Lost, Stolen, Damaged Materials Procedure

Effective: April 18, 2022

A Library user is responsible for all materials checked out on their Library card.

If such materials are lost or damaged, the Library card owner is responsible for paying the applicable fees.  The parents/legal guardians of a child younger than age 18 are financially responsible for all materials checked out on a minor’s full access card. The parents/legal guardians are also responsible for the appropriateness of materials checked out to their child, including electronic information.

It is the responsibility of the Library card owner to notify the Library immediately if:

  • a card is lost or stolen
  • a change in name, address, phone number or email occurs.

There is no charge for replacing a lost/stolen Library card.


April 18, 2016

When a borrowed item is damaged, a fee is assessed on the patron’s record.  If the item can no longer be used by the Library, the full cost will be charged, just as if the item had been lost.  If the item can still circulate, charges will be assessed based upon the extent of the damage.

For a borrowed item that can no longer circulate, the patron may keep the damaged item if all the fees associated with the item are paid in full by the patron.

The Wayne County Public Library does not accept replacement copies of damaged items instead of payment.

In rare cases of loss of property due to a disaster, such as a fire or flood, a request to waive or reduce the cost of library materials damaged in the event may be made, in writing, to the Library Director.  Documentation, such as a copy of a police report or insurance claim is required and should be submitted with the request.   Appeals should be made within 60 days of the event.  The Library Director may only waive or reduce the cost for materials owned by the Wayne County Public Library.  For items owned by other libraries, the patron must contact the item’s owning library directly.

In the event that a patron has a history of damaged library materials, the patron may temporarily or permanently lose library borrowing privileges.