Fine Free Public Libraries in Canada: CULC Analysis

Fine Free Public Libraries in Canada

The 45+ CULC members are libraries serving populations of 100,000 or more in an urban centre and are represented by their library leadership.

Listed below are the status of their fines positioning as at March 11, 2026

Ajax Library		The Ajax Public Library is fine-free, having eliminated overdue fines for all users in November 2020. While there are no daily late fees, items considered lost (more than 21 days overdue) will incur replacement costs. Borrowing privileges are suspended if account charges reach or exceed $50.00
Barrie Public Library		The Barrie Public Library (BPL) eliminated late fines for overdue items on July 1, 2020, to remove access barriers. While no daily fines accrue, items not returned within 21 days are considered lost, and the replacement cost is billed to the account. Fees are removed once items are returned.
BANQ		As of October 2021 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) has eliminated daily late fees for most overdue, standard borrowed items, as part of a move to remove barriers to access. While standard late fees are gone, fees for lost or damaged items, as well as specific, high-demand, or restricted materials, may still apply.
Bibliotheque de Gatineau		As of January 2024, the Bibliothèque de Gatineau has eliminated overdue fines for late returns, making it a fine-free system to improve accessibility. Users are no longer charged daily fees for late items; however, charges still apply for lost or damaged materials [26, Ville de Gatineau].
Bibliotheques Montreal	some branches	Bibliothèques Montréal (Montreal Public Libraries) have moved towards abolishing late fees to encourage borrowing and increase access, with many, though not all, branches operating fine-free to eliminate barriers for users. While overdue fines for late items are mostly eliminated, accounts are blocked after 5 days for outstanding items.
Brampton Library		Brampton Library permanently eliminated all overdue fines for late materials in December 2021. While daily late fees no longer exist, patrons are still responsible for replacement costs for lost or damaged items and fees for items not returned. Outstanding balances must be cleared to borrow new materials.
Clarington Library Museums & Archives		As of May 3, 2022, the Clarington Public Library has eliminated fines for most overdue materials to encourage access. However, accounts with items 4 days overdue (or 10 items 1 day overdue) will be blocked. Items not returned within 21 days are considered lost, and borrowers will be billed for replacement costs plus a $6.00 administrative fee.
Coquitlam Public Library		As of early 2025, the Coquitlam Public Library has eliminated most overdue fines for books and materials and has waived existing late charges. Fees still apply for lost or damaged items, processing fees, and specialized items like Express Books/Movies, Lendable Laptops, and Interlibrary Loans.
Edmonton Public Library		The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) eliminated all daily late fees for materials as of June 11, 2020, to increase access to resources. While items are not fined for being late, they are considered lost after 30 days, at which point replacement fees are charged. Accounts with $10 or more in fees are blocked from borrowing.
Fraser Valley Regional Library		The Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) does not charge late fines for overdue items, a policy that became permanent on January 1, 2022. While daily fines are eliminated, fees still apply for lost, damaged, or unreturned items, including a $5 processing fee for items 44 days overdue.
Greater Sudbury Public Library		The Greater Sudbury Public Library (GSPL) has permanently eliminated late fees for overdue books and materials. This policy was implemented to remove barriers to access and encourages usage without the fear of penalties. While daily fines are gone, patrons are still responsible for returning items on time.
Greater Victoria Public Library		The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) is an overdue fine-free library as of January 10, 2024, meaning no daily fines are charged on late items. However, items not returned within 21 days of their due date are considered lost, and a replacement fee will be charged to the user’s account.
Lethbridge Public Library		The Lethbridge Public Library (LPL) eliminated late fees for overdue items on February 1, 2021, and forgave existing fines. While there are no daily, monetary fines for late returns, a 28-day grace period exists, after which items are considered lost, and replacement fees apply. Borrowing is blocked until items are returned or fees paid.
Library & Achives Canada	Unclear	Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has been waiving certain access-to-information fees since early 2024, particularly for requests from Indigenous groups. While specific, public-facing, daily overdue “fines” for library books are not explicitly detailed in the search results, the institution focuses on managing access to its collections.
London Public Library		The London Public Library (LPL) is permanently fine-free as of November 26, 2020, meaning no overdue fines are charged on late items. While there are no daily late fees, charges still apply for lost, damaged, or unreturned items, and items may be automatically renewed up to three times.
Marigold Library System		The Marigold Library System, serving various Alberta communities, generally does not charge daily overdue fines for most materials, focusing instead on returning items to circulation. However, items that are significantly overdue (e.g., 60 days) are considered lost, resulting in replacement charges and processing fees.
Markham Public Library		As of January 2, 2026, the Markham Public Library (MPL) has eliminated late fines for all users, including adults, seniors, kids, and teens, and is now fully cashless. While daily overdue fines are gone, charges still apply for lost or damaged items, and accounts with $20 or more in fees may be suspended.
Milton Public Library	Adults only	As of January 2, 2026, the Milton Public Library (MPL) has eliminated overdue fines on children’s and teen materials. However, fines still apply to adult materials ($0.25/day), DVDs ($1/day), and Library of Things items. Accounts are blocked with over $10 in fines or 15+ overdue items. Lost item replacement fees + $5.00 processing apply.
Mississauga Public Library		January 2022 marks the elimination of Mississauga Library’s fines for overdue materials. By going fine free, the library is prom.
New Brunswick Public Libraries	Still fines	The New Brunswick Public Library Service (NBPLS) previously charged 15 cents per day (up to $3 max) for overdue items, but has considered permanently eliminating these fines following suspensions during the pandemic, with a focus on removing barriers to service. While some individual libraries in Canada are going fine-free, it is recommended to check with your local branch for current policies on lost or damaged items. As of late 2020/2021, the province was considering eliminating fines due to their ineffectiveness and to encourage access.
Niagara Falls Public Library		The Niagara Falls Public Library (NFPL) permanently eliminated overdue fines on most materials as of January 1, 2022. While daily late fees are gone, borrowers are still responsible for fees on items not returned within 28 days of their due date, which are considered lost
Oakville Public Library		Oakville Public Library (OPL) has permanently eliminated most overdue fines on materials to improve access. While late fees are gone, patrons are still responsible for lost or damaged item fees, a $20 fee for accounts sent to collections, and a $40 fee for NSF cheques. Items are considered lost if not returned within 7 days of the due date, particularly for interlibrary loans.
