Circulation Policy

Cards:
Any resident of St. Marys six years or older may request a library card by providing identification with a current address. The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Parents/guardians are legally responsible for the materials borrowed by minors. Library cards are valid for two years, and may be updated free of charge. Replacements for lost or stolen cards are $2.00.
The St. Marys Public Library participates in the Access PA Statewide Borrowing Program. Your St. Marys Public Library card is accepted at hundreds of libraries in Pennsylvania that participate in the program. To be eligible to participate, you must be in good standing at your home library and your municipality must establish or help maintain a local library. If you qualify for a card under the AccessPA program, you may register for membership by using a valid AccessPA card from another library.

The St. Marys Public Library does NOT receive money from the St. Marys Area School District. All residents of St. Marys contribute per household to support the library. Non-residents may obtain accounts by also paying $35.00 per household. Residents of Fox township should inquire about a reimbursement of the membership fee. NOTE: this does not qualify non-residents for full privilege library service in PA. The AccessPA program is a full privilege program and State Law specifies that an individual can have full library privileges only if their municipality helps to maintain the local library equitably with local government support. Non-residents may use Interlibrary Loan Service.

Circulation:
Patrons may borrow 10 items at a time, with a limit of five videos PER FAMILY. Staff has the right to limit circulation of materials on one subject to three items per family. Adult and juvenile books, audiocassettes, books on tape, pamphlets, magazines, and kits may be borrowed for two weeks. Videotapes may be borrowed for one week. Reference materials and newspapers do not circulate.

The fine for overdue books, periodicals, and cassettes is 10 cents a day, with a maximum of $25.00 per family per incident. The fine for overdue videotapes is one dollar per day per item with a maximum of the cost of the video. Interlibrary loan late fees are 25 cents per day per item. Lost cards can be replaced for $2.00.

No checkouts on accounts with fines of $5.00 or more. Patrons cannot leave fines under $5.00 indefinitely…attempts must be made to reduce and pay off the fine.

Renewals:
Items may be renewed for another two weeks by bringing them into the library for renewal, or by calling the circulation desk. Books may be renewed three times unless another patron places a request for them. Videotapes are not renewable.
There is a limit of ten items per family member. Some materials may be limited to a four-day loan periods or placed on reserve (for in-library use only) if a school project is due and many students need them.
If another patron has checked out an item, you may place a hold on it and you will be called when it is returned. If there are already other holds placed on it, your name will be added to the waiting list and you will be called when your turn comes.
Renewals can be made by phone.

Interlibrary Loan:
If the St. Marys Public Library does not have the resource you need, we can try to get it through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). You must be in good standing at the library. There is a three-item limit per request. You MUST request ILL through your HOME library. Please make ILL requests at the Circulation Desk.

Approved by the Board of Directors 2003

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Collection Development Policy

Mission Statement
The mission of the St. Marys Public Library is to be a leading resource for information, education, culture and recreation for the City of St. Marys and surrounding communities. The Board of Trustees and staff will work together to respond to the changing needs of library service. The library will provide access and guidance to books, videos, electronic resources and other media while maintaining quality materials and service. We will try to develop in our children the love and habit of reading and manage our financial resources in a responsible and prudent manner.
Materials Selection/Collection Development Policy

Objectives
The purpose of the St. Marys Public Library is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid the individual in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time.
Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs.
The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection.

Public libraries are unique institutions charged with being unbiased repositories of recorded expression. The library will attempt to provide our patrons with diverse information and a wide range of ideas and viewpoints. The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the St. Marys Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy. Materials will not be removed that show evidence of meeting the criteria of this policy regardless of how controversial or unpopular that material may appear to special interest groups or individuals.

The materials selection/collection development policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises.

Responsibility for Selection
The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the library director and the collection development personnel who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the St. Marys Public Library Board of Trustees. This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library staff; however, because the director must be available to answer to the library board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.

Criteria for Selection
The Library will attempt to represent all approaches to public issues of a controversial nature. The Library does not sanction particular beliefs or views, nor is the selection of any given item equivalent to an endorsement of the author's viewpoint. If a scarcity of information in a particular subject area exists, material in that area may be selected, even though it does not meet the usually applied standards.
The main points considered in the selection of materials are:
a. individual merit of each item
b. popular appeal/demand
c. suitability of material for the clientele
d. existing library holdings
e. budget

Reviews are a major source of information about new materials. The primary source(s) of reviews is (are) ALA Notable Books, Standard Catalog for Public Libraries, Fiction Catalog, Professional Journals: Booklist, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, etc. New York Times Book Review and other reliable sources both hard copy and online.

