Library Policies
Checkout Periods
Loan periods vary from 7 days to 60 days.
A printed receipt will list the due dates of your library materials.
7 days, no renewal - Book Express & New DVDs (Limit of 5 New DVDs at a time)
7 days - DVDs
21 days - Books, Magazines, Audiobooks, Music CDs, Knit Kits, Memory Kits, Board Games
60 days - Book Club in a Bag
ALL ITEMS CAN BE RENEWED TWICE UNLESS NOTED ABOVE.
Copy & Printing Fees
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Black and white - $.10 per page
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Color - $.50 per page
Damaged & Lost Material Fees
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Lost Items - Cost of the item per the library database plus an $8 processing fee
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Damaged Material - If an item is returned beyond repair, the total cost of the item per the library database must be paid plus an $8 processing fee. If books on CD and MP3s are returned with missing items that can be replaced, the cost of the replacement per the vendor plus an $8 processing fee will be charged.
Damaged Materials Policy - A Guide For Patrons
When you check out an item from the library, you're agreeing to return it in the same condition you received it. This policy explains what counts as damage you may be billed for, what doesn't, and how the process works. It also explains the difference between regular library items and Melcat items.
Your Responsibility
You are responsible for any item you check out from the time it leaves the library until it is returned. This includes books, audiobooks, DVDs and other media, magazines, board games, puzzles, and equipment such as Library of Things. Even if you don't read or use the item, you are still responsible for its condition.
We know accidents happen, and materials naturally show some wear as they're used by many patrons over time. This policy is meant to identify damage beyond normal use — not to penalize you for an item's age or ordinary handling.
Normal Wear and Tear (Not Billed)
You will not be charged for damage that results from ordinary use, including:
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Yellowing or darkening pages
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Faded covers or spines
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A broken spine or bent cover that develops from typical circulation
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Minor bent pages or soft covers
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A few small tears along page edges
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General signs of age consistent with how long the item has been in circulation
Damage You May Be Billed For
You may be charged a fee if an item is returned with damage caused by misuse or an avoidable incident. Common examples include:
Liquid Damage
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Water, juice, coffee, soda, or other liquid spills that cause staining, warping, swelling, or mold/mildew
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Water damage from being left outdoors, in a car, or near a pool or bathtub
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Liquid damage to electronic equipment (e-readers, laptops, etc.) that affects how it works
Writing, Coloring, and Marking
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Pen, crayon, marker, or highlighter marks on pages, covers, or media
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Stickers, tape, or labels that damage the item when removed
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Torn out, cut, or defaced pages or images
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Deliberately folded, creased, or dog-eared pages
Broken or Missing Pieces
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Missing pieces from puzzles, board games, or kits
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A broken spine or detached cover caused by forcing the book flat or other rough handling
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Cracked, scratched, or broken DVD/Blu-ray/CD cases or discs that prevent playback
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Missing or damaged accessories for equipment (chargers, cables, styluses, controllers, game pieces, etc.)
Pet or Pest Damage
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Chew marks, bite marks, or claw damage from pets
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Damage from insects or rodents
Other Damage
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Smoke odor or damage (including from cigarette smoke, incense, or fire)
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Mold or mildew from improper storage
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Excessive dirt, grease, or other substances that can't be cleaned
How Fees Are Determined
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If an item can be repaired, you may be charged a repair fee, which will never be more than the cost of replacing the item. This fee is determined by the Library Director.
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If an item is too damaged to repair, you'll be charged its full replacement cost, which may include an eight dollar processing fee. This cost is based on how much the Library paid for the origional purchase of the item.
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For items that come as a set (like multi-disc sets, puzzles, or games with multiple pieces), if a piece is missing or damaged and can't be replaced on its own, you may be billed for the full set.
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Equipment that cannot be repaired, such as laptops, metal detectors, etc. will be billed at full replacement cost, since these items generally can't be repaired.
How You'll Be Notified
If a fee is assessed, you'll be notified by mail. This notification may take a lengthy period of time depending on how quickly the United State Postal Service is able to process it. The mailed bill will state the exact date you have to take care of the fee assessed to your account or discuss with library staff before your item is discarded and the account is turned over to collections.
Unpaid damage fees may result in a hold on your borrowing privileges until your account is resolved. If left unresolved, it may result in your account being turned over to the Attorney’s office for the City of Midland who manages collections for Grace A. Dow Memorial Library.
The Option to Replace a Damaged Item
In some cases it is cheaper for the patron to replace the damaged item than pay the fee. If the item is no longer new this may be the case. A patron may decide to replace the item like-for-like. This means that the item must be an exact duplicate of the damaged item. This is done by purchasing a new material with a matching ISBN number. If you would like to try to replace the item with its exact duplicate, please call the library or stop by to get the appropriate ISBN or item information.
