What happens when your trial ends
The paywall screen and what admins can still do (billing + auth).
When your 7-day trial ends without a payment method on file, your library enters paywall mode.
What patrons see
Instead of your catalogue, patrons see a "Your library is paused" screen with:
- The library's name
- A message that data is safe and the subscription has ended
- A "Set up billing" button (only useful to admins)
- A "Sign in" link (for admins to log in and set up billing)
No catalogue, no patron portal, no kiosk.
What admins can still do
Even when paywalled, admins can:
- Sign in at /auth/login
- Access /admin/billing to add a payment method
- Sign out
Everything else (catalogue editing, patron management, circulation) is blocked. Once a payment method is added, the paywall lifts and the library is live again immediately.
What happens to data
All your data stays in place — patrons, books, loans, holds, settings, branding. Nothing is deleted. When you reactivate, you pick up where you left off.
Restoring access
- Sign in at yourname.tryshelfwise.com/auth/login
- Settings → Billing → Add payment method
- Complete Stripe Checkout
- The paywall lifts within seconds
How long can a library stay paywalled?
Indefinitely. We don't delete data based on time alone. Long-paused libraries may be moved to lower-tier infrastructure for cost reasons, but reactivating still works the same way.