CHERRYFIELD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
POLICIES AND FORMS
The Board of the Cherryfield Free Public Library adopts these policies on April 3, 2010.
CHERRYFIELD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
POLICIES AND FORMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Library Objectives 4
Personnel 4
Librarian 4
Staff 4
Library Services 5
Hours of Operation 5
Orientation/Tours 5
Meeting Room Policy 5
Display Space 6
Exhibits 6
Service to Patrons with Disabilities 6
Circulation and Borrowing Policy 6
Reference Services 7
Photocopy Services 8
Overdue Materials Policy 8
Confidentiality Policy 8
Emergency Situations 8
Public Access to Electronic Information Networks 9
Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Compliance 10
Collection Development 11
Purpose of the Collection 11
Definition of Patron Need 11
Selection Responsibility 12
Copyright Restrictions 12
Materials Selection 12
Collection Maintenance 12
Patron Requests 12
Revision of Selection Policy 13
Donations, Gifts and Memorials 13
Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials 14
Patron Conduct 14
Patron Conduct Policy 14
Patron Code of Conduct 15
Unattended or Disruptive Children Policy 15
Fundraising Group Policy 16
Volunteer Policy 17
Volunteers Insurance Carried 18
Attachments
American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights 19
American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement 19
American Film and Video Association's Freedom to View Statement 22
Request for Materials Reconsideration 23
Complaint About Library Material (Form) 23
Unattended or Disruptive Children Parental Notification Letter 24
LIBRARY OBJECTIVES
1. To assemble, preserve and administer, in organized collections, books and related educational and recreational materials in order to promote, through guidance and stimulation, the communication of ideas to enlighten citizenship and enrich personal lives.
2. To serve the community as a center of reliable information.
3. To provide a place where inquiring minds may encounter the original, sometimes unorthodox, and critical ideas so necessary as correctives and stimulants in a society that depends for its survival on free competition in ideas.
4. To support educational, civic, and cultural activities of groups and organizations.
5. To provide opportunity and encouragement for children, young people, men and women to educate themselves continuously.
6. To seek continually to identify community needs to provide programs of service to meet such needs, and to cooperate with other organizations, agencies, and institutions which can provide programs or service to meet community needs.
7. To provide opportunity for recreation through the use of literature, films, videos, and other art forms.
PERSONNEL
The Cherryfield Free Public Library follows the personnel policies below:
LIBRARIAN
The head librarian will be selected by the Board of Trustees with due regard for established professional qualifications for library background and general education.
The librarian will be responsible for the administration of the library staff and programs under the policies established by the Library Board.
STAFF
The first duty of the library staff is to serve the public. Every patron is entitled to prompt, efficient, friendly, courteous service.
Staff members are encouraged to read widely in both current affairs and literature. Outside interests and contacts of staff members are a valuable source of communication between the community and the library and will be encouraged.
All professional staff members should keep in touch with current trends in the profession through professional reading, association membership and attendance at conferences, institutes, workshops, etc.
The Staff/Volunteers shall not impose their religious/political views on the patrons.
Library Services
Hours of operation
The Cherryfield Free Public Library maintains consistent, posted hours of service during which all services of the library are available to patrons. Those hours are:
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 2pm – 6pm
Wednesday 2pm – 6pm
Thursday 2pm – 6pm
Friday 2pm – 6pm
Saturday 11am – 3pm
The book drop is available for the return of all materials during the hours the library is closed. The book drop is located at the main entrance of the library Wifi is available 24/7.
ORIENTATION/TOURS
The library offers orientation and tours of the facility for patrons of all ages. Such activities will be scheduled during regular operating hours. Scheduling should be done prior to need with the librarian.
Meeting Room Policy
The Cherryfield Free Public Library has a meeting room with seating for 20. The primary purpose of this meeting room is support for library functions, meetings, and programs. The meeting room may, on occasion, be made available for use to members of the public. Organizations not affiliated with the Cherryfield Free Public Library may use the meeting room only when all of the following conditions are met:
1.The organization conducting the meeting is not doing so for the immediate or ultimate gain of a for-profit business or agency.
2.The meeting takes place before/after regular library hours unless other arrangements are made.
3.The meeting will not disrupt the ability of the library to conduct its business in a normal and orderly manner.
4.The meeting is open to the public.
5.The organization assumes all responsibility for setting up and cleaning up the room.
6.Monetary donations are always welcome.
7.All trash resulting from the serving of refreshments must be removed by the organization.
8.Equipment, supplies or personal effects will not be the responsibility of the CFPL.
9.Personal furniture or equipment may be provided by a group with prior approval. Arrangements for the use of any personal furniture or equipment should be made at scheduling time. In order to ensure easy removal of equipment after the meeting, the Library Director should be notified when the equipment is brought into the building.
10.Please leave the meeting room as it is found. If the furniture is rearranged, it should be returned to the original arrangement at the end of the meeting.
11.The individual making the reservation, as well as the membership of the group as a whole, will be held responsible for any and all damages that may occur as a result of the use of the facilities.
12.Notice of cancellation should be made as soon as possible. After 30 minutes, a group may forfeit its reservation if it fails to appear as scheduled.
13.There is no charge for using the meeting room.
14.Solicitation, admission, or other charges, money-raising activities, and/or sales other than library related are not allowed. Instructional fees and honoraria are permitted.
15.No political or religious fundraising activities will be allowed.
Display Space
To meet the objectives of the library as a community resource center, the library offers display space to organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities as space permits.
The following general guidelines apply:
Approval for posting/displaying of materials must be obtained from the library directors.
First preference is given to the promotion and display of library events.
Posters and / or other printed materials promoting programs/ projects of a commercial or political nature will not be displayed or distributed unless otherwise permitted by the Library Directors.
Posting of notices does not imply endorsement by the Cherryfield Free Public Library.
Exhibits
Occasionally, exhibits from sources within the community may be allowed in the library. All exhibits considered for space within the library must support the mission of the library and not cause disruption of the regular flow of library work and service. Set up and removal will be the responsibility of the exhibitor unless other arrangements are made with the Library. The library assumes no liability for damage or loss relating to any exhibits set-up for public viewing in the library and will take no extraordinary measures to insure its safety.
Service to patrons with disabilities
The Cherryfield Free Public Library offers the same services to patrons with disabilities as to all other segments of the population.
Circulation and Borrowing POLICY
Registration requirements
The Cherryfield Free Public Library is open to anyone who wishes to use our library. We require all patrons to fill out a Patron Registration Card. Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian’s name on the registration card. At that time a library card will be issued. We, the Cherryfield Free Public Library, reserve the right to revoke any library card issued if the patron does not follow the rules of the library.
ELigibility to BORROW ITEMS
Individuals presenting valid borrower’s cards issued by the Cherryfield Free Public Library are eligible to borrow materials from the library when the following condition is met:
No materials are overdue on their card or from another library.
The library staff may not waive these regulations without the specific permission of the library directors. However, the patron may request and receive a 24-hour hold on the item(s) he or she wishes to check out to allow the patron to correct the situation which has resulted in loss of eligibility to borrow.
Fees
Copies/ Computer printouts: $.30 black & white, $.50 color per page. If enlargement or reduction is required there may be an additional cost to the patron. Enlargement and reduction is not an exact science and may take several pages. This fee applies to all material printed by library printers.
Length of Loans
The Cherryfield Free Public Library circulates materials in a variety of formats including books, magazines, Audio Materials, and videos. All materials are loaned for a two (2) week period. Most materials can be renewed, unless there is a waiting list for said material.
Lost and/or damaged materials
Materials borrowed via any mechanism are the responsibility of the library patron. Replacement cost (not original purchase price) is the responsibility of any patron who borrows and loses or damages beyond repair any library material. In the case of children under the age of 18, it is the parents’/guardian’s responsibility to pay for lost or damaged items in accordance with the following schedule of terms:
1.Retail replacement cost of any item which is lost or damaged beyond repair and for which a current price can be found plus a reprocessing fee of $5.00.
2.Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan which are lost or damaged are charged to the patron according to the bill provided by the lending agency.
Interlibrary loan
When patrons want materials that are not available within the Cherryfield Free Public Library, we ask other agencies to provide it. This is the process of interlibrary loan. Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan have a circulation period determined by the lending library, not the Cherryfield Free Public Library. We are happy to borrow materials from other libraries for you, but we ask that you respect the date by which those materials must be returned to their home libraries. When the Cherryfield Free Public Library is lax in returning materials borrowed through interlibrary loan, the library can lose the privilege of borrowing materials in that way for any of its patrons. It is crucial that materials borrowed through interlibrary loan be returned in a timely manner. Habitual failure to do so may result in individual loss of the privilege in order to preserve the privilege for other library patrons.
There is a $3.00 fee per ILL request (up to 2 titles) to help cover the cost of postage.
