Fine Free

We ask our dedicated patrons to be good stewards of our materials and to continue to be thoughtful of others (we want everyone to enjoy that amazing book you just read!).

Here are some FAQs:

There are still due dates
To ensure materials remain in our collection and available to all, patrons are still responsible for returning materials by their due date. A due date will still be assigned to your checked-out materials. Materials can be returned to the library, one of our remote book drop locations, or any Allegheny County Library.

Even though fines are gone, it is still a requirement to return materials. All library materials will still have due dates and any materials not returned to the library will be subject to a replacement fee. As the due date approaches, a courtesy notice will alert the patron that items are due and may have been automatically renewed if applicable. If the item is not eligible for automatic renewal, it will need to be returned. Patrons will be directed to the “My Account” feature to check on the status of each item.

Replacement fees will still be assessed  
All library materials will still have due dates and any materials not returned to the library will be subject to a replacement fee. If materials are not returned by their due date, the item will be labeled as overdue, and the patron will receive multiple notifications indicating the item is overdue and encouraging its return. Items are considered “lost” if they remain unreturned for six weeks from the due date and a replacement fee will be assessed and noted on the patron’s account. Replacement fees of over $35 will block a patron’s card. Fees over $50 may be subject to collection agency fees.

Damaged and lost fees still apply
Fees will be assessed for damaged or lost items.

How does this affect the library’s budget?
Northland exists to provide equitable access to materials for all. Overdue fines can act as a barrier to access and discourage use of the library. Due in part to Northland’s move to six automatic renewals in February of 2020, fine money collected over the past few years has dramatically gone down. Preparing for this adjustment we have planned ahead and fine money currently represents 0% of our operating budget. We’ve found the vast majority of patrons have a profound stewardship for library materials and take care to return materials on time and in good condition. Life happens and imposing fines serves to increase anxieties for those facing financial insecurity. This can dissuade patrons from using the library, exploring books, finding their love of reading or getting lost in their favorite book genre. That’s no way to serve our mission or our community. We will continue to explore ways to supplement this lost funding and welcome donations to help us bridge this gap. Our focus remains the same – to serve our mission to enable, empower and encourage lifelong learning and discovery in a safe, welcoming space for all…without barriers.