Borrowing

To borrow materials, library customers with an account in good standing must provide one of the following:

1. Their library card; or,
2. Their library card number and last name; or,
3. Enough information to positively identify the correct library account

Over Threshold Accounts

1. In determining damage for the purpose of deciding whether to charge a customer for the item, damaged materials are items that are no longer usable due to readability, extensive damage to the cover or pages, any damage due to bodily fluids and infestations, or because a critical part is missing or damaged. Material that is extensively water damaged to the point of being unusable may also qualify for charging.
2. The block will be removed when the borrower pays the fines and/or the costs of the materials.
3. Staff are to use their best judgment on when to clear materials or fines from an account for the purposes of customer retention.
4. When material remains on a library account due to system or staff error, staff will clear the material and any associated fines or fees from the account and add the material to a search or 'trace' list as appropriate.

Damaged Items

1. In determining damage for the purpose of deciding whether to charge a customer for the item, damaged materials are items that are no longer usable due to readability, extensive damage to the cover or pages, any damage due to water or bodily fluids, infestations, or because a critical part is missing or damaged.
2. If the material would have been withdrawn anyway due to standard weeding guidelines, the customer will not be charged.
3. The returning library will be responsible for identifying damage, updating the customer account, notifying the customer, and retaining the item until claimed or disposed of.
4. Returning library staff will ensure the damaged item is cleared from the customer’s account and a manual fee has been added which includes the total cost of the item, reason for charging, and item number.
5. Library staff will use the provided template when contacting customers by postal mail or email regarding damaged materials.
6. As long as it is safe to retain the damaged item, damaged items will be held for 3 months. In cases where mold, bodily fluids, infestations, or other dangerous conditions exist, staff will discard those materials.
7. In-kind donations are not accepted as replacements for damaged or lost items.