Reserves
Patrons may reserve materials which are not immediately available for patron use, but are in the collection of the Cherryfield Free Public Library. When the reserved materials are available to the patron who has placed the reserve, the library will notify the patron. The specific title of the material will not be stated to anyone other than the library patron who placed the reserve. If the patron is not available by phone, a message will be left. The date of the message will be noted and the material will be held for the patron for a period of one week. If additional patrons are waiting for the material, the next patron on the list will be called and notified of the availability of the item, and the same procedure will be followed. In no circumstance will the library leave more than one message regarding a hold on a specific item. Relay of the message to the appropriate person in the household, and prompt retrieval of the material, are the responsibilities of the patron.
Reference Services
The Cherryfield Free Public Library serves a diverse public with unique individual needs and levels of ability to conduct research independently.
Names of users and the transactions that occur between users and the staff are confidential and not discussed outside a professional context.
Reference service and materials are available to all regardless of the age, race, sex, social, or economic status of the patron. The reference questions of patrons visiting the library are given the highest priority. All requests for information receive an answer or status report within one working day. Questions that cannot be answered with onsite resources are referred to another agency.
In the instance of legal, medical, investment, or tax reference questions, the staff may only guide the patron to the material available on the topic of interest. The staff may not evaluate or interpret the information provided nor may the staff define the meaning of terms, offer investment advice, select income tax forms, or serve as a surrogate for a professional in any of the fields listed above. If all materials within the library are beyond the understanding of the patron, the patron will be advised to consult with their professional from the above listed fields for additional information or advice.
Reference materials regardless of format, including Genealogy, may not be removed from the library.
PHOTOCOPY SERVICE
The library provides a photocopy machine for the patron's convenience and to protect the library collection. Copyright laws are to be followed by all patrons making photocopies. The library has no responsibility for personal violations of copyright law.
OVERDUE MATERIALS POLICY
Any patron having overdue materials will have all library privileges revoked until said materials are returned, replaced, or paid for. This includes use of computers; however, they may still use the WiFi if they have their own device.
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
The Cherryfield Free Public Library abides by Maine Statute Title 27, Chapter 4A section 121 Confidentiality of Library Records which states that the records of patron transactions and the identity of registered library patrons is confidential material. The Cherryfield Free Public Library does not make available the records of patron transactions to any party except in compliance with the law. The Cherryfield Free Public Library does not make available lists of registered library patrons except in compliance with the law.
Procedures for Handling Patron Confidentiality
When speaking to a family member and not to the patron, information about the material should be restricted to information that does not reveal the content.
Sample:
1. A videocassette borrowed is overdue and should be returned.
2. A book that had been reserved is now in and can be picked up.
If a person other than the patron requests information, staff will state that they are only permitted to discuss specific information with the patron.
Patron Personal Information:
Address, phone numbers, or any other personal information from a patron's record may not be given out without direct consent of the Library Directors.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
FIRE
In the event of a fire, library staff will report the fire to the Fire Department and assist in evacuating the building.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
In the event of an ill/injured patron, library staff will respond positively with any reasonable help. If the ill/injured person is unable to make calls, the library staff will assist in notifying a relative or call an ambulance if necessary.
Public Access to Electronic Information Networks
The Cherryfield Free Public Library provides resources in a wide variety of formats to meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the community it serves. The Internet is an integral part of the resources available to assist library users in finding the information they need.
The Internet is a global electronic network. The Cherryfield Free Public Library does not monitor Internet use, has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. The Cherryfield Free Public Library complies with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) which requires the use of filtering software for adults, teens, and children. Adults, defined by the law as over the age of 17, may ask the Library Staff to unblock the filter for Internet access. Filtering software may not block all material users might find offensive. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
The Internet is a continually evolving resource and the information and links on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably. The library cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on the Internet. Users should carefully evaluate the information they find when using this resource. The CFPL does not encrypt data sent or received through our Internet services.
GUIDELINES FOR USE
To achieve an atmosphere conducive to the best use of its resources, the library has developed the following rules regarding the use of public computers:
• Use of the Internet is governed by the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy. The user may not use the Internet for any illegal activity or place any material on the Internet related to any illegal activity.
• Users may not invade the privacy of others or engage in any activity that is harassing, defamatory, or threatening; or receive or display graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene as defined by law.
• It is the responsibility of the user to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and assume responsibility for payment of fees for any fee-based service.
• By using a public Internet workstation at the Cherryfield Free Public Library you agree to the following guidelines:
Time limits:
There are time limits on computer use per day; the limit may vary according to the level of demand.
Downloading:
You may download to a pre-formatted disk, writable CD/DVD, or storage device.
You must provide your own storage device.
The library is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal disks or storage devices when downloading.
E-Mail:
The library does not offer electronic mail accounts.
You may download your e-mail if you know the Internet address of your private account, or if you are using a web-based email account such as Yahoo or Google mail.
You may not:
Use the library's workstations as a staging ground to gain unauthorized access to the library's networks or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.
Obstruct the work of others by consuming gratuitously large amounts of system resources or by deliberately crashing any library computer system.
Display images, sounds, or messages in a way that will negatively affect those who find them objectionable or offensive.
Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
Make any attempt to alter software configurations in a malicious manner.
Make any attempt to cause degradation of system performance.
Use any library workstation for illegal or criminal purpose.
Engage in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous.
Represent yourself as another person for purposes of fraud or other illegal activity.
ILLEGAL ACTS INVOLVING LIBRARY RESOURCES MAY BE SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION BY LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS.
The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time.
CFPL Internet Access Policy, approved (Re-Ratified September 2014)
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Compliance
The Cherryfield Free Public Library provides resources in a wide variety of formats to meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the community it serves. The Internet is an integral part of the resources available to assist library users in finding the information they need.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library complies with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act by addressing the five key requirements:
Prohibits access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web
Protects the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications
Prohibits unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online
Prohibits unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors
Incorporates measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors
The CFPL currently restricts access by minors to inappropriate matter with the use of filtering software. All Internet computers run this software and it can only be bypassed for adults 18 years and older.
Use of the Internet is also governed by the Appropriate Library Use Policy. The user may not use the Internet for any illegal activity or place any material on the Internet related to any illegal activity. It is the responsibility of the user to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and assume responsibility for payment of fees for any fee-based service.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library also has a Patron Privacy Policy which addresses the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding both adult and child patrons.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library is committed to user confidentiality. The confidentiality of library records is a core part of library ethics and the Cherryfield Free Public Library follows the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library does not sell, lease, or otherwise distribute or disclose patron name, email address, postal address, telephone number, or other personal information to outside parties.
The Internet is a continually evolving resource and the information and links on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably. The library cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on the Internet. Users should carefully evaluate the information they find when using this resource.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library does not encrypt data sent or received through our Internet services.
Companion Document to Internet Use Policy, Adopted by the Board of Trustees (Re-Ratified September 2014)
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
PURPOSE OF THE COLLECTION
The Cherryfield Free Public Library endeavors to build a collection representing varying points of view. The library keeps the collection vital and useful by retaining or replacing essential materials. The choice of library materials by users is an individual matter. Responsibility for the reading materials of children and adolescents rests with their parents or legal guardians. While a person may reject materials for himself or herself and for his or her children, he or she cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials by others. The library supports intellectual freedom and has adopted the following statements as policy: ALA Freedom to Read Statement, ALA Library Bill of Rights, and the “Freedom to View” statement of the American Film and Video Association.
Requests for reconsideration may be made only by registered patrons, and shall be made in writing and given to the library director for a written response. Appeals are directed to the Board for the final decision. (See Materials Reconsideration Procedures)
DEFINITION OF PATRON NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE LIBRARY
The library acknowledges that each person has information needs that are important to that individual. It also recognizes that it has limited financial resources to respond to these needs. The library has a responsibility to use public funds in ways that are advantageous to the largest number of its constituents. While the library's materials collection will not deny any need consistent with its mission, the library will nevertheless develop its collections with the recognition that it has the ability to meet certain needs more effectively and efficiently than other needs. It is cognizant of the availability of complementary information-giving institutions in the region and has examined the collections of other public and academic libraries in the area.
SELECTION RESPONSIBILITY
The responsibility for book selection rests with the library directors, operating within the framework of the policies enunciated herein, and adhering to generally accepted professional practices.
Copyright Restrictions
The copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) govern the reproduction, distribution, adaptation, public performance, and public display of protected material.
Under certain conditions, public libraries are authorized to lend, lease, or rent copies of computer programs and videotapes to patrons for nonprofit purposes. Any person who makes an unauthorized copy or adaptation of a computer program or videotape or redistributes the loaned copy or publicly performs or displays the computer program or videotape, except as permitted by Title 17 of the United States Code, may be liable for copyright infringement.
This institution reserves the right to refuse to fulfill a loan request if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the request would likely lead to violation of the copyright law.
