We’re Fine Free!

The Library is officially Fine Free! The Bensenville Community Public Library will no longer charge fines for overdue items to any patrons who check out those items at our library. Below are a few frequently asked questions about going fine free.

If you have any questions about anything related to fines, circulation policies, or going fine free, please contact the the Circulation Department at (630) 766-4642.

You will be charged a fee to replace the item.

If you check out an item from a library that does charge fines, you’re still responsible for paying any fines to that lending library. 

A few types of items are subject to fines, including hotspots and specialty items.

Libraries that have gone fine free have not seen any difference in when items are returned. Most items are returned within a week of their due date.

Each item will still have a due date, and you are still responsible for honoring the due date. When you return items on time, it helps your neighbors borrow items sooner! Items borrowed from other libraries are subject to the lending policies of their home libraries.

Fines account for only a very small percentage (approximately .1%!) of our operating budget, and this number has decreased over time. When we implemented our popular auto-renewal policy, we saw a dramatic reduction in overdue fines.

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