At its July meeting, the Hedberg Public Library Executive Board voted to go fines free, effective September 1, 2024! As we work toward this exciting change, you'll find answers to some frequently asked questions below.
If you have additional questions, our library staff are always available to help. Stop in, call 608-758-6600, or email questions@hedbergpubliclibrary.org.
Q: Why have we removed late fines?
A. Removing fines is a way to provide greater access for our residents. We believe that no one should be denied use of the library or its collection because of an inability to pay. It has not been proven that fines bring materials back faster. Instead, they create a negative impact on the community, sometimes even blocking access for people who need our resources the most. We expect that removing the barrier of late fines will actually increase library use.
Q. Won’t the library suffer financially without late fines?
A. No. Revenue from library late fines is equal to less than half of 1% of our operating budget. Patrons who still wish to support the library financially are welcome to donate to either the Friends of HPL or the HPL Foundation.
Q. Does this mean I can keep items for as long as I want?
A. No. Our current loan periods still apply. Library users will still be charged replacement costs for items that are lost or damaged. If an item is not returned or renewed within 30 days of the due date, the item will be considered lost, and a replacement charge will be added to your library account. Your library card will be blocked from checking out additional items until the charges are paid or the items are returned.
Q. Do items have to be checked out on an HPL card to be fines free?
A. No. You may use any library card within the Prairie Lakes Library system and your checkouts will be fines free when used at HPL.
Q. Are there any materials or items that will still accrue fines?
A. No. If you check out items at HPL there will be no charges as long as items are returned. However, if you check out material at another library that still charges fines, you will be responsible for those charges.
Q. Do items checked out from other libraries using an HPL card accrue fines?
A. Yes. If you check out materials at another library that still charges overdue fines, you will be responsible for those charges. Items checked out at HPL, even if it’s from another library, will not accrue fines.
Q. What if I have existing fines on my library account?
A. If you are an HPL cardholder, any old fines have been cleared from your account. If you have replacement fees, those will still be visible and will need to be paid.
Q. Will I still have to pay for lost or unreturned items?
A. Yes. If a library item is overdue for more than 30 days, it will be considered lost, and a replacement cost will be charged to your account. In addition, if a part is missing from an item when it is returned, you may still be charged for that item. You may also see processing charges from other libraries. Charges will be cleared from your account when the materials are returned.