Section C - Public Services

Policy Number C128

Fines

Overdue fines are charged for items that are not returned by the due date. Fines are assessed at the time of return of the materials.  Fines begin on the day following the due date and are assessed a rate of ten cents ($0.10) per day per item for all circulating materials except the following:

        -    interlibrary loan materials have a fine of $2 (Two dollars) per day

        -    book discussion kits have a fine of $1 (One dollar) per day

The maximum fine charged for overdue items is $5 (Five dollars), except for the following:

        -    pamphlets and periodicals have a maximum fine of $2 (Two dollars)

        -    book discussion kits have a maximum fine of $20 (Twenty dollars)

        -    non-circulating items and interlibrary loan materials have no maximum fine

Damage Fees

Fees are charged for damaged items, for lost materials, and for other library products and services as designated by the Library Board. When damaged materials are returned which can be repaired, the cost to the library of repairing the materials is charged. The cost of replacing damaged materials will be charged if the material is damaged beyond repair. Partial damages may be prorated, based on the value of the material and the extent of the damage, especially if only one in a multi set is damaged.

Lost Item Fees

The fee charged for lost items will be the list price of the item. Refunds may be issued for returned lost and paid items on a limited basis. Branch Managers may exercise discretion in approving refunds. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to the following; type of material, availability, cost of replacement, need, subject area, condition of the material, and whether an item has already been replaced. Fines, Fees and other charges assessed to the customer shall be calculated and deducted from the amount of the refund.

Other Fees

Fees for other products and services may include but are not limited to the following; replacement library card fee, online searching fee, returned check fee of $10, collection agency service fee of $10, nonresident fee of $80 per card, pass through charges to the District for interlibrary loan services, and other miscellaneous fees. A schedule of current miscellaneous fees shall be available in each branch.  The Board of Trustees will annually review this policy and the schedule of current miscellaneous fees.

(Revised 3/14/05; Effective 5/1/05)