Florham Park Library Goes “Fine Free”
The Florham Park Public Library will join the ranks of Libraries across the nation and our region abolishing late fees for overdue materials. The new “fine free” policy will go into effect January 2, 2023. As a fine free library, Florham Park Public Library will not charge fines for materials that are overdue or returned late. Additionally, patrons with existing fines for late FPPL materials on their accounts will have their fines waived.
The Florham Park Public Library has been more lenient with charging fines for patrons in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, as a measure to help increase library use and create a culture of convenience and friendliness for Florham Parkers. This measure is a step toward making that culture more permanent, so that the Library is an open and welcoming place to visit. “Most library fines are no more than a nuisance,” said Nancy Shah, the Library’s director. “The average fine for overdue materials is $0.80. Removing these small fees is a kind gesture that discourages a feeling of shame in bringing back materials late. We want our users to feel welcome, and we want our books to be used by all!”
Contrary to popular belief, library fines do not ensure the timely return of library materials. In fact, the opposite is true: people are less likely to use the library after incurring a fine for late materials. When the threat of fines are removed, fine-free libraries have often observed an increase in library card adoption, more materials being borrowed, and the return of long-lost items. “That’s one of the most interesting things to me,” remarked Shah, “fine-free libraries have had items overdue for decades returned to them once the patron realized they wouldn’t be penalized for it. I am curious to see what, if anything, comes back to us at Florham Park!”
Going fine free has been a trend in the library industry since 2019. According to the American Library Association, getting rid of library fines removes barriers to access library services and materials, and can help individuals and families to save money and frustration. Fine-free policies are particularly helpful to create a more equitable library, since library fines are more likely to have a negative effect on low-income and minority users.
Several libraries bordering Florham Park and in the greater Morris County area have gone fine-free since 2020, and each year more and more public libraries make the switch. Other fine-free Libraries in our area include: Morristown, Chatham, Parsippany, Roxbury, Livingston, Montclair, Newark, and Bloomfield.
