We have good news for everyone with a mischievous pet, a little one with a taste for literature or a case of the butterfingers while reading 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. As of summer 2025, JCPL will no longer charge replacement fees for lost or damaged children's materials!
This change applies to all E and J materials in JCPL's collection and extends a program that began in 2018 with the elimination of overdue fines and fees on childrens' materials.
Children's materials circulate in great quantities, and our youngest patrons are still learning how to use books. With that in mind, we don't want caregivers to worry about the financial impact of an overeager young reader. Torn pages? Teeth marks? Water damage? Just plain missing? We understand. Just bring it back when you find it, no questions asked.
And don't worry, eliminating fines on children's materials will not have a significant impact on JCPL's budget, as those fines represent less than one half of one percent. JCPL believes this move will have a positive impact on the number of children and families who use the library.
All patrons with outstanding replacement fees for E and J materials on their accounts will have those charges removed, along with the $10 collection agency fee. We will still charge for lost or damaged Prospector or Interlibrary Loan materials, as those items do not belong to JCPL.
Patrons will continue to receive overdue notices when their items exceed seven, 14, and 21 days overdue. These notices will include news of this change and encourage patrons to return items if they are found.
Loan Rules (including auto-renewals) are not affected.