MATERIALS SELECTION
Selection is the decision to add, retain or delete material as part of the library's resource collection. All materials, whether purchased by the library or donated to it, are evaluated in accordance with these guidelines. Selection decisions may be made upon one or a combination of guidelines as applicable to the item in question. Guidelines used by the Cherryfield Free Public Library to evaluate materials to be selected for its collection include:
1.The availability of material from other sources.
2.Budgetary limitations.
3.Suitability of the format of the item for library use.
4.Patron request.
5.Locally produced or authored material.
Collection Maintenance
WEEDING
In order to maintain the best possible collection of materials, a continual weeding process takes place. Items are discarded if they are outdated, if they no longer circulate, if there are more duplicate copies than needed, or if they are in poor physical condition.
A complete weeding of the entire collection is accomplished every five years. Items discarded are plainly marked and may be put in the Book Sale.
DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS LIBRARY MATERIAL
Library property which, in the judgment of the Library Director, is no longer necessary or useful for library purposes, may be disposed of in the following manner:
1. Books and non-print materials from the library's collection or gift materials may be discarded, sold, or be given to local philanthropic, educational, cultural, government or other not-for-profit organizations.
2. Any other personal property, at the discretion of the Library Directors, may be discarded, turned in on new equipment or made available for sale.
Patron Requests
The library welcomes patron interest in the collection and will seriously consider all requests that specific materials be acquired. The library is under no obligation to fill any particular request if not deemed suitable to the collection. Patron requests will be reviewed using the materials selection criteria listed above. Any patron who would like to request a specific item for purchase should make their request to the Library Directors.
REVISION OF SELECTION POLICY
Because the needs of the community change, this materials selection policy is revised as needed and/or is reviewed at least every five years.
Donations, Gifts and Memorials
General
The Cherryfield Free Public Library is grateful for gifts, and its collection has been enriched by donations of materials as well as by contributions. Through donors, the library has been able to acquire materials which could not have been purchased otherwise. The library staff can supply, upon request, a list of needed materials for consideration by the donor.
Donation of Books and Audio Visual Materials
In accepting a gift of materials, the library reserves the privilege of deciding whether items donated should be added to the collection. Some materials cannot be used because it may be: a duplicate of an item of which the library already has, outdated, and/or in poor condition. The material will be judged by the same standards of selection as those applied to the purchase of new materials. The Library accepts gift books with the understanding that books which are useful to the library collection will be retained and other books disposed of in whatever manner the librarian deems best. The Library cannot commit itself to perpetually housing a donation. The Library necessarily reserves the right to interfile gifts with other collections on the same subject, so that all collections are organized and classified according to library standards for the best public service.
Gift Book Program
The Library welcomes monetary contributions specifically for book purchases in memorial to or in honor of named individuals.
Donation of Art Objects and Other Types of Materials
Although such gifts are usually welcomed and valued, final decision on their acceptance rests with the Library Directors or the Board of Library Trustees.
Donations—Others, e.g. Monetary
The Library welcomes cash contributions, gifts of real property, stocks, and bonds. All donations are subject to the approval of the Library Directors with the backing of the Library Board of Library Trustees.
Recognition of Gifts
For memorial books to the library, the library may place within the book the name of the donor, if desired.
Income Tax Statements
The library cannot appraise the value of a donation of materials or art. It will issue the donor a letter acknowledging the donation. It is the donor's decision whether he or she will determine the value of the donation or utilize an independent appraiser. While the gifts to the Library as a governmental unit qualify as tax deductible, the donor will have to consider the particular circumstances of his or her situation for the specific effect.
Restriction
No donation can be accepted unless it is given to the library without restrictions unless the Board of Library Trustees has specifically adopted an agreement to do so. All gifts may be used, sold, or disposed of in the best interest of the library. All donations are accepted only if, in the opinion of the Library Directors and the Board of Library Trustees, they are in the best interests of the library.
Request for Reconsideration of Materials
Strong objection to any library materials must be made in writing according to “Procedures for Handling Complaints about Library Materials” provided in the attachments. Examination and reconsideration of materials, if necessary, will be handled as outlined in these procedures. A copy of these procedures as well as forms for registering complaints may be obtained at the Library.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library subscribes to the provisions of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association. These documents are considered a part of this policy. All individuals have the right to choose which library materials they will use. However, no one has the right to restrict the freedom of others to read whatever they wish. No book or other material in question is automatically removed from the collection because of an objection to it.
PATRON CONDUCT
If a patron is creating a disturbance or causing problems in the Library, the library staff has the authority or right to tell that patron to leave the library. If that patron refuses to comply and continues to cause problems, the police can then be contacted to eject that patron from the library.
Patron Conduct POLICY
The Cherryfield Free Public Library is dedicated to providing access to knowledge and information through reading, writing, and quiet contemplation, providing patrons the right to use materials and services without being disturbed or impeded, and providing patrons and employees a secure and comfortable environment. The Public Library Act provides the Board of Library Trustees with the general power to carry out the spirit and intent of the Act in establishing and maintaining the library and providing library services. The Act also provides the specific power to “exclude from the use of the library any person who willfully violates an ordinance or regulation prescribed.”
The Board of Library Trustees of the Cherryfield Free Public Library establishes its conduct policy as follows:
Section 1. A patron who engages in any activity that materially disrupts the use of library facilities, collections, or services by patrons or materially disrupts the ability of the staff to perform its duties shall cease such activity immediately upon request by library personnel.
Section 2. In such instances involving minors, identification will be requested and the incident may be reported to the parent or guardian.
Section 3. If, following a request, the patron fails or refuses to comply or responds to the request in an abusive fashion, he or she will be required to leave the library premises immediately for the balance of that calendar day. If he or she fails to leave, the police will be summoned.
Section 4. Library personnel will record instances in which patrons are required to leave the library in a ledger maintained by the library for that purpose. Upon the 3rd recorded instance in which a patron is required to leave the library premises within a thirty-day period, the Director shall bar the patron from use of library premises for a period of thirty days. Parents or guardians of minors will be notified in writing after the 1st recorded instance in which a minor is required to leave the library and advised of the consequences of any further recorded instances.
Section 5. Parents wishing to appeal such action may do so upon written request to the Board of Library Trustees.
Section 6. In the event a patron barred from the use of the library attempts entry to the library during any such period of exclusion, the police will be summoned and informed of the prior action.
Section 7. In the event the patron persists in abusive conduct or disruptive behavior following such a period of exclusion, the Director shall report to the Board of Library Trustees such conduct following prior exclusion and the Board will consider a long-term exclusion of that patron.
PATRON CODE OF CONDUCT
To insure that all patrons may have considerate use of the Cherryfield Free Public Library, appropriate behavior is expected. Violation of any of the following rules will result in a warning and/or expulsion from the property. Whenever necessary, police will be contacted. The Directors and supervisory staff have authority to carry out all powers of this policy.
1. No loud talking or boisterous behavior (running, excessive seat changing, etc.).
2. No destruction or mutilation of library property.
3. No parking bicycles or other vehicles in a manner that blocks or hinders entry to the library.
4. No conduct which is disruptive to the operation of the library or threatening to patrons, staff, or library property.
5. No physical abuse, assault on another person, or the use of abusive, insulting or threatening language to a person in the building.
6. No persons intoxicated from alcohol or other drugs.
7. No illegal behavior.
8. No nicotine products.
9. No pets allowed unless they are service animals.
10. No Soliciting.
11. No charges, money-raising activities, and/or sales other than library related.
Anyone known to have violated any of the above rules or anyone known to have habitually violated the law may be excluded from the library as a matter of administrative policy. The Maine State Police will be contacted in severe instances.
UNATTENDED AND DISRUPTIVE CHILDREN POLICY
Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are in the Library. The Cherryfield Free Public Library staff is committed to help children with activities related to the Library. However, Library staff cannot, nor is it their responsibility to serve as baby-sitters, teachers, or disciplinarians. Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges. Whenever advisable, the Library will notify the parent of incidents involving an unattended or disruptive child. [Form follows.]
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible caregiver. When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt, or the parent or responsible caregiver cannot be located, or if the Library is closing, library staff is authorized to call the police and stay with the child until the police arrive. Attempts will be made to reach parents, but in no instance will staff take young people home.
From time to time, the Cherryfield Free Public Library schedules or provides programs that are designed and suitable for attendance by children without parental supervision. Such program announcements will so indicate, and if no indication is included, then supervision is required. When so indicated, if the parent or caregiver intends to be absent, they must leave word at the circulation desk as to their whereabouts and, if possible, a phone number where they or a responsible adult can be contacted.
Children over the age of 9 may use the Library unattended by an adult, subject to other Library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct, and demeanor.
Disruptive behavior is any behavior on library premises that infringes on the rights of others using the library as referenced in the Patron Code of Conduct. In order to assure an environment conducive to reading and viewing and to promote an atmosphere in which lifelong learning and personal development can occur, disruptive children will not be allowed to interfere with library service to others. Library staff will approach disruptive children in the following manner:
Give a verbal warning to the child indicating that such behavior is disruptive to other library users and is unacceptable.
