Library Policies

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library services. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation.
• Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
• Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with restricting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
• A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views.
• Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless or the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.

Source: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill

Updated March 21, 2011

The Community Library has adopted the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics, and uses them to help guide their decision making and services.

• We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
• We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
• We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
• We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
• We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institution.
• We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
• We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institution or the provision of access to their information resources.
• We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.

Updated January 2023

Mission Statement 

The Community Library brings information, ideas, and individuals together to enhance the cultural life of the community. 

The Purpose of the Collection Development Policy 

The Community Library Collection Development policy guides the selection of material to support the reading, information, and learning needs of the diverse local and international community we serve in the Wood River Valley. The policy establishes guiding principles for acquisition, organization, maintenance, and weeding of library materials. The policy addresses our general collections in these ways: 

• To inform the public of the philosophy of collection development 
• To identify our patron base, including demographics, preferences, and library usage statistics, to better serve all visitors to the library 
• To describe the library collection and how it is organized and managed 
• To describe criteria for selection and acquisition of library materials 
• To establish a framework for continuous evaluation and improvement of the collection 

The Collection Philosophy 

The Community Library endeavors to apply the highest professional standards to our acquisition and collection maintenance activities, as outlined in the ALA Code of Ethics. In keeping with our mission statement to serve diverse community members and global visitors equitably and inclusively, The Community Library embraces the professional guidelines established by the American Library Association and the rights established by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, as linked below. 

• First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States 
• The ALA Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statements 
• The ALA Freedom to View Statement  
• The ALA Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors Statement  

Library cards are free to all patrons. The Community Library is not tax funded and has no geographical barriers to membership—our doors are open to all residents of and global visitors to our premises in Ketchum, Idaho. We welcome people of all ages, races, creeds, religions, national origins, sexual and gender orientations, and political and social views. The library collection is constantly evolving, and our selectors strive to provide wide access to information deriving from many cultural backgrounds, social values, and beliefs.  

The library upholds the right of all individuals entering our portals to explore many avenues of information, though the content might be controversial, unorthodox, or unacceptable to others.  Diverse viewpoints that may be expressed in items in the library collection signify a commitment to intellectual freedom, and not an endorsement of any singular point of view. We recognize that some patrons may encounter items that use offensive language, content, or imagery. Library users may find other personally objectionable material embedded in primary historical resources and modern publications. Librarians are available to guide patrons to material tailored to their own tastes and needs. The Community Library is committed to offering equal and free access to unaltered historical and current information, diverse and inclusive stories, and a myriad of resources. 

Community Profile and the History of the Library 

The Community Library operates in the rural Wood River Valley in the mountains of central Idaho. The Library recognizes the region was historically occupied by Bannock and Shoshone peoples, and includes trails travelled by Nez Perce, Salish, Kalispel, and Blackfoot nations. Archaeological evidence of Native land occupation in Idaho has been dated to over 13,000BP.  

Sun Valley, a world-renowned destination ski resort area, is the area’s core attraction and economic driver. Alongside residents and part-time homeowners, tourists and seasonal workers come to the valley from all states and a wide range of countries, drawn by jobs, the scenery, and by the numerous recreational activities available in all seasons.  The official 2021 U.S. Census provides the most recent comprehensive demographics of this area at QuickFacts Blaine County, Idaho. 

Located in Ketchum, Idaho, the Community Library was created in 1955 to deliver library services creatively and responsively to both residents and visitors far beyond the town’s boundaries. Special emphasis was given to children’s services to stimulate early and lifelong interest in reading and learning. The founding members of the library deliberately chose to forego funding via tax districts, instead relying on proceeds from their cornerstone Gold Mine Thrift Store and generous patron donations. This freed the Community Library’s founders to open the collections to patrons coming from beyond city, county, and state lines.  

Currently operating as a 501-3C independently funded entity, the Community Library is open to all members of the public, including visitors from around the world. Free library cards are available to all who wish to apply in-house, and free access is provided to circulating books, computer stations, Wi-Fi, databases, and 60,000 downloadable eBooks, eAudiobooks, and streaming videos. Historically, the library board has used its resources to build a strong and open-minded reading ethic, curating offerings wide in scope and diversity to serve both our local and global community. 

We endeavor to recognize and support members of all demographics reached by the Community Library. The collections contain literature, arts, and sciences in print and downloadable form over a wide variety of subjects and genres. We strive to maintain a collection with both new titles and classic core resources, with some rare offerings of bibliographic beauty for a very wide range of readers, listeners, streamers, and contemplative thinkers. 

