Katahdin Public Library Policies

Borrowing Policy

The purpose of this Borrowing Policy is to outline expectations for patrons borrowing materials from Katahdin Public Library in Island Falls, Maine.

Lending Rules

Library books may be checked out for 3 weeks and can be renewed twice, either by visiting the library or through the catalog website.
Magazines and DVDs may be checked out for 7 days and renewed for 7 days.
Materials may be renewed a second time if there are no outstanding requests on the item and the patron’s account is in good standing.
For items borrowed from other libraries, lending periods may differ in accordance with the borrowing policies of the home library.
Patrons may check out up to 15 items at a time.

Fees

If an item is not returned within 3 months, it is considered lost, and the full cost of replacing the item will be charged to the patron’s account.
If borrowed materials are damaged beyond what is, at the Library’s discretion, considered normal wear and tear, the patron will be charged for the full cost of replacement.
If a patron owes $25 or more in fines and/or fees, their account will be considered not in good standing, and the Library will revoke the patron’s borrowing privileges. The Library will will reinstate borrowing privileges when the account balance is paid in full.
As a courtesy, patrons may be notified periodically by email or phone when their materials are overdue. If a patron believes their circumstances warrant extra consideration, the patron may appeal replacement fees by submitting a written appeal to the Library Director.

Interlibrary Loans

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service is provided to Library patrons, free of charge, to acquire materials that are not available at Katahdin Public Library. Library staff are happy to assist patrons in making requests in person or via email at . Loan periods vary based on the policies of the lending library.

Collection Development Policy

Purpose of Collection

The purpose of our collection is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid individuals in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time.

Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs. The Collection Development Policy is used by library staff to guide the selection of materials and serves to acquaint the public with the principles of selection.

The Katahdin Public Library’s Board of Directors firmly endorses the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement.

Responsibility for Selection

The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the Library Director, who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Katahdin Public Library Board of Directors.

Criteria for Selection

For books, hardcover volumes are always preferred.
Paperbacks are purchased if that is the only format available or when the usefulness is expected to be short.
Books in electronic format are considered when available.
Individual merit of each item
Popular appeal/demand
Local authors
Diversity of ideas and perspectives
Suitability of material for the patrons
Existing library holdings
Budget
Availability through other affiliated collections (interlibrary loan, Cloud Library)

Selection Aids

Selection aids for this collection include professional publications, newspaper reviews, online resources, bestseller lists, and recommendations by staff and patrons.

A title that is in demand will not be rejected solely based on the lack of a review, or an unfavorable review. Materials are judged based on the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.

Non-Book Materials

The same criteria and selection aids used for books will be used when selecting non-book materials.

Interlibrary Loans

Because of limited budget and space, the Library cannot provide all materials that are requested. Therefore, interlibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of Katahdin Public Library’s collection.

In return for utilizing interlibrary loans to satisfy the needs of our patrons, Katahdin Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network, and to try to have its current holdings listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.

Gifts and Donations

The Library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, condition, or dated information, the Library Director can dispose of them as they see fit. The same criteria of selection applied to purchased materials are applied to gifts.

The Library accepts memorial gifts of money or books with suitable bookplates placed inside the books. Specific memorial books can be ordered for the library on request of a patron, if the request meets the criteria established by the Board.

Please purchase gifts of specific titles for the Library only after consulting the Library Director. If a donation is made with no specific book requested, book selection will be made by the Library Director.

Katahdin Public Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.

By law, the Library cannot appraise the value of donated materials. The Library, however, can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items, if requested by the donor.

Weeding

The Library maintains an up-to-date, attractive, and useful collection through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. Withdrawal is dependent upon many factors including the following:

Current demand
Physical condition of the material
Usefulness, frequency at which the material is used
Age of the material, considering the type of information it contains
Availability of newer editions
Number of copies of a title necessary to meet demand

This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the Library Director and is authorized by the Board of Directors.

Potential Problems or Challenges

Katahdin Public Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made based on anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely based on the principles stated in this policy.

Responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft.

Challenged Materials

Although materials are carefully selected, there can arise differences of opinion regarding suitable materials. Patrons requesting that material be withdrawn from or restricted within the collection may complete a Statement of Concern About Library Resources form, which is available at the Circulation Desk or here. The inquiry will be reviewed by the Library Director and the Board and a decision will be reached. A statement of concern will be kept on file and available as a public record.

Gift Acceptance Policy

Katahdin Public Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, solicits and accepts gifts from donors that support the Library’s operations, programs, and special projects. This policy governs the acceptance of such gifts and provides guidance to donors and their professional advisors in completing gifts.

Acceptance of any contribution, grant, or donation is at the discretion of the Library’s Board of Directors or designated Library employees. The Board and employees affirm their ability to refuse gifts that are based on discriminatory practices or behaviors, gifts from a source that acts against the Library’s values, or gifts that are not in the best interest of the organization.

General Policies Relevant to All Gifts

Use of Legal Counsel. The Library will seek the advice of legal counsel in matters relating to the acceptance of gifts when appropriate. Employees or board members will not provide legal, tax, accounting, or other advice to donors in relation to gifts. All prospective donors are encouraged to seek the assistance of personal legal and financial advisors in matters relating to their gifts, including any resulting tax and estate planning consequences.

Types of Gifts Accepted. The Library will accept donations of cash. Gifts of in-kind goods and services will be accepted at the discretion of Library leadership. Due to limited space at the Library, book donations are typically not accepted. If they are accepted, employees cannot guarantee their ongoing inclusion in the Library’s collection. Certain other gifts, real property, personal property, in-kind gifts, non-liquid securities, and contributions whose sources are not transparent or whose use is restricted in some manner, must be strictly assessed prior to acceptance due to the special obligations raised or liabilities they may pose for the Library.

Restricted Gifts. The Library will accept unrestricted gifts and gifts designated for specific programs and purposes, provided that such gifts are consistent with the Library’s stated mission, purposes, and priorities. The Library will not accept gifts that are too restrictive in purpose. Final decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift and its acceptance or refusal shall be made by the Executive Committee of the Board in consultation with the Library Director.

Establishing Value of Gifts. The Library will provide acknowledgments to donors meeting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) substantiation requirements for property received by the charity as a gift. However, except for gifts of cash, no value shall be ascribed to any receipt or other form of substantiation of a gift received by the Library. Per IRS guidelines, all in-kind items and property with values greater than or equal to $5,000 will require an independent, written appraisal. Acquisition of and payment for said appraisal is the responsibility of the donor.

Authority to Accept Gifts. All employees have the authority to accept routine gifts of cash. The Director or an authorized designee may accept non-routine gifts after a thorough review of the gift and consequences to the organization of accepting the gift.

Considerations for Acceptance of Gifts. When considering whether to solicit or accept gifts, the Library will consider the following factors:

Values: whether the acceptance of the gift compromises any of the core values of the Library.
Compatibility: whether there is compatibility between the intent of the donor and the organization’s use of the gift.
Public Relationships: whether acceptance of the gift could damage the reputation of the Library.
Primary Benefit: whether the primary benefit of the gift is to the Library or to the donor
Consistency: whether acceptance of the gift is consistent with prior practice
Form of Gift: whether the gift is offered in a form that the the Library may use without incurring substantial expense or difficulty
Effect on Future Giving: whether the gift will encourage or discourage future gifts

All decisions to solicit and/or accept potentially controversial gifts will be made by the Board in consultation with the Director.

Planned Gifts

The Library welcomes planned gifts, including bequests and other deferred donations, for purposes that further our mission and align with our organizational values. All prospective planned gift donors, particularly those considering a restricted planned gift to reflect special interests, are encouraged to consult with the Director to ensure the gift may most effectively meet both the donor’s interests and the Library’s needs.

