Overdue Fines and Fees and Notices Policy

Ashtabula County District Library is a fine free library system—only replacement costs and processing fees will be charged for lost items.

Overdue Notices

Adult/Juvenile

DVDs: When a DVD is two (2) days overdue, an Overdue Notice email is automatically generated. If no email address is available, a phone call is made or a print notice is mailed to the patron. When a DVD is nine (9) days overdue, an automatically generated Lost Book Notice/Invoice is e-mailed or mailed to the patron and the patron's card is blocked from further borrowing.

All other items: When a item is seven (7) days overdue, an Overdue Notice email is automatically generated. If no email address is available, a phone call is made or a print notice is mailed to the patron. When an item is twenty (28) days overdue, an automatically generated Lost Book notice/Invoice is e-mailed or mailed to the patron and the patron's card is blocked from further borrowing.

Bookmobile

All items: When an item is twenty (28) days overdue, an automatically generated Overdue notice is e-mailed or mailed to the patron. When an item is fifty-six (56) days overdue, an automatically generated Lost Book Notice/Invoice is emailed or mailed to the patron.

Processing Charges

Books & Audio/Visual materials/Paperbacks $3.00 per item

Magazines $1.00 per item

Other Charges

Lost Library Card $1.00

Lost Storage bag 50¢ each

Lost CD case $1.00 each

Lost DVD case $1.00 each

Lost DVD protective sleeve $1.00 each

Refunds

When a patron returns a lost item, in acceptable condition, for which they have paid within the last 6 months, and have a receipt, the cost of the item is refunded by check from the library. The library retains any service charge that may have accrued.

Damage to Materials

It is expected that library materials will undergo a significant amount of wear and tear. Patrons returning materials in such a state that continued circulation is not deemed possible may incur the cost of replacement and processing.