Damaged Materials

Why does the library charge for damaged items?

The Escondido Public Library charges for damaged items to ensure our collection remains accessible and enjoyable for the entire community. Damaged materials may need repair or replacement, which comes with costs for ordering, processing, and preparing new items for use. These fees help us maintain a diverse and high-quality collection while encouraging responsible use of library resources.

Who is responsible for damage?

The borrower is responsible for damage that occurs while an item is checked out on their account. It is important to inspect all library materials for damage before checking out and leaving the library. Be diligent and let staff know if you notice any damage when you are checking items out.  

Library staff check materials when they are returned, but sometimes staff miss something, or damage occurs while browsing or reading in the library without an item being checked out. Borrowers will not be held responsible for existing damage that is brought to the attention of staff at the time of checkout.

What constitutes damage?

Normal wear and tear are expected and are not considered damage. Rips and tears can be mended by staff (do not try to fix ripped pages at home).

The following conditions are not considered normal wear and tear and may be subject to replacement and damaged item fees:

  • Wet or moldy books
  • Books damaged by food stains, oily or sticky residue
  • Books missing pages or covers
  • Books containing markings by pencil, ink, or highlight marker
  • Books showing tears, cuts, graffiti or other unusual damage
  • Books infested with bed bugs
  • Broken DVDs, Audio CDs, and Blu-ray discs
  • Kits with missing or damaged components/parts

Special Note on Water Damage:

Any kind of water or liquid damage, even if it seems minimal, must be replaced. Liquid damage can spread, warp pages and covers, and alters the reading experience of future borrowers.

Water damage can also cause books to mildew and mold which will quickly spread to other books and cause a noxious odor that can be harmful. Exposure to mold can cause respiratory issues and eye irritation that community members should not be exposed to.

If you notice something or have questions, please bring it to the attention of staff.