Policies
FAIRLEE PUBLIC LIBRARY • FAIRLEE, VERMONT STATEMENT OF POLICIES Revised January 2008
I. Mission Statement
The Fairlee Public Library will provide a friendly, convenient atmosphere in which patrons of all ages may enrich their lives through books, audio-visual materials, and programs, and find neighbors, community connection and spirit. The Fairlee Public Library will promote the informed exchange of ideas to help produce greater awareness of and creative solutions for community issues.
All patrons will gain access to information through a variety of media, and will learn how to access available information resources so they can answer their questions efficiently and remain up-to-date in a rapidly changing sea of information.
All children will find areas and materials suited to their size, age, and interests, so that they will feel welcome, and so they will develop an enjoyment of reading and learning.
II. Roles Chosen by the Fairlee Public Library to Meet the Service Needs of Our Community
A. COMMONS: A library that provides a COMMONS environment helps address the need of people to meet and interact with others in their community and to participate in public discourse about community issues.
B. CURRENT TOPICS AND TITLES: A library that provides CURRENT TOPICS AND TITLES helps fulfill community residents’ appetite for information about popular cultural and social trends and their desire for satisfying recreational experiences.
C. GENERAL INFORMATION: A library that offers GENERAL INFORMATION helps meet the need for information and answers to questions on a broad array of topics related to work, school, and personal life.
D. LIFELONG LEARNING: A library that provides LIFELONG LEARNING service helps address the desire for self-directed personal growth and development opportunities.
As stated previously, the trustees bear in mind the changing nature of the town and chooses new directions for the library accordingly. We seek to cooperate actively with the Rivendell School District and other local Nursery Schools and Home Day Care facilities.
III. Materials Selection
A. Responsibility : The Trustees agree with the accepted library doctrine that selection of materials to be added to the library’s collection, by purchase or by gift, is essentially a responsibility of the Librarian. In practice, the librarian seeks and values the suggestions of trustees and patrons in making selections.
B. Criteria for materials selection : It is our purpose that all materials acquired for the library shall be useful to and used by our patrons. This is the touchstone which is applied first when consideration is being given to the acquisition of materials.
C. Additional considerations :
Non-fiction :
1. The reliability of the information contained, to the extent that we are able to determine this.
2. A balancing of viewpoints in material which carries a large load of opinion or philosophy, to the extent that this is possible. (Often this is not possible, because of the preponderance of certain views among the intellectual community, and therefore among those writers who can easily be published.)
3. The organization of the material, and the quality of its presentation.
Fiction :
1. The quality of the material, considered on a comparative basis : i.e. concessions in stylistic values are necessarily made in selection of detective novels, light romances, and, in some instances, science fiction.
2. The known preferences of our patrons who depend on us heavily for their recreational reading.
3. The reputation and critical importance of the author, although we do buy first novels which have received good reviews.
Juveniles :
For these we put a considerable reliance on advice and help from the specialists, through the Department of Libraries Materials Review sessions and through other review sources, in addition to the criteria mentioned above.
D. General considerations :
1. Some weight is given to the physical construction and appearance of the material (when that is known, much of our buying is sight-unseen) : binding, size of print, illustrations (when present), etc.. Consideration of physical features applies with especial force in the buying of juvenile materials.
2. An attempt is made to have and to keep a respectable number of classics, so-called classics, and semi-classics. When any of these which is deemed worthy becomes unusable, we try to get a replacement.
3. Materials considered of permanent or long-term worth are repaired. When they need rebinding we try instead to buy another copy. This policy has its exceptions — as, for example, in the case of an historical book which would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to replace. In this case the book is rebound.
4. Gifts of materials are accepted, with the proviso that the librarian is free to use them as he/she sees fit. Unrestricted gifts of money for materials are received gladly. Offers of money for specific materials purchases are considered on a case-to-case basis.
5. Weeding, or culling, is necessarily done frequently, because of space limitations. We have used and valued the services of the DOL specialists in this field, and the librarian additionally weeds between visits from the experts. No hard-and-fast rules apply to this process, such as copyright date, frequency of use, etc., although the librarian takes all these into consideration, along with other factors. Materials withdrawn from circulation which are appropriate (i.e., in good enough condition) are sold, usually in combination with other materials (donations, etc..), at book sales sponsored by the library which take place at least annually.
