RCLS Fine Free
RCLS Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a fine and a fee?
A: Overdue fines are the daily charges applied to items not returned by their specified due date. These are the fines that will no longer be charged to library users.
Fees represent the charges applied for lost or damaged materials, prints/copies, facility rentals, Interlibrary Loans, library card replacements – they are still in effect.
Q: Why did the library decide to stop charging overdue fines?
A: The accumulation of overdue fines has become a financial hardship to many library customers and prevents them from using the library. To remove this barrier and provide more access to materials, resources, and services, the library is no longer charging overdue fines for materials kept past their due date.
Q: If the Library doesn’t have overdue fines, won’t everyone just keep the materials?
A: No. Patrons are still responsible for the return of materials they check out. Items that are not returned or renewed will be charged to the account 42 days after the due date. Patrons with charged materials on their accounts will not be able to use their library cards until they return or pay for the charged items.
Q: Why isn’t the library holding people accountable for overdue material?
A: Our focus is to provide more access to materials, resources, and services, so we are moving to no longer charging overdue fines. Patrons are still responsible for the items checked out to their library cards.
Q: I just paid my fines last week; can I get my money back?
A: We are unable to offer refunds for fines paid before July 1, 2024. This was when the library Board of Supervisors approved the change in policy regarding overdue fines.
Q: Do items still have due dates?
A: Yes, items will still be checked out for 14 days. We offer automatic renewal of eligible items and
increased the number of times an item can be renewed up to four (4) if no one else is waiting for that
specific title. DVDs are non-renewable.
Q: How will I know when my items are due?
A: You will continue to receive printed due-date receipts when items are checked out and courtesy email notifications. You may also enroll in text reminders, log in to your library account or call your home library. RCLS Fine Free
Q. What happens if I don’t return items on time?
A: Accounts with overdue materials will be blocked 21 days after the due date. Items that are not returned or renewed will be charged to the account 42 days after the due date. The accounts will be unblocked once the items are returned or the balance is paid.
Q: What if I check out an RCLS book at other libraries outside RCLS, will I accrue overdue fines?
A: Yes, you may as it depends on if the library is fine free. Fines are accrued by the check-out library. If another library’s patron returns an RCLS book to a library that does not participate in the fine free program late, it will accrue fines. Currently, the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public and Moreno Valley libraries charge fines for all material types; Murrieta Library charges only adult material fines. RCLS patrons may accrue fines if they check out material from these locations and return them late.
Q: What about my old overdue fines?
A: If your items have been returned to the library, then the overdue fines will be waived.
Q. I found an item that I’m being charged for as “lost.” Can I bring it back?
A: Yes! We will happily accept items, no matter how long overdue, and all charges will be removed from your account.
Q. My card expired. How do I renew it?
A: You can visit your local library location to renew your library card.
Q: What happens if I lose an item?
A: You will be charged for the replacement cost of the item, plus a $10 processing fee and will be unable to borrow additional materials or utilize library services until your account balance is paid.
Q: What happens if I damage an item?
A: You are still responsible for the care of items you check out. If items are damaged in your care, the replacement cost of that item will be charged to your library card account. You will be unable to borrow additional materials until your account balance is below $5.00.
Q: Will I still have to pay for copies or to reserve a room?
A: Yes, this change in policy only impacts overdue fines for borrowed materials.
Q: Will the loss of revenue hurt the library? How can I help support the library?
A: The popularity of our digital lending services and the implementation of automatic renewals have caused the overall number of overdue fines collected to steadily decrease over the past decade. The loss RCLS Fine Free of overdue fine revenue will not have a significant impact on library operations. Please consider volunteering or joining the Friends of the Library to support the library and its important initiatives.
Q. Can you share some resources regarding going fine free with me?
A. This change is part of a nationwide movement, guided by recommendations from the American Library Association, that aims to increase access to public library resources. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/economicbarriers