Circulation and Fines Policies Library Internet and Computer Policies Reference Resources Young Adults Library Events Internet Resources Links to Other Libraries About the Library Friends |
Bonner Springs City Library
SERVICE POLICY
Last revision approved by the Library Board on December 14, 2004
I. Library Lending
In order to make materials available to all persons on an equal basis, the Bonner Springs City Library Board of Trustees has adopted the following policy for the circulation of library materials:
A. Who may borrow?
All libraries that are members of the Northeast Kansas Library System have agreed to allow anyone in the fourteen county regional system to use their library without charge. Charges made by other libraries for films, interlibrary loan, etc., may be passed on to the user. Residents or property owners in the fourteen county area are entitled to a free library card by completing a written application form. Any card holder may check out circulating materials on presentation of the library card. If a person does not have library card with them at time of checkout, the person must have identification. There is no charge for initial library card, but the fee for replacement cards is $1.00.
All borrowers must complete a registration form, or have one completed for them in the case of young children. Individuals age 18 and older will complete an "Adult Registration" form, provide identification verifying address, and sign agreement to abide by library policies, including respecting library equipment and materials, paying any fines accessed, and providing replacement funds for lost or damaged materials. Individuals age 17 and younger will complete a "Child Registration" form, with signature of responsible parent or guardian.
B. Limits on borrowing
Registered library card holders may borrow as many items as they want to be responsible for but there are a few restrictions such as only three music CDs may be checked out at a time per person and only three feature videos/DVDs may be checked out at a time per household. Special arrangements may be made for teachers or other group leaders to borrow increased quantities of materials based on need, and also to place items on reserve for in-library use only. The library staff reserves the right to restrict the quantity of checkouts per person on particular types of materials, such as holiday books or materials required for school projects, so that items in high demand can be shared fairly by as many as possible. Reference books may only be used in the library and cannot be checked out.
C. Length of Loan Periods
Materials are loaned for the following lengths of time:
Books, audiotapes, audio CDs, music CDs and nonfiction videotapes - 3 weeks.
Magazines and feature videotapes and DVDs – 1 week.
Interlibrary loan titles - according to the time frame set by the lending library.
D. Renewals
All materials may be renewed either in person or by phone up to two times after the initial checkout with the exception of the following:
· Materials on reserve for another library user.
· Interlibrary loan titles from libraries that do not grant renewals.
E. Reserved Materials
Registered library users may reserve materials currently in circulation but unavailable at the time of the request. The patron will be notified when the material becomes available. Materials must be picked up within seven days of notification.
F. Video/DVD Checkout Policy
1. The Library strives to provide a large variety of videos/DVDs for checkout for both children and families.
2. Children and Feature Videos/DVDS may be checked out for a period of seven days and may be renewed two additional times if the video/DVD is not on reserve for another patron. There is a limit of three videos/DVDs per family.
3. The Library does its best to comply with the guidelines set aside by the Motion Picture Association of America concerning movie ratings. R rated movies may only be checked out when the patron is at least 17 years of age or older. PG-13 rated movies may only be checked out when the patron is at least 13 years of age or older. Date of birth information that is given on the library card will be checked to verify a child’s age. If a parent wishes their child to have access to a movie that is beyond their age restriction, then the parent must personally come to the library and check out using their own card.
4. The Library maintains a collection of non-fiction videos that include documentaries, health and exercise videos, and other videos exploring a variety of topics. They can be found in the adult non-fiction section of the library by Dewey decimal number. These videos may be checked out for three weeks with a renewal period of three weeks as long as the video is not on reserve. These videos are not included in the three video per family limit and may be checked out by anyone who has a valid library card.
G. Use of Equipment
1. Computers--See Computer & Internet Use Policy
2. The copier is available for public use at ten cents per page, or fifteen cents per page for front and back copy on one page. This price applies to all sizes of paper. If user requests to supply the paper, the cost is five cents per copy, and user must first inform library staff.
3. The fax machine is available for public use with assistance from the staff. Rates for fax transmissions are $1.00 for the first page, and $1.00 for each additional page sent. An identifying cover sheet may be included for no charge. Receipt of a fax transmission will be charged 10 cents per page.
4. A typewriter is available for public use. User must supply their own typing paper.
5. An overhead projector and slide projector may be borrowed, generally for up to three days. Advance reservations are recommended to ensure availability. The individual will be responsible for any damage or loss of equipment occurring during use
6. The microfilm reader/printer may be used in the library. The user must receive instructions from a staff member before use. The individual will be responsible for any damage to the equipment during use. Copies may be made at a cost of ten cents per page.
