Lost or Damaged Item Policy

Lost or Damaged Item Policy

Patrons are expected to return items by the due date or to renew those items before or on the due date. Refer to the Circulation Policy for details.

The patron may be notified by text message or e-mail of overdue material when past the due date. If a new item is not returned within one week of its due date it is considered “lost.”

Regular items that have not been returned in ten weeks will be considered “lost” until the item is returned. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for all assessed library replacement fees for minor children.

If an item is actually lost, the patron will be charged the library’s full replacement cost. The patron’s account will be suspended when they accrue an amount of $5.00 or more.

If the item is never returned or the patron’s fine reaches over $40.00, the patron’s account will be turned over to a collection agency. Patrons will be responsible for all fees assessed due to collection agency submission including a $10.00 processing fee.

Inter-Library loaned item fines are determined by the lending library, not Addison Township Public Library. Processing fees may apply.

The patron will be charged the library’s full replacement cost of any item damaged if it is still available for purchase. If the item cannot be obtained by the Library through its regular vendors, a default price will be charged based on the particular item type to be determined by the Director. The patron will have the option to keep the item after they pay for it.

Updated 10/2022; Updated 3/2025