Policies
Borrowing Privileges
Borrowing Privileges
Library cards are free to anyone with valid identification and/or proof of residency. Adults and children 3 years and older are entitled to personal library cards. Children under 12 years of age must have a parent/guardian present to sign up for library card. Children 12 years of age and over must obtain a signature of their parent/guardian to receive a card. No library cards are issued in the name of businesses or institutions. Replacement cards cost $2. Unless permission is granted, due to privacy issues and responsibility for fines, the card must be used only by the patron whose name is on the card.
Library cards are free to anyone with valid identification and/or proof of residency. Adults and children 3 years and older are entitled to personal library cards. Children under 12 years of age must have a parent/guardian present to sign up for library card. Children 12 years of age and over must obtain a signature of their parent/guardian to receive a card. No library cards are issued in the name of businesses or institutions. Replacement cards cost $2. Unless permission is granted, due to privacy issues and responsibility for fines, the card must be used only by the patron whose name is on the card.
Fines and Fees
Fines and Fees
Patrons are charged the replacement cost of the item for lost or damaged materials. Borrowing privileges will be suspended if fines for materials not returned or other charges exceed $25.00 and will be reinstated after the fee is paid in full. All fines and fees must be paid in full by the end of a calendar year before borrowing and computer privileges can be used in a new calendar year. Fees for damaged materials will be assessed at the discretion of the Library Director.
Patrons are charged the replacement cost of the item for lost or damaged materials. Borrowing privileges will be suspended if fines for materials not returned or other charges exceed $25.00 and will be reinstated after the fee is paid in full. All fines and fees must be paid in full by the end of a calendar year before borrowing and computer privileges can be used in a new calendar year. Fees for damaged materials will be assessed at the discretion of the Library Director.
Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville, PA is not responsible for any damage, which may occur to a patron’s personal equipment during use of DVDs, or compact discs borrowed from the library. Any damage to the library’s material is the responsibility of the borrower.
Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville, PA is not responsible for any damage, which may occur to a patron’s personal equipment during use of DVDs, or compact discs borrowed from the library. Any damage to the library’s material is the responsibility of the borrower.
Photocopies are 25¢ per page. Computer printouts are 25¢ per page. Color copies and printouts are $1.00 per page. Copies and printouts must be paid for at the time of printing. Faxing is $1.00 per page. Copies on paper larger than 8-1/2" x 11" are 50¢ per page, as are double-sided copies. Laminating is available for $1.00 per page up to 8-1/2" x 11".
Photocopies are 25¢ per page. Computer printouts are 25¢ per page. Color copies and printouts are $1.00 per page. Copies and printouts must be paid for at the time of printing. Faxing is $1.00 per page. Copies on paper larger than 8-1/2" x 11" are 50¢ per page, as are double-sided copies. Laminating is available for $1.00 per page up to 8-1/2" x 11".
Loan Periods
Loan Periods
All items circulate for 14 days or 2 weeks. Books may be renewed twice if not on reserve or blue dot new books, either in person, online, or by telephone. Once notified, reserved books will be held a total of 4 “library” days; if not claimed, then the next person on the reserve list will be notified or the book will be returned to the shelf.
All items circulate for 14 days or 2 weeks. Books may be renewed twice if not on reserve or blue dot new books, either in person, online, or by telephone. Once notified, reserved books will be held a total of 4 “library” days; if not claimed, then the next person on the reserve list will be notified or the book will be returned to the shelf.
Limits – Per Person
Limits – Per Person
20 books (or 20 total items when in combination with below)
20 books (or 20 total items when in combination with below)
3 DVDs and Audiobooks
3 DVDs and Audiobooks
3 books by the same author
3 books by the same author
5 downloadable e-books and audiobooks from library website
5 downloadable e-books and audiobooks from library website
3 blue dot books
3 blue dot books
Limits – Per Family
Limits – Per Family
5 books in the same Dewey Decimal number in the adult collection at Librarian’s discretion (DVDs, music and audiobooks are limited to 6 per family).
5 books in the same Dewey Decimal number in the adult collection at Librarian’s discretion (DVDs, music and audiobooks are limited to 6 per family).
Holiday books and other collections may be limited depending upon quantity available.
