Fine-Free Circulation Policy

Created August 2026

 

Effective September 1, 2026, the Chester Library will not charge daily overdue fines on circulating books.

Overdue fines will not be charged for circulating books. Existing fines on overdue Chester Library items will be erased. Lost or damaged materials will continue to incur replacement charges.

The following materials are not included in the fine-free policy and may continue to incur overdue fines or fees:

• Library of Things items
• Museum passes
• Technology equipment
• Interlibrary Loan materials (when required by the lending library)
• Other special collections as designated by the Library Director

Patrons are expected to return all materials by the due date. 

Items not returned by 45 days after the due date will be considered lost, and the patron’s account will be charged.

• An account with $10 or more is considered a suspended account
• This includes fines from any other MAIN Library
• An account with a lost book will be suspended from borrowing privileges

The Library Director is authorized to administer this policy and establish procedures consistent with its implementation.

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Board of Trustees and revised as needed.