Thomas Crane Library Is Overdue Fine Free

Beginning July 1, 2020, the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy has removed overdue fines from adult books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and other physical items. Two years ago, the Library eliminated fines on its children’s and teen materials.

Fine elimination is part of a nationwide trend to provide equitable access to public library collections and services. The Crane Library joins a growing number of other libraries on the South Shore and statewide that have done away with overdue fines.

“Since we eliminated fines on children’s and teen items in 2018, parents and caregivers have been
delighted by the change, our children’s librarians have more time to connect young people with books they will love, and we’ve seen no negative impact on return rates or the shelf availability of materials,” says Library Director Megan Allen. “It’s been an all-around win-win for the Library and the community. We also know from experience that people rely on their public library even more when times are tough, so with the economic challenges that so many are facing as a result of COVID-19, this seemed like exactly the right moment to maximize access by eliminating fines on adult materials.”

The Library will continue to send date due reminders as well as overdue notices. After the final
overdue notice, borrowers will receive a bill for the cost of the material; this bill will be waived when the overdue item is returned to the Library. Replacement charges for lost or damaged materials will remain in place and borrowers may still accrue overdue fines on items owned by other libraries in the Old Colony Library Network in accordance with those libraries' policies.

Charges vary by type of material, and revenue collected for lost or damaged items will be deposited in a Library revolving fund that will be used to purchase replacement materials.

For more information, visit thomascranelibrary.org/fine-free or call 617-376-1300 x3.