We are pleased to announce the expansion of our Fine Free initiative in time for Seniors’ Month!

All library members 65 years of age and up can borrow library materials without being charged fines if items are returned late. This decision was approved by the Library Board and is an expansion of our existing fine-free policy for infants, children, teens, and young adults.

This announcement offers a fresh start for individuals aged 65 and up. They will no longer be charged overdue fines for all items checked out from June 4 onwards. Replacement charges for lost items still apply to all age groups.

Late fees for overdue items can be a barrier to enjoying our collections, borrowing essential resources, and using technology. Fines can often affect community members unevenly, having a larger impact on people with lower or fixed incomes. Allowing our members aged 65 and up to borrow library materials without the risk of fines encourages more frequent visits, provides access to up-to-date information, and makes visits easier, particularly for those with mobility or transportation challenges.

This new fines-free initiative supports our 2023-27 Strategic Plan that offers residents welcoming and inclusive spaces, community connections, and strives to enrich the lives of everyone in the community.

We still expect patrons to respect due dates and renew whenever they can so that everyone can enjoy our shared resources. We will continue to email reminders to patrons three days before books are due. In addition, several reminders are sent when an item is overdue. It is the patron’s responsibility to check their email address (including spam/junk folders) for notices from us.

For additional information about our fine-free initiatives, please visit our library cards website page or visit either branch to speak with a librarian. For more information about our Seniors’ Month programs throughout June, please visit our news article website page.