WALPOLE LIBRARY POLICIES
Library Card
Fines & Charges
Library Community Rules
Internet Policy
Loan periods
Materials Selection Policy
Museum Passes
Unattended Child Policy
Use of Library Common Room
Library Card
To get a library card, please bring picture identification (preferably a driver's license) with your street address on it. If the identification has an old address, a current piece of mail with the present address must also be provided.
There is no age limit to get a library card, however, parents must register children in the Children's Room and will be completely accountable for material(s) borrowed by their children.
Library Community Rules Top of Page
- Smoking is not allowed.
- No Food or Drink in the Library.
- If using a cell phone please keep the conversation level low.
- Please refrain from loud conversation or turning up headphones so that the sound is heard by others.
- Shoes and shirts are required.
- The staff is not responsible for the care of your children. Please do not leave them unattended. If you are with your children please take responsibility for them. Running, shouting and other types of behavior affect others using the Library.
- Abusive behavior toward others in the library or library workers will not be accepted.
- The Walpole Public Library reserves the right to ask you to leave if any of the above rules are ignored.
Fines & Charges Top of Page
- There is a $1.00 charge to replace a lost library card
- Books, CDs & Books on Tape/CD .05 per day
- Videos (DVD & VHS) $1.00 per day
All Walpole materials (not including Reference materials) may be reserved.* You may place your own holds at our public access catalogs or from home.
- You will be notified by telephone when your reserve becomes available.
- Once they arrive, reserved items will be held for 3 days.
* Please Note: Most materials from other libraries in the Old Colony Library Network may be reserved. New and selected A/V materials may be restricted by certain libraries.
Internet Policy Top of Page
Access to the Internet is limited to those 16 and above. Persons below that age may use the Internet if granted permission by a parent or guardian. Individuals are reminded that the Internet workstations are located in a public area, which is shared by patrons of all ages and backgrounds and are asked to be sensitive to this when accessing potentially controversial information and images.
The library’s Internet computers may not be used for any unlawful or improper activities prohibited under local, state, or federal laws. These activities include, but are not limited to the following:
* Displaying or transmitting sexually explicit or sexually suggestive (obscene/ pornographic) materials.
* Hacking and /or spamming
* Infringement of copyright law
* Damaging/altering of software and/or equipment.
* Distribution of unsolicited advertising or propaganda, or propagation of computer viruses.
* Libeling, harassing, or slandering other users.
* Fraud
* Solicitation of minors.
The library reserves the right to adjust these policies as needed. The library also reserves the right to deny access to an individual to its Internet workstations should any of the above activities be committed.
Advance Booking
Walpole Library’s public computers (Internet / Word Processors) in advance, in person at the Circulation Desk or by telephone (508-660-7340), in blocks of one hour for the Internet Terminals.
All computer users must check in at the Circulation Desk prior to using the terminals.
If a person scheduled to use a terminal wants to stay past their scheduled time, they must first check with the circulation desk for availability.
Extensions cannot be granted on terminals scheduled for others, but the person using the terminal may stay with the understanding that they must hand over the terminal immediately to the scheduled person.
A person who has reserved a computer must show up within 15 minutes of the reserved time or forfeit the time to someone who is waiting. The library asks that people unable to make their reserved time inform the library (508-660-7340).
Computers may be reserved only one week in advance.
Walk-ins
If a computer is not reserved and a person wishes to use it they must still check in at the Circulation Desk and be written into the schedule book. Individuals who do not check in will have to yield to other walk-in’s that check at the desk.
Consideration of Other Users, Library Staff and Equipment
Computers must be relinquished promptly to the next scheduled user. Print jobs must also be completed by the end of the scheduled time (do not wait for the next person to show up before starting to print something).
There are no age requirements for using the computers but (as aforementioned) all Internet users under the age of 16 will be required to have prior signed parental permission in order to use the Internet (see Circulation Desk for permission forms).
No more than two people on a computer at once, except with prior approval of the library director.
Keep conversation to a minimum.
Be polite when bumping a user or yielding to someone else.
Treat all library equipment with care; users are responsible for willful damage inflicted.
Fees
There is no fee for the use of either an Internet or Word Processing terminal. However, there is a charge of 15 cents per page for anything printed at any of the terminals.
Note: All charges for computer use help to cover the high cost of ink cartridges
Computer Security and Copyright
Computer users are not allowed to store or change files on the hard disk.
Computer users may not run their own software on library computers.
Programs that are on the public computers are subject to copyright and should not be copied. Only those programs are available.
Computer users may provide their own paper, but should refrain from using extremely thick paper such as card stock as it may jam the printers. Please do not use labels.
Training
The Computer Center is intended for self-reliant users; people who already know how to use installed software or are willing to teach themselves.
The library cannot offer extensive one-on-one training and advises against frequent interruption library staff.
