KCLS offers one-time Fresh Start on overdue fines for kids in grades K-12

For kids with homework—or curiosity and a fondness for learning—the public library is a must-have resource. Unfortunately, many youngsters lose track of a library book or two, a music CD, or DVD, and forget to bring them back on time. And that’s when the trouble begins: Overdue Item fines kick in.

While they start small—just 10¢ per item per day— and may seem unimportant, overdue fines can grow. If left unpaid, they add up. With more than $10 in fines, the user’s card is blocked, and they cannot check out anything else until the fines are paid. If items are not returned within 30 days, replacement costs are added. Unpaid balances of $25 or more may be sent to a collection agency, and parents are responsible for fines accrued by their children.

Why does the library charge overdue fines? According to Interim Library Director Julie Acteson, it’s a matter of numbers: “Today, more than 32,000 K-12 student cardholders have their library cards blocked because they owe more than $10 in overdue fines. Until they bring back overdue items, their fines keep growing. But more importantly, other users can’t check out the materials they need.”

Acteson continued: 

"Using the public library is an important part of the social contract. Member communities agree to share the resources, and borrowers agree to take care of the items and bring them back on time. That way, everyone has an equal stake and receives equal benefits. In part, the fines serve as a gentle reminder that library items are a shared resource. But sometimes, those ‘reminders’ can get out of hand for students.”

Halfway between the start of the new school year and the winter holidays, the KCLS Board of Trustees opted to grant a one-time Fresh Start and waive up to $25 in overdue fines for students in grades K-12, ages five through 18, starting November 4. “For kids, this means they can borrow the resources they need to do their homework, write that report, or make that special gift for Mom or Dad. For Mom or Dad, it means they can find other ways to use their cash,” Acteson added.

Fresh Start

KCLS is mailing postcards to families at addresses where KCLS library cards with more than $10 in overdue fines are on record. This special, one-time Fresh Start applies only to overdue fines, and only for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Charges for unreturned or lost items cannot be waived, and must be paid— or the items returned— before the Fresh Start will be applied. Payments for lost item charges may be made in person at any KCLS library with cash or check; mailed to KCLS, 960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah WA 98027; or made online through My Account at KCLS.org. Details about Fresh Start online. 

Never Miss a Due Date with Library Elf

Keep track of library materials for the whole family with Library Elf, a free online service to help keep track of library holds ready to pick up, and due dates for all items checked out through KCLS or any library. Just click on the link from the KCLS website, and sign up for reminders on every card in your household.