Library Policies

Policies govern many aspects of library services and are approved by Franklin Square Public Library's Board of Trustees.

RULES OF CONDUCT

As a condition for the use of Library premises, Library patrons, employees, visitors and other licensees and invitees who enter upon or remain at the Library facilities, agree that they shall be subject to these rules and regulations. Failure to comply with the same shall constitute grounds for the immediate ejection as a trespasser, suspension of library borrowing privileges and revocation of rights to enter upon library premises.

The following activities are not permitted in the Library:

The following activities may incur legal action:

In addition:

For information regarding how to obtain, renew, and use a Franklin Square Library Card, please see Your Library Card on the left tool bar.

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CIRCULATION POLICIES

Books (Adult and Children): Most books may be borrowed for 3 weeks (21 days) and are available for any patron from any library. Some popular new books may only be borrowed for 2 weeks (14 days). 7-day books may only be borrowed by Franklin Square Public Library patrons and cannot be renewed. All books (with the exception of 7-day books) may be renewed 2 times provided there are no reserves on the item. There is no limit to the number of books borrowed at one time by a single patron, however, he/she may not borrow more than 4 books on a given subject or by a single author (other exceptions may apply).

Magazines: The most recent edition of a magazine may not be borrowed, only read within the library. Older editions may be borrowed for a period of 3 weeks (21 days).

DVDs: DVDs may only be borrowed in the presence of an adult on said adult's library card (18 years or older). A teen (ages 15-17 years), however, may borrow DVDs on his/her library card provided his/her parent has signed a permission form (available at the Circulation Desk). New feature films (those in our collection for less than 6 months) may be borrowed for a period of 2 days. Older feature films (those found on the open shelves) may be borrowed for a period of one week. Television series and mini-series may be borrowed for a period of 1 to 2 weeks depending on the item. Documentary, self help, travel, and other non feature film DVDs may be borrowed for a period of 1 week. Patrons may not borrow more than 4 DVDs at a time. Patrons from other libraries may only borrow feature film DVDs that have been in our collection for longer than 6 months. DVDs may not be renewed. There is no charge to borrow DVDs.

VHS: VHS tapes may only be borrowed in the presence of an adult on said adult's library card (18 years or older). A teen (ages 15-17 years), however, may borrow DVDs on his/her library card provided his/her parent has signed a permission form (available at the Circulation Desk). All VHS tapes may be borrowed for 7 days. There is no limit to the number of VHS tapes a patron may borrow. VHS tapes may not be renewed.

Music CDs: Borrower must be over 14 years of age to take out any (adult or children) CDs. CDs with a parental advistory sticker may only be borrowed on a card belonging to someone over the age of 18 years. Each patron may not borrow more than 6 CDs at a time. CDs are checked out for 2 weeks (14 days) and cannot be renewed.

Books on CD/Cassette: Adult Books on CD/Cassette may be borrowed for 2 weeks (14 days). All children's Books on CD/Cassette may be borrowed for 3 weeks (21 days).

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OVERDUES

Overdue fines are not charged for Sundays and holidays in which the Library is closed. Excessive fines will result in the suspension of the patron's borrowing privileges until these fines are paid.

LOST AND DAMAGED ITEMS

If a patron loses or damages an item, the patron will be charged the list price of said item. If a patron returns a lost item that has already been paid for, the Library will refund the price of the item, less 50% penalty charge. No refunds will be made for items that list for less than $5 or are returned more than six months after the date of payment.

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INTERNET POLICY AND RULES

I. Policy Statement

The Franklin Square Public Library provides Internet access as a logical extension of the traditional reference and informational services offered by the Library. However, the Library has no control over the information accessed on this network and assumes no responsibility for its content, quality, accuracy or currency.

The Library is a forum for all points of view and endorses the principles of intellectual freedom. Some sites on the Internet may be considered controversial or offensive to some individuals. Users are responsible for the choices of sites they visit.

Access by minors under the age of 18 is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian, and is permitted only with their signed permission. This will be kept on file. As with other materials, parent or legal guardians should guide their children in the use of the Internet and monitor their selections.

II. Rules and Regulations

• The Franklin Square Public Library provides open access to the Internet to patrons who have signed and completed the Internet user form.
• Parents or legal guardians of minors between the ages of 15 and 17 must submit a Permission for Young Adults to Use the Internet form. The parent or guardian does not need to be present to sign this form. The young adult must also show two proofs of I.D. (school ID and library card).
• Parents or legal guardians of minors under 15 must sign, in person, the Internet user agreement form giving permission for their children to access the Internet at the Library.
• Users are prohibited from engaging in inappropriate network usage including hacking and other unlawful activities and must comply with all State and Federal laws including all U.S. copyright regulations.
• Library computers shall not be used to display, print, transmit or distribute threatening material; expressions of bigotry, racism or hate; obscene or sexually explicit material; or material protected by trade secret. Viewing of certain materials in the Library may be considered unlawful. Without wishing to censor access, the Library reserves the right to prohibit material that is unlawful for viewing in public areas or in violation of Library policy.
• No more than two persons at a time may use an Internet computer, and both must have signed the user’s agreement.
• The Library reserves the right to limit search time on the Internet to one hour.
• Users may print out search results at a fee set by the Library.
• Users may not alter or damage the Library’s computer equipment or software and will be held financially responsible for damage.
• Librarians will try to assist you in operating the machinery or in recommending appropriate search techniques for your research. They cannot, however, provide extended assistance or instruction. Users may wish to take one of the many courses available at nearby schools or colleges to learn how to use this valuable tool.
• The Franklin Square Public Library cannot be held responsible for any loss of privacy, fees incurred and/or personal harm caused to patrons due to disclosing of personal information over the Internet. Patrons, especially minors, should exercise extreme caution before giving their names, telephone numbers, addresses, credit card numbers or other personal information out over the Internet, since it is not known who is receiving and for what purpose it is being used.
• Failure to comply with Library’s rules and regulations will result in the termination of the user’s Internet access privileges PERMANENTLY. Appeals by library patrons relating to the revocation of Internet privileges shall be made to the Board of Trustees in writing in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Library’s Maintenance of Public Order Policy.
• The Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

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