Collection Management Policy 

We are committed to maintaining a broad and deep collection throughout our collections, including  both popular circulating titles and a strong and enduring core collection. Our cardholders evince a strong interest in current events and new publications, making the provision of current publications one of our basic policy goals. The library staff works to stay responsive to local demand while building and maintaining balanced offerings with a global perspective. 

Collection management policy focuses on maintaining a wide selection of learning and recreational materials within the budget structure mandated by the Board of Directors. Newly published materials are acquired from various vendors. Librarians use a selection process that includes consulting numerous professional publications and online resources devoted to book, audio and DVD reports and reviews.  Title selectors aim to identify and order items that will meet the total spectrum of patron needs, while advocating for literacy, encouraging recreational reading, and supporting lifelong learning. 

Adult Library  

The Collection Description and Selection of Library Materials 

The adult lending library includes hardcopy magazines, newspapers, books, audiobooks on CD, music, and movies and documentaries on DVD. Fiction, Science Fiction and Mystery are grouped by author, and our broad collection of nonfiction is organized by the Dewey Decimal System. Our online offerings include more than 60,000 electronic books, audiobooks, and videos available for download via the internet. We can provide links to many databases, historic photo collections, and other resources from around the web. Wi-Fi access at the Library is free, and we have several computer stations and a printer open to the public. 

Collection selectors are sensitive to a wide variety of user requests. Selection choices also support life-long learning over many subjects and fields. Core collection concentrations include travel, recreation, all levels and tastes of fictional literature, arts and crafts, culinary arts, biography, social issues, and local and global history. 

Library-wide, one in five of our active borrowers at any given time is a juvenile. Usage statistics are evenly split between fiction and nonfiction. Our patrons like adventurous reads–mysteries and suspense fiction, deep literary tomes and travel tales, beach reads and biographies–a wide variety of genres circulate well. Graphic novels serve as a bridge for maturing readers to Science Fiction and Futurist literature.  

There is a high demand for newly published reading material in both current events and recreational reading—easily a quarter of all adult print checkouts circulate out of the new fiction and nonfiction displays. Downloadable titles comprise almost 40% of our collections, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, and streaming videos, currently available through the following apps: Axis360, Libby, Kanopy, and Vimeo. Circulating DVDs, music CDs, and Audiobook CDs round out our audiovisual offerings for users outside of cable and internet range, travelers, and commuters. 

Our Foreign Language collection contains nearly 1,000 fiction and nonfiction titles in Spanish,  as well as works in French, German, Italian, and other languages. The Library offers regular classes in English as a second language. To meet the interests of our widely travelled residents, we also offer the opportunity to learn over 70 languages via the interactive online platform, Pronunciator. Our collections also include some rarer lexicons in indigenous languages, including Sahaptin, Navajo, Hawaiian, and Shoshoni/Numic. 

Evaluation and Improvement of the Community Library Collections 

We support patron feedback about our core collection and monthly acquisitions. Acquisition request forms are available at the circulation desks for our cardholders. We also provide free interlibrary loan sharing when the request does not fit our acquisitions criteria, or our collection budget cannot meet immediate demand. Titles over a year old may be acquired through our ILL (Interlibrary Loan) program, borrowing books from public and university libraries across the USA. 

Patron donations of print and AV may help extend the breadth of the collection and depth of popular, well-circulating titles. The Donation Policy can be found on our website, here.  

Weeding Policy: Deletion of Adult Library Materials 

Weeding policies vary in different collections of the library. In the print collections, competition for shelf space does require periodic weeding of material that does not meet core standards, is not circulating well, and/or has been damaged in use. 

Removing dated or unused books allows us to refresh the collection and make room for new releases and updated subject matter. Other criteria may apply, including accuracy, relevancy, and currency. Some downloadable titles may elapse as DRM rights expire, or currency and relevancy changes. Recommended core titles, collections of local or regional significance, local authors and histories, rare and unusual books, and reference collection material may be identified and retained regardless of circulation rates. 

Access to Community Library Collections 

Our Library collections are an ongoing conversation with the whole community that shares and supports our mission. Our goal is to provide the widest possible range of ideas, subjects, and stories to tell, in myriad formats, at no charge to our widely diverse membership. Library cards are free. 

