Did you know that Quincy Public Library (QPL) is fine free? That means if you bring in a book after the due date, there is no late fee.* So, if you have been holding on to a book because you were scared about paying up, worry no more! Just bring the book back and all is forgiven.
QPL went fine free during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and decided to continue that service afterwards. As noted in this Herald-Whig article, a driving force behind eliminating fines was to limit barriers to library resources.
Going fine free for overdue books, brings QPL in line with a larger national trend for public libraries. National data shows that return rates actually increase when a library does away with fines. It turns out that when people have fees, they would rather just stay away from the library altogether than have to pay. In addition to avoiding conflict, some people are just not financially able to pay a fine, and they are the ones who need free library resources the most.
Also, librarians don't want to chase you down for money! We want to read you stories and help you search for jobs. We want to make a display about all the Scottish men who seem to have misplaced their shirts. We want to catch you on the mobile library, not catch you and flip you over for the change in your pocket. Going fine free takes away one of the stressful parts of our jobs, and that makes everybody happier.
Finally, we want the library to be a happy and welcoming place for everybody to enjoy. A free spot where you can check your emails, join a book club, or enjoy a little quiet time for yourself. Not a place where cranky librarians in cardigans tell you to be silent and demand you pay up or get out. We still have cranky librarians in cardigans, but it's because someone spoiled the twist for a book on our TBR. (Don't do that!)
If you have a book at home that is filling you with guilt because you never returned it, bring it back and enjoy your local library with a clear conscience!
*There is still a fee for lost or damaged books but come in anyways and let us help you through that.
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Once you return that old book, you'll need something new to read. Check our catalog from the comfort of your own home! Of course, if you need recommendations or need help locating the book you want, our staff is ready and able to help!