Circulation

Service Policy: Circulation
The goal of the Fargo Public Library is to have citizens use the collection as much as they need and want. However, the library has to ensure equitable access to circulating materials for all library users and therefore established specific loan periods. To encourage library users to return materials within the specified period the library charges overdue fines.

Books:
In general: books can be checked out for 3 weeks. New, in-demand, or seasonal books may have a special 1-week circulation period. Books can be renewed in person, by telephone, or online for an additional loan period if there are no holds. The renewal period begins the day the renewal transaction is entered.

Periodicals:
In all library departments, with the exception of current issues, periodicals circulate for 3 weeks with 1 renewal if there are no holds. Periodicals from closed stacks and bound volumes do not circulate.

Audiobooks, CDs and software:
3 weeks, 1 renewal for an additional loan period if there are no holds

DVDs and video games:
1 week, 1 renewal for an additional loan period if there are no holds

Book Club in a Bag Kits:
6 weeks, no renewal

Limits:
A library user may have up to 50 items checked out at any time.

The following limits apply in most situations (individual library departments may set limits on specific types of items, such as those in high demand, in order to ensure maximum use and availability of those materials).

Format/subject limits per card:

  •  5 music CDs
  •  5 audiobooks
  •  5 DVDs
  •  5 magazines
  •  4 interlibrary loans (on request or in circulation)
  •  2 software titles
  • 1 video game title
  • 1 Book Club in a Bag Kit
  • 1 Topic Tote 

Fines and charges:
Borrowers who have more that $15.00 in outstanding fines or charges on their account may not check out materials. Borrowing may resume when fines are paid or reduced below the $15.00 maximum.

Fines are 10 cents per day per item for all materials with these exceptions:

  •  DVDs, software and video games 50 cents per day per item
  •  Interlibrary loans 25 cents per day per item
  •  Book Club in a Bag Kit $2.00 per day  

Billing:
The cost of an item is billed to the borrower when it is six weeks overdue. This bill will include the list price of the item plus a processing fee and the maximum fine for the item ($5.00 for visual media; $4.00 for all other materials).

The library will not accept replacement item(s) in lieu of payment of lost item fees or damage fees. 

The names of delinquent borrowers who have over $100.00 in fees may be turned over to a collection agency. Delinquent borrowers are responsible for any fees charged by collection agencies or small claims court in addition to fines and payment for lost items. Lost items that have been paid for may not be returned for refund after 1 year.

#005-2001
Approved 1-15-2002; Revision Approved 9-20-2005; Revision Approved 8-19-2008