Bulletin Boards/Postings/Display Racks Policy
The Gloucester City Library does not have a public bulletin board or other area on library property for public postings.
Items may only be posted by the library at the library’s discretion, and are limited to library and government sponsored services.
This policy supercedes all previous policies. Updated by the Board of Trustees on September 15, 2009.
- Patrons may borrow books, jigsaw puzzles, and DVDs for 2 weeks, except for DVDs marked “2-night loan.” Patrons may borrow 1 Video Game at a time for 1 week.
- Patrons may borrow up to 6 DVDs and 1 Video Game at a time. Only 2 DVDs marked “2-night-loan” are allowed per library card. For example, a patron may borrow 4 two-week DVDs, 2 two-night-loan DVDs, and 1 Video Game at a time.
- Patrons may borrow up to 2 jigsaw puzzles at a time.
- Only patrons in good standing (no outstanding fines or overdue library items) may borrow DVDs and Video Games.
- Patrons may not renew DVDs or Video Games.
- Children with signed permission slips may borrow DVDs and Video Games.
- Fees are not charged on books or jigsaw puzzles until they are 8 days overdue (grace period). After the grace period, a 10 cent per day extended use fee is charged from the original due date.
- All DVDs and Video Games are charged $1.00 per day extended use fee after due date (no grace period) with a maximum of $12.00.
- All fine balances must be paid before entertainment DVDs or Video Games may be borrowed. Fine balances below $3.00 allow for the borrowing of books, jigsaw puzzles, audio books, compact discs and non-fiction DVDs.
- Items not returned, or returned in such condition that they are unusable by the library, will be charged a replacement cost plus a $3.00 processing fee.
- Payments are accepted only in cash or money order.
- Museum Pass borrowing information can be found through this link.
- Parents or guardians are responsible for all materials checked out by their minor children for whom they have signed library card applications.
Library card holders agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the library as established by the Board of Trustees.
This policy supercedes all previous policies. Updated by the Board of Trustees on May 13, 2024.
OVERVIEW
- The mission of the Gloucester City Library is to provide access to resources that inform, educate, enlighten and entertain our diverse community. It is a center for lifelong learning, welcoming patrons of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. The Library’s collections respond to the informational, educational, and cultural needs of the community.
- The Library is a public forum for the collection, use and dissemination of information and ideas in a democratic and free society. The Library also is neutral ground, making information and ideas available without discrimination, without forcing a viewpoint on our public and by resisting barriers to information others may wish to impose. Inclusion of material in the collection does not consist of endorsement of its viewpoint by the Library.
RESPONSIBILITY
- The Board of Trustees delegates the responsibility for the selection to the Library Director, who may delegate some selection to staff librarians.
SELECTION OF MATERIALS
- Providing a high quality library collection is an art, not a science, and many factors are considered as part of the selection process.
- The most important factor in selecting materials is to acquire items of current usefulness and of interest to the patrons of the Library. For items in high demand, duplicate copies may be purchased.
- Many other selection factors include: anticipated demand patron requests, price, reviewed recommendations, format, presentation, differing points of view or perspectives, and the needs of the current collection.
- As determined by the Director and staff librarians, and in accordance with national and regional protocols, interlibrary loan will be used to fulfill appropriate requests from patrons.
TYPES OF MATERIALS COLLECTED
Information is collected and made available in many formats. These include, but are not limited to:
- books
- periodicals
- other printed materials
- DVDs
- compact discs
- microfilm
- digital information by computer
- CD-ROM
- online through the internet
Because of space and budget limitations, certain types of materials may be collected in the one format that we believe to be the most useful for our patrons.DONATIONS of BOOKS and OTHER MATERIAL
- Donations of books and other materials to the Library are evaluated by the staff librarians for their usefulness to the collection, being guided by the same general selection principles as for newly purchased materials.
- Donations will be acknowledged, if requested. However, the responsibility for assigning a monetary value of the donation is with the donor, not the Library.
REMOVING MATERIALS FROM THE COLLECTION
Space in the Library is finite. The ongoing acquisition of new materials also necessitates the ongoing removal of other materials.
Many factors are used to determine what materials should be removed including:
- popularity
- subject area strength
- timeliness
- condition
Withdrawn materias will be sold as used items or discarded.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
The Board of Trustees of the Gloucester City Library affirms its commitment to:
The Library Bill of Rights
CHALLENGES TO MATERIALS
Any person who wishes to complain about a book or other materials from the Library will fill out a form and return it to the Library Director. The Director and Board will review the complaint and determine the proper disposition of the issue.
Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials (collection complaint form)
During the time any complaint is under review, the material being challenged will not be removed from the active collection.
This policy supercedes all previous policies. Updated by the Board of Trustees June 20, 2006.
To enhance customer service, the Gloucester City Library is pleased to provide fax service to its community as an additional library offering. Gloucester City Library Fax Number is 856-456-6724. The service is available to patrons in good standing.
- Fax transmission service is available only during the hours the Library is open, staff time permitting. Library services take priority over fax requests.
