Library Rules

CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

POLICY

Dulany Memorial Library (DML) is committed to providing a safe and positive library experience for everyone. To maintain a welcoming environment for all, library users are expected to:

·         Respect each other, library staff, and library property;

·         Do their part to contribute to a peaceful library experience;

·         Follow instructions from library staff members; and

·         Follow the library Code of Conduct and all local, state and federal laws.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

The following activities are examples of behavior prohibited in DML facilities and on library grounds. This list is not intended to be inclusive of every prohibited activity or behavior, but is provided as a guide. Library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with this and any other established DML policy could result in restriction of library privileges, immediate removal from the premises, or exclusion from the library for a defined period of time (typically from one day to one year).

Disruptive or unsafe behavior

·         No outside food is allowed, only what the library provides at programs and events. Drinks must be in hard-sided containers and covered. No food or drink allowed around electronics. Patrons must clean up after themselves when finished eating.

·         Speaking loudly, including on cell phones, or listening to music or videos without headphones. Cell phone ringers should be set to silent. Sound from headphones must not disturb others.

·         Not being fully clothed including shirts and shoes, except for babies wearing a diaper and being carried or in strollers and not walking or crawling on floors.

·         Emitting strong odors that interfere with or disrupt others using library spaces.

·         Failing to follow the instructions of a library staff member.

·         Creating a disturbance in any manner that interferes with people's ability to use the library or staff's ability to do their job.

·         Sleeping outside of the library on library property is prohibited. Sleeping will only be allowed inside the building as long as the patron is visible and upright in a chair.

·         Speaking in an abusive, threatening, profane or harassing manner to other library users or to staff.

·         Making threatening gestures, including prolonged staring at an individual, stalking behavior, unwanted touching, or any behavior that could constitute fighting or assault.

·         Openly carrying a weapon unless authorized by law.

Inappropriate or unsafe uses of space

·         Blocking aisles, pathways or entrances or otherwise preventing access or free passage to areas of the library.

·         Bringing amounts of personal belongings into the library beyond what fits under a chair or in a study carrel; leaving belongings unattended.

·         Bringing any animal into the library except a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or an animal that is used as part of a library program. Service animals must be under the control of their handlers at all times.

·         Riding on skateboards, scooters or skates in the library or on library grounds; bringing bicycles inside.

·         Failing to follow guidelines for use of study or meeting rooms.

·         Using restrooms for bathing, shaving, soiling restroom surfaces, or more than one person in the single stall restrooms at a time (this excludes “families” and “caregivers.”).

·         Littering on library property (inside or outside).

Illegal or prohibited activities

·         Using another person's library card without permission.

·         Soliciting, campaigning, distributing or selling materials.

·         Panhandling on library property.

·         Being noticeably intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

·         Using tobacco or smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes inside the library; consuming alcohol or marijuana on library property; Smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes on library property (outside of the building).

·         Viewing online materials deemed obscene (pornography).

·         Tampering with or stealing library materials, software or equipment.

·         Theft of personal items.

·         Defacing, destroying, damaging, or removing any property, if not authorized by DML.

·         Fighting, or causing a physical disturbance.

·         Possessing or using illegal drugs.

·         Engaging in sexual misconduct, such as indecent exposure, or touching or harassing patrons or staff. Sexual acts of any type are not permitted.

·         Refusing to leave the library after being told to do so by an employee.

The library reserves the right to modify these rules at any time. Additional guidelines and policies can be accessed at https://www.dulanylibrary.org/about-us/library-policies

 Consequences

Consequences for violation of the Dulany Memorial Library Code of Conduct or the commission of illegal conduct in the library may include:

Verbal Warning: A DML staff member will, when reasonably possible, advise the individual of the applicable rule and violation verbally and, if warranted, in writing, and if reasonably possible, afford the individual with an opportunity to address the alleged violation before implementing a further consequence;

1-Day Suspension: This consequence may be implemented in the case of repeat violations after one or more warnings, or violations requiring immediate action in conjunction with the library’s suspension matrix;

30-Days to 1-Year Suspension: This consequence may be implemented by DML management, or leadership, and/or person in charge in the case of repeat violations after one or more warnings, or violations requiring immediate action, in consideration of the severity of the violation, where a one day suspension is inadequate, as determined by the library’s suspension matrix. The suspension is to be implemented, the official trespass procedures below shall be followed; and/or

Indefinite Suspension of Library Privileges (Trespass): In extreme cases involving illegal behavior or repeated suspensions with no positive change in behavior.

