NEWS RELEASE
HALTON HILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Halton Hills Public Library is pleased to announce the expansion of its Fine-Free initiative in time for Seniors’ Month.
Effective immediately, all library members 65 years of age and up can borrow library materials without being charged fines if items are returned late.
This decision was approved by the Library Board and is an expansion of the existing fine-free policy for infants, children, teens, and young adults.
This announcement offers a fresh start for individuals aged 65 and up. They will no longer be charged overdue fines for all items checked out from June 4 onwards.
Replacement charges for lost items still apply to all age groups.
Late fees for overdue items can be a barrier to enjoying library collections, borrowing essential resources, and using library technology. Fines can often affect people in the community unevenly, having a larger impact on people with lower or fixed incomes.
Allowing library members aged 65 and up to borrow library materials without the risk of fines encourages them to use the library more frequently, provides access to up-to-date information, and makes visits easier, particularly for those with mobility or transportation challenges.
“We are excited to extend our fine free initiative to those 65 years of age and up,” says Beverley King, chief librarian and CEO.
“Fines can accumulate and become a barrier to those who need access to library resources the most. Halton Hills Public Library recognizes the importance of minimizing these barriers and is committed to supporting equitable access to literacy in our community.”
This new fines-free initiative supports the library’s 2023-27 Strategic Plan that offers residents welcoming and inclusive spaces, community connections, and strives to enrich the lives of everyone in the community.
The library expects patrons to respect due dates and renew whenever they can so that everyone can enjoy the shared resources. The library will continue to email reminders to patrons three days before books are due.
In addition, several reminders are sent out when an item is overdue. It is the patron’s responsibility to check their email address (including spam/junk folders) for notices from the library.
For additional information about our fine-free initiatives, visit www.hhpl.ca/librarycards or call/visit either branch of the library to speak to a librarian.
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