Fine Free FAQS
We believe in providing access to knowledge for all.
The Upper Saddle River Library is dedicated to providing information, education, culture and inspiration to our residents. Recent studies have demonstrated that even small monetary fines may create barriers to fulfilling that mission and may discourage some from joining and using the Library.
In order to further fulfill our mission, effective March 1, 2022 the Library will not charge overdue fees on Upper Saddle River Library books and media borrowed from the Library. Museum passes, hotspots, ereaders and the Library of Things will still be subject to fines.
Why have we gone fine free?
It’s good for Upper Saddle River! Our community is stronger and healthier when all people have access to programs, services, and materials they need to pursue their educational, career, family, and life goals. We hope this will encourage prior users to come back to the library and attract new users to experience all that the library has to offer.
Have other libraries eliminated late fines?
Yes! In the U.S., almost 500 libraries have adopted fine free policies, and the number is growing every day. This number includes large libraries like the Boston Public and New York Public libraries as well as at least 26 of our BCCLS partner libraries and many others throughout New Jersey.
Won’t late fines keep people from returning items on time?
Studies have shown that small fines have no impact on return rates. Once someone has a late fine, they are less likely to visit the library again. Libraries who have removed late fees report few adverse effects on material return rates. The public library model is based upon a trusting relationship between borrowers and a valued community resource. Library staff trusts that borrowers will return items on time, so others may use them.
Will there still be due dates?
Yes. The library still has a set time limit for materials to be borrowed and we expect items to be returned on time. We trust that you will be respectful of your fellow library users who may be waiting for items to be returned. Bring back materials when they are due so that everyone has equal access to our collections.
What happens if I have outstanding fines on my account?
If you have outstanding fines accrued on your Library Card account for Upper Saddle River owned materials, stop in and we will help you clear them. Charges for lost or damaged material will still be applicable.
What if I borrow items from another BCCLS library?
Fines are set by the lending library. If an item is borrowed from a library that still imposes fines, you will be assessed that late fine. The Upper Saddle River Library may not waive fines imposed by other member libraries.
What happens if someone doesn’t return their items?
If an item is not returned on time, automated reminders will continue to be sent at 14 and 28 days. After 60 days, the item is considered lost and the patron will be billed for the replacement cost and borrowing privileges will be suspended.
How will this affect the library’s budget?
While the Library is always carefully watching its bottom line, any loss of overdue fine revenue is tiny compared with the good this new policy will do for the community. Since the Library had been waiving fines temporarily during the pandemic to assist our customers, formally adopting a fine free policy will not significantly impact the budget moving forward and will remove barriers to Library use.