Swarthmore Public Library Eliminates Overdue Fees in Push for Greater Accessibility
The Swarthmore Public Library has officially joined a growing national movement by eliminating overdue fines on late materials, a decision aimed at removing financial barriers to literacy and ensuring equitable access to community resources. The policy shift signals a fundamental change in how the institution views its relationship with patrons, prioritizing access over penalties.
Under the new guidelines, library users will no longer accrue daily fines for books, DVDs, and other materials kept past their due dates. The decision follows a detailed review of circulation data and community needs, which revealed that monetary penalties often failed to encourage the timely return of items. Instead, these fines frequently had the adverse effect of blocking access for those who need library services the most, particularly low-income residents, children, and families. By wiping the slate clean, the library hopes to reactivate dormant accounts and welcome back community members who may have avoided the facility due to outstanding balances.
This move places Swarthmore in alignment with the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2019 resolution, which described monetary fines as a form of social inequity. Across the United States, major library systems—including those in Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago—have already adopted fine-free models. Historical data from these transitions often shows an unexpected benefit: rather than depleting inventory, eliminating fines frequently leads to a surge in the return of long-overdue materials, as patrons no longer fear the financial shame of returning a book months late. Additionally, studies suggest that the administrative costs associated with collecting nickels and dimes often outweigh the actual revenue generated.
However, the shift to a fine-free model often sparks debate regarding fiscal responsibility and material turnover. Critics of the policy argue that financial penalties are necessary to teach personal responsibility and ensure that popular items circulate efficiently among residents. There are concerns that without the threat of a fine, patrons may hoard high-demand items, resulting in longer wait times for others.
To address these objections, the library has clarified that “fine-free” does not mean “responsibility-free.” While daily late fees are eliminated, patrons are still accountable for the materials they borrow. Items that are kept significantly past their due date will eventually be marked as “lost,” at which point the patron will be billed for the full replacement cost of the item. Borrowing privileges will be suspended for users with lost items until the materials are returned or paid for. This hybrid approach aims to balance the need for inventory control with the library’s mission of unrestricted access.
