Policies

Circulation Policies	Computer Help	Internet
Meeting Rooms	Public Bulletin Board	Unattended/Safe Child

Circulation Policies

Length of Circulation

The circulation period for library materials is established by the Director of the Library. Items may check out for 21 days, 7 days, or 2 days depending on the item. With the exception of DVDs, Speed Zone books, and Playaway Views, items may be renewed one time if there is no reserve on that particular item by another patron.

There is no limit on the number of books a patron may check out. Books check out for 3 weeks and may be renewed for 3 weeks. (if item is not on hold for another patron)

A limit of a total of 20 CDs or Books on CD, may be checked out for 3 weeks. A limit of 5 CD ROMs may be checked out for 3 weeks. All items may be renewed for 3 weeks. (if item is not on hold for another patron)

DVDs may be checked out for one week at a charge of $1.00 per title. Borrower must be eighteen years of age (or may be 15, 16, or 17 years of age with a signed permission slip on file from a parent or guardian) and may check out 20 DVDs at a time. DVDs may not be renewed, but may be brought to the library to be checked in and checked out at a charge of $1.00 per title. (if title is not on hold for another patron) (Quickflix and Quikflix Blu-ray DVD's may be checked out for 2 days only, with no renewals.)

DVDs, CDs, Books on CD and CD ROMs are not to be repaired, altered or tampered with in any way. If there is a problem with any of these items, please inform us at the time the item is returned. Avoid leaving these items in temperature extremes. Play only at room temperature. In case of damage or loss, borrower may be charged the full replacement cost. All materials except children's board games, may be returned in the book drop.

Overdue Materials

An item is considered overdue when it has been borrowed from the library and has not been returned on or by the date specified. Patrons are responsible for all items checked out on their card. A postage charge of 45¢ for mailing second overdue notices will be added to a patron record.

Overdue charges for most items, adults, young adults, and children’s, compound at a rate of twenty-five (25¢) cents per day per item. DVDs are $1.00 per day per title. Once the item is returned, the fine no longer accumulates. The fine will accumulate up to the cost of each item. All items except DVDs, Speed Zone books, and Playaway Views, may be renewed online or by calling 1-877-273-6391.

In the case of patrons who chronically have overdue problems, the Library Director may suspend his/her borrowing privileges.

Other Charges

Patrons must have their card with them to check out materials. Patrons are responsible for materials checked out on their card and are encouraged not to loan their card to anyone. Patrons are responsible for taking care of the library materials they have in their possession. Patrons who damage or lose library equipment or materials will be required to pay the current replacement cost of that item or be assessed a damage fee. Examples might include water damage or lost DVD inserts.

Assessing Charges

In assessing overdue fines and other charges, all patrons should be given the benefit of the doubt. Chronic offenders should be treated firmly, but courteously. In all cases, if there is any doubt on the part of the staff or patron, it should be made clear that nothing is definite until the Director has been informed of the situation.

There are many questions that can be asked about computers, software, files, internet, scanners, etc.. Because everyone's computer is set-up differently, we can only be responsible for assisting and helping with our own in-house equipment and/or programs. We cannot give technical advice over the telephone or in the library about equipment or software people have in their homes. We would be happy to help patrons find books or professional computer people to assist them.

The Plymouth Public Library offers access to electronic resources, including those on the Internet. The library is committed to serving the information and lifelong learning needs of all. Providing access to the Internet can enable the Library to expand its information services beyond the traditional collections and resources. Access is a privilege, not a right, and requires responsibility on the part of the user.

The Internet offers unlimited global access to all types of information. Not all sources are accurate, complete, current, legal or philosophically acceptable to all people. Some information may be offensive, controversial, illegal, erroneous, etc. It is the responsibility of the user to select or reject online information based on good judgment and discretion. The library uses content filtering software to manage and monitor Internet usage. The primary use of this software is to filter objectionable or inappropriate content. Patrons should understand that this software is not 100 percent accurate and may allow some objectionable content through, as well as block some content that would be acceptable under library policies.

The Plymouth Public Library cannot fully monitor or control the content of the materials on the Internet, which changes rapidly and unpredictably. Parents and guardians of minor children must assume responsibility of their children’s use of the Internet at the library just as they must with printed materials or visual materials. All parents and children are encouraged to read "Internet Family Tips" and "Connect Safely" for guidelines.

All electronic traffic originating from the Plymouth Public Library will be in accordance with acceptable use standards. Failure to abide by these standards may result in the loss of Internet, computer, and library privileges.

2. Compliance with copyright law and licensing for individual data and programs.

3. Consideration for the security and functioning of computers, computer networks and systems.

Computing resources may only be used for legal purposes by the public and staff in accordance with the ethical standards of the library. Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Uses for any purposes that violate applicable federal, state, or local laws including copyright laws. (Federal law
forbids library CD's or DVD's to be copied or transferred to storage devices, such as MP-3 players or I-PODs).

3. Attempting to gain or gaining unauthorized entry to other computing, information, or communications sources
or devices (hacking).

