Does CKPL charge fines?
Overdue fines are charged for items that are not returned on or before the due date. Overdue fines are an incentive for returning items on time so that they are available for other patrons. If an item is lost or damaged, a replacement charge will be added to your account.
As of April 1, 2023, overdue fines are no longer charged on children's and teen materials. If library items are not returned after a period of time or are lost or damaged, replacement charges will still apply.
See the current Schedule of Library Fees and Fines for information on replacement charges.
How do I avoid late fees?
The best way to avoid late fees is to stay on top of your due dates. You can check your account online anytime at search.ckpl.ca by logging in with your library card number and PIN. You can also sign up for email and text notifications and to get a reminder 3 days before your item is due. If you're not done with your item, many items can be renewed up to 2 times as long as no one else is waiting.
Need to return something when the library is closed? All 11 CKPL locations have an outside book drop. Items can be returned in the book drop at any time.
If you're unsure about a due date, you can also call during open hours and CKPL staff will be happy to assist you.
How can I pay my fines?
Fines can be paid by cash or cheque at any CKPL branch and by debit at the Chatham Branch. Fines of $5.00 or more can be paid online with Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, Mastercard Debit or Paypal.
To pay fines online:
- Log in to your library account at search.ckpl.ca using your library card number and PIN.
- Click on your name to view your account
- In My Bookshelf, select the Fines and Fees tab to see the fines that have posted to your account.
- You can pay all your fines by selecting "Pay Total" or select which fines you would like to pay and then click "Pay Selected".
- The payment site will open. Please note, while fines are currently displaying in USD, you will be charged the amount in CAD.
- Enter your payment information and click "Pay Now".
When the transaction is completed, a confirmation of payment will be displayed. You can select to print the confirmation. A copy of this confirmation will also be sent to your email associated with your library account.
What will I be charged for lost or damaged items?
Replacement costs will be charged on a cost-recovery basis based on the purchase price of the item when it was acquired by the library. A $5.00 processing fee will also be added to the replacement charge. CKPL does not accept replacement items in lieu of payment for lost or damaged materials.
What happens if I don't pay my fines?
Fines under $10.00 will not affect your library privileges. If fines of $10.00 or more are accumulated, your library privileges will be suspended. If your privileges are suspended, you will not be able to borrow items, renew items, place holds, access virtual collections or log-in to library computers. Privileges will be restored once fines are paid below the $10.00 threshold.
Unreturned items will be billed to your account once they are 60 days overdue. If the items are not returned after 75 days, CKPL may refer your account to a collections agency in an attempt to recover the materials and fines in a timely manner. If your account is referred to the collections agency, a $15.00 administrative fee is added to your account and your library privileges will be suspended until your account is cleared.
If you have any questions about your account, please
Ask CKPL.
