Lost and Found Policy

The Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield is not responsible for the security of personal items brought into the library facility. The Library is not responsible for unattended items that are mistaken as lost items. It is the responsibility of the owner to stay in sight of and keep track of all personal belongings at all times.

To the extent that there is readily available contact or ownership information, the library will make reasonable efforts to notify the owner.  All unclaimed items found on the premises of the Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield facility are disposed of in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. General Lost and Found Items will be placed in the library’s lost and found basket at the Circulation Desk for a period of 90 days. After 90 days, all unclaimed items become property of the Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield.
2. Clothing or other large items will be placed in the library’s lost and found basket at the Circulation Desk for a period of 7 days. If not claimed after 7 days, they will be discarded.
3. Hazardous and perishable items are discarded immediately. Items such as food, personal care, baby bottles, or disposable water bottles will be disposed of immediately.
4. Unclaimed identification documents, wallets and similar items will be held at the Circulation Desk with the date found. To claim these items, owners must present a valid form of photo identification matching that of the item in question.  If not claimed within 30 days, it will be forwarded to the Northfield Police Department.
5. Bicycles that are chained to the bike rack for longer than 7 days will be removed and turned over to the Northfield Police Department.
6. Data storage devices, including flash drives, etc. will be held in a clear storage bag in the lost and found basket at the Circulation Desk. In order to make reasonable efforts to return items to the owner, designated staff are authorized to view the drive if a person comes to claim the drive with an approximate date and location.  After 90 days, the Library will dispose of unclaimed items by securely wiping the device to protect confidential information and subsequently disposing of it.

Adopted: 10/11/2018

Revised & Adopted: September 10, 2026