Swarthmore Public Library eliminates overdue book fees for patrons.

The Swarthmore Public Library has eliminated overdue fines, a move that aligns with a growing trend among libraries across the United States. Library officials assert that the absence of fines enhances access to library resources, particularly for patrons who may feel deterred from returning materials due to financial penalties.

Serving residents of Swarthmore as well as the neighboring community of Rutledge, the Swarthmore Public Library is part of the Delaware County Public Library System and operates as a non-profit entity funded primarily through public donations and government support. In 2024, the library boasted approximately 3,100 active cardholders.

According to Alec Staley, the library director, overdue fines generate negligible financial benefits while potentially discouraging library use. Research supports this perspective, indicating that late fees can hinder patrons’ willingness to return borrowed materials. For example, following the elimination of overdue fines by the Chicago Public Library in 2019, the institution experienced a remarkable 240% increase in the prompt return of books. Similarly, a fine forgiveness initiative at the San Francisco Public Library in 2017 resulted in nearly 700,000 items being returned within a six-week period, translating to a recovery of items valued at approximately 6,000.

One of the critical factors motivating the decision to abolish latefees is the disproportionate impact they have on low-income users. Many individuals avoid returning materials altogether due to the fear of incurring charges, effectively cutting themselves off from essential resources. This reality has been a significant concern for library staff, with Staley noting that denying access to families based on financial penalties has weighed heavily on their operations.

With the recent policy change, all outstanding overdue fees will be eliminated from cardholders’ accounts. Elizabeth Brown, the president of the library’s board of trustees, emphasized that revenue from late fees constituted a mere 1% of the library’s annual budget, underscoring that they do not serve as a crucial source of funding. The institution aims to bridge any financial gaps through increased fundraising efforts.

While the elimination of late fees does not mean unrestricted borrowing, the library will still implement charges for lost items, which will be classified as “lost” after three weeks. However, these fees will be waived if the items are returned.

Swarthmore Public Library is part of a larger movement among Philadelphia-area libraries to abolish overdue fines. The Free Library of Philadelphia, for example, adopted a fine-free policy in 2020 with the intention of improving accessibility and equity, successfully reinstating access for 88,000 cardholders previously unable to utilize library services due to outstanding fines.

As libraries evolve to foster an inclusive environment, the Swarthmore Public Library’s decision resonates with a fundamental tenet of public service: enhancing community access to information and resources. This initiative underscores a commitment to safeguarding the public library’s role as a vital, free space for the community.

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