Cabrillo College Library News & Events

The Library is Fine Free!

The Cabrillo Library is going fine free! This means that people will no longer be charged overdue fines when they return library items late.

For many decades, libraries incorrectly assumed that late fines motivated people to return items on time. Extensive, emerging research now shows that, instead of motivating prompt returns, daily or hourly library fines discourage people from using library services. At the Cabrillo Library, while we still appreciate timely returns, we will no longer be charging overdue fines. We hope that this will encourage everyone to make greater use of our resources!

If you’re unsure about where to start, visit the library on the Aptos Campus in person Monday-Thursday from 8:45am-4pm, ask a librarian in Watsonville at El Patio, or send our librarians a message through Ask a Librarian. 

See this FAQ for more detailed information:

• Q: What about Watsonville’s Integrated Learning Center?
  • A: The ILC’s general and textbook library collections will now be fine free!
  • Note: If you have significantly overdue items, some may be subject to a fee to cover the cost of replacing them. This fee will be forgiven if you return the item.
• Q: What about my existing fines?
  • A: The library has waived and forgiven all overdue fines! You can verify your $0 balance by checking your account.
  • Note: If you have significantly overdue items, some may have been subject to a fee to cover the cost of replacing them.
• Q: Are other libraries eliminating fines?
  • A: Yes! Many libraries, including the San Francisco Public Library, are eliminating overdue fines. The Cal States also charge fewer overdue fines and fees than in the past.
• Q: Will the library be charging overdue fines for textbook reserves?
  • A: Nope! We hope this encourages more students to use the free textbooks that the library offers for four hour loan periods.
  • Note: If you have significantly overdue items, some may be subject to a fee to cover the cost of replacing them. This fee will be forgiven if you return the item.
• Q: I’m a professor who has lent textbooks to the library for student use and I have questions about my items. Whom should I contact?
  • A: Rebecca Heine will be happy to help! She can be reached at reheine@cabrillo.edu
• Q: I have a very overdue item and I’ve been charged a replacement fee for it. If I return it, can I get a refund?
  • A: Yes! Some exceptions may apply for significantly overdue  or damaged items.
• Q: What about overdue fines for calculators?
  • A: There will be no overdue fines for calculators, though we greatly appreciate their timely return so that other students can use them.
  • Note: Significantly overdue calculators may be subject to fees to cover the cost of replacing them. This fee will be forgiven if you return the calculator.
• Q: Whom can I contact with questions about fines and replacement fees?
  • A: Visit the library or connect with librarians via Ask a Librarian!