What Happens When a Book is Overdue?

SimpleLibrary has built-in overdue management to help you maintain accountability.

Automatic Email Notifications

The system automatically sends:

• Due Soon Notice - 2 days before the due date
• Overdue Notices - Up to 3 reminders, sent daily after the book becomes overdue

Patrons receive these emails automatically, so you don't have to manually track them.

Fine Assessment

If you have fines enabled in your library settings:

1. When a patron returns an overdue book, fines are automatically calculated
2. The fine amount is based on your configured daily rate and grace period
3. Fines appear on the patron's account immediately
4. You can accept payment via cash, check, or money order

Checkout Blocking

If a patron's outstanding fines exceed your configured threshold, they will be blocked from checking out new books until the balance is paid or reduced.

You can configure all of these settings in Settings → Fine Policies.