Loan Periods and Renewals
Most library materials are checked out for two weeks. Renewals are done upon request in person, by phone, or online as long as the material has not been reserved for someone else. Loan periods may be changed in special circumstances.
Exceptions:
- Reference books do not normally leave the building, but may be checked out overnight at the discretion of the Help Desk staff.
- Mobile Wi‐Fi Hotspots may be borrowed for two weeks and may not be renewed.
- Newspapers do not circulate. Back issues of magazines may be checked out for two weeks.
Types of Materials Available
Books, Books on CD, CDs, DVDs, Periodicals, Media Kits, Video Equipment, Mobile Wi‐Fi Hotspots, and MeLCat Items.
Number of Check-Outs per Account
You may check out up to 70 items at a time with your MDL Card, including a maximum of 10 DVDs.
Late Materials
All Library materials must be returned on or before their due date to avoid fines.
Fines/Overdues
- Fines accumulate at a rate of 20¢ per item per day except for equipment items. Fines for equipment items accumulate at a rate of $5 per item per day.
- When multiple items checked out at the same time become overdue, a maximum of $15 will be charged per return date.
- As a courtesy to our patrons, overdue reminder letters are sent when an item is four to five weeks overdue.
- Once a final overdue notice is mailed, patrons have two weeks to return the materials. After that the items are no longer considered to be a part of the library’s collection (because they are no longer useful to the library or have been replaced) and payment for the items is required in order to reinstate a borrower’s library privileges. Borrowers with excessive fines may be referred to a collection agency.
Lost or Damaged Materials
- Current replacement cost will be charged for any non-returned materials.
- Fines may be assessed for damage to materials that are still usable.
- Additional charges may be involved with Interlibrary Loan materials.
Blocks or Suspensions
Borrowing privileges are suspended in the case of a borrower who has failed to return one or more library items without making restitution, or when total overdue fines exceed $10.
Email Notices
By providing us with your email address, you authorize the Library to send notices and newsletters. You may opt out of the newsletters at any time by clicking “unsubscribe.”
Parent/Guardian Information
- By signing a child’s library card application, the parent/guardian is accepting responsibility for the child’s use of the library and for any damaged or lost materials and/or library fines.
- The library does not monitor what children check out. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to be aware of the materials their children check out. The library can place certain limits on children’s accounts upon the request of the parent/guardian. Please ask Help Desk staff for more information.
Returning Library Materials
Materials may be returned inside the library at the drop box at the Help Desk. The library does have a drive-up box in the north alley, which is open 24 hours.
Avoiding Library Fines
- Return materials on time.
- Remember to renew your items. This can be done in person, by phone, or online.
- Don’t ignore overdue notices. Patrons who believe they have received an overdue notice in error should contact the library as soon as possible.
Always have your library card or some form of picture I.D. with you when you visit the Marshall District Library.