Book scofflaws off the hook as Oxford County eliminates library fines in 2018

Oxford County says it will eliminate library fines next year in order to reduce barriers to literacy and ease the burden on families struggling with poverty.

The year-long trial will see an amnesty on all late fees for overdue books, it also means book scofflaws who currently owe the library money will have their debts erased come Jan. 1.

"I think our staff are pretty happy that they're not going to have to deal with library fines anymore,"said Lisa Miettinen, Oxford County's chief librarian.

"For years we've heard families or seen families discouraging their children from taking books out for fear they will accrue fines, so we know fines are a true barrier to library service," she said.

The fines are only 10 cents a day per item to a maximum of $2, but when families take out dozens of books, the fines can add up, according to Miettinen.

"We do really believe that most of the people are going to want to bring their books back on time," she said, noting that if someone keeps a book longer than three months, they'll be charged the full price of the book.

The program will cost thecounty an estimated $15,000 in revenue from overdue fines, but Miettineninsists the money won't make or break the library.

"It's a very small percentage of our overall revenue," she said. "If you look at all the staff time it takes and all the negative interaction, it's fairly insignificant."