On June 14, 2016, Mayor Sam Liccardo and City Council unanimously approved the San José Public Library's proposal to improve access to Library resources by reducing Library Fines and Fees, implementing a number of programs designed to eliminate fines that are still owed, and empowering patrons to contribute back to the Library in meaningful ways.  This is a BIG win for our community, particularly our customers who have been blocked from using their Library cards because of fines. 

Below are SJPL's new Fines and Fees that will go into effect July 1st, 2016:

• Late fee for overdue material will now be 25¢ per day per item with a maximum late fee of $5 per item.
• The handling fee for lost or damaged items will now be $10 per item. 
• Color printing will now be 65¢ per page.
• The $3 fee for failure to retrieve a reserved item will be eliminated.
• Community Room Rental fee is the only fee that will increase from $35 to $37 per use up to 4 hours. 

In an effort to help children and students access their public libraries over the summer, our first access program will provide a one-time waiver of all overdue fees for customers who participate in the 2016 Summer Reading Challenge.

Starting July 1, 2016, SJPL will issue a voucher in the form of a "Golden Ticket" to anyone who signs up for Summer Reading before July 31, 2016. The "Golden Ticket" voucher may be presented at circulation desks to clear late fees on customer's accounts. For more details, visit sjpl.org/summer.

Thank you and have a great summer!

Jill Bourne
City Librarian