Reconsideration Procedures

Updated June 2019 

Loan Limits and Guidelines 

Adult Materials
	Loan Limit	Loan Period	Renewals	Holds
Adult Books	None	21 days	1	Yes
Adult New Fiction (within 6 months)	3	21 days	0	Yes
Adult New Mystery (within 6 months)	3	21 days	0	Yes
Adult New Science Fiction/Fantasy (within 6 months)	3	21 days	0	Yes
Adult New Nonfiction (within 6 months)	3	21 days	0	Yes
“Lucky Day” Collection	1	21 days	0	No
Adult Audiobooks (per category)	6	21 days	1	Yes
Adult CDs (per category)	6	21 days	1	Yes
Adult DVDs (per category)	6	7 days	1	Yes

Children’s Materials
	Loan Limit	Loan Period	Renewals	Holds
Children’s Books	None	21 days	1	Yes
Children’s Audiobooks	6	21 days	1	Yes
Children’s Music	6	21 days	1	Yes
Children’s DVD	6	7 days	1	Yes

Other Materials
	Loan Limit	Loan Period	Renewals	Holds
Circulating Regional History Items	3	21 days	1	Yes
eReaders	1	21 days	1	Yes
Digital eBook/eAudiobook -Axis 360, RBdigital, etc.	3	14 days	As available	Yes
Digital Streaming-Kanopy, etc.	5 per month	3 days	No	No
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)	3	Per lending library.

Library Cards:  

Library membership is open to all persons regardless of residency, and library cards are free-of-charge. We ask that each borrower have their own library account. New members may apply in person at any library desk or register online with a follow-up visit to a library desk. A photo ID will be requested when your card is issued. Account updates are required every three years or when your contact information changes. 

Membership Types: 

Introductory – All new members will be designated as Introductory and limited to six (6) items at any one time during the first three (3) months.  After three months in good standing, the member will be updated to full status as Adult, Juvenile, or Parent/Teacher, and our standard Loan Limits and Guidelines apply. See below.

Adult — Applicants 14 years and older will become Adult members after a three-month Introductory period. 

Juvenile — Applicants under 14 will be issued Juvenile memberships.  Juvenile accounts must be attached to a Responsible Party who is an Adult or Parent/Teacher member in good standing over the age of 18.  

Parent/Teacher – Applicants who are parents or teachers may specify their account as Parent/Teacher. The three-month Introductory period will apply. This Borrower Type allows for communications and holds to be through the Children’s Library. 

Application: 

By applying for membership and upon issuance of a card with The Community Library, applicants agree to abide by The Community Library Public Behavior Policy as a condition of membership in good standing. Members assume financial responsibility for materials checked out on their account. 

Applicants for The Community Library cards should: 

1. Visit a library Service Desk to apply in person or apply online here; 

2. Please provide a current telephone and/or email; a current mailing address is also requested; 

3. Present a valid photo identification (or other acceptable method of ID as deemed appropriate by library staff) to a library staff; 

4. Set up/confirm your 4-digit PIN # and preferred method of communications (phone, email or text) for check-out slips, due notices and hold arrivals;  

5. Receive your library card, which will show your 14-digit account #.   

Account Management: 

You may visit the Library’s Service Desk or contact us at (208) 726-3493, Ext. 1, or online at circdesk@comlib.org with account inquiries or requests: 

• Renewals must be done no later than three weeks after the due date. 
• Interlibrary Loans (ILL) renewals are subject to approval by the lending library and arranged by contacting our Reference Librarian (208-726-3493×110). 
• Updates on accounts must be done by the account holder (or Responsible Party). 
• Using another’s account without permission or providing false info will result in blocked privileges.  

Terms of Use: 

Borrowing will be restricted when:  

• Items are more than two weeks overdue. 
• Member account is expired or has an Account Balance. 

Placing a Hold:   

Up to six holds per member may be placed on items currently checked out using one of the following options: 

1. Logging into your online account at www.comlib.org/catalog; you will need your library card # and PIN; 

2. Visiting a Service Desk in-person; or, 

3. Calling the Library’s Service Desk at 208.726.3493. 

When the item(s) you have on hold becomes available, an email will be sent– alternatively, a courtesy phone call will be made if this preference is indicated in your account. Hold items will be held for 7 days; if others have holds on the item, it is released after 3 days. 

Picking Up a Hold: 

• Adult hold items will be available at the Self Service Hold Shelf for pick up inside the main entry (on Spruce Avenue).
• Children’s and YA items will be held at the Children’s Service Desk near the west entry (4th Avenue). 

