Fine Free Information
The Torrington Library is completely fine-free.
Why is the library fine-free? One word: Equity!
Overdue fines are a major barrier to large numbers of people, including children, lower-income individuals, and seniors on fixed incomes. Often when overdue fines accumulate on someone’s card, they simply stop using the library altogether. That is the opposite of what we want. We want all members of the community to use the library equally.
Libraries nationwide are going fine-free to remain useful, relevant, foster equity, and promote easy access to lifelong learning for all.
Any other reasons? Yes! Community!
We want our interactions with you, our patrons, to be pleasant and productive. Rather than “nickel and diming” you at the desk, we would prefer to spend that time recommending great new reads, planning events, and opening up a world of possibilities for our community.
Our community is stronger and healthier when all people have access to the programs, services, and materials they need to pursue their educational, career, family, and life goals, regardless of their ability to pay for them.
There are a lot of questions when a library is fine-free. Check out some of the most common below.
Why is the library fine-free? One word: Equity!
Overdue fines are a major barrier to large numbers of people, including children, lower-income individuals, and seniors on fixed incomes. Often when overdue fines accumulate on someone’s card, they simply stop using the library altogether. That is the opposite of what we want. We want all members of the community to use the library equally.
Libraries nationwide are going fine-free to remain useful, relevant, foster equity, and promote easy access to lifelong learning for all.
Any other reasons? Yes! Community!
We want our interactions with you, our patrons, to be pleasant and productive. Rather than “nickel and diming” you at the desk, we would prefer to spend that time recommending great new reads, planning events, and opening up a world of possibilities for our community.
Our community is stronger and healthier when all people have access to the programs, services, and materials they need to pursue their educational, career, family, and life goals, regardless of their ability to pay for them.
There are a lot of questions when a library is fine-free. Check out some of the most common below.
FAQ
Is everything fine-free?
Yes. No overdue fines are charged on any item types.
What if I have old overdue fines on my account?
Overdue fines were wiped clean July 4th, 2002. However, you are still expected to return all overdue items that are on your card or pay the replacement cost for the item(s).
Do items still have due dates?
Yes, each item still has a due date and people are still responsible for honoring the due date. When items are returned on time, it helps your fellow community members borrow items sooner.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN “OVERDUE ITEM” AND A “LOST” ITEM?
Good question! An overdue item is anything more than 21 days late past its original due date and has not been returned to the library. On the 22nd day the item is moved to “long overdue” for an additional 14 days. After that the item will be considered LOST and charged to your account. Your card privileges will be suspended until you return or replace the item or pay the replacement cost.
What are loan periods?
Loan periods are the amount of days you have to keep an item before it becomes overdue. Our most popular loan periods are as follows:
Regular collection (fiction, non-fiction, juvenile, and young adult materials): 21 days
Periodicals: 14 days
New Adult Non-Fiction: 14 days
New Adult Fiction: 14 days
DVDs (limit 3): 7 days
Library Passes: 3 days
Regular collection (fiction, non-fiction, juvenile, and young adult materials): 21 days
Periodicals: 14 days
New Adult Non-Fiction: 14 days
New Adult Fiction: 14 days
DVDs (limit 3): 7 days
Library Passes: 3 days
Where can I find my due date?
All due dates are printed on your receipt upon checkout. You can also login to your account online and check your due dates. All you need is your library barcode number and your PIN (the last four digits of your library card number).
Can I still renew materials?
Yes! We encourage you to call the library or login to your account to renew items. This is good practice so we know what materials are coming back to the library on what days. As always, we cannot renew items that have a hold or have been renewed more than once.
Do INTERLIBRARY LOAN MATERIALS ACCRUE FINES?
ILL materials do not accrue fines at our library. However, if your item is overdue more than one loan period, then the item will be assumed lost and you will be charged the full replacement cost of the item. Your card privileges will be suspended until you return or replace the item or pay the replacement cost.
What if I have fines from another library?
You are still responsible for paying overdue fines to other libraries that charge them. All items borrowed from other libraries are subject to the lending policies of the owning library.
Do i still have to pay for photocoping and printing?
Yes. While overdue fines are punitive, fees for printing and photocopying help us to recoup the cost of providing those services and associated materials such as printers, copiers, paper, and toner.
Won't people just check things out and never return them?
“No fines” does not mean “no responsibility”. If your item is overdue more than one loan period, then the item will be assumed lost and you will be charged the full replacement cost of the item. Your card privileges will be suspended until you return or replace the item or pay the replacement cost.
Don't fines on overdue items encourage people to return items on time?
There is no evidence that shows this to be true. In fact, when the Chicago Public Library eliminated overdue fines in 2019, they saw a 240% increase in the number of items returned. Also, if library fines worked the way they were intended, revenue would be $0 anyway because all materials would be returned on time!
Doesn't the library lose a lot of revenue?
Fine revenue accounts for less than one percent (0.4%) of the library’s total revenue.
I would like to give a little donation to the library if I return my items late. May I still do that
Absolutely! You may donate at the Main Desk. You can also donate by clicking here.