Borrowing Policy

Deposit Requirement

Every borrower keeps a refundable deposit balance with the library. Before collecting a book, your deposit balance must cover the estimated value of the selected book. For example, if a book is valued at ₦8,000, you need at least ₦8,000 on deposit before you can borrow it.

The deposit serves as security. It is not a purchase: your deposit is always refundable in full. Fees are charged on top when you fund your deposit, never taken out of it; only damage or late-return penalties, described below, can reduce your balance. Your deposit can be refunded when you close your account.

Deposits are paid by bank transfer. You can fund your deposit online from your account page, or by transfer at the library, where the librarian gives you an account number to transfer to.

Membership and Reader Fees

Every deposit also carries a processing & handling charge that covers the card and bank-transfer costs of collecting and later refunding your money. Like the borrowing fee, it is added on top of your deposit and is not refundable; your deposit itself always comes back in full.

Paid members

• No borrowing fee. The deposit and processing & handling charge still apply.
• The standard borrowing period is 21 days.

Readers (registered non-members) and walk-ins

• A borrowing fee is charged when you fund your deposit — not at checkout, and not per book. It is 0.4% of the book's value, with a minimum of ₦400, and is added on top of your deposit rather than taken from it.
• Because it is charged per deposit, you can borrow and exchange books while you keep a deposit balance without paying it again.
• The borrowing period is 14 days.

How Borrowing Works

Browsing the catalogue is open to everyone, online and in person. Borrowing happens at the library: visit us, present the book at the desk, and a librarian will check it out to you.

If a book you want is currently borrowed, ask a librarian to add you to its waitlist. We will notify you when it is returned.

Book Condition and Damage

Books must be returned in the same condition they were borrowed.

If a book is returned damaged, a deduction will be made from your deposit, assessed by a librarian based on the extent of the damage:

If a book is lost, the full estimated value of the book is deducted from your deposit. If the damage or loss exceeds your deposit balance, you may be required to pay the difference.

Borrowing Duration and Late Returns

The standard borrowing period is 21 days for paid members and 14 days for readers and walk-ins.

Borrowers who exceed the borrowing period incur a daily fine of ₦500, deducted from the deposit and accruing from the first day past the due date, with no cap.

Borrowing Extensions

• Extensions are requested in person at the library.
• An extension is only granted if the book is not on the waitlist for another borrower.
• Borrowers are permitted a maximum of one (1) extension per borrowing period. Further extensions require admin approval.

Borrower Responsibilities

• Handle books with care and avoid exposure to water, fire, or other damaging conditions.
• Do not mark, highlight, or write in the books.
• Ensure timely return of borrowed books.
• Tell a librarian immediately if a book is lost or badly damaged.

Refund and Exchange

Deposits are refunded promptly on request once all borrowed books are returned in good condition.

Borrowers may exchange a borrowed book for another title without making a new deposit; however, if the new book's estimated value exceeds the current deposit balance, the borrower must top up the difference before the exchange can be completed.

Book Donations

We gladly accept donations of books in good condition. Bring them to the library during opening hours and a librarian will receive them. Donated books help us grow the collection and place more books in the hands of readers and children in underserved communities.

Agreement

By borrowing from Mafaku's Corner, you confirm that you have read this policy, agree to abide by its terms, and accept responsibility for the borrowed book(s).