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Policies
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The O’Fallon Public Library is locally funded by property taxes paid by persons who own property within the city limits. If you live within O’Fallon city limits or own real estate in the city, your taxes support the library and a card will be issued at no charge.
Individuals who reside outside the O’Fallon city limits are required by Illinois state law to purchase a card by paying a fee equivalent to the locally assessed library tax. Nonresident fees are calculated using a tax bill method. Nonresidents who choose to purchase cards must provide the documentation necessary to calculate the fee. In most cases, this will be a current tax bill or rental agreement. The nonresident family fee is paid annually. A family is defined as individuals residing at the same address.
More information about non-resident fees:
Lewis and Clark Library System Non-Resident Rules and Participating Library Information
- To obtain a card you will need to show a valid picture ID from a city, state, or government agency such as a driver’s license, military ID, or passport.
- A second piece of identification establishing residency by showing your current address will also be needed. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill, voter’s registration card, vehicle insurance card, or even your checks if they include your current address.
- Non-residents who own property within the city limits need to provide a current tax bill for that property.
The checkout period for all items is two weeks. Items can be renewed twice providing that another patron has not requested (placed a hold) on the item.
You can request materials in person, by telephone or via the internet. We will notify you by phone or email when the item is available for pickup.
Items may be renewed in person, by telephone, or via the internet. items may be renewed two times unless another patron has placed a hold on that item.
- Your initial PIN is usually the last 4 digits of your telephone number.
- Use just your last name
- Your barcode is the 13 digit number on the back of your library card
- You will not be able to renew an item more than twice online, but if special circumstances require an extra renewal period, please call the library and we may be able to do this for you.
Fines are 10 cents per item, per day.
O’FALLON PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET ACCESS POLICY
1. The computer equipment, purchased and maintained by city taxpayers, is primarily available for O’Fallon library cardholders in good standing. Limited usage is available for non-cardholders.
2. Cardholders, age 18 and over, access the Internet at their own discretion after reading and signing this agreement. Parents or guardians of users under 18 years of age must have completed and signed this agreement/waiver. Parents or guardians have the option of requesting the following note be placed on the users’ records: Internet/P. Underage users with this note on their record will not be allowed access to the Internet unless accompanied by their parent or guardian.
3. Library staff does not have expertise in all software programs. The library does own material related to the Internet which the staff can help the user locate.
4. Computer printed material will be charged at $.10 per page for black and white copies, $.50 per page for color copies. Computers may not be used for multiple copying; the photocopier is located near the Reference Desk.
5. Patrons may not upload, transfer, modify, or manipulate Internet files. Because of the risk of viruses, etc., users saving files must use removable media. Floppy disks and CDRs are available for sale at the reference desk: $.50 for one 3.5” floppy, $1.00 for one CDR. Upon completion of session, programs will be closed.
6. Please be aware that the library has no control over the resources on the Internet. The library cannot guarantee the reliability or currency of information found there. Parents or guardians should be aware that some sites can contain objectionable material.
7. Users should employ common sense in accessing and displaying materials that may be offensive to others in this, a public setting. Parents and/or legal guardians are responsible for restricting a minor’s access to Internet materials. Abuses in the accessing of Internet materials that disrupt library functions or fellow patrons’ use will result in penalties. Penalties can range from exiting a site, logging off the Internet, restriction or elimination of computer access, and/or restriction or elimination of library access and usage.
8. Checking e-mail accounts is permitted; however, e-mail accounts will not be available through the library. For their own security, it is highly recommended that patrons not use e-mail shortcuts such as MSN Messenger Service, Yahoo! Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger.
9. O’Fallon Public Library cardholders may sign up for a one hour session. If there is no one on the waiting list after that hour, the session may continue until another user requests computer time. PCs will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. PCs may not be reserved. Non-cardholders 18 and older are limited to one 20-minute session per day.
10. Patrons will be monetarily responsible for damages resulting from misuse or violation of these policies. Use of library services and materials can be revoked.
I understand and will abide by the Internet Access Policy of the O’Fallon Public Library. I also agree to abide by future changes in policy passed by the library Board of Trustees.
______________________________________________ _____________________________
Name Date
( ) user ( ) parent/guardian _________________________________________
Child’s name
Passed by Board of Trustees 1/12/04
LAPTOP POLICY AND AGREEMENT
O’Fallon Public Library
Laptop Usage Policy and Agreement Form
In Library Use Only
Borrower Eligibility Requirements
O’Fallon Public Library cardholders, 18 years and older, and in good standing, may borrow laptops from the circulation desk for IN LIBRARY USE ONLY.
Usage Procedure
Laptops will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be reserved in advance. Borrowers will be required to surrender a valid photo ID card (driver’s license or government issued ID), which will be kept at the circulation desk until the laptop is returned. Laptops may be checked out for the entire day, and are due one hour prior to closing. Users that do not return the laptops to the circulation desk in a timely manner will lose their laptop usage privileges for three months. Users should report any equipment malfunctions to library staff. Laptops must be returned to the circulation desk in person and users will be required to wait until library staff verifies that the equipment is in proper working order. The user’s ID will then be returned. Scheduled library events will take priority when checking out laptops. Users must agree to comply with the library Internet policy.
Security Warning
The user is responsible for lost or stolen laptops and components. Do not leave the equipment or any other valuables unattended.
