DPL - Fines & Fees

Fines & Fees

Overdue fines do not appear on a library account until an item(s) is checked in or renewed. Borrowing privileges are suspended when outstanding charges reach a total of $10.00 or more. Once the charges are reduced to less than $10.00, borrowing privileges are restored. Please see below for detailed information regarding fines and fees.

Fines for Adult and Teen Materials

Fines on overdue materials are $.10 per day per item until the maximum amount of $2.00 is reached OR until the item is returned. If an item is renewed after it is overdue and then is kept out past due again, the fines may exceed $2.00 for an individual item.

The Library allows a 7-day grace period in which to return an item past the original due date. This means that there are no overdue fines if an item is kept 1 to 7 days past the due date.

However, if the item is not returned until the 8th day, charges will be $.10 a day from the original due date.

For example, the book “The Kite Runner” is due May 1.

· Example 1: Book is returned May 6. There are no fines as it was returned within the 7-day grace period.

· Example 2: Book is returned May 9. It is past the 7-day grace period, therefore there will be $.80 in overdue fines charged to the person.

Fines for Juvenile Materials

If juvenile materials are returned within 42 days (six weeks) the library does not assess a late fine for being returned after the due date. When the item’s loan period is up and item has not been returned or renewed, overdue notices are sent out as a courtesy reminder to please return the item(s). After 42 days if an item(s) is not returned, the library account will be charged for the cost of the item plus a $5.00 non-refundable processing fee. (For further details please refer to the next paragraph – Billing for long overdue or lost items.) .

Billing for long overdue or lost items

If an item is kept 42 days past its due date or is reported lost, the account will be charged for the replacement cost of the item plus a $5.00 non-refundable processing fee. The Library does not accept replacement copies of lost materials. If the item is returned, the charge for the cost of the item is waived but the $5.00 non-refundable processing fee remains as a charge.

If a lost item, that has been paid for, is found and returned in good condition within three months from time of payment, the replacement cost of the item will be refunded. Overdue fines, processing fees, and collection agency fees are non-refundable.

Damaged Items

If an item or parts of the item are returned damaged, the library account will be charged for the replacement cost of the item or part and possibly a non-refundable $5.00 processing fee. The Library does not accept replacement copies of damaged materials.

Damage to an item includes, but is not limited to, water damage, underlining or writing, torn or removed pages, pet damage, or automotive damage.

Collection Agency

Library accounts with fines and fees of more than $50.00 will be sent to a collection agency and charged an additional, non-refundable fee of $10.00.

Deschutes Public Library