Towanda District Library

Home

301 S Taylor St

Towanda, IL 61776

309-728-2176

[email protected]

 

Policies

Revised April, 2006

Table of Contents

 

General Information:

General information: history of the library and hours

Facts about the library    

Organizational chart

By-laws

Library Roles

Mission Statement

Long Range Plan

 

General Policies:

Borrowing Privileges/Registration Requirements Policy

Library Volunteers

Service to Patrons with Disabilities

Conduct Ordinance

Use of Library Equipment

Disposal of Surplus Materials

Associations with other Groups

Use of the Towanda District Library by Special Groups

Computer Policies

General

Public Access to Electronic Information Networks

Library Materials Circulation Policy

Reference Policy 

Material Selection/Collection Development Policy

Displays & Exhibits Policy

Investment of Public Funds

Bloodborne Pathogens Policy

Drug and Alcohol Free Policy/Notice of Library Drug and Alcohol Free Policy

Sexual Harassment Policy

Prevailing Wage Act

Immigration Compliance Policy

Emergency Procedures

Appendix:

Board of Directors

Duties and responsibilities

Orientation

 

Library Bill of Rights

Freedom to View Statement

Freedom to Read Statement

Library Records Confidentiality Act

Illinois Freedom of Information Act

 

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

HISTORY OF THE LIBRARY AND HOURS

 

TOWANDA DISTRICT LIBRARY

301 S. Taylor St.

PO Box 170

Towanda, IL 61776

Phone (309) 728-2176

Fax: 309-738-2139

 

The Towanda Township Library was established in 1939 with help from the Federal Works Agency Project Administration.  In 1943, the town assumed complete responsibility for the library and in June 1967, the Township Tax was passed.  The library has been in several locations before constructing a new building in 1989.  The Towanda District Library was formed on Feb. 10, 1988.

 

HOURS:          Monday            10am - 7pm   

                        Tuesday            1pm - 7pm

                        Wednesday     10am - 7pm

                        Thursday           1pm - 5pm

                        Friday                1pm - 5pm

                        Saturday          10am - 3pm

                        Sunday              closed

 

CLOSED:        New Year’s Day

                        Memorial Day

                        July 3rd & 4th

                        Labor Day

                        Thanksgiving Day*

                        Christmas Eve

                        Christmas Day

                        New Year’s Eve

            *Closes at 5pm the day before Thanksgiving

 

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FACTS ABOUT THE LIBRARY

 

PARKING:       In front of building, handicapped and added parking off of alley.

 

COOPERATIVE AFFILIATION:           Alliance Library System Resource Sharing Alliance

 

HOLDINGS: (as of 4/4/2006) 

15,262 books

     855 videos 

     396 DVDs

     620 Music CDs

     116 CD-Roms

                 415 audiobooks

                   36 periodical titles

 

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:

            National Geographic dating back to 1916 (none for 1919)

            Illinois History Section

            Library of America

 

PROGRAMS: Children’s story time sessions

                        Summer Reading Program

                        Library quarterly newsletter

                        Computer classes

                        Volunteer programs

                        ISU Redbird Reader Program

                        Towanda Elementary School class visits

                        Summer movie series

                        No-school day programs

                        Advocates Program

                        Community programs

 

SERVICES:    

Photocopier (10 cents per page)

            Fax Machine (patron may make donation for this service)

            Projection screen (50” x 68”)

            Computers, six with Internet access
                     (printed scans/copies: 10cents per page for black and white, 25 cents for color copies)

            2000 ANSI LUMENS AV Projector

  Laminator:

Letter-size page: $  .75 for 3 ml laminate
                            $1.00 for 5 ml laminate
Legal-size page: $1.50 for 3 ml laminate
                            $2.00 for 5 ml laminate

 

PARTNERSHIPS

Friends of the Towanda District Library

Towanda Area Historical Society

Illinois State University Dept. of Education (Redbird Readers)

 

 

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Organizational Chart

 

Board of Library Trustees

Vice-President

Secretary

Treasurer

Trustees

 

President/Board of Library Trustees

 

Library Director

 

Library Clerks              Custodian

 

Student Assistants

 

 

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BY-LAWS

 

ARTICLE I

Organization

Section I

The Towanda District Library is duly organized and constituted under Section 2-2 et seq., Chapter 81, Illinois Revised Statutes, 1988 State Bar Association Edition.

 

ARTICLE II

Meetings

Section I

The meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Library shall be held at the Towanda District Library in Towanda, Illinois, except as otherwise provided by resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees.

 

Section II

The Board of Trustees shall hold monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of each month, at the hour of 7:00 P.M.  The annual meeting shall be held on the third Tuesday in May of each Year.

 

Section III

Notice of special meetings shall be given by mail addressed to the individual Trustees at least three days prior to the special meeting called.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Order of Business

 

Section I

The Board of Directors shall follow the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order at its proceedings.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Quorum

 

Section I

A majority of Trustees shall constitute a quorum.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Officers

 

Section I

The Board of Trustees shall elect the President at its annual Meeting.  The President shall be the Executive officer of the Board of Trustees, preside over all meetings of the Board, and shall be apprised of the business of the Library.  The President shall see that all orders or resolutions of the Board are carried out.  The Vice President shall preside at the meetings in the absence of the President.

 

Section II

The Secretary or a designated representative shall attend all meetings of the Board of Trustees and shall preserve in the books of the Board of Trustees the true minutes of the proceedings of all such meetings.  The Secretary shall give all notices required to be given by the Board.  The Secretary shall perform all other duties delegated by the board.

 

Section III

The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds and securities for the library.  The treasurer shall deposit all monies and all valuable effects in the name of the Library in such depositories as may be designated by the Board.  The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the library as may be directed by the Board, and shall render an accounting to the Board on a regular basis.  The Treasurer shall keep in force a bond in the form and amount with corporate surety satisfactory to the Board, conditioned for faithful performance of the duties of Treasurer Office.

 

Section IV

The Board of Trustees shall elect all of the above officers for a term of one year until the next annual election.

 

Section V

Any Board member absent from three consecutive meetings shall be eligible for removal from office by a majority vote of remaining Board members.

 

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Depository

 

Section I

National City Bank of Michigan/Illinois, Royal Oak, MI shall be the depository of the funds of the library.  Funds less than $1000 may be withdrawn upon the signature of the Treasurer alone.  Amounts of and exceeding $1000 require authorized signatures.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Budget

 

Section I

The Board of directors shall pass a budget at its July meeting of each year, and a cop0y shall be filed with the County Clerk by the fourth Tuesday in September.  The said budget shall set for the estimated receipts and disbursements of the Towanda District Library for the coming fiscal year.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

Fiscal Year

 

Section I

The fiscal year of the Towanda District Library shall be from July 1 through June 30.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Amendment of By-laws

 

These By-laws may be amended, altered, changed, added to or repealed by the

affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees at any regular or special meeting if

notice of the proposed amendment, alteration, change, addition, or repeal be contained in a

notice sent  to each member of the Board of Trustees at the date of or prior to the

preceding monthly meeting, or in the event of a special meeting, by notice given with a

copy of the proposed change, thirty days prior to the special meeting.

