By Stacey Zwald Costello, Library Director
The Colusa County Free Library is excited to announce a major policy change that removes overdue fines for all library materials. At the Sept. 9, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board unanimously agreed to allow the library to go fine free! Beginning immediately, the library will no longer charge daily late fees for items returned past their due date. This important shift supports the library’s mission to ensure equitable access to information, learning, and community resources for all residents.
While the library will continue to charge for lost or damaged materials, the removal of overdue fines means that late returns will no longer accumulate debt or prevent patrons from using their library cards. Instead, if an item is not returned within 14 days after its due date, it will be marked as “lost” and billed accordingly. However, the moment the item is returned, whether one day or several weeks later, the charge will automatically be removed with no late fee added.
This change reflects the library’s commitment to reducing barriers and welcoming everyone back to their local branches. Overdue fines often discourage families and individuals, especially those with limited means, from checking out books or bringing their children to the library. By eliminating these fines, the library is focusing on access, community trust, and shared responsibility rather than financial penalties.
Libraries across the country that have transitioned to fine-free policies have reported increases in returned materials and renewed engagement from patrons who had previously stopped using their library cards. The Colusa County Free Library hopes to see the same positive results, encouraging residents throughout Colusa County to reconnect with their neighborhood branches in Colusa, Arbuckle, Grimes, Maxwell, Princeton, Stonyford, and Williams.
Patrons are still encouraged to return materials on time so that others can enjoy them, but the focus now is on providing a more inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone.
Whether you are returning after a long absence or visiting for the first time, there has never been a better time to explore what your local library has to offer, without worrying about late fees.