Unrestricted gifts provide the Library the most flexibility to determine how to best use planned gifts for the benefit of the Library’s priorities currently and in the future. For a planned gift to be restricted, the gift document must contain a clause clearly indicating the restriction. In cases where the wording requires interpretation, employees will consult with the donor during their lifetime and as needed after the donor’s passing with individuals who knew the donor, such as family, friends, advisors, or other Library employees, to determine the appropriate allocation of the gift.

The Library currently accepts planned gifts in the form of cash. Donors may also list the Library as the beneficiary of a retirement fund or life insurance policy.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Scope and Purpose

This policy governs how the internet may be used at Katahdin Public Library. It also describes the measures the Library has put in place to prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity on Library networks, and prevent the unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of its youth patrons, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). For the purposes of this policy, “youth patrons” shall refer to users of the Library under the age of 17, and “adult patrons” shall refer to users of the Library over the age of 17, in accordance with CIPA.

User Responsibilities

The Library’s Board of Directors has endorsed the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. Therefore, the Library is committed to providing its users with the same free and unrestricted access to the internet as it does to print materials.

Patrons may access the internet through the Library’s public internet network, on devices provided by the Library, and on personal devices.

The Library recognizes that some information available on the internet may be deemed inappropriate by some users. While the Library provides free programs to the public about using the internet safely, it is the responsibility of patrons (or parents/guardians, in the case of youth patrons) to evaluate the validity, safety, and appropriateness of all online content.

Library staff are available to assist patrons with using Library devices and personal devices. This service is provided by the Library in good faith, and use of this service is at the patron’s own risk.

The Library is not responsible for any loss or damages of any kind, including, but not limited to, physical or digital damage to devices, loss of data, identity theft, virus or malware infection, or any other adverse consequences that may occur.

Use of Filters

In compliance with CIPA, the Library uses filters by default on its internet network to block potentially unsafe content for youth patrons. While these filters are designed to block a wide range of concerning content, they may not block every item of concern. Therefore, the Library cannot guarantee complete protection and is not responsible for the online content accessed by youth patrons.

Any adult patron may request a filter bypass code, which will allow them access to otherwise filtered material.

Illegal Activity

The Library prohibits patrons of any age from engaging in illegal activities on the Library’s devices or internet networks. The Library reserves the right to monitor the use of its devices and networks. Library staff will investigate possible illegal activity that they become aware of and report such activity to law enforcement. Illegal activity includes, but is not limited to, accessing child pornography, harassment of others, libel or slander, identity theft, solicitation of minors, hacking, spamming, torrenting, and violation of computer security or software license agreements.

Violations of this Policy

The Library reserves the right to terminate the internet use session and/or suspend or terminate the Library privileges of anyone who engages in illegal activity or inappropriate use of Library devices or internet networks. Such activities include, but are not limited to, activities that disrupt Library operations, violate Library policies, jeopardize the security of Library internet networks, disclose others’ personally identifiable information, impersonate other users, alter the settings of Library devices, or damage Library devices or software.

Conclusion

This policy is subject to review and revision at any time. It is designed to comply with the Library’s legal requirements and align with the provisions of CIPA. In the event of any conflict between this policy and the law, relevant law and CIPA will take precedence.

Meeting Room Policy and Guidelines

Katahdin Public Library offers meeting spaces for use by the public as part of its core Library services. All meeting room users must review and agree to abide by all Library policies. Failure to do so may result in the denial of subsequent requests for meeting room use.

Priority of Use

Library-sponsored activities and programs are given priority in the scheduling of meeting rooms, and the Library reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any scheduled meeting arrangements with reasonable notice to the User. To ensure the meeting rooms are accessible to a wide variety of groups, the Library may limit the number or length of meeting room usage for any User as needed.

Insurance and Liability Considerations

Programs involving animals, food preparation and/or distribution, medical screenings, or physical activities may require additional insurance or waivers on the part of the applicant. Users should discuss such events with Library staff prior to reserving a room.

Users may not store items to be used for events or meetings at the Library without prior permission from Library staff. The Library is not responsible for damage to or theft of items stored or left in its meeting rooms.

