Fine Free Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Fountaindale Library removing fines?
We strive to provide excellent service to all residents in our district. Overdue fines create barriers to service and often stop people from using their library. By eliminating fines, we hope to share our collection and services with even more of our community members. Our updated policy is available to view on our website.
Q: How will the library get items back without overdue fines?
We encourage you to return materials in a responsible and timely fashion so others may enjoy the shared resources we provide. If an item is 14 days overdue, your library card will be blocked and you will no longer be able to check out materials (including digital), register for events, book meeting rooms, or use our computers until the item is returned. Once an item is 28 days overdue, you will be billed the replacement fee, and your library card will be blocked until the fee is resolved. If an item reaches 42 days overdue, you will be sent to collections if the total amount you owe is more than $24.99 and you will be assessed an additional $10 collection fee.
Q: What happens if I lose or damage an item I checked out?
You will be charged a fee to replace the item.
Q: What happens if I return an item after I received a bill for it?
Return the item, and in most cases, the charges will be removed. If the item was overdue by 42 days or more, and you were sent to collections, you will only be charged a $10 collection fee.
Q: How do I pay a replacement fee online?
Log in to your library account and click on the ‘Fines & Fees’ link.
Q: Does my library account still have a balance from my old fines?
Our Circulation team is working diligently to remove all old fines (but not fees) from our patrons’ accounts. By doing so, we were able to unblock almost 5,000 library cards. If there is a balance on your account, it is likely a fee for an item that was lost or damaged or a collection fee. If you have questions about account fees, please contact Circulation at 630.759.2102.
Q: Do I have to pay fines on items I check out at other Pinnacle Libraries or via interlibrary loan?
Items returned to Fountaindale Library will not be charged late fines. If you return a Fountaindale item to another library, that item will adhere to that library’s collection policy and fines schedule.
Q: Will eliminating overdue fines have any negative impact on library service through a decrease in revenue?
No. Overdue fines account for less than one percent of our budget.
Q: Will library materials come back more slowly?
Research and recent experience from libraries that have eliminated fines show that overdue fines typically do not affect how fast people return materials. Return rates actually tend to stay the same before and after libraries go fine free, and some libraries report they get better return rates because of eliminating fines.
Q: Will I still have to pay to print, fax, and scan documents at the library?
Yes. Fees will still be charged for services, including copying, printing, faxing, and creating specialty items in our Maker Lab.
