We Are Fine Free!
Glenside Library does not charge late fines for overdue materials. Studies indicate that late fines, no matter how small, are a real and significant burden for low-income individuals, children, and families. Financial barriers can discourage those who rely on the library for books required for schoolwork, public computers and job resources, or simply a safe, open, welcoming space to visit. We want all people to be able to use our resources, rather than worry about whether or not they owe a fine.
Yes, each item will still have a due date, and you are still responsible for honoring the due date or renewing the item. When you return items on time, it lets your neighbors borrow them sooner.
After an item is 21 days overdue, your account will be blocked from any further checkouts until you return the item. The account block includes checking out items at the library, as well as access to our digital downloads and databases. If an item is more than 42 days overdue, you will need to either return it or pay the replacement cost to unlock your account. Materials that are more than 60 days overdue may be referred to a materials collection agency and a non-refundable collection fee of $9.00 will be assessed, per account.
Normal wear and tear on library materials is expected, and therefore already budgeted for. However, if an item is lost or so badly damaged that it is judged unsuitable for the collection, replacement fees will be billed based on the item’s list price. You may not procure your own replacement copy.
As long as it was checked out at Glenside Library there will be no overdue fines. Materials checked out at other SWAN libraries are subject to those libraries’ loan rules and fine assessments. That said, many area libraries have already made the decision to eliminate overdue fines, and others are considering it. Some of the area libraries that are fine free include Bloomingdale, Glen Ellyn, Downer’s Grove, Roselle, Warrenville, and Wood Dale.
Auto-renewals
Items you have checked out will auto-renew as many times as allowed, if eligible, when no other patrons have placed a hold against that item. If there are holds for the item, then it will not be auto-renewed. Email notices are sent indicating which items were and were not renewed. Also, courtesy notices will be sent for items which are due and could not be renewed.
Loan Periods
| Material Type | Loan Period |
|---|---|
| Books | 3 weeks |
| Audiobooks | 3 weeks |
| Book/CD Sets | 3 weeks |
| Music CDs | 3 weeks |
| Learning Games/Puzzles | 3 weeks |
| Adventure Packs | 3 weeks |
| S.T.E.A.M. Kits | 3 weeks |
| New Books (Adult) | 2 weeks |
| Binge Box: limit 1 | 2 weeks |
| DVDs | 1 week |
| Video Games: limit 5 | 1 week |
| New Music CDs | 1 week |
| Launchpad Tablets limit 3 | 1 week |
| Magazines | 1 week |
| New DVDs: limit 5 | 3 days |
| Bicycle Locks | 3 hours |
| Interlibrary Loans | Varies |
| Laptops | In-house |