Rochester Public Library permanently eliminates daily overdue fines on all materials for children and adults to improve access and library use

Rochester, New York – The Rochester Public Library (RPL) is taking a major step toward expanding access to its services by permanently eliminating daily fines on overdue materials for both children and adults. The decision marks a full system-wide shift to a fine-free model for library-owned items, building on earlier reforms that began years ago.

The change follows a 2017 pilot program that first removed fines on children’s and young adult materials. According to library officials, that early effort led to a noticeable rise in library use, encouraging leaders to extend the policy across all age groups and all RPL-owned items.

Starting Saturday, July 1, 2023, the library also canceled existing overdue fines for previously borrowed materials. Patrons who still had items checked out long past their due dates were encouraged to return them without penalty and resume regular borrowing.

“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.”

Library leaders say the goal is to remove one of the most common barriers that prevents residents from using library services. Even small overdue fines, officials note, often discourage people from returning materials or reactivating their accounts, especially for families already facing financial pressure.

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By eliminating these fees, RPL hopes to make the library feel more welcoming and accessible to all residents, regardless of income or borrowing history. Staff also expect the change to encourage more frequent visits, higher circulation of books and materials, and increased engagement with educational and digital resources.

While overdue fines are now gone, some charges will still remain in place. Replacement costs for lost or severely damaged items, as well as processing fees for missing parts, will continue to apply. Fees for printing, copying and other library services will also remain unchanged.

Library officials emphasized that the policy is not about removing accountability but about reducing unnecessary barriers that may prevent community members from accessing information and learning opportunities.

Patrons with questions about their accounts or overdue materials can contact Central Library Circulation at 585-428-8180 for assistance. Staff are available to help users understand what has been cleared, what may still be owed, and how to return to active borrowing status.

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The move places Rochester Public Library among a growing number of library systems nationwide that are shifting away from traditional fine-based models. Advocates of the approach argue that fines often function more as a penalty for poverty than a tool for ensuring returns, particularly for children and frequent users.

With the new policy now fully in place, RPL officials are encouraging residents to return long-overdue items and rediscover the library as a community space focused on learning, inclusion, and access rather than financial penalties.

For many in Rochester, the change represents a reset. Old balances are cleared, overdue books can come back without consequence, and the doors of the library are open a little wider than before.