Library fines are being left behind in Quebecâs third largest city.
Laval will abolish late fees as of February 1, joining the Fine Free Library movement, which is gaining momentum around the world.
Removing fees, which is supported by the Association of Public Libraries of Quebec (ABPQ), helps to eliminate barriers that hinder access to culture and learning, particularly among vulnerable people. In Quebec, some 20 percent of municipalities have made the same decision, but Laval is the largest city to do so.
âWe want all citizens, particularly families, to have unrestricted access to culture and knowledge, and the abolition of fees is an excellent way to achieve thisâ says Renaud councillor Aram Elagoz, whose colleague Sandra Desmeules says âseveral cities have tried the experiment and one of the major impacts of this new measure has been the increase in library visits.â