Does CKPL charge fines?
CKPL no longer charges overdue fines on most items but we ask that patrons return their items by the due date so other patrons can enjoy them. Overdue fines are charged for the late return of our high demand collections: express books and express movies, wifi hotspots, park passes and interlibrary loans. Please check your due dates carefully to avoid overdue fines.
If an item is more than 30 days overdue the replacement cost of the unreturned item will automatically be charged to your library account. The replacement charge will be removed once the item is returned.
Replacement charges are charged for items that are not returned or are damaged.
See the current Schedule of Library Fees and Fines for information on replacement charges.
How do I avoid replacement charges?
The best way to avoid replacement charges 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 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 replacement charges?
Charges can be paid by cash or cheque at any CKPL branch and by debit at the Chatham Branch. Fines of $1.00 or more can be paid online with Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, Mastercard Debit or Paypal.
To pay charges 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 Account Portal, select Bills & Fines tab to see the fines that have posted to your account.
- Select which fines you would like to pay and then click "Pay Fine".
- The payment site will open.
- 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 30 days overdue. If the items are not returned after 60 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 contact the Ask CKPL team.