The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title that is in demand. Consideration is, therefore, given to requests from library patrons and books discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.

Nonfiction Criteria:
The library acquires materials of both permanent and current interest in all subjects, based upon the merits of a work in relation to the needs, interests, and demands of the community. Each item is evaluated in its entirety and not on the basis of a particular section. While a single standard cannot be applied to each work, the following general criteria are to be considered when selecting materials for purchase: authoritativeness of the writer and reputation of the publisher; accuracy of information; impartiality of opinion, or clearly stated bias; timeliness of data; adequate breadth and depth of coverage; appropriateness and relevancy of subject to the library's users; popular demand; historical value; availability of similar material within the community and other area libraries; organization and style appropriate to the material and to the library's users; good quality illustrations; special features, such as bibliography and index; durable binding and paper; and cost.

Fiction Criteria:
Works of contemporary fiction, graphic novels, and classic works of enduring value are included in the collection. Fiction is selected according to the following criteria: popular demand; reputation of the author and publisher; appropriateness to the library's users; importance as a document of the times; relationship to the existing collection and to other titles and authors dealing with the same subject; interest and originality of the plot; interest and development of the characters; style of writing; literary merit; inclusion in standard library bibliographies; availability of similar material within the community and other area libraries; the physical qualities of the book; cost; and whether a title is part of an existing series.

Periodicals:
Periodicals are publications issued and received on a regular basis in print, microfilm, or electronic format. They form an important part of the Library's research collection and the periodicals collection is intended to complement the book collection. Periodicals are selected according to the following criteria: whether the periodical is indexed in one of the Library's indexing services; inclusion in or exclusion by standard indexing resources; cost; requests by library users, whether the periodical has local or regional interest; and whether a subject area needs to be expanded to help balance the collection.

Reference:
Reference materials, whether in print or computer-based formats, are those designed by the arrangement and treatment of their subject matter to be consulted for definite items of information rather than to be read consecutively. They can provide quick, concise, and current information or they may serve as an index to other materials in the collection. Since they are typically used daily by the public and Library staff to answer specific questions, books in the reference collection are designated for use within the Library. According to their primary use, these materials may be located in Adult Reference, the Computer Access Center, or Youth Reference sections.

Computer-Based Resources:
This category includes computer-based information resources available via the Internet or on a locally installed CD-ROM. In some instances, this material may be available to registered library users at remote locations via the Library's Web page. This collection includes, but is not limited to, citation or full-text databases and instructional multimedia programs. The following criteria should be considered when considering computer-based resources for the collection: compatibility with available equipment and/or existing operating systems; ease of use by library users, including enhanced searching capabilities; price of print format versus electronic; authority; accuracy; frequency of updating; anticipated demand by library users; impact upon staff for ongoing maintenance and updating of database; training requirements for staff and the public; remote access capability; and licensing fees and usage restrictions.

Videos:
It is not the Library's intention to duplicate the spectrum of feature films available in the private sector, but rather to provide a collection of materials that parallels most areas of the general collection.. The library video collection is not intended to supplement curriculum requirements of educational organizations within the community.

Recorded Books:
The Library's goal is to provide a collection of recorded instructional, educational, and quality literature that parallels most areas of the general collection

Recorded Music:
The following criteria will be taken into account when selecting compact discs: authority and competency of producer; artistic merit; technical quality; availability from vendors; and cost.

MATERIALS NOT COLLECTED

Due to finite resources, there are certain materials that the St. Marys Public Library does not collect:

A. Rare books: Since it is the public library's function to make materials available to all users, the St. Marys Public Library does not collect rare or unusual materials that require special handling. Rare publications pertaining to Tempe or Arizona history will be given to the Tempe Historical Museum or another appropriate institution for preservation and protection.
B. Genealogy materials: The Library collects basic materials on genealogical research but does not collect more specialized publications such as family histories, etc. The St. Marys Historical Society has a genealogical research collection and it would not be cost effective to duplicate this collection.
C. Textbooks: The Library does not buy textbooks used by the local schools, colleges or universities, as it is the responsibility of the libraries of those institutions. Textbooks will, however, be purchased in those subject areas where there is little or no material in any other format or in those instances where they substantially add to the collection.

