Juvenile Fine-Free

As of September 1, 2025, members of the Luzerne County Library System will no longer charge late fees for overdue children’s items. Materials will continue to appear overdue on the patron’s account once the items’ due dates have passed, but there will be no accompanying late fees or fines. They will only be billed once materials are marked lost.

Juvenile Fine Free FAQs
Why did the library go fine-free for Juvenile (Children’s) items?
It’s good for Luzerne County. Our community is stronger and healthier when people have access to the programs, services, and materials 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 our offerings.

What led to this decision?
Staff members discovered a disproportionate number of blocked cards due to late fees associated with Juvenile items. Many were in areas where people face income challenges and worried that overdue fines were resulting in inequitable access to library materials.

Exactly what items are included?
• All “E” (easy) books • All “J” (juvenile) books • Juvenile DVDs • Juvenile Audiobooks • Juvenile CDs • Juvenile Wonderbooks

Are there still due dates and what happens if items are lost, damaged, or stolen?
Library users are still responsible for returning materials on time. Accounts with unpaid charges of $5 or more, or with materials that are more than 14 days overdue will be blocked from checking out additional materials, placing holds, or renewing materials until the overdue items have been returned in good condition or paid for.

What about existing fines and late fees?
All existing overdue fines for Juvenile Items will be removed from your account beginning September 1st, 2025. Library users may still see charges for lost or damaged items. Please get in touch with your local library if you have questions about your account.

Can I get reimbursed for late fees that I already paid?
The policy is effective September 1, 2025. Any overdue fees paid before can’t be reimbursed.

Don’t fines encourage people to return their materials?
Late fines are not effective. Studies have shown that small fines have no impact on return rates. According to “Removing Barriers to Access,” from the Colorado State Library: “The scant research on the impact of library fines and fees does not indicate a clear benefit to administering these policies and may be costly to enforce.

Don’t late fees help teach kids responsibility?
Our primary mission is to provide the materials and services that contribute to a more literate Luzerne County. The fact is that not every child has responsible adult guidance. Even so, a majority of people want to return their books on time, but life gets in the way. There is no research to demonstrate that fines help teach responsibility. If an adult wants to teach children responsibility we are happy to help work with you!

Is this a bad financial decision?
No! It’s fiscally responsible. Due to the rise in electronic materials (which do not accrue late fees) and other factors, fines are not a sustainable form of revenue. Money collected fees has gone down steadily for the past 10 years. Often, we spend more money processing fines than we collect. Going fine-free means we can use those resources to improve library services!

I always thought that paying fines was a type of donation to the library. Can I still donate?
Yes! Contact your local library for information on making a financial contribution. Your donation will support critical Library programs and services.

Will I have to wait longer to get things I’m waiting for?
Most fine-free libraries report that a majority of library users still return their materials on time, and waitlists aren’t affected. Library staff will continue to monitor waitlists and adjust accordingly. We always encourage library users to return materials on time so others can enjoy them.