Okanagan Public Libraries		The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) is a fine-free system, meaning there are no daily overdue fees for late items. However, charges still apply for lost, stolen, or damaged items, including replacement and processing fees. Items not returned within a certain period may trigger account blocks.
Oshawa Public Libraries	Adults fined only	Oshawa Public Libraries charges $0.25 to $1.00 per day for overdue adult items, while children’s and teen items are free of late fines. Fines accrue up to 30 days, after which items are considered lost and replacement costs apply. Accounts with $10.00 or more in fees are blocked from borrowing, using computers, or accessing digital content.
Ottawa Public Library		Based on standard policies in the Ottawa/Gatineau region, the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is generally fine-free for overdue materials, having eliminated daily late fees as of January 1, 2021. However, while there are no late fines, patrons are still responsible for replacement costs if items are lost or damaged.
Pickering Public Library		The Pickering Public Library has permanently eliminated overdue fines on most borrowed items. While daily late fees are gone, items not returned within one month of the final due date are considered lost, and charges for the replacement cost plus a processing fee will be applied to the account.
Red Deer Public Library		Red Deer Public Library (RDPL) has eliminated late fines on most materials to improve service access, as indicated in a December 2025 Facebook post. While daily overdue fines are removed, charges still apply for lost or damaged items. For specific, non-RDPL items like Interlibrary Loans (ILL), a fine of $0.25 per day may still apply.
Regina Public Library		As of January 1, 2021, the Regina Public Library (RPL) does not charge daily overdue fines for late books, movies, or other materials. While there are no daily penalties, users are still responsible for returning items; if materials are not returned within 30 days, they are considered lost and a replacement fee will be charged.
Richmond Public Library		Richmond Public Library (BC) is fine-free, meaning they do not charge daily late fees for overdue items. However, you are still responsible for replacing lost or damaged items, and borrowing privileges may be suspended if items are not returned
Richmond Hill Public Library		The Richmond Hill Public Library (RHPL) is a fine-free library, meaning there are no daily, overdue fines for late items. However, users are still responsible for lost or damaged items, which incur replacement costs plus a $5.50 processing fee. Borrowing privileges are suspended if accounts reach $25 or more in total charges.
Saskatoon Public Library		The Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) has been fine-free since January 1, 2021, meaning there are no daily late fees for overdue items. However, items not returned within 30 days are considered lost, and replacement fees are charged, though these are cleared upon the item’s return. Accounts with over $25 in fees may be suspended
St. Catharines Public Library		The St. Catharines Public Library is fine-free for all ages, meaning there are no daily overdue fines for late materials. While late fees are eliminated, patrons are still responsible for costs associated with lost or damaged items, a $4 replacement fee for lost cards, and a $10 collection agency fee for long-overdue accounts.
Strathcona Public Library		Strathcona County Library stopped charging daily overdue fines in June 2020 to reduce barriers to access. While late fees no longer accrue, patrons are still responsible for returning items. Replacement costs and processing fees will be applied to your account if items are lost or damaged.
Surrey Libraries		Surrey Public Library (British Columbia) has permanently eliminated all overdue fines for materials, a policy in place since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to support the community. While there are no daily late fees, users are responsible for returning items, and fees may still apply for lost or damaged materials.
Thompson-Nicola Regional Library		The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (TNRL) does not charge daily overdue fines on most materials, having moved to eliminate them to encourage access. However, patrons are responsible for returning items on time; if items are not returned within 30 days of the due date, replacement fees will be charged to the account.
Thunder Bay Public Library		The Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) eliminated all overdue fines for items at the beginning of 2020 and cleared existing, outstanding fees as of May 31, 2021. While late items do not incur daily fines, a replacement fee is charged for items that are 50 days overdue, which is removed upon the item’s return.
Toronto Public Library		The Toronto Public Library (TPL) has permanently eliminated late fines for all items as of June 1, 2022, to remove barriers to access. While you will not be charged for returning items late, you are still responsible for returning materials, as items 30+ days overdue are considered lost and charged to your account.
Vancouver Island Regional Library		Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) has eliminated late fees on all materials as of 2023. While you will not be charged for returning items late, you are still responsible for replacing lost or damaged items, with billing for lost items occurring 60 days after the due date.
Vancouver Public Library		The Vancouver Public Library (VPL) eliminated all overdue fines for borrowed materials, including books, media, and special items like musical instruments, as of June 1, 2022. While overdue fines are gone, charges for lost or damaged items still apply.
Vaughan Public Libraries		Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) is a fine-free system, meaning there are no daily overdue charges for late items. However, fees still apply for lost or damaged items, which include the replacement cost plus a $5.00 non-refundable administration fee. Accounts with fees can be paid online or in-branch.
Waterloo Public Library		The Waterloo Public Library (WPL) is a fine-free library, meaning no overdue fines are charged for most materials to remove barriers to access. However, fees still apply for lost or damaged items, and some non-traditional items (e.g., green screen kits, tools) may incur daily late fees.
Whitby Public Library		The Whitby Public Library (WPL) is now fine-free, meaning there are no daily overdue fines for late materials. However, replacement costs apply for lost or damaged items, and borrowing privileges are suspended when charges reach $20.00 or more. Items are considered lost after 8 to 24 days, and accounts with high fees may be sent to a collection agency.
Windsor Public Library		The Windsor Public Library (WPL) has eliminated daily late fees for overdue materials, but continues to charge for lost or damaged items. Items not returned within 30 days are considered lost, and accounts with over $25 in fees or more than three overdue items will be blocked.
Winnipeg Public Library		The Winnipeg Public Library (WPL) does not charge daily overdue fines on late items, having adopted a fine-free policy to increase accessibility. However, items not returned within 21 days are considered lost, and replacement costs, plus a $6.50 processing fee, are charged. Memberships are suspended if 10 or more items are overdue.
Yellowhead Regional Library	some branches	Yellowhead Regional Library (YRL) in Alberta generally operates with policies where individual member libraries, such as the Hinton Municipal Library, are moving towards being fine-free for overdue items. However, replacement fees for lost or damaged items still apply. Fines, when applicable, can be paid via library accounts.

