Hope Library PictureHope Library
Code of Service
Approved by the Hope Library Board of Trustees 2001
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Library Policies


By-Laws
Circulation Policy
Computer Use Agreement
Materials Selection Policy
Meeting Room Policy
Meeting Room Application
Mission Statement
Non-Resident Borrower's Policy
Rules & Regulation for Library Behavior
Safe Children Policy

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Hope Library Association
By-Laws

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this body shall be the Hope Library Association, hereinafter referred to as the "Association." Its object shall be to hold and maintain a free public library in Hope, Rhode Island

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

The Library shall at all times be operated exclusively as a tax-exempt charitable library. As such, it shall provide library facilities for the people of Hope, Rhode Island and its surrounding community as a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the Rhode Island Nonprofit Corporation Act. The use of the Library shall be free to all residents of the Town of Scituate, subject to such rules and regulations as may be established by the Board of Trustees. The Library shall do all things incidental to and designed to promote the foregoing purposes.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: A voting member of the Association shall be eighteen (18) years or older, not a paid employee of the library, who is current with the payment of the annual dues under such terms and conditions as the Board may determine from time to time. All voting members, current with the payment of annual dues as of the annual meeting of each year, shall be entitled to cast votes for the election of the Board of Trustees at the annual meeting of the Library. Only duly qualified members may be appointed to the Board of Trustees.

Section 2: The annual meeting of the Library for the transaction of such business by the Members as may properly come before the meeting shall be held on the second Tuesday of May each year. No proxy voting shall be permitted. Only members in good standing as of the annual meeting of each year shall be eligible to vote at the May meeting of the same year.

Section 3: Special meetings of the Members may be called by the President of the Board with reasonable notice given the circumstances or shall be called by the President at the written request of at least thirty (30) active members.

Section 4: Notice of a special meeting of the Members must be placed in the local newspaper at least seven (7) days but not more than thirty (30) days prior to said meeting. In an emergency, the President may call a special meeting upon whatever notice is deemed reasonable.

Section 5: The annual meeting of the Library and any special meetings of the Members shall take place at the Library or at such other location within the State of Rhode Island, as may be designated in the notice of the meeting. If no designation is made for the annual or special meeting, the place of meeting shall be at the Library.

Section 6: The by-laws may be amended at any regular Association meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present. Notice must be given at least one (1) week in advance in the notice of the call to the meeting.

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Section 1: The number of trustees to constitute the Board of Trustees of Hope Library shall be a minimum of nine (9) and maximum of eleven (11) members who will serve without compensation

Section 2: Members of the Board of Trustees shall be elected/ reelected at the annual Association meeting by the vote of the Association Members present. A Nominating Committee named by the President shall present the slate of Trustees to be voted upon at the meeting. Association Members shall be notified in the call of the meeting. The Trustees shall be elected for staggered three-year terms. The Board of Trustees shall have the power to appoint to unexpired terms.

ARTICLE V - POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD

Section 1: The Board shall be the legal guardians and custodians of the Library and shall provide suitable quarters for same. It shall appoint the Library Director, fix the salary schedule, and approve the hiring of additional staff at the recommendation of the Director.

Section 2: The Board, in consultation with the Library Director, shall determine and adopt a written statement of the policies to govern the operation and program of the Library. It shall be the duty of the Board to approve and present the financial needs of the Library to the Town of Scituate and to insure adequate public support for Hope Library service.

Section 3: The Board, shall maintain standing committees for nominations, membership and activities, and property and maintenance. At least three Members of the Board shall be appointed to each of these committees.

Section 4: The Board may also appoint special committees on any subject affecting the interests of the Library from members of the Board, as may be necessary from time to time.

Section 5: Board members are required to participate in Library fund-raising activities and must serve on at least one standing committee.

Section 6: A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of a simple majority of the Board. The vote of majority present at any properly noticed Board of Trustees meetings shall be the act of the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS

Trustees shall elect from their own membership a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer at the first regular meeting subsequent to the Annual Meeting. Officers are elected to serve two (2) year terms. No officer shall serve for more than three (3) successive terms in any one office.

