Fees and Charges

Borrowing from the Brantford Public Library is free! See below for information on charges and possible fees.

The Library is Fine Free

The Brantford Public Library no longer charges overdue fines. However, lost and damaged fees may be charged.

To respect other library users, please be sure to return your items by the due date. You can find your due date on your checkout receipt, by logging into your online account, or by contacting the Library. In many cases, you can also renew items. 

Check our Loan Periods page for information on how long items can be borrowed for and how to renew items.

Lost and Damaged Fees

If an item is lost or damaged beyond repair, an item replacement charge (based on the original cost of the item) will be charged. If a lost item is found within six-months of paying for it, the item replacement cost will be refunded. 

For damaged items that can be repaired, a $5 damage processing fee will be charged.

Account fees

Certain account fees may be applied to your card for reasons such as a lost card, damaged items, or lost items. Contact the library if you have a question about any fees added to your card.

Paying fees and charges

All fees charges can be paid at either Library location at:

• The main service desk by cash, debit, credit, or cheque (cheques can be made out to Brantford Public Library)
• Select self-checkout machines by credit or debit

Fines and fees on your Library card can also be paid online with our SmartPay Online Payment Service. To pay online you will need your:

• 14-digit library card number
• 4-digit PIN number
• Valid credit card

Please note: Brantford Public Library does not keep your credit card number and all transactions are completed through a secure, encrypted channel.

Downloadable audiobooks and ebooks

Downloadable audiobooks, ebooks and magazines will automatically be returned on the due date. These materials can be renewed if they haven't been requested by another customer.

Renewing items

Need a little more time with your library items. Most items can be renewed three times using the methods below. However, if an item is requested by another person, it cannot be renewed. You can find a list of items and whether or not they can be renewed on our Loans and Renewals page. 

Items can be renewed several ways:

• At either Library location at a service desk or self-checkout machine
• Online by signing into your library account
• By using our Automated Telephone Renewal Service at 519-756-2399. You will need your 4-digit PIN number
• By calling the Library during open hours at 519-756-2220

Suspension of borrowing privileges

Borrowing privileges will be suspended when the amount of fees owed on a card are $20 or higher.

Monitored accounts and payment plans

If your Library card has been suspended due to high fees owed on your card and you are unable to pay for them all at once, a payment plan can be created. A payment plan will allow you to continue borrowing materials while you are paying off your fees.

While on a payment plan, your account will be monitored, and certain restrictions will apply. In order to continue borrowing materials you will have to:

• Continue making your agreed upon monthly payments
• Have no new fees added to your account

Payment plans are created on an individual basis. Visit either Library location and speak with staff at the service desks to set-up a payment plan.