We’re Fine Free!
The Pennington Public Library went Fine Free starting January 1, 2023. We no longer charge fines for books and other materials that are returned late. Additionally, all existing fines will be cleared, and patrons whose cards were blocked because of unpaid late fees will once again be able to check out materials.
Why Fine Free?
We want to make our library a more welcoming and accessible place. Fines currently account for only 0.3% of the Library’s annual revenue, and fines discourage and even stop people from using the library. In fact, public libraries across the country have seen an increase in return rates after eliminating overdue fines. Simply put, late fines are ineffective in getting people to return items on time. Fine Free allows us to improve customer service and remove barriers to library use.
What does this mean for you?
You will no longer be charged a daily overdue fine on late items. However, library items still need to be returned or renewed by their due date. To help with on-time returns, we will continue to send out reminder notices. If you have an item that is 28 days overdue, your card will be blocked from checking out other materials. The block will be lifted once the item is returned. Lost or damaged materials will be charged a replacement fee. Patrons receive several reminders before they are billed for lost items.
Loan Periods
The loan period for all library materials is 3 weeks.
Did you know vacation loans can be arranged? Ask at the Circulation Desk.
Renewing Items
All Library materials will be renewed automatically up to three (3) times except for:
- Materials that have been requested or reserved by another patron.
- Interlibrary loans are eligible for 1 renewal only.
- Materials that have reached the renewal limit.
For more information on how renewals work, please visit here.
Donation Policy
Thank you for considering donating books to the Pennington Public Library. Due to limited storage space, donations of recent hardcovers, paperbacks in excellent condition, children’s books, DVDs, and audio books are accepted ONLY with prior approval from the Library Director.
Please be aware that donated materials are evaluated for inclusion in our library collection. Depending on the current needs of our collection, donated books may be added to our shelves, placed on our ‘Take One, Leave One’ spinner, or used as prizes for our summer reading program. We appreciate your understanding and support in allowing us to determine the best use of each donation.
We cannot accept:
- Textbooks
- Reader’s Digest Condensed books
- Books that appear to be moldy.
- Books stored in a dark and damp area for 24 hours or more.
- Books with a stale smell.
If any of the donated books in a grouping appear to be moldy, none of the books can be accepted. Also, if your books were stored in a dark and damp area for 24 hours or more, or have a stale smell, we cannot accept them as mold spores travel through the air and could affect the rest of our collection. We appreciate your sensitivity and understanding of these issues.
Unattended Children
The Trustees and Staff of the Pennington Library hope that children and parents find our Library inviting and enjoyable and will visit often. In the interest of safety, no child under the age of ten years may be left unattended in the library. This includes during Story Time and other Library Programs.
Children under the age of ten (10) must be attended in the library by a responsible caregiver age twelve (12) or older. A staff member who discovers an unattended child under the age of ten will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of the child. If a parent or guardian cannot be contacted, the library staff may contact the Pennington Police Department.
Additionally, parents or caregivers may be asked to remove children from the Library if they are exhibiting disruptive behavior.
Cell Phone Use Policy
Use of cell phones is permitted outside of the Library in the hall area.
In consideration of others, we ask patrons to please turn off phones or set them to vibrate when entering the Library. Thank you.
COVID-19 Precautions Policy
The Pennington Public Library is mask-optional. We ask that patrons be respectful of staff and other patrons’ choice to wear a mask or not. Masks will continue to be provided for use in the Library.
We recommend 6 feet of social distancing in our public spaces and suggest requesting curbside pickup if you have been exposed to or are recovering from illness.
Code of Conduct
Patrons are also expected to follow the Pennington Public Library Code of Conduct.