Damage happens to library books and other material. Usually, it is the result of normal wear and tear. Many people using one item can cause it to look worn with rumpled pages, grubby spots, and broken bindings. This is to be expected--we call these items "well loved." It is a cost of doing business. The last patron who checked the item out is not charged for normal wear and tear.

Occasionally, worse damage occurs that appears to have been done while in the possession of the patron. The library does not decided whether the damage was intentional or accidental. We simply note that it occured. At that time, we assess any damage fees. (Refer to the Guidelines for Assessing Fines.)

Each library item should be looked over prior to check out. If you check out at the staffed first floor Circulation Desk or second floor Youth Desk, a staff member should look over the item before it is checked out. If you check out using the Self Checkout Machine, you are responsible for scanning the item and verifying that all parts are present.

If it is a book, look in the front and back endpapers of the book and around the edges. Are there stains? Wrinkled pages? Broken binding? If these conditions exist prior to checkout, a staff member should place a blue "Noted Damage" slip on the book. The slip should still be attached to the book when it is returned.

If the item is a DVD, CD, Audiobook on CD or Cassette, all the items should be checked and present in the case before checkout.