We’re Going Fine Free!

Dear Community Members, We are delighted to share some exciting news about an important change at our library. In our ongoing efforts to make our services more accessible and welcoming to all, we are pleased to announce that the library is going fine free starting Sept. 1, 2024.

What Does This Mean?
Effective immediately, we will no longer charge late fines for most overdue Livonia Public Library (LPL) items. We believe that eliminating fines will help remove barriers to library access and encourage everyone to enjoy our resources without the worry of accruing penalties.

Why Are We Doing This?
Our mission has always been to provide free and equal access to information, education, and cultural resources. Overdue fines, while intended to encourage timely returns, have often disproportionately affected those who need our services the most. By going fine free, we hope to:

• Promote Literacy and Learning – By removing fines, we hope more community members, especially children and families, will feel comfortable borrowing books and materials.
• Enhance Accessibility – Everyone deserves access to the library’s resources without financial obstacles.
• Build a Stronger Community – We want to foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

How Will This Work?

• No More Overdue Fines – As of Sept. 1, overdue fines will no longer be charged for LPL items.
• Existing Fines – All existing overdue fines will be automatically forgiven. If you have outstanding fines, they will be cleared from your account.
• Lost or Damaged Items – Charges for lost or damaged items will still apply. If an item is significantly overdue, it will be considered lost, and replacement fees may be charged. However, once the item is returned, the replacement fee will be waived.
• Return Reminders – We will continue to send reminders to help you remember to return your items on time, ensuring that everyone has access to our shared resources.
• Excluded Items – Due to the popularity and cost of Wi-Fi hotspots and Nintendo Switch consoles, these items will still accrue late fines. This will help to ensure equity of access. Additional items may be excluded in the future.

We Need Your Help!
While we are excited about this change, we still rely on our patrons to return materials in a timely manner so others can enjoy them. Please continue to respect due dates and return items promptly.

Amnesty
In addition to going fine free, LPL is excited to announce in conjunction with going fine free, we will hold a Library Amnesty Month! Amnesty Month is a special one-time event designed to welcome back all our treasured books and materials! This is your chance to return long overdue LPL items without any penalties.

Why Participate?

• No Fines – Return any overdue LPL items without incurring late fines or lost fees.
• Renew your library card – Come in to update your contact information and regain access to all of our E-Resources and the ability to check out physical items.
• Clean Slate – Clear your account of long overdue items that have incurred lost fees and start fresh.
• Help the Community – Ensure that more library materials are available for everyone to enjoy.

How It Works:

1. Gather Your Items – Collect all the overdue materials you have at home.
2. Visit the Library – Bring LPL items to the library during the month of September.
3. Return with Ease – Drop them off at the circulation desk or book drop.
4. Enjoy No Fines – All fines and fees on returned overdue items will be waived automatically.

Additional Information:

• Amnesty applies to all overdue LPL items, no matter how late.
• Lost items that are found and returned during this period will have their fines and fees waived.
• If you’ve lost an item and cannot return it, or if you have damaged and collection fees please speak to our staff for possible solutions.

We believe in second chances and the importance of making library resources accessible to everyone. Let’s work together to get our collections back in circulation and make our library an even better place for the whole community.

We are thrilled to take this step forward in making our library an even more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at (734) 466-2491, lvcc@livoniapubliclibrary.org or visit our website at livoniapubliclibrary.org.

Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of our library community.

Welcome Back!
Kristen Edson
Library Director
Livonia Public Library
Kedson@livoniapubliclibrary.org