Returns:  

Items may be returned: 

• At our 24-hour Exterior Automated Drop by the Main Entry at 415 N. Spruce Avenue. 
• At our Interior Automated Drop located within the Main Library foyer during Library hours.   
• By USPS mail to: The Community Library, P.O. Box 2168, Ketchum, ID 83340. 
• By UPS or FedEx mail to: 415 Spruce Avenue North, Ketchum, ID 83340. 

Notifications: 

Notices will be sent as follows: 

• Courtesy Notice: two days before the item is due.  
• Overdue Notice: one day after the item is overdue. 
• Final Notice/Invoice Mailed: one month after the item is overdue.  

After Final Notice is issued, the account will carry an Account Balance and privileges are restricted.   

Resolving an Account Balance:  

When an item has been determined to be Damaged or Lost, the Library member’s account will be charged for the original cost of the item. Members with outstanding Account Balances are not eligible to borrow, use Interlibrary Loan services or access digital platforms.  

• Please see a Service Desk to make payments or resolve account issues. 
• The Library accepts long-overdue items to resolve Account Balances up until the item has been replaced or removed from the system. 
• The Library accepts a like-kind replacement copy of the Lost or Damaged item up until the item has been replaced or removed from the system. 
• Once payment to resolve an Account Balance is made, there is no option for refund.  

Confidentiality of User Records:  

The Community Library recognizes that its circulation records and other records identifying the names of library members along with specific materials and personally-identifiable information are confidential in nature. Such records may be disclosed only to the person positively identified as the patron to whom the materials have been loaned.  Please see the CLA Privacy and Confidentiality Policy for further details. 

Library Communications:  

Members may also be contacted via email, telephone or mail for other Library communications, including newsletters, event announcements, fundraising or other library related activities. Please contact us at info@comlib.org with concerns about general library communications.   

Updated May 2026

The Community Library is a shared environment that provides public access to educational and informational resources and services. The Library and its staff are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming atmosphere where visitors are asked to follow this Code of Conduct: 

1. For the benefit of all users, we ask everyone to maintain a respectful demeanor within the Library and to be mindful of others.  

2. The Library has a variety of spaces to accommodate a range of activities. We ask for your understanding as staff conduct necessary library activities and patron consultations. 

3. When using audible devices in public spaces, headphones or subtitled mode is necessary. 

4. Cell phone use should be limited to reasonable volume. Users must avoid using the speaker phone feature in public areas. Louder and lengthier discussions should be conducted in one of our private spaces. 

5. Library property should be handled with care and not be misused, damaged, or defaced, nor be taken from the Library without appropriate checkout or permissions. 

6. Materials borrowed from the Library must be returned or renewed in a timely manner in accordance with our Circulation Policy. 

7. Use of the Library’s equipment is subject to reasonable limitations at the discretion of the Library staff.  Specific rules about computer use are set forth in the Computer Resources and Internet Policy.

8. Smoking, vaping or the use of illegal substances is not permitted on Library property. 

9. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the Library except as explicitly authorized by the Library director for select events. 

10. Food and drinks in the Library should be limited to small, packaged food items and covered drinks. Visitors are expected to use appropriate caution around library materials and equipment and to clean up after themselves. 

11. Visitors should leave Library spaces in an orderly fashion using receptacles for trash and keeping furnishings as initially found.  

12. Full attire, including shirt and shoes, is required within the Library.  

13. Children under 9 years old, for their safety and well-being, must be accompanied and directly supervised by a responsible party who is 14 or older, in accordance with our Unattended Child Policy.

14. Children between the ages of nine (9) and fourteen (14) years may be left unattended for a maximum of two hours, in accordance with our Unattended Child Policy.

15. Only service animals and animals explicitly approved for programs are allowed in the Library. 

16. The Library is committed to a harassment-free environment for staff and patrons. We expect respectful behavior and communication toward others. 

Visitors to the Library who are not in compliance with our Code of Conduct, policies or other reasonable requests of the staff may be asked to leave the Library’s premise. Continued incidents of noncompliance may result in actions ranging from suspension of Library privileges to prohibiting access to The Community Library premises and property. 

The Community Library Book Donation Policy 

Updated August 4, 2026

The Community Library welcomes donations of books in good condition and other items for library use. We ask that you observe these guidelines to help with the quality and quantity of books we can absorb within the limits of our library operations. 

• DROP OFF — All donations should be dropped during regular business hours of the Library and should be limited to a single box (25 books) unless otherwise arranged. Individual small donations (1-3 items) may be marked as such and dropped into the Community Library book drop.  