Although the library staff will be happy to provide assistance, they are not extensively trained and cannot be expected to resolve all computer-related issues.
Library Closing Time
Staff starts library-closing procedures 15 minutes prior to the library’s closing time. All library users (including computer users) are expected to be out of the library no later than the scheduled closing time.
If necessary, the staff will turn off all power to the computer room regardless of whether person(s) in there are finished or not.
Loan periods Top of Page
- Fiction, Nonfiction (& New Nonfiction) = 28 days
- New Fiction, Reserve Books & Children's books = 14 days
- Magazines, CDs, Books on Tape & CD = 14 days
- VIDEOS (DVD & VHS) = 7 days
- Other libraries in our Library Network [OCLN] may have different loan periods, overdue fines and renewal policies. Please keep this in mind when borrowing items from other libraries.
- Patrons with fines of $5.00 or more, or lost or overdue materials must clear their records before borrowing more materials.
Materials Selection Policy Top of Page
This selection policy of the Walpole Public Library is designed to provide guidelines for the professional staff in the selection of library materials. It does not replace professional judgement, but rather defines the general tools and criteria used for material selection.
Library Objectives
The role of the Walpole Public Library is to provide the community with access to a wide range of materials for their educational, informational, cultural, recreational, and social benefit. To accomplish this, the Library collects material in various formats (written, filmed, recorded, electronic), provides a place to hold the material, and allows the material to be borrowed. It offers professional guidance on locating the material and sponsors programming to promote awareness of what is available. Since the community is diverse, the approach of the Library must be similarly diverse. Within the limitations of its budget, the Library looks to obtain as wide a range of materials as possible. To augment its resources, it also joins together on a regional basis with other libraries and information providers.
In its selection policy, the Walpole Public Library fully supports the principles adopted by the American Library Association in its Library Bill of Rights and its Freedom to Read Statement. The key principle underlying both documents and this policy is that of free speech. In all its activities, the Library will support that principle, providing an unbiased platform for the exchange of ideas.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
* "Material" is defined in the broadest possible context. The key criteria is useful content not form.
* Review media are used as tools for selection along with feedback from the community.
* All material must meet the following specific criteria: it must have either current usefulness or permanent value, it must have either a relation to the present collection or fill a gap in the present collection, it must be well-made.
* The library will review specific materials upon written request. A form is available at the circulation desk.
* Titles are selected without regard to the race, creed, nationality, political or religious views of the author.
* In the case of controversial issues, variety and balance of opinion is sought.
* Responsibility for the reading and viewing habits of children rests with the parents or legal guardians. Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that material may come into the possession of children.
* Providing textbooks and curriculum material is the responsibility of the school system. The library will work closely with the school system to provide the general resources necessary to supplement a student's education.
* In selecting material, the library will pay special attention to the commercial, civic and cultural hertiage of the community.
* Selection must not only meet the needs of the current user, but also anticipate the needs of the potential user.
* Library materials are not kept from the general public except for the purposes of protecting the material from damage or theft.
* Systematic withdrawal of damaged or worn-out material is to be expected. Frequency of use, uniqueness, and physical condition are prime considerations in this decision making.
* Interlibrary loans are used to obtain materials not in the Library's collections.
* Gifts received by the Library are judged under the same criteria as purchased materials. They are accepted with the understanding that the LIbrary may dispose of them in any way it sees fit.
* The Library is not an advocate of any particular ideas reflected in the materials in its collection. However, it does defend the principles of the freedom to read and declares that no material under attack will be removed from the Library except under the direct orders of a court of competent jurisdiction.
* Ultimate responsibility lies with the Board of Trustees. Day to day responsibility for material selection is delegated to the Library Director. Input from staff and users of the Library is also actively sought.
The Library Director and the Board of Trustees welcome the opportunity to discuss these principles with interested individuals or representatives of groups.
Use of Library Common Room Top of Page
(rev. 4/2011)
The use of the Common Room at the Walpole Public Library is intended for the informational, educational and cultural needs of the community. Meetings held in the Common Room may be for literary, educational, philanthropic or civic purposes only. No outside groups or organizations using the Common Room shall charge an admission fee or sell materials, goods, or services for private profit or gain.
Please note: First priority in the use of the Common Room will always be given to Library-sponsored and co-sponsored programs and to programs held in cooperation with the Library. Room bookings are subject to cancellation with one week’s notice if the room is needed for Library programming.
Permission to use the Common Room will be denied to any group or individual for any meeting whose purpose is illegal or potentially hazardous; whose conduct would interfere with the proper functioning of the library; or whose satisfactory adult sponsorship is not provided.
Permission granted to use the Common Room in no way constitutes endorsement of the policies or beliefs of any group or organization. Use of the library's meeting rooms does not constitute endorsement by the library of points of view expressed by participants in the program. No advertisements or announcements implying such endorsements will be permitted.
