Please contact us with any questions about Library Policies.
Cell Phone Policy
Please silence your cell phone while in the library. To help maintain a quiet and welcoming environment for everyone, phone conversations should take place in the foyer or outside the library. Library staff may ask you to move to these areas if a call becomes disruptive, and refusal to comply may result in being asked to leave the library.
Photography Release Policy
The Westwood Public Library frequently takes photos of its public programs, activities, and their participants. Please be aware that these photos may be used in brochures, flyers, web pages, news releases, or other promotional materials. Those wishing not to be photographed or recorded should inform the photographer or library staff.
Fine Free Policy
Libraries across the nation have demonstrated that imposing late fees on patrons is not an effective deterrent to the return of late materials. Instead, it commonly creates barriers to library use. In the interest of overcoming these barriers and providing open access to all our patrons, the Westwood Public Library has adopted a fine-free policy with regard to our materials.
What Fine Free Means For You:
- You will no longer receive an overdue fine for late returns or renewals of all borrowed items.
- You are still responsible for returning your items, so that others may enjoy them.
- We will email you reminders to return your items.
- You will be billed for items that are 4 weeks overdue. If you return the item, the bill will be cleared from your account.
While traditional fines will not accrue, a replacement cost will be charged if an item is not returned within 28 days past the due date. If a lost item is located within 30 days of being paid for by cash or check, patrons may return the item and request a refund of the replacement cost. After this period, materials are the patron’s property, and replacement fees will not be refunded. Items paid for online are not eligible for a refund at any time.
Replacements may be accepted for lost or damaged items. Patrons should contact the library directly if they wish to purchase a replacement item in lieu of paying the replacement cost. Westwood Public Library cannot facilitate the fees or replacements of other library’s materials in the Minuteman Network. Westwood Public Library cannot make policies governing materials belonging to other libraries. Please contact the owning library directly about replacements or fees.
Patrons with charges for items exceeding the maximum amount set by the Minuteman Library Network will have their account blocked until related fees have been paid or have been satisfactorily worked out with the library director/library staff.
If an item is late due to being lost or damaged, patrons should notify the Westwood Public Library. Library staff will work with patrons to extend due dates (when possible and within reason) for missing items.
Email, text, or other electronic communication will be sent to patrons to remind them of upcoming due dates and for overdue/billed notices. To ensure you receive these messages, please provide an up-to-date email address and/or sign up for text notifications. Not receiving library notices does not negate the patron’s responsibility for returning library items.
All late fines existing before the adoption of this policy will be waived. Lost/damaged item charges will remain.
Approved by Board of Library Trustees, October 2023
