Daily Late Fees End at All 12 Branches, but Charges for Lost or Damaged Materials Remain
ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. — St. Tammany Parish Library has eliminated daily overdue fines across its 12-branch system, giving residents more flexibility when returning books, DVDs, audiobooks and other eligible materials after their due dates.
The parishwide policy took effect Aug. 3, 2026. Existing overdue fines will also be removed from patron accounts, according to information released about the change.
Library officials are still asking patrons to return borrowed materials promptly. The fine-free policy removes daily late fees, but it does not allow borrowers to keep library property indefinitely or avoid responsibility for missing and damaged items.
Replacement charges may still be added when materials are lost, seriously damaged or returned without required components. Patrons could also remain responsible for missing discs, cases, inserts or other parts included with a borrowed item.
Account holders who still see a balance after the policy change should review the type of charge listed. An remaining amount may be connected to replacement costs or damage rather than an overdue fine.
The change applies throughout St. Tammany Parish, including library branches serving Abita Springs, Bush, Covington, Folsom, Lacombe, Madisonville, Mandeville, Pearl River and the Slidell area.
Residents may generally return borrowed materials to any branch in the St. Tammany Parish Library system. Outside book drops may also be available when buildings are closed, although patrons should verify branch hours and return options before visiting.
Prompt returns remain important because library collections are shared across the parish. A book checked out in one community may have been requested by a patron at another branch, and delayed returns can extend the wait for popular titles, school resources and children’s materials.
The previous fine schedule included daily charges for overdue books, audiobooks, compact discs and DVDs. Maximum overdue fines also applied to many St. Tammany-owned materials before the new policy was adopted.
Library patrons who locate an item after it has been marked lost should contact branch staff before paying a replacement charge. Returning the material may allow the library to update the account, depending on the item’s condition and current status.
Why This Matters in St. Tammany
The policy affects library users across eastern and western St. Tammany Parish, including students, families, retirees, job seekers and residents who depend on public library resources for education, research, internet access and entertainment.
Removing daily overdue fines may encourage residents with older late-fee balances to begin using library services again. The policy also keeps protections in place for the publicly funded collection by continuing to charge for materials that are lost or damaged beyond use.
Patrons can review their accounts through the library’s online catalog or speak with staff at any St. Tammany Parish Library branch for help with remaining charges, due dates, renewals, holds or materials that still appear as checked out.
Sources
- St. Tammany Parish Library: Library Services and Resources
- St. Tammany Parish Library: Borrowing Policies
- St. Tammany Parish Library: Library Card Frequently Asked Questions
- St. Tammany Parish Library Board of Control Rules and Regulations
- WDSU: St. Tammany Parish Library Ends Overdue Fines
- NOLA.com: Original Reporting Lead
Vic Sage is an investigative journalist from Slidell, Louisiana, known for reporting on local government, public records, corruption, and the everyday issues affecting St. Tammany Parish residents. His work focuses on clear, fact-based storytelling that holds officials accountable and gives local readers a deeper look at the decisions shaping their community.
