Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Fines & Fees
-
What Happens When Items Are Not Returned
- 3 days before the item is due:
- If you have
given us your email address, the Library sends a courtesy notice
- 7 Days
Past Due
- The Library sends you an overdue notice
- 21 Days Past
Due
- The Library sends a second overdue notice that includes fines, processing fees,
and replacement charges.
- 60 Days Past Due
- If there has been no
payment activity on your account the Library forwards your account to
Unique Management Services, Inc. and a service charge of $10 is
added to your account. Unique Management Services will contact you to request the return of the
overdue materials and payment of all outstanding charges.
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Overdue Fees (revised 10/01/2009)
- Adult Books (including paperbacks), Audiobooks, Playaways, Music CDs, and Magazines
- $ 0.35 per day, per item
- $ 10.00 maximum per item
- Juvenile Books (including paperbacks), Audiobooks, Playaways, Music CDs, and Magazines
- $ 0.15 per day per item
- $ 6.00 maximum per item
- Young Adult Books, Audiobooks, Playaways, and Magazines
- $ 0.15 per day per item
- $ 6.00 maximum per item
- All DVDs and Videocassettes
- $ 2.00 per day, per item
- $ 10.00 maximum, per item
- Mobile Library Rates
- $ 0.35 per adult book, audiobook, or music CD, per stop
- $ 0.15 per juvenile or young adult book, audiobook, or music CD, per stop
- $ 2.00 per DVD or videocassette, per stop
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Lost/Damaged Materials Fees (revised 10/01/2009)
Lost Cataloged Materials Or Withdrawn Damaged Materials
- Materials for which list price is known
- Materials for which the list price is not known
- Lost/damaged audiobook cassette/CD - $ 8.00 per item
- Missing liner notes-DVDs, videos, or music CDs - $ 3.00 per item
Lost Uncataloged Materials Or Withdrawn Damaged Materials
Replacement items (in good condition) of the same type accepted in lieu of payments listed below:
- Materials for which list price is known
- Materials for which the list price is not known
- Adult paperback books - $ 10.00 per item
- Juvenile or young adult paperback books - $ 6.00 per item
- Magazines or other items - $ 4.00 per item
- Cases for videos, DVDs, music CDs, or audiobooks - $ 1.00 per item
- Material kits - $ 100 per kit
Payments on lost items will be assessed a $5 non-refundable processing fee in addition to the list price. Any refunds will be issued by mailed check to be received within 7-10 business days of refund request.
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Other Library Fees (revised 10/01/2009)
Card and Account Fees
- Collection Agency Fee - $ 10.00 per account
- Non-Resident Borrower’s Card Fee - $ 100.00 per year, Or $ 30.00 for 3 months
- Material Recovery Program Processing Fee - $ 10.00 per referral
Printing and Copier Fees
- Coin-Operated Copiers And Microfilm - $ 0.10 per page, 8 1/2 X 11 Black & White
- Coin-Operated Copiers And Microfilm - $ 0.10 per page, 8 1/2 X 14 Black & White
- Coin-Operated Copiers And Microfilm - $ 0.20 per page, 11 X 17 Black & White
- Computer Printing - $ 0.25 per page, 8 1/2 X 11 Black & White
Novelties
- Book Bag - $ 8.00 each
- Postcard - $ 0.25 each
- Poster - $ 5.00 each
- T-shirt - $ 5.00 each
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Billing of Lost Items
- If an item is not returned by its due date, the Library will send an overdue notice after 7 days.
- If the item is not returned after 14 additional days, or 21 total overdue days, it is assumed lost. Your account is then billed the replacement cost of the lost item, plus a $ 5.00 non-refundable processing fee.
- See Lost/Damaged Materials Fees for more information.
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Paying Fines and Fees
You can pay fines and fees on your account at any San Antonio Public Library. Payment can be made in person using cash or check. You may also send your payment by check to:
San Antonio Public Library
Attn: Fiscal Office - Accounts
600 Soledad
San Antonio, TX 78205-1208Please make the check payable to San Antonio Public Library and print your library card number legibly on the memo line of the check.
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Materials Recovery Program
The San Antonio Public Library has established a new materials
recovery program to encourage library patrons to return books and other materials on time.
Beginning December 1, 2009, past due accounts will be forwarded
to Unique Management Services, Inc., for processing, and a service charge of $10.00 will be
added to the balance of each account referred.
For more information on the materials
recovery program please read the program FAQs. You can check
your account balance online using the My Account feature.
Thank you for helping us ensure that everyone has access to materials in the San Antonio
Public Library collection!