<div dir="ltr"><div>Our policy restricts borrowing for the first 90 days of a cardholder activation. That restriction is based on material value above $99. This way it covers electronic devices and most library of things items but new cardholders can get books and other items of lesser value immediately.</div><div><br></div><div>Incidentally we only have ever had one laptop go missing, this was before the policy was adopted, and that laptop was eventually returned with no damage after a year.</div><div><br></div><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr">Miriam Sisson <br><div>Director<br></div><div>Mildred Whipple Library, North Douglas Library District</div><div><a href="http://ndld.org" target="_blank">ndld.org</a><br></div><div>541-836-2648</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br></div><br><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 12:56 PM Crystal Elam via Libs-Or <<a href="mailto:libs-or@omls.oregon.gov">libs-or@omls.oregon.gov</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div class="msg-1225969254742980996">
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In our library we have a 90 day waiting period for our Library of Things items. The only items we have in our LOT are tech items- kindles, hotspots and laptops. I think this has probably prevented some loss from people who just want something valuable without
establishing a relationship with the library. On the other hand, it has been the source of several of the most angry patron interactions we've had. Especially because people can put an item on hold before they reach that threshold and then when they come to
pick up the item they are denied it. We are the only library in our cooperative that does this.</div>
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<b>Crystal Elam,</b> Library Services Specialist </div>
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<span style="color:rgb(0,112,192)"><a style="color:rgb(0,112,192);text-decoration:none;margin:0px" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ci.cornelius.or.us/library" target="_blank">Cornelius Public
Library</a></span> </div>
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503-357-4093</div>
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<div id="m_2225473991285901237divRplyFwdMsg" dir="ltr"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size:11pt" color="#000000"><b>From:</b> Libs-Or <<a href="mailto:libs-or-bounces@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or-bounces@omls.oregon.gov</a>> on behalf of James Simpson via Libs-Or <<a href="mailto:libs-or@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or@omls.oregon.gov</a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, January 30, 2026 11:54 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:libs-or@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or@omls.oregon.gov</a> <<a href="mailto:libs-or@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or@omls.oregon.gov</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [Libs-Or] Library of Things policies</font>
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<p>Happy Friday to everyone!</p>
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<p>We are considering updating our circulation policy, specifically for our Library of Things items. We’ve had some items go missing/damaged beyond repair by several library patrons whom were obviously homeless but had proof of residency
on their personal identification. Rather than discriminate against them, they received the usual library card and privileges it comes with, only then to immediately borrow very valuable items and then they never return.</p>
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<p>I am curious if there are any libraries that make new library card holders wait a period of time before being allowed to check out from their Library of Things, or any other safeguards specifically for their LOT items? We are considering
a LOT postcard that must be returned as proof of residency before they qualify to check out from ours, but would like to hear about any other options our fellow libraries may have deployed.</p>
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<p>Today, we had a $1200 backpacking tent that we believe is beyond repair. Not only that but we had it returned by our PD after it was posted online for sale. While we believe in providing everyone with equal access to our LOT collection,
this item will no longer be available to the rest of our community, which is very unfortunate.</p>
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<p>We’d appreciate hearing back from any libraries that have LOT-specific policies that may have helped prevent this from happening.</p>
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<p>Thank you for your time and feedback.</p>
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<p><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">James Simpson</span></b></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Assistant Library Director</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">City of Pendleton/Public Library</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">502 SW Dorion Ave Pendleton, OR 97801</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Office: 541-966-0391 </span></p>
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