Library Policies

Library Circulation Policy

1. A free card to any resident or property owner in the library district — Townships of Anderson, Boon, Campbell, Greer, Hart, Lane, Owen, Pigeon and Skelton in Warrick County, Indiana. Cost for a lost card will be $1.00. Identification is required.

2. Materials circulate for a period of 2 weeks. Exception is 3 months for art prints. Items may be renewed 3 times after which time the article must be brought in to be renewed except for Art prints. Art prints must be returned when due. There is a 1 week grace period for art prints, where no fines will be charged. A $1.00 overdue fine will be charged after the 1 week grace period.

3. Reference materials, Indiana and Lincoln Collections do not circulate.

4. Overdue Fines are $.05 a day per item, $1.00 a day per art print.

5. Patron will be charged current replacement cost, plus $1.00 processing fee for any item that is lost or damaged. Replacement cost will be refunded if returned in good condition and in a timely manner. Overdue fines will then be applied.

6. Patrons are allowed one “Claimed Returned” item before they are placed on the restricted list.

7. You may NOT check out items if: You owe more than $5.00 in fines and/or have one or more overdue unreturned item. Overdue notices will print 7 days after the item is due. A second and FINAL notice will print 7 days later, at which time you will be “BLOCKED.” Patrons may not use computers if they have overdue items and/or “Blocked.”

8. Patrons must have a valid library card and sign an Internet Acceptable Use Policy in order to use the Library’s Internet Account.


Library Internet Policy

1. Boonville-Warrick County Public Library and its branches have the right to set and enforce rules and regulations concerning the use of the Internet computer.

2. The person who checks out a computer is responsible at all times for its proper use.

3. Any patron’s access may be suspended or revoked by the BWCPL administration at any time, without prior notice or hearing, for abusive conduct or violation of the conditions of use set forth in this document. BWCPL will be the sole arbiter of what constitutes abusive conduct or violation of the Internet Use Account.

4. Users must abide by the BWCPL agreement with the BWCPL Internet service provider.

5. Users must refrain from inappropriate Internet conduct. Examples of inappropriate conduct include, but are not limited to: use of the Internet for unlawful or malicious activities; misrepresentation of oneself or BWCPL; sending chain letters; using abusive or objectionable language in either public or private messages; engaging in harassing behavior such as sending or posting slanderous, libelous, obscene, or threatening messages; and other activities that could cause congestion and disruption of networks and systems.

6. Users must respect all copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to software, files or other resources obtained via the Internet.

7. BWCPL Internet access is not to be used for solicitation, advertisement, or for any other commercial purposes.

8. Users with a BWCPL Internet account whose conduct violates federal, state, or local laws will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Evidence of illegal activity will be reported to the proper legal authorities. BWCPL will cooperate with the proper authorities in the investigation of illegal activities.

9. BWCPL reserves the right to review any material stored in files to which all users have access and will remove any material which, in its opinion, does not comply with this document.

10. Electronic communication carried on via the Internet should not be considered confidential. When necessary, such communication may be used as evidence in criminal investigations and/or prosecutions. BWCPL will disclose all messages on the Internet system to the extent required by law.

11. BWCPL makes no warranties, expressed or implied, that the function or content of the system will meet any user’s specific requirements, or that will be error-free or trouble-free, current or uninterrupted; nor shall BWCPL be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost data, information, or income) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operations, or inability to use the system.

Reviewed and approved January 10, 2013

Library Meeting Room Policy

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The meeting rooms of the Boonville-Warrick County Public Library are for the use of community groups whose purpose for meeting is compatible with social, cultural and intellectual purposes of the Library. However, the use of a room by a specific group does not imply the Library’s endorsement of the group’s philosophy.

Accommodations
1. The main meeting room (A & B combined) can accommodate a maximum of 125 people. It has a folding door which divides the room 2/3(A) – 1/3(B) for smaller groups meeting simultaneously. The conference room can be reserved for groups of ten or fewer persons.

2. Entrance and exit to the meeting room and conference room is through the main entry doors, and once inside, through doors to the left of the main entry hall. There is an “Exit Only” door directly to the outside from the meeting room A.

