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Fines Free

READ THE DATA ON FINES FREE

WE’RE GOING FINES FREE FOR CHILDREN’S AND TEEN ITEMS!

On January 1, 2025, all WGRLS libraries will be going fines free for children’s and teen items. This means no more late fees for these materials!

Why WGRLS is going fines free:

  • Data from libraries across the country show that late fines don’t bring materials back any faster
  • Late fines are a barrier for children. Youth literacy is one of the most important aspects of our mission as a public library
  • Increased literacy in our community improves workforce readiness
  • Fines for these items are cost neutral and don’t bring in revenue when accounting for staff time, mailing notices, and recovery rates.

What else do I need to know?

  • Patrons are still responsible for bringing lost books back. We will still charge for lost books after 90 days.
  • This applies only to WGRLS-owned materials. Materials requested from other library systems through PINES may incur late fines
  • All existing late fines for these items will also be wiped clear on January 1, 2025.

Data at a Glance

0 %

of WGRLS cardholders are currently blocked from checking out materials due to fines and fees

Rural Impact:

Blocked patron rates in rural communities are higher, reaching up to 30% in some areas.

What happened when another Georgia Library System went fines-free?

0 %

increase in card holders

0 %

increase in circulations

0 %

higher overdue book return rates

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