We Are Now Fine-Free!

Fine-free means that there won’t be late charges on Johnson County Library-owned materials. Interlibrary loan items will retain their three-week checkout period and are subject to the fines structure of the originating library system.  

Fines are charged when an item is late. Fees are costs that are assessed when materials are lost or damaged. Fees will continue to be assessed when materials are not renewed or returned within 30 days of their due date, have been lost, or have been returned damaged.  

Research shows that fines are not effective in encouraging the return of materials, but instead fines can become a barrier to people using the library. 

Yes, materials will have due dates and patrons are expected to return or renew materials in a timely manner, as others are often eagerly waiting to enjoy those items too. Johnson County Library sends several due date reminders to our patrons; please make sure your email address is up-to-date on your Library account so you don’t miss these important notifications.  

You will be notified if you have overdue items. If the items are not returned within 30 days of the due date, you will be charged a replacement fee and will not be able to check out more items using the self-check until the item is returned or the fee is paid. 

Replacement fees vary depending on the item.  Accounts with outstanding balances above $50 for more than 30 days are charged an additional, nonrefundable $10 materials recovery fee.  

Interlibrary loan items will retain their three-week checkout period and are subject to the fines structure of the originating library system.   

Please note that Interlibrary loan items considered lost will accrue a default replacement fee of $200. If this happens, contact us at 913-826-4600 so our Interlibrary Loan department can determine the actual replacement fee.  

Existing overdue fines and fees older than seven years will be forgiven. Fees newer than seven years will remain on accounts, as well as any processing fees that were assessed on unpaid fees.  

It depends! Please visit any of our 14 branches and talk to our staff about the status of your account, or see if one of the scenarios below apply to you:  

• Johnson County Library cards are active in the system if they have been used in any capacity, such as a checkout or public computer session, during the last three years. Active cards do not expire or require renewal.  
• If you have not used your card for three or more years AND you had no fines or fees on your account, your account has likely been deleted. If you would like to apply for a new card, please visit a branch and bring a current ID and a second address verification document, such as a bill or mortgage/lease statement.  
• Regardless of when you last used your card, if your account previously carried a fines-only balance, it will remain active in our system after fines have been forgiven.   
• If your account retains a balance after fines are forgiven, such as in lost or damaged item fees, that balance must be paid before you can use your card again.  

Studies have shown that late fines are not effective and actually stop people from using or returning to the library. Libraries who have adopted fine-free policies have reported few problems and increased usage.  

Our renewal policies will remain the same. Most items can be renewed up to 10 times, so long as no one else is waiting for them.  

Fine-free libraries report similar return rates. In addition, Johnson County Library runs reports to let us know if we need to order additional copies of popular items.  

Fine revenue makes up less than one percent of the library’s budget. Library services will not be impacted by this change. In addition, the good that this policy will do for the community cannot be measured.  

Refunds will not be given for previously paid overdue fines.  

If you have paid for a lost item and then return it within one year of the payment, you can receive a refund for the replacement fee you paid for that item.  

Yes, Olathe Public Library has also eliminated overdue fines. Our community has enjoyed a seamless checkout and return experience between Johnson County Library and Olathe Public Library since 1989.