- Operation of the fax machine is limited to library staff.
- Library staff will not monitor items faxed to the Library. Incoming fax sheets will remain at the fax machine for the patron to collect. Patrons failing to collect faxes in a timely manner will have the charges posted to their library records for payment at their next visit.
- Transmission errors are common and print quality is variable and not controllable by the library.
- The library is NOT responsible for successful transmission of outgoing or incoming faxes nor is the library responsible for any damage or loss of data or consequential damage arising out of the use of this service.
- A fax transmission cover sheet is available, if requested. The cover sheet will be counted as an additional page for transmission.
- Library cardholders will be charged $1.50 per page (sending or receiving) and non-cardholders will be charged $2.00 per page (sending or receiving).
- Payments must be made upfront at the Circulation Desk by cash only. Fees will be returned to patron for a failed outgoing fax.
- The Gloucester City Library provides library users with access to ideas, information and entertainment in a welcoming environment. The Library endeavors to develop collections, services and resources that support these services. We do this, in part, by offering patrons free access to the internet.
- The Internet is a worldwide entity with a diverse user population. Our patrons access and use it at their own risk. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information found through the Internet and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.
- All Internet resources accessible in the Library are provided equally to each Library user. The Library may set limits for its use so that all patrons seeking access will have appropriate opportunity.
- All public computers are installed with software to be compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its personnel, are responsible for the information found by children. Because parents or guardians may feel that information available through the Internet is not suitable for viewing by children in their care, parental supervision is advised.
- The Library staff will not monitor or supervise Internet access, other than length of use. However, if Internet use results in disruption of Library services, or if patron behavior becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the Library reserves the right to end the Internet session.
This policy supercedes all previous policies. Updated by Board of Trustees on July 20th, 2015.
It is the policy of the Gloucester City Library Board of Trustees to provide a meeting space for the community as a free public service for non-commercial, non-profit purposes, giving preference to library-sponsored programs.
All meetings must be open to the public at no charge; meetings must not be restricted to any particular group. Library meeting room use will not be denied to any person or organization because of race, creed, color, national origin, or sexual orientation.
While using the meeting rooms, no admission may be charged; no products or services may be advertised, solicited or sold.
Groups using the library meeting room must not use advertising or publicity in which to imply that their programs are sponsored, co-sponsored or approved by the library, unless written permission to do so has been previously given by the Library Director. The library phone number and/or email may not be used in meeting announcements.
REGULATIONS
- The meeting room is available during library hours only, with exceptions at the Director’s discretion only (e.g. Election Day).
- Volunteer tutors may use the meeting room on a walk-in basis only (reservations will not be accepted. Private tutors may not use the meeting room).
- Each group using the meeting room shall be responsible for any damage or excess cleaning or repairs made necessary by the group. The full cost of repairs and/or excess cleaning will be charged to the group.
- All meetings must end and the premises vacated by library closing time.
- Light non-alcoholic refreshments are permitted, but with the exception of coffee and tea, they shall not be prepared on library premises.
- Before leaving, each group is responsible for arranging the room in its original configuration. A chart is posted in the meeting room.
- Nothing may be attached to library walls or doors. No tape, glue, tacks, nails, etc. may be used.
- The library does not have projection equipment for public use. A screen is available.
This policy supercedes all previous policies. Updated by the Board of Trustees May 14th, 2014.
- What is the Museum Pass Program?
This program allows Gloucester City Library cardholders to visit 14 area museums, cultural arts or nature centers for free!
- Who may borrow museum passes?
Adult cardholders in good standing (no outstanding fines or overdue library items) may borrow passes.
- How long can a patron hold a pass?
A patron may borrow a pass for up to 3 days
- May a patron return a pass in the book drop?
No – all passes must be returned to a staff member at the front desk. Any patron who returns a pass in the book drop will be charged a $3.00 fee.
- 5. Can a pass be reserved?
Passes cannot be reserved. They are checked out on a first come-first served basis.
- Can a pass be renewed?
No – all passes must be returned on or before the due date.
- How many passes may be borrowed by a cardholder at one time?
An adult card holder may borrow one pass at a time.
- What happens if the pass is returned late?
The cardholder will be charged a late fee of $3 per day with a maximum of $12. First overdue notice will be sent to the borrower when the pass is 3 days overdue. A second overdue notice will be sent to the borrower 7 days after the first overdue notice is issued if the pass is not returned.
- What is the fee for a damaged or lost pass?
The patron will be charged a $3 processing fee plus the cost of the pass, which ranges from $50 to $400. The pass will be considered lost when it is not returned within three days after the 2nd overdue notice is issued. However, the $12-maximum-late-fee policy applies as soon as the pass is returned.
- What is the fee for a damaged or lost case?
$3.00
- How many times may a particular pass be borrowed by a cardholder?
A cardholder may borrow a pass as often as it is available – there is no limit.
- How many people are admitted to a museum per pass?
The membership conditions of each museum vary, but most museums allow free admission for at least two adults and three or four children per pass. For more detailed information, please search “museum pass” by KEYWORD in our catalog (http://catalog.gcpl.us/).
Adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 16, 2015.
While striving to provide a welcoming, open, and comfortable atmosphere, the Gloucester City Library will maintain an orderly, safe, and secure environment for its patrons.
- Eating is allowed in designated areas only.
- Use of tobacco in any form is prohibited.
- No one may carry a weapon into the library unless authorized by law. Any patron authorized to carry a weapon must notify library staff that he/she is carrying a weapon in the library.
- Only animals assisting a patron with a disability or animals in training for disability assistance are permitted in the library.
- Soliciting within the library is prohibited.
- The library building must not be misused (i.e. using the restrooms as a laundry or a washing facility, or using the library as a place to sleep).
- No one may interfere with another person’s use of the library or with the library personnel’s performance of their duties.
- Abusive language towards other library users or library personnel is not permitted.
- Inappropriate behavior or activity which may reasonably result in the interference of normal use and enjoyment of the library by other patrons is not acceptable.
- Conversations will be conducted so as not to be heard from outside of the speakers’ immediate area.
- Making noise or engaging in disruptive behavior is not permitted.
- Cell phones are permitted, on silent ring, and conversations conducted as above.
- Personal audio equipment may be used only if others cannot hear it.
- Personal hygiene shall be such as to not interfere with another person’s use and enjoyment of the library.
- Shoes and shirts shall be worn at all times.
- All library materials must be checked out before leaving the library.
- Damaging, abusing, or misusing library material and/or property is prohibited.
- No illegal substance or controlled dangerous substance shall be consumed or used within the grounds or buildings of the library.
- Any person violating rules 1 through 18 of this policy will be asked to adhere to the rules. Anyone failing to adhere to the rules after being so advised will be required to leave the library for the remainder of the day. Persistent or severe violations of these rules may result in suspension of library privileges and access to the library. The Library Director will determine the length of suspension or any conditions for use (e.g. use only if accompanied by a parent or guardian).
- Any person violating rule 18 of this policy shall be suspended from the library for a period of one year for the first violation and the suspension shall be permanently for a second violation.
- Appeals of suspensions may be presented to the Board of Trustees at its regular meetings.
This policy supersedes all previous policies. Updated by the Board of Trustees on September 21st, 2015.
Introduction
Service to children is a very high priority of the Gloucester City Library. Children of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to use the Library’s materials, programs and services and every effort is made to have a pleasant, warm and inviting library building. At the same time, the Library is an open, public building and the safety of young children left alone is a serious concern. Unattended children, left alone for an extended period of time, may become restless or disruptive. Some, especially younger children, can become frightened or anxious.
For these reasons the following policy has been established.
Policy
Parents or adult caregivers are responsible for the care of their children using the Library’s facilities. Library staff members cannot and do not assume responsibility for the care or supervision of children in the Library. The library does not assume responsibility for information children may acquire at the library that parents or caregivers may find inappropriate. Only parents/caregivers may determine what their child may not borrow, view, or listen to at the library.
- Parents or guardians must stay with children ages 24-36 months attending library programs.
- Children ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. The caregiver must be 13 years of age or older.
- Children ages 5 and under may not use a personal computer unless accompanied by a caregiver. The caregiver must be 13 years of age or older.
- If a child is improperly left alone during library hours, the following procedures will be followed:
- Staff will try to locate the parent or caregiver in the Library and provide a copy of the Policy on Unattended Children in the Library.
- Staff will call the Gloucester City Police to pick up the children if the parent or caregiver cannot be located within the Library.
- A child under the age of 15 with no means of getting home when the Library closes is considered a stranded minor. Staff will encourage the child to contact the parent or guardian if it is within 15 minutes of closing time. If a parent or caregiver cannot be reached or does not arrive upon closing, the Library will call the Gloucester City Police to pick up the child. Staff will remain with the child until the parent or guardian or police arrive.
- Under no circumstances will the library staff provide transportation to a stranded minor or other patrons.
This policy supersedes all previous policies. Updated by the Board of Trustees October 17, 2016.
- Adult cardholders in good standing (no outstanding fines or overdue library items) may borrow one Hotspot per household for 7 days with no renewals.
- Hotspots must be returned to a staff member at the front desk. Any patron who returns a Hotspot in the book drop will be charged a $3.00 fee.
- If a Hotspot is returned after the due date, the cardholder will be charged an extended use fee of $3 per day (no grace period) with a maximum of $12. If the Hotspot is not returned in 30 days, a replacement fee of $50 plus a $3 processing fee will be charged. Hotspots are deactivated if not returned on time.
- The fee for a damaged or lost Hotspot is $50 plus a $3 processing fee.
- The fee for a damaged or lost USB cord or wall adapter is $5 each.
- The Library is not responsible for any information a patron accesses or any actions they take while using a Hotspot. Also, the Library is not responsible for any liability, damages, or expense resulting from the use or misuse of a Hotspot. This includes the connection of the Hotspot to other devices or data loss resulting from the use of the Hotspot.
