What the "Free Day" means for you

You’ve just noticed your library items are due today, but the library is already closed. Don’t panic! The library has a policy in place especially for your situation: our due dates and subsequent late fines are programmed to include a one-day grace period.

The grace period is in place because the Andover Public Library allows patrons to return any checked out library items – including audiobooks and DVDs - to our outdoor, curbside return bin. If you return your items on the day they are due but the library is already closed, simply place your items in the outside return bin. The items will be checked in when the library opens the following morning; however, because of the one-day grace period (or “free day”), there will be no fine.

Even if your items are not checked in as soon as the library opens in the morning, the free day still applies. If your items are due on Monday but you know you will be running errands nearby on Tuesday, you can wait until Tuesday to return your library items without incurring any overdue charges, but only if the item is returned before the library closes. Items placed in the outside return bin must be in the bin at least one hour before the library closes to ensure they are checked in that day.

Once the library closes, your free day is over. Items placed in the outside bin after hours (or after it has been emptied for the last time that day), will not be checked in until the next morning and fines will be assessed accordingly. For this reason, it is best to keep the due date in mind and make every attempt to return your items on time, but it is nice to remember you have a little wiggle room.