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My local library ended all late fees a little over two years ago and they haven't reverted back yet, so it seems it's working out okay for them. Their policy w

My local library ended all late fees a little over two years ago and they haven't reverted back yet, so it seems it's working out okay for them. Their policy works like this (just looked): 14 days overdue: library card blocked 28 days overdue: library card blocked, billed replacement cost of overdue items 42 days overdue: your account sent to collection agency + $10 collections fee, the latter of which must be paid to unblock your card. You can also extend how long you're checking out the items online by a decent amount, like 2 or 3 extensions I think. You can hang end up hanging on to what you've checked out for several months before it has to go back, as long as you're staying on top of it.

maxerickson 5y ago
I disagree that your local library ended all late fees. They capped them and privatized enforcement.
- cableshaft 5y ago
  There's no fee if you get it back before 28 days overdue. Costs nothing. Granted after that suddenly it's the cost of the item. Works for me, at least. I've always been terrible with things that have late fees (in fact I had some late fees at that library from the previous system). But I've had no issues or fees since they changed to this model, despite continuing to be late in my returns (just not 28 days late).
  - maxerickson 5y ago
    42 days isn't that tight of a deadline, but it'd be nice if the window to bring the book back and not get a call from a debt collector was a bit longer.
    - jayzalowitz 5y ago
      live in mountain view?
- dragonwriter 5y ago
  Late fees are normally capped by (and replaced with at some point) the replacement fee, which is a separate thing. Libraries that eliminate late fees usually retain replacement fees.
- joe5150 5y ago
  It's very common for libraries to waive replacement costs when you bring the items back, assuming they aren't damaged. 42 days to collections is pretty harsh, though. Even credit cards will usually give you at least 3 months. Edit: I re-read the NYPL policy; they waive replacement fees when items are returned and you can claim a refund of your paid replacement fee if you return the item within 90 days.

maxerickson 5y ago

I disagree that your local library ended all late fees. They capped them and privatized enforcement.

cableshaft 5y ago
There's no fee if you get it back before 28 days overdue. Costs nothing. Granted after that suddenly it's the cost of the item. Works for me, at least. I've always been terrible with things that have late fees (in fact I had some late fees at that library from the previous system). But I've had no issues or fees since they changed to this model, despite continuing to be late in my returns (just not 28 days late).
- maxerickson 5y ago
  42 days isn't that tight of a deadline, but it'd be nice if the window to bring the book back and not get a call from a debt collector was a bit longer.
  - jayzalowitz 5y ago
    live in mountain view?
dragonwriter 5y ago
Late fees are normally capped by (and replaced with at some point) the replacement fee, which is a separate thing. Libraries that eliminate late fees usually retain replacement fees.
joe5150 5y ago
It's very common for libraries to waive replacement costs when you bring the items back, assuming they aren't damaged. 42 days to collections is pretty harsh, though. Even credit cards will usually give you at least 3 months. Edit: I re-read the NYPL policy; they waive replacement fees when items are returned and you can claim a refund of your paid replacement fee if you return the item within 90 days.