3. Public restrooms are available on the left side of the main entry hall.

4. A small kitchenette is provided to serve the meeting room (A/B combined, or B only). Do NOT leave items in the refrigerator. Long term storage of items in the kitchenette is not permitted.

5. The library custodial staff will make every effort to set up the meeting room prior to the group’s arrival, but this service IS NOT GUARANTEED. To help insure advance set-up, make sure a form detailing your desired plan is turned into the Children’s Circulation Desk at least 2 days before the scheduled meeting.

Hours
1. The meeting rooms and conference room may be reserved for use between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reservations must be made only during Library business hours, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until 4:30 p.m. Friday and noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

2. When inclement weather occurs, the library may be closed and all meetings will be cancelled until the library resumes regular hours.


Use, Priorities and Restrictions
1. The meeting rooms will be reserved on a first come, first served basis.

2. The group meeting must not interfere with the operation of the Library. Library programs and activities have priority over all other activities. The Library reserves the right to cancel or change a meeting date.

3. Rooms can be reserved a year in advance, but rooms reserved for an entire year must be submitted no later than December 1st of the current year.

4. The person reserving the meeting room(s) or conference room shall sign off on a list of rules when making the application for the room and the deposit shall be paid at the time of application. Donations should be paid one week before the event to reserve the room(s).

5. The room shall be returned to the same condition it was in before the meeting, clean tables, and all trash shall be removed from the Library’s property. A broom and duspan will be provided by the Library for clean-up.

6. The presence and consumption of alcohol inside or outside the premises is absolutely prohibited. Smoking is also banned in the entire Library. You must be more than 8 ft. away from all exterior doors when smoking.

7. The library will not allow activities or use of equipment that could result in personal injury.

8. The library will not allow activities or products that could result in a potential fire hazard.

9. Children’s groups or those under 18 must be supervised by an adult. The Library does not provide babysitting services.

10. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen articles and will not store items.

Indemnification & Damages
Organizations or individuals using the meeting rooms or conference room shall indemnify and hold harmless the Boonville-Warrick County Public Library and its Board of Trustees, director, and employees from and against all losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses arising from injury or death of any person(s), or damage to property resulting from any act or omission of such users or their employees, agents, representatives, guests, invitees, or the general public to the extent that such losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses arise in connection with or relate to the organization’s or individual’s use of the facility.

The Library assumes no responsibility for hats, coats, cell phones, computers or other personal belongings of persons attending meetings; neither does it guarantee parking facilities for those planning to attend the meeting.

Application Process
1. All requests for the meeting rooms must be approved by the Director or Children’s Director in conjunction with the Library Board policy.

2. An application form and signed list of rules must be completed by a representative of the group who will be present at the function, is 18 years of age or older, and has no outstanding library debt.

3. The meeting rooms and conference room can be reserved for as much as one (1) year in advance. It is the responsibility of the organization to renew the application before December 1 for the next year. If the organization has not renewed by December 1 of the current year, the reservation will be dropped and the room made available to other organizations.

4. The Library has the right to deny use of both meeting rooms to an organization, if the Library deems it is not necessary to use both rooms, because of the high demand for the use of those rooms.

5. The organization or individual shall notify the Library of cancellations at least two (2) weeks in advance of use of the room.

6. The kitchenette can be reserved for warming or cooling previously prepared foods. The group must provide its own food, drink, utensils, dishes, napkins, towels, detergent, coffee pot and trash bags, etc. No library equipment or supply use is permitted. Excess supplies and equipment are not to be stored in the library’s kitchenette. The kitchenette must be left clean and neat with all trash removed from the Library property.

7. The use of equipment depends upon availability, may be used at a cost, and at the discretion of library staff. The User must have a Boonville-Warrick County Public Library card to reserve any piece of equipment. Equipment must be requested no less than 48 hours prior to using the meeting room and must be used only when the library is open. Library staff must set up and take down all equipment that is used. The User will be responbile for the actual cost of repair and/or replacement of any piece of equipment which User, or anyone in the meeting, damages.

Security Deposits and Donations
1. A security deposit of $50.00 for private parties, $25 for not-for-profit organizations shall be made at the time of the application to secure the use of the meeting room(s) and conference room.

