The Guelph Public Library is warning residents about unsolicited phone calls and voicemails that claim patrons owe fees for overdue materials. The library says the calls are not from its staff and reiterated that it does not charge fines for overdue items.
How the library contacts patrons
Library officials said they will contact patrons about holds, overdue items or lost materials only through contact methods patrons have chosen in their library account. Those methods include phone, email and regular mail. The library also noted that payment is required only for lost or damaged items.
- Guelph Public Library will contact patrons by the contact methods on their account.
- The library does not levy overdue fines for late returns.
- Only lost or damaged items may result in charges.
"Only lost or damaged items require payment," the library said in a news release.
Deputy chief administrative officer Michelle Campbell advised residents to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or voicemails. The library encouraged anyone unsure about the legitimacy of a call to contact the library directly.
How to verify a call
Residents who receive a suspicious message can confirm it by contacting the Guelph Public Library directly. The library provided its main phone line for verification: 519-824-6220. Patrons may also email the library or visit any branch in person to check the status of their account.
| Legitimate contact methods | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Phone, email, regular mail | Notifying patrons about holds, overdue items or lost/damaged items |
| In-branch visit | Account verification and disputed charges |
The advisory from the library is part of a broader caution to residents to remain vigilant about potential scams that attempt to collect money or personal information. Library staff and city officials recommend verifying any unexpected requests for payment before taking action, especially when contact comes unsolicited.
For confirmation or further questions, patrons should use the library's official channels rather than responding to unknown callers.
