Ferndale Public Library to Begin Using Collection Agency to Recover Lost Items

(FPL Press Release, Jan. 23, 2013)

The Ferndale Public Library Board of Trustees enacted a policy at its December board meeting to use Unique Management Services, a collection agency, to help encourage patrons with overdue materials to return them to the library. The Library Board voted to pass the cost of this service on to each patron whose account will be handled by the collection agency. Beginning Mon. Jan. 28, any patron who has owed the library $20.00 or more for more than 60 days will be referred to Unique Management Services.

This new policy was developed with fairness to all library patrons in mind. Materials not returned are not available for others to use or borrow. Also, if materials are not returned, in most cases, money from the library budget is used to replace them. This same money could much better be used to purchase new items for patron use instead of replacing non-returned items.

The Library Board hopes this practice will encourage all library borrowers to return items by the due date. Most library items may be renewed in several ways: online, by visiting Ferndale Public Library’s website and clicking on “My Account;” over the phone by calling (888) 672-8983; or in person. Also, 24 hour item depositories are conveniently located on the east side of the Ferndale Public Library for patron use.

Patrons will still be notified by the library that their materials are overdue and have ample time to respond prior to being turned over for collection. Unique Management Services has been selected as the collection agency for the library. Unique Management Services works with libraries throughout the United States and specializes in the recovery of overdue materials and has an excellent record of treating patrons professionally.

Ferndale Public Library is serious about recovering overdue materials. Fortunately, only a very small percentage of patrons using the library do not return materials as agreed. This new policy will not affect the vast majority of patrons who return materials on time. Ferndale Public Library is committed to providing excellent service and having materials available that patrons desire.

For more information about the Ferndale Public library go to http://www.ferndale.lib.mi.us/

For more Library related stories visit http://oaklandcounty115.com/category/library115/.