Cook Memorial Public Library District

USE OF THE LIBRARY

Article I General Guidelines.

The purpose of the Library is to serve the needs of its constituents for information, ideas and creative expression. State law (75 ILCS 16/1-10) empowers the Board to adopt reasonable rules and regulations to render the use of the Library of the greatest benefit to the greatest number of residents and taxpayers. The following provisions are intended to regulate the services of the Library according to these principles.

Article II Library Privileges.

Section I Registration of Residents and Property Owners.

Residents of the District or owners of property within the District who have subscribed to the standard application and have presented identification will be issued library cards allowing them to borrow Library materials. They also may borrow material from libraries with which the District has reciprocal borrowing agreements and request materials through interlibrary loan. Library cards will be issued to residents age four through thirteen upon the signature of a parent or guardian. The signature of a parent or guardian acknowledges the responsibility of the signer for loss or damage of library material loaned to the child and, further, attests to the fact that the Library is not responsible for restricting the exposure of the child to any material in the Library, except as provided for in the Electronic Information and Computer Systems Use Policy.

A child under the age of 18 with a library card may borrow all materials in the library. However, a parent or legal guardian may restrict his or her child or ward who is under 18 years of age from borrowing any videos or DVDs other than those in the Children’s Collection or Family Film Collection. This restriction will be in writing on forms provided by the library. When a child reaches the age of 18, the restriction will automatically be removed.

Library cards are valid only during the period of residency.

Section 2 Library Privileges for Nonresident Taxpayers.

A nonresident who, as an individual or as a partner, principal stockholder, or other joint owner, owns taxable property or is a senior administrative officer of a firm, business, or other corporation owning taxable property, is extended library privileges, provided that the privileges and use of the Library is extended to only one such nonresident for each parcel of taxable property. (75 ILCS 16/30-55.60(3))

Section 3 Temporary Residents.

Temporary Residents of the District will be issued a temporary library card upon deposit of an amount equal to the non-resident fee. Temporary or permanent resident status will be determined by evidence such as a driver’s license or other photo ID.

Section 4 Reciprocal Borrowing Privileges.

The Library offers borrowing privileges to registered patrons of any public library in the North Suburban Library System and to patrons of any other Illinois or

Wisconsin public library. The materials loaned and the conditions upon which they are loaned shall be determined by the Library Director.

Section 5 Borrowers' Cards.

Borrowers' cards are issued free of charge. If an unexpired borrower's card is lost or badly damaged, a new one will be issued upon payment of a replacement charge to be determined by the Library Director.

Article III Circulation Rules.

Section 1 Charges.

No charge shall be made for the circulation of any material owned by the Library or for any service provided by the Library to obtain material not owned by the Library. Charges imposed by agencies outside the Library may be passed along to library users on an individual basis.

Section 2 Conditions of Circulation.

The Library Director shall establish reasonable regulations governing:

a. which material shall or shall not be loaned

b. number of materials loaned to any one patron

c. loan periods necessary for the effective use of the Library's collections

d. fines necessary to encourage the prompt pick-up and return of

materials

e. replacement or repair charges for lost or damaged materials

Section 3 Suspension of Borrowing Privileges.

Except in extenuating circumstances, the Library Director is directed to suspend borrowing privileges when a patron has:

a. outstanding fines of an amount established by the Library Director

b. unreturned materials for which a statement has been sent

c. established a delinquency at another library

Patrons will be reinstated after proper settlement has been made.

(75 ILCS 16/30-55.70)

Article IV Reference, Information and Reader's Guidance Services.

These services are available without restriction whether or not the person requesting the services is a card holder or resident. Library staff is expected to assist patrons with extensive research projects by directing them to likely sources of information but are not expected to actually do such research.

Article V Electronic Information and Computer Use.

The Library provides access to electronic information, including the Internet and other electronic media. Access to electronic information networks is primarily for use as an information resource tool. Library staff will assist patrons with the use of electronic information networks or personal computer skills as time permits.

The Cook Memorial Public Library requires that Library patrons using electronic information networks do so within guidelines set forth in the “Electronic Information Networks and Computer Systems Use Policy,” the “Rules and Procedures for Electronic Information Networks and Computer Systems” and “Statement of Acceptable Use for Electronic Information Networks.”

Remote access to subscription databases is restricted to Cook Memorial Public Library District cardholders.

Article VI Programs.

A variety of programs are offered by the Cook Memorial Public Library both at the Library and at other sites within the District as a means of fulfilling the Library's mission. Programs and activities sponsored by the Library are scheduled based upon perceived needs and interests of the community. Presenters from for-profit organizations are not allowed to promote their products or services. Charges may be imposed to cover the costs of supplies, tickets or transportation. Adult programs are normally open to residents and non-residents alike. Programs and activities may be restricted at the discretion of the Library to patrons who present a valid Cook Memorial Public Library card.

Article VII Teacher Services.

Section I Cards for Teachers Teaching in District Schools.

Persons teaching at schools located within the District may apply for cards valid for the academic year and renewable annually. These cards are fine-free and entitle the borrower to an extended period on curriculum-related materials subject to the overall limitations placed on the collection. Teacher cards will be kept on file in the Children's Department or on the Bookmobile.

Section 2 Borrowing Privileges for Teachers Not Teaching in District Schools.

Residents of the Library District who teach outside of it may request subject/genre collections to be prepared for them. Non-residents who teach outside the District will be assisted like any other patron who is visiting the Library.

Section 3 Library Privileges for Homeschooling Families.

