VPL Fine Forgiveness Event Aims to Welcome Back Library Patrons
Overdue fines discourage those most in need from using library services
Vancouver Public Library (VPL) is announcing a two week fine forgiveness campaign to welcome back library users affected by fines. Over 70,000 VPL patrons are impacted by fines and one in ten have lost their ability to borrow material due to fines. In addition to re-engaging those library users with blocked access, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the social impact of library fines. From June 14 to 27, Vancouver residents can contact their local VPL branch to have their fines forgiven.
“Whether it’s accessing educational resources, building literacy skills or getting lost in a book, library services should be accessible to everyone,” says Christina de Castell, Chief Librarian and CEO, Vancouver Public Library. “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. 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.”
Once a VPL user reaches $10 in fines, their borrowing privileges are suspended. For lower income users, this can mean having to choose between life’s necessities and borrowing library books.
Fines disproportionately impact those facing economic and social barriers. Thirty per cent of all blocked cardholders live in four of Vancouver’s lowest income neighbourhoods (Strathcona, Grandview/Woodland, Downtown, Mount Pleasant). For example, in Strathcona (which includes the Downtown Eastside east of Main Street), the Vancouver neighbourhood with the city’s lowest median household income, almost one in five library users have lost the ability to borrow library materials. This is almost double the city average of one in ten.
"The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be an economic challenge for citizens. In times like these, people have an even greater need to access to the resources and community services that the library offers. That’s why we are thankful that Vancouver City Council has provided funding for this event," continues de Castell. "Over the next two weeks, anyone with charges of any kind on their account can have their fines waived. It really couldn't be easier - just call, click or come in to your local branch.”
VPL is currently exploring ways to move towards a permanent fine free model. A February 2021 VPL survey suggests that there is strong public support for a fine free model. Of the 1,396 respondents, 63 per cent expressed support for a fine free library model, with only 26 per cent not in support.
The fine free movement has been gaining momentum across Canada and in the United States, with an increasing number of libraries permanently ending fine collection. 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.
Fine Forgiveness Event Details
DATES: June 14 – 27
WHAT: Outstanding charges will be cleared and blocked cards will be reactivated.
HOW: It is easy to have your fines forgiven by calling, clicking or coming in during the event. Request your fines be cleared by contacting VPL in any of the following ways:
Call 604-331-3670 or your local VPL branch
Go online (vpl.ca/finefree).
Visit any VPL location in person