6. We do not have any special collections, in the accepted use of the term. We believe that our resources should be dispersed among many fields of interest — in other words, a smattering of many subjects is more desirable for us than an outstanding collection in one field and blanks in some others. We buy as many as possible of books of local or area history and biography, and of books by Vermont and area authors and illustrators.
IV. Other Policy
A. The library subscribes to the principles expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and the statement on Freedom to Read. The librarian does not refuse access to minors to any of the books on the shelves but does occasionally try to divert interest from what may seem an especially inappropriate choice. The library also subscribes to the Vermont Board of Libraries Resolution on Confidentiality of Library Records adopted December 8, 1981.
B. Code of Conduct — Members of the public are to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that does not interfere with others and that is in keeping with the nature of the library’s programs and services. Anyone who displays inappropriate behavior is subject to removal from the library and/or restriction of library privileges. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it impinges on the rights of others, when it could result in injury to oneself or others, or when it could result in damage to the building or equipment. The judgment of the librarian and/or library staff shall determine what is inappropriate behavior. If anyone refuses to leave the library or the building when asked, the police will be called and, if necessary, the offender will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Appeals may be brought to the Library Board of Trustees if the action taken by the library staff is deemed unjust by the patron.
V. Policy and Guidelines for Public Access Computer Use
As part of its mission to provide a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, access to a broad array of resources of information and entertainment, and to encourage patrons’ lifelong learning and growth, the Fairlee Public Library makes wireless Internet service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also provide five public computers for patron use. The following guidelines enable us to continue to fulfill our mission to the community. We appreciate your cooperation.
A. COMPUTER STATION USE
1. Public computer stations are available on a walk-in basis. The time limit on these stations is thirty (30) minutes if another person is waiting. You may reserve time on the computer in half-hour blocks up to one hour per week. See the librarian or volunteer to reserve a specific time.
2. Please sign in on the Public Access Computer time sheet on the clipboard in front of the printer and sign out when you are done so that we can compile statistics about computer usage. We appreciate your totaling your time for us!
3. You may download information to your USB (flash, thumb) drives. If you are unfamiliar with cloud-based computing for saving information (e.g., Dropbox or Google Docs), the librarian can assist you.
4. Printing is $0.15 per page. Students may print up to 20 pages free for schoolwork.
B. WI-FI AND INTERNET USE
1. The Internet is an unregulated global resource. The Fairlee Public Library cannot guarantee the accuracy and/or authenticity of information discovered through this resource. Patrons who find information or subject matter that is erroneous, out-of-date, illegal, offensive, and/or controversial should contact the original producer or distributor of that work directly.
2. Only parents and guardians have the right—and responsibility—to monitor and control their own minor children’s access to the Internet and to information obtained over the Internet.
3. The Fairlee Public Library cannot guarantee confidentiality over the Internet. Patrons entering personal information (credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, etc.) do so at their own risk.
4. The Fairlee Public Library complies with the United States Copyright Law, and all other federal, state, and local laws relating to the use of the Internet and other electronic media.
5. Patrons should not perform any action that causes a disturbance for other library patrons, whether through action or speech. [revised 3/30/11, JGR]
VI. Challenged Materials
Occasional objections regarding materials may occur despite the care taken to select materials. The Board of Trustees support the principles of intellectual freedom. The established procedure listed below will follow an individual’s or group’s request for reconsideration of materials.
All complainants shall be informed of the materials selection policy and referred to the library director. The library director will discuss the selection policy and procedure with the complainant without commitment. If the complainant is not satisfied:
The complainant will be invited to file his / her objections in writing, and will be given a “Request for Reconsideration of Materials” form. Only written complaints will receive further consideration. This is to assure clarity of the nature of the complaint.
Procedure for review of selections (to be carried out by the library director):
1. Inform the complainant of the materials selection policy and make no commitments.
2. If the complainant wishes further consideration of his / her objection to the library material in question, he / she must submit a written “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form to the library director.
