Loans/Fines/Fees

Note: Library patrons may check out a maximum of fifty (50) items. Most books, paperbacks and audiobooks can be renewed for three (3) loan periods, if not on hold for another patron. Best sellers are not renewable. Some locations may limit the number of items because of collection availability.

Customers can check their accounts online or call the library to check on due dates as needed. Customers who have an email address associated with their library account will receive 14, 35 or 60 day overdue notices by email. Customers who do not have an email associated with their library account will receive an automated call notifying them of items 14 or 35 days overdue and a 60 day overdue notice will be sent by mail. Non-receipt of due date receipts or these courtesy overdue notices does not clear late fees. As of April 1, 2018, when an item has been overdue for 60 days, the customer is charged for the cost of the item and a $5.00 non-refundable processing fee and is barred from checking out any further materials until the account is settled. Processing fees billed before April 1, 2018 amount to $10.00. For unresolved accounts of $25.00 or more, an additional non-refundable $10 referral fee will be charged.

We recognize that items are sometimes misplaced and accidents happen.

To pay for lost or damaged item/s, please contact any library location to find out the total amount owed. You can pay online or come in to any library location and pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card. Once you pay, the associated overdue fines for this item will be cancelled. Damaged items will be held for 90 days from the date notified. You will receive a letter or email regarding steps and deadlines for damaged items. Damaged items will remain checked out and are subject to late fees. A $10.00 referral fee will be charged if the amount exceeds $25.00 or more. You will receive a letter regarding the referral fee and overdue items.

Sometimes you may have the option of replacing the item/s with a new and exact replacement. This is not always possible because some books are out of print, are a certain edition, or have special bindings. Replacements are not accepted for accounts in barred or collections status.

All replacements must meet the following requirements:

• Must be approved prior to purchase by a librarian to ensure that they can be accepted.
• The ISBNs (International Standard Book Number) must match. The librarian can give you this number to make sure you obtain the exact replacement copy. Similar items cannot be accepted.
• Must be a new item (not used). DVDs must be sealed and wrapped. Books purchased on the Internet are often used copies and cannot be accepted.

When you bring in your acceptable replacement, you will need to pay a $5.00 processing fee. The associated overdue fines for this item will be cancelled.

Fine-Free for Youth

Youth (JUV, YA, and Beginning Reader-labeled) items checked out from the library will not accrue late fines as part of the Youth Materials Fine-Free program. Please note that youth items not returned 35 days after the due date will be considered lost and will be billed a replacement fee and referral fees.

Note: Fines accrue daily, except Sundays, County holidays, and any day that all HCPL locations are closed. *eBooks and eAudiobooks check in automatically at the end of their checkout periods.

Note: Non-Resident Fee-Non-residents (excluding Richmond City, Chesterfield County and Pamunkey reciprocal borrowers) will be charged a $25.00 annual user fee.

Henrico Library Policies & Procedures Manual 4 Updated: 9/26/16