The Windsor Public Library will be bringing back late fees and fines.

The board unanimously approved the motion at the regular October meeting on Tuesday. The late fees and fines will be effective to users on Nov. 15.

The trial fine-free period had been in place since January 2012.

Library board chair Peter Frise says the goal is to enhance access to the best materials for everyone all at a cost which fits with the city’s budget and is sustainable.

Currently, when WPL customers have even one item overdue, their accounts are immediately blocked and they cannot use any of WPL's many online databases, check out materials or enjoy other library services.

After Nov. 15, customers will have to accumulate $20 in fines before their accounts are blocked.

Customers who continue to return their items on time will not be affected by the reintroduction of fines.

The new overdue fine scale is graduated, with fines of only 15 cents per day for regular three-week materials borrowed on juvenile cards (12 years and under).

Board officials say the elimination of fines and fees during 2012 and 2013 had decreased their budget by close to $200,000. Much of this would have been directed to purchase new materials, says acting CEO Chris Woodrow.