Colleyville Public Library
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What is fines-free?
Beginning October 1, 2022 items checked out from the Colleyville Public Library and returned past their due date no longer accrue overdue fines. However, fees for lost, damaged or unreturned items still apply.
While the Colleyville Public Library does not charge fines for overdue items, patrons are still responsible for returning library materials by their due date.
Any fines on any account prior to the implementation will be waived.
Why go fines-free?
- Colleyville Public Library is joining the nationwide trend to eliminate library fines.
- With the recent implementation of automatic renewals, the need to charge fines for materials returned late has decreased.
- Since fines do not apply to digital materials, expanding the practice across all material types promotes consistency and equity.
- Eliminating fines gives patrons more flexibility in material use and return timing.
What is the difference between a fine and a fee?
- A fine is a charge for an overdue item; these are now eliminated.
- A fee is a charge for lost or damaged items, or other library service (printing or copies; lost card; non-resident library membership; etc.).
How does fines-free work?
Due date/overdue notices are e-mailed, texted or mailed to patrons on the following schedule:
To ensure you receive these e-mails/texts, please make sure we have your current email address attached to your account. Not receiving library e-mails does not negate the patron’s responsibility for returning library items.
Account block includes inability to check out or renew materials, including digital, use library services, etc. Borrowing privileges are reinstated once items are returned or lost/damaged items are paid for and/or replaced.
Returning items by their due date allows other patrons to use the materials sooner.
What does this mean to me?
- All existing overdue fines have been waived and cleared from patron accounts.
- Existing patron fees (lost/damaged items; lost card fee; etc.) remain intact.
- Patrons continue to receive courtesy due date reminders and overdue notices (e-mail, text, mail).
- Patrons with overdue items of 21 days are blocked, or unable to check out or renew items (physical or digital), or use library services until items are returned.
- Items 42 days overdue are marked lost and are charged to the patron’s account.
- Eligible items automatically renew up to 5 times if not on hold for another patron.
- Courtesy notices (e-mail, text) are sent indicating an item is renewed.
If fines have been waived, why does my account still have a balance?
We have eliminated overdue fines, but fees for lost or damaged materials remain intact.
Will patrons return their borrowed materials? Will I have to wait longer for materials?
- Items on hold are not eligible for renewal.
- “No fines” does not mean “no responsibility.”
- We ask that you reciprocate our fine free policy by bringing back the materials that you borrow. Materials that are 42 days overdue are assumed lost and you will be billed for the replacement and processing costs.
- We expect most items to be returned within 1 week of their due date.