FRIEND MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY POLICIES
LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP & LENDING
Everyone is welcome to use the Friend Memorial Public Library, regardless of residency or age. Each applicant will receive an individual library card at no cost upon registration with the library, which must take place on the premises. Cards are active for two years. After two years patrons will be asked to review their contact information to reactivate their card. This can be done via phone, email, or in person.
The library recommends that children get their own library card as soon as they have their own email address. While parents and guardians are legally and financially responsible for their children until the age of 18, the library’s policy of confidentiality applies to all ages and will be observed. This is to ensure that confidential information is treated as such, in accordance with Maine state law. More information on Maine Confidentiality pertaining to library records can be found here.
Loan Periods for each type of materials are as follows.
- Books & Audio items: 3 weeks
- DVDs: 2 weeks
- Magazines – current issues: 2 days
- Magazines – back issues: 3 weeks
Returns and renewals – materials from our collection:
- If there is no waiting list for an item when it becomes due, it may be renewed. Renewals can be done by calling or emailing the library, or online through the Minerva Portal. For more information on logging into Minerva, please ask a librarian.
- Books that are 20 or more days overdue are considered “billed” to the patron’s account. If the book is brought back, the account will be cleared and the patron will not be responsible for replacing the item. If the patron is unable to find the book, or if it has been damaged, the patron is responsible for replacing the item.
- Books with holds on them can not be renewed at any time. If you wish to be put on the hold list for an item you are returning, please let a librarian know.
Returns and renewals – materials from Minerva Lending Libraries:
- For books more than 20 days overdue, a copy of the patron’s bill, either physical or electronic, must be sent to the primary circulation contact of the borrowing library.
- If a patron’s account has one more more Inter-Library Loan item overdue or billed, no other inter-library loans will be issued to the patron.
Click here for more information on Minerva lending, overdue, and billing policies.
Tips for keeping your account in good standing:
- Make sure to return books promptly, either at the circulation desk during library hours, or in the drop-off box outside, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- If any of your contact information has changed, make sure to update with a librarian either by phone, email, or in person.
- Adhere to the rules listed in the patron code of conduct.
- Library cards expire after two years, but can be renewed at any time for no cost.
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT & MAINTENANCE
General Selection Criteria for all Collections
Managing a library’s collection is a discerning and interpretive process, involving a general knowledge of the topic under consideration, as well as recognition of the needs and tastes of the community. Friend Memorial Public Library strives to collect and make available differing points of view, and to maintain a balanced collection that is relevant to our community.
Among the standard criteria we consider when making selections are: literary merit, enduring value of content, accuracy, anticipated demand, authoritativeness, currency, social significance, importance of the subject matter to the collection, cost, scarcity of material on the subject, celebration of local authorship, events or accomplishments, and availability elsewhere. We also consider the quality and suitability of a publication’s format.
Breadth of Views Represented
The Friend Memorial Public Library Board supports the principles enshrined in the First Amendment of the US Constitution and believes that the right to read and access diverse ideas is essential to democracy.
The library has adopted the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statements developed by the American Library Association (ALA) – together with the ALA interpretations of those statements – as official library policy, and in adopting this policy, reaffirms its commitment to those principles.
Selections may include items considered to be unorthodox, locally or nationally unpopular, or controversial in nature. The library’s acquisition of these items does not constitute endorsement of their content but rather makes available the expression of that content. The library believes in the transformative power of knowledge, and that the unbound access to ideas and information is indispensable to an informed citizenry and the search for truth.
Library users make their own choices as to what they will access based on individual interests and concerns. FMPL supports the right of each family to decide which items are appropriate for use by their children. Responsibility for a child’s use of library materials lies with their parent or guardian. Children are not limited to the children’s collection, although this collection is kept separate from other library collections to enhance use.
How we make our selections
Tools employed in materials selection include professional journals, trade journals, publishers’ promotional materials, and reviews from reputable sources. Current review sources regularly consulted include, but are not limited to: Kirkus Reviews, Publisher’s Weekly, New York Times Bestsellers, and NPR.
Purchase suggestions from patrons are always welcome and provide library staff with useful information about interests or needs that may not be adequately met by the collection. Suggestions can be made in person at the circulation desk or via email.
Deselection Process
The deselection process in the library serves to provide space for additional books and material, as well as to keep the collection up to date and relevant to our patrons. There are a number of criteria that librarians take into consideration when retiring material:
- Is the book easily accessible through InterLibrary Loan?
- Has the book circulated in the last 5-7 years?
- What is the condition of the item (mold, tears, dirt)?
- Does the book have cultural significance to the town of Brooklin or to the State of Maine?
These criteria are important to making sure that the books we provide are both topical, and of interest to the community, ensuring that our collection is up to date, and that we are making the most of our limited shelf space. For nonfiction titles, the library uses the CREW method, making sure that books are Continuously Reviewed and Evaluated before being Weeded. Click here for more information on the CREW method.
