FAQs

These are the most common types of materials damage we see: 

• Liquid damage resulting in wavy pages or obstruction of text or discoloration 
• Stained beyond use 
• Torn, chewed, and/or missing pages 
• Stickiness 
• Missing pieces 
• Strong odor  
• Scratched media. 

There are varying levels of quality from Amazon and other booksellers as well as other differing publishing years or editions that might not be a 1:1 to replacement for the damaged item. Items purchased by the library arrive partially processed and adding books outside that stream results in increased staff time and cost. 

Yes, you can request to keep a damaged item you purchased as long as the damage wasn’t so severe staff needed to discard it for safety. Please work with Branch staff when you pay for the item. 

Some types of damage can lead to parasites and/or mold in the collection. Other types of damage may not be handleable by staff and therefore would not be presentable to other patrons.