H. Return of Materials
The borrower has the responsibility of returning the materials on or before the date due. If materials are not returned by the time of the mailing of the 2nd Overdue Notice (generally four to six weeks after due date) then the patron’s borrowing privileges will be suspended until either the materials are returned or replacement fees have been paid.
I. Fines and Fees
Fines for overdue materials are as follows:
· Books, audiotapes, audio CDs, music CDs, magazines, non-fiction videotapes filed with books - 5 cents per day up to a maximum of $3.00 per item.
· Feature videotapes and DVDs- $1.00 per day up to a maximum of $3.00 per video/DVD.
· Fines of $10 or more will result in loss of borrowing privileges until fines are once again under $10.
J. Lost or Damaged Materials
· Borrowers are responsible for all materials checked out, and are liable for the damages which may occur to library materials. Staff will notify borrowers of payment due for the replacement of damaged or lost items. Replacement cost will be the list price of an item as given in the library catalog.
· Patrons wishing to discuss changes in replacement cost will have to talk with the Library Director.
· Patrons may not directly purchase replacement items, they will need to pay money to the library and then the library will buy the replacement.
· If all parts of the item that is checked out is not returned, then the patron will be charged the full replacement price
II. Service Hours
A. Daily
Monday 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
Tuesday 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
Wednesday 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
Thursday 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
Friday 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Saturday 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Sunday 1:00p.m.-5:00p.m.
B. Holidays
The library will be closed for the following holidays:
New Year's Day January 1
Martin Luther Kings, Jr.'s Birthday Third Monday in January
President's Day Third Monday in February
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day First Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November
Friday after Thanksgiving Fourth Friday in November
Christmas Eve Day December 24
Christmas Day December 25
Sundays the library will be closed but are not paid holidays:
Easter Sunday
Sunday before Memorial Day
Sunday before Labor Day
And any other day so designated by the Board of Trustees. When a holiday follows a late night, the Library will close at 5:00p.m. on the preceding evening.
III. Library Services
A. Reference Service
Reference service will be provided by maintaining a core collection of reference materials, using contacts at other area libraries and by using the Kansas Library Catalog and the Internet. Reference service will be offered via telephone, mail, e-mail, or direct contact with individuals or groups. In supplying reference information, if answers are not found from the above sources, referrals should be made to appropriate organizations or agencies.
B. Interlibrary Loan
The Bonner Springs City Library shall follow the agreement set forth by the KIC Council in the Kansas Interlibrary Loan Code, Policies for Cooperative Resource Sharing, and Protocols for Cooperative Resource Sharing. Based on client needs of the Bonner Springs City Library Interlibrary Loan Department, these policies shall be followed:
Local Requests: Registered library users in good standing, based on past ILL activity and local fee and fine status, may request materials as needed.
Materials loaned: All materials, except those designated as non-circulating, shall be available to borrowing libraries for a period of three weeks use (4 weeks check-out time to allow for mailing days).
Renewals: Renewals are requested from lending libraries based on user needs. Renewals are permitted to borrowing libraries if the material is not on reserve status at the local library.
Fees and fines: Bonner Springs City Library shall provide interlibrary loan as a free service. No late fees or postage shall be charged. A patron failing to return a borrowed material shall be responsible for replacement costs.
C. Children's Services and Programming
Special services for children include, but are not limited to: summer reading programs, toddler and preschool story times, ongoing reading incentives, and special events. Efforts will be made to encourage children of the community to become avid readers and active library users.
D. Young Adult Services and Programming
Young Adult programs will be targeted for those in 6th through 12th grades. Ongoing efforts will be made to make the library a welcoming and enticing place for this age group.
Summer volunteers age 12 and older are an integral part of the Summer Reading Program. These volunteers will be encouraged to take on duties throughout the year as well.
E. Adult Services and Programming
Programming and services will be constantly evolving based on the needs of the community. The library will provide programming for adults of the community, including, but not limited to book discussion groups, special programs, computer classes, information sessions on genealogy, and others at the suggestion of library users.
F. Services to Groups and Organizations
he library will actively assist civic, cultural, and educational organizations in locating and using materials for planning programs, for conducting projects, and for furthering the education of the community. The library staff will work closely with teachers and administrators of the local school district in an effort to provide curriculum support, homework helps, and other assistance as requested.
G. Americans with Disabilities Compliance
The provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 will be upheld to the fullest extent reasonable and practical.
IV. Outreach
The Board of Trustees and staff will make continuing efforts to identify underserved populations, and to design outreach and services to meet these needs.
A. Books in Motion/Homebound Services
The library staff or volunteers organized by the staff will deliver and pick up materials loaned to patrons who are homebound or are unable to come to the library. Regular outreach services will be available to extended care, senior citizen centers, and any other organization requesting the service.
B. Preschool/Daycare Services
Library staff will provide outreach Story Time activities to preschools and daycares in the community as budget allocations allow.
