Maricopa County Library District To Nix Late Fees

No longer will you have to worry about overdue books and late fees when visiting the library.

The Maricopa County Library District recently announced it will waive late fees and no longer charge for overdue books.

“By eliminating overdue fines, more people can use library materials and services without the fear of incurring fines they can’t afford to pay,” the library website said.

According to the website, libraries across the country have seen an increase in return rates and library usage following removal of fines.

The Maricopa libraries also tweeted that overdue fines often lead to blocked accounts for those “who can least afford them.”

Borrowers are not allowed to keep books indefinitely as lost fees still exist. The library defines a lost book as any that is overdue by 31 days or more.

The library will send three overdue notices before that 31st day, when it sends a bill. If the charge is more than $50 and has not been paid for 60 days, the library will send the customer to collections.