Materials Recovery Program

The Talbot County Free Library has established a new materials recovery program to encourage library patrons to return books, DVDs, and other materials on time.

Patrons who have overdue materials or accumulated fines totaling $25.00 or more will be referred to Unique Management Services, Inc., a collection agency specializing in the recovery of outstanding library materials and funds.

What happens when items are past due:

21 Days Past Due

The library sends you an overdue notice.

55 Days Past Due

The library sends a final overdue notice that includes fines, fees and replacement charges.

89 Days Past Due

• If your account balance equals $25 or more, the library forwards your account to Unique Management Services, Inc., a library materials recovery agency.
• A service charge of $15 is added to your account.
• Unique Management Services will contact you to request the return of the overdue materials and payment of all outstanding charges.
• Over the next 120 days the collection agency will make multiple attempts to contact you.

Note: Activity on a patron's account can alter the timeline.

If you have questions about your library account related to the Materials Recovery Program, please contact the Adult Services Librarian at 410 822 1626.

Thank you for helping us ensure that everyone has access to materials at the Talbot County Free Library.