Why is the library going fine free?
Alongside hundreds of libraries nationwide, we are eliminating late fines to provide more equitable opportunities to use the library’s services and resources.

Fines disproportionately create barriers for families, students, and community members who wish to use our services, and studies show that fines do not increase the likelihood that items are returned by their due date. We want people to use the library and feel good about it – without fear of fines or judgment about overdue materials.  

What about existing overdue fines on library accounts?
All existing overdue fines on library accounts have been forgiven and cleared!

Replacement charges for lost/billed items and applicable service charges will remain on customer accounts. Customers are encouraged to return all overdue items for a fresh start! Once lost/billed items have been returned, all replacement charges will be eliminated. (Applicable service charges will remain.)  If you have any questions or concerns about outstanding charges on your account, please contact us. Alternative arrangements may be available.

Are there still due dates?
Yes. All items still have due dates. Eligible items will still auto-renew at the end of their loan period unless another customer has requested the item.  

We’d like to see you return items on time, so they can be available for other customers, but we understand that things happen. That’s why per-day fines have been eliminated for most items.

Do any items still have late fines?
Yes. Specialty items borrowed from the Library of Things, Children’s Discovery Zone, and Museum Pass Collection will incur fines of $1.00 per item, per day after their due date, as outlined in our Checkout Policy.

How do I know if my items are overdue?
Customers will still receive courtesy notices with item due dates. To check due dates or your account status anytime, log in to view your account online using the library’s website or mobile app to see the status of your items. You can also contact the library for more information.

What if a checked-out item is not returned or is returned damaged?
When library materials are returned damaged or are significantly overdue, replacement costs will be charged, and a notification will be issued. When lost items are returned to the library, the replacement fee is cleared.

If fines have been waived, why does my account still show I owe money?
The library is eliminating overdue fines for most items, but fees and service charges for lost or damaged items will remain on customers’ accounts. Specialty items borrowed from the Library of Things, Children’s Discovery Zone, and Museum Pass Collection will still incur fines of $1.00 per item, per day, as outlined in our Checkout Policy.

Does the library depend on fines for its budget?
Overdue fines make up only 0.1% of the library’s revenue. Revenue from fines has decreased in the past several years with the increase in digital checkouts and the implementation of auto-renewal. The library has reviewed these factors and others to determine that the benefits of eliminating fines outweigh any potential costs, and we can eliminate fines while remaining fiscally responsible.

If I considered my overdue fines a donation, are there other ways to financially support the library?
The library is grateful for donations of any amount. The Cuyahoga Falls Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Gifts to the library may be tax deductible as provided by the law. Learn more about supporting the library.