Learn About Your Local Library

Removal of Overdue Fines

From the 1st of January, library members will not have to pay fines for overdue items and no existing overdue fines will be collected.

There will be no overdue fines charged on any materials taken out from the library by library members from the 1st of January 2019.  All overdue fines on members’ accounts as of the 1st of January 2019 will also be removed.

We are encouraging members of the public to return undamaged, overdue library items to their local libraries. There will be no overdue fines to pay and we would be happy to reactivate your library membership for you to begin using your local library again.

The removal of fines is a key aim of the new public library strategy Our Public Library 2022: inspiring, connecting and empowering communities which was published jointly by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the County and City Management Association and the Local Government Management Agency and launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring T.D. in June 2018. The strategy states, ‘The library is a free lifelong resource that should be available to all without barriers or charges. Library charges have been shown to have a detrimental effect on library use by children and the disadvantaged. However, there is little evidence to show they ensure timely returns – rather they may actually dissuade members and users from returning overdue items. 

The elimination of overdue fines is another way for libraries to encourage people who might not regularly use the library to experience what they have to offer.

Returns and Renewals

No overdue fines does not mean no responsibility. You will continue to receive reminders and overdue emails to prompt you to return items to the library. Please return items on or before their due date to allow them to be borrowed by other library users. Please continue to renew your items online, by phone or in person at your local branch.

Please return overdue items once you receive an overdue notice. If there is an issue in returning the item, please contact a library staff member to discuss this.

If you do not either return an item or contact a library staff member to discuss an overdue item before you receive a third reminder, your card will be blocked from taking out or renewing any further items, including e-books and e-audio books. Borrowing privileges cannot be restored until either the overdue item is returned, or you have made contact with a library staff member to discuss the matter.

Reminders

Reminder emails are sent as follows:

• 3 Days Before Due Date: Reminder Email
• 1 Day after Due Date: Reminder Email
• 3 Weeks after Due Date: Reminder Email
• 9 Weeks after Due Date: Item considered lost, card borrowing privileges blocked and user requested to present to the library

You can check the details of your membership including whether you have overdue items at any time by logging into your online account.

Replacement Costs

There will be no replacement charge for children’s items which have been lost or damaged. Members under 18 will not be asked to pay replacement costs. Replacement charges will not apply to any items lost / damaged on a Young Adult card.

You will be asked to pay a replacement charge if the item which has been lost or damaged is an adult item on an adult (over 18) membership card. This cost will be calculated as the purchase price of the item.

Replacement charges can be paid at any library branch, regardless of where the item originated from.

Libraries Ireland 2022

The new public library strategy 2018-2022, Our Public Libraries 2022, Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities was launched on the 14th June 2018 by Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development. It sets out a progressive plan for public library services for the next five years to improve access, use and visibility of the library as an essential community service, securing its long-term sustainability and developing a multi-functional library service that meets the needs and expectations of a modern society.

Single Shared Library System

All public libraries are now operating through a single shared system.

In the single shared system anyone with a valid public library card from any library authority in the country can reserve and borrow items from all library services in the country.

Items are collected and delivered between libraries on a twice-a-week basis, so once a reserved item is available it should arrive in your local library within a week.