Fines
The date stamped at issue is the last day the item is due back. It can be brought back to any local library site before the due date. In a study following computerisation, we established that 76% of books are returned within the standard three-week period.
We charge most fines at a daily rate. From 1 April 2006, the daily rate is 7p per item per day up to a maximum of £2 per item plus postage costs. This is one of the lowest rates in the United Kingdom and often not as much as people assume.
The Mobile Libraries levy a weekly fine charge (currently 20P per item per week).
We charge teenage borrowers a flat fee fine (currently 20p) as an interim arrangement between the freedom from fines in the junior library and the responsibilities of adult lending
The main purpose of fines is to ensure that stock is returned. While we may prosecute someone who has not returned items we will take no further action to recover fines if the stock is returned in good condition -whether or not the fine has been paid. However, we will never allow further borrowing unless the debt is repaid.
If you are ever "overdue" please ring straight away because the daily charge system is designed to allow better management of overdues (the old system levied a high fixed amount whether you were a minute or week overdue).
You can normally renew any item by telephone or online if you have an Internet connection (once you active your unique PIN). Although we cannot renew something that has been reserved by another borrower. This means that you will either pay fines until you finish it or borrow it again later.
You can normally extend the standard 3-week loan period by a few months if you are a student or going away, but the item may be recalled at any time if needed by another user - and must be returned.
We don't fine children, only recover postage costs, but we will fine parents who borrow junior books on their tickets - if they are late.