MATERIAL FORMATS
Materials are purchased in the most appropriate format for library use. Although the majority of the Library's collection is offered in the traditional print format, valuable information is increasingly available in audio-visual and electronic formats.
New formats will be considered for the collection when industry reports, national survey results, and local requests indicate that a significant portion of the community has the necessary technology to make use of the new format. The following factors must be taken into consideration when deciding whether to add a new format to the collection: availability of items in the format; cost per item; and the Library's ability to acquire, process, and circulate the items in the specific format.

Hardcover Books
Books are generally purchased in hardcover editions because of their durability.

Trade Paperbacks
This format includes paperback books which are comparable in size to hardcover editions but which are typically lower in cost. They are preferred in those cases where the hardcover edition is extremely expensive and the title would be either used infrequently or would be removed from the collection in a few years.

Mass Market Paperbacks
This format includes paperback books that are smaller in size than the typical hardcover or trade paperback book. The paperback fiction collection will be primarily limited to those titles published only in mass-market paperback format. Non-fiction mass-market paperbacks will be bound and integrated into the hardcover collection when deemed necessary for collection development purposes.

Serials
Serials are publications issued in successive parts bearing numeric or chronological designations and intended to be continued indefinitely. This format includes periodicals, newspapers and annuals or continuations retained in the reference collections. They may include the following physical formats: print, microform, and computer-based.
Decisions as to retention of back issue periodicals and reference annuals or continuations are made on a title-by-title case. The following factors must be considered in any retention decision: cost; usage rates; shelf space required or computer system compatibility; availability of the title in another format such as microfilm or electronic format; and existing indexing in one of the Library's indexing services
The Library generally retains those periodicals that have long-term research value in print format for five years. If back-issues of a particular title are available in computer-based format, the Library may decide to retain print copies for a shorter period of time. Any periodical or newspaper that the Library determines should be retained for historic value may be retained in print format indefinitely.

Microforms
Microforms are used primarily for long-term storage and preservation of periodicals and newspapers. Specialized microform collections may be purchased to complement the library's indexes. Reference materials may also be acquired in this format if the storage requirements or cost of the print format would be prohibitive.

Video/Digital Videodisc
Videocassettes are selected in the VHS format. Special consideration is given to those titles available in closed caption format. Films may also be purchased in DVD format as they become available.

Audio Cassettes
The majority of recorded books are available in cassette format. Both abridged and unabridged titles are included in the Library's collection. This format also includes instructional recordings such as foreign language instruction and keyboarding practice exercises.

Compact Discs
Musical recordings are most readily available on compact disc. This format is distinguished by its durability and technical quality. Therefore, the Library will collect recorded music primarily in this format. As publishers migrate to the use of Compact Disc recorded books, the library will purchase audio books in this format.

Large Type Books
Books printed in larger than 16-point type are in demand by those persons in the community with visual impairments. The library attempts to provide a variety of titles in this format, particularly in fiction, and maintains several standing orders with large-print publishers for the purpose of maintaining and developing this collection. The large print format may also be considered for those books that are out of print in regular print formats

Computer-Based Resources
This format includes on-line databases available via the Internet and CD-ROM resources mounted on local computer servers. Citation databases provide references to sources of information rather than the actual text or information. Full-text databases include complete articles, documents, and any other resources that provide actual text and information.

Vertical File
This collection is comprised of pamphlets and newspaper clippings relating to the local area and the state of Pennsylvania. Other general interest information in pamphlet form is available for circulation also.

Local History Room
This collection is comprised of local newspaper and census information on microfilm and unique titles related to local and area history and works by local authors. Materials in this collection do not circulate. See the Materials not Selected section of this policy for more information.

COLLECTIONS FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

Easy Picture Books
The Easy collection is comprised of picture books of interest to all ages. Because the illustrations are the predominant feature, they are generally designed for adults to read to children. Although most picture books are intended for the young child, there is a growing number of picture books that are specifically written and illustrated for the older child.

Beginning Readers
Beginning Readers are intended for kindergarten through early third-grade readers. They are characterized by a controlled vocabulary, large print, heavy use of illustrations, and a limited number of pages.

Juvenile
Fiction
This collection serves students from late third-grade through sixth-grade. The books feature age-appropriate vocabulary and subject matter, a limited number of pages and very few illustrations.

Non-fiction
The Juvenile non-fiction collection includes materials to serve the information needs of preschoolers, elementary-age, and middle school students. The subject matter, vocabulary, organization and scope must be age-appropriate.

