REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Options and Recommendation for Elimination of Fines on Overdue Library Materials
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
After examining questions of library access, fines and fees at the Sunnyvale Public Library (SPL) in this report, staff recommends eliminating overdue fines and implementing a "Fresh Start" fines amnesty program. Elimination of overdue fines would start on July 1, 2020 and reduce revenues to the General Fund by approximately $147,000 annually. Implementation of a Fines Amnesty program that clears all existing fines and welcomes people back to the Library would write off approximately $624,402 in patron debt. This debt is reflected in the Library patron database only. Writing off these funds does not impact the General Fund directly, except as part of the approximate $147,000 collected annually that represents a portion of the debt which the department plans to replace through a combination of revenue (fee) increases and cuts to materials and other activities.
The authority to waive fines except under very specific circumstances resides with Council. Staff is also recommending a change in Council Policy, 7.1.1, adding Section B.5.9 granting authority to the Director of Library and Community Services to waive library fines and fees to maintain library access for patrons and provide the best possible customer service. Changes to administrative policies, including reducing the time between blocking an account and giving notice to the patron, will also be made to improve customer service.
BACKGROUND
On March 7, 2019, the City Council approved a Study Issue to consider an option for establishing an amnesty program for overdue Library material fines (Attachment 2).
Many library systems in the United States are re-examining long-held beliefs about library fines and fees. Although a long-held library practice, recent research and case studies are revealing that overdue fines do not incentivize patrons to return mate...
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