Effective August 1, 2022, Laramie County Library System’s Board of Directors voted to eliminate overdue fines, remove most fees for services and materials, and forgive existing fines.
The Basics:
- Overdue fines are eliminated.
- Existing overdue fines were forgiven and removed from library accounts.
- Charges for lost and/or damaged items still remain on library accounts.
- Library users will still be charged for lost and damaged items.
- DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, and meeting room equipment are now free to checkout.
- The library will not charge for holds that have not been picked up.
- Loan periods have been extended to 7 days for DVDs and video games. Loan periods for television series have been extended to 21 days.
The Why:
Our mission is to be a hub for engagement, literacy and learning, and lifelong curiosity and discovery. We want to provide access to everything the library has to offer and going fine free is one way we can increase access to our collections and services. While many assume that overdue fines ensure items are returned, the fact is that for many individuals in our community, overdue fines are simply a barrier to access and discourage library use for those who cannot afford the fines and fees. In eliminating overdue fines, forgiving existing fines, and removing several fees, we hope to make our services and collections more equitable and accessible for the community.
The Details:
Elimination of Fines:
Fine free means that if you return an item past its due date, you will not be required to pay overdue fines. HOWEVER, materials and items that are 35 days overdue are marked as LOST and some charges will be assessed. See below for more information on lost items.
Fine Forgiveness:
Fine forgiveness means that we are forgiving all previously accrued overdue fines. However, charges for lost and damaged items will remain on your account. See below for more information on lost and damaged items.
Eliminated Fees:
Fees for to check out DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, and meeting room equipment such as projectors and AV carts were all eliminated. Some fees remain for services such as interlibrary loans, printing, copying, and faxing. You can review a complete chart of charges and fees by visiting https://lclsonline.org/services/loanperiods/
Extended Loan Periods:
In addition to being free to check out, DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games now check out for 7 days. Television series now check out for 21 days. All items are available to renew as long as no holds have been placed on the materials.
Items 35 Days Overdue:
While overdue fines have been eliminated, there are still charges associated with items that are 35 days overdue. When an item is overdue by 35 days it is marked as lost and the cost of the item or items are billed to the card holder’s account. If the charges exceed $25, the account is sent to collections 7 to 10 days after items are marked as lost. If you return the items after your account has been sent to collections, you will no longer owe the cost of the items but will still owe the $20 collection agency charge. You can review the lost and damaged item policy by visiting https://lclsonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/LOST-DAMAGED-ITEMS-Policy.pdf
Lost Items:
If an item has been lost, you will be responsible for the cost of the item plus a processing fee. You can review a complete list of charges and specific processing fees by visiting https://lclsonline.org/services/loanperiods/ and navigating to the bottom of the chart.
Damaged Items:
If an item has been damaged, you will be charged depending on the extent of the damage. You can review a complete list of charges and specific processing fees by visiting https://lclsonline.org/services/loanperiods/ and navigating to the bottom of the chart.
Blocked Accounts:
The library will continue to block borrowing privileges for accounts that owe more than $10, have lost or damaged items, or have been sent to collections. If an account has been sent to collections, it will remain blocked until the charges are paid in full.
Questions and Concerns:
Library employees will be happy to address specific questions or concerns about accounts and charges. Call the library at 307-634-3561 or visit a service desk at any of the three library branches in Cheyenne, Burns, or Pine Bluffs.