Circulation: Suspension of Privileges

How can privileges be suspended?

Patrons may be blocked from borrowing, renewing or requesting for any of the following reasons:

• One or more overdue recalled books
• Expired library record
• Courtesy patrons are blocked if they check out more than 20 books.
• If your patron account does not contain a valid email address. 

When materials are 28 days overdue, they are put into "Lost" status, which comes with a $200 fee for each lost book.  Though this fee is waived once items are returned, here are the progressive steps for suspension of privileges for Lost items which are not returned:

• After 30 days, users are blocked from requesting any further interlibrary materials
• After 90 days, the bursar is notified to block user account from further Penn privileges. We may not be able to refund payments made if the item is later returned. 

The Library's primary method of communication regarding your Library account is via e-mail. If you prefer that Library notices be sent to an e-mail address other than your @upenn.edu account, please contact us.

Updated by SL 8/14/25

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Contact us at the Van Pelt Library Circulation Desk:

Email Us:

For library account concerns or questions about building and database access, please e-mail us at: vpcircdk@pobox.upenn.edu

Call Us:
215-898-7566