In the case of repeat, continuing or serious violations, or entering library premises after a denial of access, a DML supervisor may notify law enforcement and request removal from library premises or other action. To the extent applicable, the official trespass procedures below shall be followed.

Guardians of minors will be notified of any consequence except that such notification shall not be required for a verbal warning.

Staff Procedures for Effecting a Trespass

It is DML’s goal that all patrons remain in good standing with the Library System and have full library privileges. When violations of the DML Code of Conduct occur, however, a library manager can use a local library suspension (where a patron is asked to leave for the day). If a one-day suspension is not sufficient for the circumstances, the person in charge may issue an intermittent suspension (ranging from more than one day to one year). The final option is an official trespass (where law enforcement is called and a trespass order is issued to assist with enforcing the suspension). These guidelines outline when and how to officially trespass a patron:

GUIDELINES FOR OFFICIAL TRESPASS

Members of library management, and/or the person in charge are authorized to work with law enforcement to order an official trespass. Official trespasses are reserved for those who have actively threatened staff or other patrons, or who are so disruptive that the library cannot be used safely and comfortably. This includes, but is not limited to, any observable behavior that is prohibited by law including, but not limited to, threatening or harassing behavior (e.g. threatening to fight, brandishing a weapon, stalking, verbally threatening to harm others or their property); assaulting staff or other patrons (e.g. fighting); sexual misconduct or harassment (e.g. exposure, offensive touching, sexual acts); selling or using alcohol or drugs; theft of library materials, equipment, or items belonging to staff and/or other library users; intentionally damaging or destroying library materials, equipment or property; viewing or printing illegal materials (e.g. child pornography).

IMPLEMENTING A TRESPASS

An official trespass is issued by law enforcement at the request of a library staff member who has determined that a person willfully violated any rule or regulation prescribed for the use of the library or its facilities or any person whose physical condition is deemed dangerous or offensive to other library users. Library managers or the person in charge may use the circulation and computer management systems to look up patron information and give it to the police for the purpose of implementing an official trespass order. Law enforcement must issue the official trespass in person for the trespass to be in effect. If the patron leaves before an officer arrives, library management, and/or the person in charge may call to request an officer to issue the trespass when the person returns. Library management or the person in charge will complete an Incident Report and enter the trespass information into the Incident Report record.

VIOLATION OF A TRESPASS

If a trespassed individual is in the library, management or the person in charge should call 660-288-3460 if it is a “non-emergency.” For all emergencies, the number to call is 911. The dispatcher should be informed that the individual was trespassed and that they have returned. It is important to tell the dispatcher whether the trespasser is potentially threatening by either past or current conduct. The library manager or supervisor must also complete an Incident Report once the situation has been addressed.

 Right of Appeal

Individuals may request, in writing, a review of a suspension of privileges or trespass. The written appeal must be received at the following address within thirty (30) days of the suspension or trespass issue date:

Dulany Memorial Library
ATTN: Library Board
501 S. Broadway
Salisbury, MO 65281 

The appeal must include a mailing or email address at which DML may correspond with the individual making the appeal. The Library Board will review timely filed appeals, afford the individual a telephone hearing, and will respond in writing within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the appeal. The Library Board shall have the power to affirm, reverse, or modify the loss of privileges or trespass. Such decision will be final except as hereinafter set forth.

 If the initial decision is upheld by the Library Board, then for any suspension of privileges or trespass extending for a period of more than thirty (30) days, an individual may request, in writing, a review of the decision of the Library Board. The written appeal must be received at the address set forth above within fifteen (15) days of the issue date of such decision. The DML Board of Trustees, or its designee, will review timely filing appeals, and will hold a hearing within sixty (60) days of the receipt of the appeal. The individual shall be notified in writing at least thirty (30) days before the hearing. At such hearing, the individual and the DML Board may be represented by counsel, may present evidence, and may call and examine witnesses and cross-examine witnesses of the other party. The staff shall record such proceeding. Within thirty (30) days of the hearing, the Board or its designee shall issue a written decision. The Board or its designee shall have the power to affirm or reverse the loss of privileges or trespass or to remand it to the Director or designee with further instructions for reconsideration.

 All suspensions and trespasses issued shall remain in full force and effect during any appeal period.

UNATTENDED MINORS AND VULNERABLE ADULTS POLICY

POLICY:
In order to ensure the safety of all library visitors, Dulany Memorial Library suggests that children the age of twelve (12) and under be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult age sixteen (16) or older while on library property, unless they are only coming in to return a book. The library is not responsible for caring for children who are left unattended in the library or who come to the library without an adult or other responsible person.

