Library Policies
For a more detailed list of Library Policies click on the links above.
3) CUSTOMER SERVICE
a) The Library will serve all residents of the city and surrounding areas. Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status. This Library will follow all OPEN ACCESS guidelines.
b) To receive a Patron Card an individual must fill out an application and provide a picture ID along with proof of their current address (such as a current utility bill or rental agreement). A child under the age of 13 must have a parent with them to provide this information. The Patron Card must be presented each time a patron wishes to check out an item. If the card is lost and needs to be replaced the patron will be charged $3.00 for a replacement card.
c) 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, puzzle contestants, and others whose demands for staff time, available materials, or space would prohibit attention and service to other individuals or groups.
d) 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.
e) 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. Furthermore, the Library will resist the issuance or enforcement of any such process, order, or subpoena until such time as a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.
7) 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 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 will 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 typical programming. Children must be directly supervised by a parent or the responsible caregiver at all times 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 unattended children should be informed of the time and inquire about when he/she will be picked up. At closing time, if the child still has not been picked up, the police will be contacted.
10) 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 of the meeting room must do so in person and complete an application form and sign a waiver.
iii) Reservations for use of the meeting room must include the name of the group or organization, time and date, number of persons expected and name and telephone number of person responsible for the group. Requests to reserve the room will come on a first come, first serve basis.
iv) 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.
v) The person who signs the reservation form shall accept responsibility for the group for the repair and replacement of damaged facilities or missing equipment.
vi) The person signing the responsibility form shall be responsible for picking up the key to the meeting room at the Library during normal Library hours. This person shall also be responsible for locking the door, turning off lights, and unplugging coffee pots, if used, when the meeting is over and for returning the key. When picking up the key, a deposit of $25.00 will be charged, refundable when the key is returned if the room is left clean and all furniture has been returned to its original place. If unfamiliar with group or person, a staff person should stay during the duration of the meeting.
vii) No materials or property shall be moved in or attached that will damage floors, walls, or woodwork.
viii) The Library cannot undertake to care for or store any materials for groups or individuals using the facilities nor be responsible for them while on the premises.
ix) Library activities and programs will always take priority in the use of the meeting room.
x) The fact that a group meets in the Library does not constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the Board.
xi) Activities held during operating hours that involve singing or noise should be clearly advertised to let the public know when activities will be held. Outside of planned programing the Library will provide a quiet place for reading or studying.
xii) Children’s groups must be supervised by an adult sponsor.
xiii) Groups are responsible for their own set-up and take down.
xiv) No candles may be used.
xv) The person who signs the reservation form shall accept responsibility for the group for the repair and replacement of damaged facilities or missing equipment.
xvi) 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.
xvii) The Library Board is not responsible for accidents.