The Lincoln Heritage Public Library Staff and Board announced on April 3, we are now Fine-Free!
There are many reasons libraries across the country are moving toward Fine Free, and the disproportional effect of fines on individuals with different economic statuses is huge. In February, the Board of Trustees approved eliminating fines for overdue materials. This is a huge step in ensuring equity across our service area and access for all. We hope this will help encourage individuals to return to the library and see all we offer the community.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions and their answers. We hope this helps explain the change and how it will affect you. If you have questions, please feel free to stop in or call the Library, we will gladly answer your questions.
It is a pleasure to serve each of you and to be a part of this beautiful community.
Sincerely,
Rae Ann Kippenbrock, Director, the Board of Directors, and the Lincoln Heritage Public Library staff.
You will not incur fines for material(s) checked out from Lincoln Heritage Public Library. If you keep your item(s) for 28 past their due date, they will be marked as lost, and you will be charged the replacement cost. If you return your materials in good condition, the replacement cost fee will be removed from your account. We will also continue to bill for damaged items. The library will not issue refunds for lost items that have been paid for and are later returned.
After April 3 is the time to return any lost materials that may be been overlooked over the last few years, months, or weeks. All fines will be waived if the materials are returned in good condition.
Any Lincoln Heritage Public Library materials checked out from another Evergreen Library are still subject to fines per the circulating library’s fine policy.
Will any materials have overdue fines?
Yes. While most of our materials will not have overdue fines, the Library of Things collection will continue to accrue fines if they are not returned on time. The Library of Things contains our mobile hotspots, iPads, Chromebooks, CD players, and laptops. These items are clearly marked that fines will still be charged.
What will encourage patrons to return materials?
While we are not charging overdue fines, we will still charge replacement cost fees for materials that are 28 days overdue. If an item is 28 days overdue, we assume the item is lost, and the cost to replace the item will automatically be billed to your library account if the item is returned in good condition after the bill is generated. The replacement cost will be removed, and no fine will be accessed. If the item is not returned, the patron is responsible for the cost of the item, and borrowing privileges may be suspended.
We will also continue to bill for damaged items.
What if I already owe money for overdue fines?
April 3 will be a clean slate for Lincoln Heritage Public Library patrons. Not only are we not charging future overdue fines, but we also forgive past fines. This process will be done automatically on our end, so you do not have to worry about anything. Fines for the Library of Things collection will not be forgiven. Now is the time to return any lost materials that may be been overlooked over the last few years, months, or weeks. All fines will be waived if the materials are returned in good condition.
