KITCHENER The Kitchener Public Library is joining more than 100 libraries across the continent in permanently eliminating overdue fees. In a news release issued on Tuesday morning, the library explained that the decision was made to provide more equitable and accessible service to library users. While overdue fines were originally introduced as a motivator for customers to return materials in a timely manner, studies have found they have the unintended consequence of disproportionately impacting lower-income, marginalized and minority populations, the release read in part. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic weighed in on the move on Twitter, saying he was pleased that the city s latest budget supported a financial model that allowed the library to eliminate the fines.