No more overdue fines at Mundelein's Fremont Public Library
Effective this week, patrons of the Fremont Public Library in Mundelein no longer will be charged fines for overdue books, DVDs or most other items.
Instead, if an item is overdue at least two weeks, a patron won't be allowed to check out anything else until it's returned.
If an item is not returned within 45 days of the due date, the patron will be billed for the replacement cost of the item.
"No more haggling over dimes," library Director Scott Davis said. "Simply return the item in a reasonable time period or pay to replace it."
The policy change was implemented Wednesday following a library board vote in February.
The only items that still will result in late fees are in-house laptops and telescopes.
Other area libraries that have gone fine-free in recent years include Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire, Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich, Algonquin Area Public Library and Addison Public Library.
That's not the only new policy change at Fremont.
Also as of Wednesday, most library materials automatically will be renewed if they're not returned by their due date.
Eligibility depends on whether renewal is available. Items that can't be automatically renewed include those borrowed from another library, those that already have been renewed twice or those that have been reserved by another patron.
Automatic renewal will result in fewer late notices being issued, Davis said.