If the disruptive behavior continues, approach the parent or guardian with the same warning. If the child is unattended, give the child a second warning.
If the disruptive behavior still continues, request the parent or guardian to escort the child from the library premises. If the child is unattended, staff should use discretion in asking the child to leave taking into consideration the child's safety.
If the child's disruptive behavior continues and he or she refuses to leave the library premises, library staff will call the police dispatcher.
Library staff will document any incidents involving unattended or disruptive children and inform their supervisor. In all instances, the staff member in charge must be informed before appropriate action is taken.
FUNDRAISING GROUP POLICY
The following will constitute an operating agreement between the Fundraising Group of the Cherryfield Free Public Library and the Board of the Cherryfield Free Public Library. It will stand until and unless it is modified by mutual agreement of the Fundraising Group and the Cherryfield Free Public Library Board of Trustees.
The Fundraising Group’s mission is to raise money and public awareness in the community to support the services and programs of the Library.
The Library agrees to include the Fundraising Group in the long-term planning process to ensure that the Fundraising Group is aware of the goals and direction of the library.
The Library agrees to share with the Fundraising Group the library’s strategic initiatives at the beginning of each fiscal year and discuss with Fundraising Group how their resources and support might help forward these initiatives.
The Library agrees to supply the Fundraising Group with a “wish list” each year that indicates the anticipated needs for the Fundraising Group’s support.
The Library agrees to provide the Fundraising Group with staff support in an advisory capacity for activities but they shall not perform any duty or take any act on behalf of the Fundraising Group.
The Library agrees to provide public space for the Fundraising Group’s membership brochures and promotional materials.
The Library agrees to provide the Fundraising Group with space in the Library for book storage and sorting, book sales, and office needs.
The Library invites one representative from the Fundraising Group to attend the Quarterly Board Meetings if the Fundraising Group desires to do so.
The Fundraising Group agrees to publicly support the Library and its policies.
The Fundraising Group agrees that any and all monies raised will be spent exclusively for library programs, services, and other Library defined needs unless otherwise agreed to by both the Fundraising Group and the Library.
The Fundraising Group agrees that the library administration has the final say in accepting or declining any and all gifts made to the library.
The Fundraising Group agrees that if they cease to actively fundraise and promote the Library, they will disband allowing for a new Fundraising Group to be established in the future.
The Fundraising Group will inform the Board about the type of fundraiser they will be having before they proceed with the event.
VOLUNTEER POLICY
The Cherryfield Free Public Library’s volunteers are an important extension of the Library’s staff. Volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks that are important to the institution. The following policy is designed to promote a maximum degree of excellence.
Definition of a Volunteer
One who performs a service of his or her own free will. One who contributes time, energy and talents directly on behalf of the Cherryfield Free Public Library and is not paid by Library Funds. All volunteers must be accepted by the Library Director/Board of Trustees prior to performance of assigned tasks. Volunteers shall follow all enforced Library policies; perform duties as requested by the Library staff; and, be respectful to all Library Patrons.
Overall Policy on Utilization of Volunteers
In order to achieve the vision and mission statement of the Cherryfield Free Public Library, we view the active participation of citizens, of a variety of ages, as a valuable resource to the Library. The Library accepts and encourages the involvement of volunteers at most levels of the Library and within appropriate programs and activities. Volunteers shall be extended the right to be given meaningful assignments, the right to be treated as an equal, the right to effective supervision, the right to full involvement and participation and the right to recognition of good work.
Guidelines for Volunteers
1.Volunteers will set up a schedule in advance with the Library Director.
2.Volunteers will notify the Library in advance if they are not able to work their regularly scheduled time slot.
3.The Library will notify volunteers immediately if there is a change in Library hours or an unscheduled closing.
4.The Director will keep track of accurate volunteer hours worked.
5.Should a volunteer have a grievance with a staff person, another volunteer or library patron, every attempt will be made to handle the situation through the Library Director or a Library Board Member.
6.The Cherryfield Free Public Library reserves the right to terminate the services of the volunteer.
7.Volunteers may be used to increase the Library’s services.
8.Volunteers may not be used to establish and maintain new library services.
9.Volunteers will not be used to replace or reduce the number of paid staff.
10.Volunteers should expect to fulfill a commitment agreed upon with the Library.
11.Volunteers are recognized as contributors to the goals and services of the Library.
12.Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of ALL library information. Failure to maintain confidentiality will result in immediate termination of the volunteer.
13.The Library will, upon request, provide letters of reference for the volunteer, if deemed appropriate.
14.Procedures and requirements for the volunteer will vary with the age of the volunteer.
15.All personal information about the volunteer is for internal use only.
16.Volunteers will not be expected to do anything the Library staff would not do.
17.Discriminatory or racist incidents will not be tolerated.
18.Volunteers are prohibited from being under the influence of, using, possessing, selling or otherwise being involved with illegal substances or alcohol.
Tasks That May Be Performed By a Volunteer
1.Shelving material
2.Helping with programs and projects
3.Cleaning
4.Answering the telephone
5.Basic reference work
6.Working the circulation desk
7.Cataloging
8.Filing
9.Helping with Special Events
Types of Volunteers
1.Adult
2.Teen
3.Junior
4.Community Service Workers
5.Library Board
6.Volunteer/Fundraiser Group
Benefits of Being a Volunteer
1.Feeling good about yourself
2.A feeling of accomplishment
3.Being of service to your community
4.Recognition by staff, community, friends, etc.
5.Special “perks” offered by the library
6.References provided
7.Meeting new people and making new friends
8.Getting to know the library procedures, policies, the effort it takes to run and maintain a library.
9.Job training for future jobs
VOLUNTEERS INSURANCE CARRIED
The Cherryfield Free Public Library recognizes and appreciates the hard work and unique talents the volunteers of the community offer to the library throughout the year. The Cherryfield Free Public Library also recognizes the risk of injury that can be a part of every activity. For that reason, the board of trustees of the Cherryfield Free Public Library carries the necessary insurance coverage to provide insurance to volunteers who are injured while performing a task assigned by the library director or board of trustees as part of a formal program of volunteerism. This coverage is provided to the same level as accidental injury coverage is provided to employees of the library.
LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I.Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III.Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V.A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI.Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable bases, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948.
Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980,
inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996,
by the ALA Council.
FREEDOM TO READ STATEMENT
The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as citizens devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.
Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary citizen, by exercising critical judgment, will accept the good and reject the bad. The censors, public and private, assume that they should determine what is good and what is bad for their fellow citizens.
We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they need the help of censors to assist them in this task. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.
These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy.
Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference.
Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.
We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings. The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.
We therefore affirm these propositions:
Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.
Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.
The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for the citizen. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive.
The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all citizens the fullest of their support.
We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.
Adopted June 25, 1953; revised January 28, 1972, January 16, 1991, July 12, 2000, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee.
FREEDOM TO VIEW STATEMENT
The FREEDOM TO VIEW, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore, we affirm these principles:
1. It is in the public interest to provide the broadest possible access to films and other audiovisual materials because they have proven to be among the most effective means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.
2. It is in the public interest to provide for our audiences, films and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.
3. It is our professional responsibility to resist the constraint of labeling or prejudging a film on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or film maker or on the basis of controversial content.
It is our professional responsibility to contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public's freedom to view.
Adopted 'February, 1979
American Film and Video Association
Questions not covered in this policy should be referred to Library Director at 207-546-4228.
Materials Reconsideration Procedures
1.If patrons wish to file a complaint about library materials, Form I, Complaint about Library Materials, should be completed. This form stays on file with the Library. The Library Director will examine the material, as well as critical reviews of the material. Repeated complaints about specific works or materials in general will generate a reconsideration of a specific work and/or selection policies.
2.The Library Director will write a letter to the patron who initiated the complaint, outlining the above procedures and announcing the disposition of the material in question. The letter may also include a statement inviting the patron to the library to discuss the matter with Director.
Form I—Complaint about Library Material
Material: _____________________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________________
Name: _______________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Telephone: ____________________________________________________
Complaint Represents: _________ Individual _________ Organization
Reason for Complaint: __________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________________
Unattended or Disruptive Children Parental Notification Letter
Dear ,
The Cherryfield Free Public Library has recently experienced an incident involving your child,
, where they were:
_____ on Library grounds unattended by you or a responsible caregiver.
_____ behaving in a manner disruptive to library services.
A copy of the Library’s policy on Unattended or Disruptive Children is enclosed here for your attention. We ask that you review this policy and make every effort to follow it. We do not wish to suspend Library privileges for you or your family, but the safety of children as well as the proper operation of the Library is our first responsibility. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its enforcement, please contact the undersigned.
Very Truly Yours,
Library Director
POLICIES AND FORMS
The Board of the Cherryfield Free Public Library adopts these policies on April 3, 2010.