ARTICLE VII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1: The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board. He/she shall have all powers of the Treasurer in the event of the absence or illness of the Treasurer. The President shall appoint annually at least three (3) Members of the Board to serve on various standing committees such as Nominating Committee, Membership and Activities, and Property and Maintenance, and otherwise perform such other duties as the Board of Trustees may prescribe from time to time.

Section 2: The Vice President shall perform all duties of the President in the event of his/her absence or disability. The Vice President shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as the Board of Trustees may prescribe from time to time.

Section 3: The Secretary shall keep all records of the Board and prepare and send out notices of meetings. The Secretary shall otherwise make such reports and perform such other duties as are incident to the office of Secretary or required by the Board of Trustees.

Section 4: The Treasurer shall have custody of all money belonging to the Library and shall deposit same in the name of the Library. She/he shall keep an accurate record of the income and disbursements in the financial books of the Library. The Treasurer shall serve with whatever bond surety the Board may require and shall have all accounts audited at least every two (2) years. The Treasurer shall make reports and perform such other duties as are incident to the officer of Treasurer or required by the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE VIII-MEETINGS

Section 1: The annual meeting shall be held on the second Tuesday in May. Annual reports shall be presented by the President and the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees.

Section 2: Regular meetings of the Board shall be held monthly, usually the second Tuesday at 7:00 PM. Meetings may be omitted during July and August and at the discretion of the Board. Regular attendance of Trustees is expected. Excessive absences will be subject to review by the Board. Special meetings of the Board or of the Association may be called by the President at any time, with reasonable notice given the circumstances.

ARTICLE IX-CONDUCT OF MEETINGS

All meetings of the Board of Trustees will be conducted using Robert's Rule of Order.

ARTICLE X - EMPLOYEES

Section 1: The Board of Trustees shall appoint the Director of the Library and shall fix the amount of his/her compensation. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the Director's Annual review. The Library Director shall have custody of the books, documents, and all movable property of the Library and shall keep such records as the Trustees may require, including monthly and annual reports. Among the Director's duties shall be to:

1. Supervise staff personnel.
2. Train staff.
3. Attend all Trustee meeting and present a Director's report.
4. Select and purchase books.
5. Submit reports to Department of State Library Services.
6. Attend and actively participate in state and regional professional meetings.
7. Upgrade his/her professional training as necessary.
8. Write grants.
9. Assist in the preparation and presentation of a Library budget to the Town of Scituate.

Section 2: The Director, in conjunction with Board approval, shall hire all other necessary library personnel. The Board of Trustees shall fix salary schedules. The Director shall be responsible for annual evaluations of staff members.

ARTICLE XI - INDEMNIFICATION

The Library shall indemnify to the fullest extent permitted under Rhode Island General Law 7-6-6, as amended from time to time, or any other applicable law related or succeeding thereto, every trustee, officer, member of a committee, or employee made a party to a proceeding by reason of such person being or having been a trustee, officer, member of a committee, or employee of the Library against judgments, penalties, settlements, and reasonable expenses actually incurred, including those expenses actually incurred prior to the final disposition of such proceeding, subject to the limitations, if any, contained in the Rhode Island General Laws 7-6-6, as amended from time to time, or in any other applicable law related or succeeding thereto then in effect.

Hope Library Association By-Laws, Revised and Approved May, 2005

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Circulation Policy

CLAN Cards: CLAN cards are available to Rhode Island residents free of charge. Proof of identity and current address is required.
Hope Library computers are available by signing the “Hope Library Computer Use Agreement” form. Patrons under eighteen must have their registration and “Hope Library Computer Use Agreement” forms signed by a parent or legal guardian in the presence of a staff person.

Replacement for a lost card is available for a $1.00 fee. Old and worn out cards are replaced for free. You must have your library card with you to borrow materials or use the computers. You are responsible for all items, including damages to those items or their cases, as checked out on your card.

Rights: Information about your registration and borrowing habits are protected under Rhode Island law and all information will remain confidential. All print and non-print materials are freely available without restriction* to all library patrons.

*Restrictions: CLAN policy prohibits patrons from checking out library materials if they have overdue fines totaling more than $5.00. Patrons can not check out materials or use the computers if restitution for lost or damaged items has not been made and/or their record shows overdue items of more than one month.

