F I N E F R E E

We are waiving overdue fines goodbye!

As of March 1st, 2021, Crafton Public Library is fine free! This means that we will no longer charge fines on late items. Check out the rest of this page to find out more!

Why Fine Free?

It is the mission of Crafton Public Library to be a resource center open to all. We want to ensure that everyone has equal access to the programs, services, and materials they need.

Overdue fines are not effective. Studies have shown that small fines have no impact on item return rates.

The library should not be a financial burden. We strive to provide a positive experience for our community, not worry or stress.

Income from overdue fines is steadily declining. Though once relied upon, overdue fines are no longer a sustainable form of revenue for our library.

Fine Free news

other fine free libraries

Baldwin Borough Public Library
Braddock Carnegie Library
C.C. Mellor Memorial Library
Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale
CLP Allegheny, East Liberty, Knoxville
F.O.R. Sto-Rox Library
Millvale Community Library
Monroeville Public Library
North Versailles Public Library
Penn Hills Library
Wilkinsburg Public Library

What does this mean for you?

If you check out from or return materials to Crafton Public Library, you will no longer incur fines on overdue items.
Not all libraries are fine free. Only items checked out from or returned to Crafton Public Library will not incur overdue fines.

You are still responsible for returning your items! While we don't want to financially burden you, we do want our items back!

You will be sent a series of notices reminding you to return your items. Many items will be automatically renewed, as long as there is not a hold on the item. Your notices will differentiate between items coming due and automatically renewed items. We advise utilizing your online library account for the most up to date information.

You will receive the following automated notices by phone, email, text message, or postal mail, depending on your preference:

Courtesy notice: 3 days before an item is due

First overdue notice: 1 day after an item is due

Second overdue notice: 14 days after an item is due

Third overdue notice: 28 days after an item is due

Billed notice: 42 days after an item is due

When items are 6 weeks overdue, they will be considered lost and you will be billed for the item. If you return the item, the bill will be cleared from your account and no overdue fines will be assessed.

Fine Free faq

Does this mean I can keep my items forever?

NO, all library materials still have a due date. We know life is busy and sometimes an item is returned a few days late. We want to make using the library easy and inclusive for all. You do not have to worry about overdue fines, but items still need to be returned.

Won't this negatively impact CPL's budget?

Fines generate less than 1% of our budget, and income from overdue fines is declining each year. We are exploring other streams of income to supplement this.

Will items still be returned in a timely manner?

Yes! Most library patrons are responsible users and will continue to return items on or near the due date. Libraries that have already made this change have not seen a significant change in the rate of return.

Don't overdue fines teach civic responsibility?

It is the mission of Crafton Public Library to be a resource center open to all. We believe this policy change will help us better accomplish our mission, and research has shown that fines are not an effective teacher of responsibility.

Will CPL eliminate previously accrued overdue fines?

Yes! CPL will waive previously incurred overdue fines. This includes overdue fines on items from other Allegheny County Libraries. We will not be providing refunds for previously paid overdue fines.

Am I still responsible for billed items?

YES. Billed items from CPL or any other Allegheny County library will remain on your account until paid in full. Borrowing privileges will be revoked if an account is billed for more than $10.