How do Library Fines Work?

When you take a book out from the library you will have a date stamped in the inside cover, this is the last date you need to get the book back to us. If you use the self service machine, the date will be on the receipt you get.

You can use your library card at Merthyr, Dowlais and Treharris Libraries as well as the Mobile Library and this gives you lots of choice about where you can return your books to as well. It doesn't matter where you borrowed your book from, you can return it to any of the Libraries or Mobile Libraries.

Current fines are charged at 7p per day, per item so they can mount up quickly if you borrow up to your limit of ten books! If you find that you are late returning your items, ring us up straight away, or renew online to stop fines increasing. You don't need to come into a library if it isn't convenient for you, we can renew and sort things out on your next visit. We will also send reminder letters to let you know that books are still outstanding.

Why do you charge fines?
 

The main purpose of fines is to ensure that stock is returned.  There are lots of ways to avoid fines being charged, and the simplest way of doing that is by managing your account online. To activate your account, contact us on the details below.

What about childrens fines?

We don't fine children, but we do look to recover the postal charge when we send out a letter. Letters aren't sent until the books are two weeks over the date they were due back.

What If I Need a Book for Longer?

If you need to keep a book for longer than the normal 3 week loan period, just ask when you are taking the book out from the Library. We can normally offer an extended loan to help cover you if you are going away or using the book for study purposes. 

Where do I go to renew my books online?

All you need to do to renew your books is go to our online catalogue, log in to 'my account' and there you will find your current loans. Follow the screen guidance to renew your books. If there are any problems, just get in touch with us on the details below.

If you have any other questions, comments or would like any other information please contact us on the details below and we'll do our best to help you.