Loan Period: Materials are generally loaned for a three-week period. Exceptions are as follows:
Magazines: Loan period is 1 week. Patrons are limited to three new magazines. A “new” magazine is defined as the current month, the next month and the previous month. New magazines have a loan period of 1 week.
Videos/DVDs: circulate 1 week.All videos/DVDs are limited to 3 per family.

Music CDs: Loan period is 1 week.

Note: The library reserves the right to limit the number of materials borrowed at any one time, especially in times of heavy demand (school assignments, holidays and best sellers)Reference books, historical books and certain magazines do not circulate.

Renewals: Most materials may be renewed if there is no hold on the item. Phone renewals are accepted by calling 821-7910, or by using our website: web.provlib.org/hpelib and clicking on Library Catalog.

Overdue Fines: Items not returned on time are subject to the following fines:
Videos/DVDs: $1.00 per day with a maximum of $10.00 per video.
Music CDs: $1.00 per day with a maximum of $5.00 per CD.
Note: Items not listed above do not accrue fines, however, patrons are asked to make a donation in lieu of fines.

Book Drop: All items, except for CDs and DVDs, may be returned in the book drop only when the library is closed. CDs and DVDs must be returned inside during normal hours of operation.

Holds: Patrons may place a hold on material by speaking to a staff member at the circulation desk, or by placing a hold on the item through the on-line catalog in the library or from home. Our web address is web.provlib.org/hpelib. Patrons will be called when the material is available. The item will be held for up to ten business days. Note: You are responsible for any overdue fines as set by the lending library.

Interlibrary Loans: Materials not owned by the Hope Library and not available within the CLAN system may be requested from other libraries through the interlibrary loan system. Please speak to a staff member for further information.

Library Closings: The library is closed on the following holidays:

Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Victory Day,
Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving,
Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Presidents' Day

*The library may also close during inclement weather for the safety of our patrons and staff.

Revised and approved by the Hope Library Board of Trustees: May, 2005

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Hope Library Computer/Internet Use Agreement

In keeping with the Hope Library’s Mission Statement to enrich the quality of life and meet the educational and informational needs of users of all ages, we are pleased to offer Computer/Internet access to the public. The Internet offers global access to information with a highly diverse user population and library patrons use it at their own discretion. Patrons should be aware that not all information found on the Internet is accurate, complete, current or inoffensive and the Hope Library does not imply sponsorship or endorsement through provision of access. Since the Hope Library is unable to monitor or control the content of the material available, parents/legal guardians of their children and only their children are responsible for monitoring and or restricting their access to the Internet. Parents/legal guardians are encouraged to not only provide supervision for their children, but also to share in the exploration of the resources available on the Internet. Following are a list of regulations, which govern the use of computer workstations at the Hope Library:

1. All Web station users shall have a current CLAN card with no blocks. Parental consent is required for users under the age of 18. Users must sign up at the circulation desk where CLAN cards will be held while the workstation is in use.
2. Library patrons age 10 and over may use computers with Internet Access. Children younger than 10 must be supervised by an adult.
3. At the discretion of the staff, out-of-state visitors may use the workstations upon presentation of a photo I.D.
4. The user shall make no changes in the setup or configuration of system hardware or software. The user will not attempt to modify or gain access to the system files, passwords, or data.
5. The user will not seek unauthorized access to any computer system or network.
6. Due to potential virus or security problems, chat groups, and news groups are not available at this time.
7. Personal software may not be used on the library Computer/Web stations.
8. Computer/Web stations shall be available in half-hour blocks of time. Computer/Web station times may be reserved one day in advance.
9. No more than two people (both of whom have signed an Computer/Internet Use Agreement) at a time shall be at each Computer/Web station.
10. Users must have basic computer skills, however, library staff will try to assist users if possible but their availability may be limited.
11. Black and white print outs are available at $.25 per page, color print outs are available at $1 per page.
12. Files can not be saved to the hard drives; therefore, users may download to a floppy disk, or a flash drive only. Floppy disks are available at the circulation desk for $1. Users are not allowed to provide their own diskettes, but may save information onto their flash drive.. Any disks that leave the library can not be re-used in library computers; however, the library will hold all diskettes for future use.
13. Misuse or abuse of computer or Internet access as well as failure to abide by this agreement may result in damage charges and the suspension of Computer/Internet use privileges.
14. Some Internet resources are inappropriate to a library setting. Because the library is a public place, the staff has the authority to end an online session when inappropriate material is displayed on the screen. This may include material that you do not find personally offensive.
15. Filtering software is installed on all computers in compliance with CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act.) To unblock a site, please see a librarian.

