Guelph Public Library to get rid of overdue fines in 2022

The board for the Guelph Public Library has approved a motion to eliminate overdue fines starting Jan. 1, 2022.

In a release Wednesday, the library said"a fixed-rate fine policy is inequitable and disproportionately affects those experiencing financial insecurity."

The release went on to say more than a third of Guelph residents were living at or below the Living Household Income threshold and "the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the issue."

"Many Guelph families are struggling to put food on the table or pay their rent, let alone pay back their library overdue fees," said CEO, Steven Kraft. "It's time to turn a new page and chapter in library services by eliminating these barriers and welcoming everyone back into our space."

The final approval for the library's operating budget will need to be approved by city council in December.