EG Library Goes Fine-Free 1/1/2023!

New year, clean slate!

As of January 1st, 2023, the East Greenbush Community Library no longer charges extended use fees, also known as overdue or late fines for the majority of items returned past the due date. Patrons are still responsible for all other fees, including lost and damaged materials and late charges for specialty items.

All late fines existing for East Greenbush cardholders before the implementation of this policy will be waived. Lost/damaged item charges will remain.

Libraries across the nation have demonstrated that imposing late fees on patrons is not an effective deterrent to the return of late materials. Instead, it commonly creates barriers for youth or may cause patron guilt, making library use less likely. We strive to overcome these barriers and increase access to our patrons, trusting that our show of good faith will encourage patrons to return materials in a timely manner so that they may be borrowed by someone else.

While traditional fines will not accrue for the majority of items, a replacement cost will be charged if an item is not returned within a reasonable time. For most materials, after 30 days past due, the patron’s account will automatically incur the full replacement item. Once paid for, materials are the property of the patron and replacement fees will not be refunded.

Patrons will be charged for items that have not been returned in the period listed above and will have their accounts blocked until their account is in good standing (less than $5 owed).

If an item is late due to being lost or damaged, patrons should notify the Library of the items’ status. Circulation staff will work with patrons to extend due dates (when possible and within reason) for missing items. Replacements will not be accepted for lost/damaged items.

Due to their nature and cost, some library items will still incur fines. All hotspots, laptops, Library of Things items, Stories to Go Kits, STEM Kits, Museum Passes, and Interlibrary Loan items are excluded from this Fine Free policy. Fines will still accrue on these items.

This only applies to items checked out/returned to the East Greenbush Community Library. Some Upper Hudson Library System libraries have different loan periods and fine assessments. The fee schedule and due dates of the lending library supersede those of the East Greenbush Community Library.

The library provides notification services for held items, almost due items, overdue materials, and other library account communication as needed. Notices are available via phone, email, or text messages. It is the responsibility of the cardholder to keep account information current. Failure to receive phone, email or text notifications does not absolve the library card holder from any charges accrued on their library account.

We are confident that our patrons will continue returning library materials in a timely manner. When items with holds have not been returned on time, patrons with items checked out will be contacted to ensure timely access to desired items.

Patrons who have overdue items may not check out more materials until the overdue items are renewed or returned. Patrons are expected to return materials by their due dates to insure that all library users have equitable access to materials. Materials are considered overdue if not received by the due date.

Most items may be (automatically) renewed twice unless they are more than 30 days overdue or are requested by another patron. Items borrowed from other libraries are subject to borrowing rules from the lending library.

After 30 days, any item(s) not returned will be declared lost. Patrons will be billed for the lost item(s) and all borrowing privileges will be suspended. Borrowing privileges will be reinstated upon the return of the overdue item(s) and or when account charges are paid to bring the account balance in good standing (less than $5).

Patrons are notified by email, text, phone, or mail, depending on the patron’s preference and the notice type.

• 2 days before the due date: pre-overdue courtesy notice
• 3 days after the due date for most items: first overdue notice
• 14 days after the first overdue notice: second overdue notice
• 14 days after the second overdue notice, the item is considered Lost and a bill is mailed.

Once an item is marked lost/damaged, the patron is responsible for the replacement cost and associated processing fees. The patron is also unable to renew or check out additional items until all charges have been paid (or if the account is below the $5 threshold). Replacement items for lost/damaged items are not currently accepted.

Fine free means judgement free. If you’ve been avoiding the library because you’re worried about paying fines, we are happy to welcome you back! Register for your new card in person or online, or give us a call at (518) 477-7476 or email us at eglibraryinfo@eglibrary.org to check if you already have a card.