Rochester Public Library permanently eliminates daily overdue fines for all patrons to make books and resources more accessible

Rochester, New York – The Rochester Public Library is permanently ending daily overdue fines on its own library materials, expanding a policy that previously applied only to children’s and young adult collections. Library officials say the change is designed to remove barriers that may have discouraged residents from returning to the library and using its services.

The fine-free policy follows a successful pilot program introduced in 2017, when Rochester Public Library stopped charging overdue fines on materials intended for children and teenagers. According to the library, that initiative led to increased use of library resources, encouraging officials to extend the approach to patrons of all ages.

With the expanded policy now in place, borrowers will no longer accumulate daily overdue fines on Rochester Public Library-owned materials. In addition, overdue fines tied to previously borrowed library items have been canceled for existing users, giving patrons a fresh start regardless of how long items have remained overdue.

Library leaders hope the decision will encourage former users to return and reconnect with the wide range of services offered throughout the library system. Residents are invited to bring back overdue materials and continue borrowing books, movies, and other resources from any Rochester Public Library location.

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Jennifer Smathers, Associate Director of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, said the library wants everyone to feel welcome.

“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 officials said removing overdue fines reflects a broader effort to improve access to educational and community resources. By eliminating financial penalties that may have prevented some people from returning, the library hopes more residents will take advantage of books, digital materials, internet access, technology, and other services available throughout the system.

While daily overdue fines are no longer being charged on Rochester Public Library-owned materials, some other fees will remain. Patrons will still be responsible for replacement costs on items considered lost after being overdue for an extended period. Charges for damaged materials, missing parts, processing fees, and services such as printing and copying will also continue.

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Officials noted that these remaining fees help cover the cost of replacing library property and maintaining services while still allowing the library to remove one of the most common obstacles that kept people from borrowing materials.

Patrons who have questions about their library accounts or the updated policy are encouraged to contact the Central Library’s circulation department for assistance. Library leaders hope the permanent fine-free approach will strengthen community engagement and ensure that more residents can benefit from the educational, technological, and recreational resources available through the Rochester Public Library.