During the first lockdown Solihull Libraries took the decision to remove fines for overdue items and earlier this year library fines were permanently removed.
Despite the relaxing of fines, it is still important that library members return overdue library items to their local libraries so that stock can be made available for other residents.
Members can renew items online, by phone or in person at their local library and can also activate a series of reminders by providing their email addresses.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities Cllr Alison Rolf said: “We want to do all that we can to encourage people to use their local libraries and benefit from them.
“We found during the lockdowns that removing fines was really appreciated by library members but would ask that in return, members behave responsibly, return loans promptly, make full use of the reminders system and renew their books if they need them for a little while longer rather than just hang on to them.
“This helps staff to keep track of where books are and allows them to be borrowed by other users.”
Please remember to:
- return items to the library on or before their due date to allow them to be borrowed by other library users
- renew your items online, by phone or in person at your local branch
- return overdue items once you receive an overdue notice. If you can’t then please contact a member of library staff to discuss
- provide or add your email address to your account. You will get reminders before your loans are due back as well as prompts after, should you not return them
If you don’t return an item or contact a member of staff to discuss an overdue item before you receive the first overdue reminder, your card will be frozen and you will not be able to take out or renew any further items, including e-books and e-audio books.
Borrowing privileges cannot be restored until overdue items are returned, or you have made contact with library staff to discuss the matter.
Email reminders
To set up email reminders, email 247library@solihull.gov.uk or add your email yourself via the My Account function on the library catalogue page https://solihull.spydus.co.uk Your email address won’t be shared and you can opt out of marketing emails.
If you don’t have a registered email address for reminders, then please make sure that you retain the issue receipt which has the item return dates printed on it.
Remember you can also check what you have on loan and renew loans yourself anytime in My Account
Replacement Costs
You will be asked to pay a replacement charge if an item has been lost or damaged. This cost will be calculated as the published retail recommended price from our stock supplier which is displayed on the library management system and which is shown on all customer accounts.
Replacement charges can be paid at any library branch, regardless of where the item originated from.