The Lehigh Carbon Library Cooperative (LCLC) Fine Free policy is effective September 1, 2021.
LCLC libraries will no longer charge daily overdue fines for late items, and all past overdue fines will be waived on all patron accounts.
The following stipulations apply:
- Approved lending periods will still apply to all items.
- Overdue notices will continue to be sent to patrons with wording noting that there will not be any fines charged upon the items’ return, but that the replacement cost of the items, plus a processing fee, if applicable, will be charged if the items are not returned
- Items that are 28 days overdue are assumed lost and patrons will be billed for the replacement and processing costs. If lost items are returned prior to the bill being paid, the replacement and processing fees will be cleared. Refunds will not be given for bills already paid
- Patrons with $10 or more in fees will be temporarily blocked from borrowing additional items until items are returned or the account is settled, and may be blocked from using library databases, e-resources, and in-house computers, depending on each library’s policies
- Patrons will be responsible for paying fees associated with past and future damaged and lost items
- Patrons will be responsible for outstanding collection agency fees, regardless of the reason the account was sent to the collection agency
- Patrons will be responsible for overdue fees on inter-library loan items charged by any owning library not affiliated with LCLC
- Special Collection items such as Museum Passes, Stem Kits, Makerspace Items, Musical Instruments, Ipads, Wi-fi Hotspots and other electronic equipment will continue to be charged overdue fines in accordance with each library’s policies