Prince William Public Libraries

How do I pay fees?
Fees are paid in person at the Circulation Desk or through Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) online credit/debit card payment system.

Is there a service charge for using the online credit/debit card payment system?
PWPL does not add a service charge for using a credit/debit card to pay library fines and fees through its online payment system.

What fines are charged if the books are not returned by the due date?
Beginning July 1, 2021 there will no longer be overdue fines on library materials. Existing fines prior to July 1, 2021 will still need to be paid. Special library materials, such as items borrowed on interlibrary loan, have minimum fees of $1.00 (or more) per day. Loss of library privileges may result when you owe $20.00 or more in fees.

What is the Materials Recovery Program through PWPL's Collection Agency?
Although most library materials are returned on time, some materials are kept long overdue. In an effort to recover long overdue items and the fees which have accrued, PWPL has contracted with Unique National Collections (UNC). Borrower accounts that reach $100.00 or more in fees are reported to UNC thirty (30) days after a PWPL billing notice has been generated and sent to the borrower. A $10.00 collection agency charge is added to any account turned over to UNC. The borrower must pay all fees associated for each overdue item, any lost or damaged item costs, plus the $10.00 collection agency charge. 

If I lose a book, do I have to pay for it?
You are responsible for all materials checked out on your card and for any fees or lost book charges on your record. 

If I find a book that I paid for, can I get a refund?
PWPL does not issue refunds.

How much does it cost to check out books?
You may borrow books or other materials for free. However, you are responsible for any fees on your record.

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF LIBRARY FEES 

Charges, Missing Pieces: The charge placed on a library user’s record when an item is returned with a missing piece. For example, a book-on-CD is returned with one missing disc; a puzzle is returned with a missing piece.

Collection Agency Fee: Once a library account reaches $100.00 in outstanding fines, fees, and library materials that have not been returned, the account is sent to the Prince William Public Libraries' collection agency. A $10.00 fee is placed on a library account that has been sent to the collection agency.

Damaged: The charge placed on a library user’s record when an item is returned in damaged condition. Examples of damage include torn or missing pages, water damage, warped or broken CDs.

Financial Services Fees: A charge placed on a library’s user record when a check has been returned. The current fee for a returned check is $50.00.

ILL Cost Recovery Charge: A $3.00 charge placed on a library user’s record to recover costs associated with acquiring materials for the patron from other library systems (Interlibrary Loan).

ILL Overdue Fee: The charge placed on a library user’s record when an item borrowed from another library system is returned after its due date. The fee for Interlibrary Loan materials is $1.00 per day with no maximum amount.

Merchandise Resale: A charge placed on a library user's record for items purchased such as tote bags or USB drives.

Other Fees: Miscellaneous charges for fees, such as printing.

Overdue Item: Beginning July 1, 2021 there will no longer be overdue fines on library materials. The library user is responsible for paying existing fines prior to July 1, 2021.

Replacement Cost: The cost of an item that has not been returned to the library for more than 21 days. This cost represents the retail cost of the item at the time of purchase by PWPL. If you later find a book that you have paid for, PWPL does not issue refunds.