Purpose

The Library charges customers for lost and damaged materials to encourage responsible use of the Library collection and to defray the cost or purchasing and processing replacement materials.

Lost Materials

1. Replacement price

   The Monterey Public Library charges the customer the actual purchase price plus a cataloging/processing charge for most unreturned items. The second notice to the customer reflects this charge. If the customer returns the item, only the fine is charged. If an item is not returned, payment of the charge is required.

2. Cataloging/Processing Charge

   To cover the cost of cataloging and processing title or subject replacements for lost materials, the library charges a fee of $10.00 in addition to the replacement price for each lost item.

3. Exceptions

   The Library charges the customer a fixed replacement/cataloging/processing charge for unreturned magazines, paperbacks, and pamphlets. The second notice to the customer reflects this charge. If the customer returns the item, only the fine is charged. If an item is not returned, payment of the charge is required.

   Type of material	Charge
   Adult magazines	$8.00
   Youth magazines	$5.00
   Teen magazines	$5.00
   Adult paperbacks	$9.00
   Youth paperbacks	$6.00
   Teen paperbacks	$6.00
   Youth pamphlets	$5.00

   No additional cataloging/processing fee is charged for these items.

4. Late Fines Assessed for Lost Items

   A customer paying for a lost item is charged the replacement cost and any applicable cataloging/processing fee, but not the late fine accrued since the latest checkout/renewal.

5. Refunds

   When a lost item that has been paid for is returned within ninety days from the date of payment, the replacement price only will be refunded. The returned item must be in acceptable condition, and the receipt for payment must be provided. The cataloging/processing fee is non-refundable. No refunds are given for materials returned to the Library more than ninety days past the date of payment or for the return of magazines, paperbacks, or pamphlets that have been paid for.

6. Customer Replacement of the Item in Lieu of Replacement Charge

   A customer who wants to replace an item him or herself rather than paying the replacement charge must have advance approval by the selector or Collection Development Coordinator. The customer must still pay the cataloging/processing charge. A customer who has arranged with the Library to replace a magazine, paperback, or pamphlets rather than paying the replacement charge may do so without any additional fee.

Damaged Materials

1. Replacement Charge

   If a borrower returns an item that has been damaged, the customer is charged as if the item were lost, as stated above.

   If, however, the selector for the item determines that the item can still be circulated, a charge equal to the maximum fine for that item is charged.

2. Late Fines Assessed for Damaged Items

   A customer paying for a damaged item, which can no longer be circulated, is charged the replacement cost and any applicable service costs, but not the late fine accrued since the latest checkout/renewal.

Discretion Of Library Director In Handling Lost And Damaged Materials

The Library Director maintains the authority to modify the application of the terms of this policy as appropriate, based on the specific circumstances of an incident, and recommendations by staff.