No More Overdue Fines At Summit Free Public Library

SUMMIT, NJ — Effective Sept, 14, the Summit Free Public Library will no longer charge late fines on most circulating materials, according to a recent announcement.

Exceptions to this fines-free policy are: lost and damaged items, items from the Library of Things, Museum Passes and Interlibrary Loans.

Patrons are still responsible for returning materials by their due date, so that they can be shared with others in the community, the announcement states.

“We are delighted to end the practice of charging overdue fines,” said Amy Behr-Shields, Director. “Our goal is to welcome the community into an environment of lifelong learning. The elimination of overdue fines creates a welcoming experience and environment for everyone in the community.”

By eliminating fines, the Library aims to provide greater access for all community members to use the Library’s resources and materials. In 2019, the American Library Association passed a resolution that asserted fines are a "barrier to equitable access" and encouraged libraries to eliminate them.

Since then, many libraries in New Jersey and across the country have adopted fine-free policies, according to the announcement.

"The Library’s mission is to inform, to enrich and to inspire, and ensuring that the Library’s resources remain fully accessible is another step in fulfilling this mission," the announcement states.

You can visit the Summit Free Public Library's website here.

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