LOST OR DAMAGED BOOK POLICY

HIGHLAND PARK LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER

Library books are occasionally lost, or damaged beyond repair.  Previously, students with lost or damaged books were not allowed to checkout a book until the fine for the lost or damaged book was paid in full.  Library books can be expensive to replace.  It is not unusual for a hardback library book to cost $20.00, or more.  All lost or damaged Highland Park Library Media Center books are subject to fines that equal the cost of the replacement book.  This is regardless of the age of the lost or damaged book.

The Highland Park Library Media Center personnel hopes that all students recognize their personal level of responsibility for any book they checkout of the HP Library Media Center.

The proper care of books is often mentioned to students as they select books to borrow.  When a book is lost, or damaged beyond repair that is one less book that is available to another Highland Park student.

Highland Park Library Media Center personnel also recognize that the replacement cost of a book may make the possibility of a one-time payment difficult.  Therefore, the Center is instituting a new replacement policy option for Highland Park students.  A student will be able to pay for lost or damaged books in one of two ways:

1.       The student may continue to pay the replacement fine in one lump sum with no break in borrowing privileges; or

2.     The student may make a payment of no less than $1.00 per week with the understanding that the student may continue regular library privileges each week as long as weekly payments are made as scheduled.  Payment of the book replacement fine must be made as agreed upon in a written and signed contract.  When the obligation of the full replacement fine for the lost or damaged book is met, then the student may resume full library privileges without restrictions.  If the lost book is found in good condition, then the replacement fine will be returned to the student, or to the student’s guardian.

In presenting alternate methods of payment for lost or damaged books, it is the intent of the Highland Park Library Media Center to illustrate each student’s level of responsibility in the care and preservation of the Highland Park Library Media Center book collection.  Each Highland Park student has a minimum of one opportunity to visit the library media center each week.  If a student has an overdue or lost book, he/she cannot borrow books to take home or to the classroom. 

Please contact Mrs. Richardson, Highland Park Library Media Specialist, for further details.

HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY LOST OR DAMAGED BOOK PAYMENT AGREEMENT