3. Inform other Fairlee Library staff members, volunteers, and Board of Trustees that a challenge has been made.
4. The challenged material will be kept on the shelves during the reconsideration process.
5. Upon receipt of the completed form, it will be presented to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees so that the request may be incorporated into the agenda of the next regularly scheduled board meeting.
6. Prior to the next regularly scheduled board meeting that follows a meeting where a reconsideration request has been on the agenda, the library director and the Board will: read, view, or listen to the material in its entirety; check general acceptance of the material by reading reviews and consulting recommended lists; determine the value of the material to the collection.
7. The library director and the Board will present a written response to the complainant.
8. The complainant may request an appeal within 30 days of notification which will be heard at an open meeting in accordance with open meeting law.
9. The Board of Trustees will announce its decision concerning the appeal at the next regularly scheduled meeting after the open meeting.
Fairlee Public Library
Fairlee, Vermont 05045
(802) 333-4716
Library Director: Samantha Hickman
A CITIZEN’S REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS An Adaptation of the Intellectual Freedom Committee Form
Material : Book ___ Video ___ Other ___
Title _______________________________________________________________
Author _____________________________________________________________
Publisher (if known) ___________________________________________________
Request Initiated by ___________________________________________________
Telephone ___________________ Email __________________ Address _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Complainant represents : _________________________________________________
(Himself or herself, name or organization if other group)
1. To what in the book, video, or material do you object? (Please be specific)
2. What do you feel might be the result of reading this book, seeing this video, or using this material?
3. For what age group would you recommend this book, video, or material?
4. Is there anything good about the book, video, or material?
5. Did you read, watch, or use the entire book, video, or material?
If not, what parts did you use?
6. Are you aware of the judgment of this book, video, or material by literary critics?
7. What do you believe is the theme of the book, video, or material?
8. What would you like your library to do about this book, video, or material?
9. In its place, what material of equal literary quality would you recommend that would convey as valuable a picture and perspective of the subject treated?
Signature of Complainant:
_________________________________________________________
VII. Facilities Policy
The purpose of this policy is to protect and preserve the structural and aesthetic quality of the facility and furnishings.
It shall be the policy of the Library that there will be no articles of any nature affixed in any manner to the walls, woodwork, furniture, stacks, ceilings, or windows without prior Board of Trustee approval at a regular meeting. Notices, papers, posters, labels, etc. will be applied only to bulletin boards or displayed in provided frames. This policy will be disseminated to all volunteers, and to any individual/group given permission to use the Library space outside of regular business hours.
VIII. Building Fire Exits and Automatic Door Openers Policy — Facility Opening & Closing
The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with State Fire Codes and amend any existing policy. This policy will be disseminated to all volunteers and to any individual/group given permission to use the Library space outside of regular business hours.
It shall be the policy of the Fairlee Library that the individual responsible for opening the facility for the public’s use, will first unlock the main entrance; secondly unlock the deadbolt lock on the adult room exterior door. (The lock on the door handle should remain locked, the handle will still open the door.) The third exterior emergency exit, through the storage area off the juvenile room, has a handle that opens from the interior even when locked. This will facilitate the egress paths available for emergency exiting.
To maintain the handicap door operation optimally, it shall be the policy to turn on the units (press the toggle switch up) when opening the Library and shut off the units (center the toggle switch) when closing the Library.
IX. Policy for Use of the Fairlee Public Library Meeting Room
The purpose of this policy is to establish the parameters for the use of this facility.
There will be NO smoking or alcoholic beverages allowed in the building.
Non profit organizations, when providing proof of this status upon request, will not be charged for use of the space.
Other organizations, including private individuals, may be charged a fee of $50.00 per use with Trustee review and approval.
It is expected that all groups will clean the area after use. If the Library staff must clean, an additional $20.00 will be charged.
Persons / groups using the public space during non-library hours are responsible for shoveling and/or sanding the steps, walkways, & ramp if necessary.
