Fines/Fees/Billed Status
- The library does not charge late fines for overdue materials.
- The library DOES charge fees for materials that are not returned or are damaged.
- Any user who owes any fees for lost or damaged items will not be able to check out any other item until the billed item has been returned or paid for.
- This includes not being able to check out the key to a study room.
- Refunds for lost items will not be issued. Even if payment has been remitted and the patron locates the item, refunds cannot be made.
- All library patrons, including employees, are responsible for lost materials charges. Charges for lost materials are assessed to replace the items lost.
- The library does not accept patron purchased replacements for material.
Damaged Items
- Library patrons are responsible for returning books in good condition and will be assessed fines for damages.
- Fines will be assessed according to the severity of the damage and range starting at $5.00 to the full replacement cost of the item.
- Library Staff will determine if the item is in good enough condition to remain in the collection.
| Fee Schedule for Damaged Materials |
| Spine label, RFID tag, or Barcode (damaged or removed) |
$5.00 |
| Damage to item or equipment rendering it beyond repair, Missing/damaged part |
Full replacement price of item (or equipment) |
Intentional Damage and Theft of Library Materials and Equipment
- Intentional damage and theft of library materials are a serious matter. Sanctions and criminal liability are outlined in NCGS 14-398, "Theft or destruction of property of public libraries, museums, etc."
- Intentional damage includes, but is not limited to, blacking out of text, drawing over artwork, etc.
Incomplete Items
- Library patrons are responsible for returning items with all components.
- Replacement fees will be charged for missing components, with some of the most common missing elements outlined in the chart below.
| Incomplete Item Fees |
|
Chromebook charger
|
$20 |
| Hotspot charger |
$15 |
| Hotspot case |
$15 |
| Graphing calculator chargers |
$15 |
| Laptop bag |
$15 |
Reporting a Stolen Library Item
If an item belonging to the library is stolen from a patron, the patron should report the theft immediately to the proper authorities and notify the library as soon as possible. If the patron can provide a copy of the police report or official documentation from the police department, then any replacement fees will be waived.
Claims Returned & Claims Never Checked Out
- If a patron claims that they returned an item, the library will initiate a search for the item at all library locations.
- If found, the item will be immediately checked in with no penalty to the patron.
- If the item is not found, the patron will be charged a replacement fee
- The library will follow the same guidelines if a patron claims they never checked out an item.
Appeal of Library Fees
A borrower may appeal if he/she believes the library charges are mistakenly assessed or extenuating circumstances warrant reduction or cancellation of the charges. Appeals should be made within 30 calendar days of the original Library charge. However, once payment has been made, replacement fees for lost materials will not be refunded.
