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  3. Fines and Fees

Overdue Fines & Notices

Maximum fine threshold per card is $10.00. Once amount is reached, privileges are withdrawn.

You may have your overdue notices mailed to you via the postal service, or emailed to you directly from our automation system. They will be mailed unless you sign up to Get Your Library Notices by Email. If you choose to have notices by email, you will not receive any notices by regular mail. The advantage of email notification is that you will receive courtesy notices BEFORE an item is due. You are responsible for keeping your email address up-to-date.

You may start getting your library notices by email by:
(1) Email us
(2) Phone our Circulation Department at 610-867-3761, x202.
(3) Sign up in person at the Circulation Desk.

Note that if you sign up for this service, you will no longer receive printed overdue notices. It will be your responsibility to check your Email regularly, and to keep your Email address up-to-date.

Lost or Damaged Materials

If you lose or damage library materials, you are charged the full price of the item.

It is the Library’s decision whether or not to accept a replacement copy of a lost or damaged item. Items lost and owned by Allentown or Easton must be paid in cash or by check if paid at BAPL. Special rules apply to hotpsots; see full list of hotspot fines, fees, and regulations here.

Paying Fines

You may pay your fines:

  • With cash or check at all locations
  • Online, through your Library Account, using a credit or debit card
  • Through the mail by check
  • In person at the Library using credit (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) or debit card
  • By phoning 610-867-3761 x202 during open business hours to pay by credit

When charges on accounts reach $25.00 we use the services of a library collection agency.

Other Charges

  • Photocopies 20¢
  • Microfilm Photocopies 25¢
  • Replacement Card $1.00
  • Network Printing (per pg) 20¢ for black & white and $ 1.00 for color
  • Rental Books (21 days) $3.00
  • Hotspots: $2/day overdue fee

Books (hardcover and paperback), music CDs, magazines, toys, puppets, kits, reading bags, and interlibrary loans:

  • Charges per day: $0.20
  • Maximum Fine: $10.00
  • First notice: 1st day after due date
  • Second notice: 21 days after due date
  • Third notice: 45 days after due date
  • Final notice: 60 days overdue

DVDs, Games, and Playaway Views:

  • Charges per day: $0.20
  • Maximum Fine: $10.00
  • First notice: 1st day after due date
  • Second notice: 21 days after due date
  • Third notice: 45 days after due date
  • Final notice: 60 days overdue

Collection Agency

The Bethlehem Area Public Library at times makes use of the services of a library collection agency to retrieve overdue materials and to collect charges that exceed $24.99. When accounts are turned over to the collection agency, a $10.00 non-refundable fee is added.

Who will be sent to collection:

  • Adult patrons who owe $25.00 or more in fines and fees. They will receive a bill and be given 70 days to bring their balance below $25.00.

Questions? Comments?

We strive to be a welcoming place for healthy child development, parent and community involvement, and life-long literacy beginning at birth. Let us hear from you if you have any questions or comments about BAPL and its services.

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