Borrowing & Holds
More information on our borrowing, holds, and overdue processes
Checking Out Items
Bring your items to our friendly staff at the Checkout Desk or use one of our convenient self-checkout stations. You’ll need to present a valid library card. Be sure to keep it with you at all times so you’ll have it handy!
Loan Periods
How long can you keep materials? It all depends what you check out. Loan periods vary:
| Books | 3 Weeks |
| Audiobooks | 3 Weeks |
| Playaways | 3 Weeks |
| Music CDs | 3 Weeks |
| Vinyl Records | 3 Weeks |
| Record Players | 3 Weeks |
| Hotspots | 3 Weeks |
| Book Club in a Bag | 6 Weeks |
| Chromebooks | 1 Week |
| DVDs/Blu-ray | 1 Week |
| Magazines | 1 Week |
| Video Games | 1 Week |
Reporting Damage
If you find an item you just checked out has been damaged, please notify us right away. We’ll note that you reported previous damage on your account, so you won’t be charged for repairing or replacing the item. Please also let us know if a DVD or CD you’ve checked out has a locked case. Sometimes when these items are dropped, the cases relock. Please do not try to pry them open! The cases are expensive and you will be charged a replacement fee.
Returning Items
Items may be returned to any of the book drops 24/7. Book drops are located in the parking garage and near both library entrances. In addition, you may return books to the Checkout Desk during open hours
Renewing Items
Most materials are automatically renewed for another loan period three days before it’s due, as long as there are no holds on the item.
Renewals can also be done by clicking here, or by stopping by the Checkout Desk. For staff assistance, call 616-850-6910. Please have your library card handy.
Materials can be renewed up to two times.
Video game, Chromebook, Hotspot, Record Players, and Book Club in a Bag checkouts cannot be renewed.
Holds
Placing Holds
Do you need a certain item that is not on our shelves? Visit the Reference & Information Desk or the Youth Services Desk, and staff will be glad to assist you in locating and requesting the materials you need. You can also place holds by searching the catalog, or by accessing your account here. Just have your library card and PIN on hand. Note: Due to high demand, video games are not holdable.
For items not found in our catalog or the Lakeland Library Cooperative catalog, you can use the request form here.
For phone assistance in placing holds, call 616-850-6914.
Picking Up Holds
The material you requested will be held for one week only before it must be returned to the owning library or to our shelves. You can pick up your holds from staff at the Checkout Desk.
Your Request Has Arrived!
We receive delivery from the Lakeland Library Cooperative on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings. Holds are processed the moment they arrive and you will be notified day-of either by phone, email, or text message.
We respect your privacy and will not give details about the materials you requested to another party.
Do you want to be notified the second your hold arrives? Sign up for text alerts through Shoutbomb, following these instructions.
A Note About Holds & Interloans
THE FINE PRINT: Items classified as NEW may not be requested from other libraries in the Lakeland Library Cooperative. This Lakeland policy allows patrons to be the first to enjoy new materials from their home library. Additionally, patrons from other libraries may not request NEW items from Loutit District Library through the catalog. Most NEW materials are shared with patrons of other libraries after 6 months. Please also be aware that although Loutit District Library no longer charges overdue fines, other libraries may assess fines for overdue material.
Overdue Material
On September 1, 2019, Loutit District Library joined a growing trend in the library world and eliminated late fees on overdue items. The primary reason for eliminating late fees is that these charges present barriers to library service for those with limited income, disabilities, and transportation issues. Eliminating this barrier provides equitable access to library materials for all of our residents.
We ask that you be courteous and return materials by the due date so that others may enjoy them. Also, if you borrow materials from other libraries, you may be assessed overdue fines for late returns by the lending library. You will need to contact the lending library for more information on any fines they may assess. But, we can help you keep track of those important dates!
If you provided an email address when you signed up for your library card, we’ll send you a reminder three days before your material is due. You can also sign up for text notification with Shoutbomb. It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
- Text SIGNUP to 1-844-225-9466
- Respond with your 13-digit library card number.
- Respond with your PIN.
View instructions here!
That’s it! You’ll be signed up to get notices when items are due and when you have holds to pick up.
Please be aware that the library will continue to charge for materials that are damaged beyond repair or never returned. We will also continue to charge a collection agency fee for unreturned materials.
Questions? Call 616-850-6918 or email [email protected].
Overdue Notices and Billing Schedule
When items are 5 days overdue, you will be notified by mail, or text notification if you’ve signed up with Shoutbomb (see above). When items are 35 days overdue, you will be billed for the replacement cost of the item. Please note that if you accrue replacement fees of $40.00 or more, your account will be sent to collections. We will also pass along the $8.95 collection agency fee to you as well.
Payment Options
You can pay directly at the Checkout Desk with credit card or check. You can also pay online by accessing My Account. All you need is your library card and PIN.
For assistance with fines or billing, call 616-850-6918 or email [email protected].
Damaged or Lost Items
Accidents happen. Just bring in the damaged item or tell us about the lost book. If the item is damaged, it will be given to a librarian for review. Sometimes we can repair the damage without difficulty. If the item is damaged beyond repair or is lost, your account will be billed for the replacement cost of the item. Please note, if you find a lost item after paying for it, it is yours to keep. We do not offer refunds.
Damage that cannot be repaired includes, but is not limited to:
- pet damage (chew marks, claw marks, etc.)
- liquid damage (water, coffee, milk, etc.)
- environmental damage (mold, mildew, warping/melting from excessive heat)
- bodily fluid (urine, vomit, blood, etc.)
- parts and/or pages missing
- excessive permanent marking with pens, crayons, etc.
- any damage that affects the safety, enjoyment, readability, or usability of the item for subsequent patrons
*Library staff reserves the right to determine if an item is damaged beyond repair.