As of March 1, Lambton County Library will no longer charge fines for overdue materials.
The move joins hundreds of other libraries across North America in a bid to remove a financial barrier for some and improve the overall circulation of materials.
"Emerging research shows that by removing fines from overdue materials, it can actually increase the amount of usage at a library, creating more checkouts and that it doesn't really serve as a great deterrent for people in the end," said Manager of Library Services Darlene Coke.
Lambton County Council approved the decision in February after it was approved by council's standing committee in January in an effort to make the service more accessible. Research by other libraries and organizations suggest that overdue fines disproportionately affect those with low or no income, and those who speak English as a second language.
Fines on children's materials had previously been eliminated in March of 2020.
Coke said historically, fines have served as revenue for libraries. The average revenue collected on fines over the past two years was $7,600.
"It was something that you might say was an old habit but with a new lens, a new way of looking at things, libraries are starting to realize that the benefits to not charging fines far outweigh the revenue that was generated."
Although Lambton County Library is scrapping overdue fines, due dates will still be issued for materials and patrons are expected to return those items on time.
"We are encouraging everyone to still respect those due dates and return those materials. Should an item not be returned after 30 days, the item does become considered lost," Coke said. "At that point, a replacement fee would be charged."
Fees for damaged items will also still apply.
Coke said there has been a decline in physical materials being signed out over the past couple of years, especially during provincial shutdowns, but usage of electronic resources has "skyrocketed."
"We have had our highest circulation levels ever for electronic materials," she said. "We are hoping as restrictions are eased in the coming months that we'll see some more foot traffic once again at all of our sites."
Lambton County Library consists of 25 libraries across the county.