• ADVANCE APPROVAL — Larger donations and items other than books must be preauthorized by a Library Collections staff member in advance of drop off – please contact our Collections Manager at (208) 726-3493, x109, or email info@comlib.org. 

We accept clean and undamaged books and other materials, including: 

• Hardback, trade paperback and children’s books for readers of all ages 
• Current nonfiction books on a variety of general interest topics 
• Puzzles and games, complete with all pieces 
• Guitars and ukuleles in working condition 
• DVDs and Books on CD with popular appeal 

We do not accept:  

• Damaged or dirty materials 
• Obsolete materials 
• Magazines, unless of regional historical interest 
• National Geographic magazines 
• Mass market paperbacks 
• Travel guides that are over five years old 
• Encyclopedias or textbooks 
• Music CDs 
• Large donations of more than 25 books, without prior approval 

REGIONAL HISTORY DONATIONS: For books, photos, oral and written histories, biographies, videos, and other items pertaining to Central Idaho history, please contact the Regional History Department at (208) 726-3493, x103. 

All items donated to The Community Library become the property of The Community Library Association without conditions. Please be aware that donated materials may be redirected to The Gold Mine for resale or to a Library book giveaway. Donated items not added to the collection will not be returned to the donor. 

For a donation receipt, please request it at the time of the donation. 

Donations of clothing, furniture, art, and other gently used gifts, gadgets, and goods are welcome at Gold Mine Thrift and Gold Mine Consign, the stores that have helped to support The Community Library since its founding in 1955. 

Created on March 21, 2011

The Community Library is a privately funded library and shall maintain free access to the use of its resources to the fullest extent possible.

1. Library Access:

1a. The Community Library shall permit free use of materials and services within the Library building as well as attempt to provide these services to those residents incapable of physically accessing these resources.

1b. The Community Library endorses and subscribes to the American Library Association (ALA) Policy as adopted by its Council in January 2001 regarding the provision of equitable access for persons with disabilities and undertakes to use its best efforts to comply with said Policy to the extent that doing so does not fundamentally alter the nature of goods and services offered by the Library, result in an undue burden on the Library, and that the Library is able to fund the costs of doing so within the constraints of its Annual Budget and/or from funds it is able to raise privately from time to time.

1c. Charges for special services may be imposed by the Director of the Library. These decisions will be made available to the public and reviewed annually. Some of these include color printing charges, photocopying fees, or meeting room use fees.

2. Borrowing Privileges:

2a. A library card may be acquired without a fee.

2b. The Community Library allows any person to acquire a library card for free as long as they provide photo identification and a working contact address, post office box or other mailing address, telephone number, and/or e-mail address.

2c. Computer use and Internet use is also free to any patron or Library visitor.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Policy
Updated 2024

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a process through which library material, or a copy of the material, is made available by one library to another upon request. If the Community Library does not have the material that a user needs within its collection, library staff will attempt to borrow it from another library via the ILL system.

1. Eligible Borrowers

Interlibrary loan service is available to any patron in good standing (i.e., card is not blocked for fines, overdue materials, or incorrect contact information) who has been issued a current Community Library borrower’s card.

Patrons who do not have a Community Library card can use Interlibrary Loan services, but are required to use the materials at the Community Library in the Learning Commons. A library card can be obtained at no cost from the Community Library.

2. Requesting ILL Service

Requests can be made online or by telephone from any Community Library cardholder in good standing. When requesting an item for interlibrary loan, the following information will assist library staff in locating and requesting the item: exact title of the item, author or editor’s full name, publisher, and date of publication.

3. Request Restrictions

3a. Material Types

Some types of materials are not available for lending by other libraries and, consequently, the following will not be requested on interlibrary loan: reference material (e.g., directories, encyclopedia sets, indexes, standard library reference tools); bound volumes or individual issues of magazines and newspapers; software; rare, archival, manuscript or fragile items; popular books published within the last year; and books currently in the collection of the Community Library which are not listed as lost or missing and includes items that are in high demand, such as book club books. Reserves can be placed on such items.

*We will borrow audio-visual materials (videos and sound recordings) from other libraries based on their lending policies. However, these items can be more difficult to acquire.

3b. Number of Requests Accepted

A library user may have up to three (3) outstanding interlibrary loan transactions at any one time. This includes requests that are pending as well as materials that the user currently has borrowed through interlibrary loan. Patrons will be asked to prioritize their requests to assist staff with their acquisition.

