Mesa Public Library is Fine Free as of July 1, 2020!
Channel: Mesa Public Library
Date: 02/09/2020

As of July 1, 2020, we no longer charge overdue fines for Mesa Public Library items returned past their due date. 

One of our shared values as a library is accessibility: we strive to serve everyone fairly and equitably. This policy change, approved by Mesa City Council earlier this year, will remove a common barrier to access--one that frequently impacts children and lower income individuals.

Traditionally, libraries used overdue fines to encourage people to return books and other materials on time. However, there is little evidence they have any effect on returns. Libraries who have enacted fine-free policies have seen cardholders, usage, and even items returned increase. We're thrilled to have City of Mesa leadership support this change for our community.