Items are allowed a one day grace period after their due date before a fine is charged. Overdue materials are charged 25 cents a day per item, for a maximum charge of $10 per item. 

Overdue Notices

We send reminder notices via email before your items are due. If possible, we highly recommend you have a valid email on record with the library.

The following are sent via email:

  • A reminder notice 3 days before an item is due
  • Notice on the day an item is due
  • Notice 14 days after an item is due
  • Notice 28 days after an item is due
  • Bill notice 45 days after an item is due

The following are sent via regular mail:

  • Notice 14 days after an item is due
  • Notice 28 days after an item is due
  • Bill notice 45 days after an item is due

Once an item has been billed, and the bill has been paid, the amount may not be refunded if the patron returns the item. All bills include a $10 processing fee in addition to the cost of the item and any overdue fines that are owed.

Lost or Damaged Books and Materials

Library staff make an effort to note damage before an item is allowed to circulate. Damage can be classified as accidental or intentional. Patrons who return items damaged by intentional misuse (including highlighting, underlining in pencil or ink, or use of adhesive notes) may be assessed fees on those items. The patron is also responsible for any accidental damage (liquid, animal damage, etc.) that is determined to have occurred while the item was in their care. Damage, whether accidental or intentional, shortens the life of the book; in some cases, the damage is so severe that the item must be replaced. If an item is returned damaged, the following fines and fees will apply:

Materials – Damaged

Torn pages/markings                                      $2.00

Missing or severely damaged pages               $2.00 per page

Damaged dust jacket                                      $2.00 per dust jacket

Damaged or missing barcode                         $2.00 per barcode

Damaged AV items                                         $5.00 mending fee + materials as applicable

Lost/Damaged AV case, sleeve, or cover         $2.00 per case, sleeve, or cover

Books

Lost or severely damaged books will incur a fee equal to the cost of the specific item at the price listed in our catalog of record. No refunds on lost materials returned after 3 months of date on receipt. A processing charge may be assessed on all items in addition to replacement cost. The Library does not accept replacement copies in lieu of lost or damaged charges.

Audiovisual Materials

Lost or severely damaged audiovisual material will incur a fee equal to the cost of the specific item at the price listed in our catalog of record. No refunds on lost materials returned after 3 months of the date on receipt. Exception: No refunds or replacement fee waivers on lost individual part(s) of audiovisual sets after 4 weeks from date of return of the incomplete set. A processing charge may be assessed on all items in addition to replacement cost. The Library does not accept replacement copies in lieu of lost or damaged charges.

Miscellaneous 

Insufficient funds check                                 $35.00

Collection Agency Fee                                   $10.00 per person referred

Loss of Privileges:

Patron accounts will be blocked, that is, they will no longer have the ability to check out new materials, under the following conditions:

  • Patrons have 15 or more items overdue
  • Patrons owe $10 or more in overdue fines

These policies are set by the Evergreen Consortium.

Fine Reduction Policies

Food for Fines Policy

The Camden Library will collect unexpired, non-perishable food items to be donated to the First Baptist Church of Camden food drive efforts during the holiday season for the total remission of fines held at the Camden Library.  This remission excludes the remission of fines held with other member libraries within the Evergreen Consortium.  This will be a one-time annual event held at the Camden Library and will not be repeated throughout the year.

Fine Read Off Policy

To promote continued reading, the library offers patrons of all ages the opportunity to reduce their fines by reading.  Patrons wishing to read off their fines must identify their wish at the circulation desk in order to receive credit for time spent reading.  The read off credit is as follows:

  • 15 minutes = 25¢
  • 30 minutes =50¢
  • 45 minutes = 75¢
  • 60 minutes = $1

There is no limit on fine reduction; thus, the patron may continue reading off their fines until the fine is reduced completely.