User Name(print):

User Signature:

Date:

(If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement.)

As the parent or guardian, I have read the above Computer/Internet Agreement with the user. I recognize it is impossible for the Library to restrict access to controversial materials and I will not hold the library responsible for materials acquired on the Computer/Internet.

Parent/Guardian Name(print):

Signature:

Date:

Approved by the Board of Trustees May, 2005.

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HOPE LIBRARY MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY

The Board of Trustees of the Hope Library Association has adopted the following Materials Selection Policy to guide librarians and to inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made.

The mission statement of the Hope Library Association guides the selection of materials as it does the development of services and the allocation of resources.

Hope Library will anticipate and respond to the community's needs, which will meet the interests of all ages and enrich the quality of life through the following:

The Hope Library Association supports the individual’s right to have access to ideas and information representing all points of view. The Board of Trustees of the Hope Library Association supports the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.  The Freedom to Read and The Freedom to View statements. See Appendix A, B and C.

Objectives:
The Hope Library Association acquires and makes available materials which inform, educate, entertain and enrich persons as individuals and as members of society.  Since no library can acquire all print and non-print materials, selection decisions must be made. The library provides, within financial limits, reliable materials covering broad areas of knowledge including works of enduring value as well as timely materials on current issues. Selection is based on community needs. Other area library resources are considered in selecting materials. Hope Library belongs to the Cooperating Libraries Automated Network, a system of thirty-nine public libraries. Hope Library cardholders have access to materials in these libraries. Through interlibrary loan agreements, librarians may obtain for patrons of the Hope Library materials available throughout New England and the United States. Other information may be obtained through electronic access of remote databases. New formats will be considered for the collection when a significant portion of the community has the necessary technology to use the format. Availability of items in the format, the cost per item and the Library’s ability to acquire and handle the items will also be factors in determining when a new format will be collected. Similar considerations will influence the decision to delete a format from the Library’s collection.

Responsibility for Selection:
The Library Director and the Youth Services/Reference Librarian(s) are responsible for selecting all materials within the framework of policies determined by the Board of Trustees. The Library Director and the Youth Services/Reference Librarian(s) considers recommendations from the staff and patrons of the Library. Selection is a discerning and interpretive process, involving: a general knowledge of collection development, familiarity with the materials in the collection, awareness of the bibliographies on the subject and recognition of the needs of the community. Analysis of the circulation reports and interlibrary loan requests also assist the Library Director and Youth Services/Reference Librarian(s) in the allocation of funds for materials selection. Among standard criteria applied are: literary merit, enduring value, accuracy, social significance, importance of subject matter to the collection, soundness of the author’s attitude and approach, cost, scarcity of material on the subject and availability elsewhere.  Tools used in selection include professional journals such as Library Journal, Booklist and the New York Times Book Review. Subject bibliographies, publishers’ promotional materials and reviews from reputable, unbiased sources also aid in selection of materials.

Weeding:
In order to maintain an up-to-date, useful collection, it is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Resources are removed for the following reasons: damage, obsolescence, insufficient use or unsuitability. The disposal of such materials shall be at the discretion of the Library Director who will maintain a list of such discards for a period of 3 years. Preservation of the collection is fostered by correct handling of books, education of the public and timely repair.

Gifts:
All gifts are gratefully accepted at the discretion of the Library Director with the understanding that they will be considered for addition to the collection in accordance with the Materials Selection Policy. Gifts of more than fifty items or items more than five years old should be discussed with the Library Director in advance. The Library reserves the right to sell or otherwise dispose of gift materials not added to the collection. In cases where the donor may desire appraisal, it shall be the responsibility of the donor. Gifts of funds are always welcome. Recommendations from the donor are honored in so far as the suggestions are in accordance with the Materials Selection Policy.

