and women's health available at a public library in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, Calif. (KTVU) - Farewell to those overdue fines at Alameda libraries starting Sept. 16.
Life happens and late fees can add up if materials aren't returned on time, so the Alameda Free Library network is getting rid of all overdue fines and waiving any previous fines at all of its branches.
There are more than 79,000 library cardholders in Alameda and of that, 26,000 had overdue fines. Those fees have all been erased to give cardholders a fresh start.
The library says 82 percent of customer transactions were for late fees. Staff believes eliminating those fines will increase accessibility for library customers and improve interactions with guests.
Cardholders can still check out books for three weeks, but fines won't accrue if items aren't returned on time, the library says.
There will be the added convenience of two automatic renewals unless the items are on hold for another customer. In that case, it needs to be returned.
Alameda Free Library joins a bunch of other Bay Area libraries that have already gone "fine free."