Fine-Free Starting January 2026!
We are thrilled to announce that beginning January 2026, the West Linn Public Library will officially eliminate overdue fines for all library materials checked out at our library.
This means that starting in the new year:
- No more overdue fines for materials borrowed from West Linn Public Library.
- Any existing overdue fines on West Linn accounts will be removed.
Why Is West Linn Going Fine-Free?
Our mission is to ensure that everyone in our community has easy, equitable access to library resources, programs, and spaces. Removing overdue fines supports this mission by:
- Reducing financial barriers that prevent some patrons from using the library
- Aligning with national research showing that overdue fines don’t significantly improve the timely return of materials
- Supporting a more welcoming, inclusive library experience—one where everyone in West Linn feels able to participate fully
Simply put: we want everyone to feel comfortable using the library, and going fine-free helps us achieve that.
What Still Applies?
While overdue fines will be eliminated, replacement fees will still be charged for items that are:
- Not returned
- Lost
- Damaged beyond repair
If a billed item is later returned in good condition, the replacement fee will be removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will loan periods change?
No. Loan periods will remain the same for all West Linn Public Library materials.
Do I still need to return items?
Yes, please! Returning items on time helps others enjoy them. You just won’t receive a daily overdue fine.
What happens if I keep something very late?
After 30 days overdue, items may be marked “lost” and a replacement fee will be charged. If the item is returned, the fee will be removed.
Does this apply to other LINCC libraries?
Each library in the cooperative sets its own policies. West Linn is going fine-free for materials checked out at West Linn Public Library.
What about existing overdue fines?
All overdue fines associated with West Linn accounts will be removed in early January.
Even though there are no more overdue fines, I still feel bad that I’ve returned materials late. Is there something I can do to support the library?
There’s no need to feel bad—late returns happen! If you’d like to give back, a wonderful way to support the library is by donating to the West Linn Library Foundation, who raise funds to support the library's collections, programs and facilities. They also fund the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program which provides a free book mailed to a child’s home monthly from birth up to age 5.
