Below are some "highlights" from the library's policy manual. You may click on any of the links below for information on a particular topic. The policy in its entirety is located below as a PDF document. It is also on file and available for perusal at the library.
These policies explain the behavior that is expected in the library and the suspension of privileges that may occur for individuals who do not comply with the policy.
The Board of Trustees has established the Code of Conduct to protect the rights and safety of library patrons and staff and to preserve and protect the Library's materials, equipment, and property. The Board and staff are committed to providing all patrons with a pleasant library environment and giving quality service. In accordance with our mission, patrons are expected to comply with the following Code of Conduct while in the library and on library property.
o Be respectful of patrons, library staff, and library property.
* Respect one another's personal space, privacy, and time.
* Be aware of noise levels and do not disturb others. When using headphones, set the volume so others cannot hear it. Turn cell phone ringers off and make and answer calls in the lobby.
* Remember that this is a public environment shared by people of all ages.
* Leave your pets at home. Animals authorized to assist the disabled or animals on the premises as part of a library-sponsored event are allowed. Pets should not block Library entrance if left outside.
* Pick up and carry skates, skateboards, balls, and other equipment.
* Respect nearby businesses and residential neighbors.
* Keep Library entrances clear.
* Throw trash in proper receptacles.
* Wear a shirt, shoes (no wheels) and other proper attire.
* Use one chair per person and no more than two people per computer.
* Contain beverages in a bottle or cup with a lid or closure.
* Keep Library furniture in place.
* Leave Library lights untouched.
* Keep personal items with you at all times. Staff cannot monitor your personal property. Understand that the library staff is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
* Items left in the Library unclaimed will be given to charity or discarded.
o Comply with the Library's Internet and Computer Use Policy.
o Obey all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
o Follow the policy, procedures, and guidelines as written or directed by staff.
* Return to the desk when requested by staff.
* Listen to staff instructions when an emergency arises.
We ask that patrons refrain from the following behaviors, which are unacceptable or illegal:
o Any behavior that disturbs others or detracts from the legitimate use of the library by others, including but not limited to:
* Loud, disruptive, harassing, or abusive behavior.
* Using profanity or other abusive language.
* Rough play or violence of any kind.
* Excessive public displays of affection.
* Skating, boarding, bouncing balls, or other activities inside.
* Using skateboards, roller blades, balls, or such equipment on Library property.
* Extreme lack of hygiene or excessive use of scented products.
o Downloading, printing, viewing, or causing others to view material that violates federal, state, or local laws, policies, or regulations.
o Theft, mishandling, damaging, or attempting to damage library property including but not limited to books, computers, or furniture.
o Interfering with Library operations.
o Violating copyright laws, licensing agreements, or site policies.
o Violation of policy, procedure, or guidelines.
o Illegal activity not mentioned above.
o Eating or drinking in the computer areas and eating anywhere in the library, except as authorized by the Library Director.
o Loitering on Library property.
o Drinking, using, or possessing alcoholic beverages or illegal substances.
o Selling, charitable soliciting, panhandling, or similar activities except as authorized by the Library Administration.
o Inappropriate or excessive restroom use, including bathing, shaving, hair or clothes washing.
o Leaving children under the age of ten unattended by a parent or authorized adult.
o Distributing or posting any printed materials except through authorized Library procedures.
o Being in unauthorized areas, remaining in the Library after closing, or staying when requested to leave by Library staff.
o Removing or attempting to remove library materials, equipment, or property without proper checkout or other official Library authorization.
o Possessing weapons in the Library unless authorized by law.
o Photographing or recording for personal, professional, or commercial purposes on Library premises without permission of the Library Administration.
o Adults loitering in the Children's and Young Adult areas unaccompanied by a child.
The Library reserves the right to:
o Limit group size based on available space and noise level of the group.
o Supervise people in any area of the Library.
o Inspect any bags or backpacks.
o Deny access to those found in violation of Library policy.
