Library Services are Closing the Book on Overdue Fines
Library Services are happy to announce we are officially abolishing fines on overdue items. From Monday, 22 January 2024 we are a fine free library service and all overdue fines have been removed.
- There are no fines charged on overdue library items borrowed from our collections.
- You can check return dates and any overdue loans by logging into your MyLibrary account.
- You will not be able to borrow additional items if you have any overdue items on your account. The overdue item will need to be returned or renewed if you wish to borrow any more items.
- You will be unable to renew an item online if the item is already overdue. You will need to return the item or contact your home library.
- You will receive system-generated reminders in your TU Dublin email address reminding you to renew and return borrowed items. Library staff may also contact you regarding overdue items on your library account.
- Replacement costs are charged on items that are lost or not returned.
- If you have a query regarding an overdue or lost item on your account, contact your home library.
Fine Free Library Service FAQ
What does Fine Free Library mean?
A Fine Free Library Service is one that doesn’t charge daily fines for overdue books. Our Fine Free Library Service isn’t just about books though, it includes DVDs, music, headphones, and anything else you can borrow from the library collections.
What about any overdue books already on my library account?
All fines past and present have been waived so it’s the perfect time to return any overdue books on your library account, no matter how long you’ve had them.
Are there still due dates on items borrowed?
Yes. Lending rules still apply. Books can be borrowed for 28 days with one renewal of 28 days (if they have not been reserved by any user). After this loan period books need to be returned to the library to allow others to borrow them. Visit the Borrowing & Returning Books page for more information on lending rules.
How will I know when my items are due?
You can log in to your MyLibrary account to check the due dates of items you have borrowed. System-generated email reminders will also be sent to your TU Dublin email address reminding you to renew or return your items to the Library.
What if I keep the items for longer than their due date?
If an item becomes overdue, you cannot borrow any additional items until the overdue item is renewed or returned.
Why is there a charge on my library account if there are no fines?
A default replacement cost is charged on items that are long overdue. A default replacement cost is automatically added to your account. If the item is returned this default replacement cost will be removed automatically. If the item remains lost library staff will contact you regarding the replacement cost of the item.
What happens if I lose an item I borrowed from the Library?
If you lose an item you have borrowed from the Library you should contact your home library immediately. A default replacement cost is automatically added to your account. There are two options for covering replacement costs:
- Library staff will identify the actual replacement cost of the item and you can pay by debit card/credit card at the library desk or over the phone
- You can source a replacement copy yourself. The Library will accept new copies and secondhand copies once they are good condition. Library staff will be happy to help you source the most cost-effective replacement copy available.
Once a replacement cost is paid or a replacement copy is given to the Library your account will be cleared, and you will be able to borrow additional items.