Donation of Items to the Library
The library will accept book donations from the community if the book fits the following criteria:
- The book is in good condition, without visible damage or wear. If a hardcover, the book still has its dust jacket and shows no markings from the previous owner.
- The book is new (from the last year or two) and has been shown to be popular in either Maine or the community.
- If the book is older than 1-2 years, the librarians will check to see if the book is available through the Minerva Network, and whether or not it is in high demand.
The library has limited shelf space, and is committed to creating a well-rounded and strong collection. Because of this, the library holds the right to decline book donations, or to add donated books to our book sale if they do not meet library criteria.
Process for Registering Concerns about Materials
If you have concerns about any material in the library’s collection, you may request a Statement of Concern from the librarians, fill it out, and return the form to the library. The matter will be brought to the Board to review at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Primary considerations include, but are not limited to: How long has it been since the book circulated? Is the book old, moldy, or simply in need of repair/replacement? If the concern focuses on content, the Board will weigh the merits of the complaint against its commitment to free expression. After the Board meeting, the outcome of the request will be reported to you by phone or email. During the consideration period the material will remain on the library shelves. If an item has been considered by the Board and the Board has made a finding – either keep or to remove the item – that decision will stand for a period of three years. After that time, if further requests are brought before the board, it will be considered again.
BUILDING USE POLICY
The library will allow private events at the request of community members. Such usage supports our mission and vision, and the library welcomes the use of its space within the guidelines of our policy. First priority will be given to library sponsored and co-sponsored events, to events held in cooperation or partnership with the library, and to civic events serving the Town of Brooklin. Use of the library space may be requested by any group or individual as long as the purpose of the event planned is consistent with our mission.
Both non-profit and for-profit entities may reserve the library for cultural, informational and educational sessions for the public or for their own employees. A standard usage fee will be charged for events held by for-profit entities, as well as to non-profit entities if the event charges fees or involves fundraising.
The start time of the event must be outside the operating hours of the library. The host of the event must fill out a Building Use Form and submit it to the circulation desk at least a week prior to the event. Reservations can be made up to two months in advance. Refreshments may be served. Serving, but not the sale of, Alcohol (Beer/Wine/Champagne) may be allowed if approved in advance by the Library Director or Library Board. Use of any tobacco product is prohibited in the library.
All those using the library during an event, including participants and attendees, must observe our Code of Conduct. Events held at FMPL may not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or other class protected by law. The library reserves the right to observe any event held in the library to ensure that it is consistent with this policy, that no illegal activity is taking place, and to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct. The person named in the Building Use Form will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the library’s Code of Conduct by all participants and attendees.
The library must be left in a neat and orderly condition after use; a clean-up fee will be charged if the library is left in a disorderly condition. Nothing should be attached to walls without prior approval of the Library Director. Users will be responsible for any and all damage, breakage, loss or destruction caused to the building, A/V equipment and other property, and for any personal injury related to the event.
Users are responsible for their own publicity; if the event is not associated with the library or the Town, publicity should not imply library sponsorship or endorsement. An announcement or notice to publicize an event may not be posted or distributed on library premises without prior approval of the Library Director, and fliers should be run by the Library Director before being posted anywhere.
The Library reserves the right to cancel or change any event if circumstances at the library so demand. If the library must close due to emergency situations or inclement weather, all events scheduled during the closure will be canceled.
The user must report all accidents or damage to the library staff who will report the incident in accordance with library procedure. Exceptions to this policy may be made by the Library Director or Board of Trustees. All users of the library shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Friend Memorial Public Library and 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 user resulting in or relating to personal injuries or property damage arising from use of the library.
In order to secure the use of the library, full payment is due at the time of confirmation. By submitting Building Use Form the user authorizes and agrees that such payment will be paid to the Friend Memorial Public Library and that the parties agree to the terms of the Building Use Policy. The person signing the Building Use Form on behalf of the user warrants that they are authorized to make this agreement.
Building Use Fees:
$10 for unsponsored library events
Co-sponsored events will be free of charge
USAGE OF LIBRARY EQUIPMENT
The library owns many pieces of equipment that we use during programs and events including folding chairs, an Owl for video conferencing, an Epson projector, as well as laptops and computers for patrons to use during library hours. While the library is happy to allow usage of this equipment for library sponsored events both at the library and elsewhere, the library reserves the right to deny access to these pieces of equipment for non-library sponsored off-premises events.
PRINTING
The library charges $.20 a page for black and white printing, and $.50 a page for color printing. The library offers free printing for patrons who are looking to print W2’s and 1040ME income tax forms, as well as other tax forms upon request that can be found here for Maine forms, and here for IRS forms. For more information on our tax printing, please contact us. While the library can not offer tax advice, we are more than willing to help patrons connect with relevant organizations on the peninsula to help ensure prompt tax filing.
