Round Lake Area Public Library will no longer charge fines for overdue items to any patrons who check out at our library, including those who visit from other libraries. The fine free policy only applies to overdue fines. Charges will still be issued for lost or damaged items.

We have removed all existing fines for overdue materials and we will no longer be charging fines for materials checked out from the Round Lake Area Public Library in the future.

Being fine free removes barriers to accessing the library and helps the library provide a more equitable experience for all people in our community. We want to encourage people to enjoy using the library and we believe that assessing financial penalties for late items is counterproductive to this goal.

Being fine free improves the checkout process by allowing our staff to focus on more positive interactions with patrons. We want people to be excited about coming to the library, rather than worried about whether or not they owe a fine. We hope to welcome back anyone who felt discouraged about using the library because of a fine on their account.

Yes, each item will still have a due date, and you are still responsible for honoring the due date or renewing the item. When you return items on time, it helps your neighbors borrow items sooner. To help you return items on time, we can send you reminders by email. You can set up email reminders in your library account.

While you will no longer be charged an overdue fine for items checked out at Round Lake Area Public Library, after a library item is two weeks (14 days) overdue your account will be blocked from any further checkouts until you return the item. The account block includes checking out physical items (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.), as well as access to our digital collections (including downloads from Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, etc.) and research databases. 

If an item is more than 45 days past due, your account will be billed the replacement cost and processing fee. In some cases collection fees may also apply. Once the item is returned in good condition, the block is removed from the borrower’s account unless there are any other outstanding fees or issues. Collection fees, if charged, will not be refunded. If the account has been placed for collection, all fees must be paid in full to unblock the account. 

Items checked out at other libraries are subject to the lending policies of their home libraries.

Yes. If you check out an item at a library that has not gone fine free, you can still be charged a fine from that library. However, many area libraries have already made the decision to eliminate overdue fines. Some of the area libraries that are fine free include Lake Villa, Grayslake, Ela, Crystal Lake, and Fremont.

Yes, you will continue to receive the same notices you had prior to fine-free, delivered in your requested manner.

The bill for replacement cost and processing fee will be removed from the account if the item is returned in good condition, is still in our system, and hasn’t been checked out longer than a year. Any collection fees will not be waived.

Yes, if that item is returned in good condition within 60 days of payment, a refund check will be sent through the mail to the address listed in your account. Collection and processing fees, if charged, will not be refunded.

Libraries that have gone fine free have not seen any difference in when items are returned. Most items are returned within a week of their due date.

Fines account for only a very small percentage of our operating budget, and this number has decreased over time. When we implemented our popular auto-renewal policy in 2018, we saw a dramatic reduction in overdue fines.

Each item still has a due date and borrowers are responsible for honoring the due date. If an item is more than two weeks (14 days) overdue after all permitted renewals are exhausted, borrowers will be blocked and will not be able to check out any additional items. Once the item is returned in good condition, the block is removed from the borrower’s account unless there are any other outstanding fees or issues. 

Borrowers will be blocked and will not be able to check out any additional items or access digital content if the account has any of the following: 

          • Accumulated fees and charges in excess of $10 

          • Any items 14 days or more overdue 

          • Lost or damaged items on the account 

          • Unpaid collection fees billed to the account 

Items not returned after 45 days overdue will be billed for the cost of replacement plus processing fees. In some cases collection fees may also apply. If the account has been placed for collection, all fees must be paid in full to unblock the account.