In my experience, they usually cap the fine at the value of the book and just charge you for a replacement when you hit that amount.

They're not going to ban you from the library.

No overdue fines at all where I live

A bunch of my friends are librarians. Late fees here were abolished during the pandemic, but even before that the most they'd do is charge the cost of the material borrowed. They may or may not replace it.

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'We Wanted Our Patrons Back' — Public Libraries Scrap Late Fines To Alleviate Inequity

https://www.npr.org/2019/11/30/781374759/we-wanted-our-patrons-back-public-libraries-scrap-late-fines-to-alleviate-inequi

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wait.. 50p?

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https://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/about-public-libraries-news/abolishing-fines

Abolishing fines: UK status
The fines-free movement is gaining ground throughout at least the English-speaking library world. Here is a list of the reasons why and where has removed fines so far.
Reasons noted for abolishing fines:

I got hit with a bunch of fines moreso generated by DVDs because my library is steep on those... I returned them all, mumbled something about being out of town / forgetting, and they cut my fees in half on the spot.

Just get it over with and be honest, they might be nicer than you think. And they have seen worse.

Libraries aren't going to gouge you.

Libraries in my area will not charge more in fines than the cost of the book (when they’re Gia lit about a month late). I forgot to return a few books and got a bill for them but was only charged the daily fine rate when I finally returned them.

Hi there. Your post would be better asked in our Simple Questions thread. It helps us keep the main subreddit focused around broader discussion rather topics which only apply to an individual. Thank you!

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