 

The Board of Trustees duly passed the above By-laws of the Towanda District Library,

 McLean County, Illinois at a Duly called and constituted meeting of the Board of Trustees, pursuant to April 10, 2006 Board Meeting.

 

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LIBRARY ROLES

 

Primary Roles:

• General information
• Basic Literacy
• Lifelong learning

 

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MISSION STATEMENT

 

The mission of the Towanda District Library is to provide educational, information and recreational services to persons who reside in the area of the Towanda District Library.

The library makes print and non-print materials available.  The library strives

to continue to make use of developing technologies that meet the needs of the population served by the Towanda District Library.

 

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LONG RANGE PLAN

 

Goal 1:  Continue to increase or maintain geographical boundaries to maintain or enhance our current level of revenue.

 

            Objective 1.1: 

Continue communications with proper authorities at local, state and federal levels to modify the state laws to protect our library district’s boundaries and revenues.

            Objective 1.2: 

Work with similar taxing bodies (fire districts, park districts) to protect our boundaries.

            Objective 1.3  

Continue campaign to inform our library patrons of the threat to the boundaries of their library district by uninhibited growth of  adjacent towns and cities, and assist and encourage their political involvement in solving this issue.

 

 

Goal 2.  Strengthen relationship between the library and community clubs and organizations

 

Objective 2.1 

Make personal visits to community clubs and organizations to familiarize members with library services.

Objective 2.2 

Engage in joint efforts with community clubs and organizations to benefit the local community by providing shared resources and programs.

 

 

Goal 3:  Encourage reading mentoring programs such as buddy programs and intergenerational reading programs.

 

            Objective 3.1:

Solicit volunteers to offer mentoring programs under the supervision of the library director.

 

 

 

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GENERAL POLICIES

 

The trustees of the Towanda District Library accept and endorse the Library Bill of Rights.  Freedom to View statement and the Freedom to View Statement and the Freedom to Read Statement endorsed by the American Library Association.  (See appendixes.)

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BORROWING PRIVILEGES/

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS POLICY

 

The Towanda District Library is a tax-supported library; residents within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Towanda District Library pay taxes to support the library.  Those people who live within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Towanda District Library or those who own property within these boundaries need pay no additional fee to be eligible to receive their library card.  Library cards are renewed every three years without additional fees, provided the library cardholder continues to reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Towanda District Library and is a patron in good standing.  There is a fee of $2.00 to replace damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen library cards.

 

As a resident cardholder, the borrower identified on the valid borrower’s card may use the library card at another library to borrow material.  Those materials are the responsibility of the individual who borrows them, and are subject to all of the fines, rules, and regulations of the lending library.  Often libraries limit the borrowing privileges of reciprocal borrowers, and it is best to establish local rules and procedures before making your selections.

 

Individuals residing beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of the Towanda District Library and are not within the boundaries of another public library, and owning no property within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Towanda District Library, may purchase a non-resident fee card for the price of $120.00 per family if our library is the closest public library to their place of residence (using school district as the initial boundary, then township if a second boundary is needed and then the county boundary if a third is needed to determine which library is closest).  This fee entitles the entire family to use the Towanda District Library as well as libraries that participate in the non-resident reciprocal borrowing program.

 

Adults wishing to register for a borrower’s card, renew an expired borrower’s card, or replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed borrower’s card at the Towanda District Library must bring with them two forms of identification, at least one of which bears their name and address.  These forms of identification, include, but are not limited to, driver’s license, utility bills, mail or voter’s registration card. 

 

Children under the age of 14 must have a parent’s signature on any initial application for a library card.  Parents are responsible for any material that their children borrow.

 

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LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS

 

The director will engage and supervise library volunteers.

 

The director will assign the hours or time for volunteer help during hours when a paid employee is present.

 

 

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SERVICE TO PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES

 

The Towanda District Library offers the same services to patrons with disabilities as to all other segments of the population.  In addition to those services, the Towanda District Library acts as a facilitator between the patron and Services to the Blind and Physically Handicapped, offers home delivery to patrons with disabilities which prevent them from coming to the library, and welcomes service animals in the library.

 

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CONDUCT ORDINANCE

 

The Towanda District Public Library is dedicated to providing access to knowledge and information through reading, writing, and quiet contemplation, providing patrons the right to use materials and services without being disturbed or impeded, and providing patrons and employees a secure and comfortable environment.  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 an ordinance or regulation prescribed.”

 

The Board of Library Trustees of the Towanda District Library Public Library establishes its conduct ordinance as follows:

 

Section 1.

A patron who engages in any activity that disrupts the use of library facilities, collections, or services by patrons or materially disrupts the ability of the staff to perform its duties shall cease such activity immediately upon the request by

library personnel.

Section 2.

In such instances involving minors, identification will be requested and the incident will be reported to the parent or guardian.

Section 3.

If, following a request, the patron fails or refuses to comply or responds to the request in an abusive fashion, he or she will be required to leave the library premises immediately for the balance of that calendar day.  If he or she refuses to leave, the police will be summoned.

Section 4.

Library personnel will record instances in which patrons are required to leave the library in a ledger maintained by the library for that purpose.  Upon the third recorded instance in which a patron is required to leave the library premises within a thirty-day period, the Director shall bar the patron from use of library premises for a period of thirty days.  Parents or guardians of minors will be notified in writing after the second recorded instance in which a minor is required to leave the library and advised of the consequences of any further recorded instances.

Section 5.

Parents wishing to appeal such action may do so upon written request to the Board of Library Trustees.

Section 6.

In the event a patron barred from the use of the library attempts entry to the library during any such period of exclusion, the police will be summoned to remove the patron.

Section 7.

In the event the patron persists in abusive conduct or disruptive behavior following such a period of exclusion, the Director shall report to the Board of Library Trustees such conduct following prior exclusion and the Board will consider a long-term exclusion of that patron.

Section 8.

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon enactment and approval according to law and be in full force and effect thereafter.   A copy shall be posted within three days of enactment at the library and the secretary shall maintain a certified copy in the official records of the library available for public inspection.

Section 9.

Smoking is never permitted inside the building.

 

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USE OF LIBRARY EQUIPMENT

 

 

1.         Photocopier: There will be a charge of ten cents per side for each copy made.  Anyone furnishing their own paper will be charged five cents per side.

