Long overdue books may get you a call from the collection agency

The Mountain Home Public Library Board of Trustees has approved a policy to use a collection agency to help encourage patrons with long-overdue materials to return them to the library.

Materials that have not been returned within 45 days from the due date are considered lost and the patron is charged replacements plus processing fees. If those costs have not been paid within 60 days, or the material returned by that time, the account is turned over to the collection agency.

The policy does not affect materials that only a few days overdue.

The new policy was developed "with fairness to all library patrons in mind," said a library spokesperson. "Materials not returned are not available for others to use or borrow. Also, if materials are not returned, in most cases money from the library budget is used to replace them. This same money could be put to better use in the purchase of new items for patron use instead of replacing non-returned items."

The library board hopes the policy will encourage all library borrowers to return items by the date due. Most library items may be renewed and patrons can contact the circulation desk at 587-4716 for more information. Patrons may also check their borrower account status online from the library's website at www.mhlibrary.org.

The library will still notify patrons that their materials are overdue and patrons will have ample time to respond prior to being turned over for collection.

Unique Management Services has been selected as the collection agency for the library. Unique Management works with libraries throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. "They specialize in the recovery of overdue materials and have a record for treating patrons professionally," the library spokesperson said.

"The library is serious about recovering overdue materials. Patrons who do not return materials are stealing from the library. Fortunately, only a very small percentage of patrons using the library do not return materials as agreed. This new policy will not affect the vast majority of patrons who return materials on time."

The Library is open Monday fro Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the new policy on overdue materials contact Robin Murphy, the library's circulation specialist, or Library Director Luise House. For questions about personal accounts patrons may ask any of the staff at the circulation desk.