Vancouver libraries offering 'fine forgiveness,' working toward ending late fees altogether
If you're one of the more than 70,000 Vancouverites who has unpaid Vancouver Public Library fines, VPL would like to forgive you.
Beginning on Monday, the library is holding a two-week "fine forgiveness" campaign, during which it encourages library users to contact it to have unpaid charges removed from their accounts.
"Library services should be accessible to everyone,” said Christina de Castell, VPL's chief librarian and CEO, in a news release.
“All too often, we hear stories from people who have stopped using the library - sometimes for years - because of a simple error, like not returning a book on time," de Castell added. "It’s often those most in need of library services that stop visiting us altogether. By forgiving fines, we hope to let these patrons know that we want them to come back and benefit from all the library has to offer.”
VPL's late fees vary depending on the material checked out, ranging from 30 cents per day for books, audiobooks and magazines to $2 per day for reference loans.
The maximum charge for any one overdue item is $12 for adults ages 19 and older and $6 for teens ages 14 to 18.
Once a library user reaches $10 in unpaid fees, their borrowing privileges are suspended until the fines are paid.
About 7,000 VPL users are currently in that category, and the library notes that it's those "facing economic and social barriers" who are most affected.
"Thirty per cent of all blocked cardholders live in four of Vancouver’s lowest income neighbourhoods (Strathcona, Grandview/Woodland, Downtown, Mount Pleasant)," the library said in its release.
Part of the goal of the fine forgiveness event is to raise awareness about this social impact of library fines.
VPL says it is "exploring ways to move towards a permanent fine free model," though it has not provided a timeline for when such a model might be implemented.
"In other jurisdictions, moving to a fine free model has enhanced goodwill, improved return rates, increased circulation, and encouraged the continuous return of users to the library," VPL said.
In the meantime, library users looking to have their fines forgiven can call or visit their local branch from June 14 to 27. During that time period, users can also call 604-331-3670 or visit the VPL website to make a fine forgiveness request.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.