Homeschooling parents residing in the Cook Memorial Public Library District may apply for a homeschooling family card that grants all the privileges given to public and private school teachers. Cards must be renewed annually. They are fine-free

and entitle the borrower to an extended loan period on curriculum-related materials subject to the overall limitations placed on the collection. Homeschoolers’ cards will be kept on file in the Children’s Department.

Section 4 Student Reserves.

Teachers teaching within the District may request that material be placed on reserve for their students. The library staff shall determine the nature and extent of compliance with such requests.

Article VIII Tours of the Library.

Tours of the Library maybe available to any group, all or part of which is composed of Library constituents. School tours will be conducted only for schools within the Library District. Tours must be scheduled.The presence of these groups shall not diminish the usefulness of the Library to other patrons.

Article IX Displays.

Cook Memorial Library has several display cases which may be available for public use. The cases may be reserved for use by local non-profit groups to promote their organizations, or by individuals wishing to exhibit an art form, craft or collection. The cases may be booked for a period of one month. Due to the demand for display space, the same case will not be reserved for the same organization or individual for the same month each year. The Library may pre-empt any scheduled display.

If the works of local artists are displayed, prices for artwork cannot be posted.

Flyers and pamphlets from non-profit organizations and unincorporated associations will be displayed in the pamphlet rack as space permits. Flyers and pamphlets from for-profit organizations may also be displayed if they contain a preponderance of educational or informational material.

Notices for upcoming educational/cultural events may be submitted for posting on a bulletin board if bulletin board space is available for that purpose.

Priority is given to local events and the length of time an item is posted may be restricted due to space limitations. Postings are limited to this bulletin board.

No display, flyer, pamphlet, poster or notice will be displayed in the Library or on Library property without permission. Please submit requests to Administration.

Display areas are available on an equal basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. The presence of a display in the Library does not constitute the Library's endorsement of its views or mode of presentation. Questions regarding the administration of this policy should be directed to the Library Director. The Resources, Services and Long Range Planning Committee may hear complaints regarding the content or administration of this policy.

Article X Solicitations, Petitioning and Leafleting.

Not-for-profit groups may solicit donations or sell products outside the library building on library property provided the appropriate requirements of the Village of Libertyville have been met, library operations are not disrupted and permission is granted by the Library Director.

Leaflets may be distributed and petitions circulated outside the Library.

Permission to engage in any of these activities may be withdrawn if, in the opinion of the library staff on duty, access to the building is restricted or patrons are being accosted or harassed.

Article XI Patron Behavior.

Library patrons are expected to act with consideration for other people using the Library and for staff who are giving service. Conduct within the Library or on library grounds that hinders patrons from using the Library or library materials is considered obstructive. Conduct that results or may result in harming people or property, or that interferes with staff providing service or performing their duties is considered disruptive. Without limitation, examples of disruptive behavior include:

A. Disruptive noise or conduct.

B. Loitering in washrooms and lobbies.

C. Failure to observe posted notices.

D. Smoking within the library building.

E. Eating.

F. Drinking, except from spill-proof containers.

G. Improper parking.

H. Intimidation, unwelcome remarks to other patrons or staff.

I. Willful disregard of circulation or other service rules, or failure to

observe a reasonable verbal instruction from a member of the staff.

J. Bathing, extended sleeping

K. Theft or vandalism of library property or the property of other patrons.

L. Consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Children under eight years of age must be accompanied at all times by a person fourteen years of age or older. Staff is authorized to call police ten minutes after closing if unattended children twelve years of age and under are not picked up after the Library has closed.

Acts of vandalism, theft, substance abuse or other more serious offenses will be reported to the police.

Any staff member witnessing willfully disruptive behavior or responding to a complaint from another patron of such behavior is empowered to eject the patron or group of patrons causing the disruption for the rest of the day. Children twelve years of age and under will be detained until a parent or responsible adult can be found to collect them.

Any department head is authorized to suspend a part or all library service to a willfully disruptive patron or ban him/her from the premises for a period not to exceed six months. The Library Director is authorized to suspend service or ban a patron for up to one year. Restrictions for longer periods must be approved by the Board. Notices of suspension may be given verbally but will be accompanied by a written notice to the person, parent or responsible adult when possible.

(75 ILCS 16/30-55.55)

Patrons who refuse to provide identification or to leave the Library when requested to leave by a staff member, or who return to the Library when they are banned from the premises, will be reported to the police and may be prosecuted for trespassing.

Any patron banned from the premises may file a written request for reinstatement to the Library Board within one week after having been banned. The Board will review the request in a timely manner and render a decision. The decision of the Library Board is final.

Article XII Weapons, Hazardous Materials and Dangerous Behavior

Weapons, as defined under applicable federal, state and local statutes and ordinances, are prohibited in all Library District facilities and grounds. Staff members will contact emergency authorities immediately if they suspect that a weapon may be present, even if the person may be authorized to carry a weapon. Nothing in this policy should be construed to prohibit, abridge, or in any way hinder the religious freedom of any person or group.

Hazardous materials and substances are prohibited in all Library District facilities and grounds. Staff will contact emergency authorities immediately if they suspect that hazardous materials may be present.

Dangerous behavior is prohibited in all Library District facilities and grounds. Such behavior includes any behavior that appears to threaten the safety of persons or property.

Date

Secretary

Adopted: 4/3/95

Revised: 1/20/98

Revised: 7/18/00

Revised: 3/20/01

Revised: 12/16/03

Revised: 8/22/05

Revised: 2/19/08