Fines Policy

Overdue fines for borrowed materials are a barrier to library access; therefore, the Orange Public Libraries does not charge them. Eliminating these fines and increasing library access benefits our entire community. However, to encourage responsible borrowing and to prevent the loss of library materials the Orange Public Libraries will block a patron's ability to check out items if they have charges in the amount of $10.00 or more on their library account, or if the patron has lost one or more of the items checked out to them.

Lost materials are items that have been overdue for more than 4 weeks, or that cannot be found and returned by the patron. Patrons will be charged for each lost item on their account in accordance with the terms set forth in the policy manual of our regional consortium Central and Western Massachusetts Resource Sharing (CW MARS). Orange Public Libraries' items that are lost will be subject to a charge for the full replacement cost of that item. No refunds will be issued once the item is billed and paid. Patrons may replace a lost item with an identical copy in like new condition in lieu of payment at the discretion of library staff.

For items belonging to other libraries, patrons may log into their account and pay with a credit card or pay in-person by a check made out to the owning library. The check payment will be mailed to the owning library. Patrons will have to contact the owning library in the event they subsequently locate a lost and paid item. Each lending institution has their own policy and procedures; patrons may or may not be issued a refund.

An individual's ability to check out library materials is not affected by any other library users they may be grouped with in Evergreen, our integrated library system. Blocking thresholds only apply to individual accounts, even among members of the same family.

Notwithstanding the above, overdue fines, lost fees, or damaged item fees may be waived at the discretion of the Library Director or their designee.

Approved by the Orange Public Libraries' Board of Trustees on 3/31/2025