BURLINGTON — Library Director Michael Wick is pleased to announce that the Burlington Public Library has begun automatic renewals on most items checked out from the library.
With the exception of select few, items checked out from the Burlington Public Library will automatically renew if they have not been returned three days before their due date. Under the new program, patrons will no longer have to take any steps to renew items in their possession, even if the items came from a library in Burlington’s network of libraries.
Items that cannot be renewed include:
- hot titles
- items on waiting lists
- items that have reached their renewal limit
- items borrowed from outside the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC)
- Items checked out from a nonparticipating library
“Automatic renewals and fine forgiveness are two means to the same end: removing barriers to the use of library materials and improving the experience for all of our patrons,” Wick said. “We’re excited to be able to make this program a reality, and we have no doubt that it’ll have a positive impact on all of our patrons.”
By initiating renewals automatically, the library compliments its existing fine-free model, which began last November.Under the fine-free model, the library no longer charges fines for overdue items, with the exception of museum passes.
Patrons who have registered their email addresses with the library will get an email notifying them that their items have been automatically renewed — as well as reminders of upcoming due dates. To register for these reminders and updates, patrons may sign up online, call the library at 781-270-1693 or speak with a staff member at the circulation desk.
Burlington’s automatic renewal initiative is serving as a pilot program for its partner libraries in the MVLC, with those libraries expected to adopt a similar model in the future.
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