Library Policies
More library policies will be included soon, in the meantime please call the library for information about policies not found on this page.
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Internet Policy
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More Policies Coming Soon!
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Behavior Policy
When a behavior of a patron constitutes a disruption which interferes with the use of the library by other patrons or with a staff member's carrying out his/her duties, the following steps will be taken:
- Issue a verbal warning that if the behavior in question does not cease the patron will be asked to leave.
- Request that the patron leave the library.
- If patron refuses to leave, inform him/her that the police will be called.
- Call the police.
- If the offender is an unaccompanied juvenile, staff may elect to call the child's parent in lieu of police.
- A habitual juvenile offender may be barred from using the library except in the company of a parent.
- When a parent is present but is unable or unwilling to elicit suitable behavior from his/her child, he/she will be asked to remove the child from the building.
- A patron who repeatedly fails to conform to behavior standards may be denied access permanently.
- Any time a staff member feels that a patron's behavior threatens the safety of another patron or staff members, the staff member in charge will call the police immediately.
Unacceptable Behaviors Include:
- Disruptive behavior.
- Smoking.
- Excessive noise.
- Abuse of library materials, furnishings, building.
- Fighting or challenging to a fight, running, pushing, shoving or throwing things.
- Sleeping.
- Unwelcome attentions or interactions with other patrons or staff.
- Consuming food or beverage (outside of designated or program areas).
- Soliciting or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees February 21, 2007
Conference Room Policy
Room description: The Oak Bluffs Public Library Historical Room is on the upper level of the Oak Bluffs Public Library. There are 14 chairs around a conference table with electrical outlets; a white board, and a screen for presentations. Note that maximum capacity is 16 people (including presenters).
Regular library service must take precedence over all other activities and the use of the meeting space must not interfere with the operation of the library. The room houses the library’s historical collection in a locked case, and staff may need access to it while a meeting is taking place.
Meeting space in the Historical Room is only available during regular library hours. All use of the Historical Room must begin after the Library has opened to the public and the room must be cleared 10 minutes before scheduled closing time.
Access: There is an elevator available. The parking lot is behind the Library, access is via a driveway off School Street.
Policy: The room is scheduled by the Library on a first come/first served basis. Reservations can be made 30 days in advance. Library programs and meetings have first priority at all times. The Oak Bluffs Historical Commission meetings also receive priority.
Room may be used for: meetings which are open to the
public;
public lectures, panel discussions, film and slide presentations, group
discussions, workshops, and other similar functions;organizations engaged
in educational, cultural, intellectual, governmental or charitable activities.
Room may not be used for: any purpose which may interfere with the regular operation of the library;programs involving the sale, advertising, solicitation or promotion of commercial products or services;personal, company, or family parties.
The Library reserves the right to limit the number of reservations by any one agency so that all groups may have a fair opportunity to use the conference room. No admission fee, registration fee, or donations may be sought from meeting attendees, except by local non-profit educational, social service or cultural organizations with the specific permission of the Library Director.
Users agree to abide by all regulations of the library relating to the use of the facilities and accept responsibility for all damages caused to the building and/or equipment beyond normal wear. Users of the room will follow the guidelines regarding conference room use. These guidelines will be made available to all those users booking the room.
Use of the library meeting rooms does not imply endorsement by the library staff or Trustees of the viewpoints presented.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees April 5, 2006
Emergency Closing Policy
Inclement Weather/Emergency Closing
The Library is a public service institution, and every effort is made to maintain regular hours for the public. The Library will be closed only when weather conditions deteriorate to the point where traveling is hazardous, when vital equipment in the building fails or when there is a general emergency in the town of Oak Bluffs. The decision to close the Library will be based upon:
- General conditions of roads in Oak Bluffs.
- Condition of the Library’s parking lots and walkways.
- Availability of staff to open and operate the Library. Minimal staffing levels are defined as three staff members in the building at all times.
- Condition of the building’s equipment.
- Requests for closure by local or state agencies.
Please listen to WMVY FM 92.7 for information about library emergency closings!
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees November 14, 2006
Internet Policy
The Internet is a global electronic network without local, state, or federal control over its contents. It offers access to material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching, but it also contains inaccurate as well as controversial material.
The Oak Bluffs Public Library offers the public "unfiltered" Internet access. Our staff does not monitor usage. Parents and guardians have the right and responsibility to monitor their child’s use of library resources, including the Internet.
Members of the public shall not use the Internet in any way that violates federal or state laws and regulations. Nor shall they use the Internet in any manner that disrupts, harasses, or annoys others, or violates their rights.
Unattended Child Policy
The Oak Bluffs Public Library strives to create a warm, inviting, and fun environment for its youngest patrons. The Library offers many programs and services that encourage children to develop a love of the library, books, reading, and learning. However, the safety and well-being of every child is of utmost importance. To ensure the safety and well-being of each child, the Oak Bluffs Public Library has established the following Unattended Child Policy.
Children 7 years-old and younger must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver at all times in the Children's Room.
A child 8 or older may be left unattended for the period of time needed to select materials, complete homework assignments, or attend a program.
The library staff will not be responsible for supervising unattended children.
If a parent or caregiver of a child cannot be contacted or located within twenty minutes of the library’s closing time, the Town of Oak Bluffs Police department will be contacted to take custody of the child and continue efforts to contact the parents. Staff will not transport children home or to any other destination under any circumstances.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees March 21, 2007