The Public Library Act provides the Board of Library Trustees with the general power to carry out the spirit and intent of the Act in establishing and maintaining the Library and providing library services, and the specific power to “exclude from the use of the library any person who willfully violates a policy or regulation prescribed by the Board.” 75 ILCS 16/30-55.55
Anyone violating library rules may be asked to leave the premises. In the event that person who is asked to leave the library refuses to do so, library staff will call the police.
Library staff members will keep a written record of any incidents of disruptive behavior.
The Library Director will refer cases of severe or repeated violations of the rules of the library to the Library Board for action. The Board may exclude persons from the use of the library for up to one year. Written notification shall be made whenever actions concerning severe or repeated violations are made. Patrons who have been excluded from the library have the right to request a hearing before the Board.
These policies outline the guidelines for borrowing and returning materials, as well as fines, fees, and the suspension of privileges for overdue or lost materials.
General
The primary purpose of this library is to provide library service to the residents of the library district. In addition, these services are available, with special provisions, to nonresidents wishing to use them.
Borrowers may check out as many books and magazines as desired subject to the reasonable discretion of the Library Director provided that it does not deplete the collection in one area. The checkout of other materials may be restricted based on the demand for the materials.
Application Requirements
All library card applicants must provide their name, address, telephone number, secondary contact information, date of birth, and a signature. Proof of residency will be verified by the applicant providing a photo ID and one of the following documents: current month's utility bill, current lease agreement, and/or property tax statement.
* Residents age 18 or over: Upon proper application, or presentation of expired borrower's card, any adult age 18 or over shall be issued a library card which entitles them to use the facilities of the library and to check out materials. Library cards shall be valid for three years from the date of issuance, or until termination of residence in the district, whichever period is shorter.
* Residents under 18 years of age: The signature of one parent or guardian is required on the library card applications of all residents under 18 years of age. The parent(s) or guardian(s) of residents under the age of 18 will be held accountable for the items checked out on the youth's card.
* Nonresident borrowers: Any family not residing in the library district, upon proper application and payment of the nonresident fee, may be issued a library card which entitles members of the family to use the facilities of the library and to check out materials. Such cards shall be valid for one year. Nonresident card fees are not refundable. Nonresidents who display a current real estate tax receipt for property within the Morris Area Public Library District may receive a nonresident card without charge. Any rules cited above pertaining to residents shall likewise apply to nonresidents.
Library cards are nontransferable. Cardholders are responsible for notifying the library of lost or stolen cards.
Confidentiality of Records
The Morris Area Public Library abides by the Library Records Confidentiality Act, 75 ILCS 70/1, which provides that registration and circulation records are confidential Registration records include any information a patron provides in order for that patron to become eligible to borrow books and other materials Circulation records include all information identifying the patron borrowing particular books or materials. The Morris Area Public Library does not make available registration or circulation records to any party except in compliance with the law. The Morris Area Public Library does not make available lists of registered library patrons except in compliance with the law. Law enforcement officers requesting confidential information may be asked to complete the Officer’s Request for Confidential Library Information form.
Fees and Charges
Fees for overdue items shall be $.10 per day for each item per day, including Sundays and holidays, with a maximum fine to be $6.00 per item. The library observes a five-day grace period before fines are charged, and fines will be applied retroactively for items that are overdue beyond the five-day grace period. Fines will be applied retroactively for items that are overdue beyond the five-day grace period.
A nonresident may purchase a card for a fee to be determined by the Board in compliance with state law on an annual basis.
The charge for lost books is the list price of the book plus accumulated fines.
No refunds for lost books will be given after two (2) months. The receipt issued for payment of lost books must be turned in to receive a refund within the two (2) month period.
Lost cards will be replaced for a fee.
Board and staff members shall be exempt from all overdue and nonresident fees. This privilege shall not extend to members of their families.
Persons who have not returned overdue library materials, or those persons having outstanding fines, may not check out any additional library materials until all books or other materials have been returned and fines paid in full. The fines and fees associated with overdue and/or lost materials are outlined in Borrowers and Fees.
