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Returning Books

Ready to return a book? Here’s how to complete your loan and get the book back to the library or owner.

How to Return a Book

Section titled “How to Return a Book”
  1. Go to My Loans in the navigation
  2. Find the book you want to return
  3. Tap Return Book
  4. Choose your return method:
    • Return to Shelf — Drop off at the library
    • Return to Owner — Hand directly to the book owner
  5. Confirm the return

[Screenshot: return options showing shelf and owner choices]

Returning to the Library Shelf

Section titled “Returning to the Library Shelf”

The most common return method:

  1. Bring the book to your library’s designated return area
  2. Place the book on the shelf
  3. Open the app and tap Return to Shelf
  4. Optionally, take a photo of the book on the shelf (helps prevent disputes)

If someone is waiting: They’ll be notified immediately that the book is available for pickup.

Returning Directly to the Owner

Section titled “Returning Directly to the Owner”

For personal handoffs:

  1. Arrange to meet the book owner
  2. Hand over the book
  3. Both parties confirm the return in the app

The loan is complete once both parties confirm.

Before the Due Date

Section titled “Before the Due Date”

Reminders you’ll receive:

  • 3 days before: “Due soon” reminder
  • Due date morning: “Due today” reminder

Try to return books on or before the due date. On-time returns help your reliability score.

Late Returns

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If you miss your due date:

  • Day after due: You’ll receive an “Overdue” notification
  • Your reliability score: Will gradually decrease the longer the book is overdue
  • You can still return it: The return process is the same—just complete it as soon as possible

Owner recall: If your book is significantly overdue, the owner may recall it, giving you 7 days to return it.

Photo Proof

Section titled “Photo Proof”

When returning to a shelf, you can optionally upload a photo showing the book in place. This is helpful if:

  • The library is unmanned
  • You want proof of return in case of disputes
  • The book is valuable or rare

Photos are stored with your loan record and visible to the owner and library admins.

What Happens After Return

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Once you confirm the return:

  1. Your loan status changes to Returned
  2. The book becomes available for others
  3. If someone was waiting, they’re notified
  4. Your on-time return helps your reliability score

Tips

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  • Return books in the same condition — Note any damage to the owner before returning
  • Use photo proof for valuable books — It protects both you and the owner
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Still Need Help?

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If you’re having trouble returning a book, contact support.