Starting June 1, 2022, the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) will remove overdue book fines for new and recurring borrowers.
If a borrower has outstanding charges, they will be removed from their accounts through an automated system.
Eliminating these fines is one of the ways that VPL says it is addressing affordability in Vancouver, especially since the library disproportionately affects those who need the library the most.
"By eliminating overdue fines, VPL will ensure that critical library services are available to everyone regardless of their socio-economic status," indicates the library in a press release.
Overdue fines will be eliminated for all VPL items, including Fast Reads, Quick Views, musical instruments and interlibrary loans.
Given this, if an item has not been returned after 23 days, borrowers can expect a charge for lost items on their account, until it is returned. The charge will be removed once this happens.
