Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Launches Fine Free Initiative

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is now fine free. The initiative kicked off on July 1 which restored full Library access to more than 150,000 county residents and provided a one-time amnesty removing fines and fees from past due accounts.

The library decided to eliminate fines because there were more than 150,000 cardholders who carried a balance of $10 or more and more than 40,000 of these accounts were blocked in just the last three years, according to the Library. When library consumers reach the $10 balance amount they are suspended from using facility resources.

“Late or overdue fines have created barriers that discourage people who cannot pay their fines from using the Library,” the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library said. “In eliminating fines, the Library encourages all users to come back to the Library, as well as attract new users to experience our resources, services, programs and offerings.”

Impacted library customers will see their account balances return to zero dollars starting on July 1, 2021. Customers are still encouraged to return borrowed materials on time and, while the fine free initiative eliminates fines indefinitely, fees for some borrowed items and services remain in place.

Previously fines were charged for late or overdue materials at  a rate of $0.25 per day, per item, but that fine will no longer be charged.

The library will continue to charge fees for InterLibrary Loan materials, non-resident Library cards, photocopies, printing, meeting room rentals and lost items. The library will also continue to charge a replacement fee for severely damaged items. Once a customer’s account reaches a $10 balance, that account will be suspended until the materials are returned or the fee(s) paid.

For more information on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Fine Free Initiate, click here.