5. Obscene behavior including public display of obscene materials on computer screens or in hard copy.

7. Activities that could cause congestion and disruption of networks and systems.

9. To access, upload, download, transmit or distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit language
or material.

2. Users are cautioned to guard closely the security of personal information, credit card numbers,
computer accounts, passwords, and other types of authorizations when using the Internet.

3. Users are cautioned to take steps to protect their systems from computer viruses and other
destructive computer programs when downloading programs to disk for use on other computers.

4. Electronic files should not be considered confidential. When required by law, the Plymouth Public Library
must disclose all files to the extent required by law.

5. The Plymouth Public Library is not liable for any direct or indirect and/or punitive damages (including lost data
or information ) sustained or incurred in connection with the use or unavailability of the system.

Use of the Internet stations is on a first-come, first-served basis. Users are required to sign their full name when signing up for an Internet computer. The library may set time limits so all patrons seeking access will have an opportunity to do so.

The Plymouth Public Library, in order to fulfill its commitment as a community resource for the informational, cultural, educational, and civic needs of our community, welcomes the use of the public meeting rooms. The Board of Trustees of the Plymouth Public Library invites any group of community citizens whose purpose for meeting is in harmony with the cultural and intellectual purposes of the Library to meet in the Library in rooms designated for this use.

The use of the Library meeting rooms by any citizen or group does not signify or imply any endorsement by the Library of the citizen’s or group’s opinions or activities. Any publicity related to a non-library meeting should not imply that it is library sponsored. All non-library meeting room publicity will be the responsibility of the meeting group and the information may not be posted in the library. The position of the library is always one of neutrality.

TYPES OF MEETINGS

Priority for meeting room use will be assigned in the following manner:

1. Library sponsored programs and meetings
2. Library related meetings or programs.
3. Non-library groups will be viewed as equitably as possible for scheduling purposes.

MEETING ROOMS AVAILABLE

Monday – Thursdays: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fridays/Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sundays: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Laramore A – Capacity 40 people - has a large screen TV, VCR/DVD player, a coffee pot, microwave, rectangular tables with chairs. $$ A preview of the room may be found here.

Laramore B – Capacity 40 people - has a TV, a VCR/DVD, a kitchenette, microwave, coffee pot, rectangular tables with chairs and a piano. $$

Kent and Judy Guild Family Room – Capacity 30 people, has a TV, a VCR/DVD, microwave, and a coffee pot. $$
A preview of the room may be found here.

James Neu Family Room – Capacity 14 people. Non-profits only
A preview of the room may be found here.

National City Bank Room – Capacity 4 people. Non-profits only.

Meeting rooms must be scheduled in advance on a first come, first served basis. Confirmation will be sent by email, upon receiving the completed reservation, plus the rental fee, if applicable. (Payment must be made at least 1 week prior to meeting date.)

No general admission fee may be charged for any meeting or program in the meeting rooms nor may any voluntary offering, solicitation, or collection of funds be made. However, qualified groups (non-commercial, non-profit, civic or educational organizations) may charge participants a fee to cover the actual costs (such items as printed reading materials or supplies used at a workshop or meeting) or an educational program to be presented. Qualified non-profit groups may participate in a fund-raiser within their own organization with the permission of the library director. Buying and selling of products or services are not permitted.

All civic, community, or educational organization whose purpose is non-commercial, non-partisan, and/or non-profit may use the meeting rooms with no fee. Political groups may use the meeting rooms for non-partisan or bi-partisan programs of an educational nature.

Petitions and/or remonstrances are never permitted anywhere in the library or on library property.

Meeting rooms may not be used for purely social functions, such as birthday parties, reunions, anniversaries, holiday parties, etc. TV viewing for personal/family use is not permitted. Use of the meeting rooms by individuals and/or their friends and family members is not permitted.

Light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages may be served in all of the meeting rooms. Any equipment or food brought in should be promptly removed after the meeting. The equipment provided by the library may be used but must be left clean.

FEES

For-profit groups or persons may use the Laramore or Guild meeting rooms for a fee per room. The rental fee must be paid at least 1week prior to the meeting date or the library reserves the option of making the room available for other meetings. The rental fee per room is as follows:

Laramore A – capacity 40 people, $50 0-4 hrs, $100 4-8 hrs, $150 over 8 hrs per day

Laramore B –capacity 40 people, $50 0-4 hrs, $100 4-8 hrs, $150 over 8 hrs per day

Laramore A & B combined – capacity 80 people, $100 0-4 hrs, $200 4-8 hrs, $300 over 8 hrs per day

Guild Family Room – capacity 30 people, $50 0-4 hrs, $100 4-8 hrs, $150 over 8 hrs.

RESERVATIONS

The person responsible for the room must be 21 years of age or older. Children and young adults must be supervised at all times by an adult. Youth groups must be organized and supervised by responsible adults, who must attend and oversee each meeting. No baby-sitting facilities are provided. Children should be provided with adult supervision before, during, and after meetings.

