[Michlib-l] Patron returns cigarette smoke-tinged books; consequences?

Hello all, A patron returned five books today that smell pretty smoky. This is the third time in a few months. There's nothing in our policy that deals with this directly. A circulation policy states: Materials damaged or lost by a patron must be replaced by the patron. Have you dealt with this before? Have you talked to the patron, which I will do; and when, if you do so, do you declare the item damaged and the patron responsible for paying for the item/s? Thanks! -- _Susan Riegler_ Susan Riegler, Director Alden District Library 231/331-4318