Rochester Public Library removes daily overdue fines for all patrons in permanent policy change

Rochester, New York – The Rochester Public Library has officially gone fine free, making a bold and permanent change that will remove daily overdue fees on all materials for both children and adults. The change, effective as of Saturday, July 1, 2023, is aimed at making the library more accessible and inviting to all members of the community—especially those who may have stopped visiting due to unpaid fines.

This move builds upon a 2017 pilot program that eliminated late fees for children’s and young adult materials. That initiative led to increased borrowing and renewed engagement from young readers and families. Encouraged by those results, library officials have now taken the next step—canceling daily fines across the board.

As part of this policy shift, all previously accrued overdue fines on Rochester Public Library (RPL)-owned items have been wiped clean. Patrons who have held on to overdue materials for years are encouraged to bring them back, no questions asked.

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“This is your invitation to return to the library, regardless of how long you have had something overdue,” said Jennifer Smathers, Associate Director of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County. “Library staff are excited to welcome you back to the library, a judgment-free, fine-free place with something for everyone. With the mayor’s support, RPL is absorbing anticipated fine revenue loss to further enable a prosperity mindset for our families and the city by eliminating barriers to literacy, technology, and other resources.”

Although daily fines are no longer a concern, not all charges are disappearing. Fees related to lost or damaged items, missing parts, and services such as printing and copying will still apply. The library emphasizes that users are still expected to return materials on time, but that overdue books will no longer be met with a financial penalty.

The goal behind the fine-free approach is clear—RPL wants to reduce barriers and bring people back into the library system. Even small overdue fines can be enough to discourage people from checking out books or visiting their local branch. By removing those hurdles, the library hopes to rebuild trust, promote literacy, and serve more members of the Rochester community.

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Anyone with questions about their account or specific charges is encouraged to contact the Central Library Circulation Department at 585-428-8180.

Whether it’s been months or even years since your last visit, the Rochester Public Library is opening its doors wide—and this time, without the worry of fines holding you back.