Franklin trustees approve fine-free policy for children and young adult materials starting Jan. 1, 2026

The Franklin Public Library board voted on Sept. 22 to eliminate overdue fines for children's and young-adult materials effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Trustee Christopher Dahl moved the motion to adopt a fine-free policy for children and young-adult materials beginning Jan. 1, 2026; Trustee Mike Carlettitz seconded. After discussion about the library's fiscal position and the city's reported $1 million budget gap, trustees debated whether to delay the change until after the municipal budget process. Jennifer provided figures showing that through August Fund 16 fines were $11,827 and that the difference between Fund 16 revenues and expenses was a positive $11,662. Trustees also discussed 2024 data indicating children's fines were between about $8,000 and $10,000 for the year.

Trustee Alan Alexandrovitz said he opposed eliminating fines on principle, stating: "I am opposed to dropping fees." The motion passed with one recorded opposition; the board directed staff to prepare needed circulation-policy language and to return the circulation policy to the board for final adjustments.

Jennifer said implementing a fine-free policy would require operational steps, including deciding how to handle existing fines on patron accounts and whether to begin the policy for new checkouts on a chosen date. After discussion the board adjusted the implementation deadline to Jan. 1, 2026 to allow staff time to prepare system changes and communication.

The board's vote applies only to children's and young-adult materials; trustees did not adopt a fine-free policy for other material categories at this meeting.