Middle School/Young Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction
The Middle School/Young Adult collection is comprised of popular fiction targeting students in the seventh through twelfth grades. Other determining factors for inclusion in this collection are: materials that are clearly reviewed and/or labeled as young adult, characters are of high school or college age, and the theme or subject matter is of interest to and intended for young adults. In addition to popular fiction, the Young Adult collection includes multiple copies of classic works of literature included in reading lists for college-bound students. Young Adult non-fiction is integrated within the Adult non-fiction collection.

Interlibrary Loan
Because of limited budget and space, the library cannot provide all materials that are requested. Therefore, interlibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of this library's collection.
In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the St. Marys Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network, and to make an effort to have its current holdings listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.

Gifts and Donations
The library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, condition, or dated information the director can dispose of them as he/she sees fit. The same criteria of selection, which are applied to purchase materials, are applied to gifts. Memorial gifts of books or money are also accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book. Specific memorial books can be ordered for the library on request of a patron if the request meets the criteria established by the Board. Gifts of, or for, specific titles will only be included as part of the collection after consultation with the library director. The director and collection development personnel will make book selection if no specific book is requested. The St. Marys Public Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations. All gifts and donations are subject to the same weeding criteria applied to the rest of the collection. In addition, the library cannot be a depository for groups or collections of materials because of financial costs of handling and space restrictions.

By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor.

All memorials and donated materials including those specifically deposited in the local history room are considered part of the library collection and will be maintained as outlined in this policy. However, it is recommended that materials donated specifically to the local history room contain a bookplate designating the donor and to whom the materials re to be returned.

Donations from private collections must have the approval of all family members.

Weeding
An up-to-date, attractive and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions. This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the library director and is authorized by the Board of Trustees. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.

Challenged Materials
Although materials are carefully selected, there can arise differences of opinion regarding suitable materials. Patrons requesting that material be withdrawn from or restricted within the collection may complete a "Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of Library Material" form that is available in the library. The inquiry will be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the St. Marys Public Library Board of Trustees.

Approved by the Board of Directors 2003

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Patron Behavior Policy

The Library Board of Trustees has established certain standards of acceptable behavior on library property in order to maintain an atmosphere that promotes the use and enjoyment of the resources and services of the library, promotes the safety of the general public and the library staff, and protects the building, furniture, equipment, and materials of the library.
Any activity that interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the library, disrupts the normal functioning of the library, could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others, or could result in damage to the facilities, equipment, or materials is considered disruptive and unacceptable behavior.
The library reserves the right to require anyone who engages in disruptive behavior to leave the premises, the right to restrict privileges for a specified period of time, and the right to ban the individual from the library for a specified period of time or permanently. In most cases, a staff member will notify the individual that he or she is in violation of the standards of conduct and will provide one verbal warning. Unlawful activities will be reported immediately to the police.
Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to the following:

Loud Talking and Laughing.
Sensitivity to noise varies from one person or group to another; however, if one person or group is heard above the general noise level in the library at a particular time, this person or group will be requested to lower their voices.

Fighting.
Includes any type of fighting, whether real or pretend.

Throwing Objects.
Includes wadded up papers, paper airplanes, other small objects, and larger objects that could cause injury.

Boisterous Behavior.
Includes running, horseplay, playing on the elevator, and annoying other patrons.

Abusive or Obscene Language or Gestures.
Includes language or gestures that convey a sexually explicit message or are conveyed in a coarse or crude manner and any language that verbally abuses another individual.

Solicitation.
Includes selling anything for personal gain or a charitable cause, begging, panhandling, or circulating petitions among other patrons and staff members. Public petitions may be posted on the public bulletin board.

Eating and Drinking.
Upon permission of staff and in designated areas only.

Smoking.

Sleeping.
Pertains to habitual sleeping or those who are noisy, sprawled on furniture, or generally disturbing other patrons.

Loitering.
Defined as a person who wanders around the library without apparent legitimate reason and disturbs other patrons.

Unattended Children.
A parent, guardian, or other responsible adult must accompany children under age 8 at all times in the library. For more information, see the Children and Library section at the end of this document.

Improper Attire.
Patrons must wear shoes and shirt in the library building.

Abuse of Library Equipment, Furniture, and Materials.
Includes but is not limited to placing feet on tables and chairs, standing on furniture, mutilating or defacing books or periodicals, and mistreating equipment or computers. For more information on computer abuse, see the library's Internet Safety Policy, and Acceptable Use Policy.