Persons damaging library property will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Persons destroying library property will be required to pay for whatever damage they have caused. Library staff members will keep a written record of incidents of destruction of library property.
General
Parents and/or legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are in the library. The Morris Area Public Library staff is committed to help children with activities related to the library; however, Library staff cannot, nor is it their responsibility, to serve as babysitters, teachers, or disciplinarians. Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges. Whenever advisable, the Library will notify the parent or guardian of incidents involving an unattended child.
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible caregiver. When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt, or the parent or responsible caregiver cannot be located, or if the library is closing, library staff is authorized to call the police and stay with the child until the police arrive.
From time to time, the Morris Area Public Library schedules or provides programs that are designed and suitable for attendance by children without direct parental supervision. Program announcements will indicate whether or not such supervision is required. When direct parental supervision is not required, the parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver must remain easily accessible in the Library.
Parents, guardians, and responsible caregivers are responsible for monitoring children's use of library materials, as Library staff is not responsible for restricting children's access.
Unattended Children After Hours
In the event a young person is still at the Library 10 minutes after the Library closes to the public, the police will be called to pick up the young person. Attempts will be made during that 10 minutes to reach parents, but in no instance will staff take young people home.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
· Persons using the Morris Area Public Library District’s (the Library) Internet and computers are subject to the policies of the Library.
· Computers and Internet access are available for public use on a first-come, first-serve basis.
· Patrons must have a valid Library card in good standing (defined as less than $5 in fees/fines and/or less than 5 overdue items) from the Library to use the computers or Internet. Those from other PrairieCat libraries who have accounts in good standing may receive a guest pass for free. Any patron from a PrairieCat library whose account is not in good standing will not be given computer or Internet access until the account is in good standing. Anyone requesting use of a Library computer who does not have an account from a PrairieCat library may receive one guest pass per day for a fee.
· Patrons who use Library accounts other than their own or who allow others to use their account will have their privileges suspended.
· The use of the Library’s Internet and computers is a privilege, not a right, and the Library reserves the right to limit, refuse, and/or ban any patron from using Library equipment and computers. A suspension of privileges may be appealed in writing to the Library Director.
· Persons age 10 and under must be directly supervised at all times by parent or guardian age 18 or older to use the Library’s computers or Internet. The parent/guardian and youth must sit at the same computer station or immediately next to each other’s stations. Persons age 11 through 17 may use a computer or the Library’s Internet with a Parental Consent Form on file at the Library.
· Only one person may be at a computer station at a time, unless prior arrangements are approved by Library staff or unless otherwise specified in the Library’s Computer and Internet Use Policy.
· The Library prohibits the loading of personal software on all Library computers.
· The Library provides printing services for a per-page fee. Patrons are responsible for previewing printed items and are responsible for paying for all printouts. Earphones or earbuds are required for listening to audio on the computers; patrons may use their personal equipment for this purpose or purchase earbuds at the circulation desk.
· When a computer session ends, each computer restarts and wipes clean any files saved to the computer by its previous user. Flash drives may be purchased at the circulation desk to save files before a session closes.
· The Library’s staff may provide assistance to patrons in the use of electronic information networks and other software programs installed on the Library’s computers as time and staff knowledge permits. The Library offers computer classes to assist patrons wishing to improve their computer skills.
· Use of any public computer or Internet connection at the Library constitutes acceptance of this policy and related procedures.
ACCEPTABLE USE GUIDELINES
The Library requires that patrons using electronic information networks such as the Internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use. The following activities are unacceptable:
· Use of electronic information networks for any purpose which results in the harassment of other users
· Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of the Library’s computer equipment, software, or network security procedures
· Use of electronic information networks in any way which violates a federal or state law, including unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted materials
· Use of electronic information networks in any way that violates licensing and payment agreements between the Library and network/database providers
· Unauthorized duplication of copy-protected software or violation of software license agreements
· Violation of system security or other means of gaining unauthorized access to other computers or systems
· Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to others
LIBRARY PATRONS’ RIGHTS
Library patrons have certain rights with respect to use of electronic information networks such as the Internet. The Library will work to preserve and protect those rights, subject to limitations imposed by licensing and payment agreements with database providers.
