Fines, Overdue, and Lost Material
FINES, OVERDUE, AND LOST MATERIALS
Overdue Materials
Patrons are responsible for knowing when their materials are due.
Materials are overdue if they are not returned before the library closes on the date the materials are due. Materials returned in the library’s book drops after the library is closed are not checked in until the next day that the library is open.
Fines are charged for each overdue item at the following rates:
- $0.20/day for adult and young adult materials to a maximum of $25.00 per time borrowed or renewed
- $0.10/day for children’s materials to a maximum of $12.50 per time borrowed or renewed
Fines do not accrue on days that the library is closed.
Patrons may set up automatic email reminders about upcoming due dates by logging into their library account or by asking at the front desk. When materials become overdue, automatic email notifications are sent to patrons who have provided a valid email address.
As a courtesy, the library will notify patrons with overdue materials on the following schedule:
Patrons are not excused from responsibility for fines if they do not receive notification of overdue materials. If a patron demonstrates that an item was returned on time, fines may be waived at the library’s discretion. In the case of extenuating circumstances, fines may be reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the Director.
Materials overdue by 180 days are automatically marked lost.
Lost Materials
Patrons are obligated to pay the replacement cost in addition to any overdue fines for materials they have lost or damaged. The replacement cost is defined as the greater of (a) the cover price at the time of purchase or (b) a minimum cost as detailed below:
|
|
Hardcover Books |
Paperback Books |
Hardcover Graphic Novels |
Paperback Graphic Novels |
Audiovisual Materials |
Magazines |
|
Adult |
$25.00 |
$10.00 |
$25.00 |
$10.00 |
$25.00 |
$5.00 |
|
Young Adult |
$15.00 |
$10.00 |
$25.00 |
$10.00 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Children’s |
$15.00 |
$5.00 |
$15.00 |
$5.00 |
$15.00 |
$5.00 |
Patrons will be charged an additional $2.00 processing fee for each lost or damaged item, except in cases where materials overdue by 180 days have been automatically marked lost. If a damaged item can be rebound, the patron is responsible for paying the bindery fee.
At the discretion of the librarian in charge of the relevant collection, patrons may be permitted to purchase an identical, brand-new copy of an item that they have lost or damaged as a replacement for that item instead of paying the replacement cost; they still must pay any other associated fines or fees.
Patrons who return materials that were marked lost will not be charged for the replacement cost, but still must pay any other associated fines or fees. Refund of replacement costs paid for lost items that were later returned is at the discretion of the library director.
Excessive Cases
Patrons with unpaid fines and/or fees of $50.00 or more may be submitted to a collection agency. Any fees charged to the library by that agency will be added to the patron’s balance.
The library may take further legal action in accordance with the Retention of Library Property Act (Section 6708, Title 18 PA Code (PA CSA 6708)) and the Library Theft Act of 1982 at the discretion of the Library Director.
