Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is excited to announce that all CLP locations are going Fine Free in 2022!
In 2019, three Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh neighborhood libraries piloted a “fine free” model with encouraging results. Throughout the pandemic, all our locations removed fines when items were checked in. Now, we’re making it official—beginning January 25, 2022, CLP items (books, movies and other materials) will no longer accrue overdue fines.
Tell me more!
Any library material checked out from any CLP locations will not accrue overdue fines (even if you return it somewhere else!).
All library materials returned to any CLP location will not accrue overdue fines (even if you checked it out from another library!).
So, you can check out books from any of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations and not have any overdue fines or you can return books (checked out from any library in Allegheny County) to any CLP location and not have any overdue fines.
Why is this important?
Even though the Library and library materials and services are free to the community, overdue fines can keep people away from the library and inequitably restrict access to library resources. Going fine free will remove barriers for our customers, so more people can enjoy the Library!
Will people return items if there are no late fines?
We piloted Fine Free at a few of our locations pre-pandemic and were pleased to see that materials continued to be returned by their due date. Our experience during the pandemic also indicates that our community will continue to return items borrowed from our locations.
We know library patrons are busy and sometimes an item comes back a few days late, and we want to make sure that using the library is easy and inclusive for all patrons. Now patrons do not have to worry about their items accruing overdue fines, but the item still must be returned.
Items that are not returned will be billed, but don’t worry, you will receive many reminder notices before that happens!
Can I still donate to the Library?
Absolutely! Your donation supports library services for people of all ages. You can donate online and in person at any CLP location.
More questions?
Reach out to info@carnegielibrary.org for more information.