Library to start automatic renewals

Mentor Public Library announced it will start automatically renewing borrowed books, movies and more, beginning Oct. 1.

This will allow patrons to enjoy their books, music and videos longer and decrease the likelihood of fines, according to a news release.

There are a few exceptions to this policy, the library stated. Items will not renew automatically:

• If another patron puts them on hold.

• If the cardholder owes more than $10 in fines.

• The item has reached the maximum number of renewals. (Ten weeks for books, not counting those borrowed from other libraries; four weeks for music CDs, magazines, audiobooks, DVDs and video games).

• If the item is digital like an eBook, eAudiobook, streaming music or video.

• If the item is not available for renewal like hotspots, eReaders, ukuleles, traffic cones, and the too-hot-to-hold books and videos in the library’s collection.

All other items will automatically renew.

The automatic renewals will make life easier for patrons -– especially those who may not have reliable access to transportation, phones or the Internet, so they struggle to renew their items manually, the release stated.

Here’s how it works: If an item isn’t on hold and can be renewed, it will renew two days before its due date, starting from its due date. That means patrons will get a full additional loan period for that item.

For more information on loan periods and renewals at Mentor Public Library, visit www.mentorpl.org/ borrowing-policies/.