Borrowing Materials
Limits on the number of items that can be checked out, placed on hold, and the loan period are determined by library and system administration and depend on the quantity available and current demand.
The policies outlined below serve as a quick reference guide. Contact library staff (920-886-6315) for further details or refer to the Library Board Policy Manual for additional information on these topics.
Loan Periods
Borrowers with a full access card can check out 100 items. Most types of library materials can be checked out for four weeks. The chart lists the basic formats.
Digital materials such as eBooks and downloads are only available to Neenah residents and may have varying loan periods depending on the platform.
| Item | Loan Period | Renewal | Place on Hold |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUDIOVISUAL | |||
| Audiobooks | 28 | 2 | Yes |
| CDs | 14 | 2 | Yes |
| DVDs and Blu-rays | 7 | 2 | Yes |
| Lucky Day DVDs and Blu-rays | 7 | No | No |
| Books | 28 | 2 | Yes |
| Lucky Day Books | 14 | No | No |
| New Fiction or Nonfiction | 14 | 2 | Yes |
| Magazines | 14 | 2 | Yes |
| Library of Things | various | maybe | some |
Renewals
Most materials can be renewed two times. Some items may not be renewable because of high demand/waiting list or a limited collection size. Renewals can be done in-person, by phone, or online.
Placing Holds
Borrowers with full access cards may place up to 50 items on hold.
- Holds can be placed online within the Winnefox catalog, on your smartphone through the Winnefox App, in person or by calling the library (920-886-6315).
- When your hold is ready to pick up and check out, you may be notified by email, automated phone call (per registration preferences; can be changed if requested), or text message .
- Holds must be picked up and checked out within 7 days of notification. Holds not picked up are forwarded to the next borrower on the waiting list or returned to shelving location.
- Suspending holds is a feature that allows you to keep your place in a queue during a specific time range while on vacation/unable to pick up. When the date to unsuspend is reached, your place in line resumes. Please contact staff for more details.
Returning Items
Exterior book and media drop slots are available 24×7 and are located in the brick wall near the front doors. Additional book and media return slots located inside the front doors are available during library open hours.
Materials from any of our Winnefox Library System libraries can be returned to the Neenah Public Library, and Neenah items can be returned to any of those locations.
Note: Appleton Public Library and other Outagamie county libraries are not part of the Winnefox Library System. Please return materials directly to those libraries.
Overdue Items and Replacement Costs
Most materials checked out at the Neenah Library are not charged a daily overdue fine if returned late, with the exception of Interlibrary Loan items ($1.00/day).
However, if an item is 30 days overdue, the replacement cost will be automatically billed to your account. You will not be able to use your card if:
- the amount owed on your account is $25 or more
- you have more than 20 items overdue
If the amount owed for unreturned/lost materials is $50 or more, and reaches 45 days overdue, your account may be referred to a collection agency and will incur and additional nonrefundable fee ($10).
Bills may also be assessed and added to your account for materials returned in a damaged condition or missing pieces.
Payment Options
Payments are accepted in person (cash, check, credit), online (credit/debit), or by mailing a check to the library.
Per Library Board Policy 3.20.24, in-kind replacements will not be accepted in lieu of payment, and refunds are not given after payment is made.
Notifications
Email is the primary means for the Winnefox Library System to send out automated notifications. By having your email address on your library account you have agreed to this method. In addition, you may also sign up for text message notifications via Shoutbomb.
| DAYS OVERDUE | EMAIL SYSTEM | PHONE CALL & MAIL SYSTEM |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 days prior to due date | Emailed notice | |
| 3 | Emailed notice | |
| 4 | Automated phone call. If phone not answered, a paper notice is mailed. | |
| 15 | Emailed notice | |
| 30 | Emailed BILL | Mailed BILL |
| 37 | Mailed BILL | |
| 45 | Referred, if bills $50+ | UMS uses a combination of phone calls, emails, and print letters to encourage return of materials. |
Please note: When a lost item is returned, the replacement cost for that item is cancelled.
Unique Management Services (UMS)
The library uses a collection service to facilitate the return of long overdue materials. Lost items are billed the cost of replacement. Account holders owing $50 or more for lost materials will be referred to UMS when items reach 45 days overdue. A non-refundable $10 service fee is added to the borrowers account and all use of their library card is automatically suspended until items are returned and fee paid.