Library shelves overdue fines on books, materials

Journal Staff Fines on overdue library books and other materials will become a thing of the past starting March 1.

Journal Staff

Fines on overdue library books and other materials will become a thing of the past starting March 1.

Lambton County said overdue fines don’t act as an effective incentive to return library materials on time, and disproportionately impact people who have little income and those who speak English as a second language.

The county said research has shown eliminating fines yields higher return rates, and increases circulation and overall library use.

Patrons will still be responsible for returning library items on time, and fees will still be charged for lost or damaged materials.

Items not returned will be considered lost 30 days after the due date, and borrowers will be charged replacement fees.