Bikes, Rollerblades, Skateboards, and Scooters.
Must not be ridden anywhere in the library.

Blocking Aisles or Doorways.
Includes obstructing aisles or doorways or in any way interfering with the free movement of any other persons.

Elevator.
The elevator has been provided in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide access to the lower level to those who cannot navigate stairs. Excessive use and “horsing around” on the elevator are not permitted.

Weapons.
Carrying weapons of any type on library property is not permissible except by authorized persons and law enforcement officers.

Removing Library Materials or Equipment.
Staff members must check out all circulating materials and equipment at the circulation desks before they can be removed from library property.

Playing Music.
Includes playing music or other media at a level that is disruptive to other patrons.

Excessive Displays of Affection.
Includes any sexual conduct or physical contact deemed inappropriate for a public place.

Telephone.
The telephone at the circulation desk is a business phone. It may be used by patrons (with the permission of the staff) in cases of emergency or to call home for rides if the patron does not have money for the public phone.

Cell Phones.
Please take calls in the library lobby.

Hygiene.
A person may be required to leave the library if his/her personal hygiene interferes with the orderly operation of the library or with the ability of other patrons to use and enjoy the facility.

Illegal Behavior.
Any staff member who witnesses illegal behavior will notify his or her immediate supervisor who will contact the policy when necessary. Illegal behavior includes but is not limited to the following:
Assault. Intentionally or by reckless conduct causes injury to another person.
Criminal Mischief. Intentionally damages the property of another (includes vandalism and mutilating library materials).
Drunk and/or Disorderly Conduct. Causes public inconvenience by fighting, unreasonable noise, abusive or obscene language or gestures, threatening behavior, hazardous or physically offensive condition.
Harassment. Threatens or annoys another person by physical contact or abusive or obscene language or follows a person in or about a public place.
Public Lewdness. Intentionally exposes the private parts of the body in a lewd manner in a public place.
Theft (Larceny). Wrongfully takes, obtains, or withholds the property of another.
Trespass. Knowingly enters or remains unlawfully on the premises.
Controlled Substances. Includes using, selling, or possessing controlled substances on library property, and entering library property while intoxicated or under the influence of illegal controlled substances. The use of alcohol is prohibited on library property unless specifically approved by the Board of Trustees for public events.


Children and the Library
The Board of Library Trustees hopes that the children who use the library will find the facility to be a warm and inviting place to develop a love of books, reading and the library.

The library’s role is to select diverse, quality materials that will challenge, interest, and inform children. We will be glad to make recommendations for your child based on your personal criteria. Please remember, however, that we are a public library; we collect materials suitable and of interest to all segments of the public.

The parent's role is to see that materials borrowed by your child are appropriate for that individual child. The library feels that it is also your responsibility to make your child aware of the obligation to return materials in a timely manner and in good condition.

Many programs are offered to make the library enticing to children, but, when children are left unattended for several hours when no library programs are offered, they often become disruptive.
Young children are not safe when left unattended in the library. The staff cannot know if children are leaving the building with their parents or with strangers. In In order to create an environment of safety, and maintain an atmosphere where reading and study can be encouraged, the following policy has been created:

CHILDREN ARE EXPECTED TO ADHERE TO THE SAME RULES AS STATED FOR ALL PATRONS WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS:
1. Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library, and may not leave children under the age of 8 unattended.
2. If a problem arises with children of any age and we are unable to locate the parent(s) or if the library is closing and the parent(s) cannot be located, the police will be called at the discretion of the staff.
3. Libraries are not child-care providers. Children age 8 and older may be left unattended (at the discretion of their parent(s) for a period of time (not to exceed 2 hours) to complete homework assignments or special projects. Children left unattended should know how to reach a parent or guardian, and parents should be aware of the closing time of the library.
4. When children are left unattended repeatedly and/or for long periods of time, the staff will notify parent(s) of the library's policies.
5. When children are attending library programs, parent(s) must be aware of the times of the programs, so their children do not have to wait for unreasonable amounts of time to be picked up. Parent(s) should have them wait inside the building to avoid the hazards of the street.
6. It is the policy of the Library that staff members will not transport children from the library to any other location.

Approved by the Board of Directors 2003

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Safe Child Policy

Enriching Your Child's Library Experience

Dear Parent,

You have applied for library privileges for your child because you are interested in providing your child with a variety of educational and enriching activities. We want to be partners with you and provide an enjoyable experience that will help your child develop knowledge, reading ability, and cultural awareness.