If You Believe a Fee Was Charged in Error
If you checked out a material and the item was damaged upon check out, call the Library immediately and notify them. This must happen within 2 days of checking out the item. Staff will put a note on your account to ensure you are not billed for the item.
If you think a fee was assessed by mistake — you can appeal by contacting the Circulation Department within 5 days of receiving a bill. We're happy to take a look and work with you.
Keeping a Damaged Item
Once you've paid the full replacement cost for an item, it's yours to keep.
Items that are a health or safety hazard including items with any sign of mold or a pest infestation are disposed of immediately and are not kept for patrons to retrieve. Photos of such materials are taken if at all possible.
Any items that have not been claimed once the patron has been notified of a bill and have or have not been paid for are disposed of after a period of 6 weeks due to limited space at the Library.
MelCat & Inter-Library Loan Items
Items borrowed from another library or institution follow the lending library’s damage and replacement policy. Items loaned from another library often require the item returned to its original library so the damage can be assessed. Fees charged can be the cost of the item plus a processing fee. However, some institutions such as university libraries often charge a very high flat fee for damaged items. (However, that is not always the case). Because the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library participates in the MelCat and ILL program, we are bound by the lending practices, fees, and policies of the library loaning the material.
DVD Rentals
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No charges to check out DVD's
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DVD's check out for 7 days
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New DVDs cannot be renewed, older items can be renewed twice
Borrowing Limits for New DVDs
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There is a limit of 5 New DVDs on hold at one time.
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New DVDs will sit on the hold shelf for 5 days (not 7).
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Patrons can only have 5 New DVDs out at one time.
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Families can only checkout 5 New DVDs at one time (if their cards are linked).
Holds
You may place a hold by using the catalog in the library or at home. (To Log in: Type your library card number and Password is usually the last 4 numbers of your phone number.) The Reference Desk staff will also place a hold for you within the library or by telephone, 989-837-3449. You must have your library card with you to place holds. You will be notified when the material is available to checkout.
New DVDs only allow 5 holds and they will be held for just 5 days when they arrive for you.
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Holds and inter-library loan requests - No charge
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Michigan Electronic Library catalog requests - No charge
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Other inter-library loan - Fees as applicable
Library Cards
A library card is available free of charge to all individuals who show proof of residency within our service area. The cardholder is responsible for all library materials checked out, overdue fines, and various fees. The cardholder should report lost or stolen library cards to the Checkout Desk. Change of name, address, phone number, or email address should be reported to the Checkout Desk. Minors (under 18 years old) must have a parent or legal guardian present and sign for the minor to obtain a card.
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Resident cards - Free (Service Areas)
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Non-resident cards - $125 (beginning January 2020)
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Replacement cards - $2
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Borrowing materials without having library card - No fee
(All circulation policies apply.)
Lost & Found Items
After two weeks all unclaimed items found on library premises become library property. Unclaimed currency will be added to the library’s operating fund. Other unclaimed items will be disposed of in a manner to be determined by the Library Director.
Michigan Library Privacy Act
The Michigan Public Act of 455 of 1982 was enacted to protect library patrons from disclosure of library records, including requests for materials, circulation records pertaining to an item or patron, and patrons’ library usage or records of patrons’ fines.
The Library Privacy Act will not allow library staff members to:
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Check materials out to a patron without the patron’s library card.
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Allow patrons to use another person’s library card.
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Disclose what items, including overdue items, an adult patron has checked out to anyone other than the patron, without a court order or the patron’s written consent.
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Disclose to anyone what items a youth patron has checked out or requested from the library, except for the person financially liable for that account.
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Send out overdue notices listing overdue items, unless sent in a sealed envelope.
This information can be used by the library and its staff in normal business activities. Information can be shared with partner libraries and cooperatives for interlibrary loan purposes.
Information related to delinquent accounts may be shared with a library collection agency. Information of a statistical or non-identifying nature may be given out without written permission or court order.
The complete Library Privacy Act 455 of 1982 can be found by visiting the Michigan Legislature website:
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-ACT-455-OF-1982
Mobile Phone Use
Cell phones have become pervasive in all areas of people’s lives. Recognizing the dependency on cell phones, the library does not ban cell phone use. In order to provide an environment that meets the needs of our users, the following rules have been instituted:
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Cell phone use is allowed in the library.
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Cell phones should be set on vibrate while in the library.
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Conversations on cell phones should be conducted in areas away from those using computers or studying. Cell phone use is not permitted in the Quiet Room. Recommended locations include: Library lobby, Orchard Room, and the hallway outside of the Youth Services area in the lower level.
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Talking on a cell phone should be done as quietly as possible.
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To provide faster and more efficient service, refrain from cell phone use while checking out materials and requesting information.
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Library staff will interrupt cell phone users who are disturbing others and direct them to more appropriate areas.
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Cell phone users should be respectful of others using the library.
