Library Policies

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Library patrons are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which enable their fellow patrons, staff, and themselves to accomplish their intended Library tasks in a safe, reasonably pleasant, and orderly atmosphere. 

1. Staff will take appropriate action when patron behavior causes disruption or unreasonable interference in the delivery of services. Staff respects, and will respond to, complaints from patrons and will exercise professional judgment in taking action on a case-by-case basis.

2. According to Michigan statutes, the Board may exclude from the use of the Library any all persons who shall willfully violate such reasonable rules and regulations as the Board may adopt (MCL 397.206). Such exclusions from this Library shall occur on the orders of the Director or Director’s designee. In this document, “withholding of library privileges” is defined as meaning that an individual may or may not enter or use the Library.

3. For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of Library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property:
A. Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, local, or other applicable law, or Library policy.
B. Carrying guns, pistols, firearms or other weapons, including but not limited to knives, clubs or razors, is prohibited, except where carrying such guns, pistols, or firearms is (1) specifically permitted by law and/or (2) exempt from local regulation by law. Staff shall have discretion to determine what is a potential weapon.
C. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, and selling, using, or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs.
D. Verbally or physically threatening, or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff; including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure.
E. Soliciting or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library.
F. Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of Library property in Library facilities or on Library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment.
G. Trespassing in non-public areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours, or camping on Library grounds.
H. Fighting, or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
I. Creating disruptive noises such as loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.
J. Gambling and group activities which are disruptive to the Library environment.
K. Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others. Cell phone and pager audible rings must be turned off.
L. Littering.
M. Smoking, chewing, or other tobacco use in the Library facilities.
N. Entering the library barefooted, without a shirt, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be, in the judgment of the staff, disruptive the Library environment.
O. Consuming food or beverages in public areas of the Library, including the restrooms (except for water in closed containers as permitted by authorized Library employees, drinking fountain use, baby bottles, nursing, and locations where use is authorized).
P. Bringing in garbage, articles with a foul odor, or articles which, alone or in aggregate, impede the use of the Library by other users.
Q. Using wheeled devices in library property or on Library grounds, except in designated areas, including: skateboarding; roller skating; bicycling; scooters, and shopping carts. Exceptions are wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
R. Lying down or sleeping in the restrooms or on any floor, couch, table, or seat in the Library, or by blocking the aisles, exits, or entrances by sitting or lying down in them.
S. Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children.
T. Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals necessary for disabilities, into the Library, except as authorized by the Director.

4. All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by security and other authorized personnel. The Library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought into the Library.

5. Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. If necessary, staff will call the City of Ferndale police for assistance. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and expulsion from the Library for a period of one day to one year, or in arrest or prosecution. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of library computers and other equipment.
Expulsion for more than one week may be appealed in writing to the Board.

Adopted on February 24, 2011
Revised on May 16, 2013
Revised on January 15, 2015

The safely of children in the Ferndale Public Library is a serious concern of the library staff. However, the responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent, guardian, or responsible childcare provider and not with library staff.

1.  Children under the age of ten (10) must be attended and within close proximity or visual contact \by a parent, guardian, or responsible child care provider while in the Ferndale Public Library. Disruptive minor children will be asked to leave for the day after receiving one warning. Children under the age of ten (10) attending a library program must be brought into the building by a parent or responsible child care provider who must remain in the building until the conclusion of the program when they again resume supervision of their charge. Children under the age of five (5) must be attended at all times unless attending a library program. It is not the library‘s intention to seek out unattended children but rather to have a reasoned response prepared as problems present themselves.

2.   This policy on unattended and disruptive children addresses minor children in order to provide staff with some discretion regarding procedure. It is anticipated that not all children under the age of eighteen (18) will need the same kind of attention specified here, but there may be circumstances related to the child or the child’s behavior that warrant these procedures regardless of the child’s age,

A Minor child left unattended

i.     Children left unattended are often frightened and crying and should be comforted by the staff.

ii.     If it is determined that a child is lost or left unattended, a staff member should obtain the child‘s name and the name of a parent, guardian or caregiver and attempt to locate the latter within the building.

iii.      If the parent cannot be located within the building, the staff member shall attempt to contact the parent through searching the library’s records, phone book, city directory, etc.

iv.      If a parent, guardian, or caregiver cannot be located library staff shall call the police who will assume responsibility for the child.

