Q: What is the difference between a fine and a fee?
A: Overdue fines are the daily charges applied to items not returned by their specified due date. These are the fines that will no longer be charged to library users.
Fees represent the charges applied for lost or damaged materials, prints/copies, Interlibrary Loans, library card replacements – they are still in effect.
Q: Why did the library decide to stop charging overdue fines?
A: The accumulation of overdue fines has become a financial hardship to many library customers and prevents them from using the library. To remove this barrier and provide more access to materials, resources, and services, the library is no longer charging overdue fines for materials kept past their due date.
Q: If the Library doesn’t have overdue fines, won’t everyone just keep the materials?
A: No. Patrons are still responsible for the return of materials they check out. Items that are not returned or renewed will be charged to the account 42 days after the due date. Patrons with charged materials on their accounts will not be able to use their library cards until they return or pay for the charged items.
Q: Why isn’t the library holding people accountable for overdue material?
A: Our focus is to provide more access to materials, resources, and services, so we are moving to no longer charging overdue fines. Patrons are still responsible for the items checked out to their library cards.
Q: Do items still have due dates?
A: Yes, items will still be checked out for 21 days. We offer automatic renewal of eligible items three days before the due date if no one else is waiting for the specific title.
Q: How will I know when my items are due?
A: You will continue to receive printed due-date receipts when items are checked out and courtesy email notifications. You may also enroll in text reminders, log in to your library account or call us at (805) 388-5222 during our operating hours.
Q. What happens if I don’t return items on time?
A: Accounts with overdue materials will be blocked 28 days after the due date. Items that are not returned or renewed will be charged to the account 42 days after the due date. The accounts will be unblocked once the items are returned or the balance is paid.
Q: What about my old overdue fines?
A: Overdue fines and fees before October 24, 2024 will be waived.
Q. I found an item that I’m being charged for as “lost.” Can I bring it back?
A: Yes! We will happily accept items, no matter how long overdue, and all charges will be removed from your account.
Q. My card expired. How do I renew it?
A: You can visit the library to renew your library card.
Q: What happens if I lose an item?
A: You will be charged for the replacement cost of the item, plus a $10 processing fee and will be unable to borrow additional materials or utilize library services until your account balance is paid. The library uses a collection agency to recover lost and damaged materials when the total amount owed on the account reaches $50.
Q: What happens if I damage an item?
A: You are still responsible for the care of items you check out. If items are damaged in your care, the replacement cost of that item will be charged to your library card account. The library uses a collection agency to recover lost and damaged materials when the total amount owed on the account reaches $50.
Q: Will the loss of revenue hurt the library? How can I help support the library?
A: The popularity of our digital lending services and the implementation of automatic renewals have caused the overall number of overdue fines collected to steadily decrease over the past decade. The loss of overdue fine revenue will not have a significant impact on library operations. Please consider volunteering or joining the Friends of the Library to support the library and its important initiatives.
Q. Can you share some resources regarding going fine free with me?
A. This change is part of a nationwide movement, guided by recommendations from the American Library Association, that aims to increase access to public library resources. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/economicbarriers