 

2.         Fax Machine: The library accepts donations for all messages sent or received.  All fax messages must be sent under the supervision of the staff member on duty.

 

3.         Computer: Patrons must adhere to the rules stated in the computer policy.

 

4.         Television/VCR: Patrons must reserve in advance and must use for business/educational purposes only.

 

5.         Laminating Machine: Drop-off service will be provided.  Patrons will be charged 10 cents per inch of length.

 

6.         AV projector must be used in the library and must be operated by a library staff member.

 

 

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DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS MATERIALS

 

Library property, which in the judgment of the director is no longer useful or necessary, may be disposed of in the following manner:

 

     Materials in poor condition or those that are outdated or inaccurate, or those that are

     no longer relevant, may be discarded or recycled.

 

     Materials to be discarded or donated need board approval if the individual values are

     over $250.00.  Materials having a current value of over $250.00 and under $1,000 may

     be traded or sold in accordance with the Illinois Library Laws 75ILCS 10/13, upon

     board approval.

 

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ASSOCIATIONS WITH OTHER GROUPS

 

The Towanda District Library welcomes associations with library and non-library related groups.  All fundraising and/or programming efforts of these groups benefiting the library must meet the goals stated in the library’s mission statement and must concur with the policies of the Towanda District Library.

 

 

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USE OF THE TOWANDA DISTRICT LIBRARY

BY SPECIAL GROUPS

 

We are pleased to share our facilities with small groups.  Small recognized clubs or organizations or their committees may use the facilities at the following times:  Monday-Thursdays from 7-9pm.  Due to our limited space we ask for strict compliance with these rules.  It is understood that the person who arranges the use of the library will be responsible for observing the rules.

 

1.         All meetings must be free and open to the public.

 

2.         No smoking is permitted at any time, anywhere in the building.

 

3.         No food or drink is to be brought in or consumed on the premises without special permission from the librarian.

 

4.         The library can accommodate up to twenty-five people.

 

5.         The library meeting space must be booked by a group member who is a current cardholder of the Towanda District Library and must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance. 

 

6.         All publicity for the meeting using the library’s name must be approved by the library director before public posting.

 

7.         Meeting places within the library will be determined with the director.  Groups will not have access to staff work areas.

 

8.         An employee must be present during the group’s meeting.  The group must pay wages to the employee at the rate of $10.00 per hour for the prearranged meeting time only.  This payment must be made at the time of the meeting.  The employee will open and close the library.

 

9.         There will be no community group meetings during the library’s open hours.

 

10.       The library will not store or be responsible for any items, goods, equipment, etc. left at the library.  There is no storage room available for these items.

 

12.       Groups will return furniture to original placements and will do any clean-up needed to restore the area to normal.

 

13.       Youth groups must have an adult sponsor (over 21) with them at all times.

 

14.       Groups who do not observe these rules will not be permitted to use the building thereafter.

 

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COMPUTER POLICIES

 

GENERAL

 

1.         The librarian reserves the right to restrict access to the computers by an individual who does not adhere to these rules as adopted by the board of trustees.

 

2.         All patrons must read and sign an “Internet User Agreement”.  Children 14 years old and under must have guardian/parental permission and signatures on the “Internet User Agreement” to use the Internet.  See appendix for form, “Electronic Information Networks Registration and User Agreement.”

 

3.         Permission must be obtained from the librarian before using the computer.  See appendix for form, “Electronic Information Networks Registration and User Agreement.”

 

4.         Only two people at a time will be allowed at the computer at one time.

 

5.         Time at the computer will be limited to 30 minutes when someone is waiting.

 

6.         There will be no food, drinks, or gum at the computer.

 

7.         There will be a charge of ten cents per page for printing, 25 cents/page for color pages.

 

8.         Any improper behavior at the computer will result in the librarian terminating the session.  That individual will not be allowed to use the computer for the remainder of the day.

 

9.         Any damage caused to the computed due to improper use will be charged to the responsible party.  In the case of a minor, the parent or guardian will be held responsible.

 

Public Access to Electronic Information Networks

 

ELECTRONIC NETWORKS AND THE LIBRARY’S MISSION

Libraries make it possible for citizens to have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. As a member of the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET), the Towanda District Library is committed to networking, which represents good public policy by maximizing the use of the resources of all types of libraries. Every library user benefits from expanded access to information beyond the four walls of a single library building.

The Towanda District Library and all ILLINET libraries use electronic information networks such as the Internet for a variety of purposes:

A.   Access to shared automation systems that provide bibliographic access to the collections of the local library and libraries in the region and across the state.

B.   Access to the wealth of information resources available via the Internet.

3. Access to general and specialized shared licensed databases available to ILLINET member libraries through regional and statewide cooperative programs.

 

Internet electronic mail service is available to patrons in libraries that elect to offer this service. In many areas of Illinois, regional community information networks are operational and offer library patrons access to Internet electronic mail and related services.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LIBRARY POLICIES

The Towanda District Library’s Policy for Access to Electronic Information Networks is part of the library’s overall policy structure and should be interpreted in conjunction with other existing policies. Copies of all library policies are available upon request from a library staff member.

 

“GLOBAL” VERSUS “LOCAL” RESOURCES

Most resources available via the Internet and other electronic information networks are “global” resources rather than “local” resources. 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 a 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 obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable and may or may not be obtained from a reliable source.

Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be accurate.

Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be current and up to date.

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.

Certain information obtained via the Internet may be considered controversial by some library patrons.

 

The Towanda District Library urges library 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.

This library is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from a library patron’s use of Internet information resources.

 

LIBRARY PATRONS’ RIGHTS

Library patrons have certain rights with respect to use of electronic information networks such as the Internet. This library will work with other libraries in the Illinois Library and Information Network to preserve and protect these rights, subject to limitations imposed by licensing and payment agreements with database providers.

Library patrons have the right to confidentiality and privacy in the use of electronic information networks to the extent possible given certain constraints, such as proximity of other patrons and staff in public access settings.

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.

 

PATRON ASSISTANCE AND INSTRUCTION

The Towanda District Library’s staff may provide assistance to patrons in the use of electronic information networks as time and staff knowledge permits. Printed and online documentation and instructions are available at or near points of service. Formal instruction in particular aspects of electronic information network use may be available.

 

 USE OF EQUIPMENT AND NETWORKS

The Towanda District Library requires that library patrons using electronic information networks such as the Internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use. The following activities are unacceptable:

1.      Use of electronic information networks for any purpose that results in the harassment of other users,

2.      Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of the library’s computer equipment software or network security procedures,

3.      Use of electronic information networks in any way that violates a Federal or State law,

4.      Use of electronic information networks in any way that violates licensing and payment agreements between [this library] and network/database providers,

5.      Unauthorized duplication of copy-protected software or violation of software license agreements,

6.      Violation of system security,

7.      Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to overuse of computer equipment that serves to deny access to other users.

