Starting today, Jan. 3, Aurora Public Library is ending fines for overdue items and expanding operating hours, including opening on Sundays, at Central Library and Tallyn’s Reach Library.
The decision to go fine-free follows the practice implemented by the library system at the peak of COVID-19 to waive fees. Going forward, fine-free items will include all books, audiobooks, DVDs/Blu-rays and youth services discovery kits. Items such as laptops and Wi-Fi hot spots will still carry late fees, and patrons will still be held accountable for damaged or lost materials.
The new hours at Central Library and Tallyn’s Reach Library are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday to Sunday. The other five libraries -- Chambers Plaza, Hoffman Heights, Iliff Square, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mission Viejo -- continue with the same hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. While Central Library used to be open on Sundays prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be the first time Tallyn’s Reach Library will be open Sundays in its 20 years of existence.
“Aurora Public Library is starting 2023 with new ways to make library services more accessible to our community,” said Midori Clark, director of Library and Cultural Services. “Modern libraries are about equitable access to information and providing a space for people to flourish, explore and connect; going fine-free and expanding hours are concrete actions we are taking as we reimagine Aurora Public Library to better serve Aurora.”
Last fall, Aurora Public Library restored its number of branches to seven for the first time since 2009, with the addition of Chambers Plaza Library, 1551 N. Chambers Road. Chambers Plaza will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12.
Libraries across the nation have reversed assumptions about inactive users since increasing evidence shows that the accrual of fines limits the use of library services, particularly by patrons with lower household incomes. Additionally, items might not be returned on time due to branch proximity or transportation barriers. Going fine-free is predicted to be a cost-saving measure and bring patrons back to Aurora Public Library.
The elimination of most fines is also in line with efforts by the Aurora City Council to reduce costs associated with city services through the council's Red Tape Reduction Committee and the Aurora: Here for Business initiatives.