Your library card provides the privilege of borrowing books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, videos and numerous other items from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. By using the card, you agree to bring the material back at the end of borrowing time--its due date. Beginning Thursday, October 1, checking your due dates is even more important, because library materials returned beyond the due date will be subject to a late fee.

This new procedure, which is considered a standard in public libraries, helps encourage people to return items within the check-out period while generating revenue from customers who choose to keep their material past the due date. The library has always charged some fees, but did not charge late fees on items returned after the agreed borrowing time expired. That practice dates back to 1975, but is no longer sustainable in current economic circumstances.

The library announced this operational change in earlier this year, and having been working to inform library users through printed notices, blogs, Twitter, Facebook and talking to community groups.

“We will work with our library customers as we transition to fees,” said Paul Brennan, Collections manager. “If anyone has questions about how to manage their library account, we are ready to help with the process. Our goal is for all cardholders to have unencumbered borrowing privileges.”

The “Rs” message to avoid late fees:

Return on time. Return materials in person at the library, to a bookmobile or to the 16 book drops throughout the community.

Receive reminders. Signup online or ask a staff member how to receive reminders by email. Our email alert system delivers pre-overdue reminders and overdue notices conveniently to your inbox. Go to catalog.tscpl.org and look for the email exclusive offer in the yellow box.

Renew. Renew your materials online at catalog.tscpl.org, or by using our renewal hotline, 785-580-4424, or in person at the library or bookmobile.

When You Owe Late Fees
Library cardholders can see how much they owe from any internet-connected computer. Just log on to http://catalog.tscpl.org and log in using the card number and PIN or call the renewal hotline 785-580-4424 to check the state of your account.

The library charges 25 cents per day, per item on items that have a 21-day check-out period. High-demand materials like Express DVDs, Bestseller Express books, DVD Dispenser items and specialty items, like book bags and magnifiers, are assessed a $1 per day per item late fee. See table at http://www.tscpl.org/myaccount/section/how_many_items_can_i_borrow/. This schedule is available in print at the library and bookmobiles.

The library has set a maximum late fee per item. The library charges a maximum late fee of $5 on most items like books, music and movies that have a 21-day check-out period. Magazines have a maximum late fee of $2. High-demand materials like Express DVDs, Bestseller Express books, DVD Dispenser items and specialty items, such as book bags and magnifiers, have a $10 maximum late fee.

Customers with a $10 or greater late fee or any charge older than 60 days lose library privileges and his/her account is blocked until the fee is paid. Individuals, who need to set up a payment plan, can talk with staff at the main check-out counter or by calling 785-580-4424.

Equipment Usage Fee
In 2010 meeting room users who need audiovisual, technical or staging will pay a $25 equipment usage fee. There is no charge to Non-profits use of library meeting spaces at no cost, but they, along with any for-profit organization, will be charged for AV equipment set-up. For more information, call the event coordinator at 785-580-4495.

Interlibrary Loan Fee
Customers who need materials not owned by the library can borrow it from another library through our interlibrary loan agreement. To defray the mailing cost, a fee of $1 will be assessed for filled Interlibrary Loan requests. Learn more about Interlibrary Loan fees here: http://www.tscpl.org/about/comments/fees_coming_to_interlibrary_loan_services/