I thought SFPL didn't have late penalties anymore, why am I being asked to pay a balance?
SFPL is proud to be fine free since 2019 – we want to make it as easy as possible for patrons to take advantage of library services. However, when materials aren’t returned, accounts are charged their replacement cost. Fortunately, that cost goes away if the material is returned. But until then, accounts with more than $50 of replacement fees cannot borrow, renew or place holds on physical materials — although they can still access Library eResources and use public computers.
What is the Treasurer and Tax Collector's Office, and why is SFPL partnering with them?
The mission of the San Francisco Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTX) is to serve “as the banker, tax collector, collection agent, and investment officer for the City and County of San Francisco. [Their] mission is to collect and safeguard the City’s money and use our expertise to assist low-income San Francisco families build economic security and mobility.”
SFPL’s preference is to have any missing physical materials returned. The Library will attempt to reach out to accounts with balances three times and ask them to return missing materials or pay the replacement fees directly to SFPL. If the material isn’t returned or the balance isn’t settled, we’ve partnered with TTX to help us continue to reach out to those accounts. Given their expertise and role in the City, TTX has more resources and capacity to get in touch with and help SFPL patrons settle up their accounts. TTX's priority is to encourage people to reach out and engage in a conversation with their office. If you need help paying the replacement fees or fines, TTX is here to help.
How does this partnership help SFPL patrons?
TTX can set up payment plans and reduced payments for SFPL patrons who can't return their materials or who need help paying the fees.
Can working with TTX negatively impact SFPL patrons’ financial wellbeing or credit?
NO. Consistent with their work for other City departments, TTX will not report Library patrons’ fees to credit agencies. While TTX does collect unpaid taxes and other municipal bills, none of their work impacts a resident’s credit, and SFPL’s partnership with them has no impact on any other bills or financial situations. SFPL has worked closely with TTX to make sure that their outreach is focused on reaching and working with the patron.
You can find more information at these links:
You can get in touch with SFPL at your local branch, or by contacting us at info@sfpl.org or (415) 557-4400.
You can get in touch with the Treasurer’s Office by contacting Sherry Zhong at Sherry.Zhong@sfgov.org or (415) 554-4507. If Sherry is out of the office, you can also email ttx.bdr@sfgov.org .
