Stonington Free Library tries to make your life easier by automatically renewing the items that you have checked out.

Starting this month, you will no longer have to remember to renew books from the adult library collection. Fiction, non-fiction, books on CD and large print will automatically be renewed before the due date.

It has become clear how much our community values amenities such as our online reserves, curbside pickup, and fine-free policy. Auto-renewal is yet another step toward making it easy for the community to enjoy the library.

Our library system will attempt to renew your borrowed item two days before the due date. If the item is not eligible for auto renewal, you will continue to receive reminders about due dates or overdue status.

You may try to renew manually any time before you return the item. If your item was eligible for renewal, your new due date will be calculated based on the original due date.

If you have opted to receive email notices, you will receive an email saying that your item was automatically renewed. To opt into email notices, please call or email the library and a staff member will update your account.

Here are some frequently asked questions about our new auto-renewal feature.

Are there any exceptions?

Items cannot be renewed if:

● Another patron has requested the item

● The item is classified as a New Book

● The item is a 10-day loan

● The item is an interlibrary loan, borrowed from another library in Connecticut

● The item has reached its maximum number of two renewals

● The account has an outstanding balance for a lost or damaged item

● The item is a digital book, such as an ebook or audiobook

● The item is a DVD or electronic device.

If an item did not automatically renew and I don't return it on time, are there fines?

No fines are charged for overdue books.

Can I still manually renew materials whenever I want?

Yes, you can renew eligible items via your online account or with a staff member during library hours.

How will I know if my item was renewed?

You can check the due date via your online account or with a staff member during library hours.

Do I have to sign up for automatic renewals?

No. This is an automatic service through your library and requires no sign up on your part.

What if I don't want the item renewed? Is it optional?

Auto-renewals will occur automatically for any eligible items as long as the library account is in good standing. While you cannot opt out of auto-renewals, you are always welcome to return items prior to the due date.

What will the library do to encourage others to return items?

The library still requires that patrons return items on time and in good shape so that the entire community will benefit. The auto renewal feature will make it easier to be responsible, and for patrons to keep the items they enjoy for longer. Library card accounts with lost or damaged items will be billed for the replacement cost and will be unable to check out or renew items until resolved.

What are the benefits of this feature?

This feature will save you time and give you peace of mind. Automatically renewing ensures that you will have time to return items before they are overdue.

Karla Boeddinghaus Umland is assistant director of Stonington Free Library.