Overdue Fines Eliminated At Loudoun County Libraries

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County Public Library is now the third public library system in Virginia to eliminate fines for overdue materials. According to a release, library patrons will no longer be charged 10 cents per day, per item fee on overdue materials; however, they’re still responsible for the replacement cost of the items they don’t return.

The policy change resulted from a June decision by the Loudoun County Public Library Board of Trustees, and it’s one that places LCPL among a growing list of public library systems to go fine-free. More than 125 public libraries in the U.S. and Canada have eliminated overdue fines, library officials said, citing the Urban Libraries Council in the release. Research also shows that overdue fines discourage or prevent patrons from signing up for or using library cards.

Books and other Loudoun County materials are considered lost once they are 21 days past due. Borrowers will not be able to check out additional materials until they pay the lost-item fees or return the items.

To increase the number of books on the shelves and to ensure availability of items for patrons under the new policy, library officials made a few other changes:

• DVDs now check out for one week.
• All items will be renewed automatically up to three times as long as other customers haven’t placed holds on them.
• Customers can check out as many as 50 items at one time.

To learn more about the new policy, visit library.loudoun.gov/NoMoreFines.