Library Policy
Mission Statement
Brainerd Memorial Library dedicates itself to providing resources and services necessary to satisfy the lifelong learning, reading, recreational and cultural needs of Haddam residents.
The Library contributes to the social, cultural and intellectual life of the community through its programming and outreach activities. We welcome individuals and businesses to explore our services in pursuit of personal, economic and civic goals.
The Library strives to be a symbol of the town, a magnet for the community, a gateway to all the world’s information and knowledge.
Privacy of Records Policy
All records in the Brainerd Memorial Library, both formal and informal, relating to patron registration and the subsequent circulation to patrons of materials provided by the Library are considered to be confidential in nature.
In order to prevent an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy, the contents of registration and circulation records shall not be made available to anyone except under written order of the Library Director, such an order having been issued pursuant to a proper legal process, order, or subpoena under the law.
Upon receipt of any process, order or subpoena, the person named and/or served shall immediately report to the Library Director, who should consult with the President of the Board of Trustees to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is proper and in full compliance with proper legal authority. Legal counsel may be consulted. In the event the legal process fails to sufficiently identify or name in specific terms or specifications the records on file in respect to an identified library patron, the request is considered to be defective and not binding upon the Library and its personnel, except under further due process of law.
Any problems or conditions relating to the privacy of a patron through the records of the Brainerd Memorial Library which are not provided in the policy statement shall be referred to the Library Director who, after study and consultation with the Library Board of Trustees and/or legal counsel, shall issue a written decision as to whether or not to heed the request for information.
Due to the fact the Brainerd Memorial Library is a member of the Connecticard program, patron registration information may be released to other libraries when materials are overdue to those libraries.
Approved by the Brainerd Memorial Library Board of Trustees on October 25, 1989.
Public Postings of Announcements and Distribution of Free Materials
The Library will display posters or announcements of public interest on its bulletin boards as a community service.
Priority will be given to local civic, educational, and cultural organizations, as well as to local governmental agencies and businesses. Other material may be displayed as space permits.
The display of an item does not constitute library endorsement.
Requests for public posting space must be made with the Public Services Coordinator, who is responsible for maintaining the Library’s bulletin boards. The size of postings may be a factor in accepting requests. Depending upon space constraints, posters or announcements measuring over 12” x 14” may not be accommodated.
Library staff is responsible for posting, removing, and discarding all materials. Materials will be discarded as soon as they are outdated or, as space constraints dictate, after they have been displayed for two – three weeks.
The Library will create notices for library-sponsored events and activities only.
The Library will not serve as a distribution point for political campaign, religious, or commercial pamphlets or newsletters.Nor will the Library act as a collection point for monetary donations to non-Library organizations or charities.
Petitions are not permitted, except for library purposes.
Approved by the Board of Trustees: 8 May 1997
Revised and Approved by the Board of Trustees: June 26, 2012
Public Access to Library Records
The preservation and protection of historical library materials is a primary concern of the Brainerd Memorial Library Association.
In order to provide patron access to these records, inventoried and catalogued documents will be maintained in the staff office. These documents are available on a sign-out, sign-in basis for use in the Library only.
Patrons may make copies of these documents, unless noted otherwise, at their own expense, or take notes in the Library with pencil only.
Approved: 10/16/95
Policy Concerning Children
In order to provide for the general welfare of all persons using the Library, and in order to provide for the general safety of children using the Library:
All children 6 years or younger shall, at all times, be attended, within sight, and adequately supervised by a responsible person.
No children under 12 shall be left unsupervised in the Library. A responsible person must stay somewhere in the Library building.
Parents are responsible for children’s behavior in the Library. This is a controlled environment and the Library is not equipped for childcare. Library staff are not responsible for providing supervision for children while the person responsible for them is outside or in another part of the Library building. Staff does not monitor children leaving the building and it is not their responsibility to know with whom a child is leaving.
It is not the function of the librarian to deal with disruptive children. A disruptive child may be asked to leave.
During children’s programs a parent or responsible person must remain within sight to ensure that his/her child does not disrupt the event or disturb others.
Children over 12 and young adults whose parents are not in the building and who are disruptive will be asked for their name and phone number. Parents will be called to come to the Library to pick up the children.
Parents and other care givers should be aware of the Library opening and closing times and make suitable arrangements to meet and/or transport their children.
The library is not responsible for the care and supervision of children.