B. Minor child left unattended at closing

i. If the parent is not found in the building, a staff member should stay with the child and attempt to locate the parent, guardian or caregiver through searching the library’s records, phone book, city directory, etc. If the parent, guardian, or caregiver arrives within 15 minutes of closing, they will be informed of the library’s policy and asked that the child be picked up in a timely manner in the future.

ii.      If a parent, guardian, or caregiver has not been located within 15 minutes of closing, library staff shall call the police, who will assume responsibility for the child.

iii.     Under no circumstance shall a staff member leave a child alone outside after closing or take them in their car.

3. Disruptive Behavior

A.     Disruptive Minor Children (Under Ten Years of Age)

i.     Minor children who are misbehaving or requiring constant attention will be asked by staff to correct their behavior.

ii.      If the disruptive behavior continues and the child’s parent, guardian, or caregiver is present in the library, a staff member should inform this person and request that this person take respon­sibility for the child’s behavior.

iii.      If the parent, guardian, or caregiver refuses or is unable to cor­rect the behavior of the child, they will be asked to leave the library for the day.

iv.       If the child’s parent, guardian, or caregiver is not present in the building, and the child is under the age of ten (10), the staff mem­ber shall attempt to contact the parent through searching the library’s records, phone book, dty directory, etc. and request that the parent, guardian, or caregiver come to the library and retrieve the child.

V. If a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a child under ten (10) cannot be located, library staff shall call the police, who will assume responsibility for the child.

B.     Disruptive Minor Children (Over Ten Years of Age)

i.      If a disruptive child is ten (10) years of age or older, staff shall inform the young person that he/she is causing a disturbance and be issued a warning. If the disruptive behavior recurs or persists, the child will be asked to leave the library for the day.

ii.     If a parent, guardian, or caregiver is present, the staff will ex plain the circumstances of the problem and ask this person to take responsibility for the child’s behavior.

iii.            If a parent, guardian, or caregiver is not present, and the child must be asked to leave the library, the former will be determined and contacted. When contacted, he/she shall be told that the child is being disruptive, shall be reminded of the library’s policy, and shall be told that he/she must pick up the child, iv. If the parent, guardian, or caregiver cannot be contacted or if the library is closing, the police will be called upon to take responsibil­ity for the child.

C. Persistent Misbehavior

If children are persistently and repetitively disruptive, an attempt shall be made to inform him/her of the library’s policy and expectations regarding his/her responsibilities. Persistent and repetitive disruption may result in longer term denial of library access and services.

Adopted on February 24, 2011

1. Purpose and Conditions of Meeting Room Use

    

   1. Congruent with the Libr ary's mission, meeting rooms are available for events that are educational, cultural, or civic in nature. They are also available for meetings of businesses or non-profit groups that are located in Ferndale, or are members of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce. Private, personal or family functions are not permitted in library meeting rooms.

   2. Use of the Library meeting rooms does not imply endorsement by the Library staff or Board Members of the viewpoints presented. Advertisements, promotions, or announcements implying or stating such endorsement are prohibited.

   3. Youth and children's groups may use the meeting room but only if rese rved by an ad ult (over 18 years of age) representative of the group. Children and youth under 18 years of age must be supervised by a sufficient number of adults at all times.

   4. Permission to use meeting rooms is revocable and does not constit ute a lease. Inclusion of false information on the application form and/or failure to comply with meeting room regulations will result in automatic and immediate revocation of permission.

   5. The Ferndale Area District Library does not discriminate in making its meeting rooms available for use on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, marital stat us, parental status, sexual orientation, gender ident ity, political ideology, creed , ancestry, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability.

   6. Final authority to determine who may use the room belongs to the Ferndale Area District Library Board as set forth in this policy.

       

       

2. Restrictions of Use

    

   1. Library programs and sponsored events have priority in the use of meeting room space. The Library reserves the right to reschedule confirmed meeting room reservations to accommodate Library-sponsored programs and events. If possible, the Library will cancel or reschedule a reservation at least 24 hours in advance of a group's scheduled meeting date.

   2. All groups or individuals using the meeting room ("users") are accommodated on a first come, first served basis with Library programs or business having first priority.