The Town of Fairlee and the Fairlee Library will not be liable for injuries to people or damage to property by those using the Library outside normal business hours. (Adopted 10/8/02) (Amended 9/7/04) (Amended 7/10/2007)
RESERVATION FORM
Name of Organization____________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
Name of Individual placing request_________________________________________________________________
Telephone______________________________________________________________
Type of event_____________________________________________________________
Date(s) of event___________________________________________________________________
Time use requested (start & end)_____________________________________________________________
Request received by__________________________________Date__________________________________
Date Trustees received_____________________________
Date Approved__________________________
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X. Child Safety Policy
Adopted 8.4.15
Parents, legal guardians, and or a responsible caregiver are always responsible for the well being and safety of their children and the children in their care while in the library. Fairlee Public Library staff will not be responsible for supervising children. The FPL library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended, at any time.
Children aged 8 or younger shall, at all times, be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible person over 16 years old while in the Library.
Children aged 9 and older may use the library unattended, subject to other rules and regulations in effect at the Fairlee Public Library.
The Fairlee Public Library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended at the library. Parents or legal guardians assume all liability for damage done by their children to the library facility.
It is not the responsibility of the FPL library staff to exercise a supervisory or restrictive role in determining which library resources young people may use or have access to while at the library. The library encourages parents/caregivers to set their own family rules. It is the responsibility of parents caregivers to monitor young people’s selection and use of print and digital library resources, including the internet.
Similarly it is the parents/caregivers responsibility to set family rules about leaving the library to go to places such as the Whippi Dip. Route 5 is a busy road and each family should make the decisions about staying on library property. The Fairlee Public Library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended at the library
The library staff is particularly concerned about children who may be unattended when the library closes. In order to ensure the child’s safety after the library closes, a staff member will determine if the child is aware of a pick-up schedule. If not, the child will be invited to make a phone call to make immediate arrangements to get safely home. If no arrangement can be made or a ride does not arrive within 20 minutes after closing, a staff member will call the Fairlee Police or the Vermont State Police who will plan for the child to be safely cared for.
XI: Animal Policy
Adopted 4.11.17
All animals are prohibited from the Fairlee Public Library with the exception of service animals and those with prior permission from the Board of Trustees and/or Librarian (i.e., programs).
Staff reserve the right to ask service animals to leave the building in the event the animal is displaying unacceptable behavior.
Unacceptable behaviors:
I. Mission Statement
The Fairlee Public Library will provide a friendly, convenient atmosphere in which patrons of all ages may enrich their lives through books, audio-visual materials, and programs, and find neighbors, community connection and spirit. The Fairlee Public Library will promote the informed exchange of ideas to help produce greater awareness of and creative solutions for community issues.
All patrons will gain access to information through a variety of media, and will learn how to access available information resources so they can answer their questions efficiently and remain up-to-date in a rapidly changing sea of information.
All children will find areas and materials suited to their size, age, and interests, so that they will feel welcome, and so they will develop an enjoyment of reading and learning.
II. Roles Chosen by the Fairlee Public Library to Meet the Service Needs of Our Community
A. COMMONS: A library that provides a COMMONS environment helps address the need of people to meet and interact with others in their community and to participate in public discourse about community issues.
B. CURRENT TOPICS AND TITLES: A library that provides CURRENT TOPICS AND TITLES helps fulfill community residents’ appetite for information about popular cultural and social trends and their desire for satisfying recreational experiences.
C. GENERAL INFORMATION: A library that offers GENERAL INFORMATION helps meet the need for information and answers to questions on a broad array of topics related to work, school, and personal life.
D. LIFELONG LEARNING: A library that provides LIFELONG LEARNING service helps address the desire for self-directed personal growth and development opportunities.
As stated previously, the trustees bear in mind the changing nature of the town and chooses new directions for the library accordingly. We seek to cooperate actively with the Rivendell School District and other local Nursery Schools and Home Day Care facilities.
III. Materials Selection
A. Responsibility : The Trustees agree with the accepted library doctrine that selection of materials to be added to the library’s collection, by purchase or by gift, is essentially a responsibility of the Librarian. In practice, the librarian seeks and values the suggestions of trustees and patrons in making selections.
B. Criteria for materials selection : It is our purpose that all materials acquired for the library shall be useful to and used by our patrons. This is the touchstone which is applied first when consideration is being given to the acquisition of materials.
