Fine Free @ Tully Free Library

As of September 15, 2020, Tully Free Library is now fine free! We no longer charge fines on late items. This ensures that all people have access to library books and materials, which is our primary purpose as a public library. Here you’ll find information about this new policy and how it affects you.

Why go fine free?

It’s good for our community. Our community is stronger and healthier when people have access to the programs, services, and materials they need to pursue their educational, career, family, and life goals. We hope this will encourage prior users to come back to the library and attract new users to experience our offerings.

Late fines are not effective. Studies have shown that small fines have no impact on return rates. According to “Removing Barriers to Access,” a Colorado State Library whitepaper:  “The scant research on the impact of library fines and fees does not indicate a clear benefit to to administering these policies and may be costly to enforce.”

It’s fiscally responsible. Due to the rise in electronic materials (which do not accrue late fines) and other factors, fines are not a sustainable form of revenue for the library. Money collected from fines and fees has gone down steadily for the past ten years.

What this means for you

  • You will no longer receive a daily late fine on overdue items owned by Tully Free Library.

  • You are still responsible for returning your items. We do want all items back!

  • The library will send you reminders to return your items.

  • If you check out materials from another library in the Onondaga County Public Library System, you could still be charged fines based on that library’s fine policy (some have fines, some do not). If you have overdue fines from other libraries in the Onondaga County Public Library System, you are still responsible for paying these at the library where these fines accrued.

  • Materials from Tully Free Library that are 30 days overdue are assumed lost and you will be billed for the replacement and processing costs.

  • Once you owe $100 in your library account, you will be referred to a collection agency and charged a $10 collection agency processing fee. If you return the items, the bill will be cleared from your account, but the collection agency processing fee will remain.

  • Past replacement fees and processing charges for lost or damaged items still apply.

  • If you have overdue fines from Tully Free Library that you accrued before we went fine free, you are no longer required to pay these fees. We have cleared many of the accounts, but if you still have a fine that appears on your account, please call us and speak to a staff member.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.    Do I still have to pay a fine that was on my account prior to TFL going fine free?
    If you’ve returned all materials, your fine has been waived.

2.    Fines have been waived, so why does my account still have a balance?
    While TFL is doing away with overdue fines, fees for lost or damaged materials remain.

3.    How will the Library get people to return borrowed materials?
    “No fines” does not mean “no responsibility.” Materials that are 30 days overdue are assumed lost and you will be billed for the replacement and processing costs.

4.    Will I still receive reminders about returning materials?
Yes, almost overdue reminders are sent by email, so you will only get them if you have an email address in your library account. First, second, and third overdue reminders will be sent to you by the notification method in your library account (phone, email, text).

5.    How is the Library budget affected by the loss of fine income?
    Overdue fines on average make up only two percent of the Library’s annual budget.

6.    I’ve always thought of paying my fines as my donation to the library. Can I still donate?
    Yes! Now and in the future, donations to the Library can be made either online or by sending a check to us at Tully Free Library, PO Box 250, Tully, NY 13159. Your donation will support critical Library programs and services.

7.    What is the difference between a fine and a fee?
    Fines are punitive. Fees are for library services and products such as library cards, copying, printing, material replacement costs, etc.