If a responsible person does not pick up the child within 30 minutes after closing, staff may call for police assistance. Please note that this is a serious step for the Library to take. If police are called when a responsible person fails to pick up the child, it may be considered risk of injury to a minor and it could be a criminal offense.
Under no circumstances will a staff member transport children home or to any other destination.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers are referred to Connecticut General Statute 53-21a which describes the legal consequences that can result from leaving children under the age of twelve unattended in a public place.
It is the Library’s responsibility to provide this information to patrons and to post it clearly within the building.
Approved: October 23, 2001
Revision Approved: May 28, 2002
Revised and Approved: July 28, 2009
Code of Conduct
The Brainerd Memorial Library Board of Trustees is responsible for establishing the rules for public behavior in the Library in order to:
Protect the rights of individual to use Library property, materials, and services;
Protect the rights of Library staff and volunteers to conduct library business without interference;
Ensure the use of the facilities, materials, and services by the greatest number of individuals;
Preserve those materials and facilities from harm; and
Ensure the safety of Library patrons, employees and volunteers.
Any individual who repeatedly violates the Library rules and regulations, listed below, shall be denied the privilege of access to the Library by the director. Any individual whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Board of Trustees.
Library staff are authorized to bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission which violates these rules. Such an individual will be asked to conform to the rules. If that person does not comply, he/she will be asked to leave the Library property. Failure to leave if asked to do so will result in a call to the police.
Appropriate behavior is expected of all patrons and visitors. Persons who exhibit disruptive or objectionable behavior may be asked to leave the premises.
For the protection of patrons entering or exiting the Library, roller skating, roller blading, and skate boarding are not permitted on library grounds. Roller skates, roller blades, and skateboards are not allowed in the Library. Bicycles should be placed in the bike rack and locked.
In accordance with state and local fire ordinances, no smoking is allowed in any part of the Brainerd Memorial Library.
The library is not responsible for children left on the premises. (See Policy Concerning unattended Children.)
Library staff is instructed to call the police if disruptive patrons or visitors refuse to leave the Library building and grounds. Threatening, offensive and/or illegal behavior may also result in a call to the police.
Examples of illegal behavior include
Carrying firearms or other dangerous weapons
Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs
Stealing, damaging, or altering Library facilities and property:
Patrons may not enter the Library barefoot, without a shirt, or otherwise dressed in a manner disruptive to the Library environment. Patrons may not remove their shoes in the Library.
Patrons may not use audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Patrons also may not use cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others. Cell phone and pager audible ringers must be turned off in the Library.
Patrons may not bring animals, other than service dogs necessary for disabilities, into the Library, except as authorized by the Director.
Approved: May 22, 2001
Amended: February, 2006
Amended: January 27, 2009
Display of Art Work, Photography, and Exhibits
The Library encourages the exhibit of items and materials of educational and cultural interest to the community (e.g. artwork, photographs, special collections, etc.) in its display areas in the Community Room and elsewhere throughout the Library.
Exhibits and displays are approved by and may be arranged through the Library Director. Preference will be given to residents of Haddam and, secondarily, to persons having some connection to the town. Groups are invited to submit exhibits provided they assign at least one person to represent them in the coordination of their exhibit with the Library Director.
Exhibits may be booked no more than one year in advance and are normally mounted on a one-month basis, depending upon the constraints of the calendar and/or the mutual agreement of the exhibitor and the Library Director.
Principles set forth in the Library’s Collection Policies and the Library Bill of Rights endorsed by the Board of Trustees generally apply to public exhibits and displays. However, the Library Board is mindful of the fact that the Library setting is one that is free and open to persons of all ages. The final decision as to the suitability of a display or an exhibit rests with the Library Director. The Library reserves the right to decline any exhibit in accordance with the Library’s best interests. Exhibits for commercial purposes are not accepted.
Acceptance of an exhibit or art display by the Library does not constitute an endorsement by the Library or the Town of the group’s or the individual’s beliefs, viewpoints, or representations.
The Library will make every effort to protect materials displayed, but exhibitors must recognize that the Library is a public building used by a large number of people. The Library does not provide insurance coverage for exhibit materials. Therefore, exhibitors are responsible for providing coverage for their materials or for exhibiting them at their own risk. Before an exhibition may be mounted the exhibitor must sign a release form which attests to this understanding.
Exhibitors are responsible for mounting their exhibits during library hours at a time agreed upon with the Library Director. If items are to be hung, the exhibitors are responsible for ensuring that the materials are prepared for hanging. The Library will provide the necessary materials for this.
The Library is unable to provide storage for the property of exhibitors.
