Fine Free Borrowing
As of January 1st, 2020, the Ramsey Free Public Library will no longer be charging late fees for overdue items.
This change is being taken as the library believes strongly in providing unfettered access to all library collections, services, events and resources. Overdue fines can create a barrier to access for many patrons. By eliminating fines we hope to remove a barrier that may be in place for some wishing to utilize the library’s collections.
Fine Free Details and things to know
All existing overdue fines for Ramsey Library cardholders for fines on Ramsey Library owned items will also be waived.
Fees for damaged items or lost items will still be charged on Ramsey Library owned items.
Late fees on special collection items will still be charged for the time being. This includes items from our Library of Things program, Museum Passes, and WiFi Hotspots.
Other BCCLS libraries may still charge late fees. For items owned by other BCCLS libraries, overdue fees will still be charged.
Ramsey Library cardholders who have fines on other BCCLS library items, we are asking patrons to pay those fines online (see details below on paying online). Fines paid online go directly to the library that owns the item, while fines paid in person are kept by the library where those fines were paid. Note that payments for fines on items owned by other BCCLS libraries will not be accepted at Ramsey and should instead be paid online. A $.50 service charge is added to all online payments.
Borrowing Periods
Books: 28 days
New Books: 14 days
Audiobooks & Playaways: 28 days
New Audiobooks & Playaways: 14 days
DVDs, CDs, Video Games, Magazines - 14 days
New DVDs, CDs, Video Games, Magazines: 7 days
All NEW items can be renewed one (1) time. All other items can be renewed up to two (2) times. You can view the items you have checked out, renew items and pay fines all through your online library account. Click Here to Log In.
How to pay fees online
Begin by logging into your online library account - Click Here to Log In
Enter your library card number (or user name if you’ve created one) and PIN number.
Your PIN number would have been given to you when you signed up for a library card. If you don’t remember you PIN number it may simply be the last four digits of your library card number. If that does not work, you can contact the library at ramscirc@bccls.org or 201-327-1445 for assistance.
Once you’ve logged in, click on the link for Fines and Fees, which can be found under the My Account drop-down menu.
If you have fines on your account, you will then see a button labeled Pay Fines Now.
Click on Pay Fines Now and you will be taken to a secure website to pay online with a credit card.
Please note: There is a processing charge of $.50 added to all online payments.
Can’t Find What You Are Looking For? Search the Statewide JerseyCat Database
If you are not able to find what you are looking for in our normal catalog, there is a statewide option available called JerseyCat. This service allows the possibility to retrieve items from participating public and academic libraries from across the state. This service is not guaranteed to find all items and some libraries may not participate in statewide lending. Also, because this is a statewide system, borrowing from this option can take significantly longer than normal borrowing from our BCCLS catalog.
To search this catalog and place a request, use the following link: