I didn't return an item. What happens now?

Advanced Search

The Westerville Public Library currently uses a materials recovery service, Unique Management Services, to collect overdue items on the library's behalf. Your account is sent to the materials recovery service when the item is 55 days overdue and the replacement cost of the overdue item plus any outstanding fines totals $25.00 or more.

At 2, 10 and 20 days overdue, you will receive a reminder to return items.
At 30 days overdue, you will receive a bill in the mail to the address listed on your library account for the replacement cost of the item and a $5 processing fee. If item is returned, these fees will be waived.
At 55 days overdue, your account will be sent to a materials recovery service and you will be charged a non-refundable $10 fee to pay for the cost of the materials recovery services. If the Westerville Public Library item is returned, the this fee will remain until paid.
The materials recovery service will contact you about your delinquent account until your account balance is at zero.
Once your account balance has been resolved, the library will communicate your account status change to the materials recovery service within 24 hours.

Unique Management follows this schedule when corresponding with you:

55 days overdue -- Letter 1 is mailed
76 days overdue -- Initial Phone Call
90-104 days overdue -- Letter 2 is mailed
120 days overdue -- Second Phone Call
134-146 days overdue -- Letter 3 is mailed
175 days overdue -- Letter 4 is mailed
196-209 days overdue -- Final Phone Call

To avoid fines and fees, return or renew your items on time.

Bankruptcy Policy

If you have filed bankruptcy, you may provide documentation to Unique Management Services or directly to the library. For discharged bankruptcy cases, your late fines and fees will be waived. Non-returned items must still be returned, or replacement costs must be paid. The library will be more than glad to make arrangements with you for a payment schedule if needed.