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Loan Periods
The Bellingham Library's late fee policy matches the fine-free policy recommended by our library network, CWMARS.
Since January 1, 2023, late fees are no longer be charged on books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, and other general circulating materials. The exception to this policy is any equipment that can be reserved and museum passes that must be returned. See below for details.
Please note:
- Items from other libraries are subject to the lending policies of that library, including that library's late fee policy. This policy is for Bellingham Library owned items only.
- Items not returned 30 days after their due date are billed at replacement cost. Borrowing privileges are suspended for patrons with billed items until the items are returned or paid for in full.
All books, magazines, DVDs, audios, and video games automatically renew for one additional loan period. Exceptions are noted in the following chart.
| Item Type | Loan Period | Description | Late Fee | Maximum Late Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Books & Audio | 3 weeks | All books, audiobooks, music CDs and Playaways | None | None |
DVDs & Magazines | 1 week | All DVDs and magazines | None | None |
DVD Sets | 3 weeks, no renewal | DVD sets of 4 or more discs | None | None |
Video Games | 3 weeks, no renewal | All video games | None | None |
Board Games | 2 weeks, no renewal | All board games | None | None |
Children’s Kits & Launchpads | 2 weeks, no renewal | Children's (red) Kits and Launchpads | None | None |
Adult Kits & Equipment | 2 weeks, no renewal | All nonreservable items in the Library of Things collections | $1 per day | $5.00 |
In Library Use Items | 3 Hours | Laminator and computer headsets | None | None |
Reserved Equipment | 2 weeks, no renewal | All reservable items in the Library of Things collections and Museum Passes | $5 per day | $25.00 |
Please note that the book drop is last emptied one hour before closing. Items returned after that time may not be checked in until the following business day, so please plan accordingly.
If you provide us with your email address, you will receive an email 2 days before your materials are due to remind you to get them back on time.
The library does not refund the cardholder for the price of lost, unreturned or damaged items that were paid for by the customer in the event that s/he finds the lost item. Once the cardholder pays for a lost, unreturned or damaged item, the item becomes the property of the cardholder.