Manitowoc Public Library is now officially fine free! We no longer charge daily overdue fines on late materials! The Library Board of Trustees approved this change to ensure a wider use of library collections.
Why go fine free?
A public library exists to serve its community and is based on the concept of sharing, allowing patrons to borrow and return materials and resources. Our mission at Manitowoc Public Library is to provide access to information and enhance the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of our community. We recognize that charging fines undermines our mission. The elimination of overdue fines ultimately increases access to the Library and benefits our entire community.
We understand that life happens and sometimes people are late; there will no longer be a financial punishment due to a simple late return. Going fine free makes a trip to Manitowoc Public Library more pleasant for both you and our staff!
Please read below for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Library will no longer charge overdue fines for any items: books, DVDs, video games, Wi-Fi Hotspots, toys, or any other item borrowed.
The Library has established reasonable loan periods for items borrowed (21 days for most item types). These due dates serve as a reminder to return items, allowing other patrons access to them. Please refer to our Checkout Guidelines page for more information.
All items borrowed from the Library must be returned in good condition. Any items kept two weeks past their due date will be considered lost, and you will be charged the replacement cost of the item in addition to a $2.00 processing fee. Damaged or incomplete items will also incur the replacement cost and processing fee. When lost items are returned within six months of the due date, these charges will be removed. Click here for MPL’s Fee Schedule.
Renewing an item extends the loan period to a new due date, allowing the borrower more time with the item. Items can typically be renewed up to 3 times if no other patrons have placed the item on hold.
Yes. Charges will still be incurred for
- Lost, damaged, or incomplete item replacement—the cost the Library originally paid for the item, plus a $2.00 per item processing fee
- When lost items are returned within six months of the due date, these charges will be removed.
- Referral fee of $10.00—the cost the Library pays to send a library account to the collection agency (lost item charges $35 or more)
No, we do not accept replacement items purchased by library patrons. We require the patron to return borrowed items in the condition they were checked out or pay the replacement cost.
You will not be held responsible for overdue fines accrued prior to January 1, 2026. However, you will still be responsible for any replacement charges for items lost, damaged, or incomplete, or for collection agency referral fees. Library staff is working diligently behind the scenes to remove previously incurred fines; please be patient while these adjustments are being made.
Yes. Ask a staff member at the Main Service Desk for an Appeal of Library Charges form. Management will review your form and determine whether your charges are eligible to be reduced or forgiven entirely.
Yes, all other libraries in the Manitowoc-Calumet Library System are fine free. You will not accumulate overdue fines on any items borrowed from a system library.
No, revenues from overdue fines accounted for less than .01 percent of the Library budget. Anyone wishing to support the Library financially is welcome to donate to the Manitowoc Public Library Foundation or the Friends of Manitowoc Public Library.