Fine Free FAQ

When did Fine Free begin? 

As of September 8, 2026, The Deer Creek District Library no longer charges overdue fines.

Does this eliminate all fines? 

​Fees will be charged for lost or damaged items.

What if I visit other area libraries? 

If you frequent other area libraries or use interlibrary loan, be aware that not all libraries are fine free. Whether fines are charged or not depends on the owning library. If you check out items at an area library that still charges fines, you will be charged an overdue fine no matter where your home library is or where you return the item. There are options to pay fees in the online catalog or RSAcat app. 

Why have we gone fine free? 

Being fine free removes a financial barrier and helps us provide a more equitable experience for all people in our community. Studies have shown that charging overdue fines makes patrons less likely to return to the library. We want to encourage everyone in our district to fully use our library and services. In addition, most of our neighboring libraries are now fine free, and this change will make it less confusing and inconvenient for patrons who utilize multiple libraries on a regular basis.

What does it mean to be fine free? 

Being fine free means that when Deer Creek Library items are returned late, you will not be charged any overdue fines. 

​You should continue to return or renew items on or before the due date. The public library model is based upon a trusting relationship between borrowers and the library. We trust that you will return items on time so other patrons can enjoy them.

What happened to overdue fines already on my account? 

Good news! On September 8, 2026 all overdue fines were removed. ​Fees for lost and damaged items will not be removed, nor will any fines/fees for items checked out at other libraries.

Will I still receive notices when checked out items are coming due or overdue?

​If you have a working email on file with us, you will receive notices via email. Courtesy notices will be sent three days before the due date for items with a three-week checkout period, and notices will be sent out one day before the due date for items with a one-week checkout period. Once overdue, notices will be sent at two, five, and ten days overdue.

You can also sign up for Shoutbomb Text Messaging Alerts to receive text notices about items that are due soon, overdue items, etc. Find more info under the Shoutbomb tab on our Resources page. 

If there are no overdue fines, what keeps me from not returning items?

​Though we are no longer charging overdue fines, there are still consequences if a patron keeps an item without returning or renewing it in a timely fashion. After your item is 20 days overdue, the item will automatically be marked as lost and the full cost of the item will be charged to your account. At this time, your card will be blocked and you will not be able to checkout any additional items until the item is returned or renewed.

What happens when I return an item after it is marked lost and I’m billed for the cost of the item?

​The fee will be removed from the account if the item is returned before a replacement is purchased.

Will this impact the availability of popular items?

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