Just over a year after the Burlington County Library System (BCLS) eliminated most overdue fines, county officials are reporting significant increases in library activity. The fine-free policy, which began on July 1, 2024, removed overdue fines for books and other materials at BCLS branches and member libraries, while maintaining them for items such as museum passes and interlibrary loans.
Since the policy change, checkouts from BCLS branches and member libraries increased by 36%, digital checkouts rose by 19%, and more than 15,000 new library cards were issued. Additionally, there were 1,600 new users of Libby/Overdrive, the system’s digital catalog. Staff also noted a 57% reduction in lost items as hundreds of previously missing materials were returned without penalty.
“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 Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia 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.”
Burlington County encompasses 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area according to its official website. The library system’s stated purpose is to enrich lives by providing opportunities for learning, growth and personal development (source).
Before the fine-free shift, over 35,300 cardholders had been inactive for more than a year. “A lot of thought and research preceded the change to a fine-free policy, and the first-year results are encouraging,” said Burlington County Library Commission Chair Jonathan 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.”
Despite eliminating most overdue fines, replacement fees still apply for lost or unreturned materials. Borrowing privileges remain suspended for cardholders with overdue items.
“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 commented on how this move supports community access: “The proof is in the results,” she said. “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.”
Burlington County operates under a Board of County Commissioners comprising five at-large members (source). The county includes three cities among its forty political subdivisions (source), further highlighting its broad reach within New Jersey.
