C.C. Mellor Memorial Library is going fine free! Starting in September 2019, all CCM patrons will have their overdue fines automatically waived. From September onward, all items checked out from CCM or returned to CCM will not generate fines, including items that have been overdue for a long time.
Along with our new fine free policy, CCM is also instituting automatic renewals. If your item is eligible for renewal (a renewable item with no one on the waiting list), it will automatically renew three days before the due date.
Does this policy change mean I can keep my library materials forever?
No, all library materials will still have a due date. If the item is six weeks overdue, a bill will be mailed and if an item is more than 12 weeks overdue, the account may be referred to a collection agency.
How many times will an item automatically renew?
CCM materials that are eligible for renewal will be renewed automatically six times. An item is eligible for renewal if it is a type of item that can be renewed and does not have any holds. Some items, like Chromebooks and hotspots, are never eligible for renewal. The renewal happens three days before the item’s due date.
Won’t this policy negatively impact the library’s budget?
Fines generate approximately 1.5% of our annual budget, and our statistics show that fine income decreases each year. We have taken this into consideration and feel confident that it will not affect our programs or services.
Will the library eliminate previously accrued overdue fines?
Yes! We waived all overdue fines accrued under the old policy for library patrons who reside in our service area (Edgewood, Churchill, Braddock Hills, Forest Hills, Wilkins Township).
Will the library give refunds to patrons who paid their overdue fines before this change?
No, the library does not refund overdue fines previously paid.
What other libraries are part of the Fine Free Pilot?
Wilkinsburg, Swissvale, Braddock, Penn Hills, Monroeville, Homestead, Baldwin/Whitehall, and 3 CLP branches (TBD).