An organization may reserve a room on a recurring basis; However, any such regularly scheduled meetings shall be subject to cancellation from time to time for library use at the discretion of the library director. Reasonable notice of such cancellation will be furnished by the library and arrangements will be made to set up alternative dates. Any scheduled user of a meeting room shall notify the library promptly in the event of any change in the user’s schedule.

Confirmed reservations may not be transferred to persons or organizations other than another member of the same organization. Each person or group must make their own reservations.

NO SHOWS & ROOMS LEFT MESSY

If a group does not show up for a meeting and has failed to cancel it, or if they have not fulfilled the responsibility to clean and restore the room to the original set-up, the following action will occur:

After 1 offense:
The party that booked the room will receive a written notice.

After 2 offenses:
1. In an effort to be fair to all groups, future scheduled meetings will be cancelled.
2. The person that booked the room will receive a notice that this action has been taken.

If the group desires to reschedule meetings after they have been cancelled due to offenses, the group will be required to submit new reservations and may be denied if rooms are no longer available.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF USERS

Each group is responsible for setting up the room to its specifications. Each group is also responsible for restoring the room to its original setup when the meeting is over. Current custodial fees may be charged if the rooms are not cleaned up and restored to the original setup for the next group.

The use of the meeting rooms must be confined to the activity for which the facilities were requested. Floor, furniture, equipment and other property must be properly cared for and returned to a clean and orderly condition following use. Tables must be cleaned off and floor vacuumed if needed. Upon leaving the building, meeting room(s) must be securely locked.

Children should never be left unsupervised at any time.

Any group in Laramore A or B whose meeting continues after the main part of the library is closed must make sure that all children remain in the meeting rooms with the adults. Unsupervised children in the lobby after hours create a dangerous situation for the children and the library in general.

Open flames (candles, matches, etc) are never permitted in the meeting rooms.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any time and smoking is prohibited in all areas of the public library.

Each organization assumes full responsibility for any damages incurred resulting from use of the meeting room facilities. Abuse of the facilities will be sufficient cause to deny further use of the room. The library assumes no responsibility for hats, coats, or other personal belongings of persons attending meetings.

If the library must be closed due to weather or other emergency, reasonable effort will be made to contact the person who arranged the meeting.

The Library Director, or appointed staff member reserves the right to terminate any meeting that is noisy, disruptive, or potentially destructive to the Library’s property. The meetings must not interfere with Library operations.

The Library Board has vested the Director with the authority to supervise meeting room use and interpret these policies. Failure to comply with these regulations or the directives of the designated representative of the Library will cancel further use of the library facilities. The Director shall have the right to waive the regulations whenever it is in the best interest of the library or the community to do so. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to alter or waive the rules.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, Plymouth Public Library, May 21, 2001
Revised May 24, 2005
Revised February 27, 2006

Community bulletin board space is available only to organizations or individuals engaged in civic, educational, cultural, or non-profit activities.

Due to limited space, only 1 copy of an item may be posted. Handouts may only be displayed on shelving provided for that use. Postings by a group, company, individual to promote, advertise, or lead to sale of its products and services are not permitted. Advertisements of products or services offered by commercial organizations or individuals will not be accepted for posting.

Solicitations or requests for contributions will not be accepted for posting.

Flyers/posters should be marked with the date of posting. Library staff will regularly remove flyers that promote events that have already passed. Items not pertaining to a specific date may be removed after one month on the bulletin board or have been up more than 1 month from date of posting. The library is not responsible for the care or return of posters.

All flyers will be discarded when removed by library staff. Persons who wish to retain materials must remove flyers promptly themselves before the 1 month expiration date.

The library does not endorse the viewpoints of any group or individuals.

Parents are encouraged at all times to come to the library with their children. The library is not responsible for the safety of children who are left or come to the library without an adult or guardian with them. Children are expected to behave in an appropriate manner in the library.

The Plymouth Public Library is not responsible for unattended children. The library cannot ensure the safety of any library patron of any age, especially children. Library staff duties cannot include babysitting or taking over any parental responsibilities for children when they come into the library. While the Plymouth Public Library is concerned about the safety and welfare of all children, parents or caregivers who are thirteen or over are the ones responsible for safety and welfare, as well as monitoring children’s activities and behavior.

Children under eleven years of age must be directly supervised by a parent or responsible caregiver (who is at least thirteen or over) at all times, while in the library. Parents or caregivers are responsible for the safety and appropriate behavior of each child in their care. Parents or caregivers cannot leave children unattended in the children’s department while using other parts of the library.

Children or groups of children visiting the library from any preschool, day care, or babysitting facility must also be directly supervised at all times by adult caregivers to insure safety and monitor behavior.

If any unattended child is disruptive, the parent or caregiver will be contacted to come and remove the child from the library.

A child left habitually unattended is deemed to be at risk. If a parent or caregiver of an unattended child under the age of eleven cannot be contacted or located within one-half hour of the discovery that the child is unattended, the library will contact the local law enforcement or child protective authorities will be notified to take custody of the child. Effective 04/30/02.

Policies of the Library