Beginning January 9, LPCPL customers will no longer be charged daily overdue fines when an
item is returned late. Customers will only be charged for items they damage, lose, or never
return.
Eliminating overdue fines will not change LPCPL’s ability to continue providing high–quality
collections, programs, and services. In 2022, overdue fines and fees accounted for less than 1%
of the library’s revenue. Taxpayer dollars will be saved by reducing the amount of money spent
annually on transaction fees for fines and fees paid with a credit or debit card, making this a
sound financial decision.
Studies have shown that overdue fines do not encourage library customers to return an item
they have borrowed on time. Rather, unnecessary fees discourage people from using the library
at all. We want everyone in La Porte County to have access to opportunities, resources, and
services that help them be the best versions of themselves — not be worried about having
enough money to pay for an overdue book.
We’re excited about this change and hope you are too!
