Putnam County Library Reinstating Late Fees After More Than A Year

It is time to return or renew your books if they were checked out from the Putnam County Library.

After more than a year, the library has resumed charging late-fees. Director Phil Schaller said if someone owes the library more than $5 they cannot check out any more books but generally the library will try to work with patrons on lower fees.

“We’re not trying to be the stereotypical, stern librarians,” Schaller said. “So if you call us and talk to us we can try to work with you. I say generally, because our policy is that, yes you will need to pay off any fines before you can renew stuff.”

Schaller said that renewals or payments can be done either by phone or on the Putnam County Library System’s website. He said that despite not charging fees since March, 2020 the library has the usual amount of overdue materials waiting to be returned.

“We’re always getting new books, new books are getting released all the time,” Schaller said. “New DVD’s are in all the time, so the best way to do it is to go to our website. Check out our catalog and there’s a river that streams all the new materials that are in.”

Schaller said that anyone looking to renew materials can do so online at pclibrary.org. He said they can also reach out the library about renewals and fines by calling (931) 526-2416.