How to Pay School Library Fines

If you keep a school library book past the due date, you will be responsible for paying late fines. Fines normally accumulate on a daily basis, meaning the longer your book is overdue, the greater the amount of your fine. Also, if you damage or lose a book, you will probably face fines as well. In fact, the fine for losing a book might well exceed the actual value of the book by a considerable margin.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Locate all of your overdue school library books. You will need to return your overdue books as soon as possible in order to avoid heftier fines. Once you find them, put them in a bag and store them in a safe place.

2. Contact the school library to find out the exact amount of fees that you owe. Most libraries will give you a grace period before they begin to charge you late fees. You will be fined a late fee for each book that is late, until you reach the maximum fine amount allowed.

3. Ask the librarian what payment methods the library accepts. You can always pay your fines in person, though some libraries will also allow you to pay by phone or over the Internet. In addition, all libraries accept cash, and many accept checks and credit cards as well.

4. Pay the total amount of your fines as quickly as you possibly can manage. Stop by the library before or after class, or during your lunch break. Take the correct amount of payment with you and be sure to get a receipt for your payment.

5. Confirm when you will be able to check out books again. A librarian will normally remove the hold or block on your library account when your fines are paid. You may or may nor be able to check out books immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Fines will not normally accumulate on days during which the library is closed or school is not in session.

• You may be restricted from checking out additional books from your school library until your fines are paid in full.

• You are responsible for all books checked out under your name, regardless of whether or not you let a friend or relative use your card.

• Material kept on reserve at the library is usually fined at a higher rate when overdue, and often does not have a maximum fine limit or a grace period.