Items returned to the library are not necessarily checked in immediately. Material checkin depends on staffing level and level of business. Items returned near closing time may not be checked in until the next morning but are credited with the actual return date. Items returned together are not necessarily kept together in groups so items borrowed by the same person may be checked in at different times.

Bookdrop
Items returned in the bookdrop after hours are checked in the next day the library is open. Library staff must be in the building for items to be checked in. Library staff are not in the buildings on closed days and not during any closed hours except about one hour before opening (varies by library). Bookdrop returns are considered returned the last day the library was open.

Other Library Systems
Materials borrowed from Hennepin County Library may be returned at any public library in the state of Minnesota. However, each library system is separate so items can't be checked in and removed from your account until they arrive back "home" at HCL. This can take up to two weeks. Items returned together do not necessarily stay together in the delivery.

When you return your materials, a staff member puts a routing slip with the actual return date in each item and that date is used when the items are checked in back at HCL. As long as they were on time when returned there won't be a charge when they're checked in, even if they become "overdue--still out" while in transit. Don't renew items you’ve already returned to another library system if they show up "overdue--still out" because that will immediately assess a charge to your account. These items will clear your account when they arrive back at HCL.