 

CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORKS

The Towanda District Library supports the right of all library users to access information and will not deny access to electronic information networks based solely on age.

This library recognizes that the electronic information networks such as the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their children’s use of the Internet. Library staff members are unable to monitor children’s use. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic information network safety.

 

 

LIBRARY PROCEDURES RELATING TO ELECTRONIC NETWORKS

This library has developed certain procedures to assist staff and patrons in the use of electronic information resources. These procedures include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:

1.      Time limits for access to allow use of resources by the maximum number of library patrons,

2.      Cost recovery for printouts using the library’s computer equipment,

3.      Priority usage for accessing the library’s online catalog,

4.      Specific instructions for downloading including compliance with virus protection measures,

5.      Restrictions on the use of personal software on library computer equipment,

6.      A registration and use agreement form that must be completed prior to usage.

 

BREACH OF POLICY

Violation of any aspect of this policy may result in the loss of computer privileges.

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LIBRARY MATERIALS CIRCULATION POLICY

 

 

1.         Loaning of Materials:

            a.  Books will be loaned for two weeks.

            b.  Current periodicals will be loaned for one week.

            c.  Videos, CDs and DVDs will be loaned for one week.

            d.  CD-Rom products will be loaned for one week.

            e.  Current reference material will be loaned overnight with librarian approval.

f.  The number of materials to be checked out to a patron at one time is the decision of the librarian.

g.  Materials may be renewed for the same amount of time as stated above.

h.  Materials can be renewed by phone, in person, or online at http://towandalibrary.org/.  There is no limit to renewals unless someone else has requested that item.

 

2.         Interlibrary Loan:

Materials such as books, periodicals, videos, DVDs, CDs, CD-ROMs, photocopies and cassettes may be requested from other libraries within the state of Illinois.  If the patron is willing to pay for 2-way postage, we are willing to borrow materials from outside the state of Illinois but within the United States. 

 

Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan must be returned to the Towanda District Library by the lending library’s due date.  Habitual failure to return materials on time may result in individual loss of interlibrary loan privileges.

 

3.         Reserves:

Patrons may reserve materials that are not immediately available for patron use, but are in the collection of the Towanda District Library.  When the reserved materials are available to the patron who has placed the reserve, the library will notify the patron by telephone.

 

4. Overdue materials:

            a.  Overdue materials will be charged at the following rates:

                        .10/day for books, audio books, magazines and board games

                        .25/day for videos, DVD’s, CDs and CD-ROMs.

 

b.      There is a three-day grace period for all overdue items.

 

c.      First overdue notices will be sent at 2 weeks overdue (at 1 week overdue for videos, DVDs, CDs and CD-ROMs).

 

d.      Second overdue notices will be sent at 4 weeks overdue (at 2 weeks overdue for videos, DVDs, CDs and CD-ROMs).

 

e.  First billing notices will be sent at 8 weeks overdue (4 weeks for videos, DVDs, CDs

       and CD-ROMs).  In the case of children

       under the age of 18, it is the parents’ responsibility to pay for lost or damaged

       items.  Charges are as follows:

 1.  Retail replacement or average replacement cost of any item that is lost or damaged beyond repair, plus a $3.00 processing fee per item ($1.00 processing fee for paperbacks).

 2.  Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan that are lost or damaged are charged to the patron according to the bill provided by the lending agency.

 

f.  Maximum fines are as follows:

$2.00 for books, audio books and games

$1.00 for paperbacks

$  .50 for magazines

$4.00 for videos, DVDs, CDs & CD-ROMs.

 

g.   Patrons whose overdue fine total reaches $5 will not be allowed to borrow any additional materials until payment is made (this includes overdue fines incurred for items at other libraries). After any payment is made on this total, the patron may again check out library materials.

 

h.  The library reserves the right to enlist the assistance of the county sheriff to retrieve library material from delinquent patrons (guardians of minor children). In additional Collection agency may be engaged to collect the retail amount and processing fees to compensate the library for cost of unreturned material. An additional fee of 1/3 the cost of replacement of the material will be added to the total fees to cover the cost of the collection agency’s services.

 

5.  Unreturned/Lost materials:

 

      Patrons who do not return or pay for unreturned items within 30 days of the mailing of a first billing notice will receive a “30-Day Notice Regarding Billing for Overdue Library Materials and will be given an additional 30 days to return or pay for the items (according to 4 e. 1 & 2 above).  After 30 days from the date of the notice, the patron will then receive a “Notice Regarding Unreturned Library Materials,” which states that their library borrowing privileges at this and other libraries have been suspended or blocked until the item is paid for.

 

      The library cannot reimburse the patron for an item that is returned after the library reorders the item.

 

If the patron wishes to personally replace the lost item, s/he must first get approval from the library director, who will determine if the replacement

 

 

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REFERENCE POLICY

 

  1.  Reference service is available to all persons who reside within the library district.

  2.  Reference materials are available for use in the library by all patrons.

  3.  Staff trained to provide reference service are available during all hours the library is  

      open.

  4.  Staff treat all questions with equal respect.

  5.  Reference service is provided in response to all forms of inquiry including but not

       limited to the telephone and fax machine.

  6.  Reference questions that cannot be answered with on-site resources, are referred to      another agency.

  7.  All requests for information receive an answer within one working day.

  8.  The needs of the library user are treated with respect.  Names of users and the

       transactions that occur between users and the reference staff are confidential and not

       discussed outside a professional context.

  9.  Reference material may circulate overnight with the permission of the librarian.

10.  The staff cannot evaluate or interpret reference materials (including, but not limited to

        legal medical, investment and tax-related materials); the staff may only guide the

        patron to the material available.

 

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MATERIAL SELECTION/COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 

1.      Responsibility for section of all library materials shall be that of the director.

 

2.      Criteria:

·         Relevance to community needs

·         Current or historical significance

·         Attention of critics and reviews

·         Limitation of space

·         Budgetary constrains

·         Availability

·         Need for additional points of view to provide well-rounded collection

·         Age and accuracy

 

3.  A patron who finds a book offensive may request a written form from the director (see

     Appendix:  “Complaint about library material form” and “Request for reconsideration

     of library materials” forms to express their view to the library board.)

 

    A decision as to whether to keep the material or remove it rests ultimately with the

    library board.

 

4.  Gifts to the library:

     a.  The library welcomes books and other materials as gifts to the library.  The library

          welcomes monetary gifts, bequests or memorials.  Gifts will be accepted if the

          conditions are acceptable to the board.

 

     b.  The donor’s name and date of gift will be listed in/on the material if requested and

          whenever possible.  Names of individual and/or organization will be added to the

          plaque recognizing special gifts and memorials.

