Damaged Items
Patrons are responsible for the items they check out. When an item is returned damaged, the patron will be charged to replace the item.
Billed and Lost Items
Patrons are billed for an item once the item is 42 days overdue. The patron’s account is blocked until the items are returned or they owe less than $10. Patrons are charged the price listed in the item record.
Items may be returned in acceptable condition after that date. Once the item has been returned or they owe less than $10, the account will be unblocked.
At 60 or more days overdue, patron accounts are sent to a collection agency. A $9.85 fee is added to the account. Items in acceptable condition may still be returned. The collection agency fee is not refunded. Once the item has been returned or they owe less than $10, the account will be unblocked.
Blocked patron accounts are only blocked from checking out physical items. All other services, online collections, and in-library use materials are available to them.
Patron accounts are blocked when any of the following happen:
- $10 or more in fees, bills, or estimated fines are on their account.
- 1 item or more is 21 days overdue.
The Library accepts payment for any account charges on SWAN patron accounts.
Materials checked out at other libraries are subject to the policies of that library which may include overdue fines.
Options to Paying the Bill
The Library may accept a replacement copy of a lost or damaged item under the following conditions. All conditions must be met.
- The lost or damaged item must be owned by the Addison Public Library.
- The item must be the exact copy (matching the ISBN in the item record).
- The item must be in unused condition or sealed (for audio visual materials).
- The item must be replaced before it is 90 days overdue.
When possible, the Library will charge for separate parts or pieces such as a DVD case or a puzzle piece.
If individual parts or pieces cannot be replaced, the patron will be charged for the price listed in the item record.
Patrons can ask for a payment plan or volunteer opportunities to reduce the billed amount on Addison Public Library items.
Nonresident Library Card Fees
State law says the Library must charge nonresidents to get a library card. However, Child nonresident cards are free for children whose home is at or below the USDA’s income guidelines. Paperwork must be shown each year to confirm one qualifies for this type of card. The Library uses the tax bill method to determine fees for nonresidents to purchase a library card.
Homeowners pay: library tax rate x the equalized assessed valuation (found on the tax bill) = annual fee
If this is a new home and patrons do not have a tax bill, patrons need to show the selling value of the home. The equalized assessed valuation will be estimated at 1/3 of the selling price of the home.
Renters pay 15% of their monthly rent. Renters must show lease or letter from the property owner with rental fee.
Example: .15 x $1300 = $195 (the annual fee)
Renters who provide proof of qualification for Section 8 housing will be charged 15% of the amount they pay in monthly rent.
Example: .15 x $800 (is what renter pays from a $1300 lease) = $120 (the annual fee)
Renters who pay nothing (rent is entirely subsidized) will be issued a library card at no charge.