Our role in this partnership is to select diverse, quality materials that will challenge, interest, and inform children. We will be glad to make recommendations for your child based on your personal criteria. Please remember, however, that we are a public library; we collect materials suitable and of interest to all segments of the public.

Your role in this partnership is to see that materials borrowed by your child are appropriate for that individual child. The library feels that it is also your responsibility to make your child aware of the obligation to return materials in a timely manner and in good condition.

You have high performance expectations for the library staff, and we try to meet or exceed those standards. In order for us to do our jobs well and to meet our responsibilities as caretakers for the community’s informational resources, we have expectations of you as well.

Please read through the following expectations carefully. Please let us know if we can assist you or your child in any way.

Library Director

Our Safe Child Rules & Expectations
We want the St. Marys Public Library to be a welcoming, safe place for your children.Our staff has many duties to perform in order to serve all patrons in the best way possible. For this reason, the staff cannot monitor the whereabouts or behavior of our smallest patrons - your children. Staff cannot assume the responsibility of your children’s care when they are in the library. No public place, including the library, can guarantee the safety of children. A child could be approached by a stranger, become ill, wander outside, or become lost or injured. We are primarily concerned with your children’s safety, and we believe that our policy helps assure their well-being.

· We expect parents/caregivers to be responsible for their children’s behavior in the library.

· We expect parents to understand and explain the library rules to their children. The rules and policies have been developed to safeguard the collection and ensure fairness for all library users.

· We expect all children under the age of 8 to be accompanied by an adult at all times while visiting the library. The library in no way assumes responsibility for any child left unattended in the building.

· We expect all children and teens to use appropriate language and behavior in the library. Those who do not will be asked to leave.

· We expect parents to set reasonable time limits for their children’s library visits. Parents/caregivers must remain in the library during programs if their child is under 8 years of age. Children 8 and older may attend library programs without a parent, but parents must promptly pick up children upon conclusion of the program.

· We expect parents to let us know if they or their children are unable to find the type of material they seek. We welcome suggestions for materials that will broaden our collection and improve our services.

· We expect parents to be responsible for the types of materials checked out by their children and their selection choices. The library staff does not limit choices or censor materials.

· We expect parents to see that overdue fines are promptly paid. Parents are financially responsible for any damages to library materials, equipment, or property incurred by their children.

· We expect parents to maintain control of their children while visiting the library. Please remember that the library staff’s professional services do not include baby-sitting.

· We expect parents to help their children arrive on time for programs.

· We expect parents who attend children’s programming with their children to demonstrate good listening habits.

· We expect parents/caregivers of children to have a responsible plan for picking up their children by closing time.

· We expect parents to keep sick children at home and not bring them to the library, especially during children’s programming when illness may easily be spread to other children.

We Care about the Safety of Your Child
If a child under the age of 8 is found unattended while the library is open, library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the library. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, law enforcement officials will be called, and the child will be placed in their care.

If a child age 8 through 10 has not been picked up by a parent/caregiver within 15 minutes of closing, law enforcement officials will be called, and the child will be placed in their care.

If a child is found unattended when the library is open and the child has become ill or frightened, has become disruptive and will not respond to verbal warnings from library staff, is upset because of weather conditions, long hours out of contact with the parent/caregiver, or other special circumstances, law enforcement officials may be called, and the child may be placed in their care.

Parents who disregard library policy regarding this matter may be reported to the appropriate social services agency and may lose all library privileges.

You Can Help Your Child Become a Lifelong Reader
As a parent the most important thing you can do to enrich your child’s reading appreciation is to read aloud to them. You don’t need expensive products that promise instant reading success and deliver less than perfect results. Children of all ages benefit from parents sitting down with them and reading aloud from a book, magazine, or even a comic page of the newspaper. When children hear the written word read to them, they increase their own vocabulary, their appreciation of the English language, and their compassion for others.

Be a role model for your child. Children will emulate your actions more than your words. Let them see you reading for pleasure. Share with your child your thoughts and feelings concerning literature and the ways in which it has shaped your life and contributed to your personal development. Show them the importance of being a lifelong learner and that the library is a wonderful place to continue that learning experience. Make going to the library a regular excursion for you and your child.