 

     c.  The Librarian will select memorial material after consultation with the family.

 

     d.  The library director or secretary of the board will send a letter of acknowledgment

          for any gift or memorial.

 

     e. The disposition of any item is the responsibility of the library board and/or the

         librarian.  The board will use the item mindful of the concerns of the donor, but will

always act in the best interest of the library over the concerns of an individual.  When a book becomes obsolete, an item becomes dated or simply for reasons of space any item in the library will be used or disposed of at the board’s discretion.

 

     f.  The library director reserves the right to add or remove any book or item.

 

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DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITS

 

It is the policy of the library not to advertise commercial endeavors unless the project is specifically related to the goals of the library, or a non-profit organization.  No advertising of a political or controversial nature will be displayed.

 

The library welcomes displays of general interest to the community as well as    materials having a direct relationship to the purpose of the library.

 

3.  All permanent or semi-permanent exhibits offered for display must be used at the

     discretion of the librarian.

 

4.  All materials displayed in the library will be given reasonable care and protection within the limits of the general operations of the library, but the library and the board do not assume responsibility for damage of loss suffered on its premises, not for the costs of insurance coverage.  Such costs, losses, damages etc. are understood to be the responsibility of the organization or individual providing the display or exhibit.  A signed statement of insurance coverage should be provided when the display is established or if it is uninsured, a statement releasing the library from any responsibility must be signed.

 

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INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

 

PURPOSE.  The purpose of this policy statement is to outline the responsibilities, general objectives, and specific guidelines for management of public funds by the Towanda District Library.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES.  All investment policies and procedures of the Towanda District Library will be in accordance with Illinois law. The authority of the Library Board of Library Trustees to control and invest public funds is defined in the Illinois Public Funds Investment Act, and the investments permitted are described therein. Administration and execution of these policies are the responsibility of the Treasurer, and, by designation, the Library Director acting under the authority of the Library Board of Library Trustees. Investments, fund balances, and the status of such accounts will be reported at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Library Board.

 

OBJECTIVES. In selecting financial institutions and investment instruments to be used, the following general objectives should be considered:

            •Safety, maintenance of sufficient liquidity to meet current obligations, return on investment, simplicity of management

 

GUIDELINES. The following guidelines should be used to meet the general investment objectives:

 

A)  Safety

 

1.      Investments will be made only in securities guaranteed by the U.S. government, or in FDIC or FSLIC insured institutions. Deposit accounts in banks or savings and loan institutions will not exceed the amount insured by FDIC or FSLIC coverage.

 

2.      Authorized investments include and will primarily consist of: Certificates of  Deposit, Treasury Bills and other securities guaranteed by the U.S. Government, participation in the State of Illinois Public Treasurer’s Investment Pool, and any other investments allowed under State law that satisfy the investment objectives of the library district.

 

B)  Maintenance of sufficient liquidity to meet current obligations

In general, investments should be managed to meet liquidity needs for the current month plus one month (based on forecasted needs).

 

C)  Return on investment

      Within the constraints on Illinois law and this investment policy, every effort should be made to maximize return on investments made. All available funds will be placed in investments or kept in interest bearing deposit accounts at all times.

 

D)  Simplicity of management

The time required by library administrative staff to manage investments shall be kept to a minimum. 

 

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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS POLICY

 

A.      While normal library operations are not likely to involve circumstances exposing employees or users to bloodborne pathogens, the Towanda District Library complies with Illinois Department of Labor regulations and therefore the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations relating to occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens that have been incorporated by administrative actions.

 

B.     Exposure Determination: No particular job classification of the Library has occupational exposure (meaning “reasonably anticipated…contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties”), however, emergencies may occur with staff or patrons, particularly youth or elderly patrons, to which library employees in all classifications may be called upon to respond with assistance. Or emergencies with “out of control” individuals (e.g. biting, spitting, etc.) could present an individual threat.

 

C.     Universal Precautions: All potential circumstances of exposure must be taken into account by the Library and its employees to protect against exposures. Hepatitis B (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other bloodborne pathogens found in human blood and other body fluids cause life-threatening diseases. In emergency or other such circumstances, when contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials may result, the Library’s approach to infection control requires all human blood and body fluids to be treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens. Engineering and work practice controls shall be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposures, and if a possibility of exposure remains, personal protective equipment shall also be used.

 

D.     Exposure Control Plan: At any time within the Library environment that human blood, human body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials are presented, the area contaminated shall be immediately cordoned off and quarantined, even if the entire library must be closed to accomplish this completely. Personal protection clothing, such as gloves, gowns, masks, etc., shall be provided and used in the cleanup and safe disposal of contaminated waste such as diapers, blood-tinged materials (e.g. Band-Aids, gauze, cotton, clothing, etc.), etc. If advisable, a professional hazardous/contaminated cleanup firm shall be contacted and retained for complete cleanup and decontamination. The quarantine shall be effective until complete cleanup and disposal is obtained. Hand-washing facilities are provided by the Library and must be used by the employees as soon as feasible, including following the removal of personal protective equipment. A complete record of all incidents, exposures, cleanup, and disposals shall be kept as required by the regulations.

 

E.     Training and Immunizations: The Library shall provide directly or through System, State, or associational programs, annual in-service training/educational programs for all affected employees. Any employee who has an occupational exposure shall be offered, at no charge, the hepatitis B vaccine series, in accordance with the regulations. Following the report of an exposure incident, the Library will make immediately available to the exposed employee or employees a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up as provided in the regulations.

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DRUG AND ALCOLHOL FREE POLICY

 

            The Towanda District Library has long recognized that the non-medical use of controlled substances is hazardous to the health of the patrons and employees of the Library.  Additionally, the use of alcohol by patrons is recognized as both hazardous and often illegal, and the irresponsible use of alcohol by employees is detrimental to the library environment.  The illicit manufacture, use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances, look-alike drugs, drug paraphernalia, and the manufacture, use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, and its derivatives as defined by Illinois and Federal statute, at any time, is not permitted at any library location.

 

            “Library location” means in any library building, on any library premises, in any library-owned vehicle, or at any library-sponsored activity where patrons or employees are engaged in activities under the jurisdiction of the Library. This shall include any period of time when an employee is supervising students on behalf of a school district or is otherwise engaged in library business.

 

            Any employee who violates the term of the Library’s drug and alcohol policy may be suspended or terminated pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Library and applicable state statutes. The Library may in its discretion refer incidents to appropriate legal authorities for prosecution when this policy is violated. Sanctions against employees shall be in accordance with prescribed library regulations and procedures. The Library’s employees, as a condition of their employment, agree to abide by the terms of this policy and to notify the Library, no later than five (5) days after a conviction, of any criminal drug or alcohol statute conviction for a violation occurring at a library location. The Library, if or when required by law, shall report such conviction to the appropriate authorities.