   3. All meetings shall be open to the public.

   4. Commercial and for-profit groups may use the meeting rooms, but the use must be for educational, cultural, informational or governmental/civicactivities. No commercial , sales, or profit-making uses of the meeting rooms are permitted. However, the sale of books, CDs and other items by authors or artists as a part of and incidental to Library programming shall be permitted if such sale is approved in advance by th e Director.

   5. No admission or registration fee may be sought from meeting attendees unless the Library co-sponsors the program. In recognition of the fact that tax revenue is not sufficient to support enhanced library services, the Ferndale Area District Library will hold fundraising events in the Library for the purpose of funding public library services to the people served by the Library.

   6. There are limits regarding how often a group may use the meeting rooms. See Reservation and Cancellation.

       

3. Rules Governing Use of Meeting Room

    

   1. Public use of meeting rooms may not interfere with the Library's operation or disturb other Library users. Meeting room users must observe the Libra ry's rules of conduct and all Library policies.

   2. The Library reserves the right to enter any meeting held in its facilities to ensure the security of Library user and property, to determine that no unlawful activities are occurring on Library premises and to verify that the use of the room is consistent with Library policy.

   3. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The sole exception to the prohibition on alcoholic beverages in the Library is if an event hosted by the Library meets the following criteria:

       

       

      1. The event is a fundraising event at which the proceeds go to the Ferndale Area District Library (directly or through the

         Friends of the Ferndale Library -- a 501c(3) not-for-profit corporation) or the City of Ferndale;

      2. The Ferndale Area District Library approves the event at a public meeting of the Board;

      3. The Ferndale Area District Library applies for and

         receives a one-day liquor license from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission;

      4. The serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages only occurs after regular Library hours.

      5. The Ferndale Area District Library staff or one or more Board Members are present at the event to provide

      oversight for the compliance with the rules, laws and conditions of the liquor license.

   4. Gambling is not permitted in the meeting rooms.

   5. Set-up and special arrangements of chairs and tables are the responsibility of the customer. No special room set up is provided by the Library. Users are responsible for returning all tables and chairs to the original setup or to storage.

   6. Storage of items by meeting room users is not permitted. Materials left after the end of a meeting will be discarded.

   7. Users may not tack, pin, paste or tape anything to walls, doors, windows, or other structural elements of the meeting room facility.

   8. Users are responsible for leaving the room clean and in good order.

   9. Any damage, loss, theft or misuse of Library equipment or facilities is the responsibility of the group or individual reserving the room.

   10. The Library is not liable for injuries to people or damage to property, individuals or organizations using the meeting rooms. The Library is not liable for theft of private property. Users of the meeting room agree to indemnify and defend the Library, the City of Ferndale and their employees for any action resulting from the use of the facilities.

   11. Users shall abide by all applicable laws, ordinances, codes, Library policies and other rules. Fire prevention regulations include but are not limited to the following:

       1. Use of open flames is prohibited.

       2. Extension cords cannot have exposed wire and must be UL­ approved

       3. No combustible decorations are allowed.

           

           

       4. Egress routes may not be obstructed in any way and exit signs must remain clearly visible.

   12. Users are responsible for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements and for providing requested accommodations for meetings or programs.

   13. Users shall permit no more persons than is stated by occupancy requirements.

   14. Users shall not distribute personal or group literature, brochures and other materials to Library patrons outside of the meeting room in the Library building. Persons or groups using the meeting rooms shall not leave printed materials on Library property without prior approval of the Director in accordance with Library Policy.

       0. Users shall not sell tickets, raffles or any objects or solicit contributions from persons located anywhere in the Library or on Library property.

        

4. Refreshments

    

   1. Light refreshments may be served if approved in advance by the Library Director or his or her designee. Users must specify on their application what kind of refreshments they intend to serve and how refreshments will be served

   2. Catering is permitted if approved in advance by the Library. Users must specify on their application what kind of catering they intend and how food will be served. Caterers are to arrive, depart and pick up their equipment only during the time scheduled for the meeting room.

   3. If refreshments are served in the meeting rooms, a deposit is required. See Fees.

       

5. Use of Library Equipment

    

   1. Wireless Internet access is available in the meeting rooms. Use of the Internet must conform to the Library's Internet Use Policy.

   2. Users may use available Library audio/visual and presentation equipment. A Library staff member will set up Library-owned equipment and ensure it operates properly. Library staff will also store equipment after use.

