FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Dylan Padilla, pr@jmrl.org, 434-979-7151 x6676
David Plunkett, director@jmrl.org 434-979-7151 x 6670
JMRL Goes Fine Free July 1, 2026
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — JMRL is happy to announce that it will begin its transition into a Fine Free library system this summer, beginning July 1. This initiative marks a significant step in the Library’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to information and fostering an accessible environment for patrons across Charlottesville, Albemarle, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson.
Recognizing that overdue fines often discourage residents from utilizing library services, the Library aims to better support the community in their efforts to grow, learn, and connect. This transition builds upon previous successful initiatives, including the 2016 move to eliminate fines for juvenile cards and the 2025 introduction of the Auto-Renew program.
“What JMRL recognizes is that fines can present a barrier to people who want to visit the Library,” notes David Plunkett, Library Director. “This change is another way to open barriers to access to people all across the service area. JMRL has been planning for this loss of revenue for a while, as digital circulation (currently over 30% of all checkouts) do 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 local costs.”
Policy Changes for Patrons:
To streamline the experience and alleviate patron concerns, the following policy changes will go into effect July 1, 2026:
- Overdue Fines: Eliminated for most library materials.
- Existing Fines: All past overdue fines on accounts have been cleared.
- Borrowing Responsibility: While late fines are a thing of the past, patrons are still expected to return items in a timely manner. Library cards will be locked if materials are not returned.
- Lost/Damaged Items: Patrons remain responsible for the replacement costs of lost or damaged materials. If a bill is paid, the balance will be removed from the account.
The JMRL Board has developed a comprehensive three-year plan to manage the revenue transition, ensuring that this change incurs no additional local costs. The Library will continue to monitor key service metrics—such as hold wait times and new card registrations—to ensure service quality remains high.
Note: Some exclusions apply to this policy, including kits, interlibrary loans (ILLs), and bestsellers. For more detailed information, please visit blog.jmrl.org.
About JMRL:
The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library is dedicated to fostering personal growth and life-long learning for all by connecting people with ideas, information, and each other. JMRL welcomes all community members to visit their local branch to enjoy the library’s expanded, low-barrier services.
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