Good afternoon. I have been at Wiscasset Public Library for 21 years. The Library has charged no overdue fees at any point during that time. Patrons are very happy to not be charged a "fine." The library does have a Donation and Guilt Jar on the front desk and in the Children's Room. Many patrons generously donate to the jar. WPL has over 5,500 patrons registered. The jars net approximately $1,000 to $1,200 a year. There are added benefits in that more items are returned because there is no fee attached and patrons feel more friendly toward the library. The system works for us. Pamela Dunning, Director -----Original Message----- From: Maine Libraries Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ellsworth Library Director Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 12:25 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MELIBS-L] Eliminating fines We would be interested in the results also. Charlene Charlene E. Churchill, MLIS Director Ellsworth Public Library 20 State Street Ellsworth, ME 04605 207-667-6363 ext 100 http://www.ellsworth.lib.me.us/ [log in to unmask] "Google can bring back a hundred thousand answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one." Neil Gaiman -----Original Message----- From: Maine Libraries Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rachel Davis Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 10:00 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MELIBS-L] Eliminating fines I am posting this on behalf our library director, Jay Scherma. Feel free to respond either to me, to the list, or directly to him: [log in to unmask] Thanks! Our Board of Trustees is considering a change of policy to eliminate the use of overdue fines here at TML. We are a municipal department of the Town of Cape Elizabeth (pop. 9,025,). We are interested in the experience of any other public libraries that have eliminated the use of overdue fines to help us in our decision making process. 1) When did you eliminate fines? 2) What was your fine rate before you eliminated fines? 3) How much money did you raise in fines each year? 4) If known, how much money (in staff time & postage) did it take to manage fines in your library? 5) What were the positive outcomes from eliminating fines? 6) What were the drawbacks to eliminating them? 7) Did you use any strategies to replace the lost income? 8) Where these successful? 9) Other thoughts, comments, etc. that might help us in making our decision? Thanks for your assistance, Jay Scherma, Director Thomas Memorial Library -- -- Rachel Q. Davis Assistant Director/Children's Librarian Thomas Memorial Library <http://www.thomasmemoriallibrary.org/index.shtml> 6 Scott Dyer Road Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 207-799-1720 [log in to unmask] Follow us on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomas-Memorial-Library/1887021245032 97>and Twitter <http://twitter.com/thomasmemlib> @thomasmemlib