CHERRYFIELD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
POLICIES AND FORMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Library Objectives 4
Personnel 4
Librarian 4
Staff 4
Library Services 5
Hours of Operation 5
Orientation/Tours 5
Meeting Room Policy 5
Display Space 6
Exhibits 6
Service to Patrons with Disabilities 6
Circulation and Borrowing Policy 6
Reference Services 7
Photocopy Services 8
Overdue Materials Policy 8
Confidentiality Policy 8
Emergency Situations 8
Public Access to Electronic Information Networks 9
Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Compliance 10
Collection Development 11
Purpose of the Collection 11
Definition of Patron Need 11
Selection Responsibility 12
Copyright Restrictions 12
Materials Selection 12
Collection Maintenance 12
Patron Requests 12
Revision of Selection Policy 13
Donations, Gifts and Memorials 13
Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials 14
Patron Conduct 14
Patron Conduct Policy 14
Patron Code of Conduct 15
Unattended or Disruptive Children Policy 15
Fundraising Group Policy 16
Volunteer Policy 17
Volunteers Insurance Carried 18
Attachments
American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights 19
American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement 19
American Film and Video Association's Freedom to View Statement 22
Request for Materials Reconsideration 23
Complaint About Library Material (Form) 23
Unattended or Disruptive Children Parental Notification Letter 24
LIBRARY OBJECTIVES
1. To assemble, preserve and administer, in organized collections, books and related educational and recreational materials in order to promote, through guidance and stimulation, the communication of ideas to enlighten citizenship and enrich personal lives.
2. To serve the community as a center of reliable information.
3. To provide a place where inquiring minds may encounter the original, sometimes unorthodox, and critical ideas so necessary as correctives and stimulants in a society that depends for its survival on free competition in ideas.
4. To support educational, civic, and cultural activities of groups and organizations.
5. To provide opportunity and encouragement for children, young people, men and women to educate themselves continuously.
6. To seek continually to identify community needs to provide programs of service to meet such needs, and to cooperate with other organizations, agencies, and institutions which can provide programs or service to meet community needs.
7. To provide opportunity for recreation through the use of literature, films, videos, and other art forms.
PERSONNEL
The Cherryfield Free Public Library follows the personnel policies below:
LIBRARIAN
The head librarian will be selected by the Board of Trustees with due regard for established professional qualifications for library background and general education.
The librarian will be responsible for the administration of the library staff and programs under the policies established by the Library Board.
STAFF
The first duty of the library staff is to serve the public. Every patron is entitled to prompt, efficient, friendly, courteous service.
Staff members are encouraged to read widely in both current affairs and literature. Outside interests and contacts of staff members are a valuable source of communication between the community and the library and will be encouraged.
All professional staff members should keep in touch with current trends in the profession through professional reading, association membership and attendance at conferences, institutes, workshops, etc.
The Staff/Volunteers shall not impose their religious/political views on the patrons.
Library Services
Hours of operation
The Cherryfield Free Public Library maintains consistent, posted hours of service during which all services of the library are available to patrons. Those hours are:
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 2pm – 6pm
Wednesday 2pm – 6pm
Thursday 2pm – 6pm
Friday 2pm – 6pm
Saturday 11am – 3pm
The book drop is available for the return of all materials during the hours the library is closed. The book drop is located at the main entrance of the library Wifi is available 24/7.
ORIENTATION/TOURS
The library offers orientation and tours of the facility for patrons of all ages. Such activities will be scheduled during regular operating hours. Scheduling should be done prior to need with the librarian.
Meeting Room Policy
The Cherryfield Free Public Library has a meeting room with seating for 20. The primary purpose of this meeting room is support for library functions, meetings, and programs. The meeting room may, on occasion, be made available for use to members of the public. Organizations not affiliated with the Cherryfield Free Public Library may use the meeting room only when all of the following conditions are met:
1.The organization conducting the meeting is not doing so for the immediate or ultimate gain of a for-profit business or agency.
2.The meeting takes place before/after regular library hours unless other arrangements are made.
3.The meeting will not disrupt the ability of the library to conduct its business in a normal and orderly manner.
4.The meeting is open to the public.
5.The organization assumes all responsibility for setting up and cleaning up the room.
6.Monetary donations are always welcome.
7.All trash resulting from the serving of refreshments must be removed by the organization.
8.Equipment, supplies or personal effects will not be the responsibility of the CFPL.
9.Personal furniture or equipment may be provided by a group with prior approval. Arrangements for the use of any personal furniture or equipment should be made at scheduling time. In order to ensure easy removal of equipment after the meeting, the Library Director should be notified when the equipment is brought into the building.
10.Please leave the meeting room as it is found. If the furniture is rearranged, it should be returned to the original arrangement at the end of the meeting.
11.The individual making the reservation, as well as the membership of the group as a whole, will be held responsible for any and all damages that may occur as a result of the use of the facilities.
12.Notice of cancellation should be made as soon as possible. After 30 minutes, a group may forfeit its reservation if it fails to appear as scheduled.
13.There is no charge for using the meeting room.
14.Solicitation, admission, or other charges, money-raising activities, and/or sales other than library related are not allowed. Instructional fees and honoraria are permitted.
15.No political or religious fundraising activities will be allowed.
Display Space
To meet the objectives of the library as a community resource center, the library offers display space to organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities as space permits.
The following general guidelines apply:
Approval for posting/displaying of materials must be obtained from the library directors.
First preference is given to the promotion and display of library events.
Posters and / or other printed materials promoting programs/ projects of a commercial or political nature will not be displayed or distributed unless otherwise permitted by the Library Directors.
Posting of notices does not imply endorsement by the Cherryfield Free Public Library.
Exhibits
Occasionally, exhibits from sources within the community may be allowed in the library. All exhibits considered for space within the library must support the mission of the library and not cause disruption of the regular flow of library work and service. Set up and removal will be the responsibility of the exhibitor unless other arrangements are made with the Library. The library assumes no liability for damage or loss relating to any exhibits set-up for public viewing in the library and will take no extraordinary measures to insure its safety.
Service to patrons with disabilities
The Cherryfield Free Public Library offers the same services to patrons with disabilities as to all other segments of the population.
Circulation and Borrowing POLICY
Registration requirements
The Cherryfield Free Public Library is open to anyone who wishes to use our library. We require all patrons to fill out a Patron Registration Card. Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian’s name on the registration card. At that time a library card will be issued. We, the Cherryfield Free Public Library, reserve the right to revoke any library card issued if the patron does not follow the rules of the library.
ELigibility to BORROW ITEMS
Individuals presenting valid borrower’s cards issued by the Cherryfield Free Public Library are eligible to borrow materials from the library when the following condition is met:
No materials are overdue on their card or from another library.
The library staff may not waive these regulations without the specific permission of the library directors. However, the patron may request and receive a 24-hour hold on the item(s) he or she wishes to check out to allow the patron to correct the situation which has resulted in loss of eligibility to borrow.
Fees
Copies/ Computer printouts: $.30 black & white, $.50 color per page. If enlargement or reduction is required there may be an additional cost to the patron. Enlargement and reduction is not an exact science and may take several pages. This fee applies to all material printed by library printers.
Length of Loans
The Cherryfield Free Public Library circulates materials in a variety of formats including books, magazines, Audio Materials, and videos. All materials are loaned for a two (2) week period. Most materials can be renewed, unless there is a waiting list for said material.
Lost and/or damaged materials
Materials borrowed via any mechanism are the responsibility of the library patron. Replacement cost (not original purchase price) is the responsibility of any patron who borrows and loses or damages beyond repair any library material. In the case of children under the age of 18, it is the parents’/guardian’s responsibility to pay for lost or damaged items in accordance with the following schedule of terms:
1.Retail replacement cost of any item which is lost or damaged beyond repair and for which a current price can be found plus a reprocessing fee of $5.00.
2.Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan which are lost or damaged are charged to the patron according to the bill provided by the lending agency.
Interlibrary loan
When patrons want materials that are not available within the Cherryfield Free Public Library, we ask other agencies to provide it. This is the process of interlibrary loan. Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan have a circulation period determined by the lending library, not the Cherryfield Free Public Library. We are happy to borrow materials from other libraries for you, but we ask that you respect the date by which those materials must be returned to their home libraries. When the Cherryfield Free Public Library is lax in returning materials borrowed through interlibrary loan, the library can lose the privilege of borrowing materials in that way for any of its patrons. It is crucial that materials borrowed through interlibrary loan be returned in a timely manner. Habitual failure to do so may result in individual loss of the privilege in order to preserve the privilege for other library patrons.
There is a $3.00 fee per ILL request (up to 2 titles) to help cover the cost of postage.
