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Visiting the Library

No more late fees

Our fine free policy

  • Items checked out at Westmont Public Library do not accrue overdue fines (late fees). 
  • All previous late fees for items checked out at Westmont have been removed from all patron accounts (excluding bills for lost or damaged items).
  • You remain responsible for any bills for lost or damaged items and collection agency fees, if applicable.
  • Westmont Public Library cardholders are still be subject to late fees at other libraries.

Overdue items and your account

  • Your Library account will be blocked when any item checked out at Westmont Public Library is more than 14 days overdue. This applies to all patrons who check out items at Westmont Public Library. If an item is overdue:
    • You will receive an overdue notice at 7 days and 21 days overdue.
    • Your account will be blocked at 14 days overdue.
    • You will be billed for “lost” items at 42 days overdue.
    • Accounts will go to collections at 60 days overdue.
    • Once overdue items are returned (or a lost item is paid for), your account will be automatically unblocked.
  • Accounts with balances of $10 or greater will be blocked.

Frequently asked questions

  • Why are you eliminating late fees?
    We want our patrons to enjoy access to all of our library resources without fear of incurring overdue fines or having late fees otherwise prevent access.
  • What about old overdue fines?
    All past overdue fines for items checked out at Westmont Public Library have been forgiven.
  • Does this mean I can keep my checkouts indefinitely?
    Items still have specific checkout periods, and renewable materials can still be renewed up to 2 times if there are no holds. Items will still be overdue if not returned on or before their due date.
  • What happens if I have overdue items?
    Once you have an item that is over 14 days overdue, your card will be blocked. Your card will be unblocked when the item is returned. 
  • What happens if I lose an item?
    Your account will be billed for any lost items. If you return an item that you’ve been billed for, the bill will be removed from your account. If you are unable to return the item, the bill will remain on your account. Your account may be sent to collections if the bill remains unpaid. The collection agency charges a $20 collection fee, which is added to your account and can’t be waived.
  • Will I still have fines if I check out items at other libraries?
    Yes, if other libraries do not offer fine free service, you will accrue late fees for overdue items checked out at those libraries.
  • What about the money the Library loses if late fees are no longer assessed?
    Fine revenue has not been a significant source of library funding. 96% of our revenue comes from property taxes. The revenue generated from fines was a very small part of the Library’s budget. 
  • Will my taxes go up?
    Your taxes will not increase because of the Library eliminating late fees.
Westmont Public Library