Eastern Monroe Public Library
Materials Recovery Policy
The Eastern Monroe Public Library, hereafter referred to as Library,
has established a Materials Recovery Program to encourage Library patrons to
return books and other items on time so that others may use them. As a courtesy
the Library offers email account updates to remind patrons of approaching due
dates as well as emails to remind patrons once items have become overdue. Mailed
notices are only sent when items are overdue.
3 DAYS BEFORE ITEMS ARE DUE – The Library sends a due date reminder email.
7 DAYS PAST DUE – The Library sends an email overdue notice.
*14 DAYS PAST DUE- The Library sends a paper overdue notice to your home.
30 DAYS PAST DUE- The Library sends an email notice that items are assumed lost.
45 DAYS PAST DUE- The Library forwards your account to a library materials recovery
agency, Unique Management Services (UMS). A $10 service charge is added to your
account. UMS sends three letters and makes two calls to your home.
165 DAYS PAST DUE- UMS may report your overdue accounts to a national credit
bureau, which may affect your credit rating for up to seven years.
*Please note: Mailed
notes are sent only once when items are already 14 days overdue.
When items are not returned, the Library often has to replace them instead of
using its funds for purchasing newer materials to broaden the collection. Timely
payment of fines benefits all Library patrons.
Renewals on items not on reserve are available by phone, through the catalog,
or in person at any Library Branch.
Approved by the Library
Board of Directors, August, 2009
last updated August
20, 2009
