Borrowing Rules

Fine Free

By joining CCS, we are glad to offer no overdue fines! Items checked out at Palatine Library locations that are returned late will not accrue overdue fines. This means more access to more materials, with fewer barriers because there are no overdue fines.

Since implementing auto-renewals in August of 2019, members have had less fines. In the first six months of fiscal year 2019-20 we’ve seen a drop in fine revenue of 58%. Our fine revenue for this year would have been 0.5% of our total projected income. This amount is not very significant to the Library budget and we know we can continue to offer the same level of service without those funds. 

How Does Fine Free Work? 

Automatic renewals make it even easier to keep your account current. If an item is on hold it cannot be auto renewed. 

Materials still have due dates, and members receive notices when items are due.  

Reminder notice sent 3 Days Before Due Date 

Account is blocked 20 Days After Due Date 

Members are billed for items that are lost or damaged. 
 

Not every CCS library is fine-free 

Items checked out at a CCS library that does not charge fines will not accumulate overdue fines, regardless of where the items are returned to or where the item comes from. 

Items checked out at a CCS library that does charge fines will accrue overdue fines, even if returned to a fine free library. 

Fine Free FAQs

What happens to current fines on my account?

As of September 4, all overdue fines on Palatine Library accounts will be cleared. We welcome you back to the Library to enjoy all the benefits we provide! 

Can I return any overdue items? 

Yes, please return any items that are overdue, and we will clear your account. 

What about lost books or other material fees?
 
Fees for lost or damaged items or other equipment fees are still charged and must be paid. There is no change to this policy. 

Do materials still have due dates?
 
Yes, materials still have due dates.  

How often will an item be renewed?

If there are no holds on an item, most materials automatically renew three times. 

What happens if I don’t return the material?
 
If the item has already been renewed 3 times or has been put on hold by another borrower, accounts are blocked 20 days after the due date. 

Do I have to pay fines if I return the item late?
 
If the item is returned within three months of the due date or before the account is sent to collections (whichever comes first), charges are removed from the account and the card is no longer blocked. Members will still be charged a processing fee. 

Without fines, how can you be sure the material will get returned?
 
Our objective is always to get material back so it is available for someone else to check out. We believe most people want to return their items on time, but sometimes that isn’t possible. Therefore, everyone receives a reminder when items are overdue. 

Borrowing Rules

Material Loan Period (Days) Renewals Holds Resident Limit Reciprocal Borrower Limit
Print 21 3 Yes No Limit No Limit
Popular or Hot Picks 14 No No 5 5
Movies 21 3 Yes No Limit No Limit
Movies New 14 3 Yes 10 10
CD and Audiobooks 21 3 Yes No Limit No Limit
CDs New 14 3 Yes No Limit No Limit
Video Games 14 3 Yes 5 5
Equipment and Kits 14 3 Yes 5 0
Maximum     300 300

300

Non-CCS (Cooperative Computer Services) consortium reciprocal borrowers may not place holds, borrow ebooks, equipment, or kits.

Loan periods for ebooks, digital audiobooks, and other subscription resources are set by the vendor.

Items that are 45 days overdue will be charged the replacement cost of the item, plus a $5.00 fee.

Renew an Item

Need more time? Most items can be renewed for another loan period.

Ways to renew an item:

  1. Visit us in person
  2. Call us during open hours: 847-907-3600 ext.125
  3. Through your online account

Auto Renewals

Auto Renewal saves time, extends the loan period, and helps reduce fines. Eligible items checked-out automatically renew for an additional loan period.

An email remainder is sent two days before the due date. To provide or change your email add it under "Edit Account" when you are logged into My Account, or contact 847-907-3600 ext. 125.

 

Items that cannot be renewed:

Be aware and regularly check your online account.

 

Questions about Renewing an Item:

  • Visit us in person
  • Call us during open hours: 847-907-3600 ext.125

Pay Fines Online

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Click Pay Online
  3. Enter your credit card information
  4. Click Submit
  5. Click Submit again on the confirmation page. If you provide an email address, a receipt will be sent to you.

Fines are removed from your account automatically.