Reserves
Patrons may reserve materials which are not immediately available for patron use, but are in the collection of the Cherryfield Free Public Library. When the reserved materials are available to the patron who has placed the reserve, the library will notify the patron. The specific title of the material will not be stated to anyone other than the library patron who placed the reserve. If the patron is not available by phone, a message will be left. The date of the message will be noted and the material will be held for the patron for a period of one week. If additional patrons are waiting for the material, the next patron on the list will be called and notified of the availability of the item, and the same procedure will be followed. In no circumstance will the library leave more than one message regarding a hold on a specific item. Relay of the message to the appropriate person in the household, and prompt retrieval of the material, are the responsibilities of the patron.
Reference Services
The Cherryfield Free Public Library serves a diverse public with unique individual needs and levels of ability to conduct research independently.
Names of users and the transactions that occur between users and the staff are confidential and not discussed outside a professional context.
Reference service and materials are available to all regardless of the age, race, sex, social, or economic status of the patron. The reference questions of patrons visiting the library are given the highest priority. All requests for information receive an answer or status report within one working day. Questions that cannot be answered with onsite resources are referred to another agency.
In the instance of legal, medical, investment, or tax reference questions, the staff may only guide the patron to the material available on the topic of interest. The staff may not evaluate or interpret the information provided nor may the staff define the meaning of terms, offer investment advice, select income tax forms, or serve as a surrogate for a professional in any of the fields listed above. If all materials within the library are beyond the understanding of the patron, the patron will be advised to consult with their professional from the above listed fields for additional information or advice.
Reference materials regardless of format, including Genealogy, may not be removed from the library.
PHOTOCOPY SERVICE
The library provides a photocopy machine for the patron's convenience and to protect the library collection. Copyright laws are to be followed by all patrons making photocopies. The library has no responsibility for personal violations of copyright law.
OVERDUE MATERIALS POLICY
Any patron having overdue materials will have all library privileges revoked until said materials are returned, replaced, or paid for. This includes use of computers; however, they may still use the WiFi if they have their own device.
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
The Cherryfield Free Public Library abides by Maine Statute Title 27, Chapter 4A section 121 Confidentiality of Library Records which states that the records of patron transactions and the identity of registered library patrons is confidential material. The Cherryfield Free Public Library does not make available the records of patron transactions to any party except in compliance with the law. The Cherryfield Free Public Library does not make available lists of registered library patrons except in compliance with the law.
Procedures for Handling Patron Confidentiality
When speaking to a family member and not to the patron, information about the material should be restricted to information that does not reveal the content.
Sample:
1. A videocassette borrowed is overdue and should be returned.
2. A book that had been reserved is now in and can be picked up.
If a person other than the patron requests information, staff will state that they are only permitted to discuss specific information with the patron.
Patron Personal Information:
Address, phone numbers, or any other personal information from a patron's record may not be given out without direct consent of the Library Directors.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
FIRE
In the event of a fire, library staff will report the fire to the Fire Department and assist in evacuating the building.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
In the event of an ill/injured patron, library staff will respond positively with any reasonable help. If the ill/injured person is unable to make calls, the library staff will assist in notifying a relative or call an ambulance if necessary.
Public Access to Electronic Information Networks
The Cherryfield Free Public Library provides resources in a wide variety of formats to meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the community it serves. The Internet is an integral part of the resources available to assist library users in finding the information they need.
The Internet is a global electronic network. The Cherryfield Free Public Library does not monitor Internet use, has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. The Cherryfield Free Public Library complies with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) which requires the use of filtering software for adults, teens, and children. Adults, defined by the law as over the age of 17, may ask the Library Staff to unblock the filter for Internet access. Filtering software may not block all material users might find offensive. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
The Internet is a continually evolving resource and the information and links on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably. The library cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on the Internet. Users should carefully evaluate the information they find when using this resource. The CFPL does not encrypt data sent or received through our Internet services.
GUIDELINES FOR USE
To achieve an atmosphere conducive to the best use of its resources, the library has developed the following rules regarding the use of public computers:
• Use of the Internet is governed by the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy. The user may not use the Internet for any illegal activity or place any material on the Internet related to any illegal activity.
• Users may not invade the privacy of others or engage in any activity that is harassing, defamatory, or threatening; or receive or display graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene as defined by law.
• It is the responsibility of the user to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and assume responsibility for payment of fees for any fee-based service.
• By using a public Internet workstation at the Cherryfield Free Public Library you agree to the following guidelines:
Time limits:
There are time limits on computer use per day; the limit may vary according to the level of demand.
Downloading:
You may download to a pre-formatted disk, writable CD/DVD, or storage device.
You must provide your own storage device.
The library is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal disks or storage devices when downloading.
E-Mail:
The library does not offer electronic mail accounts.
You may download your e-mail if you know the Internet address of your private account, or if you are using a web-based email account such as Yahoo or Google mail.
You may not:
Use the library's workstations as a staging ground to gain unauthorized access to the library's networks or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.
Obstruct the work of others by consuming gratuitously large amounts of system resources or by deliberately crashing any library computer system.
Display images, sounds, or messages in a way that will negatively affect those who find them objectionable or offensive.
Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
Make any attempt to alter software configurations in a malicious manner.
Make any attempt to cause degradation of system performance.
Use any library workstation for illegal or criminal purpose.
Engage in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous.
Represent yourself as another person for purposes of fraud or other illegal activity.
ILLEGAL ACTS INVOLVING LIBRARY RESOURCES MAY BE SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION BY LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS.
The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time.
CFPL Internet Access Policy, approved (Re-Ratified September 2014)
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Compliance
The Cherryfield Free Public Library provides resources in a wide variety of formats to meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the community it serves. The Internet is an integral part of the resources available to assist library users in finding the information they need.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library complies with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act by addressing the five key requirements:
Prohibits access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web
Protects the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications
Prohibits unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online
Prohibits unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors
Incorporates measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors
The CFPL currently restricts access by minors to inappropriate matter with the use of filtering software. All Internet computers run this software and it can only be bypassed for adults 18 years and older.
Use of the Internet is also governed by the Appropriate Library Use Policy. The user may not use the Internet for any illegal activity or place any material on the Internet related to any illegal activity. It is the responsibility of the user to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and assume responsibility for payment of fees for any fee-based service.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library also has a Patron Privacy Policy which addresses the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding both adult and child patrons.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library is committed to user confidentiality. The confidentiality of library records is a core part of library ethics and the Cherryfield Free Public Library follows the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library does not sell, lease, or otherwise distribute or disclose patron name, email address, postal address, telephone number, or other personal information to outside parties.
The Internet is a continually evolving resource and the information and links on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably. The library cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on the Internet. Users should carefully evaluate the information they find when using this resource.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library does not encrypt data sent or received through our Internet services.
Companion Document to Internet Use Policy, Adopted by the Board of Trustees (Re-Ratified September 2014)
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
PURPOSE OF THE COLLECTION
The Cherryfield Free Public Library endeavors to build a collection representing varying points of view. The library keeps the collection vital and useful by retaining or replacing essential materials. The choice of library materials by users is an individual matter. Responsibility for the reading materials of children and adolescents rests with their parents or legal guardians. While a person may reject materials for himself or herself and for his or her children, he or she cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials by others. The library supports intellectual freedom and has adopted the following statements as policy: ALA Freedom to Read Statement, ALA Library Bill of Rights, and the “Freedom to View” statement of the American Film and Video Association.
Requests for reconsideration may be made only by registered patrons, and shall be made in writing and given to the library director for a written response. Appeals are directed to the Board for the final decision. (See Materials Reconsideration Procedures)
DEFINITION OF PATRON NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE LIBRARY
The library acknowledges that each person has information needs that are important to that individual. It also recognizes that it has limited financial resources to respond to these needs. The library has a responsibility to use public funds in ways that are advantageous to the largest number of its constituents. While the library's materials collection will not deny any need consistent with its mission, the library will nevertheless develop its collections with the recognition that it has the ability to meet certain needs more effectively and efficiently than other needs. It is cognizant of the availability of complementary information-giving institutions in the region and has examined the collections of other public and academic libraries in the area.
SELECTION RESPONSIBILITY
The responsibility for book selection rests with the library directors, operating within the framework of the policies enunciated herein, and adhering to generally accepted professional practices.
Copyright Restrictions
The copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) govern the reproduction, distribution, adaptation, public performance, and public display of protected material.
Under certain conditions, public libraries are authorized to lend, lease, or rent copies of computer programs and videotapes to patrons for nonprofit purposes. Any person who makes an unauthorized copy or adaptation of a computer program or videotape or redistributes the loaned copy or publicly performs or displays the computer program or videotape, except as permitted by Title 17 of the United States Code, may be liable for copyright infringement.
This institution reserves the right to refuse to fulfill a loan request if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the request would likely lead to violation of the copyright law.
MATERIALS SELECTION
Selection is the decision to add, retain or delete material as part of the library's resource collection. All materials, whether purchased by the library or donated to it, are evaluated in accordance with these guidelines. Selection decisions may be made upon one or a combination of guidelines as applicable to the item in question. Guidelines used by the Cherryfield Free Public Library to evaluate materials to be selected for its collection include:
1.The availability of material from other sources.
