Manitowoc, WI, January 2, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library is happy to announce they will no longer collect daily overdue fines on late materials! MPL joins roughly 76% of other fine free Wisconsin public libraries in an effort to expand access to library collections. The Library Board of Trustees approved this change as part of the 2026 budget.
 
The mission at Manitowoc Public Library is to provide access to information and enhance the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of our community. Executive Director Karin Adams states, “We recognize that charging fines undermines our mission. The elimination of overdue fines ultimately increases access to the Library and benefits our entire community. We understand that life happens and sometimes people are late; there will no longer be a financial punishment due to a simple late return.”
 
The Library will still charge patrons for materials that are not returned, damaged or incomplete. Due dates still apply.
 
For more information, visit www.manitowoclibrary.org/FineFree.