Farewell, overdue fines!
The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) is officially an overdue fine-free library!
The books and other items in the library belong to everyone. You remain responsible for anything you borrow, and we want you to do your best to return materials on time. If you return items a little late, the library will not charge you an overdue fine.
On January 10, 2024, all overdue fines were removed from patron accounts, and any patron account blocked due to unpaid overdue fines was unblocked. Starting January 10, items not returned within 21 days of their due date are considered lost. Fees for lost or damaged items remain in place.
Now that we are an overdue fine-free library, here’s what you need to know about borrowing items from GVPL.
What has changed?
As of January 10, items borrowed from the library will not accrue overdue fines. All existing overdue fines have been removed from patron accounts, and library accounts blocked due to unpaid overdue fines were unblocked. Items not returned within 21 days from their due date will result in a replacement fee being applied to patron accounts. Patron accounts will be blocked when fees accumulate over $40 or when ten items or more are overdue.
What stays the same?
Everything else remains unchanged. We will continue to send notifications about upcoming due dates, and we will continue to charge a replacement fee if an item is lost or damaged. An item will be considered lost if it is not returned within 21 days from the due date.
Can items considered lost be returned?
Yes. Items can be returned anytime, and fees for lost items will be removed from a patron’s account if a lost item is returned. If a patron's account has been blocked due to lost items, returning those items will result in the account being unblocked.
Why did the library eliminate overdue fines?
We decided to eliminate overdue fines to make it easier for everyone to use the library. Public libraries that have moved to fine-free models have reported positive results, including increased access to library materials, improved relationships with the library, and optimized staff time.
Why are overdue fines inequitable?
Overdue library fines are a burden on many members of our community. Overdue fines can disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and families, limiting their ability to use library services. By removing this barrier, we hope to enhance accessibility and help ensure everyone feels welcome at the library.
Won’t people keep library items for as long as they want?
Libraries that have gone overdue fine-free have not experienced increases in late returns. Research tells us that removing overdue fines won't significantly affect people's behaviour, but it will remove a burden on those who cannot use the library because of overdue fines.
Have borrowing times changed?
No. The only change is that library items will be considered lost once they are 21 days overdue. All borrowing times remain unchanged. You can find more information about borrowing times on the Borrowing, Renewing & Limits page.
What about lost items?
As of January 10, an item will be considered lost if it is not returned within 21 days from the due date. There will be a replacement or lost item charge (or fee) if materials are not returned within 21 days from the due date or are returned too damaged to stay in our collection.
What about existing fines?
All overdue fines were removed from patron accounts on January 10. Lost item fees will remain.
Doesn’t the library need the revenue from fines?
Overdue fines make up a very small percentage of GVPL’s annual budget. This amount has been further reduced in recent years as we have taken a very lenient approach to overdue fine collection since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are confident in our ability to offset this revenue loss through operating efficiencies and other cost savings. By eliminating overdue fines, our staff can focus on the real mission of the library - building community and supporting literacy and lifelong learning.
Does this change impact digital resources?
No. All digital items are automatically returned on their due dates, so you never have to worry about late returns for these items.
Will there be overdue fines for high-demand items, for example, the Fast Collection, or materials with long waiting lists?
No. As of January 10, GVPL no longer charges overdue fines on any item. Items overdue by 21 days or more are considered lost, and a replacement fee is charged.
How do I know if I have incurred a fee for a lost item?
Use the My Account function to view your borrowed items and due dates. When a fee is charged due to a lost or damaged item, the amount and reason will be displayed in My Account. A bill/notification is also sent by email.
I haven’t been to the library in years. Will my account still work?
Please come and see us. We’re happy to help you get your account reactivated, or we will get you set up with a new one. We’d love to have you back!
I still have questions. Who can I ask?
Talk to staff while visiting the library or contact our customer service team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 250-940-4875. Customer Service Line staff are available Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
