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. While fees and fines can bring in money for the library and encourage people to obey the rules, they can also discourage some people from using the library altogether. Finally, the committee should decide general rules for how and when the library will operate. Many of these rules can be left up to the librarian, but it is a good idea to talk them over if a problem comes up or if someone has strong feelings about them.