Policies

1. All materials may circulate to borrowers in good standing for 21 days with the following exceptions:
1. Encyclopedias, Indexes and other Reference works marked “REF” do not circulate
2. Materials marked “Not to Circulate”
3. Items in the Local History Collection do not circulate
4. Current issues of new magazines do not circulate
5. Newspapers do not circulate
6. Short loan DVDs ("new") circulate for one week
7. Equipment will circulate for a 14 day period to patrons over the age of 18 with a current library card and proof of address

2. Limits on borrowing West Hurley Public Library materials:
1. Borrowers may be asked not to take out a disproportionate number of titles on a single subject
2. Teachers and students working on a school project will be asked not to take out more than three items on a specific topic
3. A borrower will be limited to 30 books
4. A borrower will be limited to 4 videocassettes
5. A borrower will be limited to 4 DVDs
6. A borrower will be limited to 16 audiobook parts
7. Equipment borrowers must sign an agreement form expressing that they accept our circulation policy and are responsible for damage to the equipment and for any missing parts

3. Renewals: Items that are not reserved by another party may be renewed over the phone or in person. Items that are reserved by another party or are short loan materials ("new") may not be renewed. Borrowers may not renew an item for more than 42 days without permission of the director. Borrowers of equipment may not renew an item for more than 28 days without permission of the director.


4. Returns: West Hurley Public Library materials may be returned at any library in the Mid-Hudson Library System. No fines will accrue after they are processed at another library. Equipment must be returned to the circulation desk.


5. Reserves: Patrons may sign up to place items on reserve to ensure that they receive them when the items are returned to the library.  These items will only be held on reserve for one week.


6. Copyright: During the loan period of software, CDROMS, and other forms of electronic media, the patron is responsible for all copyright adherences.  Anyone borrowing this material may use it for the loan period only.

Ebook circulation policies have now been incorporated under equipment policies.
See these sections for specific information:

• Circulation of Library Materials Section
• Section 1f (Loan Period)
• Section 2f (Limits on Borrowing)
• Section 4 (Returns)
• Section 6 (Copyright)
• Fines Part c
• Loss and Damage Part 2

If an item is not renewed before the end of the grace period, the following fines will accrue:

1. Twenty-five cents each day for each overdue short loan book ("new") with a maximum of $5.00
2. Ten cents each day for overdue library materials with a maximum of $5.00
3. One dollar per day for each overdue piece of equipment borrowed with a maximum of $10.00

After a patron owes more than ten dollars worth of fines or overdue/lost materials, his/her library privileges are revoked in the West Hurley Public Library and in the MidHudson Library System. The system, neighboring libraries, and staff shall be notified.

1. Borrowers are responsible for any books checked out in their name regardless of the circumstances of the loss or damage.
2. Borrowers who lose library materials or return them damaged beyond use or repair are required to pay the cost of replacement plus a two dollar service charge for processing.  (If the book is out of print, the user will be charged the cost to replace the book with another on the same subject and approximate value.) Borrowers who lose equipment are responsible for the cost of the equipment and/or any missing parts.
3. People are responsible for damage if the damage occurs while they are using materials in the library.
4. If the library is unable to locate West Hurley Public Library materials with a replacement value under fifty dollars that a patron claims that he/she has returned, the library will change the material's status to “claims returned,” and the patron will not have to pay to replace the book or to pay fines for it. After a patron accrues three outstanding “claims returned” from any library in the Mid-Hudson Library System, he/she may not use this option.

1. FASTCARD borrowing cards will be issued with the following conditions:
1. Person must provide this information:
• Last name
• First name
• Middle initial
• Mailing address
• Street address (if different than mailing address)
• Phone Number(s)
• Signature
• Date of signature
• Children under the age of 18 must have a responsible adult sign their registration form to indicate that the adult will be legally responsible for the child's fines and bills
• Gender
2. Person may provide this information
• Birth month and day
3. Person does not already possess a FASTCARD

2. Permanent FASTCARD borrowing cards will be issued with the following conditions:
1. Person must live within the West Hurley Public Library’s chartered area
2. Person must present proof of residence

3. Patrons must pay a two dollar replacement fee for lost cards.


4. Patrons must have at least a temporary residence in the Mid-Hudson System in order to borrow materials.

Library materials are selected and acquired by the Library Director within the parameters of the library budget and mission. Materials are selected for all age groups. Special requests for titles or materials must be made to the Library Director. Print, audio, audio-visual, and electronic formats are included in the collection, budget and space permitting. The library adheres to the principles contained in the American Library Association Bill of Rights and the American Library Association statement on the “Freedom to Read.” A copy of the Bill of Rights is permanently attached to this policy. Responsibility for the reading, listening, and viewing of Library materials by children rests with their parents or legal guardians.  Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into the possession of children.