C. Additional considerations :
Non-fiction :
1. The reliability of the information contained, to the extent that we are able to determine this.
2. A balancing of viewpoints in material which carries a large load of opinion or philosophy, to the extent that this is possible. (Often this is not possible, because of the preponderance of certain views among the intellectual community, and therefore among those writers who can easily be published.)
3. The organization of the material, and the quality of its presentation.
Fiction :
1. The quality of the material, considered on a comparative basis : i.e. concessions in stylistic values are necessarily made in selection of detective novels, light romances, and, in some instances, science fiction.
2. The known preferences of our patrons who depend on us heavily for their recreational reading.
3. The reputation and critical importance of the author, although we do buy first novels which have received good reviews.
Juveniles :
For these we put a considerable reliance on advice and help from the specialists, through the Department of Libraries Materials Review sessions and through other review sources, in addition to the criteria mentioned above.
D. General considerations :
1. Some weight is given to the physical construction and appearance of the material (when that is known, much of our buying is sight-unseen) : binding, size of print, illustrations (when present), etc.. Consideration of physical features applies with especial force in the buying of juvenile materials.
2. An attempt is made to have and to keep a respectable number of classics, so-called classics, and semi-classics. When any of these which is deemed worthy becomes unusable, we try to get a replacement.
3. Materials considered of permanent or long-term worth are repaired. When they need rebinding we try instead to buy another copy. This policy has its exceptions — as, for example, in the case of an historical book which would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to replace. In this case the book is rebound.
4. Gifts of materials are accepted, with the proviso that the librarian is free to use them as he/she sees fit. Unrestricted gifts of money for materials are received gladly. Offers of money for specific materials purchases are considered on a case-to-case basis.
5. Weeding, or culling, is necessarily done frequently, because of space limitations. We have used and valued the services of the DOL specialists in this field, and the librarian additionally weeds between visits from the experts. No hard-and-fast rules apply to this process, such as copyright date, frequency of use, etc., although the librarian takes all these into consideration, along with other factors. Materials withdrawn from circulation which are appropriate (i.e., in good enough condition) are sold, usually in combination with other materials (donations, etc..), at book sales sponsored by the library which take place at least annually.
6. We do not have any special collections, in the accepted use of the term. We believe that our resources should be dispersed among many fields of interest — in other words, a smattering of many subjects is more desirable for us than an outstanding collection in one field and blanks in some others. We buy as many as possible of books of local or area history and biography, and of books by Vermont and area authors and illustrators.
IV. Other Policy
A. The library subscribes to the principles expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and the statement on Freedom to Read. The librarian does not refuse access to minors to any of the books on the shelves but does occasionally try to divert interest from what may seem an especially inappropriate choice. The library also subscribes to the Vermont Board of Libraries Resolution on Confidentiality of Library Records adopted December 8, 1981.
B. Code of Conduct — Members of the public are to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that does not interfere with others and that is in keeping with the nature of the library’s programs and services. Anyone who displays inappropriate behavior is subject to removal from the library and/or restriction of library privileges. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it impinges on the rights of others, when it could result in injury to oneself or others, or when it could result in damage to the building or equipment. The judgment of the librarian and/or library staff shall determine what is inappropriate behavior. If anyone refuses to leave the library or the building when asked, the police will be called and, if necessary, the offender will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Appeals may be brought to the Library Board of Trustees if the action taken by the library staff is deemed unjust by the patron.
V. Policy and Guidelines for Public Access Computer Use
As part of its mission to provide a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, access to a broad array of resources of information and entertainment, and to encourage patrons’ lifelong learning and growth, the Fairlee Public Library makes wireless Internet service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also provide five public computers for patron use. The following guidelines enable us to continue to fulfill our mission to the community. We appreciate your cooperation.
A. COMPUTER STATION USE
1. Public computer stations are available on a walk-in basis. The time limit on these stations is thirty (30) minutes if another person is waiting. You may reserve time on the computer in half-hour blocks up to one hour per week. See the librarian or volunteer to reserve a specific time.
2. Please sign in on the Public Access Computer time sheet on the clipboard in front of the printer and sign out when you are done so that we can compile statistics about computer usage. We appreciate your totaling your time for us!
