Ask a Librarian

Chat with a Specific Libraryexpand_less

Library COVID-19 Dashboard

Library COVID-19 Dashboard
Learn more about updates to library services
Library by Appointment available

We are here to help

Return Materials

COVID-19 Update Regarding Returning Materials

Books and media, including UW-System and Interlibrary Loan materials, should be returned to College Library, Memorial Library, or Steenbock Library in their book return.

  • If an item is due and you do not want to come to campus to return it (due to illness or other  circumstances), please keep it until you are able to safely return it. If you are charged late/lost item fees, we can remove them upon the item’s return. We understand that this is a special situation, and special considerations will be made.
  • Please do not return equipment (laptops, cameras, headphones, etc.) via the book returns. Starting February 1, returning equipment will require a green “Building Access Granted” status in your Safer Badger app.
  • Items returned via the book return may remain on your account for some period of time as they wait to be processed, but fines will not be assessed.

This update supersedes other information on this page until future notice.

Campus library users may return UW-Madison library books, including those borrowed via Interlibrary Loan, to a campus library other than the one from which they were borrowed.  A list of Open Return libraries may be found here.

However, the following materials must  be returned directly to the library from which they were borrowed:

  • Reserve items
  • Items with loan periods of 7 days or less
  • Journals/periodicals (bound or unbound)
  • Fragile materials (items prone to damage if dropped in a return bin)

Returning Recalled Items

Recalled items should also be returned to the library from which they were borrowed in order to avoid a potential fine. If you have a recalled item and it is overdue, a block will be placed on your account.

Mailing Items

Items may be returned via postal service to the address below. It is recommended that items be insured before sending via USPS, as patrons are responsible for materials until they reach the library. Please note that item replacement fees begin at $100.00.

Memorial Library, Room 166
728 State Street
Madison, WI 53706