· The Library respects the confidentiality of records, electronic or otherwise, that identify individual users and link them to search strategies, sites accessed, or other specific data about the information they retrieved or sought to retrieve. The Library respects its patrons’ privacy; however, it is unable to guarantee privacy in a public forum.
· Library patrons have the right to equitable access to electronic information networks.
· Library patrons have the right to access and read all Library service policies and discuss questions with appropriate Library staff.
TIME RESTRICTIONS
Use of Library computers is limited to 75 minutes per person per day. If there are no reservations, time may be extended in 15-minute increments for a total use time of 120 minutes per day. Some computers may be used for 15-minute intervals only. Additional time may be requested in advance and may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
INTERNET USAGE
The Internet is an unregulated medium connecting people and information sources from around the world. The Library does not and cannot control the information content available through global resources such as information obtained from outside sources via the Internet. Internet resources enhance and supplement resources that are available locally within the Library. Library users must be aware that this Library does not exercise control over information obtained via the Internet and must keep in mind the following points when evaluating information obtained via the Internet:
· Information may or may not be reliable or from a reliable source.
· Information may or may not be accurate.
· Information may or may not be current and up to date.
· The Library is a family-friendly establishment. Patrons are to reflect and respect this role of the Library in the content viewed through the Library’s Internet connection and/or on Library computers. Certain information may be considered controversial/ objectionable by some Library patrons. Some materials on the Internet are considered obscene and/or harmful to minors.
· Links to information on the Internet may not always be valid, and particular information sites on the Internet may sometimes be unavailable and this unavailability often occurs unpredictably.
· The availability of information on the Internet does not constitute endorsement of the content by the Library.
In compliance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Library has installed Internet filters on all public use computers. Persons over the age of 18 may ask staff to remove the filters on their computer. Library staff cannot remove filters for persons under 18 not under constant adult supervision and/or without written consent from the person’s parent or guardian. While filters attempt to block objectionable sites, no filtering system is completely effective or efficient. The Library affirms and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians to monitor and determine their children’s access to Library materials and resources, including those available through the Internet. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic information network safety. If a site appears to be inaccurately blocked, please inform staff at the desk. The Library reserves the right to ask for proof of age from any persons requesting that a filter be turned off.
The Library offers wireless Internet access for patron use. The Library’s wireless access points are filtered. There may be times when the user may not be able to access a given site on the Internet due to circumstances beyond the control of the Library.
The Library urges patrons to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet. Library staff may be available to assist patrons in making judgments about the reliability or currency of certain types of Internet information sources, but are unable to provide definitive analysis of particular sources due to the extremely large variety and volume of information available via the Internet.
The Library is not responsible for damages or losses, indirect or direct, arising from a patron’s use of Internet information resources.
The library welcomes gifts of books, records, and other materials. Such gifts will be added to the collection in accordance with the standards ordinarily used by the library in selections of materials and with the understanding of the donor that items not deemed suitable will be disposed of at the discretion of the Library Director.
The Library also welcomes monetary gifts, bequests, or memorials so long as their use is not restricted by conditions which would conflict with the standard practices and policies of the library.
Donor’s names and gifts are listed in a special register which is available at the library. Gift books will be shelved with the regular collection. Special provision is made to label gifts, memorials, or bequests.
Special collections, such as historical materials, books having more than literary value, or manuscripts, will be accepted by the library only if provision can be made for their use.
I. A brief description of our public body is as follows:
A. Our purpose is to provide materials and services for the recreational, social, informational, and educational needs of the community.