3. You may download information to your USB (flash, thumb) drives. If you are unfamiliar with cloud-based computing for saving information (e.g., Dropbox or Google Docs), the librarian can assist you.
4. Printing is $0.15 per page. Students may print up to 20 pages free for schoolwork.
B. WI-FI AND INTERNET USE
1. The Internet is an unregulated global resource. The Fairlee Public Library cannot guarantee the accuracy and/or authenticity of information discovered through this resource. Patrons who find information or subject matter that is erroneous, out-of-date, illegal, offensive, and/or controversial should contact the original producer or distributor of that work directly.
2. Only parents and guardians have the right—and responsibility—to monitor and control their own minor children’s access to the Internet and to information obtained over the Internet.
3. The Fairlee Public Library cannot guarantee confidentiality over the Internet. Patrons entering personal information (credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, etc.) do so at their own risk.
4. The Fairlee Public Library complies with the United States Copyright Law, and all other federal, state, and local laws relating to the use of the Internet and other electronic media.
5. Patrons should not perform any action that causes a disturbance for other library patrons, whether through action or speech. [revised 3/30/11, JGR]
VI. Challenged Materials
Occasional objections regarding materials may occur despite the care taken to select materials. The Board of Trustees support the principles of intellectual freedom. The established procedure listed below will follow an individual’s or group’s request for reconsideration of materials.
All complainants shall be informed of the materials selection policy and referred to the library director. The library director will discuss the selection policy and procedure with the complainant without commitment. If the complainant is not satisfied:
The complainant will be invited to file his / her objections in writing, and will be given a “Request for Reconsideration of Materials” form. Only written complaints will receive further consideration. This is to assure clarity of the nature of the complaint.
Procedure for review of selections (to be carried out by the library director):
1. Inform the complainant of the materials selection policy and make no commitments.
2. If the complainant wishes further consideration of his / her objection to the library material in question, he / she must submit a written “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form to the library director.
3. Inform other Fairlee Library staff members, volunteers, and Board of Trustees that a challenge has been made.
4. The challenged material will be kept on the shelves during the reconsideration process.
5. Upon receipt of the completed form, it will be presented to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees so that the request may be incorporated into the agenda of the next regularly scheduled board meeting.
6. Prior to the next regularly scheduled board meeting that follows a meeting where a reconsideration request has been on the agenda, the library director and the Board will: read, view, or listen to the material in its entirety; check general acceptance of the material by reading reviews and consulting recommended lists; determine the value of the material to the collection.
7. The library director and the Board will present a written response to the complainant.
8. The complainant may request an appeal within 30 days of notification which will be heard at an open meeting in accordance with open meeting law.
9. The Board of Trustees will announce its decision concerning the appeal at the next regularly scheduled meeting after the open meeting.
Fairlee Public Library
Fairlee, Vermont 05045
(802) 333-4716
Library Director: Samantha Hickman
A CITIZEN’S REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS An Adaptation of the Intellectual Freedom Committee Form
Material : Book ___ Video ___ Other ___
Title _______________________________________________________________
Author _____________________________________________________________
Publisher (if known) ___________________________________________________
Request Initiated by ___________________________________________________
Telephone ___________________ Email __________________ Address _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Complainant represents : _________________________________________________
(Himself or herself, name or organization if other group)
1. To what in the book, video, or material do you object? (Please be specific)
2. What do you feel might be the result of reading this book, seeing this video, or using this material?
3. For what age group would you recommend this book, video, or material?
4. Is there anything good about the book, video, or material?
5. Did you read, watch, or use the entire book, video, or material?
If not, what parts did you use?
6. Are you aware of the judgment of this book, video, or material by literary critics?
7. What do you believe is the theme of the book, video, or material?
8. What would you like your library to do about this book, video, or material?
9. In its place, what material of equal literary quality would you recommend that would convey as valuable a picture and perspective of the subject treated?
Signature of Complainant:
_________________________________________________________
VII. Facilities Policy
The purpose of this policy is to protect and preserve the structural and aesthetic quality of the facility and furnishings.
