Library Procedures

Checkout: Checkout materials at the front circulation desk. Holds are stored behind the front circulation desk and staff will assist in locating books that have been place on hold. A valid library card is required to checkout materials. 

Fines:Fines will accrue if an items in to returned by the due date. Due dates are provided on checkout slips, through online Lakeland Library Cooperative accounts, and an email notice will be sent 3 days prior to a due date for patrons who have provided their email address. 

Item	Loan Length	Overdue Fine	Maximum Fine
Most Books	21 days	$0.15 per day	$4.95
Some Reference Books	1 day	$1.00 per day	$4.95
Audio Books	21 days	$0.15 per day	$4.95
Music CDs	7 days	$0.15 per day	$4.95
DVDs	7 days	$1.00 per day	$4.95

Payment Options: Fines may be paid directly at the Circulation desk with cash or check. Fines may also be paid online using a credit card by accessing a Patron Account (using a library card and PIN).

Damaged or Lost Items: Return damaged items to the circulation desk where library staff will assess the amount of the damage. In some cases, no fines will be assessed. In other cases, fines or the replacement cost of the item will be assessed. If the item is damaged beyond repair or is lost, the replacement value of the item will be given to the patron's account.

*Note: Refunds will be given to patrons who later locate lost items.

*Note: The damage and replacement costs of some inter-library loans (all MelCat books, for example) are determined by the lending library, and FDL library staff do not have any say in this process. The MelCat program gives lending libraries the right to charge the default fee $100 for lost books and books that need to be replaced due to extensive damage. Not all libraries charge this large fee, but they have the right to do so. Libraries may charge more than $100 for books with replacement costs that exceed $100.

*Note: We prefer that patrons not bring in identical books to replace lost or damaged books. Should we accept a new, replacement book, however, we reserve the right to still charge $5 for processing and cataloging fees including the 'covering' of books.

*Note: in general, books damaged by liquids, mold, mildew, and items that are missing pages or parts, must be replaced; patrons will be charged the replacement cost of the item.

Library Cards: Library cards are free to Fruitport Township residents and may be obtained at the circulation desk. A driver's license is required to obtain a library card. In some cases, alternative identification will be accepted. Patrons must be 18 or have a guardian co-sign to obtain a library card.For replacement  or lost library cards, a $5.00 fee will be charged.

Renewing Materials: Books may be renewed at the circulation desk or on line using the Lakeland Library Patraon Account.