WSL Goes Late Fine Free
Whitinsville Social Library will no longer charge late fines on books and many other circulating materials, eliminating a barrier to access and ensuring that all Northbridge residents have free, equitable, and open access to knowledge, opportunity, and entertainment.
The governing body of the library, the Whitinsville Social Library Board of Trustees, voted in favor of removing late fines on Wednesday February 21, 2024. This change went into effect immediately. Whitinsville Social Library joins other large and small public library systems across the country to turn the page on late fines. WSL is the 149th library in its consortium, CWMARS, to go fine free. This change is a part of a national institutional movement, guided by the recommendations of the American Library Association, to increase free public access to library services.
Going fine free does not mean that patrons will not have to bring library materials back to the library. Items will still have due dates and materials will still need to be returned. Fees for lost or damaged items will remain on the user’s account. Most library materials are automatically renewed one time. However, if an item is not returned, or is returned damaged, patrons will still be charged replacement costs.
Existing fines for overdue items will be forgiven. Overdue fines will remain on very few items: the hotspots, museum passes, and the telescope.
Studies show that libraries that have eliminated late fines see no impact on return rates and in fact, the elimination of fines increases the use of library materials. Whitinsville Social Library’s Director Rebecca Sasseville felt it was imperative to create an environment that feels welcoming rather than punitive for all the library’s users. “I look forward to welcoming new and returning patrons to the library because of this wonderful decision by the Board of Trustees.”
For any questions visit the Library’s website www.northbridgemass.org/WSL or call the Library at 508-234-2151.