NYPL Axes Its Late Fines
The New York Public Library has eliminated all late fines going forward and cleared all prior late fines and replacement fees, effective October 5, 2021.
"Research shows that fines are not effective in ensuring book returns—New Yorkers are quite reliable and responsible, clearly respecting our collections and the need for them to be available for others to borrow," NYPL president Anthony W. Marx wrote in an email to patrons. But, unfortunately, fines are quite effective at preventing our most vulnerable communities from using our branches, services, and books. That is the antithesis of our mission to make knowledge and opportunity accessible to all, and needed to change. As New York grapples with the inequities laid bare by the pandemic, it is all the more urgent that we ensure the public library is open and freely available to all. "