The exhibitor furnishes labels for exhibit items. They must be neat and attractive and are to be attached to the items themselves. No labels may be affixed to walls. The Library will display a list of titles of items in an exhibit if the exhibitor provides such a list.
Exhibit labels may not include prices. The Library is not in any way involved in the sale of any exhibit item. No prices or price lists are to appear with the exhibit, except by permission of the Board, nor may library staff provide any information pertaining to an item’s value. With prior permission granted, exhibitors’ contact information will be made available to interested parties at the Library’s main service desk. The Library will gratefully accept donations representing portions of the proceeds of sales of exhibited artwork.
The Library reserves the right to publicize exhibits. Exhibitors are asked to provide relevant biographical information as well as information pertaining to the work to be displayed.
Exhibitors may plan formal openings or receptions to inaugurate their shows. All arrangements for such events must be discussed in advance with the Library Director.
While exhibits are open to the public during regular library hours, exhibitors are advised that the Community Room will at times be in use for programs and events. Persons wishing to view exhibits will need to check with the Library regarding the availability of the Community Room for public viewing.
As display space is limited, the Library generally is unable to accept donations of art for permanent display in the Library.
Approved by the Board of Trustees: 8 May 1997
Revised and Approved: 26 August 2008
Public Postings of Announcements and Distribution of Free Materials
The Library will display posters or announcements of public interest on its bulletin boards as a community service.
Priority will be given to local civic, educational, and cultural organizations, as well as to local governmental agencies and businesses. Other material may be displayed as space permits.
The display of an item does not constitute library endorsement.
Requests for public posting space must be made with the Public Services Coordinator, who is responsible for maintaining the Library’s bulletin boards. The size of postings may be a factor in accepting requests. Depending upon space constraints, posters or announcements measuring over 12” x 14” may not be accommodated.
Library staff is responsible for posting, removing, and discarding all materials. Materials will be discarded as soon as they are outdated or, as space constraints dictate, after they have been displayed for one month.
The Library will create notices for library-sponsored events and activities only.
The Library will not serve as a distribution point for political campaign, religious, or commercial pamphlets or newsletters.Nor will the Library act as a collection point for monetary donations to non-Library organizations or charities.
Petitions are not permitted, except for library purposes.
Approved by the Board of Trustees: 8 May 1997
Guidelines for the Use of the History Room for Public Gatherings
The Board of Trustees views the use of the History Room as an extension of library services. The room will be available free of charge to the Library community in its broadest sense and reflect the educational cultural, social, and recreational role the Library plays.
The Board subscribes to Article IV of the Library Bill of Rights which states that facilities should be made available to the public served by the given library on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Eligibility
· Priority for the use of the History Room is assigned to the Library and to Library-affiliated groups.
· As otherwise available, the History Room may be reserved for use by local non-profit organizations and/or local civic groups. Local for-profit organizations are encouraged to use the History Room for continuing education, training, and/or seminars.
Seating Capacity
The History Room has a maximum seating capacity of 12 persons. The room comfortably seats 8-10 people at its large table.
Policies Governing the Use of the History Room
The room is available by advance reservation. Special stipulations are made for use of the room outside the normal service schedule. See After Hours Use of the History Room below.
There are no charges for the use of the History Room, although donations to the Library are always gratefully accepted.
Written and signed applications for the use of the room should be submitted for the Head Librarian’s consideration and approval at least one month in advance of the desired reservation date. Reservations may not be made more than three months in advance. Applications are available upon request at the main service desk.
Applications require a statement of purpose and nature of activity for which the History Room will be used. The names of two responsible persons, who will accept responsibility for any damage or loss of property during the use of the room, are also required. At least on of the persons identified on the application must be in attendance during the event.
As this room houses publicly available historical and genealogical resources, those who book the History Room should understand that patrons who wish to use these materials will be allowed to have access to them at any time during which the Library is open. If a meeting or program is in progress, patrons will be allowed to go into the room to retrieve the materials they wish to use.
Use of audiovisual and electronic equipment is permitted, subject to the approval of the Head Librarian, and in consideration of the limitations of the space. Users of Library-owned equipment must be thoroughly trained in its use in advance. Responsible parties will be held accountable for any resulting damage.
Copies of press releases, flyers, or other publicity associated with History Room use must be submitted to the Head Librarian for review before being released to the media and/or being publicly posted.