2.Budgetary limitations.
3.Suitability of the format of the item for library use.
4.Patron request.
5.Locally produced or authored material.
Collection Maintenance
WEEDING
In order to maintain the best possible collection of materials, a continual weeding process takes place. Items are discarded if they are outdated, if they no longer circulate, if there are more duplicate copies than needed, or if they are in poor physical condition.
A complete weeding of the entire collection is accomplished every five years. Items discarded are plainly marked and may be put in the Book Sale.
DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS LIBRARY MATERIAL
Library property which, in the judgment of the Library Director, is no longer necessary or useful for library purposes, may be disposed of in the following manner:
1. Books and non-print materials from the library's collection or gift materials may be discarded, sold, or be given to local philanthropic, educational, cultural, government or other not-for-profit organizations.
2. Any other personal property, at the discretion of the Library Directors, may be discarded, turned in on new equipment or made available for sale.
Patron Requests
The library welcomes patron interest in the collection and will seriously consider all requests that specific materials be acquired. The library is under no obligation to fill any particular request if not deemed suitable to the collection. Patron requests will be reviewed using the materials selection criteria listed above. Any patron who would like to request a specific item for purchase should make their request to the Library Directors.
REVISION OF SELECTION POLICY
Because the needs of the community change, this materials selection policy is revised as needed and/or is reviewed at least every five years.
Donations, Gifts and Memorials
General
The Cherryfield Free Public Library is grateful for gifts, and its collection has been enriched by donations of materials as well as by contributions. Through donors, the library has been able to acquire materials which could not have been purchased otherwise. The library staff can supply, upon request, a list of needed materials for consideration by the donor.
Donation of Books and Audio Visual Materials
In accepting a gift of materials, the library reserves the privilege of deciding whether items donated should be added to the collection. Some materials cannot be used because it may be: a duplicate of an item of which the library already has, outdated, and/or in poor condition. The material will be judged by the same standards of selection as those applied to the purchase of new materials. The Library accepts gift books with the understanding that books which are useful to the library collection will be retained and other books disposed of in whatever manner the librarian deems best. The Library cannot commit itself to perpetually housing a donation. The Library necessarily reserves the right to interfile gifts with other collections on the same subject, so that all collections are organized and classified according to library standards for the best public service.
Gift Book Program
The Library welcomes monetary contributions specifically for book purchases in memorial to or in honor of named individuals.
Donation of Art Objects and Other Types of Materials
Although such gifts are usually welcomed and valued, final decision on their acceptance rests with the Library Directors or the Board of Library Trustees.
Donations—Others, e.g. Monetary
The Library welcomes cash contributions, gifts of real property, stocks, and bonds. All donations are subject to the approval of the Library Directors with the backing of the Library Board of Library Trustees.
Recognition of Gifts
For memorial books to the library, the library may place within the book the name of the donor, if desired.
Income Tax Statements
The library cannot appraise the value of a donation of materials or art. It will issue the donor a letter acknowledging the donation. It is the donor's decision whether he or she will determine the value of the donation or utilize an independent appraiser. While the gifts to the Library as a governmental unit qualify as tax deductible, the donor will have to consider the particular circumstances of his or her situation for the specific effect.
Restriction
No donation can be accepted unless it is given to the library without restrictions unless the Board of Library Trustees has specifically adopted an agreement to do so. All gifts may be used, sold, or disposed of in the best interest of the library. All donations are accepted only if, in the opinion of the Library Directors and the Board of Library Trustees, they are in the best interests of the library.
Request for Reconsideration of Materials
Strong objection to any library materials must be made in writing according to “Procedures for Handling Complaints about Library Materials” provided in the attachments. Examination and reconsideration of materials, if necessary, will be handled as outlined in these procedures. A copy of these procedures as well as forms for registering complaints may be obtained at the Library.
The Cherryfield Free Public Library subscribes to the provisions of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association. These documents are considered a part of this policy. All individuals have the right to choose which library materials they will use. However, no one has the right to restrict the freedom of others to read whatever they wish. No book or other material in question is automatically removed from the collection because of an objection to it.
PATRON CONDUCT
If a patron is creating a disturbance or causing problems in the Library, the library staff has the authority or right to tell that patron to leave the library. If that patron refuses to comply and continues to cause problems, the police can then be contacted to eject that patron from the library.
Patron Conduct POLICY
The Cherryfield Free Public Library is dedicated to providing access to knowledge and information through reading, writing, and quiet contemplation, providing patrons the right to use materials and services without being disturbed or impeded, and providing patrons and employees a secure and comfortable environment. The Public Library Act provides the Board of Library Trustees with the general power to carry out the spirit and intent of the Act in establishing and maintaining the library and providing library services. The Act also provides the specific power to “exclude from the use of the library any person who willfully violates an ordinance or regulation prescribed.”
The Board of Library Trustees of the Cherryfield Free Public Library establishes its conduct policy as follows:
Section 1. A patron who engages in any activity that materially disrupts the use of library facilities, collections, or services by patrons or materially disrupts the ability of the staff to perform its duties shall cease such activity immediately upon request by library personnel.
Section 2. In such instances involving minors, identification will be requested and the incident may be reported to the parent or guardian.
Section 3. If, following a request, the patron fails or refuses to comply or responds to the request in an abusive fashion, he or she will be required to leave the library premises immediately for the balance of that calendar day. If he or she fails to leave, the police will be summoned.
Section 4. Library personnel will record instances in which patrons are required to leave the library in a ledger maintained by the library for that purpose. Upon the 3rd recorded instance in which a patron is required to leave the library premises within a thirty-day period, the Director shall bar the patron from use of library premises for a period of thirty days. Parents or guardians of minors will be notified in writing after the 1st recorded instance in which a minor is required to leave the library and advised of the consequences of any further recorded instances.
Section 5. Parents wishing to appeal such action may do so upon written request to the Board of Library Trustees.
Section 6. In the event a patron barred from the use of the library attempts entry to the library during any such period of exclusion, the police will be summoned and informed of the prior action.
Section 7. In the event the patron persists in abusive conduct or disruptive behavior following such a period of exclusion, the Director shall report to the Board of Library Trustees such conduct following prior exclusion and the Board will consider a long-term exclusion of that patron.
PATRON CODE OF CONDUCT
To insure that all patrons may have considerate use of the Cherryfield Free Public Library, appropriate behavior is expected. Violation of any of the following rules will result in a warning and/or expulsion from the property. Whenever necessary, police will be contacted. The Directors and supervisory staff have authority to carry out all powers of this policy.
1. No loud talking or boisterous behavior (running, excessive seat changing, etc.).
2. No destruction or mutilation of library property.
3. No parking bicycles or other vehicles in a manner that blocks or hinders entry to the library.
4. No conduct which is disruptive to the operation of the library or threatening to patrons, staff, or library property.
5. No physical abuse, assault on another person, or the use of abusive, insulting or threatening language to a person in the building.
6. No persons intoxicated from alcohol or other drugs.
7. No illegal behavior.
8. No nicotine products.
9. No pets allowed unless they are service animals.
10. No Soliciting.
11. No charges, money-raising activities, and/or sales other than library related.
Anyone known to have violated any of the above rules or anyone known to have habitually violated the law may be excluded from the library as a matter of administrative policy. The Maine State Police will be contacted in severe instances.
UNATTENDED AND DISRUPTIVE CHILDREN POLICY
Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are in the Library. The Cherryfield Free Public Library staff is committed to help children with activities related to the Library. However, Library staff cannot, nor is it their responsibility to serve as baby-sitters, teachers, or disciplinarians. Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges. Whenever advisable, the Library will notify the parent of incidents involving an unattended or disruptive child. [Form follows.]
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible caregiver. When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt, or the parent or responsible caregiver cannot be located, or if the Library is closing, library staff is authorized to call the police and stay with the child until the police arrive. Attempts will be made to reach parents, but in no instance will staff take young people home.
From time to time, the Cherryfield Free Public Library schedules or provides programs that are designed and suitable for attendance by children without parental supervision. Such program announcements will so indicate, and if no indication is included, then supervision is required. When so indicated, if the parent or caregiver intends to be absent, they must leave word at the circulation desk as to their whereabouts and, if possible, a phone number where they or a responsible adult can be contacted.
Children over the age of 9 may use the Library unattended by an adult, subject to other Library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct, and demeanor.
Disruptive behavior is any behavior on library premises that infringes on the rights of others using the library as referenced in the Patron Code of Conduct. In order to assure an environment conducive to reading and viewing and to promote an atmosphere in which lifelong learning and personal development can occur, disruptive children will not be allowed to interfere with library service to others. Library staff will approach disruptive children in the following manner:
Give a verbal warning to the child indicating that such behavior is disruptive to other library users and is unacceptable.
