Stephanie Ip - Yesterday
© Arlen RedekopThe Vancouver Public Library will stop charging overdue fines on borrowed material forever, beginning June 1, 2022.
The Vancouver Public Library will stop charging overdue fines on borrowed material forever, beginning June 1.
Borrowers with existing overdue charges will see those automatically erased from their accounts, though it may take a few weeks to update accounts.
The new policy applies to all VPL material, including fast reads, quick views, musical instruments and interlibrary loans.
“Fines can impact anyone at any time, for many reasons. VPL is for everyone and we don’t want fines to be a barrier,” read a statement announcing the change. “Library fines disproportionately affect those who need the library the most. By eliminating overdue fines, VPL will ensure that critical library services are available to everyone regardless of their socio-economic status.”
Material that is overdue will prompt additional reminders by phone or email to the borrower to return the borrowed item. Anything not returned within 23 days of its due date will incur a lost item charge to the borrowers account, however once the item is returned, that charge will also be erased from the account.
Other charges remain.
Those who insist on paying their overdue fines are encouraged to donate to the VPL Foundation instead.
sip@postmedia.com
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