Book Club Set Lending Policy

1. Purpose

The primary purpose of the Library Book Club sets is to make curated book club sets available to our patrons. The Fort Erie Public Library strives to maintain a diverse collection of book club sets that can be used by patron groups or individuals.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all library members who wish to borrow, hold, or use Library Book Club Sets, whether for a formal book‑club meeting or personal reading. It covers circulation rules, holds, renewals, and related administrative procedures.

3. Definitions

• Book Club Set - A pre‑selected collection of one or more books intended for group discussion or individual reading.
• Borrower - Any registered library patron who checks out a Book Club Set.
• Hold - A reservation placed on a Book Club Set prior to checkout.
• Loan Period - The length of time a Book Club Set may be kept by the borrower (eight weeks).

4. Policy Statement

Borrowing/Return of Library Book Club Sets

• A borrower may only have two sets signed out at a time.
• The loan period for each set is eight (8) weeks.
• Book club sets cannot be renewed.
• The borrowing patron is responsible for paying any fees associated with damaged or lost materials.

Requests/Holds

Patrons may place a hold on a Book Club Set in advance of the desired checkout date. Holds are processed on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

5. Responsibilities

Patrons

• Adhere to borrowing limits and loan periods.
• Return sets promptly at the end of the loan period.
• Use the hold system responsibly.

Library Staff

• Process checkouts, returns, and holds accurately.
• Monitor overdue or damaged items and enforce policy.
• Update the catalogue with current availability.

CEO

• Review and update this policy as needed.
• Ensure staff are trained on policy requirements.

Board

• Review and approve Policy

6. Compliance

Failure to comply with the borrowing limits, loan periods, or renewal restrictions may result in:

• Temporary suspension of borrowing privileges.
• Permanent loss of book-club borrowing privileges

Compliance will be monitored through the library’s circulation system and regular audits.

7. Communication

This policy will be distributed to all applicable parties via Rise. An updated copy of the Policy Manual will be located in Sharepoint and at the circulation desk.

8. Reference & Related Statements of Policy

FEPL 7.3.4 Borrowing Policy

9. Review Date

This policy shall be reviewed every three years, with the next scheduled review in January 2029.