01 Nov PGTPL is Fine Free!
The Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library is now fine-free! We no longer charge fines on late items. This ensures that all people have access to library books and materials, which is our primary purpose as a public library.
Why go fine free?
It’s part of our mission. The Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library’s stated mission is to make a difference in people’s lives and we believe going fine free helps fulfill that mission. Also, going fine free aligns with three of the Strategic Focuses in our current strategic plan, namely Building and Strengthening Community Impact, Empowering Staff, and Revolutionizing Customer Experience.
It’s good for our community. Our community is stronger when everyone has access to the library’s programs, services, and resources, including the materials they need to pursue their educational, career, family, and life goals, regardless of their ability to pay for them. We hope this will encourage prior users to come back to the library and also attract new users to experience what the library has to offer them.
Late fines are punitive and not effective. Studies have shown that small fines have no impact on return rates. According to Removing Barriers to Access, a Colorado State Library whitepaper: “The scant research on the impact of library fines and fees does not indicate a clear benefit to administering these policies.”
It’s good for our relationships. When you visit the library, we want to do our best to help you, not badger you about a late fine. Going fine free makes a trip to the library more pleasant for both you and the library staff.
What this means for you:
- You will no longer receive a daily late fine on overdue items borrowed from PGTPL.
- You are still responsible for returning your items in good condition. We do want all items back!
- The library will still send you courtesy reminders to return your items.
- If you have overdue fines from other Evergreen Indiana libraries, you are still responsible for paying them. If you check out or renew materials while visiting another Evergreen library, you could still be charged fines based on that particular library’s fine policy; many libraries still charge late fines.
- Materials that are 28 days overdue are considered lost and you will be billed for the replacement cost and associated material processing fees.
- If you still have not returned or paid for the item within 15 days of receiving a bill, you will be referred to a collection agency and charged a non-waivable $10 collection referral fee. If you return the items undamaged after being referred to collections, the replacement costs and processing fees will be cleared from your account, but not the $10 collection referral fee.
- Past replacement fees for lost or damaged items still apply.
- If you have overdue fines that were charged by PGTPL on your account prior to the library going fine free, you are no longer required to pay these fines. We have cleared many patron accounts, but if you still have an overdue fine that appears on your account, please ask to speak to a staff member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still have to pay overdue fines on my account prior to PGTPL going fine free?
If you have returned all materials checked out from PGTPL, your fine will be waived. However, fines from other Evergreen libraries may still be charged to your account and must be paid.
Is everything free of overdue fines?
Yes.
Fines have been waived, so why does my account still have a balance?
While PGTPL is no longer charging overdue fines, other fees posted to patron accounts will remain and will continue to be charged as warranted. These include lost/damaged item fees, processing fees, returned check fees, meeting room fees, document fees, interlibrary loan fees, collection referral fees, replacement library card fees, non-resident library card fees, PLAC fees, and any other applicable charge or fee not specifically enumerated herein.
How will the library get people to return borrowed items?
“No fines” does not equal “no responsibility”. Materials that are 28 days overdue will be considered lost and you will be billed for the replacement cost of those items. Fifteen (15) days after receiving a 28 day overdue item bill, you will be referred to a collection agency and charged a non-waivable $10 collection referral fee if you have not returned the items. If you return the items after being referred to collections, the bill will be cleared from your account, except for the $10 collection referral fee.
Will I still receive reminders about returning my items?
Yes, patrons will continue to receive multiple reminders. Patrons are responsible for keeping their contact information and mailing addresses up to date. Here’s what our notification structure looks like:
| Notice Type | Method | When |
| Reminder | Email and/or text | Three (3) days before item is due |
| Overdue | Email and/or text | On due date |
| Overdue | By mail | 14 days overdue |
| Bill | By mail | 28 days overdue; patron billed for replacement costs |
| Collection Notice | By mail | 43 days overdue; patron referred to collection agency |
How is the library’s budget affected by the loss of fine revenue?
On average, overdue fines make up less than two tenths of one percent (0.16%) of the Library’s annual revenue. With such a miniscule amount, we anticipate little to no effect on the library’s operating budget.
I’ve always thought of paying my fines as my donation to the library. Can I still donate?
Yes! Ask staff about the many ways in which you can support the library with your monetary donation.
What is the difference between a fine and a fee?
Fines are punitive. Fees support library services and products such as library cards, copying, printing, faxing, scanning, material replacement costs, meeting room fees, etc.
