Eastern Iowa Public Libraries Are Going Fine Free In 2023

The Davenport Public Library and all of the RiverShare Libraries are making sure all library patrons start the New Year with their best foot forward. To help folks do that, the Davenport Public Library and the RiverShare Libraries are going fine-free in 2023 and also dropping fines for more than 10,000 people.

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In a press release on January 3^rd, 2023, the Davenport Public Library, along with all the libraries in the RiverShare Library System, has announced that they have eliminated overdue fines for items returned after the due date. The Board of Trustees for the RiverShare Libraries has also waived existing overdue fines for all Davenport Public Library patrons and patrons of the other libraries.

The other libraries in the RiverShare Library System include:

• Bettendorf Public Library
• Clinton Libraries
  • Clinton Public Library
  • Lyons Branch
• Davenport Public Libraries
  • Eastern Avenue Branch
  • Fairmont Street Branch
  • Main Branch
  • Outreach Branch
• LeClaire Community Library
• Muscatine Libraries
  • Muscatine Community College
  • Musser Public Library
• Scott Community College Library
• Scott County Libraries
  • Blue Grass
  • Bookmobile
  • Buffalo
  • Durant
  • Eldridge
  • Princeton
  • Walcott

The press release says that the American Library Association (ALA) passed a resolution in January 2019 that says that asserted overdue fines are a barrier to equitable access and encouraged libraries to eliminate them. To begin 2023, those libraries listed above are joining the fine-free club.

The Davenport Public Library says that 9,581 people owe overdue fines but those will be waived. If you already paid a fine, you can't get a refund, unfortunately.

While most people probably think the library makes a lot of money on overdue fines, the Davenport Public Library says this change will have minimal impact on their budget. The annual overdue fine collection amount is less than 0.15% of the library's annual budget. Officials say they will continue to collect fees for lost and damaged materials.

See other FAQs from the press release below:

Does this mean I can keep items as long as I want?

No, patrons will still be expected to return materials on time so that all members of the community might have access to them. We will continue to follow our notification system to help you remember when items are due back. If items are not returned in a timely manner the account will be charged the replacement cost and the account will be blocked.

Timeline for a checked-out item:

• First notice of overdue items will be issued 5 days after the due date and sent to each patron upon verification, based on their chosen notification preference (phone, email, text message).
• Second notice of overdue items will be issued 15 days after the due date and sent to the patron upon verification.
• Third notice in the form of a bill listing overdue items and their replacement price will be issued 30 days after the due date and mailed to patrons upon verification.
• Long Overdue Materials - Library accounts for which a bill has been sent may be submitted to a collection agency and/or to local law enforcement for further action per Code of Iowa, Chapter 714.5, Theft of Library Materials and Equipment.

I have long overdue items that are still in good condition, can I bring them back now without a fine?

Yes, please do! The overdue fines on these items have been waived, and we would be very grateful to have these items back on our shelves for others to use.

I found an item that I’m being charged for as “lost.” Can I bring it back?

Yes, please do! Fees charged to your account will be waived for items returned in a timely manner.

This change unblocks my library card! How can I reactivate my library card?

You may be able to use your library card right away, but if your card has expired you will need to renew it by providing proof of address.

How will this change have an impact on holds on library materials?

The effect on the number of holds and the length of time a customer spends on a hold list for an item is one element we will be watching closely. We will continue to send reminders to patrons to return their items on time, and items with holds will still not be able to be renewed.

Can I still give money to the library in lieu of overdue fines?

Of course you can, and we appreciate your support! You can directly support us by donating to the Library or to the FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library.