Beginning July 1, 2022, the Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) joins a growing number of public libraries across the Shore, Maryland and the United States that are going fine free! Overdue fines can present a barrier to those who need library resources most, including children and low income families. Removing overdue fines is another way that TCFL hopes to eliminate barriers to access and enhance its mission to inspire our community to discover ideas and information to enrich and renew lives. Please see our press release for more information.
What does this mean for you?
Late fines will no longer be charged on items borrowed from the Talbot County Free Library (TCFL). Fines may apply to items borrowed and returned at other Maryland public libraries
What are late/overdue fines vs. lost/damaged/missing item fees?
Late/overdue fines are fines that were accrued when an overdue library item was not returned by its due date. As of July 1, 2022, these fines will no longer be charged by the Talbot County Free Library. If you have a Talbot County Free Library card, all old fines will be waived. Don’t worry if you still have a balance on your account from fines, we are working to update this in our system.
Lost/damaged fees are fees that occur when library materials are not returned, returned damaged, or returned with missing items. Lost/damaged fees will not be waived, and will continue to be charged as necessary.
Do I still have to pay a fine that was on my account prior to TCFL going fine free?
If you had overdue fines from checking out library materials on a TCFL Library card, all pre-existing TCFL fines will be waived. However, if you checked out materials on another Maryland library card, those fines will not be waived.
Will lost/damaged/missing item fees be forgiven?
Lost/damaged/missing items fees on TCFL library accounts will not be waived.
If all fines have been waived, why does my account still have a balance?
While TCFL is forgiving late fines and no longer charging for overdue items, you will still need to pay for lost, damaged or missing materials. You may also have charges on your account for interlibrary loan fees.
Don’t worry if you still have a balance on your account for overdue fines. We are working to update this in our system.
What about fines from other libraries?
All Eastern Shore public libraries are fine-free. Fines may still accrue on interlibrary loan items borrowed from another library system.
How will the Library get people to return borrowed materials?
“No late fines” does not mean that patrons can keep their items forever. Thirty (30) days after the final due date, materials that are not returned will be considered “lost” and patrons will be billed the replacement cost of each item. Patrons may return materials at any time to have their lost fees removed from their account. If an account has charges of $20 or more, borrowing privileges are suspended and approximately 44 days after the final due date, the account will be referred to a materials recovery service and a non-waivable $15 fee will be added to the account. Borrowing privileges for library cards will be restored when materials are returned and/or the balance is paid in full.
Will I still receive reminders about returning materials?
Yes, you will receive reminder notifications if you have provided an email address and requested “email notification.” We encourage you to supply an email address to receive detailed library notifications. These can be very helpful in remembering when items are due. The library can also send text messages, however text notifications contain limited information and text rates from your cellular carrier may apply.
How do I know if I have any charges on my account?
You can log into your library account online or ask at the library.
Do you still offer automatic renewal?
Automatic renewals will continue and eligible items will be automatically renewed three days before the due date.
Most items can be renewed up to two (2) times. Automatic renewal does not work with:
What does “fine free” mean for the TCFL operating budget?
Overdue fines make up less than one percent of the library’s annual budget. The library's fundraising efforts will help to fill any void that loss of fines revenue could create. If you would like to support the Library, please consider donating.
Why is TCFL going fine free? Won't removing late fines keep people from returning items on time?
Studies have shown that overdue fines have no impact on material return rates. In fact, once someone has a late fine, they are less likely to return to the library again. Libraries who have removed late fines report few adverse effects on material return rates. According to the research, libraries that have adopted fine free policies found that:
In short, more people were able to use library materials, which is central to TCFL’s mission!
If you are interested in learning more, here are a few resources: