Author: Karla Zimmerman

JPL is Fine Free!

All overdue fines on library materials will be waived per the Juneau Public Library board of directors.

WHY IS THE LIBRARY GETTING RID OF OVERDUE FINES?
  • Charging overdue fines does not support the library mission to enrich lives and build community.
  • Fines disproportionately affect low-income families, adding another barrier to visiting the library
  • Research shows no difference in overdue rates between libraries charging fines and libraries not charging fines.
  • The library incurs expenses to collect fines, including staff time handling fine disputes, fine collection, and billing   postage.
1.  Do I still have to pay a fine that was on my account prior to JPL going fine-free?

Library staff is busy clearing all patron accounts of fines associated with materials checked out at JPL.  Fines charged by other Monarch member libraries will remain on your account.

2.  Fines have been waived, so why does my account still have a balance?

Charges for lost or damaged items, or additional charges such as copies, faxes, and notice fees, will remain on the account.

3.  I use more than one Monarch member library. How will that work?

Whether or not fines are charged is determined by the lending library policies.  Any Monarch member material checked out at JPL will be Fine-Free and can be returned to any Monarch library for check-in.  Likewise, any JPL item checking out at another member’s location will follow their lending policies.

However, there is a wrinkle with renewals.  If you check out at JPL but renew at another member library, the original checkout policies are nullified, and the renewing library’s policies take over.  To avoid this situation, we recommend you renew at JPL or another Monarch member library with the same fines policy.

4.  How will the library get people to return borrowed materials?

“No fines” does not mean “no responsibility.”  Our overdue notice procedure will not change.  Materials not returned 28 days (4 weeks) after the due date are assumed lost and will be billed to the account for the replacement cost and a $5.00 processing fee.

5.  How is the library budget affected by the loss of fine income?

We anticipated fines to generate 2% of our overall 2020 budget.  Like you during this time of COVID-19 crisis, the library will tighten its belt while still providing current materials and excellent service.

6.  I’ve always thought of paying my fine as a donation to the library. Can I still donate?

Yes!  The friendly staff at the circulation desk will gladly take your donation.  Donations can always be made directly to the library or the Friends of Juneau Public Library.  Your donation will support critical library programs, services, and materials.

7.  What’s the difference between a fine and a fee?

Fines are punitive.  Fees are for library services and products such as library cards, copies, faxes, materials replacement costs, etc.

Up-to-date Info on Library Services

The library is currently closed under the Governor’s “Safer at Home” order. We will remain closed until the restrictions have been lifted. We continue to monitor the situation and follow directives from public health officials to ensure the safety of our staff and community members.

Here is the latest on our services, due dates, and more:

Contact Us
We are available via email at juneau@monarchlibraries.org or via Facebook Messenger. Due to the “Safer at Home” order we do not have staff available to answer the phones.  You can call the library at (920) 386-4805 and leave a message. Staff are remotely checking messages two times a day and will return your call as soon as possible.  Please leave a contact name and phone number if you are leaving a message.

Due Dates and Late Fees
Due dates on materials have been extended to June 1 and will be extended further if the library remains closed past that date. Please do not fret about any overdue fines being charged.

Item Returns
Our outdoor library book return remains closed, and no items can be returned at this time.  We ask that you please hold on to any materials until we are able to reopen. Experts believe some coronaviruses can live on plastic and paper for several days. We will be instituting a quarantine system for returned materials to protect our staff when we first open. Please be patient as we figure out the details.

Curbside Pickup
Under the Governor’s new “Safer at Home” order issued on 4/16/2020 libraries will be able to offer curbside pick-up after April 24. Staff at the Juneau Public Library are exploring the best way to offer curbside pickup of library materials, and we are awaiting additional interpretation from the Department of Public Instruction and the State Department of Health. Our goal is to provide this service as soon as possible, and when we have a plan in place for offering and managing curbside pickup we will issue public announcements. 

Click here to learn more about our Library-to-Go Curbside Pickup!

Card Renewals
Please email us at juneau@monarchlibraries.org if you have trouble with an expired library card. Be sure to include your current address and phone number so we can update your card.

Public WiFi
Our WiFi remains on and can be accessed in the parking spaces outside the main entrance to the library.  Please respect the space marked for handicapped parking.

Interlibrary and System Loans
Delivery of library items statewide has been discontinued at this time.

Virtual Library Programs
Check out our Facebook (click here) for information about various virtual story times offered by authors, celebrities or other public libraries in the Monarch Library System.

Event Closures
All library events and meeting room reservations have been canceled for the remainder of the library closure.

Digital Services
Our digital services are always available. If you have trouble accessing any of our services, please email us at juneau@monarchlibraries.org or message us via Facebook Messenger.

Check Out Info

Check Out Information

Loan periods for the Juneau Public Library are outlined below.

  • Print (books and paperbacks) = 28 days
  • Print (magazines) = 14 days
  • Non-print (books on CD and Playaways) = 28 days
  • Non-print (dvds, blu-rays) = 7 days

Renewing your items

Please note, if an item is coming close to the due date and you wish to keep it longer, you are able to renew an item up to two times, if no one is waiting for it.  Learn how to manage your account online or contact the Juneau Public Library for further assistance.  When you are calling for assistance with your library account, please have your library card number (located on the back of your card) ready for us to look up your account.

1 2 3 4 5