Holiday books and other collections may be limited depending upon quantity available.
Inter-Library Loan
Inter-Library Loan
The library will request up to (3) three items per person the library does not own from other libraries in the state through the PA Access loan service. Inter-library loan requests may take more than 2 weeks. Patrons will be notified by phone when the requests are filled. Overdue inter-library loan fees are $1 per day.
The library will request up to (3) three items per person the library does not own from other libraries in the state through the PA Access loan service. Inter-library loan requests may take more than 2 weeks. Patrons will be notified by phone when the requests are filled. Overdue inter-library loan fees are $1 per day.
Inter-library loan requests will not be made for patrons having overdue materials. Patrons with overdue or un-returned inter-library loan materials will result in suspension of inter-library loan privileges until fines are paid in full and materials are returned or replaced.
Inter-library loan requests will not be made for patrons having overdue materials. Patrons with overdue or un-returned inter-library loan materials will result in suspension of inter-library loan privileges until fines are paid in full and materials are returned or replaced.
Computer Privileges
Computer Privileges
Patrons must sign in at the desk to use a computer. Computers will be assigned by the staff.
Patrons must sign in at the desk to use a computer. Computers will be assigned by the staff.
Computer access can be limited to 3 hours per day; this can be changed to 1 hour during high computer usage.
Computer access can be limited to 3 hours per day; this can be changed to 1 hour during high computer usage.
If there is a problem with the computer or it is not on, please see the desk before moving to a different computer.
If there is a problem with the computer or it is not on, please see the desk before moving to a different computer.
The computers in the Gettys room are for adults 18 years and older. The computers in The ZONE are for ages 13 and older and the computers in the children’s room are for ages 12 and younger. The Pre-K computer is not connected to the Internet.
The computers in the Gettys room are for adults 18 years and older. The computers in The ZONE are for ages 13 and older and the computers in the children’s room are for ages 12 and younger. The Pre-K computer is not connected to the Internet.
Children under 18 must have permission signed by the parent/guardian to access the Internet. Children under 12 years of age must have a parent/guardian present to sign computer permission. Children 12 years of age and older must have obtained a signature of their parent/guardian computer permission prior to computer usage.
Children under 18 must have permission signed by the parent/guardian to access the Internet. Children under 12 years of age must have a parent/guardian present to sign computer permission. Children 12 years of age and older must have obtained a signature of their parent/guardian computer permission prior to computer usage.
Good Standing
Good Standing
Patrons who want to place holds and request inter-library loans, must have a valid card in good standing and a borrowing history of at least a combined time period of one month. That is, their library cards must be current and may not be blocked for outstanding fines and fees.
Patrons who want to place holds and request inter-library loans, must have a valid card in good standing and a borrowing history of at least a combined time period of one month. That is, their library cards must be current and may not be blocked for outstanding fines and fees.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality
All library users are entitled by law to confidentiality in their borrowing.
All library users are entitled by law to confidentiality in their borrowing.
Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
The library's hours of operation are selected by the library board of directors and as a state funded library must include six hours on the weekend either Saturday or Sunday. The library observes twelve Federal and State Holidays per year and posts the closing in the Library and on the door in advance. However, the library does close on occasion with permission from the state to update software, weed the collection, etc. for a few days to a week at a time. Similarly, the library may close in the event of emergencies such as weather related closings. Patrons are not permitted in the building before or after operating hours.
The library's hours of operation are selected by the library board of directors and as a state funded library must include six hours on the weekend either Saturday or Sunday. The library observes twelve Federal and State Holidays per year and posts the closing in the Library and on the door in advance. However, the library does close on occasion with permission from the state to update software, weed the collection, etc. for a few days to a week at a time. Similarly, the library may close in the event of emergencies such as weather related closings. Patrons are not permitted in the building before or after operating hours.
Approved by the CFL of Connellsville, PA Board of Directors 10/18/2012
Approved by the CFL of Connellsville, PA Board of Directors 10/18/2012
Revisions approved by the CFL of Connellsville, PA Board of Directors 11/15/2012
Revisions approved by the CFL of Connellsville, PA Board of Directors 11/15/2012
Patron Code of Conduct
Patron Code of Conduct
The Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville, Pa.'s mission is to support diverse community needs for information, education, inspiration, and entertainment through access to electronic and print resources, programs, and expertise.
The Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville, Pa.'s mission is to support diverse community needs for information, education, inspiration, and entertainment through access to electronic and print resources, programs, and expertise.
In order to achieve this mission and assure public access, the library strives to provide reasonable safeguards for its building and collection and for all those who enter. Certain behaviors that are illegal, dangerous, or disruptive to the library’s business are thus prohibited.
In order to achieve this mission and assure public access, the library strives to provide reasonable safeguards for its building and collection and for all those who enter. Certain behaviors that are illegal, dangerous, or disruptive to the library’s business are thus prohibited.
The library reserves the right to ask any person to leave the building for any reason.
The library reserves the right to ask any person to leave the building for any reason.
Use and protection of the building, collection, and equipment:
Use and protection of the building, collection, and equipment:
Library patrons and the general public shall not:
Library patrons and the general public shall not:
Enter unauthorized areas of the library, remain in the library after closing, or remain in areas or use equipment intended for staff use only.
Enter unauthorized areas of the library, remain in the library after closing, or remain in areas or use equipment intended for staff use only.
Vandalize or deface the library building, furniture, or equipment or use furniture or equipment in any unauthorized manner.
Vandalize or deface the library building, furniture, or equipment or use furniture or equipment in any unauthorized manner.
Conceal or attempt to remove library materials or property without proper checkout or official library authorization. (Pennsylvania Title 18 PS § 3929.1)
Conceal or attempt to remove library materials or property without proper checkout or official library authorization. (Pennsylvania Title 18 PS § 3929.1)
Fail to return any library materials or property when due or fail to pay fines and fees as assessed. (Pennsylvania Title 18 CSA § 6708)
Fail to return any library materials or property when due or fail to pay fines and fees as assessed. (Pennsylvania Title 18 CSA § 6708)
Deface, damage, or mutilate library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing elements of kits or multi-part materials, or in any other way rendering materials unusable by others.
Deface, damage, or mutilate library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing elements of kits or multi-part materials, or in any other way rendering materials unusable by others.
Alter, delete, damage, or destroy any network computer data, workstation, program, or system. (See also Computer/Internet Use Policy.)
Alter, delete, damage, or destroy any network computer data, workstation, program, or system. (See also Computer/Internet Use Policy.)
Smoke or use smokeless tobacco inside, on porches, or anywhere on the library grounds.
Smoke or use smokeless tobacco inside, on porches, or anywhere on the library grounds.
Bring food or drink into unauthorized areas of the library.
Bring food or drink into unauthorized areas of the library.
Bring pets or animals onto the library property or leave them unattended on library grounds unless they are service animals for the disabled or for use in a library program.
Bring pets or animals onto the library property or leave them unattended on library grounds unless they are service animals for the disabled or for use in a library program.
Bring weapons into the library unless authorized by law.
Bring weapons into the library unless authorized by law.
Safety and protection of the general public:
Safety and protection of the general public:
Children age 12 or younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver who is at least 18 or older. Adults or caregivers who bring children to the library are required to supervise them for their safety and so as not to disrupt others. Parents or caregivers of toddlers and preschoolers in story time may leave the room but should remain on the premises.
Children age 12 or younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver who is at least 18 or older. Adults or caregivers who bring children to the library are required to supervise them for their safety and so as not to disrupt others. Parents or caregivers of toddlers and preschoolers in story time may leave the room but should remain on the premises.
Patrons shall respect the rights of all other persons inside the library including visitors, patrons, staff and volunteers.
Patrons shall respect the rights of all other persons inside the library including visitors, patrons, staff and volunteers.
Library patrons and the general public shall not:
Library patrons and the general public shall not:
Enter the library while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or use drugs or alcohol while in the library building.
Enter the library while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or use drugs or alcohol while in the library building.
Enter the library without shirt or shoes or remove same while in the library building unless required by library approved programs.
Enter the library without shirt or shoes or remove same while in the library building unless required by library approved programs.
Engage in any activity established as illegal under city, state, or Federal statutes or ordinances.
Engage in any activity established as illegal under city, state, or Federal statutes or ordinances.