Persons of any age with mental, physical, or emotional needs who require supervision or personal assistance must also be accompanied and adequately supervised by a responsible adult or caregiver.

Unattended children exhibiting behavior in violation of library policy or the law may be asked to leave the library. Children being asked to leave library property or remaining on library property at closing time may be offered assistance in contacting a parent or guardian prior to being allowed to leave.

Parents and legal guardians or designated caregivers must understand that they are still responsible for the behavior of their children while the children are using the library. Children who misbehave, refuse to follow directions of library staff, disrupt the orderly conduct of the library, interfere with staff carrying out their duties, or prevent other patrons from using the library may not remain in the library. Library staff will notify their parent or legal guardian or designated caregiver to remove the children from library premises.

PROCEDURES:
For the purpose of this procedure, the terms “child” or “children” refer to all persons through the age of twelve (12).

When unattended children are present in the library, staff will attempt to contact parents or caregivers to collect their children or to be present with them in the library.

Under certain circumstances, staff may assist children in getting a ride home or in contacting the police. Staff will ask the child left unattended at closing time to contact a parent or caregiver. If the child cannot reach a responsible adult, staff will attempt to make contact.

• Police or other appropriate authorities may be contacted when children are left unattended in the library at closing time, if parents or caregivers cannot be reached.
• Unattended children waiting after closing for the arrival of a parent, caregiver, the police, or other appropriate authorities should be accompanied by at least one staff member. An Incident Report must be filed.
• If the children are not picked up within fifteen (15) minutes after the parent, guardian, or designated caregiver has been contacted, the library staff will contact the police department and request that the police take custody of the children. Library staff will leave a note prominently displayed on the exterior door to inform the parent or guardian or designated caregiver that the children have been turned over to the custody of the police.
• At no time or under any circumstances is a child to be taken from library property by library staff.
  
  
  GENERAL LOAN POLICY
  
  Books: Up to 6 books for a period of 14 days.
  These books can be renewed twice unless the book is on a waiting list.
  If you have a book on hold from another library, we will hold it for 14 days. If you do not check out the book within that period of time, we will return it to the home library.
  Audiobooks and eBooks: We currently have 3 apps available through which you may check out digital books: Libby (Missouri Libraries 2 Go), Boundless, and Blackstone Unlimited. With Libby and Boundless, you may check out audiobooks or ebooks for 21 days at a time. Depending on the availability of the title, you may either renew the item, or go back in queue and check it out again at a later date when it is again available. Your place in the book will be held, and you will be able to pick up where you left off. With Blackstone Unlimited, there is no wait time or return time for the items you choose.
  Fishing poles, Parks & Rec Sports Equipment, and STEAM Kits: May be checked out for 14 days, and renewed up to two times, unless they are on a waiting list. STEAM Kits also have their own additional list of rules printed on each kit and on the shelving next to the kits.
  DVDs: May be checked out for 3 days (14 days for TV series).
  "Good Faith Returns" Paperback books: no limit
  
  YOUR LIBRARY CARD enables you to also check out ebooks, emagazines, and audiobooks through Libby (Missouri Libraries to Go), Boundless, and Blackstone Unlimited.
  
  How You Can Help
  
  Please return your books & DVDs on time, and in the condition in which they were borrowed.
  Please take care of the materials. Do not remove covers or damage barcode labels.
  If you need more time, please email or call the library to extend your loan.
  
  

FINES POLICY

Books, Movies, & Fishing Poles

• Late return: If an item is returned late (and in the same condition in which it was borrowed), no payment will be required. Patron may check out additional items.
• *Damaged item: If an item is returned late and damaged, or on time and damaged, the patron will be asked to pay a fine, up to the full cost of replacing the item, if the item is not fixable or replaceable by staff.
• Overdue items on account: If a patron would like to check out additional items but has an overdue item on their account, they must either first return or renew the overdue item.
  • If they return the item at a later time, they may then check out additional items.
  • If they renew the item, they may only check out additional items if they are within the standard amount of renewals allowed on the prior item.
  • If the patron has exceeded amount of renewals on the prior item, no new items may be checked out until the one overdue is returned.
• *Lost item: If a patron indicates they have lost an item, they will no longer be allowed to check out new items until they have done one of the following:
  • Pay for the cost of replacing the lost item.
  • Purchase a like-quality copy of the item and replace the one they lost.

*If an individual has a lost or damaged item and is being restricted from checking items out on their own account, they are also not allowed to check out items under another individual’s account (including a friend, parent, or other family member). They must resolve their own account issue to continue checking items out. If this rule is being violated, staff may put restrictions on family/friends’ accounts as well.

