Fine Free

As of January 1, 2023, Burnham Library will be fine-free!

We are pleased to announce that Burnham Library will no longer charge late fines on books and other circulating materials. Studies have shown that fines do not actually deter people from returning items late, but late fines can stop people from using the library. It is important to us that everyone in our community has the same access to our materials, resources, and services.

This change is a part of a national institutional movement, guided by the recommendations of the American Library Association, to increase free public access to library services. Existing fines for overdue items will be forgiven to ensure that everyone can start the New Year fine free!

How it Works
  • As of January 31, 2023, all existing overdue fines will be cleared from your account. Lost or damaged fees will remain.
  • Going forward, late fines will no longer accrue for (most) overdue items.
  • You are still responsible for returning your items!
  • The library still has due dates and will automatically extend renewals if there are no holds on an item.
  • If an item is lost or damaged, a replacement fee will be added to your account.
  • Materials that are 3 weeks (21 days) overdue are assumed lost. You will be billed for the replacement cost and you will be unable to use digital items during that time.
  • If you can’t return an item, visit the Main Desk and we will work on a solution.
Is Everything Fine Free?

Almost! Overdue fines will be eliminated for most materials, but there are a few exceptions for high-demand and special items:

  • Museum Passes: $2.00 per day
  • Library of Things: $2.00 per day
  • Discovery Bags: $2.00 per day

You are still responsible for paying overdue fines to other libraries that charge them. All items borrowed from other libraries are subject to the lending policies of the owning library, including fines.

Tell Me More!
  • Revenue from overdue fines is only a tiny percentage (.06%) of our budget. The Board of Trustees carefully weighed this decision and determined that the impact of removing fines is far greater than the impact of the income they generated.
  • Studies have shown that fines do not actually deter people from returning items late, but late fines can stop people from using the library. It is important to us that everyone in our community has the same access to our materials, resources, and services.
  • The Fine Free movement is growing in the library world and has been adopted by many local libraries. There are 115 Connecticut libraries (and growing) that have already gone fine-free.
  • Many patrons often make a donation when returning late items. Now that we are fine-free, donations are still happily accepted and appreciated. Now and future donations to the library can be made through the Burnham Library General Fund.
  • See our complete Circulation Policy for more info