Mount Laurel Library

The Mount Laurel Library is not responsible for the security of personal items brought into the library. Owners are responsible for their belongings. Unattended items may be treated as lost property and handled under this policy.

Lost and Found property
Receiving staff will attach a note of the item’s description, date, time and location found, owner information (if known), and staff name. If an item includes identification, staff will make reasonable efforts to contact the owner.

Items will be stored in the Circulation office for 30 days, unless storage is impractical or pickup is otherwise arranged. Perishable or unsanitary items will be discarded immediately. Staff may discard items that appear to be trash or have insignificant value.

Claiming property
Individuals who believe they lost an item in the library may leave their name, contact information, and a description of the item. Staff will notify them if the item is found, but the library cannot guarantee recovery of lost property.

Individuals claiming property must describe the item, including where and when it was lost, and provide identification when appropriate for valuable items. Staff will only release property if appropriate information is presented. The library is not responsible or liable if lost items are released to someone other than the rightful owner.

Unclaimed property
After 30 days, unclaimed items may be donated to the library, donated to charity, sold or discarded. Unclaimed currency will be considered a donation to the library.

Valuable items, such as purses, wallets, laptops, cell phones, identification cards, or credit cards, may be forwarded to the Mount Laurel Police Department. Unclaimed items with confidential information may be destroyed.

Privacy
The library respects users’ privacy. Staff will not access data on flash drives or other digital devices to determine ownership. Staff will only search through other personal belongings to identify the owner or address safety concerns. Any personal information discovered while identifying an owner will remain confidential.

Hazardous or suspicious items
Staff should immediately notify a supervisor if an item appears dangerous or may present a security concern. Law enforcement may be contacted when appropriate.

Approved August 19, 2026