The Burlington County Library System has reported increased activity across its branches following the adoption of a fine-free return policy, which took effect on July 1, 2024. The policy eliminated overdue fines for books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, movies, video games, and technology-on-loan at both branch and member libraries. Fines remain in place for museum passes, classroom kits, book club sets, and interlibrary loan items.
In the year since implementing the policy change, the library system saw a 36% increase in checkouts from its branches and member libraries between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Digital checkouts rose by 19% during the same period. The system also issued 15,334 new library cards and gained 1,600 new users of Libby/Overdrive—its digital catalog of online programs and collections.
Library staff noted a significant reduction in lost items as well. There was a 57% decrease in the list of lost materials as hundreds of previously missing books and other items were returned without financial penalty. Many of these materials are now available for checkout again.
Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson commented on the results: “The Burlington County Library System was created more than a century ago to be a resource for all residents and the results we’re seeing show it continues to be successful with that mission,” said Hopson. “The switch to a fine-free policy has helped promote accessibility and equity, and we are pleased to see how the policy is working to bring more individuals and families back to our libraries.”
Prior to adopting the fine-free approach, over 35,300 cardholders had been inactive for more than a year because they had not borrowed any materials.
Burlington County Library Commission Chair Jonathan Chebra said: “A lot of thought and research preceded the change to a fine-free policy, and the first-year results are encouraging,” said Chebra. “We believed late fees and fines created a barrier that prevented some individuals and families from utilizing the library, so it’s gratifying to see cardholders who were inactive for years are returning to discover all the programs, services, and resources the library offers.”
While most overdue fines have been removed under this new system, replacement fees still apply for lost or unreturned materials. Cardholders with overdue items are also prevented from borrowing additional materials until their accounts are resolved.
“The change to fine-free did not equate to ‘responsibility free.’ Library customers are still being held responsible for the materials they borrow,” said Burlington County Library System Director Ranjna Das. “But what we’re seeing is that cardholders who were inactive for years due to fines or overdue books have returned. These returning customers are also taking advantage of all our enhanced services, including our digital collections and programs.”
Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel added: “The proof is in the results,” said Eckel. “Library materials that were missing are now back in circulation, and longtime patrons who were staying away from the libraries because of their fines are now back using the libraries. It’s exactly what we hoped would happen.”
