Press release from Essex Library

Effective immediately, the Essex Library Association is joining the majority of libraries in the state of Connecticut that no longer charge fines for materials returned after their due date. Evidence shows that fines are a barrier to equitable access, with a disproportionate burden placed on families with young children, low- and fixed-income patrons, and those who prefer to borrow physical materials rather than materials in digital format.

Eliminating fines leads to increased use of a library’s collection, to long-overdue items finding their way back to the library, and increased time for library staff to focus on library services rather than fines. As more and more libraries go fine-free, data is amassing that shows that even without a penalty in place, most patrons return their materials within a few days of their due date.

While patrons will still be responsible for replacing lost or irreparably damaged materials, or for fines on material borrowed from other libraries by interlibrary loan, they will not accrue fines for returning materials late under Essex’s new policy.

“Any step that makes the Essex Library more accessible to our community is a step in the right direction,” said Executive Director Ann Thompson. “I applaud the board of directors for recognizing the importance of this policy change.”