After debating the issue for the last couple of years, the Free Library of Philadelphia’s board of trustees voted in December to eliminate fines on overdue materials. This applies to all three Southwest Philadelphia library branches, Eastwick, Paschalville, and Kingsessing.
Library staff at the Paschalville branch say the policy could go into effect as early as February 14, 2020.
When the policy is in effect, all prior debts from overdue books, CDs, etc. will be cleared. The policy that won’t change is that you can’t check out any new materials if you have any overdue items. You won’t be able to check out new materials unless you return them — or replace them if they’re lost or damaged.
The City’s Office of Community and Empowerment and Opportunity is charged with reducing poverty in Philadelphia. They have worked on various ways to eliminate fees and fines throughout the City, including the Court system, parking tickets, etc.
