Library Checkouts Rise 5% After Fine-Free Switch

James Madison Regional Library in Charlottesville reports a 5% increase in book checkouts compared with last year.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Remote Work

Library Checkouts Rise 5% After Fine-Free Switch

Live Poll

Do you plan to borrow more books from your public library this year?

James Madison Regional Library reported that book checkouts increased 5% compared with last year. The library attributes the rise to its fine-free policy, adopted in July, and automatic renewals, turned on in December 2025.

Why it matters

The figures suggest that removing late fees and simplifying renewals may encourage more residents to borrow materials. Digital lending is also growing, which shapes how the library allocates its collections and services.

Book checkouts rose 5% over last year, with more than 610,000 checkouts recorded from July through September. E-books and audiobooks made up about one-third of all checkouts last fiscal year, but the library has not said how much of the gain each policy change produced.

The players

James Madison Regional Library

The public library system serving the Charlottesville, Virginia area, which reports circulation and manages lending policies for the community.

The details

The library became fine-free in July and turned on automatic renewals in December 2025. It also reported that digital circulation grew significantly over the same period.

July 2025: Library became fine-free.
December 2025: Automatic renewals turned on.
July through September 2026: More than 610,000 checkouts recorded.

Market Landscape

Digital lending has become a significant share of public library circulation nationwide, and the James Madison Regional Library's one-third digital share fits that pattern. The local increase in checkouts shows public libraries competing for attention alongside streaming and other free and paid media.

Library users in Charlottesville can keep materials longer without fines, and automatic renewals may reduce overdue notices. Those who borrow digital titles can access a growing collection without visiting a branch.

The takeaway

Simpler borrowing rules can measurably change how often residents use a public library. Tracking format-specific circulation helps libraries decide where to invest in digital collections.