STEAM Kits

• New Patrons: A new patron must show good faith by being in our system for a minimum of 6 weeks, AND must have 3 successful check-out and return interactions (no late returns/late renewals/lost items) of books, movies, or other “small ticket” items, before they will be allowed to check out a “big ticket” item such as, but not limited to, a STEAM Kit.
• Existing Patrons: An existing patron may check out a STEAM Kit, and must abide by the rules listed on the kit and signage near the kit shelves.
  • All other rules apply, same as Books, Movies, & Fishing Poles.

Telescope

• New Patrons: A new patron must be in our system for a minimum of 6 weeks, AND must have 3 successful check-out and return interactions (no late returns/late renewals/lost items) of books, movies, or other “small ticket” items, before they will be allowed to check out a “big ticket” item such the telescope.
• Existing Patrons: An existing patron may check out the telescope, and abide by the same rules that apply to Books, Movies, & Fishing Poles.

 Parks & Rec Equipment

• New and Existing Patrons: Both new and existing patrons will be allowed to check out Parks and Rec Equipment.
• Damaged/Overdue items/Lost items: The same general library check-out rules and stipulations apply to a patron’s account, in regards to resolving the immediate situation and checking out items in the future (See “Books, Movies, & Fishing Poles”), with the following additional rules:
  • If an item of Parks and Rec equipment is returned less than two weeks late (and in the same condition in which it was borrowed), no payment will be required. Patron may check out additional items.
  • If an item is Parks and rec equipment is returned two weeks or more late, the item will be considered “lost”, and the patron will be responsible for paying a fine, up to the full cost of replacing the item.

BOOK DONATION POLICY

For books to be accepted, they must be:

• Clean
• Intact (no torn or missing pages or covers)
• Mold-free
• Free of water and other stains
• In resale condition (new or gently used)
• Less than 10 years old
• Donated in small quantities at a time

Do not leave donated books outside or loose in the drop-box (they must be in a bag and labeled as a donation).

Call ahead or come by during business hours to make sure we are accepting donations at that time. Due to staff availability and storage space, we may decline donations.

660-388-5712; M-F: noon-5pm, Saturdays 10am-noon

If donating books, be aware that not all books will necessarily be cataloged and added to our shelves for circulation. Some may be sold or given away in our sale and free areas. If books fail to meet the standards above, they may be disposed of in recycling.

INFORMED CONSENT OF USE OF LIBRARY FOR MINOR CHILD POLICY

It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility for monitoring the material checked out by their child.  Our checkout systems do not recognize the recommended age group or movie ratings of materials, and library staff are not responsible for your children. Minors will be allowed checkouts from each library collection that has been approved with signed parental permission. Separate collections are available for children and young people, but it is not the responsibility of the Library, its Board of Trustees, staff, or volunteers to determine which collection they should use or what item in the approved collection is suitable for an individual. Library personnel does not know what you consider appropriate for your child and cannot be responsible for their selections. By signing the “Informed Consent of Use of Library for Minor Child” form, the parent is providing consent for their child to check out content and utilize library resources. If a parent would like to limit materials in any way, they must indicate that on the form, and  staff will do their best to adhere to those requests. If a parent does not agree to the terms of the form, a card cannot be issued to their child.

MEETING/COMMUNITY ROOM POLICY

Any group or individual who wishes to rent out library space for an event that will be advertised or promoted to the public must include an age recommendation on any advertisement or promotional materials, including but not limited to signage, flyers, and social media. Failure to comply may result in the group or individual being denied the rental, or in future rentals being denied.


REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS, DISPLAY, AND AGE DESIGNATIONS OF EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS POLICY

The Library selects and acquires a wide variety of materials and programming for access by library patrons. The Library seeks to provide information on all sides of every issue, including controversial issues, and they value the opinions of patrons. If a patron objects, the patron may complete the “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form, outlining concerns as concisely as possible. The Director will respond to the inquiry. If a patron is unsatisfied with the Director’s response, the patron may appeal in writing to the Library Board.

BASEMENT RENTAL POLICY FOR CURRENT LIBRARY STAFF/BOARD MEMEBERS 

• Current Library Staff may rent the basement at no cost.
• Current Library Board Members may rent the basement at half cost.
• Both staff and board members will be responsible for payment for any lost or damaged property, and for any additional janitorial services needed if the space is not left in good order.
• If a paying renter would like the space on the same day as a staff or board member, the staff or board member must pay the full price to reserve the date, or the rental will go to the full-paying renter.
• All other policies regarding rental and care for the space and library property apply to staff and board members.