One solution is to have different fees depending on income and make the library free for the poorest people. It can be confusing, though, to charge different people different fees and some people may find that system unfair. Another approach would be to ask people to contribute what they can afford. Many museums in the United States have a sign at the door asking people to make a small donation. The donation is optional, but most people pay it, especially when there is a suggested amount.
Fines are penalties for breaking the library's rules.
For example, damaging a book or not returning it on time. Many libraries increase the overdue book fine for every day a book is late. Many libraries also charge users for the cost of replacing books that are lost, stolen or destroyed. Fines may discourage people from breaking the rules, or they may encourage them to steal books instead of checking them out properly. Strict rules usually lead to more book theft and rule-breaking than looser rules.