Borrowing & Fees

Checkout Periods & Limits | Returns | Fees

Checkout Periods & Limits

• Books, audiobooks, portable DVD players, Power Check meters, and musical instruments check out for three weeks.
• DVDs and magazines check out for one week.
• Interlibrary Loan items generally check out for four weeks, though loan periods are determined by the lending library.
• Holds may be placed on all items, with the exception of non-circulating items such as the Reference collection and restrictions placed by other libraries.
• All items may be renewed twice EXCEPT for:
  • New items
  • Items on hold for another patron

Returns

• Items can be returned to any library location. If items are returned after-hours or during a holiday, they will be back-dated to the last time the library was open.
• All library locations have an after-hours book drop.

Fees

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fees

I have overdue items. How much is the fine?

No problem if you’re a little late. Return all items on your account, and there is no overdue fine.

What happens if I don’t return my library materials?

If items become 21 days overdue, the replacement cost of the item + a $5 processing fee is billed to your account. If the item is returned within six months, charges are removed from your account.

Can I still checkout materials if I owe money on my account?

Yes, however, your library account will be blocked if you owe $20 or more.

If I have charges on my account from before the policy change, do I still have to pay?

All existing overdue fines will be cleared January 1, 2020. However, if you find your lost items, return them by February 14, 2020 (National Library Lovers Day!) and your fees for the previously lost or damaged items will be waived. Just can’t find your items? Not to worry. If you notify us that you have lost it before February 14, 2020, we will also waive the fees and clear out your account. Our primary goal is to provide free and equitable access to information. We want people to use our libraries, reduce barriers, and keep our materials circulating.

Isn’t the District losing money by not charging fines?

Fines are less than 0.5% of our annual budget.

I have always thought of paying my fines as my donation to the District. Can I still donate?

Yes! There are several ways to support your community’s libraries. Thank you for your generosity.

Will I still receive reminders about returning materials?

Yes. You will receive a reminder 3 days before an item is due, an overdue notice when 7 days overdue, and a billing notice when 21 days overdue. Want to quickly and easily manger your account from your phone? Sign up for text message alerts! Learn more.

Why eliminate fines?

Our goal as a library is to provide free, equitable access for all library patrons. By removing overdue fines, we will increase access to library collections for those who have been blocked from borrowing materials because they hit the previously low lockout threshold. In addition, the American Library Association asserts that imposing monetary fines creates barriers to accessing information. They continue to urge libraries to move to eliminating fines. Research also suggests that fines don’t actually incentivize people to return materials. Going fine free is a growing trend in libraries across the country, and we’ve seen that it actually results in increased library visits and collection circulation. No fines does not mean no responsibility. Patrons are responsible to return library materials in good condition. If they don’t, the replacement cost of the materials will still be charged to their account. Library accounts will be blocked when there is a balance of $20 or more. We get that life gets in the way of returning materials sometimes. People who are fined often get frustrated enough that they don’t return to the library at all, something we don’t want.