Site Accessibility Information Access Key 1 to Skip to Top Navigation Access Key 2 to Skip to the Three One One link Access Key 3 to Skip to City of Winnipeg Main Menu Access Key 4 to Skip to Left Navigation Menu Access Key 5 to Skip to Content area Access Key 6 to Skip to Right Sidebar content area Access Key 7 to Skip to Footer Links

City services impacted due to the Canada Post work stoppage

City services impacted due to the Canada Post work stoppage

Winnipeg Public Library

Your Library is Fine-Free!

Winnipeg Public Library will be fine-free starting January 1, 2021

Version française

Winnipeg Public Library is happy to announce that overdue fines and DVD/Blu-ray borrowing fees have been eliminated, effective January 1, 2021!

Now everyone can access and enjoy the services we offer without worrying about financial penalties if items are returned a few days late.

Overdue fines create a barrier for those who can benefit most from library services. Fines also create negative experiences for our community and library staff, and discourage use of the library. For more information, please read Overdue Fines: Advantages, Disadvantages, and How Eliminating Them Can Benefit Public Libraries by Sabrina Unrein.

Many libraries in North America have eliminated overdue fines, and have seen both significant increases in returned books and moderate decreases in late returns. For a list of public libraries that have gone fine-free, please visit End Library Fines or Librarianship.ca.

  • All items are free to borrow.
  • Overdue fines will not be charged.
  • Replacement costs will be charged for items not returned, or returned damaged.
  • Requested item not picked up ($1.25) will still be charged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does fine-free mean for me?

Overdue fines will no longer be applied to your account, but you are still responsible for returning everything you borrow. Please do your best to return or renew your items on time, as someone else may be waiting for them.

Adult DVD/Blu-ray borrowing fees will no longer be charged. (Children's and Teen movies did not have this fee.)

Lost and unreturned items, as well as items returned damaged, will still have replacement charges applied.

Will outstanding overdue fines be waived?

Yes! Library staff are already at work clearing fines from customer accounts. Replacement costs for lost or damaged items will remain on accounts.

What library items qualify for fine free?

All of them! The library will no longer charge overdue fines on any item. Replacement costs will still apply for lost or damaged items.

How do I get my card unblocked?

If your card is currently blocked for overdue fines or DVD/Blu-ray borrowing fees, they will be removed from your account. Lost or damaged replacement costs will not be removed.

If it has been more than 3 years since your account information was updated, we may need proof of address to renew your card. Please get in touch with us by phone or via our Ask Us! service and we will work with you to find a solution.

How will the Library encourage people to return items on time?

Most library items are returned by their due dates. Courtesy overdue notices are sent out to customers if the items are not returned.

If library items aren't returned after being overdue more than 21 days, replacement costs + processing fee will be charged to the customer's account. This charge will be removed by returning the item. If you owe fees of $50 or more, or have 10 or more items overdue, your membership is suspended.

Can I bring back long-overdue items that are still on my account?

Yes, bringing back items will remove replacement costs from your account.

What if I lose or damage an item?

A replacement charge will be added to your account for the lost or damaged item. Our Borrowing Guide has more information.

What notifications will I get when material is due?

Courtesy overdue notices will be sent out if items haven't been returned.

I thought of fines as a donation to the library. Can I still donate to the library?

Yes! The Library gratefully accepts donations. Learn More.

How can I get a library card?

You can register for a temporary card to access our online resources by filling out a registration form. Please note that you can't borrow physical materials or place holds on physical materials with a temporary card.

Will my library card still work? I haven't visited the library in years.

Library accounts must be renewed periodically. Please get in touch with us by phone or via our Ask Us! service so we can help you reactivate your account.


Last update: February 1, 2024

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.

Ces renseignements sont-ils utiles?

Comment pourrait-on améliorer cette page Web?

Les renseignements recueillis serviront à l’amélioration de notre site Web. Prière de ne pas se servir de ce formulaire pour soumettre une demande de service ou de renseignements, car la demande ne sera pas transmise au service en question. Pour soumettre une demande de service ou de renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec le 311.

Le présent formulaire ne vise pas à recueillir des renseignements personnels. Cependant, les renseignements personnels que vous choisissez d’inclure dans vos commentaires sont recueillis par la Ville de Winnipeg en conformité avec l’alinéa 36(1)b) de la Loi sur l’accès à l’information et la protection de la vie privée dans le but d’améliorer son site Web et ne seront ni utilisés ni divulgués pour d’autres raisons, sauf dans les cas où cela est autorisé par la loi. Communiquez avec l’agent de l’accès à l’information et de la protection de la vie privée de la Ville par courrier au Bureau du greffier, immeuble Susan-A.-Thompson, 510, rue Main, Winnipeg (Manitoba) R3B 1B9, ou par téléphone au 311 si vous avez des questions sur la collecte de ces renseignements.