Southfield Library is Fine Free

Our goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy all the materials the library has to offer. Fines are more punitive than supportive, and do not provide a significant amount of income to the Library. Overdue fines prevent some patrons–especially young ones–from checking out items. The public library model has always been based on trust between borrowers and a valued community resource. We believe if our materials are returned, there is no longer a need to charge overdue fines.

Fine Free

• We no longer charge overdue fines for late items.
• You are no longer assessed a daily fine for overdue materials.
• You are still responsible for returning materials on time.
• You still receive courtesy reminders to return your items. Items still have due dates.
• All past overdue fines have been removed from your account. If you have a fine that still appears on your account, please ask to speak to a supervisor at the Circulation Desk.
• Items borrowed from other libraries (MeLCat) still accrue fines. MeLCat fines are $1 dollar a day.

Auto-Renewal
How does it work?

• Items are renewed automatically twice.  Please see the renewal chart.

What items cannot be renewed automatically?

• Items borrowed from other libraries (MeLCat);
• Items with holds;
• Items that have reached 2 auto-renewals.

Overdue Notices

• An overdue notice is sent 10 days after the initial check out period and two automatic renewals have expired.
• A bill for replacement is sent 21 days after the 2 automatic renewals have expired.
• If items are 31 days overdue, they may be sent to a collection agency.