By Mike Hazlip—
The Sacramento Public Library has announced an end to overdue fines, effective July 1.
Communications Manager Lisa Martinez told The Sentinel in a phone call Wednesday the new policy will be in effect at all 28 Sacramento Public Library locations throughout the greater Sacramento area, including the Sylvan Oaks Library in Citrus Heights.
A news release from Sacramento Public Library said the decision to drop fines is aimed at encouraging patrons to continue using library resources. The library system temporarily suspended overdue fees during the pandemic, according to the release.
“This is long overdue for the Sacramento region and a game changer for the communities we serve,” said Library Director & CEO Rivkah Sass. “By eliminating overdue fines, we’re able to remove barriers to learning resources and opportunities that are especially critical in these times and that go far beyond books.”
The policy is only for overdue fines, and library patrons are still responsible for lost or damaged items, Martinez said. She encouraged the public to bring in any overdue items.
Sacramento Public Library’s policy follows a 2019 American Library Association resolution encouraging all libraries nationwide to eliminate late fees.