Patrons can request materials more than once, but not twice in the same loaning period.

3c. Copyright Compliance

The Community Library complies with Federal copyright law and CONTU (National Commission on New Technology Uses of Copyrighted Works) guidelines that established the following guidelines for copying interlibrary loan:

Requests for photocopies must include the copyright warning and the library user must acknowledge awareness of the copyright warning.

The Library may request only a total of five (5) articles a year from the last five years of a specific magazine.

The Library may request only one (1) article a year from any one issue of a magazine.

4. Circulation of Interlibrary Loan Material

4a. Loan Period

The lending library sets the materials’ due date. Typically, interlibrary loan materials will be loaned to patrons for a three-four week period.

4b. Renewals

Library users are encouraged to return materials at the end of the loan period so that materials are not absent from the lending library for an unreasonable length of time. Renewals are only permitted if the lending library allows such an extension. Requests to renew an item must be submitted two days in advance of the due date for the item.

5. Agreement to Accept Charges from Lending Libraries

The Community Library will make every effort to request materials from those libraries who do not charge for lending their materials. Many libraries, however, charge for lending materials from their collections. Library users are responsible for any charges applied by the lending library including photocopy charges, postage for the loan of microfilm or microfiche, overdue fines, or fees for damaged or lost materials. Library staff will make every effort to notify the library user as to any fees that will be assessed by the lending library. If lending charges are not paid at the time the material is picked up, they will be attached to the user’s circulation record and handled in the same manner as fines and other charges.

6. Fees, Overdue Fines and Charges for Damaged or Lost Materials

There is no charge from the Community Library for an interlibrary loan request. Although, patrons are responsible for any charges assessed by the lending library for the service or for any damage to an interlibrary loan item. If an interlibrary loan item is lost, the library user will be responsible for the cost of the item, plus any other additional associated fees.

7. Lending Materials to Other Libraries

7a. Lending Charges

There is no charge to other libraries to borrow materials from the Community Library’s collection, nor will charges be assessed for overdue items. If an item is not returned by the borrowing library to the Community Library, the borrowing library is responsible for the replacement cost of the item.

7b.  Loan Period

Community Library materials will be lent to other libraries for four weeks, with the possibility of renewal depending on the type of materials.

7c.  Format of Requests That Will Be Accepted

To facilitate processing of interlibrary loan requests, the library will mainly accept requests submitted through the online loan system. Exceptions to this may be made on a case-by-case basis.

7d. Materials that will be lent to Requesting Libraries

The Community Library will lend new books (or new-to-us books) after six months of being in circulating status.

The library will also send photocopies of periodical articles or pages from books in accordance with federal copyright law.

In order to insure that local Community Library users have access to the latest materials, the following items will not be loaned via interlibrary loan: books with long reserve lists; items designated as “high demand”; oversized books, audio-visual materials (videos and sound recordings); software; reference materials (e.g. directories, encyclopedia sets, indexes, standard library reference tools); bound or current issues of magazines and newspapers; and rare, archival, manuscript or fragile items.

Updated June 19, 2013

USE OF COMPUTER RESOURCES, GENERALLLY

The Community Library (hereafter “TCL”) provides access to computer equipment, programs, databases, and the Internet (collectively, the “computer resources”) for informational and educational purposes. All users of the TCL’s computer resources, both staff members and patrons, are expected to use these resources in accordance with this policy and only for legal purposes.

INTERNET ACCESS

The Library provides high-speed, broadband Internet access to the pubic via its many public computers and its high quality Wi-Fi network for the purpose of making available the vast array of information resources and services on the web. TCL provides this access free of charge and without the requirement of a library card. Tech help is available on a limited basis through the Library’s tech classes.

The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions from varied points of view for which TCL cannot be held accountable.

GUIDELINES FOR USE

Access to TCL’s public computers is available on a reserved or a first-come-first-served basis. The Public Internet Computers may be used for 30 minutes and extended up to an additional 30 minutes provided that there are no other patrons waiting. The Word Processing Computers and Business Workstation may be reserved for 120 minutes and extended up to another 60 minutes when there are no other patrons waiting.

Files may be downloaded or saved to TCL’s computers on a temporary basis to the T: (PublicDocs) folder. TCL assumes no responsibility for data saved to this location. All data saved to this location is visible by other users of the same computer. All data in these locations is periodically deleted by TCL staff. Patrons can delete data from the location by clicking Start, Computer, then opening the T: drive, selecting a document, then striking the Delete key on the keyboard. Removable USB disks may be purchased from at circulation desk for $12.00.