If the disruptive behavior continues, approach the parent or guardian with the same warning. If the child is unattended, give the child a second warning.
If the disruptive behavior still continues, request the parent or guardian to escort the child from the library premises. If the child is unattended, staff should use discretion in asking the child to leave taking into consideration the child's safety.
If the child's disruptive behavior continues and he or she refuses to leave the library premises, library staff will call the police dispatcher.
Library staff will document any incidents involving unattended or disruptive children and inform their supervisor. In all instances, the staff member in charge must be informed before appropriate action is taken.
FUNDRAISING GROUP POLICY
The following will constitute an operating agreement between the Fundraising Group of the Cherryfield Free Public Library and the Board of the Cherryfield Free Public Library. It will stand until and unless it is modified by mutual agreement of the Fundraising Group and the Cherryfield Free Public Library Board of Trustees.
The Fundraising Group’s mission is to raise money and public awareness in the community to support the services and programs of the Library.
The Library agrees to include the Fundraising Group in the long-term planning process to ensure that the Fundraising Group is aware of the goals and direction of the library.
The Library agrees to share with the Fundraising Group the library’s strategic initiatives at the beginning of each fiscal year and discuss with Fundraising Group how their resources and support might help forward these initiatives.
The Library agrees to supply the Fundraising Group with a “wish list” each year that indicates the anticipated needs for the Fundraising Group’s support.
The Library agrees to provide the Fundraising Group with staff support in an advisory capacity for activities but they shall not perform any duty or take any act on behalf of the Fundraising Group.
The Library agrees to provide public space for the Fundraising Group’s membership brochures and promotional materials.
The Library agrees to provide the Fundraising Group with space in the Library for book storage and sorting, book sales, and office needs.
The Library invites one representative from the Fundraising Group to attend the Quarterly Board Meetings if the Fundraising Group desires to do so.
The Fundraising Group agrees to publicly support the Library and its policies.
The Fundraising Group agrees that any and all monies raised will be spent exclusively for library programs, services, and other Library defined needs unless otherwise agreed to by both the Fundraising Group and the Library.
The Fundraising Group agrees that the library administration has the final say in accepting or declining any and all gifts made to the library.
The Fundraising Group agrees that if they cease to actively fundraise and promote the Library, they will disband allowing for a new Fundraising Group to be established in the future.
The Fundraising Group will inform the Board about the type of fundraiser they will be having before they proceed with the event.
VOLUNTEER POLICY
The Cherryfield Free Public Library’s volunteers are an important extension of the Library’s staff. Volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks that are important to the institution. The following policy is designed to promote a maximum degree of excellence.
Definition of a Volunteer
One who performs a service of his or her own free will. One who contributes time, energy and talents directly on behalf of the Cherryfield Free Public Library and is not paid by Library Funds. All volunteers must be accepted by the Library Director/Board of Trustees prior to performance of assigned tasks. Volunteers shall follow all enforced Library policies; perform duties as requested by the Library staff; and, be respectful to all Library Patrons.
Overall Policy on Utilization of Volunteers
In order to achieve the vision and mission statement of the Cherryfield Free Public Library, we view the active participation of citizens, of a variety of ages, as a valuable resource to the Library. The Library accepts and encourages the involvement of volunteers at most levels of the Library and within appropriate programs and activities. Volunteers shall be extended the right to be given meaningful assignments, the right to be treated as an equal, the right to effective supervision, the right to full involvement and participation and the right to recognition of good work.
Guidelines for Volunteers
1.Volunteers will set up a schedule in advance with the Library Director.
2.Volunteers will notify the Library in advance if they are not able to work their regularly scheduled time slot.
3.The Library will notify volunteers immediately if there is a change in Library hours or an unscheduled closing.
4.The Director will keep track of accurate volunteer hours worked.
5.Should a volunteer have a grievance with a staff person, another volunteer or library patron, every attempt will be made to handle the situation through the Library Director or a Library Board Member.
6.The Cherryfield Free Public Library reserves the right to terminate the services of the volunteer.
7.Volunteers may be used to increase the Library’s services.
8.Volunteers may not be used to establish and maintain new library services.
9.Volunteers will not be used to replace or reduce the number of paid staff.
10.Volunteers should expect to fulfill a commitment agreed upon with the Library.
11.Volunteers are recognized as contributors to the goals and services of the Library.
12.Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of ALL library information. Failure to maintain confidentiality will result in immediate termination of the volunteer.
13.The Library will, upon request, provide letters of reference for the volunteer, if deemed appropriate.
14.Procedures and requirements for the volunteer will vary with the age of the volunteer.
15.All personal information about the volunteer is for internal use only.
16.Volunteers will not be expected to do anything the Library staff would not do.
17.Discriminatory or racist incidents will not be tolerated.
18.Volunteers are prohibited from being under the influence of, using, possessing, selling or otherwise being involved with illegal substances or alcohol.
Tasks That May Be Performed By a Volunteer
1.Shelving material
2.Helping with programs and projects
3.Cleaning
4.Answering the telephone
5.Basic reference work
6.Working the circulation desk
7.Cataloging
8.Filing
9.Helping with Special Events
Types of Volunteers
1.Adult
2.Teen
3.Junior
4.Community Service Workers
5.Library Board
6.Volunteer/Fundraiser Group
Benefits of Being a Volunteer
1.Feeling good about yourself
2.A feeling of accomplishment
3.Being of service to your community
4.Recognition by staff, community, friends, etc.
5.Special “perks” offered by the library
6.References provided
7.Meeting new people and making new friends
8.Getting to know the library procedures, policies, the effort it takes to run and maintain a library.
9.Job training for future jobs
VOLUNTEERS INSURANCE CARRIED
The Cherryfield Free Public Library recognizes and appreciates the hard work and unique talents the volunteers of the community offer to the library throughout the year. The Cherryfield Free Public Library also recognizes the risk of injury that can be a part of every activity. For that reason, the board of trustees of the Cherryfield Free Public Library carries the necessary insurance coverage to provide insurance to volunteers who are injured while performing a task assigned by the library director or board of trustees as part of a formal program of volunteerism. This coverage is provided to the same level as accidental injury coverage is provided to employees of the library.
LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I.Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III.Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V.A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI.Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable bases, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948.
Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980,
inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996,
by the ALA Council.
FREEDOM TO READ STATEMENT
The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as citizens devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.
Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary citizen, by exercising critical judgment, will accept the good and reject the bad. The censors, public and private, assume that they should determine what is good and what is bad for their fellow citizens.
We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they need the help of censors to assist them in this task. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.
These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy.
Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference.
Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.
We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings. The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.
We therefore affirm these propositions:
- It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox or unpopular with the majority.
Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.
- Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated.
Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
- It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.
No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.
- There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.
- It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept with any expression the prejudgment of a label characterizing it or its author as subversive or dangerous.
The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for the citizen. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
- It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large.
It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive.
- It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one.
The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all citizens the fullest of their support.
We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.
Adopted June 25, 1953; revised January 28, 1972, January 16, 1991, July 12, 2000, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee.
FREEDOM TO VIEW STATEMENT
The FREEDOM TO VIEW, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore, we affirm these principles:
1. It is in the public interest to provide the broadest possible access to films and other audiovisual materials because they have proven to be among the most effective means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.
2. It is in the public interest to provide for our audiences, films and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.
3. It is our professional responsibility to resist the constraint of labeling or prejudging a film on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or film maker or on the basis of controversial content.
It is our professional responsibility to contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public's freedom to view.
Adopted 'February, 1979
American Film and Video Association
Questions not covered in this policy should be referred to Library Director at 207-546-4228.
Materials Reconsideration Procedures
1.If patrons wish to file a complaint about library materials, Form I, Complaint about Library Materials, should be completed. This form stays on file with the Library. The Library Director will examine the material, as well as critical reviews of the material. Repeated complaints about specific works or materials in general will generate a reconsideration of a specific work and/or selection policies.
2.The Library Director will write a letter to the patron who initiated the complaint, outlining the above procedures and announcing the disposition of the material in question. The letter may also include a statement inviting the patron to the library to discuss the matter with Director.
Form I—Complaint about Library Material
Material: _____________________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________________
Name: _______________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Telephone: ____________________________________________________
Complaint Represents: _________ Individual _________ Organization
Reason for Complaint: __________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________
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Signature: ___________________________________________________
Unattended or Disruptive Children Parental Notification Letter
Dear ,
The Cherryfield Free Public Library has recently experienced an incident involving your child,
, where they were:
_____ on Library grounds unattended by you or a responsible caregiver.
_____ behaving in a manner disruptive to library services.
A copy of the Library’s policy on Unattended or Disruptive Children is enclosed here for your attention. We ask that you review this policy and make every effort to follow it. We do not wish to suspend Library privileges for you or your family, but the safety of children as well as the proper operation of the Library is our first responsibility. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its enforcement, please contact the undersigned.
Very Truly Yours,
Library Director