[Publib] Overdue notice language

[Janet Griffing]

Greetings, collective mind!

 

We've recently become an Innovative Interfaces library after years of
consortium membership. Among the many things over which we now have local
control is the creation and mailing of overdue notices.

 

In a moment of whimsy, I wrote the following notices. They are meeting with
some resistance on the part of staff and anger on the part of some
customers. Interestingly, though, the customers who are complaining are also
returning their overdue items! It's really hard to feel sorry for most
folks, since they can renew online or by phone, and we have 24-hour book
drop availability. 

 

I thought I'd throw the notice language out to all of you for comment. There
are three notices: Number 1 is sent when items are two weeks overdue; Number
2 at four weeks; and Number 3 at six weeks. (Regular loan period is two
weeks for books; one week for AV.) Please let me know what you think!
Thanks!

 

 

Number One:

Oops! You kept the following items longer than you promised. Please return
them as soon as possible. Thank you!

 

Number Two:

 

Well, we asked politely the first time, but we still don't have your overdue
items, and every day the fines keep adding up. It's not fair not to share -
others are waiting! Please return your materials now, and you'll only have
to pay the fines. Keep them longer, and we will be sending a bill.

 

Number Three:

 

We hoped it wouldn't come to this, but you've had these library materials
for so long, we need to bill you for them. If you return them immediately,
you only have to pay the fines and any additional processing fees. Why pay
for something that should be free? Please return your items today!

 

 

 

 

Janet Griffing

Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator

Wadsworth Public Library

132 Broad Street

Wadsworth, OH 44281

Phone: 330-334-335-2604

Fax: 330-334-6605

 


"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun
is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if
there is a light from within." Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, 1926-2004


 

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