Room Reservation

Users may reserve meeting rooms up to 3 months in advance and will be notified of approval for use as soon as possible.

Meeting Room General Use Rules

Meeting rooms may be used by any patron over the age of 18, whether or not they have a Library card.
Children may use meeting rooms if accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, or caregiver, or if participating in an approved program or event.
Meeting room use is limited to 2 hours per day per User, except with special permission from Library staff. After 2 hours, Users must vacate their rooms promptly.
Meeting rooms may not be used in any way that interferes with Library services or operations, or in a way that causes a threat to the safety of Library staff, patrons, or property.
Meeting rooms are only available for use during regular Library hours except with special permission and training from Library staff.
The Library reserves the right to charge meeting room users for any special maintenance, cleaning, or damages caused by the user as determined by the Library.
The number of people using a meeting room may not exceed the established capacity of the room.
In the event that a User does not arrive within 30 minutes of their reserved time, Library staff reserve the right to void the reservation.
All Users shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Library, its officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims, suits, actions of any kind, arising and resulting and accruing from any negligent act, omission or error of the group or user resulting in or relating to personal injuries or property damage arising from the organization/group’s use of the Library meeting rooms.

Meeting Room Group Use Rules

Meeting rooms may be used and/or reserved by nonprofit, non-commercial groups engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, or civic activities. No entrance fee may be charged, no collection may be taken and no purchase may be required of those attending events in meeting rooms, without permission from the Library Director.
Groups using the meeting rooms may not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, class, gender identity, parental status, marital status, military discharge status, or income.
Use of the Library’s meeting rooms does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of viewpoints expressed by its users.
Groups using the meeting rooms may not use the Library’s logo or imply the Library’s endorsement in promoting a meeting, program, or event without prior permission from Library staff.
Groups using the meeting rooms are responsible for setting up the room to meet their needs, and must leave the room as they found it.

Membership Policy

Membership Types

Resident Cards are available for free to anyone who has an address in Maine. Resident cards expire after 3 years.
Non-resident Cards are available to those who do not reside or own property in Maine for a fee of $20. Non-resident cards expire after 1 year.

All adult patrons are required to present valid photo ID and proof of current address. Patrons under 18 years old are required to show consent of a parent or legal guardian; photo ID and proof of current address must be provided by the parent/legal guardian or by the youth patron. Non-residents must provide a home address and a local address, if applicable. A P.O. Box is acceptable as a mailing address, provided that the Library also has a residential address on file.

Renewing a Library Card

Upon expiration, a library card may be renewed by contacting the Library to request an extension and paying any applicable fees.

Borrower Responsibilities

Borrowers should notify the Library of changes to their contact information.
If a library card is lost or stolen, the Library must be notified immediately, as patrons are still responsible for items checked out on their card.
Parents/guardians are responsible for items checked out on their children’s cards and for any fees and fines that are incurred. They are also responsible for guiding their children’s selection of materials. For more information, see the Collection Development Policy.

Further details about borrowing privileges and responsibilities are included in the Borrowing Policy.

Library Rules of Conduct

Katahdin Public Library strives to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for all patrons and staff. Therefore, the Library has established this policy to protect Library resources and property from damage and ensure the safety and respect of patrons and staff.

This policy applies to anyone on Library property and will be enforced by Library staff. Library property includes all parts of the building, lawns, steps, walkways, emergency exits, and parking areas. The Library reserves the right to require anyone who violates these rules to leave Library property and to restrict such a person’s privilege of using the Library.

