Revelstoke Library, along with all branches of the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) has gone entirely fines free as of September 26, 2023. The move solidifies a Covid-19 response policy that halted fines during the pandemic to ease access to library resources and materials. ORL joins Vancouver Island Regional Library and nearly 50 other B.C. libraries that have gone either partially or entirely fines free.

“It was just complete jubilation,” Lucie Bergeron, Revelstoke Library community librarian told Revelstoke Mountaineer about the mood from staff when ORL announced the change. 

“It felt like this took a long time for those of us who are seeing this as a way for libraries to go.”

Instead of occurring late fees, patrons have 30 days post the due date to return materials. A bill for a replacement fee is sent out and noted on the patron’s account if the materials have not been returned after 30 days. The charges will be wiped if the materials are brought back within six months.

“Obviously,” Bergeron explained. “If the book is lost or damaged, we will charge for that.”

In a press release, ORL stated eliminating late fees will allow library staff to better help patrons and maintain the space, and Bergeron agrees.

“We don’t have to deal with all these huge fines and just the library shame that goes along with fines that we don’t care about, but our patrons do,” Bergeron said.

ORL recorded an overall increase in library usage since suspending fines and while the Revelstoke library hasn’t officially noted an increase in patronage, Bergeron said she has seen patrons returning.

“We’re still getting people returning who haven’t been since covid,” she explained. “This is one more way to make people comfortable in accessing (the library).”

Fine free and accessible

Removing fines has been cited as an accessibility move by library organizations and supporters, but it’s not the only accessibility need ORL is working to address. ORL announced the formation of an Accessibility Committee and has implemented an audit of all branches and resources. 

“Poverty reduction is a huge mandate for the library, but also working on that physical accessible space,” Bergeron said, noting the Revelstoke branch will continue to see accessibility improvements in the coming months along with ones already in place. 

“To the gender-expansive community, we’re trying to be a safe haven,” Bergeron explained.

Library patrons who use a name not included on legal ID can have a chosen name on their card. This name is used as reference throughout the library with a legal name only tied to the account in an administration stage.

“ORL has been doing that for years.”

Patrons looking to return to the library can visit the Revelstoke branch at Revelstoke Community and Aquatic Centre or the ORL online portal. To sign up for a card, residents can start the process through the ORL online card sign up and pick the card up the next time they visit their home library, or they can bring a piece of mail with their current address to their local library. If an address is a potential barrier, Bergeron encourages future patrons to still come in.

“There are ways we can make it work out so you can access your library.”