The Warren Public Library has made the decision to eliminate daily late fees for overdue materials.

Warren Public Library Director Kelli Knapp called the move an effort at “looking to the future of library service.”

There’s a forgiveness element to this, too.

“Not only will these late fines not be charged moving forward, but all Warren Public Library patrons will see any existing daily late fines removed from their account,” Knapp said.

It’s clear that there is a level of nuisance to this decision.

“Public libraries are a place that offer equitable access to everyone in our community,” Knapp said. “Late or overdue fines have created barriers that discourage people who cannot pay their fines from using the library.”

She said she’s hopeful that eliminating fines will encourage users to come back to the library as well as attract new users to the organization’s resources, services, programs and offerings.

“At other libraries, this policy change has had positive outcomes,” she explained. “It can result in increased patron visits and circulation. Data shows that it does not result in longer wait lists or a big increase of overdue materials.”

Fees will still remain in place for lost or damaged items — any item more than 21 days overdue will result in an account being billed for that material along with a $5 processing fee.

Checkout periods and due dates will stay, as well.

“Please note that materials borrowed from other libraries within Warren County may still have late fees assessed,” Knapp said. “All five county libraries operate independently of one another and have their

own hours, budgets, policies, and procedures.

“Therefore, if you borrow materials from another county library and do not return it, you may still accrue late fines on those materials, regardless of whether you return it to Warren Public Library.”