FAQ-Returning, Notices, & Overdues

Returning | Notices | Overdues | Fines & Fees | Lost/Damaged Items | "But I returned that..."

Returning Items

What is the fastest way to get items off my library account?
Use the Check In Station at either location to immediately remove items from you account. You can:

• choose to print a receipt showing the items checked in off your account
• immediately check out more items

Can I return items after the library is closed?
Return items before midnight on the date they are due.

Where are the book drops?

• Hebron & Josey outside drive up bookdrop - on the south side of the building (facing Hebron)
• Hebron & Josey inside book return - to the right of the Front Desk (during library hours)
• Josey Ranch Lake outside drive up bookdrop - in the front of the building behind the flag poles
• Josey Ranch Lake inside book return - in the lobby on the right side as you enter (during library hours)

Notices

What methods does the library use for notices?

1. E-Mail Notices
• free
• primary method for ALL your notices if
• a valid e-mail address is in your library account
• you have NOT changed your preference for notices to Postal Mail in your online library account
• to insure delivery add this e-mail address to your contacts or allowed list:
  
2. Postal Mail Notices
• $1.00 charge for each mailed overdue notice
• No charge for mailed final bill notice or hold notice

Failure to receive notices does not relieve the borrower of the responsibility for returning materials on time or for charges for overdue materials. Return items on or before the due date to avoid fines.

How do I get a reminder BEFORE items are due?
Reminder notices from the library are sent only by e-mail:

• 3 days before 7 day check-out items are due (movies, magazines, story time kits)
• 5 days before all other items are due
• give you a chance to renew items or find them so you can return them before they are late.

If you did not give the library your e-mail address or it has changed, follow directions in our e-mail address help or give your e-mail to library staff at any service desk.

When does the library notify me if library items are late?
Overdue notices are sent 5 days AFTER the item's due date either by e-mail or by postal mail.

Overdue Items

Can I still check out if I have an overdue item?
You can still check out as long as the item is less than 21 days overdue and as long as the fines owed on your account are less than $10.

What happens if I have a library item that is really overdue?
Library items that are more than 21 days overdue will prevent Carrollton Public Library customers from checking out library materials, renewing items, placing holds, using a computer at the library, and using self-checkout stations.

Patrons with library items 35 or more days overdue, owing $50 or more in charges, AND who have made no attempts to contact the library to settle their accounts will be turned over to a library materials recovery service called Unique Management Services and an additional $10 fee will be added to the account.

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Fines & Fees

How much are late fines?

• DVDs & storytime kits - $1.00 per item, per day
• books & book club kits - $0.50 per item, per day
• binoculars - $1.00 per hour
• all other items - $0.25 per item, per day

Where can I see a list of all fines and fees charged by the library?
There is a complete list of library fines and fees on the Fines & Fees page.

What happens if I owe more than $10 on my library account?
Fines or charges over $9.99 will prevent Carrollton Public Library customers from checking out library materials, renewing items, placing holds, using a computer at the library, and using self-check out stations. Owing fees also prevents automatic renewal of actively used library cards.

Accounts with unresolved fees of $50 or more will be referred to Unique Management Services, a collection agency, and an additional $10 fee will be added to the account.

How can I pay fines owed?

• In person at the library:
• cash
• money order
• check made payable to City of Carrollton with library card number written on it
• Visa, Mastercard, or Discover
• By postal mail:
• check made payable to City of Carrollton with library card number written on it & mailed to either library location (addresses)

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Lost/Damaged Items

I lost (or damaged) something I checked out. What do I do?
Please visit or call the library at 972-466-4800 to discuss the charge for a damaged or lost item. Charges for lost or damaged items are based on the type of item. For lost items, continue looking for the item. Should you find an item once you have paid for it, you will be entitled to a refund, minus overdue charges, if the item is returned to front desk staff in usable condition and within 90 days of payment.

Helpful hint: Renew the item while you continue looking for it. If an item cannot be renewed, the maximum overdue fee will be $7.50 for an audiobook, music CD, or playaway and $10.00 for a book or a DVD.

But I returned that...

I think I returned an item, but the library says I still have it. What do I do?
It sometimes takes a day or two to get items checked in, especially after a weekend, so wait a couple of days after you return an item, then check your account online.

If the returned item istill showis on your account, talk to staff in person at either library or by phone at 972-466-4800 during library hours. Library staff will check the carts of items waiting to be checked in and the library shelves of both locations. If the item is not found in the library, then it will be placed on "Claims Returned" status for 30 days to allow time for you to continue looking at home and for staff to look again in the library. If the item is not found within 30 days, it is declared "Lost" and payment will be due.

Helpful hint: Check beneath your car seats, under beds, in school backpacks, in closets, in drawers, and in bookshelves.

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