Engage in activity so disruptive as to cause complaint or interfere with others using the library. In the case of complaint or disruption, a verbal warning shall be given. As long as the patron abides by the request to stop the behavior, he/she may remain in the building. (See below for further compliance guidelines.) The following actions have caused complaint in the past and are thus prohibited if further complaints are made by other patrons:
Engage in activity so disruptive as to cause complaint or interfere with others using the library. In the case of complaint or disruption, a verbal warning shall be given. As long as the patron abides by the request to stop the behavior, he/she may remain in the building. (See below for further compliance guidelines.) The following actions have caused complaint in the past and are thus prohibited if further complaints are made by other patrons:
Talking, singing, whistling, playing audio equipment, speaking on a cell phone, or playing a hand-held electronic game loud enough for others to hear at a distance of three feet or more;
Talking, singing, whistling, playing audio equipment, speaking on a cell phone, or playing a hand-held electronic game loud enough for others to hear at a distance of three feet or more;
Smelling of perfume, body odor, gasoline, or other smells strong enough that others can detect the odor at a distance of three feet or more;
Smelling of perfume, body odor, gasoline, or other smells strong enough that others can detect the odor at a distance of three feet or more;
Physical or verbal abuse including but not limited to harassment of, staring at, or swearing at, or threatening another person, or using obscene language;
Physical or verbal abuse including but not limited to harassment of, staring at, or swearing at, or threatening another person, or using obscene language;
Running, roller-skating, roller-blading, or skateboarding inside the building or on the library grounds.
Running, roller-skating, roller-blading, or skateboarding inside the building or on the library grounds.
Bicycles and scooters are to be parked at the bicycle rack and not inside the building.
Bicycles and scooters are to be parked at the bicycle rack and not inside the building.
Compliance
Compliance
The library staff on duty shall be responsible for enforcing compliance with this Patron Code of Conduct in a consistent manner.
The library staff on duty shall be responsible for enforcing compliance with this Patron Code of Conduct in a consistent manner.
In case of violations of a disruptive nature, staff shall issue a verbal warning and provide the patron with a copy of the Code of Conduct. If a verbal warning is ignored and the conduct continues or the conduct is stopped only temporarily, staff shall order the patron to leave the premises.
In case of violations of a disruptive nature, staff shall issue a verbal warning and provide the patron with a copy of the Code of Conduct. If a verbal warning is ignored and the conduct continues or the conduct is stopped only temporarily, staff shall order the patron to leave the premises.
In case of violations of a dangerous or threatening nature, staff shall order the patron to leave the premises for the day. If the offending patron refuses to leave the library, staff shall call the police for assistance.
In case of violations of a dangerous or threatening nature, staff shall order the patron to leave the premises for the day. If the offending patron refuses to leave the library, staff shall call the police for assistance.
In case of violations of an illegal nature, staff may call the police for assistance and the library may prosecute if appropriate.
In case of violations of an illegal nature, staff may call the police for assistance and the library may prosecute if appropriate.
In case of repeated violations (three warnings or removals within 90 days), the offending patron’s library use shall be suspended for 30 days.
In case of repeated violations (three warnings or removals within 90 days), the offending patron’s library use shall be suspended for 30 days.
The library reserves the right to permanently revoke all library privileges of any person whose actions are so flagrant or persistent as to constitute a hazard to staff or other users.
The library reserves the right to permanently revoke all library privileges of any person whose actions are so flagrant or persistent as to constitute a hazard to staff or other users.
Any patron who believes they have been treated unfairly as a result of enforcement of the Code of Conduct should report their complaint to the Library Director who will investigate in a timely manner and respond to the patron within one week.
Any patron who believes they have been treated unfairly as a result of enforcement of the Code of Conduct should report their complaint to the Library Director who will investigate in a timely manner and respond to the patron within one week.
Any patron who finds the decision of the Library Director unacceptable may write a letter to the business address of the President of the Board for consideration by the entire Board of Trustees.
Any patron who finds the decision of the Library Director unacceptable may write a letter to the business address of the President of the Board for consideration by the entire Board of Trustees.
Approved by the CFL of Connellsville, PA Board of Directors 10/18/2012
Approved by the CFL of Connellsville, PA Board of Directors 10/18/2012