Richmond Public Library is Fine Free
Richmond Public Library is dedicated to serving the entire greater Richmond area, and believes in free and equal access for all. We saw that a significant number of our residents were unable to check out materials because of debt owed to the library, and we believe that it is more important to break down barriers than it is to punish people for late items. So, in 2020 we made the decision to do away with overdue fines.
“Fines” or “overdue fines” are the daily charges applied to items not returned by a specific due date. “Fees” refer to the charges applied for lost, damaged, or unreturned materials; we will still be charging fees when appropriate.
Fees for Library Materials
Richmond Public Library (RPL) holds materials as a community resource, and loans materials for the use of library patrons. The use of library materials is free for the stated loan period. Should library patrons fail to return these materials, lose, or damage the materials, fees will be assessed.
The Library uses a collection agency for the recovery of non-returned library materials. Accounts with a value of $25.00 or more will be referred to the collection agency. A service charge of $10.00 will be added to all accounts referred to the collection agency.
Click here to download a copy of our Fees for Library Materials Policy
*The Richmond Public Library does not collect or store your credit card information.
Overdue Materials
Most items are allowed a two-week checkout period with up to four renewals. If items are not returned within thirty days of their due date, the patron will be charged for the value of the item, plus a $5.00 processing fee; patrons who owe more than $10.00 will still be blocked from checking items out.
| Type of Material | Loan Period | Eligible for Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Books | 14 days | Yes |
| CDs: Music & Audio Books | 14 days | Yes |
| Downloadable eBooks/Audiobooks | 14 days | Yes |
| DVD’s | 14 days | Yes |
Other Fees
| Type of Fees | Charge |
|---|---|
| Collection Agency Fee | $10.00 |
| Fee Card – Non-Resident (Duration One Year) | $15.00 |
| Lost Card Replacement Fee | $1.00 |
| Lost/Damaged Materials Fee | Cost of the Item +$5 Processing Fee Per Item |
| Returned Check Fee | $20.00 |
| 3D – Print | $0.20/gram |
| Microfilm Copies | $0.25/page |
| Photocopies | $0.15/page |
| PC Printing – Black and White | $0.15/page |
| PC Printing – Color | $0.50/page |
| Fax – In Area | $0.50/page |
| Fax – Out of Area | $1.00/page |
Library Refund Policy
The Library will, under certain conditions, issue a refund if the item is returned within 90 days of the receipt date. For example, library materials lost, paid for, and then found can be returned and a refund may be issued under the following condition:
- Item/material is in satisfactory condition
- Refunds will exclude the Library’s $5.00 processing fee, Unique Management’s $10.00 referral fee, and the overdue amount for each item returned. Materials paid through the State Set-Off Debt Program are non-refundable
- Refunds for payments made by a credit/debit card will be issued onto the card that was used to make the payment
- Item/material paid for by check requires a 30-day waiting period from the date of the transaction before a refund is issued. Refer refund request to Administrative Office with supporting documentation