Boston Public Library
Lost or Damaged Material
Borrowing and Circulating Information
Damage to or loss of material must be reported to the library. The borrower is responsible for the cost of replacement of material if it is lost or damaged beyond repair. If the item can be repaired there are various fees for types of damage. The library charges a flat fee for various categories of material. The borrower may replace the item in lieu of a replacement fee. The replacement copy must be the same title and author of the material that was lost or damaged beyond repair.
Lost Material For our newer materials we charge the purchase price for the item lost. If that is not known or it is older material, we will charge one of the general prices listed below.
Category Replacement Cost
Adult non-fiction $35.00
Adult fiction $30.00
Young Adult non-fiction $30.00
Young Adult fiction $30.00
Children's non-fiction $30.00
Children's fiction $30.00
Children's books on CD $20.00
Music cassettes $16.00
Music CDs $20.00
Videos $25.00
DVDs $25.00
Adult books on CD $50.00
Adult books on audiotape $50.00


Damaged Material  Fees are based on the severity of damage. If an item is beyond repair, you will be charged the fees listed above for lost material.

If you are checking out material and you notice that it is damaged, please bring it to the attention of a staff person. They will note the damage so that you will not be charged for it.