Due Dates and Fines

WE TAKE OVERDUE MATERIALS SERIOUSLY: Failure to keep your account balance under $25.00 or your failure to return items will result in collection action.

 

Due Dates

Books, CDs, and Videos

3 Weeks
DVDs, Bestsellers, Magazines 1 Week

Materials may be returned to any library branch regardless of where the items were originally checked out.

Renewal Information

You can renew your items one of three ways.

  1. Calling the automated renewal line at (910) 223-0431 or (910) 223-0432.
  2. Sign on to your library account online.
  3. Visit a library branch.

Items are not eligible for renewal if:

  • They are bestsellers
  • They have been requested by another customer
  • The renewal limit of 6 times has been reached

If you are unable to renew online or through our automated system, bring items to the library by the due date to avoid overdue fees.

Keeping Track of Your Account

The library offers a service called Library Elf to help customers manage their household's library card accounts. This service will send an email courtesy notice when items are due, overdue, or ready for pickup. Text messaging for holds is also available. Complete the simple Library Elf sign-up form and register your library card for electronic notifications.

Overdue Fees and Fines

DVDs $1 per day, $5 per item maximum per transaction
All other items 20¢ per day, $5 per item maximum per transaction
Lost or stolen card $2
Lost, stolen or damaged items Full replacement costs plus processing fee

WE TAKE OVERDUE MATERIALS SERIOUSLY: Failure to keep your account balance under $25.00 or your failure to return items will result in collection action.

If you owe more than $10.00 in fees you will not be able to check out library materials.

Fines can be paid by cash, check or credit card at all locations.

Collection of Long Overdue Items and Unpaid Fines

Unique Management

Starting March 1, 2009, Unique Management Services (UMS), a collection agency, will begin to collect items overdue by six (6) weeks or more OR unpaid fines/fees of $25 or more. This is intended to bring long-overdue items back to the library for others to use.

Who is Unique Management Services?
Unique Management Services works with more than 650 libraries across Canada and the United States to recover overdue materials and monies. Unique partners exclusively with libraries and understands their special needs.

What happens if I have an overdue item?
When an item is overdue one day, the library attempts to notify the customer either through telephone or e-mail, whichever the customer has chosen. A second notice is sent on Day 14 and a final notice on Day 30.

When items are not returned within 42 days after the original due date, the account is turned over to Unique Management if the fines or value of the items unreturned is $25 or more. At that point, a $10 non-refundable administration fee is added to the borrower’s account.

Am I allowed to borrow items if I have overdues or fines on my card?

Customers that have been sent to UMS for collection are not able to checkout materials or use remote functions for renewal or placing requests until the account balance is paid in full.

When will my account be turned over to Unique Management?

Accounts will be sent to UMS once the balance on the account reaches $25 dollars or more. Fess for items returned/renewed late or returned damaged will be sent to UMS within 1 days of assessment. Fees for unreturned items are assessed at 42 days after the due date and are sent immediately to UMS.

What is Unique’s process for handling my account?

  • Day 1: (day of submission): Account turned over to Unique Management
  • Day 2: 1st letter is mailed from Unique Management
  • Day 21: 2nd letter is mailed
  • Day 35-58: Initial phone calls begin
  • Day 65: 3rd letter is mailed
  • Day 79-91: Final phone calls made
  • After Day 120: Report turned over to credit agency

Doesn’t it cost the library a lot more money to use a collection agency than to pursue overdues itself?
No. The $10 administrative fee charged to accounts turned over to Unique defrays the costs of the service. No further expenditure is required by the library to use the materials recovery service. Unique Management does not charge in advance.

Why is the library so concerned with overdue items?
As a good steward of public funds, the library has a responsibility to protect its collection. Based on the items that Unique recovers for most libraries, long-overdue items tend to be newer, more popular items. Returning them to the shelves better meets the needs of the community, while at the same time helping the library reduce its expense for collection replacement.

What steps can I take to avoid overdue fines?

  • Bring your materials back on time.
  • Make sure to put your receipt in a prominent place at home after you check out items, and mark the date in your planner or calendar. All items are due by closing time on the due date.
  • Take advantage of renewals. Most items can be renewed up to six times, as long as there are no holds on them and your account is in good standing. Items may be renewed online at www.cumberland.lib.nc.us , by calling our automated renewal system at
    223-0431, or by contacting a local branch either by phone or in person.

This new procedure, effective March 1, 2009, was approved with fairness to all library patrons in mind. Non-returned items are not available for other patrons to use or borrow. Replacing these items can be costly, using library funds which would be better spent purchasing new materials.

We will continue to attempt to notify customers when materials are overdue, allowing ample time for a patron to respond before the account is turned over for collection. The new policy will not affect the vast majority of Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center customers, who return their materials on time.

The Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center strives to provide excellent service and materials.

Outside book drops are located at all branches for materials returned after hours.