Basically only 3 plus systems serving over 100,000 residents are still using fines.

For another list of fine-free libraries, check out:

Fine Free Libraries in Canada

Updated: October 5, 2025

Fine Free Libraries in Canada

Resouces via Fine Free Libraries in Canada

“Studies and Reports

The Future Is Fine Free: How Libraries Are Increasing Equity, Engagement and Access for Their Communities. (2020)
Infopeople

Pines and Plains Libraries (CO) Director Tim Miller, Perry County Library (TN) Director Gail Spragins, Chicago Public Library (IL) Commissioner Andrea Telli, and Santa Monica Public Library (CA) Director Patty Wong engage in a big-picture conversation about becoming and being fine-free libraries. During this conversation, they will identify their libraries’ “why” for being fine-free, discuss how they strategically addressed their communities’ needs and local government priorities by eliminating fines, and describe the impacts of going fine-free on their communities. Presented live on February 13, 2020.

Overdue Fines: Advantages, Disadvantages, and How Eliminating Them Can Benefit Public Libraries (PDF). (2020)
Sabrina Unrein. Syracuse University, iSchool Public Libraries Initiative.

This report aims to draw all of these ideas into a comprehensive and accessible document. It hopes to spark new discussions in the community and help maintain the momentum of the fine-free movement. It addresses the arguments in favor of and against fines, any evidence that supports those arguments in the current discourse, alternatives to total fine elimination, and new data from libraries that have chosen to go fine-free. It was inspired by questioning if fines are a measurably effective tool, but evolved into a discussion about equity and if library fines align with the values driving our profession.

