Library Policies
For a more detailed list of Library Policies click on the links above.
1) CIRCULATION
a) To receive a Patron Card an individual must provide a picture ID along with proof of their current address (such as a current utility bill or rental agreement). Information access will be available to all card holders. A child under the age of 13 must have a parent with them to provide this information.
b) The e-card number for each patron is the last 5 digits of their library card number. This will be issued at the time they receive their Patron Card and will be provided information on how to access their e-card account. The card holder will have access to all State materials available in all formats.
c) The use of the Library or its services may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return books or other materials, destruction of Library property, disturbance of other patrons, any other objectionable conduct on Library premises, or nonpayment of fines.
d) Loan Periods and Limits
i) The first loan period is 1 item checked out: once that has been returned normal policy resumes.
ii) 4 Day: DVDs - 4 per patron family
iii) 7 days – Cricut cartridges, hot spots
iv) 14 Days: Magazines, books, and audio books
v) Total amount of materials checked out per patron is not to exceed 25 items.
vi) Certain reference materials and older magazines are for in-house use only and cannot be checked out.
e) All materials may be renewed at the discretion of library staff.
f) All materials may be reserved, and patrons will be contacted when material is available for them.
g) Reference services are available during Library hours. Help on homework assignments will be given as librarian’s time allows. If reference questions are phoned in, we will try to find the answer to the question and return the patron’s call as soon as time allows. If we cannot find an answer, we will tell the patron we can research further through other resources but cannot guarantee a time period. Reference questions will be handled as they are received. There is no charge to the patron for this service unless it involves copies of materials.
h) The use of the Library or its services shall be limited when excessive demands of groups or individuals tend to curtail service to the general public. Such demands may include those made by students, and others whose demands for staff time, available materials, or space would limit attention and service to other individuals or groups.
i) OVERDUE MATERIAL
i) In the interest of making access to the Library’s collections more convenient for everyone, and realizing the immeasurable value in terms of public relations, fines will only be charged for late return of DVDs and Cricut cartridges. The fine will be $1.00 per day per item.
ii) If materials are more than 30 days overdue, they will be deemed lost. The patron will be billed the replacement cost of the material(s) as logged on catalog record.
iii) Materials unaccounted for after two months will be subject to the Iowa theft law and will be duly processed in accordance with the law. (Iowa Code 714.5)
j) The Board recognizes that the circulation records of this Library are confidential in nature and advises all Library employees that such records shall not be made available to anyone, including any agency of federal, local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative investigatory power, unless ordered by court. (Iowa Code 22.7) Any inquiry about releasing records will be addressed by the Director.
1) BORROWER’S RESPONSIBILITIES (CONDUCT AND UNATTENDED CHILDREN)
a) We strive to give equal service to all patrons of the Library and in return ask patrons to:
i) Return materials on time.
ii) Keep materials, facilities, and property in good, clean condition and report any damage or defects so repairs can be made promptly.
iii) Conduct themselves in proper manner so as not to disturb other patrons.
iv) Pay fines promptly.
b) Observance of Library policy and rules is expected at all times. Abuse of Library privileges will result in a warning or restriction of services by the Director or in his/her absence by the staff member in charge. Continued abuse may result in suspension of some or all Library privileges at the discretion of the Director. A patron who feels he/she has been unfairly suspended may file an appeal in writing with the Board. Appeals will be considered at the next regular meeting of the Board.
c) Unruly or Disruptive Patrons: At the discretion of the Director, or the staff in charge, the unruly or disruptive patron may be asked to leave the premises for a specified period of time, or he/she may lose certain Library privileges. If the patron is a minor, a parent may be notified of the disciplinary action.
d) Destructive Patrons: While some destructive patrons can be careless or thoughtless, others can be dangerous. If the patron seems harmless, making him/her aware that employees are observing him/her should be enough to stop the problem. If the patron is obviously not approachable, the police may be called for assistance. Examples of destructive behavior are:
i) Destroying or damaging of Library material.
ii) Destroying or damaging Library equipment.
iii) Vandalism of Library property.
iv) Bullying patrons or staff.
e) Unattended Children: The use of the Library as a temporary baby-sitting service by parents is not allowed. Library staff cannot be responsible for unattended children. Children 7 years old and younger must be accompanied by a parent or caretaker 14 years of age or older unless it is during their typical programming. Children must be directly supervised by a parent or the responsible caregiver while in the library. Parents or caregivers are responsible for the safety and appropriate behavior of each child in their care. Fifteen minutes before closing time, any children that are not picked up and cannot walk home should be informed of the time and inquire about when he/she will be picked up. Efforts should be made to contact parents or care givers. 15 minutes after closing time, if the child still has not been picked up, the police may be contacted.
1) MEETING ROOM
a) The Board is aware of the need in this community for a meeting room such as exists at the Library and believes that making these accommodations more fully available to the public is an additional service which the Library may render to the community under conditions set by the Board.
b) Any group, association, or individual interested in promoting cultural, educational, civic, or other activities which will not interfere with the Library’s principal function and which are appropriate to the facilities and not contrary to the public interest as determined by the Board or as provided by law, are encouraged to use the meeting room.
c) The facilities may not be used: for the commercial benefit of private individuals; by groups that are largely commercial in nature; nor for the direct sales of goods and services.
d) Groups meeting in the Library’s conference room are subject to the following regulations:
i) Attendance at the meetings is to be limited to 20 persons.
ii) Any individual or representative of a group requesting reservations must receive confirmation by the Director. Requests to reserve the room will come on a first come, first serve basis.
iii) The kitchenette may be used for coffee and light refreshments. The person in charge must see that the room is left clean, and furniture returned to its original placement. The Library reserves the right to assess a $25.00 cleaning or labor charge if necessary, to complete any cleanup.
iv) The person who receives confirmation from the Director shall accept responsibility for the group for the repair and replacement of damaged facilities or missing equipment.
v) Library activities and programs will always take priority in the use of the meeting room.
vi) The fact that a group meets in the Library does not constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the Board.
vii) Activities held during operating hours that involve singing or noise should be clearly advertised to let the public know when activities will be held.
viii) Children’s groups must be supervised by an adult sponsor.
ix) Groups are responsible for their own set-up and take down.
x) No candles may be used.
xi) The director is authorized to deny use the Library meeting room to any group or individual that is disorderly or objectionable in any way or that violates these regulations.
xii) The Library Board is not responsible for accidents.