Fine Free

No more fines! Just bring the item back

MCDL materials no longer accrue late fines. However, items will be deemed lost and charged a replacement fee if not returned after the maximum number of renewals.  View the new policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When didl MCDL cease charging late fines?
January 1, 2020 was the first day of Fine Free status at MCDL. 

How will borrowers know to bring items back?
There will be no changes for materials' due dates or loan periods. Library users may still check their accounts online, in the library, and receive phone, email or text message reminders of materials’ due dates.  If a borrower has materials out beyond the maximum loan period the item will be deemed “lost” after a 21 day grace period and the member will be charged a replacement fee.  However, if the item is returned, the lost fee is waived.

How does this apply to items originating from other libraries?
Items owned by other libraries checked out by MCDL members do not accrue late fines.  Make sure your home library is MCDL or you may continue accruing fines from your previous home library location.  Staff are happy to help with this at any MCDL location.

Will library users return items if there’s no fear of fines?
Yes!  In 2018 CLEVNET debuted automatic renewals, which greatly reduced fines and fine revenue for all participating libraries. Auto-renewals allow MCDL members to borrow items and automatically renew up to five times, as long as there are no requests for the items. Nearly two years after the auto-renewal service debuted, MCDL’s circulation is increasing and members are bringing items back in a timely manner. Hundreds of other libraries have gone fine free and find their materials come back early, when readers are done with the item, or by the due date. Not when the maximum loan period is up.

I’ve never heard of a library eliminating fines.  Is MCDL one of the first?
Nationwide, hundreds of libraries have eliminated late fines for overdue materials. Many libraries in CLEVNET are Fine Free, including Cleveland Public Library.  MCDL is part of a nationwide movement to bring greater access to people who need libraries most. At MCDL, library cards are blocked from use once fines reach $10.  While that’s not a lot of money for some, for many members that is a barrier for using the library.  Many youth and teens may avoid the library for fear of forgetting to return items and accumulating fines they simply don’t have the resources to pay off.