Starting January 16, 2024, the Des Moines Public Library will implement a groundbreaking policy eliminating late fines on most materials, as confirmed by the Board of Trustees on December 19, 2023. This change will also retroactively clear all past fines, allowing patrons with previously blocked accounts to renew their library cards and access services once again. In addition, the library will automatically renew checked-out items up to two times, provided there are no holds. While the majority of late fines will be abolished, fees for lost or damaged materials will remain in place, along with a nominal late fine for certain items such as board games and hotspots. Library Director Susan A.

Woody highlighted the initiative's aim to alleviate the disproportionate impact that late fines have on low-income families. This policy continues the library's strategic efforts to enhance community access, which have included eliminating late fines for children's and teen materials and reducing other fines in recent years. The library's operating budget has shown that late fines constitute a minimal portion of its revenue. More information regarding the new policy will be available on the library's website, dmpl. org/finefree, in the coming weeks.