April 2025

Quick facts

• This page includes a list of fees and how to talk to patrons about them.
• A pillar of Multnomah County Library is free access for all. We strive to have the services patrons need at no additional cost.
• Staff can clear/waive fees for patrons who cannot easily pay them. 

See:

• User Standing or the Fees/checkout flow chart includes what will block an account from checkout.
• Checkout limits shows limits by item type.
• Bills includes how bills work in Symphony.

Policy

The library will charge these fees:

• Interlibrary Loan (ILL) fees for services over $10 and lost ILL items
• Lost item fees
• Mailed holds fees for most patrons
• Registration fees for patrons who live outside the free service area
• Returned check fees
• Summer reading t-shirts (starting Summer 2025)

The library will not charge for:

• Basic merchandise (earbuds, USB flash drives, and bags)
• Collection agency fees
• Mailing holds to some LOS patrons
• Overdue fines
• Printing and copying
• Missing piece/snag fees

Rationale

The library charges as few fees as possible, to make it easier for all patrons to use the library. Monetary fees are difficult for some patrons to pay. Some patrons will not use the library for fear of fees.

Why does the library charge these fees?

• Interlibrary Loan (ILL) fees for services over $10 and lost ILL items - to cover costs charged by the lending library
• Lost item fees - the community was told that the library would charge lost item fees when late fines were removed
• Mailed holds fees - the library returned to charging for mailing most patron holds in January 2023
• Registration fees for patrons who live outside the free service area - to align with county rules and vendor agreements about accessing services
• Returned check fees - to cover fees charged by the bank
• Summer reading t-shirts - are free for youth who complete the summer reading program and those who support this program. Adults are charged a fee to cover the cost of the shirts.

Why does the library not charge these fees?

• Basic merchandise (earbuds, USB flash drives, and bags)
  • Earbuds can help patrons not disturb others
  • Flash drives are often needed by patrons who do not have any other way to save their files
  • Bags can help patrons carry and protect items, such as when it rains
• Collection agency fees -- the library no longer uses a collection agency
• Mailing holds to LOS patrons - some patrons cannot safely visit the library, especially during a pandemic
• Overdue fines - fines stop patrons from using the library, whether they are blocking an account or the patron fears accruing fines.
  • Libraries that stopped charging late fines experienced increased returns of library material
  • Most items are returned within 24 days and most of those were automatically renewed
• Printing and copying
  • Most patrons who print at the library may not have printers and internet access at home.
  • Free prints are part of the library's digital equity efforts.

• Missing piece/snag fees - most missing pieces are returned without any fee or extra staff work.