Fine Free FAQ

We want community members to return to using library resources! Overdue fines can create a significant barrier to library use, especially for minors and those with limited financial resources. Fines for overdue materials discourage customers from accessing the invaluable resources that our library system offers such as free technology, literacy, and lifelong learning. By moving to a fine-free system, the Board of County Commissioners reinforces the County’s commitment to equity and inclusion and to remove barriers to resources for many community members.

Yes. In the United States, over 400 library systems have adopted fine-free policies, and the number is growing. In Florida, the Alachua County, Citrus County, Homestead, Jacksonville, Miami-Dade County, Orange Beach, Palm Beach County, Pasco County, Sarasota County, St. Lucie County, and Tampa-Hillsborough library systems have adopted fine-free policies while others are adopting partial fine-free policies.

Libraries that have adopted fine-free policies found that library card registrations and the number of materials borrowed increased; more library items were returned overall; more students returned to using the library’s homework resources; and staff time was redirected from handling fine transactions to being more focused on customer service and information needs.

Although revenue will no longer be received from payment of overdue fines, Manatee County has decided it is far more valuable to the community to increase access to library collections.

Yes. Please note that Manatee Library’s system is enabled with Auto-Renewal, which means that some items checked out to a patron will automatically be renewed up to 3 times except: museum passes, some special items such as telescopes, items requested by another patron, for accounts blocked by fees, interlibrary loans, and digital items.

The cardholder’s account will be charged for the full cost of unreturned items 21 days after the due date. The account will then be blocked from checking out other items and accessing many digital resources.

Replacement charges and the block on the account will be removed when 1) the undamaged item is returned, 2) the replacement cost has been paid, or 3) a replacement item (in new or very good condition, same format/ISBN) has been provided. A $3.00 processing fee will be assessed for each lost and damaged item to cover the library’s processing costs.

All fees are non-refundable. Returned lost and paid materials are not eligible for a refund.

Cardholders with blocked accounts may still use library computers, read materials inside the library, and attend library programs.

No. Past overdue fines (assessed before November 16, 2020) have already been removed from cardholder accounts.

Fees charged for unreturned, incomplete, or damaged items remain on the cardholder account.

No. Overdue fines paid before this policy was enacted (November 16, 2020) are not eligible for refunds.