RETURNING AN ITEM

• Where do I return my items?

  When the library is open, you can return your items inside by the checkout desk; there is a slot for returned items. If the library is closed, or you don’t have the time to come inside, you can put your items in the outside bookdrops.

• My items are due today but I can’t get there while the library is open. What can I do?

  Go ahead and put your items in the outside bookdrops today at your convenience. As long as they are in the bookdrop before the library opens the next morning, they will be counted as being on time.

• My items are overdue, but I can’t pay the fine right now. What can I do?

  Go ahead and return the items. The fine will stay on your card until you pay it, but once you return the items the fine will not grow. If you wait to return the items until you can pay the fine, the fine will be larger. If your fine is over $5.00, you will not be able to use your card until the fine is paid--that means that not only will you not be able to check out any more items, but you will not be able to use the library’s Internet access computers or check out our downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks.

• How much are the overdue fines?

  Fines on most items are $0.20 per day per item, including days when the library closed. DVDs and Video Cassettes have a daily fine of $1.00 per day per item, including days when the library is closed.

• I returned a Book on CD, and then got a phone call that the last disc wasn’t in the case. Why do I have to pay an overdue fine on the whole thing when I returned most of it on time?

  We cannot check out a partial item to a patron. Until you return that remaining disc, the entire set is unavailable to anyone, just as if you kept the entire set overdue.

• I just got an overdue notice on books that I’ve already returned. What can I do?

  Call the checkout desk at the Library location that sent you the overdue notice (Mesquite Main Library at 972-216-6227 or Mesquite North Branch Library at 972-681-0465.) Explain what has happened, and the staff will check the shelves to see if the item is there. If the item is not found, we can institute an Overdue Search which will allow you to continue using your card while all parties continue to look for the item.

• Is it possible for someone to take my items out of the bookdrop after I’ve put them in?

  Bookdrops are designed to prevent such a thing from happening. When you close the bookdrop door, you should hear your items slide down the chute. If you open the bookdrop door, your items will no longer be in sight. However, if you notice that the bookdrop is so full that the door does not close completely, do not put your items in it.