BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) "Fines are often viewed as a punitive measure. We don't want to be punitive," said Jeannine Doyle, interim director of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system.
The library is eliminating fines for overdue library materials. The measure is one element of Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz' State of the County address on Thursday.
The failure to return library materials does not happen with one segment of the population. Doyle says it's equal across all populations, regardless of income. What isn't equal is the amount of fines that end up accruing and the failure to return materials because of that.
'Those who can pay the fines, do pay the fines and come back to the library," said Doyle. "But many in low income neighborhoods can't pay the fines, and they simply don't come back."
The library has research to back up its new initiative. Other libraries around the country that wiped away late fees have seen an increase in both new library users as well as individuals who had previously used it.
Tracking library users, however, is much more difficult these days. "We're 100% digital," said Doyle. "You can use our library 24/7. There are people who have a library card, but never set foot in one of out 37 libraries. They're using our resources online," she added.
This is not your grandmother's library. Doyle, who has been with the library for ten years, said the library has been changing and adapting to people's needs since well before the Covid pandemic.
"If you're looking to start a small business and want information about grants, you can schedule an hour for a one on one sit-down with a librarian and they will help you with the resources that you need," she said. "If you got a new tablet and don't know how to use it or set it up, you can set up an appointment with a technology trainer. We do job resources and other programs. But if it's books you want, they're available too."
One of the most exciting additions to the library, is the lending of wireless hotspots. "In the next week or so, they will be at every library. We have two options. You can check out a hotspot to use with your device so you can have Internet access. We also have a Chromebook kit. You can check out a Chromebook that includes a wireless hotspot.
This is a way that libraries are helping with the digital divide. Often times, kids and families only have internet access when schools are in session. Now, Doyle said if you need WI-FI for a school project or job interview, or for any reason, you can check it out and take it home with you.
How worried is the library that materials won't get returned, if there is no late fee? Doyle says she's not worried. "Research actually shows an increase in returns. Libraries have found that a lot of people were afraid to return things due to the embarrassment of bringing something back that was long overdue.
Library-shaming is what people tend to feel," she said.
Still. the library system is taking steps to deter "bad eggs" from keeping things forever. "We do still charge for lost or damaged items."
If someone does not return an item within 21 days, it becomes a lost item. The time period has been shortened from 35 days. Overdue notices will still go out but won't reference fines. After 21 days, a lost item charge will be assessed to an account.
Once an account reaches a certain threshold, it will no longer be in good standing and the account will be blocked. "If you want continued use of library services, you will have to bring back your materials."
The new policy change takes effect May 1. The library system has already cleared user accounts of outstanding fines.
