The Millburn Free Public Library announced that it is testing a fine-free system on a six-month trial basis starting January 1, 2020.
Under this system, daily late fees will be eliminated and borrowers will instead be charged full replacement value for items overdue by 90 days.
Many libraries nationwide, including several nearby, are fine-free. Studies show that fines do more to keep people away from the library than to actually bring materials back. Going fine-free improves access, especially for children, and improves the image of the library. Libraries that have gone fine-free report very little trouble with unreturned materials.
For additional information on the system, please visit millburnlibrary.org/borrowing/fine_free