It’s our valentine to the city we love: We’ve gone fine-free!

That’s right: As of today, the Free Library of Philadelphia no longer charges fines for overdue materials! The new policy, which was passed by the Board of Trustees in December 2019 and put into effect February 14, 2020, has also removed all historic overdue fines—large and small, from last month or last decade—from patrons’ library cards.

"By saying goodbye to fines, we’re welcoming back the nearly 88,000 cardholders who are currently unable to take full advantage of the library due to owing fines. We’re also anticipating increases in circulation, an uptick in new library card signups, and more overall visits to libraries throughout the city," says Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Director of the Free Library. "It’s going to be a positive change in many ways, and I’m so proud that we’ll be one of the largest library systems in the country to eliminate this penalty."

An initiative nearly two years in the making, this giant leap toward creating a more inclusive and truly 21st-century library is the result of research into the role of fines in our own system, as well as studying data from other public libraries that have already eliminated fines. Across the board, evidence shows that overdue fines are a barrier to equitable access and have no significant impact on the return rate of checked-out materials. Removing them will bring people and materials back through our doors, moving the Free Library closer than ever toward achieving our mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity for all Philadelphians!

The decision was supported by Councilmember Cherelle Parker and Mayor Jim Kenney.

Customers who do not return materials on or before the scheduled due date will receive reminders that their materials are expected back, and their cards will be blocked from further checkouts until the overdue materials are returned (or, when applicable, renewed). After 30 days, the materials will be considered lost. Customers will be required to return, pay for, or replace lost or damaged items before they can check out more physical materials, though they may still check out digital items and enjoy other Free Library programs and services.

Have questions? Read our fine-free FAQ, or give us a call at 215-686-5322. Then grab your library card and check us out—we can’t wait to see you at the Fine-Free Library!