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Library staff propose waiving small past‑due fines so San Rafael students can get library cards
Summary
Library staff told the subcommittee they identified roughly 300 school‑aged patrons with outstanding fines—about $20,000 total—largely tied to the Pickleweed Library. Staff proposed administratively waiving past‑due fines so students can receive library cards while retaining charges for lost or damaged materials.
Library staff asked the Finance Subcommittee to note an operational decision to help school‑aged children obtain library cards by waiving certain past‑due fines.
Staff members, including Catherine and others working with local schools, reported they identified about 300 students with outstanding fines—an estimate staff said totals roughly $20,000—and that approximately 60% of those accounts are tied to the Pickleweed Library. Staff told the subcommittee these fines include late fees, plus some loss or damage charges.
The library’s recommended approach is to waive past‑due fines that block students from obtaining library cards while retaining replacement charges for books that are lost or damaged. Staff said they will coordinate with the Marin County Free Library and local schools so the effort is a multi‑agency initiative and clarified that the write‑off approach is intended to promote access for school children rather than to create a permanent policy of writing off lost‑book charges.
Council members voiced concern about precedent but acknowledged the equity rationale: unpaid fines can bar children from checking out school materials. Staff said they would pursue the administrative write‑off for the small, specific cohort and add guardrails—such as limiting the window of eligibility and maintaining replacement charges—to avoid encouraging non‑return of library materials.
No formal council action was requested; staff said the decision can be implemented administratively and that they would provide follow‑up information to the committee.
