Billing Time Period Moving from 120 Days to 60 Days
March 1, 2024
Just a reminder that beginning March 10, we’ll be reducing the billing period for all checked-out items to 60 days from 120 days.
What does this mean?
Even though we don’t charge late fees for late materials anymore, we still hope that library materials will come back – so that other library users can borrow them, too.
This means that replacement fees, fees to replace lost, stolen or damaged materials, still apply.
Beginning March 10, if you have library materials that have been lost, stolen or damaged, you will receive a billing notice (replacement fee notice) after 60 days of the item being checked out, instead of 120 days.
Why the change?
This new 60-day period falls in line with many other library systems in our province, and we are hopeful it will encourage library users to return items in a reasonably timely manner.
If you have any questions about our borrowing basics, your account, or about this change, please contact us at info@virl.bc.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the history of overdue fines and replacement fees at VIRL?
Between 2019-2023, VIRL’s Board of Trustees eliminated all overdue fines and processing fees. The cycle of overdue notices remained the same with library users receiving a billing notice for the replacement cost 120 days after an item became due. Without fines, a 120-day billing period is not necessary and VIRL reduced this period to 60 days.
Beginning on Sunday, March 10, 2024, VIRL will change the billing period for items that become overdue. Library users with items overdue for 60 days will be charged the replacement cost of the item(s).
Why is VIRL reducing the number of days before a library user is charged the replacement fee?
Reducing the time period for items considered lost is in line with other library systems in our province. We are hopeful this will encourage library users to return items in a timely manner.
For overdue items checked out before March 10, when will the library user be charged the replacement cost?
Items checked out prior to Sunday; March 10 will follow the current notice cycle. If these items become 120 days overdue, the library user will be charged the replacement cost. From March 10 forward, the new notice cycle will take effect and reduce the billing period to 60 days overdue.
For example:
An item checked out on March 9, 2024, that becomes overdue will be charged a replacement charge after 120 days (July 7, 2024). An item checked out on March 10, 2024, that becomes overdue will be charged a replacement charge after 60 days (May 9, 2024)
