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Equipment Circulation Policy

A valid Decatur Public Library card is needed to checkout equipment from the Decatur Public Library.

If and when Decatur Public Library acquires equipment for the purpose of lending said equipment to cardholders, the following policy applies. For equipment checkouts the borrower must have had a valid library card for at least 6 months or have the approval of City Librarian or his/her designee.

A valid Decatur Public Library card is needed to checkout equipment from the Decatur Public Library. For equipment checkouts, the borrower must have had a valid library card for at least 6 months or have the approval of the City Librarian or his/her designee.

There is no charge for use of library equipment unless otherwise noted.

Borrowers are responsible for all equipment and accessories checked out on their account. A written agreement, specific to the type of equipment borrowed, must be completed and signed in person. The agreement will indicate the length of the loan period and any replacement costs for lost or damaged equipment or accessories.

Decatur Public Library does not charge patrons overdue fines for late equipment. Patrons who have not returned overdue equipment will have their library privileges suspended until either the materials are renewed, returned, or paid for.

Notice will be given to the patron that the equipment is overdue within 10 days after the due date. If the equipment is not returned, a second notice will be given within 20 days after the first notice that the equipment is overdue. Failure to return library equipment within 10 days after the second notice will result in a bill for the replacement cost of the equipment. Payment of this charge is non-refundable.

Equipment must be returned directly to the circulation desk only, and not at any library drop point. It will be inspected at the time of return and must be returned in the same condition in which it was borrowed, along with all accessories, if any. Cost to replace or repair the equipment due to loss or damage and for any missing accessories will be charged to the patron. Malfunctions should be reported immediately to the library.

The library is not responsible for injuries or damages to personal property of individuals resulting form the use of this equipment.

Priority for use of the equipment is given to library staff for library programs, continuing education or library presentations.

Patrons who have lost library equipment shall be charged the list price of the equipment. The Decatur Public Library will not reimburse replacement costs or the cost of fees for items returned after payment has been received.

Failure to abide by this policy may be cause for denial for future use of the equipment.

Approved by the Decatur Public Library Board of Trustees June 19, 2018. Amended January 20, 2022.