Borrowing Timeline
Day 1
You check out an item. Depending on what it is, it’s on loan to you for a period ranging from 7 to 21 days.
If you happen to finish your book, CD, or DVD before its due date, by all means return it early. The next person in line waiting for the latest bestseller will very much appreciate your considerate borrowing habits!
5 Days Before an item is due
You’ll get a reminder email about returning what you borrowed by its due date.
Due Date
Time to return the item you borrowed!
1 Day Overdue
At 12:01 a.m. the morning after an item’s due date, it is officially labeled as overdue. Normally this is when the late fine clock would start ticking ... but no longer! No need to worry about fines here, but we suggest you try to return your materials as soon as possible.
3 Days Overdue
You will get a first overdue notice via email.
14 Days Overdue
At this stage, you’ll get another email with a second overdue notice. Because it’s two weeks after the due date, the item you checked out is now defined as lost.
There is a fee to replace lost or damaged items because the Library now needs to buy a new copy of the item for our collection. This amount varies depending on the item in question (hardcover book, DVD, music CD, paperback book, etc.). View information on lost and damaged materials fees here.
This lost-item replacement fee will be applied to your account at 14 days past the due date. However, we’ll remove this fee completely if and when you bring back the overdue item.
35 Days Overdue
You will receive a third notice with a reminder about your overdue item and the amount of the lost item fee currently applied to your account.
42 Days Overdue
At this stage, there are a few possible steps taken depending on the total of your outstanding fees.
- If the total amount of your lost or damaged item fee reaches $45, you will not be able to check out or place holds on physical materials.
- If the total amount of your lost or damaged item fee is $200 or more, your account will be referred to a collection agency. An additional $10 agency processing fee will also be assessed; this fee is required even if materials are returned.
Even with these fees on your account, you are still able to use public Library computers or access digital materials through the Library’s website.
The Library can work with you to find ways to address any outstanding fees.
Options for payment include:
Lost/Damaged Materials Policy