 

            A patron who violates the terms of this policy may be expelled from the library location involved or any library location at the discretion of the Library, and use privileges may be suspended for a specified period of time. The Library may, in its discretion, refer incidents to appropriate legal authority for prosecution when this policy is violated.  Sanctions against patrons shall be in accordance with prescribed library regulations and procedures.

 

            The Library shall obtain and make available materials from local, system, state, and national anti-drug and alcohol abuse organizations and, where appropriate, enlist the aid of community and state organizations with drug and alcohol information and rehabilitation programs to provide information to the Library patrons and employees.

 

            In order to make patrons and employees aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, notice of the Standard of Conduct imposed by this policy and the sanctions imposed for violation of this policy shall be distributed to all employees and prominently posted at the Library for patrons and employees to see. Patrons and, in the case of minors, their parents shall be advised of this policy in the same manner as they are advised of the general disciplinary policies and procedures. Employees shall receive copies of the notice attached as an appendix to this policy.

 

            The Library shall conduct a biennial review and evaluation of the measures taken by this policy to determine its effectiveness and to implement changes to the program where needed. Additionally, the biennial review and evaluation shall determine whether or not the sanctions required by this policy are consistently in force.

 

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NOTICE OF LIBRARY DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

[To be posted – posted in front hall 2/20/02]

 

            The Towanda District Library has long recognized that the non-medical use of controlled substances is hazardous to the health of the patrons and employees of the Library.  Additionally, the use of alcohol by patrons is recognized as both hazardous and often illegal, and the irresponsible use of alcohol by employees is detrimental to the library environment.  The illicit manufacture, use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances, look-alike drugs, drug paraphernalia, and the manufacture, use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, and its derivatives as defined by Illinois and Federal statute, at any time, is not permitted at any library location.

 

            “Library location” means in any library building, on any library premises, in any library-owned vehicle, or at any library-sponsored activity where patrons or employees are engaged in activities under the jurisdiction of the Library. This shall include any period of time when an employee is supervising students on behalf of a school district or is otherwise engaged in library business.

 

            Any employee who violates the term of the Library’s drug and alcohol policy may be suspended or terminated pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Library and applicable state statutes. The Library may, in its discretion, refer incidents to appropriate legal authorities for prosecution when this policy is violated. Sanctions against employees shall be in accordance with prescribed library regulations and procedures. The Library’s employees, as a condition of their employment, agree to abide by the terms of this policy and to notify the Library, no later than five (5) days after a conviction, of any criminal drug or alcohol statute conviction for a violation occurring at a library location. The Library, if or when required by law, shall report such conviction to the appropriate authorities.

 

            A patron who violates the terms of this policy may be expelled from the library location involved or any library location at the discretion of the Library, and use privileges may be suspended for a specified period of time. The Library may, in its discretion, refer incidents to appropriate legal authority for prosecution when this policy is violated.  Sanctions against patrons shall be in accordance with prescribed library regulations and procedures.

 

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SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

 

The Towanda District Library strongly opposes sexual harassment in any form. Sexual harassment is against Library policy and is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of l964 as well as the Illinois Human Rights Act as amended on January 7, l993. It is also unlawful to retaliate against a person who has lodged a complaint of sexual harassment.

 

A.         WORK ENVIRONMENT

It is the policy of this Board that all employees have a right to work in an environment free of sexual harassment. Sexual harass­ment in the workplace includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1.      Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term of condition of an individual's employment,

2.      Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or

3.      Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

Any employee who believes that he or she is being subjected to sexual harassment is urged to immediately report such conduct to the Administration in accordance with the Sexual Harassment Reporting Procedure.

 

B.         LIBRARY EMPLOYEE/PATRON RELATIONSHIP

The Board affirms its commitment to ensuring an environment for all patrons free of sexual harassment. The Board views sexual harassment of patrons by Library employees as an abuse of authority and, therefore, such harassment will not be tolerated.

 

Sexual harassment of a patron by a Library employee means:

1.      Any sexual advance by an employee toward a patron,

2.      Any request by an employee to a patron for sexual favors,

3.      Any acceptance by an employee of a sexual advance or request for sexual favors from a patron, or

4.      Any conduct of a sexual nature by an employee directed toward a patron when (i) the patron's submission to or rejection of such conduct is either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a patron's participation in any library-sponsored activity, or (ii) such conduct has the purpose or effect on  a patron of reasonable sensibilities, of creating an intimi­dating, hostile, or offensive library environment for the patron.

Any patron who suspects that she or he has encountered sexual harassment should report the incident to the director or, if not immediately available, to her as soon as possible. Any employee who witnesses or has knowledge of sexual harassment by a Library employee against a patron shall immediately report it to the director or to their immediate supervisor.

 

C.        EXAMPLES

Sexual harassment prohibited by this policy includes verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct. The terms "intimidating," "hostile," or "offensive" as used above include conduct, which has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort.

 

Examples of verbal sexual harassment include: explicit sexual propositions, sexual innuendo, suggestive comments, foul or obscene language, insults of a sexual nature, and humor or jokes about sex or gender-specific traits.

 

Examples of non-verbal sexual harassment include: suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, whistling, obscene gestures, display of foul or obscene printed or visual material.

 

Examples of physical sexual harassment include: sexual touching, patting or pinching of a sexual nature, intentionally brushing the body, coerced sexual intercourse, and sexual assault.

 

D.        DUTY TO REPORT SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY PATRONS TO FELLOW PATRONS

All Library employees have the affirmative duty to report incidents of sexual harassment perpetrated by patrons upon fellow patrons, whether witnessed firsthand or reported to them. Such incidents must be reported to the director or to their immediate supervisor.

 

E.         RETALIATION

It is a violation of this policy to retaliate or to take reprisal in any way against anyone who has articulated any concern about sexual harassment or discrimination against the person raising the concern or against another individual. 

 

F.         SEXUAL HARASSMENT REPORTING PROCEDURE

The following procedure shall be used by any patron or employee who suspects that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment.

Step 1:

A.      Reporting by Patrons

Any patron who suspects that he or she is the victim of sexual harassment by a Library employee or a fellow patron is to report it to the director as soon as possible.

B.     Reporting by Employees

A complaint by a Library employee that sexual harassment has occurred shall first be presented to either the director or to the employee's immediate supervisor. If the director or supervisor is the subject of the complaint, then the complaint is to be presented to the President of the Board.

Step 2:

If the alleged perpetrator of sexual harassment is a Library patron, normal disciplinary procedures should be followed. In all other cases, the head librarian shall meet with the complainant within three (3) days of receiving the complaint to discuss the allegations. If the complainant chooses to have a representative, then the director may also have a representa­tive; such meeting, however, shall be informal. The director shall issue a written decision within five (5) days of the meeting.

