Borrowing from the Library
| MATERIALS | CHECK OUT PERIOD | RENEWAL * | LIMIT # PER CHECKOUT |
| Periodicals | 2 weeks; Current periodical does not circulate |
Yes if no holds. | No limit |
| Fiction Books | 2 weeks | Yes if no holds. | No limit |
| Nonfiction Books | 2 weeks | Yes if no holds. | No limit |
| Audio Books | 2 weeks | Yes if no holds. | No limit |
| Music CDs | 2 weeks | Yes if no holds. | No limit |
| DVDs | 2 weeks | Yes if no holds. | 5 |
| Mobile Hot Spots and e-readers | 2 weeks | May re-check out if no holds. | 1 |
On November 21st, 2019 the Oregon Public Library Board of Trustees made the decision to go fine free!
Over the years libraries have charged fines for overdue materials to insure patrons return the items. The American Library Association asserts that imposition of monetary library fines creates a barrier to the provision of library and information services. Since our library is supported by your taxes, we are discovering that fines are unnecessary and can be seen instead as a deterrent to library use. Oregon Public Library strives to make our resources available to the public and our patrons while providing an accessible and less stressful experience. We are lucky to have a historical library filled with a variety of materials staffed by knowledgeable and friendly people. We want to share these resources with you.
How does Fine Free work?
Items will still have due dates, but fines will not accrue for overdue materials. A limited number of renewals are possible (unless there are holds on the materials).
This graphic shows what patrons can expect as items approach their due dates:
Replacement charges for items that are damaged or lost still apply. If you have outstanding library materials you can return it with no fines. If you have not been in for a while, we’d love to see you again!
Frequently Asked Questions
What about lost books or other material fees?
Fees for damaged or lost materials or other various fees, such as printing must still be paid. There is no change when books are lost or damaged.
Does material still have due dates?
Yes, items still have due dates.
How often will material be renewed?
Patrons can renew most items as long as there are no holds. Books can be renewed three times, while DVDs, and items from the Library of Things can be renewed one time. Hotspots may not be renewed, but if there are no holds patrons may check them out again.
What happens if I do not return the item?
If the material has already been renewed twice or has been requested by another borrower, accounts are blocked 14 days after the due date.
Do Hotspots have overdue fines?
No, Hotspots will not accrue overdue fines. However, our Hotspot policy is that if more than 2 days overdue the services will be shut off. Once a hotspot is turned off, that patron will not be allowed to check out a hotspot for 30 days–starting from the day that the overdue hotspot is returned.
Does the fine free policy only apply to Oregon materials?
No. As long as you check out and return your materials to Oregon Public Library they will be fine free.