C. Public Relations Policy
In recognition of the Bonner Springs City Library's responsibility to maintain continuing communication with present and potential users of the library's services and resources so as to assure effective and maximum usage by all citizens, the Board of Trustees of the Bonner Springs City Library adopts the following resolution as a matter of policy.
The objectives of the library's public relations program are:
To promote community awareness of library services.
To stimulate public interest in and usage of the library.
To develop public understanding and support of the library and its role in the community.
The following means shall be used to accomplish these objectives:
1. An annual plan of specific goals and activities shall be developed, sufficient funds shall be allocated to carry out this program, and the program shall be evaluated periodically.
2. The library director shall have the responsibility for coordinating the public relations and public information activities.
3. Surveys of the community shall be made as needed to assure the Bonner Springs City Library's responsiveness to the interests and needs of all citizens.
4. Personal and informational contacts shall be maintained with government officials, city leaders, service clubs, civic associations, and other community organizations by library staff and board members.
5. Training sessions, workshops, and other aids shall be made available to library staff members to assure courteous, efficient, and friendly contact with library users and the general public.
6. The Bonner Springs City Library may sponsor programs, classes, exhibits, and other library-centered activities, and shall cooperate with other groups in organizing these to fulfill the community's need for educational, cultural, informational, or recreational opportunities.
7. Local media shall be use to keep the public aware of and informed about the Library's resources and services.
8. Newsletters, brochures, and other promotional materials shall be produced and distributed through regular mailings and other effective methods of reaching the public.
D. Exhibits and Displays
Exhibits and displays in the Library will be determined by the Director and the Board of Trustees. Library personnel will make every effort and take every precaution for the safety of materials in the library. The Library will not be held liable for damaged or stolen property.
V. Cooperation with other Libraries
The Bonner Springs City Library is a member of the Northeast Kansas Library System and adheres to the policies and by-laws of that organization. The Bonner Springs City Library participates actively in the programs and services offered. The Board of Trustees appoints a NEKLS representative annually, and supports staff attendance at continuing education programs offered by the System. Board members will make efforts to attend system events when possible.
In addition to the Bonner Springs City Library's membership with the Northeast Kansas Library System, the Board of Trustees and the Director will be alert to opportunities of cooperation with other libraries to strengthen the services and resources of the library.
VI. Gifts to the Library
The Library is grateful for material gifts and cash donations. Its collection has been greatly enriched by many such contributions.
The Library accepts gifts of materials for its collection with the understanding that all such gifts must meet the criteria and policies used for the purchase of library materials.
The Library reserves the privilege of using cash donation in a manner that will best serve the operation of the Library and its service to the patrons. If cash donations are made with requests for specific materials to be purchased, the above policies and standards shall apply.
Gifts not in excess of $1,000 may be accepted by the Director on behalf of the Library. Acceptance of gifts exceeding this amount shall be the responsibility of the Board.
Gifts of items other than materials or money not covered by written policies shall be considered by the Board of Trustees.
Gifts made to the Library become the sole property of the Library and remain so until they are either added to the collection or until a decision is made by the Library administration as to the appropriate disposition of such items.
The Director is responsible to see that all gifts are acknowledged. A statement of receipt will be issued if requested, but tax deduction statements and appraisals of the value of gifts cannot be made.
VII. Patron Behavior
A. General Restrictions
Shoes and shirts must be worn in the library.
Privileges may be limited for the following reasons:
Damaging library property.
Stealing library materials.
Physically harming staff or patrons.
B. Activities not Allowed in the Library:
Eating or drinking except during authorized Library programs.
Playing of audio equipment so that other may hear it.
Smoking.
Carrying a weapon into the Library unless authorized by law.
Bringing animals into the Library except for those needed to assist a patron with a disability or for use in a Library sponsored program that has been authorized by the Director.
Misusing or defacing library resources.
Leaving a child under the age of seven unattended in the library.
Talking loudly, making noise, or engaging in other disruptive behavior.
Interfering with another person's use of the Library or with the Library personnel's performance of duties.
C. Unattended Children
Parents may not leave children under age seven unattended in the library. Parents or caregivers are responsible for their children's behavior in the library.
Disruptive children are defined as children who are violating the Library rules and regulations as defined in Library policy. Disruptive children age seven or over will be asked to leave after receiving one warning and after parents have been notified.
D. Cell Phone Policy
Patrons must turn cell phones off or set to vibrate mode when entering the Library.
Cell phone conversations must take place outside of the library.
Mission Statement: The Bonner Springs Library enables people of all ages to improve their quality of life by providing information and enrichment through traditional resources and new technology.
Gifts to the library are welcomed. Find out what is needed and make a donation.