 

Step 3:

If the complainant is not satisfied with the director 's decision, within five (5) days of the date of that decision, an appeal may be taken to the Board President or his designee (hereinafter the words "Board President" shall include designee).

 

The appeal shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for appealing the director 's decision. Within five (5) days of receiving the appeal, the Board President shall meet with the complainant, any representatives, and the director to resolve the matter. The Board President shall issue a written decision within ten (l0) days of this meeting. Any employee found to have sexually harassed a patron or another employee, or retaliated against a patron or employee who alleges sexual harassment, will be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.

 

Step 4:

If the complainant is not satisfied with the Board President's decision, then within ten (l0) days, an appeal of that decision may be made to the entire Board of Library Trustees. Such an appeal shall be instituted by filing with the Secretary of the Board a statement setting forth the reasons for the appeal.  Within twenty (20) days of receiving an appeal, the Board or a committee hereof shall meet with the complainant, the director, and any representatives to discuss the allegations of discrimination. The hearing with the Board shall be informal, however, the complainant and the adminis­tration may present evidence, call, and cross-examine witnesses. The Board may ask questions of the complainant, the administration, and any witnesses. The rules of evidence shall not apply, however, hearsay evidence shall not be presented for proof of any ultimate facts.

 

Within ten (l0) days after the hearing, the Board shall issue its written decision.

 

All hearings shall be held in private and at times convenient for the parties. In the event that the person designated to hear a complaint is the alleged offender, then the employee may immed­iately move to the next step of the procedure.  At any step, the person hearing the complaint may conduct or direct such investiga­tion as they deem appropriate, including obtaining a response from the alleged offender. There shall be no harassment or retaliation by any person involved in the process for any reason.

 

 

G.   LEGAL RECOURSE, INVESTIGATIVE, AND COMPLAINT PROCESS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

 

Any Library Patron or employee may also use the legal recourse, investigative, and complaint process through the Illinois Department of Human Rights and Human Rights Commission.

 

            The address and telephone number are:

Illinois Department of Human Rights

222 S. College, Rm. l0lA

Springfield, IL 62700

 

(217) 785-5l00 

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PREVAILING WAGE ACT

 

In accordance with the State Statute and the Illinois Department of Labor Regulations, the Towanda District Library annually adopts and files an Ordinance that establishes the prevailing rates of wages.  Certified copies of our compliance are sent to the Secretary of State and Illinois Department of Labor.  A newspaper publication notifying area residents is also made.

 

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IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE POLICY

 

The Towanda District Library complies with the requirements of federal immigration law, and for all employees hired after 1988, the Library shall have a properly completed Form I-9, which shall be kept as part of its –permanent personnel records.

 

Copies of Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) can be obtained through the U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service or through the personnel office of your library system.

 

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

 

Staff will be acquainted with the following procedures and with the library’s alarm system in case of emergency.  The librarian has the initial responsibility for training staff response to emergencies.

 

The President of the library board will be notified of any emergency as soon as possible.  If unavailable, the vice president or secretary will be notified.

 

Medical emergency

 

1.  Patron

     a. If serious, call 911 (rescue squad)

     b. Identify victim if possible and obtain contact information of witnesses.

     c. Offer to contact a family member or call a parent if it is a child who is involved.

 

2.  Staff Member

     a. Follow steps listed above.

     b. Enlist the aid of another employee or board member if a staff member must leave

         abruptly due to illness.

 

FIRE

1.  Remove all patrons from the library.

 

2.  Call 911 (fire department)

 

TORNADO

1.  If the weather looks threatening, a staff member will turn on the radio to listen for a weather forecast.

 

2.  If a siren is sounded:

     a. Quickly announce that a tornado has been sighted.

     b. If children are involved, keep them in the library until a parent arrives.

     c. Take cover in restrooms.

 

CLOSING THE LIBRARY DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER

In case of severe that could endanger staff or patrons on their journeys home, the employee in charge of the building at that time may close the library for the remainder of the day.

 

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Appendix

 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

1.      The board is the legal policy making body.

 

2.      The board shall select and employ the director.

 

3.      The board shall participate in positive library public relations and shall be an advocate of the library and its programs.

 

4.      The board shall assist the director in planning, supporting, approving and maintaining an adequate budget that will enable the library to meet its needs for service.

 

5.      When a member assumes the responsibility of a trustee, s/he declares interest in the library to the extent that s/he is willing to serve without compensation for the period of election, to attend board meetings regularly, to accept an office or membership on a committee if called upon to do so, and to fill that office credibly and efficiently without expecting special privileges.  Trustees will inform themselves/be informed of library trends and of challenges of neighboring libraries as well as of the Towanda District Library.

 

 

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ORIENTATION

 

1.  All new board members will receive a tour of the library and the library website.

 

2.  All new members to the board will be made aware that election to the library board is a public trust and that trustees are a policy determining body for the library.  The primary     responsibilities of the trustees include the following:

 

·         to ensure that everyone in the community is aware of the  resources available at the library.

·         to secure adequate financial support for the operation of the library,

·         to encourage continued growth and development of the library staff.

 

3.  Board members will determine the goals and activities of the library, what policies will guide them, and what finances will support them.  The director is charged with administrating the day-to-day operation of the library.

 

4. All new board members will be given both verbal and text orientations that include overviews of the regional library system, the state library, and affiliated organizations.  New board members will be made aware of resources that are pertinent to their responsibilities.   New board members will also be given specific information about the Towanda District Library, including briefings of the following:  

 

·         the value of property, such as book collection, building site, etc.

·         brief history of the library

·         The financial status, with source of income including local, state, and federal grants, a copy of the budget, list of personnel and salaries, and the latest annual report,

·         agendas of previous meetings;

·         brief review of state library laws;

·         brief review of the library system.

 

 

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LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS

 

The Council of the American Library Association reaffirms its Belief in the following basic policies that should govern the Services of all libraries:

 

1.      As a responsibility of library service, books and other library materials selected should be chosen for values of the community.  In no case should library materials be excluded because of the race or nationality or the social, political or religious views of the authors.

 

2.      Libraries should provide books and other materials presenting all points of view concerning the problems and proscribed or removed from libraries because of partisan doctrinal disapproval.

 

3.      Censorship should be challenged by libraries in the maintenance of their resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

 

4.      Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

 

5.      The rights of an individual to the use of a library should not be denied or abridged because of age, race, religion, national origins, social or political views.

 

Adopted June 18, 1948.  Amended February 2, 1961, and June 27, 1967 by the ALA Council.