PATRON CODE OF CONDUCT
The Friend Memorial Public Library is a community resource for all to enjoy – everyone is welcome. The library aims to provide its patrons with a clean, comfortable, and safe atmosphere conducive to various activities pursued by a broad spectrum of the community. To this end, it is a patron’s responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior, as laid out in this Code of Conduct, in order to protect their individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. Special collections sections may have additional policies to adhere to.
Disruptive Behavior: Any conduct that is dangerous or inhibits the use or enjoyment of the library by others will be addressed by library staff . Disruptive patrons will be asked to leave the premises, whether temporarily or for a longer term. Volatile, harassing, and/or abusive behavior and inappropriate displays of affection or sexual activity will not be tolerated. Please maintain a level of hygiene that does not emit strong, pervasive odors, including odors caused by perfume or cologne, that interfere with library users or staff comfort, safety, use, or peaceful enjoyment of the library. Appropriate clothing is required.
Telecommunications and Audio: Headphones are required for patrons listening to audio on electronic devices. Cell phone use, videoconferencing, and similar forms of communication can be disruptive to others and therefore the library has a silent cell phone policy. We do not currently have space for private phone calls and zoom meetings, but wifi is always available outside. Filming or photographing someone without their permission is not permitted.
Electricity access: Patrons may use tabletop outlets, or those found underneath tables and chairs, to power or recharge their personal devices. Cords should not cross aisles or walkways where they would present a tripping hazard.
Access & Soliciting: Blocking others’ access to materials, entrances, exits, elevator, and stairways is prohibited. The library does not allow soliciting, campaigning, or petitioning for any purposes.
Animals: The library welcomes certified service animals trained to assist patrons medically. Well-behaved dogs on a short leash may be allowed for brief visits when conditions allow.
Food: Drinks and snacks are permitted in most areas of the library. Please refrain from eating foods which emit a strong smell, or might cause other patrons discomfort. Patrons are asked to clean up after themselves.
Smoking / vaping: There is no smoking or vaping of any substances on Friend Memorial Public Library property.
Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is prohibited on library grounds except when served by the library at library-sponsored events after hours.
Weapons/firearms possession: No person, except a law enforcement officer, shall carry arms, weapons, or implements intended to injure a person or destroy property on library grounds. Pocket knives, scissors, knitting needles, and other similar items are not considered weapons
Young Children
The Friend Memorial Public Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make each visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. That said, library staff can not be expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library. Therefore, it is library policy that all children under age six must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library. Also, if the young child is attending a library program, we require the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program. Children under the age of 6 should always be in the immediate presence of a parent or caregiver who is at least 12-years-old and who is conscientious in their responsibility to care for the child.
Disruptive children: Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance. The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. Nevertheless, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that they must settle down or will be asked to leave the library. If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, they will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.
Closing time: If a child has been left at the library without a ride or assistance getting home at closing time, library staff will attempt to contact a parent or legal guardian. In the event that a parent or legal guardian cannot be reached, depending on the circumstances, staff may call the authorities for assistance to the child. Library staff members are not permitted to give any minor patron a ride in their personal vehicles under any circumstances.
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Consistent with its mission to provide reliable, timely information to its patrons, the Friend Memorial Public Library offers public access to the Internet. Internet access is provided under certain conditions which must be met by anyone who wishes to access these resources. The library reserves the right to deny Internet access to anyone who does not comply with these guidelines.
It is the policy of the Friend Memorial Public Library to: (a) prohibit use of its computer network to access or transmit inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106 – 554 and 47 USC 254(h).
The following are key terms and definitions defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act:
Access to Inappropriate Material: To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter use of Internet or other forms of electronic communications to access inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage: To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Friend Memorial Public Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so- called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Education, Supervision and Monitoring: It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Friend Memorial Public Library staff to educate, supervise, and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act. Procedures for disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Director or designated representatives.
Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
The Friend Memorial Public Library recognizes that every patron is entitled to receive library services in a manner that does not compromise their privacy. In doing so the library will comply with applicable laws (see: MRS Title 27. “Libraries, History, Culture and Art, Ch. 4-A. Library records. §121. Confidentiality of library records”) as well as the principles expressed in the First Amendment of the US Constitution. The library also recognizes professional guidance from the American Library Association, including the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations, the ALA Code of Ethics, and the Freedom to Read Statement.
Library staff are prohibited from sharing or discussing any patron’s library records or sharing any personally identifiable or private information with any outside third party except pursuant to a court order. These practices shall also apply to any individuals or organizations that are working with the library on any event or project, such as co-sponsorships of events. Minors are afforded the same privacy rights as adults under Maine’s Confidentiality of Library Records law.
In certain situations, the library engages with various vendors and third parties for specific purposes that could include providing secured access to library data and records. Examples include vendors and third parties that assist the library with integrated library systems, email marketing services, collections agencies, et. al. Use of such services for those specific purposes is permitted and does not violate the library’s privacy protections.