The library does not censor the content of library materials. Patrons objecting to the inclusion of materials they find objectionable can put their objection in writing for consideration by the Library Director. If the patron desires further action, he/she may appeal in writing to the Board of Trustees.

In order to ensure constructive use of library facilities, materials, and services, as well as the personal comfort of all patrons, the Board of Trustees has established the following rules for use:
1. Smoking, foul language, loud and boisterous behaviors are not permitted.
2. Food and drink are not allowed in the library unless offered by the library as refreshments served at a program.
3. Footwear and appropriate clothing are required of all patrons.
4. The Library assumes no responsibility for the care and supervision of children. Parents ore caregivers must supervise the behavior of their children. Additionally, children under the age of 17 must be supervised at all times.
5. Only animals assisting the handicapped are permitted in the building.
6. A library patron who deliberately alters a library computer database or destroys computer equipment will forfeit all library privileges and will be subject to financial liability for damages.
7. A library patron who vandalizes, steals, or destroys any library equipment or building components will forfeit all library privileges and will be subject to financial liability for damages.

The library computers are for information and reference use only. Computers are available for personal use such as word processing. Patrons may use personal diskettes in the library computers. There is a 20 minute time limit on a computer session if others are waiting.

The library makes an effort to review new technologies and to determine which of these can be used to provide new and improved services to patrons.

Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, request for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute. Patrons may sign a confidentiality waiver giving another individual permission to do one or both of the following: request information about materials on loan and take out materials.

The library maintains an area to provide organizations an opportunity to publicize community events of a civic, cultural, educational or recreational nature. In order to avoid the appearance of an endorsement, the library will not post notices of partisan political, religious or commercial events or activities.

1. Gifts of library materials (books, audio recordings, videos, etc) will be accepted with the understanding that the library reserves the right to add them to its collection, distribute them to other libraries, sell them, or discard them. Gift materials will be added to the collection in accordance with the Materials Selection Policy of the library.
2. Monetary gifts, bequests, and memorial or honorary contributions are welcome. If donated funds are used to purchase library materials, then these items will be chosen in accordance with the Materials Selection Policy of the Library.
3. Gifts of personal property, art objects, antiques, and other collectibles will be accepted with the understanding that they may be displayed, sold, given away, or discarded at the discretion of the Library Board.
4. The library keeps no record of the final disposition of these gifts, nor will the Library appraise any of these gifts.
5. Gift items will be formally acknowledged if the donor wishes.

Adults without children may use this room (as a meeting room) after 5:00pm at the discretion of the library staff.

The staff of the West Hurley Library are pleased to welcome children to the Library. We hope that children who use the Library will perceive it as a wonderful place to be.
However the responsibility for the safety and well-being of the children using the Library rests with the parents/guardians or assigned chaperones, and not with library staff.
It is not safe to leave young children unattended in the Library. Left on their own they can become bored, restless, and disturb others. Disruptive behavior prompts corrective action from the staff, and this creates a negative rather than a positive library experience.
For the protection and well-being of the many children who enjoy our library, the following policy has been established.

1. Children under the age of 7 may not be left unattended at the Library. They must be accompanied by a person 13 years of age or older.
2. Parents of children attending library programs are strongly encouraged to remain in the Library. Due to unexpected circumstances, programs may end before or after the posted time. Children attending programs can be supervised by library staff only during the program.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN AT CLOSING TIME:

1. Parents must pick up their children before closing time.
2. If parents cannot be located by closing time, the police will be called to pick up the child.
3. If parents have been contacted and are "ON THE WAY", staff will remain with the child up to fifteen minutes after closing time. After fifteen minutes, the police will be notified.
4. If the child has been picked up by the police, a staff member will post a note on the door advising the parent of the circumstances and stating where the parent/guardian can locate the child.
5. At no time will personnel of the Library drive a child home.