Reconsideration of Library Materials:
The obligation of the public library is to reflect within its collection different points of view. Hope Library does not promote particular beliefs or views, nor does the selection of an item express or imply endorsement of the viewpoint of the author. Comments from members of the community about the collection or individual items in the collection frequently provide librarians with useful information about interests or needs that may not be adequately met by the collection. The Library welcomes expressions of opinion by patrons, but will be governed by the Materials Selection Policy in making additions to or deletions from the collection. Patrons, who request the reconsideration of library materials will be asked to put their request in writing by completing and signing the form appended to this policy, entitled “Request for Reconsideration of Library Material.” See appendix D. Upon receipt of a formal, written request, the Library Director, in consultation with the staff will make a decision regarding the disposition of the material. The Library Director will communicate this decision and the reason for it, in writing to the person who initiated the request for reconsideration at the earliest possible date. The Library Director will inform the Board of Trustees of all requests for reconsideration of library materials and their disposition. In the event that the person who initiated the request is not satisfied with the decision of the Library Director, he or she may appeal to the Board of Trustees for a hearing by making a written request to the President of the Board. If a hearing is granted, the individual will be notified when he or she may address the Board. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to limit the length of presentation and the number of speakers at the hearing. The Board will determine whether the request for reconsideration has been handled in accordance with stated policies and procedures of the Hope Library Association. On the basis of this determination, the Board may vote to uphold or override the decision of the Library Director. The Materials Selection Policy shall be reviewed every three years.

Revised and Adopted: May, 2005

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HOPE LIBRARY MEETING ROOM POLICY

The Hope Library is pleased to offer the meeting room for the use of nonprofit groups who wish to offer programs of an instructional or educational nature or to use for meetings. Meeting Room Use requests should be made to the Library Director at least two weeks in advance, using the Hope Library Meeting Room Use Request Form. Priority for the use of the meeting room will be given in the following order: library programs, Scituate non-profit groups, other Scituate organizations, and out of town organizations.

Use of Meeting Room Fees

$0.00 Scituate organizations of a community or educational nature where no admission is charged.

$0.00 Scituate organizations or groups conducting an event for which admission is charged with all profits going to community betterment or other public service.

$0.00 Out of town organizations or groups conducting an event without admission.

$10.00 Scituate organizations or groups conducting an event for which admission is charged with profits going all or in part to the organization or individual. * If this is an event or group meeting, which will involve use of the room on a weekly basis over a period of several weeks, then there is an additional charge of $5.00 per week. (all fees are non-refundable with a maximum of eight weeks.)

$20.00 Out of town organizations or groups conducting an event with an admission charge. * If this is an event or group meeting, which will involve use of the room on a weekly basis over a period of several weeks then there is an additional charge of $5.00 per week. (all fees are non-refundable with a maximum of eight weeks.)

HOPE LIBRARY MEETING ROOM RULES

1. The group sponsoring the program is responsible for those in attendance and for any damage that may occur. Adults must be present at all meetings involving children and teens.
2. Smoking and open flames are not permitted in any part of the library, including the restrooms.
3. The group sponsoring the program is responsible for cleaning up the Meeting Room and returning it to the condition in which it was found.
4. Meeting Room use during hours other than normal library business hours or after 7:45pm requires obtainment of the Meeting Room key. The Meeting Room key will be entrusted to a designated individual who will be responsible for returning it promptly to the library after use. An envelope for the book drop will be provided.
5. Meeting Room use is limited to the meeting room, adjoining kitchen and restroom, unless special permission is granted.
6. Use of the library telephone is prohibited except for emergencies.
7. Meeting Room use is limited to a maximum of forty-eight people at one time, in accordance with the fire code.
8. The building must be vacated by 9:00pm.
9. Hope Library reserves the right to withhold permission to use the meeting room should any of these rules be violated.

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HOPE LIBRARY
MEETING ROOM USE REQUEST FORM

Date Request Made:________________

FACILITIES NEEDED: ___________Meeting Room
___________Kitchen
___________Other (with special permission):________________

Date(s) requested:________________________ Time(s) requested:___________________

Description of Proposed Use: ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Organization: ___________________________ Contact person:________________________

Street Address: ________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________________Phone number: __________________

Library Director’s Approval:________________________________Date: ______________

****LIBRARY USE RELEASE****

I, ______________________________ understand and agree that, in consideration for being granted access to and the use of the property and facilities of the Hope Library, I assume any and all risk with respect to such access and use, and hereby release said Hope Library, its representatives, agents, servants and employees from liability for any injuries sustained or damage incurred in the course of such access and use resulting from any cause whatsoever which may be sustained.

