June 29, 2010 > Why pay late fines at Hayward Public Library? Why pay late fines at Hayward Public Library? Go "Fines-Free" and get the books and media you want, to keep for as long as you want, at a low monthly price that's cheaper than buying or renting, guaranteed. How does it work? In the "Fines-Free" Library Loan Program, customers may borrow up to three, five or 10 items at a time with no due dates and no overdue fines. Customers may keep borrowed items for as long as they want, exchange each item for a new one whenever they want, as often as they want. Fines-Free is a new way of making the most of a library card, penalty-free. What can be borrowed? Any circulating item in the Hayward Public Library collection may be borrowed on the "Fines-Free" plan including books, DVDs, etc. Hayward Public Library offers a catalog choice of 160,000 items. How much do the plans cost? $2.99 / month: Up to three (3) items out at-a-time. Exchange each item for a new one whenever you're ready, and as often as you want. There are no due dates and no overdue fines, ever. $4.99 / month: Up to five (5) items out at-a-time. Exchange each item for a new one whenever you're ready, and as often as you want. There are no due dates and no overdue fines, ever. $8.99 / month: Up to ten (10) items out at-a-time. Exchange each item for a new one whenever you're ready, and as often as you want. There are no due dates and no overdue fines, ever. Other benefits? Yes. A customer's first payment goes towards any existing fines. Items currently checked out will be renewed at no charge, even if they are currently overdue. Can I cancel anytime? Absolutely. "Fines-Free" membership can be cancelled easily anytime, online, 24 hours a day. There are no cancellation fees. However, there are no refunds for partial months. Where does the monthly payment go? Fines-Free payments are used to buy more new Library books and media for the education and enjoyment of the Library's customers and community. It's a win-win situation. How to sign up? It's easy and only takes a few minutes online at www.library.hayward-ca.gov.