Changes align library services with community usage and support continued investment in high-demand resources
The St. Johns County Public Library System will implement updates to select service fees beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, and adjust branch operating hours beginning Sunday, Oct. 4. The changes are designed to align library operations with current visitation and usage trends while supporting the system’s continued delivery of high-quality services, programs, and resources to the community.
Beginning Oct. 1, certain fines and service fees will be updated to better reflect current operational costs. The library system’s overdue fees have not been adjusted in more than a decade. The updated fee structure is part of a broader cost analysis conducted by St. Johns County and will help the library system maintain services and resources for residents.
Beginning Oct. 4, SJCPLS will also update its branch operating schedule based on visitation, circulation, and service-usage patterns. The updated schedule will include the discontinuation of Sunday hours and adjustments to select evening hours, allowing the library system to align staffing and resources with periods of greater community use.
All branches will continue providing in-person services Monday through Saturday, while the library system’s extensive collection of digital resources remains available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents can continue accessing e-books, audiobooks, research databases, online learning resources, and other digital services from anywhere with an internet connection.
“Our commitment to the residents of St. Johns County remains unchanged,” said Debra Rhodes Gibson, Director of Library Services. “These adjustments are guided by careful analysis of visitation data and service usage, helping us ensure our operations best reflect the needs of our community. The St. Johns County Public Library System remains open, fully staffed, and dedicated to connecting you with the resources, programs, and community you can count on.”
The updated hours and fee schedule are part of SJCPLS’s ongoing efforts to ensure its services remain responsive to community needs while supporting sustainable library operations.
For more information about library locations and hours, please visit www.sjcpls.org, email sjcpls@tblc.libanswers.com, or stop by any SJCPLS branch or bookmobiles.
The new library hours are as follows:
Anastasia Island & Hastings Branch Libraries
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Bartram Trail, Main, & Southeast Branch Libraries
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library
Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
The new Fines and Fees are as follows:
Library Fines and FeesOctober 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 | FY 2026-27 |
|---|---|
Overdue Fines: | |
| Books, Magazines, DVDs, BluRay, CDs, Audiobooks per day | $0.35 |
| Lucky Day collection per day | $1.00 |
| Reference Material / InterLibrary Loan per day | $1.00 |
| Book Club Kit per day | $1.00 |
| -Maximum overdue fine per item | $10.00 |
| Library of Things item per day | $1.00 |
| -Maximum overdue fine per item | $25.00 |
Lost and Damaged Items: | |
| Currently in Print: | |
| - Books, Magazines, DVDs, BluRay, CDs, Audiobooks | Cost of Item |
| - Replacement of Audio CD of a multi-CD title | (per CD) $15.00 |
| No Longer in Print of Available: | |
| - Books, Magazines, DVDs, BluRay, CDs, Audiobooks | Cost of Item |
| Library of Things items including but not limited to: Hotspots, Enchroma glasses, telescopes, NASA/Adventure packs, etc. | Cost of Item |
| Library of Things accessories including but not limited to charging cords, blood pressure cuffs, Books by Mail bags, etc. | Cost of Item |
| Library of Things packaging and cases | Cost of Item |
| Mifi/Hotspots | $125.00 |
| Hotspot adapter plug | $15.00 |
| Hotspot charging cable | $15.00 |
| Books by Mail bag | $10.00 |
Library Cards: | |
| - Nonresident - Annual (except FL residents of reciprocal counties) | $125.00 |
| - Nonresident - 3 months (except FL residents of reciprocal counties) | $35.00 |
| - Nonresident - 30 days (except FL residents of reciprocal counties) | $15.00 |
| - Replacement of lost library card (per card) | $1.00 |
Other Fees: | |
| Printing (photocopy or computer): | |
| - Black & White | $0.30 |
| - Color | $1.00 |
| Failure to Pick Up Inter-Library Loan Materials or Library of Things Items | $3.00 |
| Out-of-Network Inter-Library Loan Requests (per title requested) | $5.00 |
| Telefacsimile (Fax) Requests: | |
| - Send or Receive Faxes (per page) | $1.00 per page |
New Hours and Fines FAQ’s
Why are you closing Sundays?
The decision to close on Sundays was made after carefully analyzing library usage patterns across the St. Johns County Public Library System. Sunday usage has been consistently lower compared with other days of the week. Adjusting our hours allows us to better align staffing and resources with the times when our libraries are most heavily used.
Why are some evening hours being reduced?
The decision to reduce evening hours was made after carefully analyzing library usage patterns across the St. Johns County Public Library System. The selected evening hours being reduced reflect lower usage during those times compared to other days of the week. Adjusting our hours allows us to better align staffing and resources with the times when our libraries are most heavily used.
Can I still return my book on Sunday?
Yes. Our book drops will remain open on Sundays, so you can still return library materials even when the library building is closed.
What will happen to my meeting room reservation?
We will contact individuals and groups with meeting room reservations that conflict with the new library hours directly. Library staff will work with each group to discuss available options and, when possible, find an alternative that meets their needs.
What will happen to my renewal/hold pick up?
Renewals and hold pickups that would have occurred on Sunday will be moved to Monday. We encourage patrons who need their materials sooner to plan their visits accordingly.
Why are fines and fees increasing?
The changes to fines and fees are intended to keep our fee structure appropriate and sustainable while supporting library services as operational costs rise. The library system last adjusted overdue fees over a decade ago.
The decision was made as part of a broader review of library services and costs. The Library and County Administration evaluated current usage patterns, operational needs, and the overall fee structure before making these changes.
Why is notary service being discontinued?
The decision to discontinue notary services was made as part of an overall review of library services and available resources. We recognize that this service has been valuable to some community members and understand that patrons may need alternatives.
Alternative notary locations:
St. Johns County Clerk of Courts
Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Website: www.stjohnsclerk.com
St. Johns County Clerk of Courts – Julington Creek Annex
Address: 725 Flora Branch Blvd, Fruit Cove, FL 32259
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Website: https://stjohnsappt.cxmflow.com/Appointment/Index/e1b7cc4b-9371-4d12-a896-c45480af4df0
For additional questions, please contact sjcpls@tblc.libanswers.com