TCL’s public Wi-Fi network (SSID “CommunityLibrary”) is unsecured and unencrypted. It is the sole responsibility of the patron to ensure the safety and security of any device connecting to this network, including anti-virus and firewall software among other protections. TCL is not liable or responsible for any damages to computer software or hardware that may occur during or through use of its public Wi-Fi network.

TCL provides access to a number of iPad tablets for checkout and in-house use. Included on all iPads is a selection of popular Apps and web services. Patrons may log into these Apps and services with their credentials but are responsible to log themselves out after use. TCL assumes no responsibility for any damages caused by patrons who leave themselves logged in to any and all Apps and services. Check-out iPads may be found in the general TCL’s Online Public Access Catalog where availability may be viewed and holds placed. Check-out iPads require an additional signed release and financial guaranty. In-house iPads are available on a first-come-first-served basis for use in the Reference Room only.

Black and white and color printing are available for purchase through TCL’s LPT:one software. Black and White prints cost $.10 per page and are duplexed (printed two-sided) by default. Color prints cost $.50 per page and are also duplexed by default. Printing from patron owned Wi-Fi enabled computers is available by downloading and running the LPT:one Mobile Client. Prints can be paid for using cash or credit card. The minimum credit card charge is $.25 and a preauthorization of $10.00 will be made.

RESTRICTIONS

Computer resources may not be used for the following purposes:

• Violation of any applicable, federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations.
• Harassment of other persons or parties.
• Libel or slander of other persons or parties.
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to TCL or other users.
• Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communications devices or resources on TCL’s network or any other.
• Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications on TCL’s network or any other.
• Unauthorized copying, downloading or distribution of copyrighted or other protected material (i.e. piracy).
• Violation of computer system security.
• Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others.
• Use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others.
• Violation of software license agreements.
• Violation of FCC network usage policies and regulations.
• Violation of another person’s or party’s privacy.
• Gambling activities of any kind.
• Any and all other matters which TCL, at its sole discretion, subject to constitutional limitations, and in consideration of the best interests of the public, determines to be an unacceptable purpose.

Created November 1, 2016

Terms of Use

• Laptops are configured to work only in the library and may not be taken outside the library building;
• Users are not permitted to consume food or beverage while using our laptops;
• Users are responsible for saving their work – upon shut down or return, files may automatically be deleted;
• The laptop and accessories become the responsibility of the user upon check out;
• Loss, theft, or damage may result in charges to the user’s account.

Circulation Guidelines

• Only current adult cardholders in good standing may check out our laptops;
• Laptop users must complete and sign a “Laptop User Agreement” and deposit a valid photo identification – or other adequate collateral – at the front desk during check out;
• Laptops will check out for two (2) hours with renewals possible in two-hour increments subject to availability;
• Laptops are due no later than 15 minutes prior to closing;
• Laptop returns should be directly to the desk staff;
• Laptop chargers will remain at the front desk. If a laptop needs power, it must be checked back in to charge.

Meeting Facilities Policy
Updated March 2026

The Community Library offers reservable meeting rooms for personal, educational, and charitable endeavors. The goal is to provide free space for individual study and small group meetings and collaborations. Rooms reservations are not intended for public events. 

Meeting room bookings are self-managed, private gatherings that are reserved via an online booking system. Confirmation is via email, using the email address provided in the booking. For privacy reasons, organizers (not Library staff) should provide participants with the time and room location directly. Groups are requested to adhere to the room capacities for each room type. 

Private meeting room use is the responsibility of the individual booking the reservation. The Community Library does not endorse views expressed in private meetings, which should not be advertised or promoted as Library sponsored. If use of a meeting room interferes with Library operations for the general public, then Library may stop the individual use. 

Terms of Use 

• Use Limits: Commercial activity involving a fee or sales is not permitted.  
• Private Use: In promotions and communications, organizers must clarify that the event is private and not open to the public. 
• IT Support: IT support for meeting room use is limited. If needed, IT consultation should be arranged at least 48 hours in advance by appointment. 
• Accommodations: Requests for special accommodations should be made by contacting a Library service desk. 
• Disruptions/Excessive Noise: Users should moderate noise such as group conversation and AV playback to limit disturbances.
• Food and Drink: Room users are asked to limit food and drink to individually wrapped items and covered drinks. 
• Clean-up: Users must clean up after themselves and place trash in receptacles, leaving the room in good order for the next users.
• Liability: Users are responsible for damage to equipment, furnishings, or the facility. 
• Compliance: Users must follow the above listed Terms of Use and all applicable laws while using meeting rooms. Any breach may result in the termination of event and/or future Library room-use privileges. 

