Some Libraries Are Changing Their Late Fee Policies, Recognizing Fines As A ‘Form Of Social Inequity’
Public libraries have long relied on late fees as a way of encouraging patrons to return their books before they’re due. But, a growing number of libraries across the country are changing that, they say the policy disproportionately affects people from disadvantaged communities. Back in January, the American Library Association passed a resolution, recognizing fines as a quote “form of social inequity.”