Fine Free

fine free (Facebook Post (Landscape))Starting July 5, 2023, the Moline Public Library is eliminating late fines on most overdue materials.  

How Does This Work?

  • Moline Public Library cardholders will have all late fines from items checked out at Moline before July 1 forgiven from their accounts. This excludes bills for lost or damaged items and collection fees.
  • All items checked out will continue to have due dates. Patrons are expected to return items on time, out of respect for other users.
  • Any library cardholder that checks out at Moline Public Library will not be charged late fines on most items, except for passes to local attractions ($5 per day), mobile hotspots ($5 per day), and interlibrary loans ($1 per day).
  • Notices will be issued for overdue items at 7 days late (1st notice) and 14 days late (2nd notice). 
  • Once items are 21 days overdue, cardholders will be billed for replacement costs. These bills may be removed if the overdue items are returned in good condition.
  • The Library will continue to charge replacement costs and processing fees for items that are lost or damaged. Accounts with long overdue items will still be submitted to a collection agency.
  • When visiting other libraries, Moline Public Library cardholders are subject to that lender's rules and fees.
  • Refunds cannot be issued for fines paid prior to July 5, 2023.

Why Go Fine Free?

COMMITMENT– We are dedicated to making the Library as accessible as possible for all in our community.

EQUITY – Fine Free eliminates barriers to library materials that can disproportionately affect lower-income households.

RETENTION– Elimination of late fines increases likelihood that materials will be returned for continued use.

INCLUSION– Patrons should feel a sense of welcoming and belonging when using the Library, not stress or anxiety over late fines.

CONSISTENCY– Downloadable and streaming e-resources check out fine free, most of our other items should too.

How Does This Affect the Library's Budget?

In 2022, service fees from fines accounted for only .77% of revenues. The Moline Public Library believes removing late fines benefits our community far more than any potential impact on the library budget.