Fine Free Policy: How does it work?

All items are being automatically renewed in our system if the item is eligible for renewal. You will be notified of this via email from our system "pails".

Items Renewal Policy

• Items can be renewed only 2 times
• Items CANNOT be renewed if there is a hold on that item or if the patron's account is blocked. 
• Video games, book discussion group titles, e-readers, board games and kits may not be renewed. 

Overdue notices will continue to be sent to patrons with overdue items. The wording will note that there will not be any fines charged upon the items' return, but that the replacement cost of the items, plus a processing fee, if applicable, will be charged if the item is not returned. 

Lost or Damaged Items will still be charged

When is an item considered lost?

          Items that are 28 days overdue are assumed lost and patrons will be billed for the replacement and processing costs. If the lost items are returned prior to the bill being paid, the replacement and processing fees will be cleared. Refunds will not be given for bills already paid. The materials are considered the property of the patron if that occurs.

EXAMPLE: Mr. X checked out 2 books. He moved to a new house and forgot he had them. He was sent a bill for the overdue items. Mr. X decided to pay the bill. A few weeks later he found the books and returned them to the library. He did not receive a refund for the replacement costs he previously paid as the items were considered to be his once the bill was paid.  

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• Patrons will be responsible for paying fees associated with past and future damaged and lost items.
• Patrons will be responsible for outstanding collection agency fees, regardless of the reason the account was sent to the collection agency.
• Patrons will be responsible for overdue fees on inter-library loan items charged by any owning library not affiliated with LCLC.
• Special Collection items such as museum passes, stem kits, makerspace items, musical instruments and other electronic equipment will continue to be charged overdue fines in accordance with each library's policies