Library Notices

The Library generates a variety of notices to assist patrons in managing their library accounts.  Patrons are encouraged to provide the Library with an active email address in order to qualify for select reminders that are only sent via email.  All patrons are asked to notify the Library of any change of address or telephone number to ensure that important notifications are properly received.

Patrons who use a web-based email service such as Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail may experience sporadic difficulties in receiving library notices sent via email - these notices are generated in batch, and some web-based email engines treat the messages as spam. Adding the email address smpl@smgov.net to your email contact list often overcomes this issue.

The following chart summarizes the types of notices routinely generated by the Library:

Hold Notices

A hold notice will be generated when a requested item is available for pickup. Patrons with an email address on file with the Library will be notified via email; all other patrons will be notified by US Mail.  Held items will remain available for pickup for 10 days once they are captured for the patron.

Courtesy Reminder Notices

Patrons with an email address on file with the Library will be sent a courtesy date due reminder 3 days prior to an item's due date. Please apprise the Library if your email address changes so that you may continue to receive these notices. Patrons are responsible for returning items on time even if they do not receive a reminder notice.

Overdue Notices

Printed overdue notices are sent as a courtesy to remind patrons of items that have become overdue.  Patrons with an email address on file with the Library will be notified via email; all other patrons will be notified by US Mail. Notices are sent 21 days after an item's due date.  Patrons are responsible for returning items on time even if they do not receive the overdue notice.

Billing Notices

The Library will mail a replacement bill when an item becomes 42 days overdue. Such items are designated as 'Lost' and are subject to a replacement fee plus a $7.50 processing fee.  The Library will also issue a replacement bill for items that are returned in a damaged state that requires their withdrawal from the collection.

Damaged Item Notices

If an item is damaged but can still circulate, it will be handled on a case by case basis depending on the extent of the damage.  Examples of such damage include: removal of labels, writing on pages, tearing of pages, and removal of cover art from AV materials.  Please refer to the section on Caring for Library Materials for guidance on the proper care of borrowed items.

Statement of Account

On an intermittent basis, the Library will email summary billing statements listing any outstanding fines or fees associated with a patron's account.

Recovery Notification

Patrons who do not respond to overdue or billing notices will be referred to Unique National Collections (UNC), a library materials recovery agency. UNC will make multiple attempts to contact patrons by letter and by telephone, using the account information on file with the Library.  UNC will also conduct skip-tracing to try to locate patrons who have moved and failed to notify the Library of the address change.