   3. Use of Library audio/visual and presentation equipment is not permitted after Library hours.

   4. Users may bring their own computer, projection or other electronic

      devices. The Library accepts no responsibility for the use or care of personally-supplied equipment .

   5. Library staff will not operate the equipment during programs.

       

       

       

   6. There is an additional charge for use of Library equipment-see

      Fees.

       

6. Rese rvation and Cancellation

    

   1. Users interested in using the Library meeting rooms must first fill out an application form provided by the Libra ry. This application must be on file at the Library no earlier than six (6) month s in advance and at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled meeting date. Application forms are available at the Library and on the Libra ry's website. Fees for use are due at the time of application. Additional

      charges/deposits for equipment use or refreshments are also due at this time. See Fees.

   2. An authorized adult (over 18 years of age) representative of the group must request use of meeting rooms and fill out the application form. By signing the form the applicant agrees that the Library Mee ting Room Policy ("Policy") applies to the requested use of space and has been read and und erstood. The Library will contact the applicant with confirmation that the reservation is accepted. Do not assume that a reservation is complete upon submission of the application. Similarly, meeting room reservations may be made by telephone but are not confirmed until the application form has been completed, signed and processed.

   3. Because of th e demand for use of the meeti ng roo ms, the Library may not be able to accommodate users desiring to schedule multipl e meetings. No more than one meeting per month may be scheduled.

   4. Meetings may extend after Library hours , but they must begin during Libra ry hours. Users are responsible for securing Libra ry property after hours and must be certain that all doors are locked and secure when they leave the building.

   5. The meeting rooms may be reserved in one-hour increments. Unless special arrangements are made, no group may reserve meeting rooms for more than four hours a day.

   6. Meetings may not be scheduled when the Library is closed without special arrangements with Library staff.

   7. Meetings will be posted on the Library website monthly calendar in accordance with the information submitted at the time of the reservation.

   8. No user may assign its reservation to another user.

   9. Users that consistently fail to use their reservations may be charged a non-refundable deposit of $100.00. Fees will not be refunded to users who fail to use their reservation. Users that fail to arrive or notify the Library within 30 minut es after the scheduled beginning time of their meeting forfeit th eir reserva tion.

      . When it is necessa ry for users to cancel a reservation, the Library should be notified immediat ely. Cancellat ion less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time will result in forfeit ure of th e meeting room fee.

   10. The Library reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any reservation

       due to conflicts with Libra ry programming or unforeseen circumsta nces such as

       incle ment weather, mechanicalfailur e, or other building issues. In the event of a Library building or weather-related emergency, the Libra ry reserves the right to cancel the meeting. The Libra ry will notify the group cont act on the reservation application form with as much advance notice as possible.

        

7. Fees

    

   All fe es for use of the room(s), equipm ent, deposits, etc. will be se t in a schedule of fees as part of eac h annual budget.

    

8. Violations, Penalties and Appeal

    

   1. If a group or individual using the meeting rooms ("User") violates

      Libra ry policy, including this Policy, the Libra ry Director or the Director's designee may restrict access to Libra ry facilities, includin g the Library meeting rooms, by immediately dis missing the patron from the premises, by suspending the patron's access to Library facilities for a set period of tim e, or by denying access to specific services and/ or programs purs uant to th is Policy. If necessary, the local police may be called to intervene.

      1. Incident Reports : Library Staff sh all record in writing in the form of an Incident Report any violation of this Policy that resulted in a verbal warning or a suspension of Libr a ry privileges. By the end of the day on which the incident occurred, an Incident Report shall be writt e n and forwarded to the Libr a ry Directo r for logging and review. The report should include physical description s in addition to the name of the patro n. A co py of th e suspension of privileges

         lett er should be attached, if appli cable.

      2. Violation of the Policy - Suspe nsion of Privileges : Unless other wise provided in th is Policy, (See Section C below), the Library shall handle violations as follows:

      3. Initial Violation: Libr ary patrons observed violatin g this policy will be asked to cease the violation with a verbal request. If the patron does not comply with the reques t, he or she will be asked to leave the building for the day. If he or she refuses, police may be called.

      4. Subsequent Violations: The Director or the Director's autho­ rized designee may further limit or revoke the patro n's library privileges if infractions continue. Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing specifying the nature of the violation. Subsequent violations of the same rule shall result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

          

   2. Violations that Affect Safety and Security: Violations involving verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, drug sale or use or attempted drug sale or use, intoxication, theft or attempted theft, physical harassment, sexual misconduct or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:

      1. Initial Violation: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. Violations of this nature will result in an immediate minimum two-week suspension of library privileges. The Incident Report shall specify the nature of the violation.

