Sewickley Public Library Goes Fine-Free
We are excited to announce that the Sewickley Public Library is going Fine-Free starting December 1, 2022!
We want to make sure everyone has access to library books, movies, and resources – regardless of circumstances. So we’re removing the barriers that keep folks away from the library. Starting December 1, 2022, the Sewickley Public Library will no longer charge late/overdue fines on any of items we lend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the library going fine-free?
We understand that our users are busy. Life can get in the way and sometimes returning library books on-time isn’t a top priority. We want to make sure library users can continue accessing the library’s valuable resources without fear of racking up a debt in fines if they are a few days late.
How does it work?
Starting December 1, 2022, the Sewickley Public Library will no longer charge late/overdue fines on any of items we lend. Books, movies, audiobooks, music—there will be no fines if you return them late.
Any items checked out at the Sewickley Public Library will not have overdue fines, even if you return them to another library.
And any materials returned to SPL will not have overdue fines, even if you checked them out from another library.
Will items accrue daily overdue fines?
Nope! Overdue or late-fines will not be charged for items that are returned after the due date.
Does this mean I can keep my library materials forever?
No. Materials should still be returned on or before the date that they are due. Returning your materials on time helps ensure that everyone who uses the library has access to them.
But fine-free does not mean consequence-free. Patrons will be charged for items that are lost, damaged, or never returned just as they are now. Patrons will continue to receive due-date notifications and will be asked to return items (if not eligible for renewal). If the item is six weeks overdue, a bill to replace the item will be issued. Patrons privileges for borrowing or renewing materials will be blocked if more than $10.00 is owed on an account.
Have an item that was more than six weeks overdue and you were billed for it? Return that item & we will remove the bill. We want our items back more than we want to charge you.
What about the overdue fines I currently have on my account?
All previously accrued overdue fines for patrons who live in the Quaker Valley School District will be automatically waived as of December 1, 2022. Charges for lost/damaged/unreturned items will not be waived.
How does this impact the library’s budget?
Less than .05% of the library’s budget comes from overdue fines. The mission of Sewickley Public Library is to “serve as a center for lifelong learning by providing free access to informational, educational, cultural and recreational library resources…” We believe this action will better help us serve our mission by eliminating barriers to access for users that need our services the most.
Will people still return their materials if there are no late fines?
Evidence shows yes! At least 29 libraries in Allegheny County are already fine-free. Launched as a pilot in 2019, the fine-free initiative has shown increased circulation and patron registrations with no significant change in the rate of items that are overdue.
Will the library change the fee limit at which it block accounts?
No. Patrons privileges for borrowing or renewing materials will be blocked if more than $10.00 is owed on an account.
Are all libraries in Allegheny County fine-free?
No, not all libraries in Allegheny County have eliminated overdue fines. Fines are generated at point-of-checkout, but we will waive overdue fines at the Sewickley Public Library.
Will the library refund patrons who paid their overdue fines before this change?
No, the library does not refund overdue fines previously paid prior to the fine-free policy change.
