Montgomery County Library System Does Away With Late Fees

SILVER SPRING, MD — Montgomery County Public Libraries has gotten rid of late fees.

The library system said it eliminated the policy on Monday. All existing overdue fines have also been wiped from customer accounts.

"We know that some people are reluctant to use the library because they're worried about the fines," said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. "We hope that anyone who stopped using our wonderful libraries will come back and take advantage of our great services."

Checked-out materials will still have due dates, and customers will receive notices when their materials are due to be returned. Cardholders will be responsible for returning materials and the cost of replacing lost or damaged materials.

MCPL joins more than 200 libraries nationwide that have done away with overdue fines. Libraries that have gone fine-free, according to MCPL, saw increases in circulation, library card registrations, and materials returned that were previously thought lost.