The Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) is permanently eliminating late fines as of Jan. 1.
In a release, the SPL says all late fines currently on patron accounts will also be forgiven.
The SPL is joining more than 100 libraries across North America that have gone fine-free in recent years.
The SPL hasn’t been charging late fines since mid-March when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit Saskatoon, and this fines-amnesty period has been extended to Dec. 31.
As such, the release says, late fines at SPL are officially a thing of the past.
The SPL says the fines negatively impact the city’s most vulnerable residents including children, newcomers and those with low and fixed incomes.