Effective 9/1/2023, Kewaskum Public Library is no longer charging overdue fines for youth and young adult items checked out at our library.
Fine Free Q&A
- What does fine free mean?
Starting September 1, 2023 there will no longer be fines on youth and young adult items such as books, audio books, movies on DVD or Blu-Ray, music CDs, magazines and some kits that are checked out at our library. When an item is overdue there will no longer be charges associated to the account the item is checked out to.
- Why has Kewaskum Public Library removed fines for youth and young adult items?
Monetary fines can create an economic barrier to the access of valuable library materials and services. Kewaskum Public Library has removed them for youth and young adult items so these resources, particularly those important to youth literacy, can be accessible to all.
- Does this mean I can keep youth and young adult items as long as I want with no penalty?
No, you will still need to return the item, so that others may enjoy it. If you keep it after 35 days, you will be billed for the replacement of the item. That charge will disappear when you return the item in good condition. While a replacement charge exists on your account, you will be blocked from checking out additional items until the charges are paid or the items are returned.
- Do the items have to be checked out on a youth card to be fine free?
All youth and young adult items are fine free, regardless of who checks them out. The policy applies to the type of item and not the age of the person checking out.
- Do I still have to pay when I return my item late or damaged?
If the youth or young adult item is returned late, you do not have to pay any fines. However, patrons will still be held accountable for damaged or lost materials.
- How do I know if I am charged for a lost or damaged item?
For a lost item, you will receive reminders that the item is overdue. If it is not returned after 35 days, you will receive a bill charging you for the item. If you return a damaged item, you will also receive notification that you have been charged for the item.
- What about adult items? Are those fine-free when checked out from your library?
No, there will be still be fines on adult items checked out from Kewaskum Public Library if they are overdue. However, effective September 1, 2023, fines for adult items, with some exceptions have been reduced to $0.10 a day. This includes books, audio books, movies on DVD or Blu-Ray, music CDs, magazines and most kits. The exceptions are our adventure passes and hotspots. These will be charged a $10 a day overdue fine.
- Aren’t fines a source of revenue for your library and won’t you suffer financially for not charging for overdue items?
The revenue from overdue fines was a very small fraction of our revenue, less than half of a percent. We rely more on funding from reimbursement from circulating material and a portion of our village’s tax levy. Without overdue fines blocking an account, more children will be able to check out more material. Citizens who wish to support our library are encouraged to make a donation to the library.