      2. Subsequent Violations: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state , or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. The Director or the Director 's authorized designee, may further limit or revoke the pat ron's library privileges in escalating responses, which will be documented in writing. Subsequent violations of the same rule will result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

   3. Reinstatement: The User whose privileges have been limited or revoked shall attend a meeting with the Director or the Directo r's designee to review the Policy before their privileges may be reinstated.

   4. Damages: If the User violates the policy by causing damage to Library property, the User shall be assessed the actual costs.

      1. Users may appeal a decision in writing to the Library Director within 10 working days of the date of the letter stating why library privileges should be restored.

      2. The Library Director or a designee will respond to the appeal in writing within 10 working days of the date the appeal was received.

Any person may appeal the Library Director's decision by sending an appeal in writing to the President of the Library Board within 10 business days. The decision of the Library Board is final.

Approved on August 3, 2010

Revised on May2 6 , 2011

Revised on September 22, 2011

Revised on May 2 4 , 2012

Revised on January 15, 2015

S FADL BOARD OF DIRECTORS/ BYLAWS 8

Selection Criteria

All materials, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the criteria listed below. An item need not meet all of these standards in order to be added to the collection. With regard to any work as a whole, the following criteria shall be considered:

• Popular interest
• Public demand
• Relevance to community needs
• Contemporary significance or permanent value
• Literary quality
• Originality
• Currency
• Accuracy, objectivity and clarity
• Local emphasis
• Readability or ability to sustain interest
• Suitability and treatment of subject and style relative to intended audience
• Reputation of author, publisher, producer or illustrator
• Creative, literary or technical quality
• Critical assessment
• Format and ease of use
• Circulation and use
• Cost and availability
• Relationship to existing materials in collection
• Relationship to materials in other area libraries and TLN

The FPL adheres to and supports the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View Statements adopted by the American Library Association, and the Intellectual Freedom Handbook of the Michigan Library Association.

When possible, FPL staff select from a review source in order to justify selection. The library subscribes to Publisher’s Weekly (print and online), Library Journal (print and online), and Booklist Online.

Exceptions
1. Material may not appear in review sources (e.g. children’s material, local music, government documents), but selector knowledge determines selection.
2. Material may receive unfavorable reviews, but popularity and demand determines selection.
3. Material may require selection prior to the appearance of reviews in order to meet demand in a timely manner.

(8/26/09)
 

Purpose

In its role as a center of community information, the Ferndale Public Library supports the free flow of information and exchange of ideas. The FPL therefore provides bulletin boards in its facilities for individuals and groups in the community to announce events and services that are of general and current interest. Notices may only be posted on designated bulletin boards. Notices may be posted within limitations of space and according to the following guidelines. Notices not complying with these guidelines and those listed below will be removed.

The community bulletin boards at the Ferndale Public Library may be used for posting the following types of information:

Materials from the Ferndale Public Library, the Friends of the Ferndale Library, and the City of Ferndale

Flyers, brochures, announcements, schedules or postings of forthcoming or continuing educational, social, civic, charitable/nonprofit, cultural, or recreational activities, or by any federal, state, or local government agency.

Library staff must approve and post all notices, posters, and brochures.

Library staff may remove notices. Once notices are removed, they are discarded & recycled.

Notices posted or left on tables without authorization will be removed and discarded immediately.

Oversized posters may be rejected because of space limitations.

If the bulletin board is crowded, the library reserves the right to select notices for events with the widest appeal.

The Ferndale Public Library does not assume responsibility for materials damaged or stolen.

Items that do not meet the above criteria, such as commercial, personal, or election or campaign notices or petitions, will not be posted.

Notices advocating fraud or unlawful actions or notices the library considers to be inappropriate are not permitted.

Acceptance of materials for display does not imply the library's endorsement of a group or organization, its policies or beliefs.

Approved by the Ferndale Public Library Board – September 22, 2011

FADL Written Public Summary of FOIA Procedures and Guidelines foia-summary.pdf

FOIA Request for Public Records (Form)   foia-forms.pdf

Freedom of Information Act Policy and Guidelines   foia-policy-guidelines.pdf