The Muskingum County Library System (MCLS) is now late-fine-free as of July 5, 2022.
“The library in Muskingum County has a history of changing service models to meet the changing needs of our community. Fine-free is the next step in reducing barriers for our community and providing access to resources,” states Stacey Russell, Executive Director of the Muskingum County Library System.
Library staff researched the model extensively and found that overdue fines are often punitive to its most active users while at the same time negatively and disproportionately affecting low-income households. Studies have also shown little impact on the number of lost items once a library has gone fine-free. In addition, most report that a majority of their customers still return items on time. Finally, the financial impact is not as high as one might think. In the past three years, 0.34% of the Muskingum County Library System budget was from fines, and the cost of collecting those fines almost exceeded the amount collected.
“Going fine-free aligns perfectly with our library’s mission of connecting people with information, ideas, and each other,” says Marketing & Community Relations Director Sean Fennell. “‘Open to All’ is set in stone above the original doors of the John McIntire Library and it’s what we strive for every day.”
Under the new policy, patrons will still be encouraged to return materials on time but will no longer be charged daily overdue fines on most items. However, patrons are still responsible for damaged or lost items.
For more information please visit muskingumlibrary.org/finefree.
