The Genoa Public Library is no longer charging fines for any overdue items (except for STEM kits) to any patrons (including those who visit us from other libraries) who check out those items at our library.  Replacement fees for lost or damaged items are not included under the fine-free policy and continue to be a patron's responsibility.

We want to better serve our community!  Being fine-free removes barriers to accessing the library and helps us provide a more equitable experience for all people in our community.  We want to encourage people to enjoy coming to the library and we believe that assessing financial penalties for late items is counterproductive to this goal.

Being fine-free improves the checkout process by allowing our staff to focus on more positive interactions with patrons.  We want people to be excited about coming to the library, rather than worried about whether or not they owe a fine.  We hope to welcome back anyone who felt discouraged about using the library because of a fine on their account.

We have removed all overdue fines for Genoa Public Library items.  If your account still lists fines on it, it may be for items checked out from a different library.  If you have questions about a charge on your account, feel free to speak to a member of our staff.

Yes, each item will still have a due date, and you are still responsible for honoring the due date or renewing the item.  When you return items on time, it helps other patrons borrow items sooner.  To help you return items on time, we will continue to provide a courtesy reminder notice 3 days before your due date.

While you will no longer be charged a fine, after a Genoa Public Library item is 21 days overdue, your account will be billed for the replacement cost of the item and you will be blocked from any further checkouts until you return the item.  The account block includes checking out physical items (books, audiobooks, DVDs, etc.), as well as access to our digital collections (including downloads from Overdrive and Freegal) and research databases.

You will need to either return the item or pay the replacement cost in full to unlock your account.

Fines are set by the checkout library.

If you go to a neighboring library that charges fines, and you use your GPLD card to checkout an item at that library, then you are subject to that library’s checkout rules.

If you have an item sent in from another library and check it out here, you will not be charged any overdue fines.

Libraries that have gone fine-free have not seen any difference in when items are returned.  Most items are returned within a week of their due date.