(Check out the fine free Media!)
What does “fine-free” actually mean?
For JMRL, going “fine-free” means no longer charging overdue fines. Items that are over a month overdue will still be charged a replacement cost to the library card until they have been returned. JMRL will still charge for items that were checked out and returned damaged.
NOTE: JMRL will also still add Interlibrary Loan overdue fines and shipping and handling charges to patron accounts. Patron accounts will still be charged overdue fines for high rotation items such as Bestsellers, museum passes, and toy kits.
How did this decision to go fine-free come about?
In 2016 the Library Board of Trustees voted to make juvenile cards fine free (but still responsible for replacement charges for items more than 30 days late, or returned damaged). Since then, with the Board’s approval, JMRL has also done the following:
- Created fine-free Teacher cards for educators who work in JMRL’s service area. Items are still charged to accounts if more than 30 days overdue or damaged (2021).
- Instituted auto-renewals, which automated renewals for items that have not been renewed twice, and does not have holds. This erased late renewal fines (2025).
In 2025 the Library Board commissioned a working group to study overdue fines. In September of 2025 this group recommended that JMRL go fine free in fiscal year 2027 (starting July of 2026), and report data back to the Board regularly on usage metrics.
The Board voted in agreement with the working group’s findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I just got a bill for an item I had checked out from the library. I thought JMRL was fine-free! What gives?!
A: Replacement fines will still be charged to patron accounts if items are over 30 days overdue. Just bring the book back, and your account will be clear.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are returning ILLs, Bestsellers, toys, or kits back after their due date, then you will still have an overdue fine. Questions about your account? Don’t hesitate to email circulation@jmrl.org!
Q: Will this impact how long it takes to get items I have reserved?
A: JMRL is not anticipating any delays in service for users. JMRL’s Board has established metrics on service to track how this change will impact your library experience, such as how long people are waiting for books on hold, how often materials are returned early or late, and how many new cards are being made. The Library will keep an eye on all of these metrics and make adjustments as needed, always with an eye to ensuring that the people of Charlottesville, Albemarle, Greene, Louisa and Nelson are getting the library service they expect and deserve.
Q: Will past overdue fines be cleared?
A: Yes, past overdue fines will be cleared after July 1st. If you have questions or concerns, please email circulation@jmrl.org for more information concerning your account. Fees for lost or damaged materials will remain.
Q: Who do I voice my questions to about the decision for JMRL to go fine-free?
A: Email director@jmrl.org
Q: Do overdue items have to be returned differently than other materials?
A: You can return overdue items just like any JMRL item. All JMRL items checked out need to be returned to JMRL branches. This can be done at any time, as each JMRL location has an after hour book return. Find the branch closest to you.
Don’t forget, most items that are not on hold for others are also eligible for auto-renewals!
Q: Does JMRL have a plan for recovering the expected loss of revenue from not having overdue fines?
A: JMRL has been planning for this loss of fine money for a while, as digital circulation (currently over 30% of all checkouts) does not incur late fines and this source of revenue has continued to steadily decline for years. Whether or not overdue fines on physical materials were charged moving forward, the Library was going to need to ensure alternate sources to replace this income. JMRL’s Board has a three year plan for handling the revenue loss from no longer charging overdue fines without incurring any additional costs for local jurisdictions. For additional information, please feel free to contact director@jmrl.org.