Damaged Materials Policy

Library materials belong to the Village of Essex Junction, and borrowers are responsible for Village property while it is in their possession.

It is highly recommended that patrons point out prior damage to library staff at checkout. Library staff will note the damage on the item. Plastic bags are available at the Circulation Desks to protect materials leaving the library, especially in rain or snow.

If an individual returns an item with missing parts, or with damage that limits the use or life of the item, that individual will be billed a repair fee, or the full replacement cost, depending on the extent of the damage.

Damaged Materials

Patrons are not charged for normal wear and tear on library materials. However, some conditions do not constitute normal wear and tear, and may result in repair or replacement charges. Here are some examples:

Wet or moldy materials

Materials damaged by liquids, food stains, oily or sticky residue

Books with missing pages or covers

Sand caught in book jacket

Materials containing marking by pencil, ink, crayon, or highlighter

Materials showing tears, cuts, cracks, chewed corners or other unusual damage

Materials with broken cases

Fees

Fees for missing or damaged items are equivalent to the replacement cost.

Fees for damaged parts (covers, cases) are assessed at cost of replacement parts.

 

Brownell Trustees Approved 2/19/13