It shall be the policy of the Library that there will be no articles of any nature affixed in any manner to the walls, woodwork, furniture, stacks, ceilings, or windows without prior Board of Trustee approval at a regular meeting. Notices, papers, posters, labels, etc. will be applied only to bulletin boards or displayed in provided frames. This policy will be disseminated to all volunteers, and to any individual/group given permission to use the Library space outside of regular business hours.
VIII. Building Fire Exits and Automatic Door Openers Policy — Facility Opening & Closing
The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with State Fire Codes and amend any existing policy. This policy will be disseminated to all volunteers and to any individual/group given permission to use the Library space outside of regular business hours.
It shall be the policy of the Fairlee Library that the individual responsible for opening the facility for the public’s use, will first unlock the main entrance; secondly unlock the deadbolt lock on the adult room exterior door. (The lock on the door handle should remain locked, the handle will still open the door.) The third exterior emergency exit, through the storage area off the juvenile room, has a handle that opens from the interior even when locked. This will facilitate the egress paths available for emergency exiting.
To maintain the handicap door operation optimally, it shall be the policy to turn on the units (press the toggle switch up) when opening the Library and shut off the units (center the toggle switch) when closing the Library.
IX. Policy for Use of the Fairlee Public Library Meeting Room
The purpose of this policy is to establish the parameters for the use of this facility.
There will be NO smoking or alcoholic beverages allowed in the building.
Non profit organizations, when providing proof of this status upon request, will not be charged for use of the space.
Other organizations, including private individuals, may be charged a fee of $50.00 per use with Trustee review and approval.
It is expected that all groups will clean the area after use. If the Library staff must clean, an additional $20.00 will be charged.
Persons / groups using the public space during non-library hours are responsible for shoveling and/or sanding the steps, walkways, & ramp if necessary.
The Town of Fairlee and the Fairlee Library will not be liable for injuries to people or damage to property by those using the Library outside normal business hours. (Adopted 10/8/02) (Amended 9/7/04) (Amended 7/10/2007)
RESERVATION FORM
Name of Organization____________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
Name of Individual placing request_________________________________________________________________
Telephone______________________________________________________________
Type of event_____________________________________________________________
Date(s) of event___________________________________________________________________
Time use requested (start & end)_____________________________________________________________
Request received by__________________________________Date__________________________________
Date Trustees received_____________________________
Date Approved__________________________
Share this:
X. Child Safety Policy
Adopted 8.4.15
Parents, legal guardians, and or a responsible caregiver are always responsible for the well being and safety of their children and the children in their care while in the library. Fairlee Public Library staff will not be responsible for supervising children. The FPL library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended, at any time.
Children aged 8 or younger shall, at all times, be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible person over 16 years old while in the Library.
Children aged 9 and older may use the library unattended, subject to other rules and regulations in effect at the Fairlee Public Library.
The Fairlee Public Library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended at the library. Parents or legal guardians assume all liability for damage done by their children to the library facility.
It is not the responsibility of the FPL library staff to exercise a supervisory or restrictive role in determining which library resources young people may use or have access to while at the library. The library encourages parents/caregivers to set their own family rules. It is the responsibility of parents caregivers to monitor young people’s selection and use of print and digital library resources, including the internet.
Similarly it is the parents/caregivers responsibility to set family rules about leaving the library to go to places such as the Whippi Dip. Route 5 is a busy road and each family should make the decisions about staying on library property. The Fairlee Public Library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended at the library
The library staff is particularly concerned about children who may be unattended when the library closes. In order to ensure the child’s safety after the library closes, a staff member will determine if the child is aware of a pick-up schedule. If not, the child will be invited to make a phone call to make immediate arrangements to get safely home. If no arrangement can be made or a ride does not arrive within 20 minutes after closing, a staff member will call the Fairlee Police or the Vermont State Police who will plan for the child to be safely cared for.
XI: Animal Policy
Adopted 4.11.17
All animals are prohibited from the Fairlee Public Library with the exception of service animals and those with prior permission from the Board of Trustees and/or Librarian (i.e., programs).
Staff reserve the right to ask service animals to leave the building in the event the animal is displaying unacceptable behavior.
Unacceptable behaviors:
- Barking uncontrollably
- Displaying threatening actions towards other patrons
- Damaging Library property
- Urinating/defecating on floors
