For immediate release
Sept. 12, 2023
Media contact: Annice Sevett, director of the Albert Lea Public Library, at 507-377-4355, or [email protected]

More accessible: Albert Lea considering eliminating fines on adult library materials

To increase access to library materials and align with libraries in southeast Minnesota, the Albert Lea Public Library is proposing that the City Council eliminate late fines on adult materials. The proposal follows a recommendation from the Library Advisory Board to go fine-free.

Fees for lost or damaged materials would still apply, and patrons would lose their check-out privileges until late items are returned or fees are paid.

“Eliminating fines on all materials will provide equitable access to information. Studies show that late fines disproportionally affect individuals in low-income households. There is no evidence that small fines have any impact on return rates,” said Library Director Annice Sevett. “With less staff time spent on enforcing fines, we can spend more time on positive interactions with patrons.”

This recommendation follows the Albert Lea City Council eliminating fines on youth materials in 2022. That change led to:

    • Overall circulation increasing 14 percent one year after eliminating fines on youth materials and circulation of youth materials increasing by 7 percent.
    • An increase in the number of local residents obtaining library cards for the first time.
    • More than 300 students applying for library cards.

Currently, 12 percent of Albert Lea Public library cardholders – 1,277 people – cannot check out materials because of late fines. With fines eliminated, the library hopes that these patrons will return. In addition to books, the Albert Lea Public Library offers check-out of hot spots, movies, periodicals, and discovery kits at no charge, along with printing for a small fee.

In addition to increasing access, the change would align Albert Lea with the surrounding region. Austin, Faribault, Northfield, Red Wing and Winona are fine-free for all materials, with Owatonna the only other community imposing late fines.

Additional reasons for eliminating late fines include:

    • The internal costs associated with collecting fines are greater than the fines themselves.
    • Usage of eBooks and digital audiobooks continues to increase; those items do not collect fines.
    • Studies show that small fines do not have any impact on return rates; in fine-free libraries, patrons still return items.
    • Eliminating fines will make it easier for patrons to borrow materials through interlibrary loans, leading to increased patron satisfaction.

Fines make up less than 1 percent of the library’s operating budget, about $5,000 per year.

The council is scheduled to consider the fine-free proposal at its Sept. 25 meeting.

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Mission statement: The Albert Lea Public Library is working to connect you with the books you want, the information you need, and the community you live in.