School Library Lending Policy Template

This template is designed to support reading while maintaining responsible circulation of school library resources. Schools should adapt periods and procedures to age groups, collection size and local requirements.

Purpose

The library lending system should encourage regular reading, equitable access and responsible care of resources.

Suggested borrowing categories

Resource type	Suggested period
Picture books / very short readers	7 days
Standard fiction / non-fiction	14 days
Long novels / substantial non-fiction	21 days
Reference books	In-library use or restricted issue

Renewals

Books may be renewed when they are not reserved by another reader. Renewal limits may be set according to demand.

Book care

Students should not write in, underline, fold, tear or intentionally damage library materials.

Lost or damaged books

The school may require replacement or payment according to a published procedure. Decisions should consider normal wear and tear separately from avoidable damage.

Overdue books

Use reminders before penalties. Repeated overdue borrowing may result in temporary suspension of borrowing privileges. Any fine system should be modest, transparent and appropriate to the school context.

Before vacations or withdrawal

All outstanding library materials should be returned before long vacations, transfer or withdrawal unless specifically authorised.

Review

The library team should review circulation patterns annually and adjust borrowing periods where the policy is either restricting reading or creating avoidable stock shortages.