Batavia Library To Go Fine-Free: 'A Positive Impact On The Library'

BATAVIA, IL — The Batavia Public Library will go fine-free for most items starting July 1.

In a move to make the library more accessible by eliminating a potential financial barrier, library-goers will no longer have to pay a fee when books and materials are overdue. Now, after 21 days overdue, the patron's library card will be blocked so they can't check out additional items.

Members of the Board of Library Trustees unanimously voted April 16 to ax fines.

Currently, the money accumulated from overdue fines is between 0.17–0.22 percent of the library's total revenue, according to a news release.

"It will have a positive impact on the library," Batavia Public Library Executive Director Josephine Tucci said in a statement. "Often times when patrons owe a lot of fines on their cards, they choose not to even come into the library. We don't want to prevent people from using the library, we want to encourage them to use it."

Neighboring Geneva, St. Charles and Messenger public libraries do not charge fines for overdue materials either. Of the 96 public libraries in the System Wide Automated Network, to which the Batavia library belongs, 83 percent are fine-free.

"That's the ultimate goal: To receive the books back. We’re not here to make money off people," Tucci said. "They don’t have to worry, 'Can I afford this fine?' We don’t want them to be embarrassed or frustrated by these overdue fines."

Most library materials can be checked out for three weeks. That includes the Library of Things, such as wifi hotspots, musical instruments and projection screens. These items will continue to accrue fees if overdue, officials said.

"These items cannot be obtained from another library," library staff wrote in an FAQ section on its website. "Since these items are specialized to our library and are in high demand, a late fee of $1 per day will be assessed for these overdue items."

Overdue Libary of Things items will incur a $1 late fee per day, and the patron's library card will be blocked if the account reaches $10 in fees. Borrowing fees will be restored once the item is returned and fees are paid to amount to less than $10.

"This is a positive step in ensuring that patrons of all socioeconomic levels may enjoy the entertainment and lifelong learning opportunities afforded by the Batavia Public Library," Board President Daniel Russo said in a statement.