Overdue Notices and Billing

Overdue notices and billing
At the library, it's all about sharing. Materials that are kept out for long periods of time are not available to other library users. A small number of library users (fewer than 1 percent) do not return library materials or pay for their replacement. To efficiently handle these situations and reduce the amount of tax dollars spent locating or replacing missing items, the Oshkosh Public Library uses Unique Management Systems (UMS) to collect charges for unreturned library materials.

Notices for overdue materials
Customers receive notices that library items are overdue via automated phone calls or by e-mail.

Phone call notices
The library now uses automated phone calls to notify customers when items are overdue instead of paper notices sent out by mail.

E-mail notices
E-mail notices are sent three days before an item is due; or one day before an item with a shorter loan period is due (i.e. DVDs).

Overdue Notices Schedule    
  Phone Call Email
Predue Notice None 3 days; 1 Day for DVDs
1st Overdue Notice 4 Days 3 Days
2nd Overdue Notice None 15 Days
Bill for unreturned item 30 Days; US Mailed 30 Days
Second bill notice None 37 Days-US Mailed
Bill referred to a Collection Agency 45 Days 45 Days
1st Letter sent from Collection Agency 46 Days 46 Days
2nd Letter sent from Collection Agency 67 Days 67 Days
1st Collection Agency phone call 81 Days 81 Days
3rd Letter sent from the Collection Agency 109 Days 109 Days

Please make sure the phone number listed in your library account is current and correct to ensure that you received the necessary notices.

Paying fines and fees

  • The Oshkosh Public Library accepts cash or credit card payments at the library or online.
  • If you are contacted and do not remember which items have not been returned, contact the library at 236-5203.
  • If you are contacted and you question the accuracy of the bill, please contact the library at 236-5203.

Privacy & Responsibility

  • UMS, the collection agency, receives only the patron identification information and amount owed. They do not get information about which titles the patron has checked out.
  • Library users are responsible for all use made of their card until it has been reported as lost or stolen to the Oshkosh Public Library Circulation Department.