General Rules

Engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with the normal operation of the Library, or that disturbs staff or other Library patrons, is not allowed. Such behaviors may include, but are not limited to, loud talking or yelling, and engaging in threatening, obscene, harassing, or terrorizing conduct or language.
Discriminatory or hateful conduct or language is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, any behavior that discriminates against individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Any conduct which could result in physical harm to oneself or others will not be tolerated.
Weapons are not permitted on Library property except as specifically authorized by law
Theft or damage of Library facilities, grounds, materials, equipment, or other property is not permitted.
The Library assumes no responsibility for loss or theft of personal property.
All children within the Library must be properly supervised (see Unattended Child Policy for details).
Smoking and tobacco product use, including but not limited to electronic cigarettes or vaporizers, is not permitted in the Library or on Library property. Alcohol, marijuana, illicit drugs, and/or drug paraphernalia possession and/or use are prohibited within the Library, including Library grounds. Any person deemed to be impaired will be asked to leave the premises, and law enforcement may be notified.
All patrons and staff are expected to conduct themselves in a manner respectful of those around them. Suggestive behavior, sexual activity, and unsolicited advances are prohibited on Library property. Anyone engaged in such action will be required to leave the Library, and law enforcement may be involved if necessary.
Appropriate attire, including shirts and shoes, must be worn within the Library at all times.
Patrons are required to remain in public service areas unless specifically asked and escorted into non-public areas by staff.
Service animals are permitted in the Library. All other animals are prohibited; exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Library Director (“the Director”).
Usage of Library restrooms is limited to conventional purposes. Making unreasonable use of the restrooms, including laundering clothes, is not permitted.
Soliciting, circulating petitions, canvassing, distributing leaflets, selling goods or services, and other similar activities are not permitted on Library property except with prior approval from the Director.
Posting items to the community bulletin board must be approved by Library staff. The use of the bulletin board is reserved for local, nonprofit-sponsored events and public information. Personal notices will not be permitted.
Conduct currently deemed illegal by the Town of Island Falls, State of Maine, or the federal government is not permitted on Library property.
Sleeping is not permitted on Library premises. If someone appears to be sleeping, Library staff reserve the right to wake them. If a patron is unable to remain awake, we reserve the right to contact a third party, including but not limited to, family members and emergency personnel and may require the patron to leave the Library.

Child Safety Policy

Unattended Children

Katahdin Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment for customers of all ages. Sharing this environment with other people requires that everyone follow the Library Rules of Conduct posted in multiple locations around the Library and on the Library website.

The Staff and Trustees of Katahdin Public Library welcome and encourage children to use its facilities and services. Children in the Library should always be accompanied by a caregiver.

The safety of children left alone in a Library building is a serious concern of the Library staff. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the Library rests with the parent/caregiver and not with the Library personnel. Library employees are not responsible for children who are unattended or who do not comply with the Library Rules of Conduct.

The following guidelines will be followed concerning the care and behavior of young Library users:

Children Age 8 and younger must have a caregiver (minimum age 14) in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child. An exception would be children attending a Library program without a caregiver in the room. However, the caregiver is expected to remain in the Library building and immediately join the child at the end of the program.

If a child in this age group is found unattended, Library staff will attempt to locate the caregiver in the Library and inform him/her of the policy. If the caregiver cannot be found, or if the child is found unattended again, the police may be called for assistance.

Children 9 and older may use the Library on their own. However, parents are still responsible for the actions and the well-being of their child(ren). If a child in this age group is not permitted by a parent/caregiver to leave the Library without an adult, he/she should not be in the Library alone. This is a particular concern in inclement weather and after dark. All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.

Children 14 and older are treated as adult users. However, they are still legally the responsibility of their parents/guardians and should have an emergency contact available.

Closing Time: Children younger than 14 who do not have transportation home at closing time will be asked by Library staff for telephone numbers of people who can pick them up at the Library. If transportation is not available within 15 minutes of closing, the police will be called for assistance.

Unaccompanied Adults

For the safety of our young patrons, the Children’s Room is reserved for use by children, their parents or caregivers, and adults using the children’s collection. Adults unaccompanied by a child may enter the Children’s Room to obtain books or other materials but must leave once their selection is made. Library staff may, at their discretion, ask unaccompanied adults to move to other areas of the Library. The same restrictions will apply to any area of the Library in which a youth program is in progress.