Patron Conduct in the Library
The board of trustees expects patrons to maintain a certain standard of conduct on the library’s premises. Parents are responsible for supervising their children at all times while in the library. Individuals who create disorder in any of the following situations will be ejected from the library and refused any further admittance. The staff of this library enjoys treating their patrons with respect and expects the compliment to be returned. Any problems should be brought to the attention of the director. In some cases law enforcement will be contacted.
1. Any situation in which the actions of a person present an imminent danger to the lives or safety of others (i.e. knives, taser guns) on library premises. No firearms, without permits, alcohol or smoking is allowed on the premises.
2. Any situation in which a person’s behavior is inappropriate to the use of the library for the purposes for which it is legally constituted. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to, loitering, gambling, voyeurism, smoking, public intoxication, use of obscene language, molestation, eating, drinking, and solicitation.
3. Any situation in which a person is observed attempting to steal library property or that of another library user, or trying to maliciously destroy or vandalize library property or that of another library user.
4. Any situation in which a child or children are unsupervised and are disruptive. It behooves a parent to know what their children are doing at all times. Unsupervised children will be picked up prior to closing time. A staff member will stay a reasonable time for a child or children to be picked up. If the time becomes unreasonable or situation reoccurs, the police will be called to find care for the child or children.
5. Any situation in which cell phone usage is disturbing to the public library environment.
BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S APPROVAL
This policy was reviewed and approved on January 9, 2017
1. Materials can be borrowed with a valid borrower’s card. A card will be issued to a new patron on the spot after the completion of an application card and proof of residency within the library’s district. Two pieces of current identification must be presented with one piece having a photo. Upon receipt of the card, the patron may borrow materials and have access to library services. All cards are valid for three years.
2. To register any children that between the ages of 6-15 for a library card, an application card must be signed by a parent/legal guardian who must also prove residency. This makes the parent/legal guardian responsible for all materials checked out by the child.
3. Library cardholders have a certain amount of responsibility by:
- informing the library of name and address changes;
- caring for and returning all items checked out on the owner’s library card
- notifying the library for stolen and lost cards. If not reported, the card owner is responsible for all items checked out on the card;
- not loaning the card to others. Owner of the card will take on the responsibility of material checked out on the card;
- paying all fines and fees incurred on the card. Any fines and fees outstanding for greater than 90 days will result in forfeiture of library privileges until all fines and fees are paid in full. This fee can be waived one time only.
4. Reciprocal borrowers must show a valid hometown card to borrow materials from the Fort Branch-Johnson Township Public Library.
BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S APPROVAL
This policy was reviewed and approved on January 9, 2017
1. To lend books, audio books, periodicals, DVDs and other materials;
2. To provide guidance and assistance to patrons, schools, and other institutions throughout the library system;
3. To initiate programs to encourage the use of the library;
4. To use the inter-library loan service and participate in the reciprocal borrowing program in securing information or resources from other libraries when requested;
5. To maintain a computer network for public access.
The staff of the Fort Branch-Johnson Township Public Library will not give out any information concerning the records of their patrons and employees, unless so ordered by a subpoena.
BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S APPROVAL
This policy was reviewed and approved on January 9, 2017
