Levi E. Coe Library Internet Safety Policy

In order to meet the information needs of its users, the Levi E. Coe Library provides public access to the Internet.  The Internet is an electronic information network connecting computer resources throughout the world. The Library is unable to monitor or control the content of material available through this medium and library patrons use it at their own risk.  While much of the information on the Internet is of very high quality, some material may not be accurate, authoritative, appropriate, or timely.  Parents/guardians of children under 18 are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet.

The Levi E. Coe Library’s Internet Safety Policy is designed to promote access to the Internet while protecting children from exposure to inappropriate material, as well as the public from unlawful access to and use or disclosure of personal information.

Choosing and Evaluating Sources
Information consumers must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found on the Internet.  The Levi E. Coe Library staff is available to assist its patrons to use the Internet in a safe, effective and efficient manner. Finally, in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Library has implemented “technology protection measures” (i.e., software filtering) on all of its Internet-accessible computers.

Filtering

As required by the CIPA, in order to remain eligible for certain federal funding, the Library has implemented software filtering on its Internet-accessible computers.  The filtering software protects against access to visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, and materials that are deemed “harmful to minors.”  Computer users should be aware, however, that the Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all obscenity, child pornography, or materials that are harmful to minors. Nor can the Library guarantee that the filtering software will not restrict access to sites that may have legitimate research or other value. Users should be aware that Internet filtering software installed for CIPA compliance should not substitute for individual judgment and/or parental involvement and oversight. As the law requires, the Library will disable filtered Internet access to persons 17 or older who request it for bona fide research or any other lawful purposes. Users may speak with a librarian to request unblocking of a blocked site.

Education and Monitoring
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not use. Parents and guardians are encouraged to make themselves familiar with information about Internet safety.  The Levi E. Coe librarians are available to provide more information.

Inappropriate Internet Use

As required by CIPA, prevention of inappropriate Internet use includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and (c) dissemination and viewing of obscene visual depictions, child pornography, and/or other materials harmful to minors.

User Security
Computer users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. The Levi E. Coe Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.

Compliance
The Library reserves the right to take appropriate action to insure compliance with this policy

Adopted by the Board of Directors, November 1^st, 2016

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Library Hall Meeting Room Policy

General Rules

1. The Levi E. Coe Library Meeting Room is available free of charge to nonprofit organizations, service clubs or educational groups. Days and times of use are determined and approved by Library Management.

2. If an organization, club, group or private party does not fall within the aforementioned categories, a payment of $25.00 per hour ($100 maximum) for each scheduled event, program or meeting may be collected by the Levi E. Coe Library. Payment is required to be made in full prior to the scheduled event, along with the fully completed forms. A $150 refundable deposit in case of damage will be required by cash or check.

3. Private organizations, clubs, groups or parties that rent Library Hall must provide Proof of Insurance and name the Levi E. Coe Library as an additional insured for the event.

4. Duration of each event, program or meeting may not exceed six hours, unless prior approval by Library Management has been obtained.

5. Due to room capacity, occupancy may not exceed 49 persons at any time during a scheduled event, program, or meeting.

6. Refreshments may be served. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

7. There is no smoking allowed at any time in the building. Organizations that do not conform to this restriction will be immediately removed and denied future use of Library Hall.

8. No goods and/or services may be sold in Library Hall other than those that directly benefit the library or are sold at a library related event.

9. Audio-visual equipment can be brought in and used by organizations or clubs.

10. The Levi E. Coe Library has priority on the use of Library Hall. All other groups will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

11. The Library reserves the right to reschedule or cancel an event, program, or meeting if inclement weather, power outages, or other factors would create an unsafe situation for attendees of said events, programs or meetings.

12. The library often has a waiting list of groups requesting use of Library Hall. Groups that cancel meetings MUST notify the library at least 24 hours in advance. Groups that reserve Library Hall, but fail to cancel within the proper time, may lose future reserved time slots.

13. Parking spaces are limited. Please park vehicles for programs and events in the upper parking lot. If additional parking is required, the lower level parking lot area may be used as well.

14. The group or organization using Library Hall will be responsible for any damages to the library premises. The cost of all professional repairs, cleaning or replacement of furniture due to damages, will be borne by the group or organization.

The hours of operation for Library Hall are Monday through Sunday, 10am-9pm

EMERGENCY CONTACT: Christine Rodrigue 860-349-1922 or 860-583-2250

1. All groups must leave Library Hall clean and in order after each use. Please clean off all tables and chairs used during the program or event if there are any spills. Organizations that fail to properly clean Library Hall may be prohibited from future use and may lose part or all of the $150 deposit.

