FPL is Going Fine Free!
We are Fine Free!
In 1890 the Freeport Public Library was formally adopted by the City and the first library board was appointed. 135 years later, we are proud to announce we are now a fine free library!
Returning late due to being out of town? No problem! Keeping a book a few days longer so you can finish? We’ve been there! Found a book in a pile of kids’ toys while you were moving and you’re afraid to come back to the library because of how many fees you have? We understand life happens! Welcome back!
Starting February 1st, 2025, the library will not charge overdue fines on most library materials. When overdue items are returned they are checked in and no overdue charges are assessed. If items are not returned or are returned damaged then a fee will be assessed.
Overdue fines are widely recognized by professional library organizations as a form of social inequity. The American Library Association and others have conducted multiple studies that show that imposing fines neither teaches responsibility nor motivates borrowers to return items on time.
What happens to my existing fines?
Any outstanding late fines on FPL items will be purged from our patron accounts starting February 1st, 2025.
Will all items be “Fine Free”?
All of our items will be fine-free with the exception of Hotspots, STEM Kits, Parent Kits, and Library of Things items.
What if I have overdue items?
Borrowing privileges will be suspended for patrons with significantly overdue material. For lost and damaged items, the cost of the item(s) will still be charged to the patron’s account.
How to Avoid Overdue Items:
Make sure your contact information is up-to-date. Log in to your PrairieCat account or check with a library staff member to make sure we have the correct email and phone number registered to your account and your children’s accounts.
Sign Up for Text Notifications: Log into your PrairieCat account and ‘opt-in’ to receive text notifications and you will receive holds available and overdue notices.
Questions? Contact us:
815.233.3000
information@freeportpubliclibrary.org
We hope to see you soon!