Reading and signing this agreement certifies that the undersigned assumes full financial responsibility for the laptop and accessories while they are signed out in his/her name and agrees to comply with library Internet policy.
Penalties
The cost of a damaged or lost laptop and/or accessories may result in replacement charges of up to $1,250.00 in addition to possible suspension of library borrowing privileges.
I have read and understand the O’Fallon Public Library Laptop Usage Policy described above. In the event of loss, theft, or damage while signed out in my name, I understand that I am financially responsible for the laptop and its accessories. I agree to abide by these policies.
_________________________ _________________________
Signature Print Name
_________________________ _________________________
Phone Number Staff Initials
_________________________ _________________________
Date Library Patron ID #
Approved by the O’Fallon Public Library Board of Trustees on August 10, 2009.
O’Fallon Public Library Meeting Room Policy
1. The meeting rooms of the O’Fallon Public Library shall be made available to legal, civic-minded, non-profit, community-based organizations/groups (hereafter referred to as groups). Use by individuals for private/social occasions, commercial ventures, or those charging admission fees, taking collections or making solicitations of any type are prohibited.
2. Library sponsored programs/groups have priority on the use of all rooms; therefore, groups may be asked to reschedule. Groups will not interfere with normal operation of the library (i.e. excessive noise).
3. When using a room, children under the age of 18 must be under direct adult supervision at all times.
4. Completed applications requesting the use of a room must be submitted in person by a current library card holder.
5. The group assumes complete responsibility for all damages to rooms and/or library equipment.
6. Equipment, furniture or materials belonging to any group will not be stored in the library without prior written agreement. The library will not assume responsibility for any materials left on the premises.
7. The children’s room and the small conference room are available only during library hours.
8. The public meeting room is available with prior arrangements after normal library hours. It may be used free of charge but donations to assist with expenses will be accepted. Groups will be billed for any damage to the premises or equipment.
9. The O’Fallon Public Library is a smoke free facility.
10. Groups are responsible for returning the room to its original condition and will be held responsible for other than routine cleaning bills.
11. Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be served. No cooking facilities are available.
12. The group will notify the library as soon as possible to cancel any activity. All questions from group members concerning an activity will be referred to the person whose signature is on the application.
13. Groups will comply with all fire, safety and occupancy standards.
14. The library director or designee is responsible for scheduling the rooms. The library director or designee has discretional authority to refuse the use of any room.
15. Final authority in regard to noncompliance with established policy or the denial of an application rests with the Library Board of Directors. The board will review these policies annually and may amend them at any time as circumstances dictate.
16. Being allowed use of a room does not imply endorsement of the group by the library.
The O’Fallon Public Library seeks to provide quality library service to all patrons. The Board of Trustees believes that patrons of the O’Fallon Public Library have the right to use library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by other library users; that patrons and staff have the right to a secure and comfortable environment; and that patrons and staff have the right to materials and facilities that are in good condition.
1. If a patron is creating a disturbance or causing problems in the Library, the library staff has the authority or right to tell that patron to leave the library. If that patron refuses to comply and continues to cause problems, the police can then be contacted to eject that patron from the library.
2. There will be no solicitation or sales (with the exceptions of those selling library materials and supplies).
3. No surveys or petitioning, with the exception of library surveys and petitions, will be allowed.
4. No food, beverages, or smoking is allowed in the general library area. Snacks may be served as part of the library program or meeting held in one of the meeting rooms.
5. Staff phones are not available for public use except in cases of emergency.
6. The police will be summoned for any person engaged in illegal activity or behavior on library premises.
Children are welcome in the O’Fallon Public Library and we are concerned about their safety and welfare. However, parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring the activities and regulating the behavior of their children while in the library.
1. All children aged nine (9) years or younger shall be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible person at all times.
2. Children who exceed five (5) years of age but who are less than ten (10) years of age may be left unattended in the library during scheduled library programs.
3. Children using the library are subject to rules and regulations of the library concerning behavior, conduct and demeanor. Children should not be left at the library in substitution for proper babysitting or day care.
4. If at closing time young children are still waiting for pick up, staff may contact the O'Fallon Police Department for assistance. At least two staff members will remain with the child. No staff member shall take the child home.
5. The library assumes no responsibility for children left unattended on library premises.
The O’Fallon Public Library utilizes various social media applications* to keep the public informed about library events and topics. This also allows O’Fallon Public Library patrons to interact with Library staff and other patrons to share information and opinions about library related subjects or issues. The Library’s social media sites are maintained and monitored by designated Library staff.
Comments and postings from the public are allowed, but will be reviewed by Library staff for content. Appropriate comments and postings must be relevant to the topic posted by Library staff. Library staff reserves the right to review all comments and postings and delete inappropriate content. Inappropriate content includes (but is not limited to):
- Obscene, sexist, or racist content.
- Harassing Library staff or other social media users.
- Libelous and slanderous statements.
- Plagiarizing or posting copy-righted material without permission or authority.
- Private, personal information of another person without appropriate consent or authority.
- Comments, postings, and/or hyperlinks not related to the topic of the posting.
- Commercial promotion, advertisement, or spam.
- Photos or other images that fall in any of the above categories.
O’Fallon Public Library is not responsible or liable for content posted by any subscriber or user of its social media sites.
By choosing to comment and/or utilize O’Fallon Public Library social media sites, users agree to these rules.
*Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and all other interactive online applications that facilitate the sharing of opinions and information about the library.
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