Loan Periods

The Bellingham Library is updating its late fee policy to match the fine-free policy recommended by CWMARS, our library network

Effective January 1, 2023, late fees will 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 returnable museum passes.  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 chart below.

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

2 weeks,
no renewal

Red Kits

None

None

Adult Kits & Equipment

2 weeks,
no renewal

All nonreservable AV, Recreation & Crafts, and Science & Technology Equipment

None

None

In Library Use Items

3 Hours

Laminator and
computer headsets

None

None

**Reserved Equipment

2 weeks,

no renewal

All reservable AV, Recreation & Crafts, and Science & Technology Equipment, 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.