IV. Overdue, Lost & Damaged Policies
Patrons are responsible for returning materials on time without notification. Patrons may receive a notice when materials are overdue. After being overdue 4 weeks materials may be considered lost and the patron will be assessed replacement costs.
A. Fines
Fines are calculated per day excluding the days the Library is closed. Fines accrue at a rate of 5¢ per item per day on all items except for videos which are 50¢ per day. Exceptions for fines are at the discretion of the Director as he/she sees fit. The Director may occasionally declare fine free amnesty periods to encourage the return of overdue items. Library privileges are suspended when accumulated fines reach $5.00.
B. Lost or Damaged Items
Lost or damaged items will be assessed a replacement fee equal to the current replacement price of the item plus processing charges. If materials are damaged so as to be judged by the Library as being unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay the replacement cost. A notice of these charges will be sent to the patron. (See Appendix)
- Interlibrary loan materials are subject to the replacement policy of the Lending Library
- In extreme cases, if the patron does not respond, does not return overdue materials, and/or does not pay the fine, the matter will be turned over to the Police Department for further proceedings according to Wisconsin Statutes, Section 943.61. If overdue items are returned to the Library as a result of police action, Library staff shall notify the Police Department as soon as possible after the return of the items.
- When a patron has paid for a lost or damaged item, they may keep said item once it is removed from the Library catalog.
Adopted
by the Black Earth Library Board
June 22, 1999
Last updated January 20, 2010