Sewickley Public Library goes fine-free at the start of December

Sewickley Public Library officials have announced a new policy regarding late and overdue materials.

The library will no longer charge late/overdue fines on items borrowed from the library. The change became effective Dec. 1.

It does not matter whether borrowers check out books, movies, audiobooks, or music — there will be no fine if those items are returned late.

“Overdue fines act as a barrier to access and can end up keeping patrons away from the library,” said Tricia Pennington, library head of circulation. “Too often, borrowers that accrue high overdue fines never return to the library and never return late items.

“In a fine-free system, patrons know that once the library materials are returned, they will not be fined and are much more likely to return the items and use the library again. No one should be afraid to come to the library.”

Sewickley joins a long list of libraries that have already gone fine-free.

The Allegheny County Library Association in 2019 piloted the program in nine of its member libraries, including Millvale, Monroeville and Penn Hills. It has grown to about 30 libraries since then.

Libraries in Bethel Park and Harrison made the change earlier this year.

Association officials said the program has also had a positive impact on material circulations and patron registrations.

Since November 2019, total circulation in seven of the nine initial participating libraries has increased by nearly 14%, according to the ACLA website.

Library card registrations also climbed 15% in the first three months after fines were eliminated at these sites.

“Fines can present a significant barrier for a segment of parents and children, making them reluctant to return to their local library,” said former ACLA executive director Marilyn Jenkins. “This is counter to the primary goal of all of our libraries to encourage participation in library programs and access to the many services offered.”

Sewickley library officials said any items checked out at the Sewickley Public Library will not have overdue fines even if they are returned to another library, and any materials returned to the Sewickley library will not have overdue fines, even if they were checked out from another library.

Sewickley Public Library executive director Carolyn Toth said the loss of fine revenue is expected to have a very minimal impact as it accounts for less than 0.05% of the library’s budget.

“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,” Toth said. “We believe going fine-free will better help us serve our mission by eliminating barriers to access for users that need our services the most.”

Going fine-free does not mean consequence free. Libraries still charge replacement fees for lost, damaged or never returned materials.

More information about the Sewickley Public Library and its policies is available by calling 412-741-6920.