Reservations for use of the Common Room must be made through the Circulation Desk (508-660-7340) at least seven (7) days prior to use. Reservations will be assigned in the order of receipt. Recurring reservations will be accepted for no more than four months at a time. Please notify the library as quickly as possible in case of cancellation.
The Trustees/Director has the authority to deny the use of library facilities to any individuals or groups that fail to comply with the intent of this policy.
Groups and individuals interested in using the Common Room at the library must agree the following guidelines.
GUIDELINES
1. Meetings held are to be open to all (irrespective of race, color or creed).
2. The Common Room is available during public service hours and must be vacated 15 minutes before library closing.
3. The Common Room cannot be used for personal or family purposes. The room is not available for purely social functions (functions designed for entertainment with friends or associates).
4. The person requesting use of a meeting room will be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the group and for any loss of, or damage to, Library property.
5. Groups will not be permitted to post signs or distribute materials on Library property without approval of Library management. Unauthorized material will be removed.
6. Light refreshments may be served and must be confined to the Common Room. Coffeepots, cups, plates, paper goods, etc. must be provided by the group reserving the Common Room. The group serving them will be responsible for any clean-up following the meeting. Alcoholic beverages of any type may not be brought into, served, or consumed on the Library’s premises.
7. Organizations must use the Common Room as they are furnished. Organizations are responsible for leaving the room in the condition they found it. Organizations are responsible for their own room setup.
8. Storage of personal property, equipment, and/or supplies is not permitted in the Library. The library is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
9. The Library does not provide any equipment or supplies for public use. Groups may arrange to bring their own equipment and/or supplies with prior notification on the application. Library staff is not available to assist in the setup or trouble-shooting of equipment. The Library is not responsible for equipment, supplies, or any other materials owned by the group and used in the Library.
10. Except as a designation of location, the name and contact information of the Library may not be used in any publicity for a meeting. The name and/or address of the library may not be used as the official address or headquarters of the organization.
11. Attendance is limited by the room seating capacity.
The Common Room will not be available for use in the event that the building is closed due to emergency conditions or inclement weather. In the event of such a situation, every attempt will be made to notify any group with a reservation.
Any additional questions should be directed to the Library Director.
Museum Passes Top of Page
- Museum Passes are for the use of Walpole residents only.
- Borrowers must have a Walpole Public Library card and be in good standing (e.g. no fines or unpaid materials charges).
- The passes are limited to one per family for any given day. The only exception to this is that the Gardner and MFA passes may be borrowed simultaneously.
- Passes may be reserved either online, in person or via telephone.
- Reservations are taken strictly on a first come, first serve basis.
- Borrowers must be able to prove Walpole residency and have an active, fine-free account prior to receipt of passes.
- Museum passes must be returned to the desk on the day for which they are reserved except on weekends.
- Late returns will result in a fine of $2.50 per day. Habitual late returns may result in the suspension of pass borrowing privileges.
- Passes cannot be returned in either the book or video drops.
- Patrons will be responsible for replacement charges incurred by lost passes. Replacement costs are determined by the museum/organization and will be passed on to patron.
Unattended Child Guidelines Top of Page
The Walpole Public Library strives to provide resources and facilities to encourage children of all ages to visit, and to ensure that they will find the library a warm and inviting place. We hope that through their visits, children will develop a lifelong love of books, reading and libraries.
Our staff does everything in their power to insure the safety of children in the Library, but their duties as providers of Library services prevent them from being able to supervise each individual child left in the Library. Therefore, when children are using the Library, it is the responsibility of parents or caregivers, not Library staff, to supervise their children.
Supervision
“Supervise” means that a parent or caregiver is with the child in the Library and is ensuring:
- That children act in accordance with Library rules.• That children’s behavior does not present a safety hazard to themselves, other users, or Library property.
- That children’s behavior does not interfere with the use of the Library by others.
The following age guidelines have been established to ensure that children are safe and cared for while in the Library:
- Children under eleven years old: a parent or the parent’s representative, age 14 & older, must remain with the child at all times.
- Children between the ages of eleven and thirteen years may be left unattended for a reasonable amount of time.
- Children attending programs are supervised by the Library staff only during the scheduled time of the program. Prompt arrival at program completion is expected.
Bring children to Library at a less busy time and acquaint them with areas and materials that will interest them. Introduce children to Library staff, and assure them that if they were ever to become lost or frightened, staff members are there to help. The Library is a very busy place, and it is open to everyone. Make sure your children know that if they should ever feel uneasy or uncomfortable with another patron in the building, they should tell a staff member immediately. Parents should be familiar with the Library’s hours of operation and should not leave children here before opening or after closing. Library staff cannot be responsible for supervising children left alone on Library grounds. Walpole Police will be called for children left alone at closing.
Approved by the Walpole Public Library Board of Trustees
2/21/06