Linwood Public Library, NJ

A patron must have a valid Linwood Library card to check out material. The patron must be in good standing at the library, meaning they have no overdue items or outstanding fees. Parents are responsible for their children’s checkouts.

1. Borrowing privileges will be suspended if items are overdue. Once an item comes back, patrons can borrow freely again.
2. A total of 10 items are allowed on one card. The items may be any combination of materials.
3. Renewals are allowed on most items providing there are no holds. Items can be renewed in person, over the telephone, or by emailing the library. An item may be renewed for a maximum of two times. Many items will renew automatically, up to two times.
4. Patrons may review the items they have checked out or reserved on our website at www.linwoodlibrary.com. An account under the patron name and number must be created by the patron.
5. Most adult and children’s items are checked out for 3 weeks.
6. New adult releases can be checked out for 2 weeks and cannot be renewed.
7. Magazines and DVDs may be checked out for 1 week.
8. DVD borrowers must be 14 years of age. There are no charges for DVD checkouts.

The Linwood Library is now fine-free. What does that mean?

In order to increase access to our resources, most items at the library will not incur overdue fines. This includes books, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazines. You will still receive a due date card and can also log in to your library account to see when items are due. If an item is not returned after 60 days, it will automatically be marked as lost and the replacement fee will be charged to the patron account. Patrons with overdue items will not be allowed to check out additional items until the overdue ones are returned. Items like our Wi-Fi HotSpots, museum passes, Toniebox and Yoto players, and Library of Things items will still require deposits and incur overdue fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have preexisting fines on my account, what happens to those?

We will waive them! We want our materials back into circulation so that they can be enjoyed by more patrons, so when you bring back overdue items, we’ll forgive any related overdue fines.

What happens to items marked “lost”?

Once you return “lost” materials, any overdue fines and replacement fees associated with them will be removed from your account. We just want the items back!

What happens if I don’t return my materials by the due date?

Patrons with overdue materials will be restricted from additional checkouts until they return or renew eligible materials. Once an item is overdue by more than 60 days, it will automatically be marked lost, and a replacement fee will be added to your account. Once the cost of lost items is more than $10, you will be required to return the items, replace them, or pay the lost fees in order to check out physical items, place holds, or request Interlibrary Loans. You are still welcome to check out digital materials, use in-library items, and come to library programs.

Will lost or damaged fees also be forgiven?

No. We need to replace lost or damaged materials, so patrons are still responsible for costs associated with those materials. If you would like to replace the item yourself, we accept replacements in good condition.

How will the Library encourage people to return their overdue materials?

Patrons will begin receiving overdue notices via email. After 60 days, we will assume that overdue materials are lost and notify you. At that point, you will be responsible for the cost or replacement of the materials. Once the cost of lost materials totals $10 or more, customers will be unable to check out physical items, place holds, or request Interlibrary Loans until the materials have been returned, replaced, or their lost fees paid.

How will the new fine-free policy affect the holds list?

Many libraries that have gone fine-free have actually seen a large increase in the return rate of overdue materials, and we’re anticipating the same happy result!

Replacement of lost or damaged Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials

If an item is returned damaged, charges will be determined at the discretion of the Director or the lending library.

Thank you to the Free Library of Philadelphia for their helpful fine-free FAQ, which has been adapted for our library here.