Fine Free FAQ

What qualifies as an overdue fine?

Overdue fines – also called late fees – accumulate on any material not returned by its due date. This initiative does not apply to fees related to lost or damaged items, holds expired, or any administrative fees. Fees will still apply in these circumstances.

Overdue fines will no longer be applied to your account. But you are still responsible for returning everything you borrow. Please do your best to return them on time, someone else may be waiting for them. If you do keep items past their due date, they will be marked as lost on your account after 8 weeks and replacement fees, as well as processing fees ($10) will be applied. You won’t be able to borrow anything if that happens, or use the Digital Library. We’ll waive the replacement fee if you return the items, even after 8 weeks overdue. However, the processing fee of $10 will still be applied.

Sign up for e-notifications to stay in the loop! You’ll receive reminders notifying you when your items are almost due as well as when you have holds ready. Provide us with your email address if we do not already have it, by emailing LibraryAdministration@kawarthalakeslibrary.ca.

Will outstanding overdue fines be waived?

What library items qualify for fine free?

Almost everything! This includes any print materials, audio-visual materials (DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs), book club sets and kits.

Fines will still apply for Interlibrary Loan material. This is material that we borrow from other library systems for you.   

How will this initiative change the experience at the library?

This initiative will give patrons more freedom to explore our collection, and without the stress of facing possible overdue fines. To ensure borrowed items are still returned in a timely fashion, we have a limit of four overdue items before accounts get blocked. Library accounts with four or more overdue library items will be blocked from borrowing more physical materials, placing holds and accessing our Digital Library until the overdue materials are renewed or returned.

How do I get my card unblocked?

As before, library accounts with four or more library items that are overdue will be blocked until the items are renewed or returned. To remove the block from your card, simply return your items. You will not be able to renew items online through your account if you have four or more items overdue so please contact the library if you would like to renew them.

**Please be aware that Covid-19 health and safety policies may impact returns. If your account is blocked, and you have already returned material, call your local branch or email libraryadministration@kawarthalakeslibrary.ca for assistance.

Will this program affect library revenue?

Yes, but overdue fines in this category represent a very small percentage of the library’s operating budget. Eliminating these types of fines aligns with our strategic priorities as an organization, and will not have an impact on our overall budget.

I didn’t really lose items that are still on my account, can I still bring them back?

Yes! Bringing back items will remove replacement costs from your account. There will still be a $10 processing fee on your account, but all overdue fines will be removed. Please talk to library staff regarding this fee so you can continue using your card and our services.

What if I lose or damage an item?

A replacement fee will be added to your account for the lost or damaged item and the account holder will be responsible for the cost. A $10 processing fee will also be included. Borrowing privileges will be suspended after accruing $10 or more in fees.

What notifications will I get when material is due?

For patrons who receive email notices, you will get a pre-overdue notice from the library 3 days prior to the due date as well as a 7 day overdue notice.

Once a week all branches receive a 2 week overdue list. Staff will then check the shelves to see if the item was not checked in when returned. Then staff will call you on the list to remind you of the overdue items. At 4 weeks overdue (28 days), a letter is sent by mail or email as a reminder of your overdue items. At 8 weeks overdue (56 days), the item is considered lost and you will be billed for the item.

If you return the overdue item after you receive the 8 week invoice, you will only be charged the $10 processing fee. If the item is lost or damaged, the replacement costs will still apply.

To activate notifications, provide us with your email address if we do not already have it, by emailing LibraryAdministration@kawarthalakeslibrary.ca.

I thought of fines as a donation to the library. Can I still donate to the library?

Yes! Donations to the Library can be accepted. All donations will go towards supporting important library services for our community.

Are other libraries fine free?

Yes! The trend is growing and more libraries around the world are expected to adopt a fine free model over the next few years.

Over the past several years, many large library systems in the US have eliminated overdue fines: San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago and Phoenix to name a few. Within Ontario, about a dozen medium to large systems have gone fine-free in recent years: Brampton, Oakville, Hamilton, Halton Hills, Newmarket, and Niagara-On-The-Lake, among others.

How can I get a library card?

If you would like to set up a new account, you can now register online for a library card. By completing the online form, you will have immediate access to our digital collection for 3 months. You can also use this membership number right away to place holds on physical items as well. Once you complete the form, your temporary membership number will be emailed to you. If you register online and place a hold on a book, you will need to show ID in the branch to pick up the item and get a physical library card.

To continue using your library card after 3 months, you will need to visit one of our library branches to get a physical library card.

I haven’t visited the library in years. Will my library card still work?

Library accounts must be renewed every two years. Please contact the library so we can help you reactivate your account. You can phone us at 705 324 9411 ext. 1291, or email LibraryAdministration@kawarthalakeslibrary.ca.

Will there still be fines on my Interlibrary Loan books?

Yes. ILLO items will still continue to have a $1.00 late fine per day because this material does not belong to us.

How will the Library encourage people to return overdue items?

The Library encourages patrons to return books in a responsible and timely fashion to the Library so others may enjoy the shared resources of their Library. Per the Library’s existing procedures, items not returned after 8 weeks will go to billed status.

Patrons will continue to be responsible for reconciling any billed items on their library account by either returning the items or paying the replacement fee. Patrons with an item with a billed status on their library account cannot check out additional physical materials from the library.

Where can I find more information about Fines and Fees?

Visit our webpage: https://www.kawarthalakeslibrary.ca/en/what-we-offer/fines-and-fees.aspx for more information.