Youth groups unaffiliated with the Library and using the History Room must designate an adult to be responsible for their supervision. Such responsibility shall include complete supervision of the group from the time the first member arrives until the last has left the premises. In the event such an adult supervisor cannot be present, the meeting or activity must be canceled.
The responsible parties are accountable for the following:
· Room set-up other than what is provided by the Library according to the room application
· Room supervision
· Restoring the room to its original condition
Each applying group/organization will be held responsible for the preservation of order during the gathering.
Should damage or loss be assigned by the Library, the deposit will be applied towards the assessed costs.
It is the responsibility of the group/organization reserving the room to let the Library staff know as soon as possible if the room will not be needed.
After Hours Use of the History Room
Before opening
It is possible to book the History Room for events that would be scheduled before the Library’s opening hour. However, it will be necessary for a Library staff member to open the building and to remain on site until the official opening hour. In the event that a staff member cannot be secured for opening the building, the event will have to be rescheduled.
After closing
It is not possible for the general public to book the History Room for events that would end after the Library closes. Under these circumstances, the Community Room is available. Only Library and Library-affiliated events may take place in the History Room after closing hours.
On CLOSED Days
It is not possible for the general public to reserve use of the History Room on days when the Library does not open. Only Library and Library-affiliated events may be scheduled during close days.
General Limitations
No group may use the History Room if their activities might in any way interfere with or disturb the regular Library routines.
The granting of permission to use the History Room does not constitute an endorsement of the Library Staff or Board of Trustees of a given group/organization or its members’ beliefs. Publicity for the event should not imply Library sponsorship or affiliation.
Series of public programs are permitted. However, in fairness to all in the community, the Library will not accept reservations for a series of events that would designate the Library as the regular convening place for any group.
The Library reserves the right to cancel any event because of adverse weather conditions or for other reasons of an emergency nature.
Only light refreshments can be accommodated. If food and beverages are to be served, the Head Librarian must be consulted in advance.
Smoking is not permitted in the History Room, or in any other area of the Library.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Nothing other than works of personal authorship may be sold/offered, or exhibited/displayed for sale during a scheduled event. Gambling in any form, including the sale of tickets for awards (i.e. raffles) is expressly prohibited.
No admission may be charged, although free-will donations may be allowed.
The group reserving the History Room is responsible for leaving the room in order and is financially liable for damage to the room and any library property within it during the group’s use of the space.
No materials may be affixed to the wall surfaces of the History Room.
Storage of materials either before or after the reserved time will be considered by the Librarian on a case-by-case basis.
The Library reserves the right to seek references of any group before granting permission for its use.
The Library assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of property belonging to the reserving group/organization or to any individuals attending the meeting/event.
Violation of policies governing the use of the History Room could result in eviction from the room and/or denial of future use of the facilities.
Neither the Library Board of Trustees nor the Town of Haddam or their employees or agents are liable for any claims rising out of the use of the History Room.
PLEASE NOTE: Exceptions to any of the above stated guidelines may be made only with the approval of the Library Board. The Library Board also reserves the right to modify these guidelines at any time in response to changing conditions.
Approved by the Board of Trustees: 5.8.97
Amended 9.22.98
Internet Safety Policy
Introduction
It is the policy of the Brainerd Memorial Library to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Brainerd Memorial Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Brainerd Memorial Library staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Brainerd Memorial Library or designated representatives.
Adoption
This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of the Brainerd Memorial Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on January 23, 2018.
This policy overrides the Computer Use and Internet Access Policies dated 4/24/2009.
Computer Use and Internet Access Policies
In accordance with its mission and as part of its ongoing commitment to providing public access to information in all forms and from all available sources, the Brainerd Memorial Library is pleased to provide internet access to its patrons. The following guidelines have been established to ensure the successful implementation of this public service.
Disclaimer
The Brainerd Memorial Library does not monitor and has no control over the information found on the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The rights of intellectual freedom, privacy, and confidentiality shall be applied to electronic media as they are applied to traditional media. The Library complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and accordingly filters all internet traffic to all library computers, including WiFi. Parent or adult guardian supervision of children’s use of the public access computers is strongly advised. Children’s computers are clearly marked, with use priority for those under the age of 12.
Internet Access Guidelines
Patrons, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the information they select and/or retrieve. The following uses are not permitted:
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Sending, receiving, or displaying pornographic material
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Using the Internet for any unlawful or criminal activity, including:Promulgating discriminatory matter on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, disability, age or sexual identity
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Sexual harassment
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Copyright infringement
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Unauthorized access or invasion of privacy