Approved by the Board of Directors 2003

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Computer/Internet Acceptable Use Policy

We are pleased to provide Internet access to the patrons of St. Marys Public Library as an extension of our existing print and audiovisual services. The Internet can connect you to a wealth of information that is available globally, however there are no regulations concerning the quality of what you will find. Please remember that St. Marys Public Library cannot control nor is responsible for content, accuracy, availability or currency of information on the Internet.

USE BY MINORS
Not all information on the Internet will be appropriate for all ages. Parents are responsible for information which their children access. The St. Marys Public Library cannot assume the role of parents or the function of parental authority and is not responsible for enforcing restrictions a parent places on a minor's use. However, the library has installed filtering softare on computers. Children under the age of 13 must use these computers unless a parent/guardian directly supervises their computer sessions. All persons under the age of 18 wishing to use the Internet must have parental permission on file.

NO ONE SHALL DISPLAY INAPPROPRIATE MATERIALS AS DEFINED BY 18 PENNSYLVANIA CODE OF STATUTES 5903. THE LIBRARY CANNOT GUARANTEE PRIVACY DURING INTERNET USE. PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE TO AVOID THE OCCURANCE OF VISUAL IMAGES THAT MAY BE OFFENSIVE TO OTHERS IN THE LIBRARY.

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES
Computer/Internet resources are provided by the library equally to all patrons.

Computers are available to registered patrons for one-hour periods, on a first-come, first serve basis. A sign-up sheet will be kept at the desk for those who are waiting for a computer.

If you sign up for a period of time and are not here at that time, your name will be removed from the list and the computer will be assigned to the next patron.

No more than three people may be at the terminal at one time while checked out to an individual. Only the patron checking out the computer may operate it. A member of this group may not “piggyback” into the next hour.

Downloading to the computer hard drive is not allowed.

If working in an Office Program, you may save your work to a disc purchased at the desk. Once a disc is taken from the library, it may not be reused in any library computer. We will file your disc at the desk if you need to return to continue the work you’ve started.
Discs may be purchased at the desk for $1.00 each.

You will be charged .20 for each black and white page you print out, .50 for every color page.

The library cannot guarantee privacy during your Internet session. Use common sense to avoid the occurrence of visual images that may be offensive to others in the library.

ACCEPTABLE USE
Users may not make unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers.

Users may not distribute unsolicited advertising.

Users may not transmit any form of computer virus.

Users may not transmit any data or programs that cause disruption of services for others.

Users may not use their personal software programs on this computer.

Users may not use the network to violate intellectual property laws by distributing copyrighted or otherwise protected information, documents or software programs.

Users who violate Library Board Policy may lose library computer privileges

Users who violate applicable laws may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

HAVE FUN EXPLORING THE INTERNET!

…but remember that many times the specific information you need may be here in the library in books, periodicals, videos, or cassettes.

DISCLAIMER FORM

The following form must be appropriately signed, dated and be on file at the library prior to using the Internet computer for the first time.

I have read and understand the St. Marys Public Library Policy on acceptable use of Computer/Internet services. I acknowledge and agree that the Library Board and staff assume no responsibility for personal injury or discomfort which (I, my son, my daughter) may receive or cause others, or for laws which are violated while using the Internet.

Patron name________________________ Patron number________ *D.O.B.______
*if under 18

Minor name(s) _______________________ Patron number________ D.O.B.______
_____________________ ________ D.O.B.______
_______________________ _______ D.O.B.______

Address _____________________________________ Phone ________________

Signature ________________________________________ Date________________
(Parent Signature required for minors.)

Approved by the Board of Directors 2003

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Meeting Room Policy

MEETING ROOM SCHEDULING FORM
Date:_____________________

1. Name of organization:_________________________________________

2. Person in charge:_____________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________

Telephone:____________________________________________

3. Date of meeting:______________________________________________

4. Hours required: from__________to__________

Meeting hours must coincide with the library’s hours of operation, unless special permission has been
obtained from the library director.

Monday and Wednesday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Tuesday and Thursday : 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm
Friday: 10:00am to 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

5. Purpose of meeting: ________________________________________________________________
6. Fees are for four-hour intervals. Fee should be paid before the meeting.

Local non-profit: $10.00/four hours__________
Out of town non-profit: $20.00/four hours__________
Profit: $40.00/four hours__________

7. A VCR is available for an additional $5:00 fee____________

The use of the meeting room is subject to the following guidelines and rules.

