We want all patrons to have access to the library. Research shows that overdue fines are not effective in encouraging the return of library materials. Instead, fines can quickly become a barrier to using the library. We know that life happens sometimes and it can be difficult to return items on time. But we don’t want overdue fines to discourage patrons from the invaluable free technology, literacy, and lifelong learning resources that our libraries offer. By imposing fines and prohibiting people from borrowing books when the fines add up, we are negatively impacting the people who may need us the most.

In January 2019, the American Library Association (ALA) passed a resolution that asserted overdue fines are a barrier to equitable access and encouraged libraries to eliminate them. The ALA is our largest professional organization and we give serious consideration to their resolutions. In going fine-free, we are joining the ranks of many other public libraries across the nation.

Materials including books, audiobooks, and magazines checked out beginning October 1, 2022 will not incur overdue fines. Existing overdue fines for books, audiobooks and magazines will be removed. We hope this encourages people to return to the library.

This only applies to overdue fines for physical books, audiobooks, and magazines. There will still be replacement charges for lost or damaged items. You will still be charged overdue fines for other items in our collection like DVDs and technology devices. 

If an item is 45 days overdue, the cardholder’s account will be blocked from checking out additional materials. If the item is not returned within 45 days of the due date, the cardholder will be charged the replacement cost for the unreturned item and may be referred to a collection agency.

Patrons are still responsible for returning materials on time. Accounts with unpaid charges of $9.00 or more, or with materials that are more than 45 days overdue will be blocked from checking out additional materials until the items have been returned or replaced.

Good news! Most fine free libraries report that a majority of patrons still return their materials on time, and waitlists aren’t affected. Don’t worry - library staff will be monitoring the effect on waitlists and adjust accordingly. And we always encourage patrons to return materials on time so others can enjoy them.

The Library’s collection - the books, movies, and other materials - is a core library service. It is a substantial investment of taxpayer funds, and to be good stewards of these funds, we must enforce compensation for lost or damaged items.

Overdue fines only account for a small portion of our library revenue and do not directly come back to the library, so the financial impact is small. Anyone who would like to donate to support innovative programming and resources may make a gift to the Friends of the Lubbock Library. We appreciate your support!

No, Unpaid collection agency fees will still need to be paid.

Yes. We welcome the return of all library materials. You will not be charged overdue fines.

Fines are punitive. Fees are for library services and products such as library cards, copying, printing, material replacement costs, etc.

Yes, there is no change to the auto-renewal program.