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Abstract <br />The Supporting Parents in Early Literacy through Libraries (SPELL) research <br />revealed that library fines and fees for overdue, damaged, and lost materials <br />are barriers that prevent low-income parents and caregivers of young children <br />from using public libraries. After reviewing the academic and professional <br />literature regarding library fines and fees, including qualitative research, <br />quantitative studies, and editorial pieces, as well as using finding from the two <br />studies with parents and public libraries in Colorado, the Colorado State Library <br />(CSL) recommends public libraries eliminate fines and fees on children's <br />materials. The scant research on the value and impact of library fines and fees <br />does not indicate a clear benefit of administering these policies, and they may <br />be costly to enforce. Library governing authorities that develop policies to <br />remove fines and fees on juvenile material find it effective in building a positive <br />relationship with families with young children. <br />3 <br />