What are automatic renewals?

Eligible items checked out or renewed on or after June 1, 2021 will renew automatically 3 days before the due date, unless someone is waiting for the item or the patron’s account is not in good standing. If you select email as your notice preference, the Library will notify you of the new due date via email.

Why are you implementing this feature?

We want to save people time and make the library easier to use. Sometimes people need a bit more time to read their book and if no one is waiting for that particular book, we want them to have that time without having to log into their account or contact the library to renew.

Which items are eligible for automatic renewal?

Most items such as books, DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs, early literacy kits, and magazines are eligible for up to one (1) automatic renewal, as long as another patron has not placed a hold and the account is in good standing.

Why won’t my item renew automatically?

• Circulating equipment, not eligible.
• Museum passes are not eligible.
• Another library user has requested it.
• The item has reached its maximum number of renewals (up to 1 time for most items).
• Your account is expired.
• Your account has an item overdue by 30 days.
• The account is blocked due to lost or damage fees.
• This is an Inter-Library Loan item.
• The item is a digital item, such as an ebook from the Overdrive, Axis360, or Hoopla collections.

Does an automatic renewal give me less time to borrow an item?

No. Automatic renewal calculates the new due date from the original due date so you will not lose any time.

When will my item automatically renew?
Derby Public Library will attempt to renew your borrowed item 3 days before the due date. If successful, eligible items will automatically renew one (1) time. Renewal periods will extend from their original due date and be the same length as the original loan period. For example, an item with a three-week loan period would extend automatically for another three weeks from the original due date when it is automatically renewed. If unsuccessful, you will continue to receive notices about overdue items. You may wish to try to renew manually before you return the item.

How will you know if an item is automatically renewed?

There are a few ways to find out an item’s due date:
• On the courtesy notice emailed/text to you 3 days before the due date. Opt in to receive email/text notices if you haven’t already.
• Via your online account
• By phone
For all notification methods, automatic renewal information will be reflected in your online account.

If you receive mail, phone, or phone + text messages and your account does not include an email address, we are not able to send you overdue notices at this time.

Can you still renew manually?

Yes. If someone wishes to renew an item prior to its automatic renewal, they can simply renew it via their online account or at one of our service desks. Manual renewals will extend the borrowing period from the date of renewal.

Can you opt out of automatic renewal?

No, not at this time. However, please feel free to follow original due dates. Auto renew is an automatic process that applies to most Derby Public Library items. If you don’t wish to keep an item, please return it when you’re finished.