​Ogden Farmers’ Library Is Going Fine Free

​Beginning January 1st, 2024

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For over 200 years it has been our mission to provide access to a wide range of educational and entertainment materials for free to all residents of Ogden.

​While it may come as a surprise, recent research has shown that eliminating late fines does not significantly impact the timely return of library items. In addition, late fines act as a significant barrier to use for some library users, who may have accrued a large fine due to a one-time mistake or under extenuating circumstances. As such, we have elected to discontinue the collection of late fines on all Ogden owned items.

​With the elimination of late fines, we better realize our mission, and join the nationally successful movement that makes libraries more welcoming and accessible for all.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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What exactly does fine free mean?

​All Ogden Farmers' Library owned items will no longer incur fines if kept past their due date.

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Does fine free mean I can keep items as long as I want?

Every item checked out still has a due date, so it is still considerate to return items on time. Items that are 42 or more days overdue are considered lost. Lost items incur a replacement cost and suspend your borrowing privileges.

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What will happen to my already-accrued late fines?

The change to fine free effects all check-outs after January 1st 2024. Fines accrued before January 1st are still owed. You can continue to use your library card once you pay your old fines down below $20. You are welcome to contact John Cohen, the library director, at [email protected]​ to discuss the possibility of having your old fines forgiven.

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Am I still charged if I lose or damage a book?

​You will still be charged for losing or damaging a book. Items that are 42 or more days overdue are considered lost. Lost items incur a replacement cost and suspend your borrowing privileges.

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If a book is sent for me from another library, will it still be subject to late fines?​

​Every town library makes its own decision about late fines, so late fines are applied based on the library that owns the item. Some other Monroe County libraries no longer collect fines, but many still do. If you receive an item from another library, it may still be subject to late fines.

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Will I still receive an email/call when my item is coming due?

​Yes. You will continue to be notified of due dates just as before.

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What is the fiscal impact of eliminating fines to the taxpayer?

​Late fines constituted less than 2% of our budget. In cooperation with the town, we were able to eliminate that line from our budget. Additionally, the act of collecting fines, itself, costs money. By eliminating fines, we eliminate the cost of processing them.

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Without late fines, will due dates be ignored, resulting in longer wait times?

Behavioral research has shown that fine elimination does not significantly impact the timely return of items. As such, we do not anticipate an impact on wait times for library items.

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My parents used library fines to teach me responsibility. Won’t this change impact my child’s development of responsibility?

​Library staff respect the right of parents and caregivers to teach their children important life lessons, including responsibility. Even without an overdue penalty, families can teach their children to use library items responsibly by returning them in good condition and in a timely fashion.

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I don't mind paying late fines because I like to support my library. How can I continue to financially support the library?

​We are always appreciative of donations! You can donate in person at the checkout desk if you feel inclined to do so. Another way to support us is by becoming a member of the Friends of the Library. To learn about the Friends, click here.

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I have a question that hasn’t been answered here:

Please contact John Cohen, the library director, at [email protected].