Fines & Fees

Fines

Fines are assessed to encourage the prompt return of material. Patrons are responsible for overdue fees, late recall return fees and billed items due to loss or damage.
If you have questions about your fines, please contact us at circulation@stonybrook.edu.

Paying library fines & fees

Online through My Account

• Use your NetID and password to log in to My Library Account. Select the appropriate library. Pay using PayPal.
• If you are a current student, faculty, or staff member and do not know your NetID, get information here.

Pay in Person at the Bursar

• Pay with cash, credit card, or check at the Bursar’s Office during operating hours

Pay by mail

• Check or money order made payable to Stony Brook University Libraries.  Mail to:
  Stony Brook University Libraries
  Frank Melville Jr. Memorial Library
  Attn: Circulation Accounts
  100 Nicolls Road, S-3410
  Stony Brook, NY 11794-3339

Lost or damaged material

When the maximum fine has accrued on an item, it is considered lost. The patron will be billed a lost item fee of $85 ($100 for media material) and will be blocked from borrowing material (in Circulation and Interlibrary Loan) until the fee is paid.

If the item is returned, the lost item fee will be removed. The patron will still be responsible for late fees.

Loss of borrowing privileges

University borrowers with fines of $5 or more will be blocked from borrowing. Courtesy borrowers with fines of $1 or more will be prevented from borrowing.

Requesting Waiver of Library Fines

Library patrons are responsible for knowing and adhering to the circulation policies. Failure to understand these policies will not excuse you from having to pay overdue fines or billed Library material.  If you feel you have an extenuating circumstance and should be considered for a waiver of Library fines, you may fill out an appeals request.

Appeals should be submitted within 30 days of the date the bill is issued.  All appeals must be on the Request for Waiver of Library Charges form and submitted to the Library Circulation Desk with supporting documentation.

The Request for Waiver of library charges form is available at the Circulation Desk and online.  Library staff will consider your appeal and respond within 10 business days.  Requests for appeals are most often approved in cases of documented Library error or extreme hardship such as long-term hospitalization, eviction, fire or theft.  In cases of theft, you may still be responsible for the cost of the stolen material but we may provide you with an invoice for your insurance company for reimbursement.

Note: Fines will not be waived if the request is based on any of the following reasons:

• Lack of knowledge of Library policies. University Library policies are available on the Library’s site and in the Library;
• Forgot due date or did not know there was a due date;
• Did not receive a courtesy overdue notice;
• Outdated information in your library account. Keep your email, address and phone number up to date in your
  account;
• Loaned book to someone else;
• Being out of town, on vacation, intersession or holiday;
• Returned book to wrong library;
• Inclement weather