DeKalb Public Library to go fine-free on overdue items

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St. in DeKalb, is offering a clean slate initiative and going fine-free on overdue items.

To increase access to resources and materials, the library will no longer charge overdue fines for materials checked out at the library that are turned in after their due dates. Any existing overdue fines on library materials that already exist on patrons’ library accounts will also be cleared.

Materials will still have due dates, but patrons will no longer accrue overdue fines on most items that are checked out at DeKalb Public Library. Items that are picked up at other libraries may still accrue overdue fines.

Items that are more than three weeks overdue will be considered lost. Borrowing privileges will be suspended until items are returned and a charge for replacing items will be put on the patron’s account. If the items are returned within six months of their final due date, the replacement fines will be cleared or refunded. Most items can be renewed at least once to extend the length of the borrowing period.

Patrons who return items in a condition which makes them unusable for future patrons will be charged a fee to replace the items. Library staff will determine if the extent of damage makes the items unusable.

For more information or questions on the library’s clean slate initiative, contact library director Emily Faulkner at 815-756-9568, ext. 1000.