For information on proposing a public program at The Community Library, please refer to our Program Proposal Form. 

Unattended Child Policy  
Updated July 2026 

The Community Library strives to provide a warm, welcoming and safe environment conducive to lifelong learning for people of all ages. The Community Library encourages children to use its facilities and services. The Community Library is a public building, open to all. Sharing this environment requires that all patrons follow the Public Behavior Policy.  

To ensure the safety and well-being of children, the Library staff depends on the attention of the child’s designated caregiver when the child is at the Library. The Library does not act in place of parents, and staff does not monitor the arrival or departure of any child from a program or the building. 

The Community Library will adhere to the following: 

• Children under the age of nine (9) must have adequate, close supervision while in the Library. They must not be left alone.  

• Children under the age of nine (9) must be supervised by a parent or responsible caregiver aged fourteen (14) or over at all times while in the Library. Parents or caregivers must remain in close proximity to the child in the library facility. 

• Youth of any age who are unable to care for themselves may also not be left unattended in the Library.  

• Children between the ages of nine (9) and fourteen (14) years may be left unattended for a maximum of two hours if they can self-manage and adhere to the Patron Behavior Policy. They should have contact information for a caregiver and someone who can assist them in an emergency.  

• Parents and caregivers are expected to pick up children before the Library closes. Staff will attempt to contact a parent or emergency contact if a child remains after closing. If no responsible adult can be reached within a reasonable period (approximately 15 min), local law enforcement or child protective authorities may be contacted to ensure the child’s safety. 

Continued incidents of noncompliance may result in actions ranging from suspension of Library privileges to prohibiting access to The Community Library premises and property. 

Privacy & Confidentiality Policy  
Updated August 2026 

In accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, The Community Library is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of its users and donors. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and endeavor to protect personally identifiable information (PII) to help foster a safe environment for free inquiry.  

The Library endeavors to collect the minimum information necessary to provide services to users, assess community needs, and fulfill our institution’s mission.  

Library record confidentiality is central to our operational model and applies to any information that links a specific patron to specific library materials or services. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Borrowing records 
• Library card information  
• Reference questions 
• Interlibrary loan requests 

The following are key areas of consideration about the Library’s privacy and confidentiality practices: 

• Patron Identification: When opening, renewing or updating a library account, users may be asked to present identification and/or check against elements of personal information to verify identity. 

• Individual Accounts: Patrons are expected to check out items on their own account for the protection of intellectual privacy and to establish fiduciary responsibility. The use of another account requires documented approval within the account holder’s library records. 

• Borrowing History: Records of items returned are automatically purged from the system unless a borrower specifically indicates that they would prefer to retain their borrowing history. Item details for lost or damaged materials may be retained as part of the patron’s account in perpetuity. 

• Borrower Purge: Periodically, the Library purges inactive accounts to remove borrowers whose accounts have expired for 5 years or more. Cardholders with outstanding account balances or who are responsible for youth accounts may be retained. 

• Public Computers: The Library has procedures to remove browsing history and session data on public terminals after a computer user logs out. Computer users may opt to save documents to a temporary drive that is cleared periodically. 

• Website Cookies: The Community Library website uses cookies for analytics. Analytics data is aggregated and not used by the Library to identify individuals. 

• Donor Records: Donor records are maintained separately and distinct from Library borrower records, utilizing an industry-vetted platform. This information remains confidential and is not shared with outside organizations. 

• Surveillance Equipment: The Community Library Association may use surveillance equipment as needed to protect the Library’s property and the safety of Library staff and users. 

• Communications: Upon joining The Community Library, users are opting into receiving communications. Library users can opt out of email newsletters. 

• Access to Data: Library users have the right to access their own borrowing records and account details. The Library does not release records without specific legal process. 

• Vendors: Library users should be aware that the Library offers services provided through third-party vendors. These entities are vetted to adhere to data privacy protection and provisions. 

While it is The Community Library’s intention to uphold these rights to privacy and confidentiality, patrons should be advised that because complete security is technically difficult to achieve, the privacy of electronics transactions and files cannot be absolutely guaranteed.