Chapter: Circulation
Policy Number: 2.04
Original Effective Date: 5/16
Revision History: 12/16/20, 6/16/21, 3/20/24
Fines and Fees
Fines
The fine for most overdue items is $0.10 per day, with a maximum fine per item of $10.00. The following exceptions apply: The fine for Explore Passes is $50.00 per day, with a maximum fine per item of $500.00. Fines will not be accrued on Sundays, on holidays when the Library is closed, or on scheduled or unscheduled days when the Library is closed.
Replacement Costs
All damaged or lost Library materials will be charged the list price as the replacement cost.
If an individual part of an item is lost or damaged, and a replacement part is available, charges will be based on the cost of the replacement part.
It is the responsibility of the patron to take care of all the materials checked out to them and/or their minor children. Should an item become damaged or does not play properly, please report the problem to the circulation desk.
Should damage be noted after an item is returned, the patron is responsible for the replacement charges.
Please note: Once a lost item is paid for, the material becomes the property of the cardholder. No refunds will be given.
Replacement of a lost/stolen Library card: $1.00
Payment Method
Patrons can pay fines and fees via:
- Cash for charges of any amount
- Checks for charges greater than $2.00
Credit card via the patron’s online account for charges greater than $5.00
Blocked Cards
The maximum fine/fee allowed on a Library card before it is blocked is $5.00. If a card is blocked, it cannot be used until the balance is under $5.00.
Child to Adult
When cardholders turn 18 years of age, any fines, fees, or charges on their account will be waived.
Notices
Notices for physical library materials are sent according to patron preference of email, phone, or text message. Not all notice types can be sent in all formats.
To change the notification type, notify the circulation department or log into the patron account through the Library catalog. Failure to receive a notice for any reason does not remove the responsibility to return items promptly and pay fines or fees.
Notices Timeline
The following notices will be sent to prevent items from becoming overdue or to encourage their return:
- 2 days before due
- The Library will send a courtesy notice to those who have selected the notification option of email or text.
- 7, 14, and 21 days past due
- The Library sends an overdue notice via email, phone, text, depending on the selected notification option.
- 28 days past due
- Items are marked as lost and the patron’s account is billed with the replacement cost for the item. A printed bill is mailed.
- 41 days past due
- An account with replacement costs of $25.00 or more OR an account with replacement costs and fines or fees totaling $25.00 or more is sent to a service for materials recovery. A service charge of $20.00 is charged to the account. Over the next 120 days, the recovery service will encourage the return and pay-off of the account with a series of phone calls and letters.
Hold Notice
A hold notice is sent once an item is available for pick up. The notice will state the final day the item may be picked up. If an item is not picked up by day 5, a second notice is sent. Hold notices can be sent via email, phone, or text.
Due Date Reminder Notice
A reminder notice will be sent via email or text two days before the item is due. Patrons may try to renew the title. Renewals can be done in person, by phone, via email or through the catalog. Not all items can be renewed.
Overdue Notice
If an item is 7 days late, an overdue notice is sent via email, phone, or text. If items are needed longer, renewals can be attempted. Not all items can be renewed.
Bill Notice
Should anything get to the billing stage, a notice is sent by postal mail. The Library card cannot be used until the matter is resolved. Billed items may be returned and replacement charges will be waived. Any late fees will still apply. If material(s) are not returned within 13 days after the notice is sent, the account will be sent to a service for materials recovery and charged an additional $20.00 fee. Damaged items and materials recovery fees must be paid for.
Missing Part Notice
If an item is returned missing a part or piece, the patron will be notified via email, text, or phone.
If an item is missing a part, the item will not be immediately checked in. The patron will be notified of the missing part and must return the part within 7 days. If the part is not returned, the patron will be billed for the item or the cost of the replacement part, if applicable.
Fine Notice
If a fine of $4.99 or greater is accrued, a notice will be sent by email after 14 days.
Card Expiration Notice
A courtesy notice will be sent via email or text message 14 days before a library card will expire.