2. Please remove all trash and other items from the Library Hall premises upon the completion of your meeting, program or event.

3. The library is not responsible for items left in Library Hall, Library Hall bathroom or the Library Hall Kitchen. All unclaimed items will be discarded.

4. Please leave Library Hall, the bathroom and the Library Hall Kitchen broom swept and in orderly condition.

5. Standing on the chairs or tables, and improper use of the furniture is prohibited.

6. Check to make sure that all doors are locked and all lights are turned off prior to leaving Library Hall. Groups that leave doors unlocked or lights on may be denied future use of Library Hall.
7. Please adjust the thermostat as necessitates the time of year and weather conditions.
8. Please use ONLY the main library lobby entrance to enter and exit any events, programs or meetings in Library Hall. Entrance or exit by any other door will be considered a violation of the Library Hall Meeting Policy, and may result in the loss of future use of Library Hall.

Downloads

• Library Hall Policy / Forms (Word doc)

Collection Development Policy

The Levi E. Coe Library provides and maintains a collection of library materials in various
formats representing a comprehensive range of interests, viewpoints, values and levels of
ability. The Collection Development policy serves as a guide to staff and to inform the
public of the principles upon which selections are made for the development of a collection
that fulfills the needs of Middlefield and Rockfall residents of all ages and backgrounds. The
library supports intellectual freedom and subscribes to the American Library Association’s
Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read statement.
Responsibility for Selection
The responsibility for selecting materials for purchase and withdrawal is delegated by the
Library Board of Directors to the Library Director and, under his/her direction, to other
staff members who are qualified for this activity by reason of training and/or experience.
Selection Criteria
It is the library’s policy to develop the collection with an emphasis on popular adult and
children’s materials and by selecting and purchasing high interest items. Library staff use a
variety of selection tools including professional journals when considering materials for
the collection. Materials are selected in support of the library’s mission statement and are
evaluated by the following criteria.

1. Relevance to the informational, educational and recreational needs of the
   community
2. The item supplements, expands upon, or supports the current collection
3. Reputation or qualifications of the author, creator or publisher of the work
4. Popular demand, general appeal and readability
5. Cultural or historical significance to the community
6. Availability from another library or source
7. Price and availability of funds
   The library may provide materials representing several viewpoints on public issues of a
   controversial nature. Materials will not be excluded for racial, political, religious or
   moral reasons. It is important to note that having items in the collection does not
   constitute an endorsement by the library of the ideas or viewpoints expressed within
   those materials.
   Deselecting/Weeding
   Materials will be removed from the collection using the criteria listed above. This will
   be done on a systematic basis and is necessary for maintaining a useful and appealing
   collection. Materials that are no longer useful, outdated or are not in a condition
   suitable for circulation may be withdrawn.

Gifts
All materials offered to the library as gifts are subject to the same criteria for selection
as purchased materials. Upon acceptance, the library assumes unconditional ownership
of all items donated and retains the right to use or dispose of them as it sees fit. The
library cannot give a dollar valuation for gifts or materials. Upon request, the library
will provide the donor with a statement verifying the number and type of materials
donated.
Challenged Materials
The library endorses the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, the
Freedom to Read statement and the Freedom to View statement in providing library
services for all. Copies of these statements will be provided upon request.
Responsibility for the reading choices of minors rest with their parents or legal
guardians. Any challenge or complaint about the content or suitability of a library title
must be referred to the Director. Patrons may fill out a Request for Reconsideration
form and submit it to the Director who will review any such challenge and inform the
patron in writing of the library’s decision. A copy of the Request for Reconsideration
form will be presented to the Board of Directors at the next board meeting. If the patron
wishes to appeal the library’s decision, they may schedule a meeting with the Director
and the Board of Directors to discuss the material. A written formal statement from the
Board of Directors will be mailed to the patron within two weeks of the appeal.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors, October 2023

Levi E. Coe Library
Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials

Please complete the form and return to the Library Director
Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________

City___________________________________________________State/Zip______________________________________

Phone_________________________________________________Email_________________________________________

Representing ___ Self or ___ Group/Organization (please identify) __________________________________

1. Resource on which you are commenting:

___Book/eBook ___Magazine ___Digital Resource ___Newspaper ___Movie ____Audio ____Other

Title ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Author/Producer ______________________________________________________________________________

2. What brought this resource to your attention? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Have you examined the entire resource? If not, what sections did you review? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. What concerns you about the resource? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Are there resource(s) you suggest to provide additional information and/or
viewpoints on this topic? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What action are you requesting the library to consider? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature/Date ___________________________________________________________________________