Arkansas City Public Library has joined other public libraries no longer fining patrons for overdue books. “It’s a trend nationally,” said Mendy Pfannenstiel, Ark City’s library director. The fines have been found to be “not really effective” as a means of deterring people from turning in their books late, Pfannenstiel said. “What we want is for people to return the books.” Those people who can afford to pay the fines tend to do so; those who can’t afford them don’t. Fines range from 25 cents to $5 a day. Not paying the fines means patrons can’t use the materials, and “often they need them the most,” Pfannenstiel said. “It’s not equitable.”
Source: The Arkansas City Traveler