B. An organizational chart is attached.
C. The total amount of our operating budget for FY 2011/2012 is: $936,312. Funding sources are property and personal property replacement taxes, state and federal grants, fines, charges, and donations. Tax levies are:
· Corporate purposes (for general operating expenditures)
· IMRF (provides for employee’s retirement and related expenses)
· Social Security (provides for employee’s FICA costs and related expenses)
· Audit (for annual audit and related expenses)
· Tort Liability (for insurance premiums, risk management, attorney’s fees and related expenses, unemployment and worker’s compensation insurance)
D. The office is located at this address: 604 Liberty Street, Morris, IL 60450
E. We have approximately the following number of persons employed:
1. Full-time 7
2. Part-time 13
F. The following organization exercises control over our policies and procedures: The Morris Area Public Library Board of Library Trustees, which meets monthly on the first Tuesday of each month, at 3:30 p.m., at the library.
Its members are: President Alice Klusak, Vice President Joeine Dergo, Secretary Theresa Panzica, Treasurer Tony Robinson, Ginny Bellamy, Jeanne Talarico, and Sam Wilcock.
G. We are required to report and be answerable for our operations to the Illinois State Library, Springfield, Illinois. Its members are: State Librarian, Jesse White (Secretary of State); Director of State Library, Anne Craig; and various other staff.
II. You may request the information and the records available to the public in the following manner:
Use request form (Please see PDF attachment below).
Your request should be directed to the following individual: Kyla Waltermire, FOIA officer.
You must indicate whether you have a “commercial purpose” in your request.
You must specify the records requested to be disclosed for inspection or to be copied. If you desire that any records be certified, you must specify which ones.
To reimburse us our actual costs for reproducing and certifying (if requested) the records, you will be charged the following fees:
If the records are kept in electronic format, you may request a specific format and if feasible, they will be so provided, but if not, they will be provided either in the electronic format in which they are kept (and you would be required to pay the actual cost of the medium only, i.e. disc, diskette, tape, etc.) or in paper as you select.
The office will respond to a written request within five (5) working days or sooner if possible. An extension of an additional five (5) working days may be necessary to properly respond.
Records may be inspected or copied. If inspected, an employee must be present throughout the inspection.
You may appeal the decision of the FOIA officer to the Board of Library Trustees.
The place and times where the records will be available are as follows:
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday
Morris Area Public Library, Administrative Offices
III. Certain types of information maintained by us are exempt from inspection and copying. However, the following types or categories of records are maintained under our control:
A. Monthly Financial Statements
B. Annual Receipts and Disbursements Reports
C. Budget and Appropriation Ordinances
D. Levy Ordinances
E. Operating Budgets
F. Annual Audits
G. Minutes of the Board of Library Trustees
H. Library Policies, including Materials Selection
I. Annual Reports to the Illinois State Library
J. Adopted Ordinances and Resolutions of the Board
IV. Please see the attachment below for the Morris Area Public Library Organizational Chart
The Morris Area Public Library welcomes the public use of Library facilities for educational, civic, cultural, and other uses consistent with the public interest when such use does not interfere with normal Library operations or Library sponsored activities. Permission to use the facility is revocable and does not constitute a lease. The Library reserves the right to deny applications for use based on availability of space, availability of Library Staff, frequency of use, or as further outlined in this policy.
Availability
1. Library programming has priority, and the Library reserves the right to cancel or re-locate within the Library any previously scheduled meeting.
2. Booking of a meeting room will be on a first come, first served basis.
3. Meeting agendas may be requested prior to reservation confirmation.
4. Permission to use a Library meeting room does not imply Library endorsement of the aims, policies, or activities of any group or organization. Advertisements or announcements implying such endorsement are not permitted.
5. The Library will not be the phone contact for the event or activity. The library’s name, address, telephone number, or URL may not be used as the address or headquarters for any group using the library.
6. Meeting rooms may not be used for private social gatherings such as showers, birthday parties, family reunions, etc.
7. Solicitation, admission or other charges, money raising activities, and/or sales are not allowed. This guideline is waived for all Library related programs or Library fundraising activities.
