“No Late Fees on Youth Material” Pilot Program FAQ

May 1, 2019 – April 30, 2020

Edwardsville Public Library (EPL) is implementing a one-year pilot program to eliminate late fees on youth material. Beginning May 1, 2019, we will not charge fines for youth material returned past their due date. EPL cardholders will still be charged replacement costs and processing charges for lost and damaged items.

Late fees will still apply on all adult material.

Why is Edwardsville Public Library running a “no late fee” pilot program?

Our mission is to serve the entire community, and we believe this program will increase access for families. We want everyone in our community to utilize the resources the library offers.

Do I still have to pay a fine that was on my account prior to Edwardsville Public Library’s “no late fees” pilot program?

Late fees from youth material on EPL cardholder accounts as of April 30, 2019 will be waived.

Late fees have been waived, so why does my account still have a balance?

While EPL is doing away with late fees on youth material, you will still need to pay for any lost or damaged materials, and late fees on items from our adult collection.

What happens if my home library is not EPL, but I regularly check out youth material at EPL? Will I still have late fees?

Late fees are determined by your home library, so this pilot program will only affect EPL’s cardholders checking out youth material.

How will the Library get people to return borrowed youth material?

No late fees does not mean no responsibility. Thirty (30) days after the due date, youth material that has not been returned will be considered lost, and cardholders will be billed the replacement cost of each item plus a $1.00 processing fee. EPL cardholders may return these materials to have these costs removed from their account. If an account has charges of $5.00 or more, borrowing privileges are suspended. Borrowing privileges will be restored when materials are returned and/or the account balance is less than $5.00.

Will I still receive reminders about returning materials?

You will continue to receive reminders in the method you selected at the time of library card sign-up. This may be email, telephone call, or text message. If you are not certain which communication method you have chosen or would like to change this information, please contact EPL.

  • 3 Days Before Due Date: Automated Reminder Email/text/call
  • 7 Days After Due Date: Automated Reminder Email/text/call
  • 14 Days After Due Date: Automated Reminder Email/text/call
  • 30 Days After Due Date: Item considered lost, bill mailed for replacement cost
  • 37-45 Days After Due Date: Reminder bill mailed
  • 60 Days After Due Date: Account sent to collections

How is EPL’s budget affected by the loss of fine income?

In fiscal year 2017-2018, late fees on youth material were less than 0.5% of EPL’s budget.

Why only a pilot program?

Before committing to a permanent change in policy, the Board of Library Trustees would like to gather data about community enthusiasm for the concept and explore the impact on circulation, library use, and materials.