Phoenix libraries to forgive, stop issuing overdue fines in November

PHOENIX — Has a history of missing due dates and racking up fines kept you away from the library?

Phoenix Public Library is working to bring back patrons by eliminating overdue fines and forgiving existing fines, starting Nov. 18.

Mayor Kate Gallego said the resolution to forgive fines was passed unanimously at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

The library will be the first of the five largest U.S. cities to adopt the “All Fines Forgiven” campaign. The Maricopa County Library District eliminated late fines in May.

Libraries offer a path to a changed future. The prospect of a late fee can deter the use of library services. That changed today when council voted unanimously to ensure access is not limited by finances & made PHX the largest city in the nation to have ‘fine-free’ libraries.📚 https://t.co/SZaHXNeIL3

— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) September 10, 2019

Under the new system, patrons will receive three overdue notices until an item is 51 days late, when a bill for an item replacement fee is issued.

The library said the campaign is parts of its goal to make its services “available to those that need it most.”

The city’s library system is anchored at the Burton Barr Central Library in downtown Phoenix and has 16 other branches.

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