Library fines disproportionately affect low-income communities, communities of color, and communities without advanced degrees.
The above statement might read to some like, “poor people don’t return their books!” Um, no. Library patrons across all ethnicities, economic strata, and education levels accrue book fines at the same rate.Here’s the difference though: The people who aren’t living on a financial razor’s edge and can afford to pay the fine eventually bring their books back and resume use of the library’s services. And the fine they pay represents a tiny percentage of their income.
Compare that to a family struggling to buy groceries each week. They’re more likely to put off returning their library books —— simply because they can’t afford to pay the fine. Not only that, but the fines they do accrue would represent a higher percentage of their income.In most cases, removing fines does the opposite.
It’s important to note, most libraries cutting fines do maintain a system in which patrons are required to replace or pay for lost items. This helps ensure that libraries don’t experience a loss of materials. The system isn’t a free-for-all; it just removes the financially punitive element that disproportionately affects lower income folks.The San Diego Public Library completed a financial analysis of the cost of fine-related transactions among its staff.
The library is supposed to be a place where everyone can come to learn and be a participant in their community, regardless of their background or how much money they have. Libraries are supposed to be equalizers. Everyone keeps books out past their due date. It isn’t fair for the patrons with the least to get slammed with fees that take up a bigger percentage of their income. This, above all the other really good reasons that library fines are impractical, should matter the most to us.
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