Northfield Public Library Gets Rid Of Overdue Fines

NORTHFIELD, MN — The city of Northfield announced Monday that Northfield Public Library is getting rid of overdue fines. This change is effective Tuesday, the city said.

Those with overdue fines can come to the library and have staff waive the fines, the city said.

The materials that have accrued fines must be returned in order for the fines to be waived, and fines can't be waived on lost or damaged items, the city said.

The Northfield Public Library Board voted in September to eliminate fines and City Council approved the change in January, the city said.

"This change is long overdue," Natalie Draper, library director, said. "We know that fines can have a chilling effect on people using the library; a fear of debt can prevent those with limited incomes from borrowing so we’re hoping this will bring back patrons we haven’t seen in a while, and reduce barriers to accessing the resources we provide."

According to the city, libraries that eliminate overdue fines have seen high rates of library usage and returning of materials.

Northfield Public Library is located at 210 Washington St.

More information is available here.