Community Corner

Hennepin County Library Ditches Late Fees

"We don't fund our libraries based on the mistakes of others,"​ the county library director said.

Hennepin County Library is doing away with late fees. Here's what residents need to know.
Hennepin County Library is doing away with late fees. Here's what residents need to know. (Rachel Nunes/Patch)

HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN — Hennepin County Library is doing away with fines in an effort to make its services more accessible to residents.

In a news release, library director Chad Helton said the library reset every account to a $0 balance on March 10. Now, instead of instituting late fines, the library will charge patrons a one-time replacement cost for unreturned items after 41 days.

“We don’t fund our libraries based on the mistakes of others,” Helton said. “Our purpose is to share information – not generate revenue.”

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In a statement, Hennepin County commissioner Marion Greene said removing fines also removes barriers to education and resources.

“The elimination of late fines from the Hennepin County Library system is a change that will reduce disparities and increase access to our collections,” Greene said. “We know that fines and fees disproportionately affect low-income people and communities of color, and we are doing what we can to ensure that everyone is welcome to utilize our services regardless of their ability to pay.”

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