 

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FREEDOM TO VIEW STATEMENT

 

The Freedom to View, along with the freedom to speak, to Hear and to read is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.  In a free society, there is no Place for censorship of any medium of expression.  Therefore, We affirm these principles.

 

1.      It is in the public’s interest to provide the broadest possible access to films and other audiovisual materials, because they have proven to be among the most effective means for the communication of ideas.  Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.

 

2.      It is in the public interest to provide for our audiences, films and other audiovisual materials that represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.

 

3.      It is our professional responsibility to resist the constraint of labeling or pre-judging a film on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content.

 

4.      It is our professional responsibility to contest vigorously, by all lawful mean every encroachment upon the public’s freedom to view.

 

Adopted or Endorsed By:  The Educational Film Library Association, 2-79 and the

American Library Association Council 6-79 Board of Directors of the Association of Educational Communications & Technology, 12-79, Illinois Valley Library System Board of Directors, 3-80. 

 

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THE FREEDOM TO READ STATEMENT

 

A statement prepared by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and American Book Publishers Council, May 2 and 3, 1953.

 

The freedom to read is essential to our democracy.  It is under attack.  Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove books from sale, to censor textbooks, to label “controversial” books to distribute lists of “objectionable books or authors and to purge libraries.  These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid: that censorship and suppression are needed to avoid the subversion the sue of books and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating them, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.

 

We are deeply concerned about these attempts at suppression.  Most such attempts rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy, that ordinary citizen, by exercising his critical judgment, will accept the good and reject the bad, the censors, public and private, assume that they should determine what is good and what is bad for their fellow citizens.

 

We trust Americans to recognize propaganda, and to reject obscenity.  We do not believe they need the help of censors to assist them in this task.  We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them.  We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.

 

We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture.  We believe that these pressures towards conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend.  We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read.  We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the reader to choose freely from a variety of offerings.

 

The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution.  Those with faith in free men will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and exercise the responsibilities that accompany their rights.

 

We therefore affirm these propositions:

 

1.      It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those which are unorthodox or unpopular with the majority.

 

2.      Creative thought is by definition new and what is new is different.  The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until his idea is refined and tested.  Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy.  The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them.  To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process.

 

Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these.  We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.

 

3.  Publishers and librarians do not need to endorse every idea or presentation contained to the books they make available.  It would conflict with the public

            interest for them to establish their own political, moral or aesthetic views as the sole standard for deterring what books should be published or circulated.

 

            Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind as mentors the patterns of their own thought.  The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas, than those that man be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church.  It is wrong that what one man can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.

 

4.  It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to determine the acceptability of a book solely on the basis of their personal history or political affiliations of the author.

 

            A book should be judged as a book.  No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators.  No society of free men can flourish which draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.

 

5.  The present laws dealing with obscenity should be vigorously enforced.  Beyond that, there is no place in our society for extra legal efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.

 

            To some, much of modern literature is shocking.  But is not much of like itself shocking?  We cut off literature at the source if we prevent serious artist from dealing with the stuff of lie.  Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves.  These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared.  In these matters taste differs, and taste cannot be legislated, nor can machinery be devised which will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.  We deplore the catering to the immature, the retarded or the maladjusted taste.  Bu those concerned with freedom have the responsibility of seeing to it that each individual book or publication, whatever its contents, price or method of distribution, is dealt with in accordance with due process of law.

 

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ACT 70.  LIBRARY RECORDS CONFIDENTIALITY ACT

75 ILCS 70 (formerly Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch.  82, 1202

An act regarding the Confidentiality of various types of information held by certain Libraries P.A. 83-179.  Approved August 30, 1983 effective January 1, 1984.

 

70/1.  Registration and circulation records – Statistical reports

 

Sec. 1.

(a)   The registration and circulation records of a library are confidential information.  Except pursuant to a court order, no person shall publish or make any information contained in such records available to the public.

 

(b)   This Section does not prevent a library from publishing or making available to the public reasonable statistical reports regarding library registration and book circulation where those reports are presented so that no individual is identified therein.

 

(c)   For the purpose of this Section (i) “library” means any public library or library of an educational historical institution, organization or society, (ii) “registration records” includes any information a library requires a person to provide in order for that person to become eligible to borrow books and other materials and (iii) “circulation records” includes all information identifying the individual borrowing particular books or materials.

 

P.A. 83-179, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1984.

Formerly Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch, 81, Para. 1201

 

Title of Act:

An Act regarding the confidentially of various types of information held by certain libraries.  P.A. 83-179, approved Aug. 3, 1983, eff. Jan. 1, 1984.

 

70/2.  Short Title

Sec. 2.  This Act may be cited as the Library Records Confidentiality Act

P.A. 83-179, Sec. 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1984.  Amended by P.A. 86-1475, Art. 4, ch. 4-43, eff. Jan. 10, 1991. 

 

Formerly Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 81, para 1202.

 

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The Illinois Freedom of Information Act

 

 

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 the current fiscal year is: (Consult yearly budget).  Funding sources are property and personal property replacement taxes, state and federal grants, fines, charges, and donations. Tax levies are:

1.   Corporate purposes (for general operating expenditures)

2.   Social Security (provides for employee’s FICA costs and related expenses)

3.   Audit (for annual audit and related expenses)

4.   Maintenance (for maintaining the building)

5.    Tort Liability (for insurance premiums, risk management, attorney’s fees and related expenses, unemployment and worker’s compensation insurance)

6.    Debt Service (for bond and interest payments)

 

D.  The office is located at this address: 301 S. Taylor St., Towanda, IL 61776

 

E.   We have the following number of persons employed:

                        1.         3/4-time                                   1

                        2.         Part-time (1/2 time or less)     6

 

F.   The following organization exercises control over our policies and procedures: The Towanda District Library Board of Library Trustees, which meets monthly on the second Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m., at the library.

 

Its members are: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and others.

 

G.  We are required to report and be answerable for our operations to:

Illinois State Library, Springfield, Illinois. Its members are: State Librarian, Jesse White, Secretary of State); Director of State Library, Jean Wilkins; and various other staff.

 

II.    You may request the information and the records available to the public in the following manner:     

A.      Use request form (see attached).

B.     Your request should be directed to the following individual: Library Board President (FOIA officer).

C.     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.

D.     To reimburse us our actual costs for reproducing and certifying (if requested) the records, you will be charged the following fees:

.10 per page for employee copied records.

E.     The office will respond to a written request within seven (7) working days or sooner if possible. An extension of an additional seven (7) working days may be necessary to properly respond.

F.      Records may be inspected or copied. If inspected, an employee must be present throughout the inspection.

G.     You may appeal the decision of the FOIA officer to the Board of Library Trustees. 

H.     The place and times where the records will be available are as follows:

During library’s open hours.

Towanda District Library.

 

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

 

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