Approved February 13, 2007

• Fire: Do not panic, but do not underestimate the potential danger of a fire. At the first indication of smoke or flame, investigate the situation to determine location and extent of the fire. If the fire can obviously be contained and extinguished quickly and safely by staff, proceed to do so. However, if there is any doubt about whether the fire can be controlled, immediately call 911 or the fire department and then clear the building. The time to think about fires is before they happen. Familiarize yourself with the type, location, and application of the fire extinguisher(s) in the building. Orient all staff and volunteers to this information.
• Health emergencies: Staff members should exercise caution when administering first aid of even a minor nature because of the safety of the injured individual and the potential liability of the staff member. Without specialized training it is not advisable for staff to undertake more than keeping the sick or injured patron comfortable and protected from needless disturbance until medical help can be obtained. Since each case is unique, staff members should use their own judgment to do what is prudent and reasonable. The Rescue Squad/Police (911 if available) should be called immediately in the event of any serious problem. No medication, including aspirin, should ever be dispensed to the public.
• Bomb threats: Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask the caller to repeat the message and try to write down every word spoken by the person. If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, ASK FOR THIS INFORMATION. Pay particular attention to peculiar background noises such as motors running, background music and any other sounds which may indicate the location from which the call is originating. Listen closely to the voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, excited), accents and speech impediments. Immediately after the caller hangs up, call the police. Clear the building. The police will handle the actual bomb search.
• Snow storms: The Library will be closed upon the agreement of the staff member on duty and one board member.

The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside the library. Library patrons are encouraged to take advantage of the free Internet service.

The West Hurley Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, nor does the library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. Information on the Internet may be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, out-of-date, or unavailable at times. Patrons access the Internet at their own discretion. Patrons may not send, receive, or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed by library staff as offensive to the public. The West Hurley Library cannot be held responsible for the content of the Internet. As with other library materials, a child’s use of the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.

Staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time and experience permits. Please remember that there are many sources (books, periodicals, CD-Rom databases, etc.) that have the information you are looking for right in the library. You may want to check out those sources before going online, as it could save you valuable time and effort.

Internet access will be available on a first come/first serve basis; but if other patrons are waiting, use will be limited to 20 minutes per person. Patrons must sign up at the circulation desk for Internet usage. A signature indicates that the patron agrees to follow the library’s Internet Policy. Library business will take precedence over patron use.

The library does not offer E-mail or file transfer capabilities. Patrons may use a web-based service for E-mail. Users may not download materials to the computer’s hard drive. Patrons may download to a floppy disk. These are available for purchase at the circulation desk. Users may not install software on library computers.

In accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, patrons are not permitted to use terminals for any illegal or criminal purpose, including but not limited to, accessing legally obscene materials, harassment or stalking, unauthorized access to computer systems, or in a manner disruptive of other people’s work. Legal references are available at the library. The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through electronic information systems; and encompassing any activities by a user found to be illegal, or any consequences thereof.

Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in the loss of your computer privileges.

With the understanding that purchases for library materials are often available through statewide or national discount programs for libraries, the Board of Trustees establishes the following policy:

1. Library Materials: Books, magazines, AV, and other such materials intended for patron use are generally purchased from vendors offering volume discounts or vendors offering a state contract. Materials available only from the publisher are generally purchased with little or no discount.


2. Capital and One-Time Purchases: The following schedule is related to capital or one-time purchases on non-library materials where individual items are at the stated prices and for which there are sufficient budget appropriations.

Purchase Amount Policy
• Up to $1000 - Discretion of the Executive Director
• $1000 - $2,999 - Minimum of three documented telephone quotes approved by either the Treasurer or the President prior to purchase and reported to the Board of Trustees
• $3,000 - $4,999 - Minimum of three written quotes approved by the Board of Trustees
• Over $5,000 - Formal bid process approved by the Board of Trustees


3. Ongoing Expenditures: The following schedule applies to purchases where anticipated yearly expenditures for items are known to exceed the following thresholds in any of the prior three years.

Purchases Public Works Policy
• Up to $2,000 - Discretion of the Executive Director
• $2,001 - $5,000 - Minimum of three documented verbal quotes or a documented reasonable alternative approved by either the Treasurer or the President prior to purchase and r eported to the Board of Trustees
• $5,001 - $9,999 - Minimum of three written quotes or a reasonable documented alternative a approved by the Board of Trustees
• $10,000 or more - Formal bid process approved by the Board of Trustees


4. The Library District will comply with all New York State requirements for public works projects.


5. Emergencies: In the effect of an emergency over $1,000, the Executive Director will obtain three verbal quotes if possible. Either the Treasurer or the President will approve the expense.

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

1. 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.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historic issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adoped June 18, 1948; amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980, inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996 by the ALA Council

Web Page Last Updated 2/16/06