Following the guidelines of Article VI of the Library Bill of Rights, facilities will be available to the public
served by the St. Marys Public Library “on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the
individuals or groups requesting their use.”

The meeting rooms may be reserved for public use during library hours and subject to the Director’s
and/or designated staff member’s approval of request. Non-library sponsored recreational activities
shall be permitted only when they are a part of informational or educational programs.

The fact that a group is permitted to meet in the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement
of the group’s policies or beliefs.

Reservations for meeting room space are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Library sponsored,
and local organizations will have preference.

Reservations are made no more than three months in advance. No group may consider the library
its permanent meeting place or use the library as its mailing address.

A signed meeting room application form needs to be completed and submitted 24 hours prior to the meeting. The application form is to be signed by the person responsible for the use of the room.

The library will not provide storage for any group. Exceptions may be made for library sponsored
groups on approval of the Library Director and/or designated staff member.

The meeting groups activities shall not interfere with the operation of the library or its patrons.

The group is responsible for organizing their activities. Library staff is not at the disposal of the group, e.g., making copies. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide necessary equipment if it is not available at the library.

An adult must supervise the meetings of school age children.

Refreshments may be served, provided proper care is given to clean up after the meeting. The library does not offer kitchen facilities or access to refrigeration. If refrigeration of refreshments is required, the group must provide their own insulated containers, etc. Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed on library property. Smoking is not permitted.

The library assumes no liability in the occupancy and use of its facilities. The library is not responsible for goods or materials left on the premises.

Groups shall be responsible for any advance preparations and for leaving the facilities in order after use,
including proper clean up. Failure to do so will result in an additional $25.00 custodial fee. In addition,
users shall be responsible for any damage to the building or facilities.

The library reserves the right to cancel any reservations for meetings with one weeks notice.

Upon adequate notice and for adequate reasons, the Librarian and/or designated staff members have the authority to accept, renew, or reject requests for use of the room under the established policy. To promote accessibility of the meeting rooms to a wide variety of community groups, the library may limit meetings for any particular organization.

Misuse of rooms shall result in cancellation.

The library assumes no financial obligation for cancelled programs.

Use of the building must be in accordance with legal requirements including fire and safety regulations.

Applicant’s signature:________________________________________________

Staff member signature:______________________________________________

Approved by the Board of Directors 2002

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Interlibrary Loan Policy

The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service is a cooperative effort among Pennsylvania Libraries to enable patrons to borrow materials, (not available in their local libraries), free of charge, from other participating libraries in Pennsylvania. Patrons MUST place a request with their home library. The St. Marys Public Library's Interlibrary Loan librarian searches Pennsylvania libraries using the AccessPA Database. If the particular resource is not available, the request is sent to the Seneca District Library. The District's Interlibrary Loan librarian has the resources, and the authority to request information from both interstate, and international libraries.

The Interlibrary Loan service relies upon the cooperation, trust, and goodwill of borrowers and lenders. Materials must be returned promptly, and in good condition. Failure to abide to this obligation is not only discourteous and unfair, but it can result in the loss of our privilege to borrow from other libraries.

The Interlibrary Loan service is expensive for both the St. Marys Public Library and the lending library. In addition to the time spent searching and processing the request, libraries are responsible to pay all postage/shipping and handling costs.

Due to reduced State funding, the St. Marys Public Library has found it necessary to establish strict guidelines concerning responsible Interlibrary Loan use.

Maximum of 2 requests per patron per two-week period.
Not all materials are available for Interlibrary Loan. The decision to loan an item depends on the lending policy of the lending library.
Patrons are obligated to pick up and review the materials they request. If materials are needed by a certain date, the patron must indicate this date at the time of the request. The following applies:
Patrons must provide library staff with a valid, accessible, phone number for notification when materials are ready. It is not expedient for the patron or the library to mail notifications.
Patrons who do not pick-up and review requested materials are responsible for a $5.00 service charge per item. Failure to pay the service charge terminates the patron's privilege to use the Interlibrary Loan service until such fees are paid.
Interlibrary Loan items are subject to a $0.25 per day late fee. Patrons may call the St. Marys Public Library to determine if the loan period may be extended. Please note that renewals depend on the policy of the lending library, not that of the St. Marys Public Library.
Patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of lost or damaged materials as imposed by the lending library.
Repeated violation of the Interlibrary Loan service may suspend or terminate a patron's privilege to borrow materials from the St. Marys Public Library and to use the Interlibrary Loan service.

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