8. Standing reservations for groups may be made for up to a one year period. It is the responsibility of the group to re-apply at the end of this time.
9. Meeting room requests need to be submitted to and approved by the Library Director at least one week prior to the activity.
10. Meeting space may be provided for groups of children that are supervised by adults at the ratio of one adult for every seven children. Groups with members under the age of 18 must have an adult sponsor in attendance at all times during their meetings.
11. Groups from outside of the Library’s jurisdiction (non-resident groups) may use the Library for a fee based on the room arrangement fee scale. Non-resident means that a majority of fifty (50) percent or more of the members of the group do not live in the Library District and/or the mailing address of the group is outside of the Library District. Resident groups (those with a majority of fifty [50] percent or more of the members of the group living in the Library District and/or the mailing address of the group is inside the Library District) may reserve a room free of charge provided that the request is initially made by a resident of the Library District who has a Library account in good standing.
12. Public information meetings are to be open to the public and free of charge for attendees. No fee shall be charged or donation solicited as a condition of entry.
Scheduling
Reservations may be made by telephone; however, the individual representative must confirm by signing an application available from the Library Staff prior to the first meeting.
Rules for Use
1. Rooms must be left in neat, clean, orderly condition with all chairs, tables and equipment returned to their original position.
2. Arrangements need to be made to use Library equipment. Library Staff will assist with setup of the equipment as available.
3. The Library does not provide service to carry supplies, provide refreshments, or provide office supplies or photocopies. All groups, except those sponsored by the Library, must provide their own support for preparation and clean up.
4. It is not permissible to affix or adhere anything to the walls, doors, windows, or other surfaces.
5. The use of firearms or hazardous materials is not permitted at any time.
6. Use of tobacco products or of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at any time.
7. The multipurpose room holds up to 50 people and the auditorium up to 125.
8. No meeting shall last later than the Library’s closing time unless by special permission.
9. No group may reassign a reserved time to another group.
10. It is the responsibility of the applicant to give public notice that signing (sign language) will be made available upon reasonable request if the meeting is open to the public. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide a qualified interpreter. It is the responsibility of the applicant to advise the Library Staff of any other special needs arrangements.
11. Open flames and/or anything with a heating unit are not permissible.
12. Meetings, programs or events may not disrupt Library users or Staff. The Library reserves the right to terminate meetings, programs and events that disrupt or interfere with normal Library operations.
13. Fees for using the room are:
a. Resident groups --$0.00
b. Non-resident groups --$50.00
14. Group members bringing children to the Library are responsible for the supervision of their children attending the meeting and using the Library during the meeting.
15. Groups that hold children's programs are responsible for the care of the participating children and their siblings before, during, and after the programs. Group supervisors must stay until all children have been picked up by their parents.
16. Group members using the Library’s equipment must leave all equipment in the condition in which it was found, including but not limited to stacking and rearranging chairs, cleaning and storing tables, and cleaning the dry erase board. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all participants use the equipment in accordance with the Library District’s policies.
17. Light refreshments may be served. Groups must furnish their own utensils, plates, cups, napkins, and other serving items. Groups will ensure all spills and debris are cleaned up before leaving the Library. No refreshment may be taken out of the meeting room.
18. Future access will be denied if the above requirements are not met. A fee separate from the room rental fee may be assessed for cleaning or the actual cost of repairs if it is deemed necessary by the Library Staff.
19. Library Staff are authorized to monitor the use of the meeting rooms and to enforce all policies concerning their use. All meetings shall be open to the Library Board, Director and Staff. This does not obligate the group or organization to notify the public of the meeting or to specify in any publicity that it is open to the public.
Liability
1. Granting of permission to use Library facilities does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group's policies or beliefs by the Library Staff or Board.
2. The Library is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to any equipment or to the personal belongings of any meeting attendee.
3. The person signing the application for permission to hold a meeting in the Library will assume legal responsibility for the cost of repair or replacement of damaged Library property. He or she will also assume responsibility for the cost of any special cleaning necessary after the use of the room.