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Fines are assessed on items that were returned or renewed when they were overdue. When an item is overdue and still out, fines are accruing. A fine is not actually charged to an account until the item is returned or renewed since the amount of the fine depends on what day it is returned or renewed.
Fines do not continue to accrue indefinitely; all items have a maximum fine amount. When that amount is reached the fine stops accruing. However when an item becomes about 30 days overdue it is considered "Lost" and the replacement cost is assessed to the account.
On the Messages/Fines page of My Account, Fines and Lost charges are listed. The date listed is the date the charge was assessed. For Fines, that date corresponds to the date the item was returned or renewed since Fines are assessed according to the date the late item is returned or renewed.
| Type of material |
Fine rate |
Maximum Fine
(per loan period) |
| Easy, Children's and Teen |
$.05 per day |
$1.50 |
| Adult material costing more than $12.00 |
$.30 per day |
$12.00 |
| Adult materials costing $12.00 or less |
$.30 per day |
75% of replacement cost |
Long Overdue:
When an item becomes about 30 days overdue it is considered "Long Overdue" and the replacement cost of the item is assessed. The replacement cost is the cover or list price of the item.
If you have the item, return it. If it is returned, the replacement charge is credited and the overdue fine is charged. Maximum fine amounts "per loan period" are always less than the replacement cost. Keep in mind that fines built up on one item kept out overdue repeatedly over several loan periods can total more than the replacement cost.
On the Messages/Fines page of My Account, Fines and Long Overdue charges are listed. If the Long Overdue date is fewer than 270 days (roughly nine months) in the past you may return the item to the desk or in the bookdrop and the replacement cost will be automatically credited and the overdue fine charged. If the date is greater than 270 days in the past, the amount owed must be manually adjusted by library staff. Bring the item to the front desk and let the staff person know it is long overdue.
When you pay for a Long Overdue item, save your receipt. If you find the item within one year you can bring it in with the receipt to receive a partial refund. The refund amount is the replacement cost less the maximum fine. You're still responsible for the fine amount since you've had the item an extended period beyond the due date. The refund process is a manual one so don't put long overdue and paid items in the bookdrop. Your account will not be credited.
Other Fees:
This is a charge placed manually on an account usually because an item was returned incomplete or damaged. $15 is charged when one disc or tape is missing from an audio book (4 tapes/discs or more). If you have the missing piece, return it to the desk to a library staff person and explain the package was already returned. The charge will be removed.
Replacement card charges are also listed in this category. When a replacement card is issued (and mailed) from an online request or from a card request form completed at another library system there is a $1.00 charge.
Fines and charges of all types remain on customer accounts until paid.
Fines/fees may be paid by cash or check in person at any suburban Hennepin County Library. If the balance is $2.00 or more, fines/fees may be paid in person or online by logging into My Account and clicking the Pay Online button in the Messages/Fines section.
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