Effective January 2019, Morton Grove residents are not charged overdue fines for items borrowed from MGPL. Learn more about this change and what it means for you.
Why No Fines?
Research has shown that overdue fines are not effective in encouraging the return of library material. Instead, they can quickly become a barrier to using the library altogether.
Currently, overdue fines makes up less than 1% of the total Library budget, which, with the implementation of automatic renewals, was predicted to decrease. We understand that our patrons have busy lives and can't always make it into the Library in a timely manner.
With the elimination of overdue fines, the Morton Grove Public Library has chosen to focus on making the time our users spend in the Library as positive and productive as possible. We will continue to provide the materials, services, and programs that our community expects, wants, and needs.
Details
Due Dates
Every item checked out still has a due date. Cardholders are responsible for honoring the due date if or when an item is not eligible for automatic renewal.
Blocked Accounts
Once an item is two weeks overdue, your library account will be blocked. When that happens, you will not be able to check out more items or access streaming or digital content until the overdue item is returned. Once the item is returned, the block is removed from your account and you will once again be able to check out library material and access streaming and digital content.
MGPL Items Only
The No-Fines policy applies only to items checked out at the Morton Grove Public Library.
Overdue Items Only
The No-Fines policy applies only to overdue items. Fees assessed due to damaged or lost material will still be charged to cardholder accounts. (See the Lost / Damaged Materials policy for more information.)