KAUKAUNA, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- If you live in Kaukauna and have held on to a book or DVD you checked out from the library too long you need not fear. That is because as of January 1st the Kaukauna Public Library stopped charging overdue fees for items returned late to the library.

It follows a national trend being seen in cities as large as Chicago and Los Angeles. Last year the American Library Association issued a recommendation that libraries stop charging late fees because they believe they unfairly target people living in poverty. It is something Kaukauna Library Director Ashley Thiem-Menning agrees with.

“We know transportation is a major issue for those living in poverty. They are among the most necessary to have an equal service opportunity to come to the library. A lot of studies show that the library cards that are blocked from fines are often in the most poor neighborhoods in every community.” Says Thiem-Menning.

Previously access to library check out and library computers was cut off if a patron had more than $5 in fines. Eliminating that is something Thiem-Menning says is improving access.

Several other libraries in Wisconsin have cut out late fees, including libraries in Eau Claire County. In addition, numerous libraries in the Fox Valley, Milwaukee, and Madison areas have stopped charging late fees for children books and videos. ​