2. Security deposits are refundable 48 hours after the meeting, if:
a) The function is cancelled within 2 weeks prior to the scheduled event.
b) The meeting room(s), conference room and/or Kitchenette are properly cleaned.
c) Trash is taken off the Library property.
d) There are no damages incurred.
3. A donation for the use of the room(s).
Room A (25 ft. x 34 ft.) is $35.00.
Room B (18 ft. x 35 ft.) is $25.00.
Conference Room is $15.00
Kitchenette is $15.00
Special equipment cost
Meeting room donations are nonrefundable and must be paid separately from security deposits.

Revised December 2013

Policy on the safety of Children at the Library

The Boonville-Warrick County Public Library welcomes and encourages children to use the Library’s facilities and services. However, the happiness and safety of children left alone at the Library can be a serious concern. When children are left “unattended” when no Library programs are being offered or when the Library is closing, they become the vulnerable target of abuse by others as well as bored and/or disruptive. Library staff cannot know if children are leaving the building with parents or strangers. Therefore, for the protection and well being of all children who use and enjoy our Library, the following policy has been adopted.

 

    1. Responsibility for the safety and behavior of ALL children using the Library rests with the parent, guardian, caregiver, or assigned mature and responsible chaperone, not with Library staff.

 

    1. AGES BIRTH TO AGE 8 – Young children under the age of eight (8) may not be left on the library premises. A parent, guardian, caregiver, or assigned mature and responsible chaperone must be in the immediate vicinity of and, in visual contact with, the child at all times. The exception to this is story hour or other library-sponsored programs. Parents or caregivers should bring their children to the room before the program, remain in the library, and be at the door to pick them up when the program is done. Parents and caregivers are responsible for the behavior of their children at the library. If the parent, guardian, caregiver, or assigned mature and responsible chaperone expects to be busy in the library, attending a meeting, using a copier or computer, or selecting materials, he or she should leave the child at home or bring another adult caregiver with him or her. The child should not be left unattended or left in the care of another child.

 

    1. AGES 9 TO 11 – Children ages 9 to 11 years need not be in the immediate presence of a parent, guardian, caregiver, or assigned mature and responsible chaperone as long as their behavior is not disruptive to patrons or staff members. The parent, guardian, caregiver, or assigned mature and responsible chaperone must be somewhere in the library building.

 

    1. AGES 12 TO 18 – Children ages 12 to 18 are free to use the library unsupervised as long as their behavior is not disruptive to other patrons or staff members.

 

    1. DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR – Loud, abusive, aggressive, harassing, or obscene language or behavior. Defacing or damaging library materials, furniture, or other property on the library premises. Using or distributing illegal drugs. Circumventing or attempting to circumvent the library security system. Tampering with, altering, editing, or damaging computer hardware or software. Using roller blades, roller skates, skate boards, or other sports equipment in the library or on library property. Entering unauthorized work spaces or office areas without library staff permission. Playing audio equipment so that others can hear it. Running through the aisles or blocking the aisles so that access to the library materials and services are prevented. Eating, drinking, or smoking in the library building.

 

    1. If it is determined that a child is lost or unattended, staff will attempt to locate a parent, guardian, caregiver, or assigned mature and responsible chaperone on the library premises and explain the policy to them.

 

    1. If the child’s parent, guardian, caregiver, or assigned mature and responsible chaperone is not found on the library premises, staff will attempt to locate them through library records, phone book, etc. When/if they are located by phone, they will be asked to join the child at the Library or pick up the child immediately. The policy will be explained.

 

    1. If the child’s parent, guardian, caregiver, or assigned mature and responsible chaperone cannot be located within an hour or within 15 minutes of the library closing, the child will be considered “an abandoned child” and placed in the care of local law enforcement. In the event the child is placed with law enforcement and the Library is closed, a note to the parent will be left on the Library door explaining the whereabouts of the child.

 

  1. Under “NO” circumstances will a staff member take the child off the library premises, transport the child in any manner, nor will the child be left alone outside the building after closing.

*For the purposes of this policy,unattended shall be defined as a child under the age of eight (8) left alone in any area inside or outside of the Library, unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, caregiver, or assigned mature and responsible chaperone.

**For the purposes of this policy, an abandoned child is any child under Indiana law, IC 31-9-2-13(d)(1), a person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees of the Boonville-Warrick County Public Library on January 10, 2013.