scroll to top
Press enter or spacebar to select a desired language.
Located in Chatham, Illinois
Chatham Area Public Library
Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
CDT

Borrowing Rules

Fine Free

We are glad to be a fine free library!

How Does Fine Free Work? 

Materials still have due dates, and patrons receive notices when items are due.

  • A reminder notice is sent three days before due date. 
  • Patrons accounts are blocked from use when an item is 14 days overdue.
  • Patrons are billed for items that are lost or damaged when 28 days overdue. 
Reminder, 14 day overdue notice and 21 day bill

Not every SHARE library is fine-free 

Items checked out by a CAPLD patron will not be charged a fine, no matter what Illinois library they are at.  However, if a non-CAPLD patron's home library charges fines the fines will carry over to the non-fine libraries' materials.

FAQs

Can I return any overdue items? 

Yes, please return any items that are overdue, and we will clear your account. 

What about lost books or other material fees?
 

Fees for lost or damaged items or other equipment fees are still charged and must be paid.

How often will an item be renewed?

If there are no holds on an item, most CAPLD materials can be renewed three times. Non-CAPLD items are renewable based upon the owning library's policies. 

What happens if I don’t return the material?
 

If items are not returned, patrons' accounts will be billed a replacement cost at 28 days overdue. 

Do I have to pay fines if I return the item late?
 

No fines are charged. If the item is returned within 90 days of the due date, charges are removed from the account and the card is no longer blocked. 

Without fines, how can you be sure the material will get returned?
 

Our objective is always to get material back so it is available for someone else to check out. We believe most people want to return their items on time, but sometimes that isn’t possible. Therefore, everyone receives a reminder when items are overdue. 

Schedule of Loan Periods and Restrictions

Material Loan Period (Days) Renewals Holds Resident Limit Reciprocal Borrower Limit
Print 14 3 Yes 100 100 (on shelf only)
Puzzles 60 3 No 100 100 (on shelf only)
Movies 14 3 Yes 100 100 (on shelf only)
CDs and Books on CDs 14 3 Yes 100 100 (on shelf only)
Hotspots 14 0 No 1 N/A
Laptop*  14 1 Yes 1 In Library Use Only
Telescope 14 0 Yes 1 N/A
Sewing Machine 42 0 Yes 1 In Library Use Only
Book Club Kits/Caring for the Caregiver Kits 42 1 Yes No Limit 1
Equipment and Kits 14 1 Yes No Limit varies
Launchpads 14 3 Yes 1 1
Digital Projector 14 1 No 1 1

Non-SHARE reciprocal borrowers may not place holds on items nor borrow ebooks, or equipment.

Loan periods for ebooks, digital audiobooks, and other subscription resources are set by the vendor.

* Available only for CAPLD patrons who have had their card for more than 30 days.

To find a listing of SHARE member libraries, see https://share.illinoisheartland.org/connect/member-libraries.

Reminders

An email reminder is sent three days before the due date. To provide or change your email log into My Account, or contact 217-483-2713.

Items that cannot be renewed:

Be aware and regularly check your online account.

Questions about Renewing an Item:

  • Visit us in person
  • Call us during open hours: 217-483-2713

Please see our Circulation and Lending Policies for more information.