Additionally, this report includes new research. As previously mentioned, use of library fines has already been extensively discussed. However, there has not been much investigation into libraries that have eliminated fines, and how that change has impacted their communities. Due to the rapid increase in libraries eliminating fines, it seemed important to explore a sample of libraries that have made that change. What positive and negative effects has the library experienced in the aftermath of eliminating fines for their entire community? The survey was sent to libraries across the United States, varying in location and population. Fifteen surveys were completed, and the results can be found in this report, following the discussion of the arguments for and against fines

Fine-Free Policies (PDF). (2018; updated 2019)
Sam Cook, Library Connection, Inc. (LCI) Libraries.

Multiple LCI member libraries have expressed an interest in fine-free policies. As such, LCI has determined that it would be beneficial to collect data about these policies to aid in the decision-making process. This report examines the results of fine-free policies at libraries outside of LCI as well as relevant statistics pulled from Sierra for existing fine-free policies within LCI. The four questions explored in this report are:

1) Are daily fines required as an incentive for patrons to return materials?
2) Do fine-free policies lead to increased circulation?
3) How have libraries managed the financial ramifications of removing daily fines?
4) How would fine-free policies be implemented in Sierra?

Fine Efficacy: An Experimental Study of the Effect of Daily Fines on Borrower Return Habits. (2018)
Andrea Boehme, Bowling Green State University / Katie Mihaly, Bowling Green State University

Fines have long been seen as a method to ensure items are returned on time. Recently the need to charge patrons for not returning items has come into question. Many libraries have gone fine free to gain good will with their patrons and reallocate staff. To better determine the impact incremental fines have on patron behavior, we conducted an experimental study, charging one group fines and not charging the other. We found that there was not a statistically significant change in either fines accumulated or amount of material borrowed. The data suggests patrons keep the item for as long as they need it and return it when they are done.

A librarian’s case against overdue book fines. (2018)
Dawn Wacek, TEDxUWLaCrosse.

Libraries have the power to create a better world; they connect communities, promote literacy and spark lifelong learners. But there’s one thing that keeps people away: the fear of overdue book fines. In this thought-provoking talk, librarian Dawn Wacek makes the case that fines don’t actually do what we think they do. What if your library just … stopped asking for them altogether?

Doing Fine(s)? | Fines & Fees. (2017)
Jennifer A. Dixon, Steven A. Gillis, Library Journal.

Fee and fines have traditionally been a fact of life for public libraries in America, even though a nonnegligible proportion of librarians and patrons have long considered fines at best an unpleasant hassle and at worst a serious barrier to access to resources for those unable to pay them. A number of libraries nationwide from High Plains Public Library in Colorado to Columbus, OH, to Ipswich, MA, have recently made news by eliminating charges for late returns. Others are creating fine-free cards for certain categories of patrons, such as California’s Peninsula Library System’s for kids and teens, or Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s for active duty military personnel and veterans. As many libraries continue to assess and overhaul their fine and fee structures, sponsored by Comprise Technologies, LJ surveyed a random selection of public librarians in January 2017 to learn about their libraries’ approaches to fines and fees. LJ received 454 responses.

Removing Barriers to Access: Eliminating Library Fines and Fees on Children’s Materials (2016)
Meg J Depriest. Prepared for the Colorado State Library.

The Supporting Parents in Early Literacy through Libraries (SPELL) research revealed that library fines and fees for overdue, damaged, and lost materials are barriers that prevent low-income parents and caregivers of young children from using public libraries. After reviewing the academic and professional literature regarding library fines and fees, including qualitative research, quantitative studies, and editorial pieces, as well as using finding from the two studies with parents and public libraries in Colorado, the Colorado State Library (CSL) recommends public libraries eliminate fines and fees on children’s materials. The scant research on the value and impact of library fines and fees does not indicate a clear benefit of administering these policies, and they may be costly to enforce. Library governing authorities that develop policies to remove fines and fees on juvenile material find it effective in building a positive relationship with families with young children.

Putting a sacred cow out to pasture: assessing the removal of fines and reduction of barriers at a small academic library (2014)
Kathleen Reed, Jean Blackburn, Daniel Sifton, Vancouver Island University.

At the beginning of the 2012/13 academic year, Vancouver Island University library removed most fines and made other loans changes to improve access to physical collections. One year later, the changes were assessed using circulation data and staff interviews. The removal of fines had no significant effect on borrower return rates and circulation numbers, but did win significant goodwill among users. Library staff believe the changes to be positive.

Additional Materials:

These Ontario libraries say more people borrow items and return them on time after overdue fines dropped
CBC

Eliminating Fines – Resources
Kieran Hixon, Colorado Virtual Library

Fine Free Libraries: Infographic
Ontario Library Association

Fine Free Research
Anchorage Public Library

Going Fine Free
Peter Bromberg

Infographic: Calculating the Hidden Costs of Collecting Fines
Ontario Library Association

Public Library Director Toolkit: Fine Free Resources
North Dakota State Library

Why Are Libraries Eliminating Late Fees?
EveryLibrary”