No Late Fines

We have not charged daily late fines for overdue items since 2020. We want everyone we serve to be able to use the Library.

Fine Free Since 2020

On January 2, 2020, we eliminated late fines for overdue items. This change was overwhelmingly approved by Seattle voters when they voted in the 2019 levy.

We got rid of late fines because it’s good for our community. Decades of research, as well as our daily experience, showed that late fines discouraged many patrons from using the Library. Our own research also showed that these financial penalties disproportionately impacted youth and families, and led to much lower rates of Library use in Seattle’s lower-opportunity neighborhoods.

We want everyone we serve to be able to use the Library. Not charging late fines creates a more equitable and just Library, and ensures that your access to the Library is not based on your ability to pay.

In addition:

Late fines are not effective. With or without fines, most patrons return their Library materials on time. Like other libraries, we did not see a change in return rates when we eliminated late fines.
Fines are not predictable revenue. With more people using digital materials like e-books, we can no longer count on late fines to help cover costs.

No fines doesn’t mean no responsibility. We expect you to return your borrowed items on time. We will temporarily suspend your Library account if items are two weeks overdue. If items are one month overdue, we will bill you for the replacement cost.

However, if you cannot return your items or pay for lost materials, we will work with you to restore access.