Overdue Items
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We are a fine free Library. There are no charges for items that are returned late.
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After 7 days overdue, you will not be able to borrow additional item in the library or use our digital collections. (Kanopy, Libby/OverDrive)
REMINDER SCHEDULES FOR OVERDUE ITEMS
3 days before items are due - Courtesy notice
1 day late - First overdue notice
7 days late - Second overdue notice
14 days late - Third overdue notice
21 days late - Billed for the replacement of items
51 days late - Collections notice; account turned over to the City of Midland Attorney’s Office for collections.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THE LIBRARY HAS YOUR UP-TO-DATE CONTACT INFORMATION.
Petition Circulator Policy
The following policy applies to use of Grace A. Dow Memorial Library property for purposes of petition circulating and other similar activities.
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Petition circulators, signature gatherers or collectors must stand a reasonable distance from the Library’s main entrance. The Library has determined that a reasonable distance is a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the main entrance and/or the auditorium entrance.
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Petition circulators, signature gatherers or collectors may not follow patrons, staff or other individuals into the parking lot area, into the building, or as they are approaching the building. Signature collection shall not occur in the parking lot area as this is an unsafe practice for drivers and petition circulators, signature gatherers and collectors.
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The Library’s tables, chairs, and benches are for Library patron’s use only. They are not to be used by petition circulators, signature gatherers or collectors. Planters are not to be used for sitting on or placing belongings on.
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Petition circulators, signature gatherers or collectors shall not post signs on the premises, including the parking lot, right of way area, sidewalk, against the building, etc. Tables, chairs, etc. may not be used by petition circulators, signature gatherers or collectors. ADA accommodations shall be considered.
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Signature collection and gathering may only occur during daylight hours and during normal Library hours. This activity may not occur before dawn or after dusk should the Library be open before or after daylight. This is for the safety of our staff, patrons and the petition circulators, signature gatherers or collectors.
Issues that have been dealt with in the past include petition circulators, signature gatherers or collectors depositing trash/litter/debris, impeding vehicular or pedestrian traffic, disturbing the peace or otherwise failing to comply with the City of Midland Code of Ordinances, local or state laws. These violations are enforceable through the City Attorney’s Office and/or the Midland Police Department.
Failure to comply with the Petition Circulator Policy may result in being trespassed from the Library property.
Dated: 6/23/2022
Approved by:
Miriam Andrus, Library Director
Drafted by Midland City Attorney, James O. Branson III
Renewals
Two successive renewals may be made on most materials if another patron has not placed a hold on them. You must have your library card with you to renew. New DVDs and Book Express do not allow you to renew and material loaned from another library may also not renew.
Renew your material by:
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calling the circulation desk at (989) 837-3457,
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texting the library at (989) 750-0060,
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accessing "My Account" on our our web catalog. (View how to instructions)
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in the library, stopping at the Checkout Desk, or using the catalog computers.
Rules of Conduct
The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library Staff strives to maintain pleasant facilities for all its users. The following Rules of Conduct have been developed to ensure an orderly and comfortable environment for all users of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library.
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No person shall remove any materials from the library except for those library materials offered for loan, which are checked out according to library loan procedures.
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No person shall deface, damage, or destroy library property or materials including, but not limited to, inserting notes or other materials into library materials.
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No person shall use tobacco, tobacco products, drugs (except for legally administered prescription drugs), or alcohol while on library property.
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No person shall consume food or beverages in the library except in connection with events sponsored through the library, upon prior approval of the Library Director, and/or in designated areas.
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No person shall enter the library without wearing proper footwear and a shirt.
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A parent or responsible childcare provider must accompany children under twelve (12) years of age and shall not leave them unattended or unsupervised.
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No person shall engage in noisy or disruptive behavior.
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No person shall use any personal electronic equipment including, but not limited to, cell phones, mp3 players, portable compact disc players, portable tape recorders/players, portable radios, portable DVD players, or personal computers in a way that would disturb other users of the library.
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No person shall skate, skateboard or use similar equipment on the library grounds, in the parking lot, or in the building.
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No person shall sleep within the library for extended periods of time (more than 15 minutes)
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No person other than employees or those directed by staff shall enter a non-public area, enter the library prior to opening, or remain in the library after closing hours.
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No person shall bring animals into the library except guide animals or animals brought into the library in connection with library programs.
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No person shall violate any city ordinance, state or federal law.
Any person not abiding by these or other rules and regulations of the library may be required to leave the library premises and may forfeit their library privileges. Library employees will contact the police if deemed appropriate. Patron identification (name, address, and phone number) may be requested. Upon notice, the Library Director may deny any person who violates these rules and regulations access to the library for a period commensurate with the infraction. These rules take effect on September 29, 2003, shall be on file at library public service desks, will be posted on each floor, and filed with the City Clerk.