_____________________________________________________________________________
Signature ************* Date
Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 11,2006.

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Hope Library Association
Mission Statement

Hope Library will anticipate and respond to the community's needs, which will meet the interests of all ages and enrich the quality of life through the following:

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NONRESIDENT BORROWERS

The Hope Library is open for all people to enter and use its resources. Borrowing privileges may be extended to nonresidents on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the library director or his/her designee. The Hope Library does not charge any nonresident borrowers fee except those required by CLAN.

*Approved by the Board of Trustees April 11, 2006

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Rules and Regulations for Public Behavior in the Library

The Board of Trustees is responsible for determining the rules for public behavior in the library, which is necessary:

1. To protect the rights of individuals to use library materials and services.

2. To protect the rights of library employees and volunteers to conduct library business without interference.

3. To ensure the use of the building, materials, and services by the greatest number of individuals.

4. To preserve those materials and facilities from harm.

5. To ensure the safety of library patrons, employees, and volunteers.

The Board authorizes the director or his/her designee to revoke or restrict library privileges of any individual who behaves contrary to these rules. The Board also authorizes the director to file charges against individuals who continually transgress these rules.

The rules for public behavior are listed below. Employees are authorized to bring to an individual's attention any act or omission, which violates the rules and detracts from the decorum of the library. Such an individual will be asked to change his behavior to conform to the rules. If such change is not evident or forthcoming that individual will be asked to leave the library building and library property. If the individual does not leave on his own accord, police may be called for assistance.

Depending on the severity of the misbehavior, individuals who have been asked to leave the building and property may be barred from returning to the library. Individuals who have been barred may be asked to talk to the director or his/her designee before being readmitted. Juveniles will be asked to bring a parent or guardian to such a conference.

Any misconduct that hinders use of the library or library materials is prohibited. Such misconduct might include but is not limited to:

1. Loud or boisterous behavior.
2. Conversation that is disturbing to other individuals or employees.
3. Profanity or other abusive and threatening language toward other individuals or toward employees.
4. Possessing any weapon on library property except those in the possession of safety forces.  Weapons may include but are not limited to firearms.
5. Damaging, defacing, stealing or misusing any library property.
6. Running in a library facility.
7. Harassing others, either verbally or through actions. Harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations, impeding ingress to or egress from the building, etc.
8. Fighting on library property.
9. Using tobacco in any form while inside a library building.
10. Possessing, selling, or using alcoholic beverages or illegal substances on library property.
11. Buying or selling of any kind, or soliciting for personal gain or charitable purposes while on library property.(The Library reserves the right to fundraise in order to support its programs.)
12. Using radios, tape players, or other personal listening equipment at a level that can be heard by other individuals.
13. Using skateboards, roller-blades, roller-skates or any other sports equipment anywhere on library property.
14. Distributing literature, taking surveys, or asking individuals or employees to sign petitions or similar activities.
15. Tampering with, altering, editing or damaging library computers, software or equipment.
16. Leaving children unattended. (See Safe Children Policy)
17. Cell phone conversations are prohibited inside the library. Visitors are asked to set their phones on vibrate.

The above rules are based on powers granted to the library board of trustees under Rhode Island Law. They will be posted prominently in the library.

An Incident Report must be completed by any staff member involved with patrons who, because of the severity of their infraction of the above rules, have been asked to leave a library building.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 11, 2006.

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Safe Children Policy

In order to maintain a suitable environment for all of our library users, we ask that the posted Rules of Conduct established by the Library Board of Trustees be observed, and that parents and caregivers be aware of the following policy concerning children in the library.

Children are welcome in our library. We care about their safety and welfare. However, the responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent or caregiver and not with library staff.

It may be necessary to notify appropriate law enforcement or child care protective authorities if:

- an unattended child is being disruptive.
- a child is habitually left unattended for long periods of time.
- a child is deemed to be at risk of coming to harm (as in the case of a child being left alone when the library closes).
Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 11,2006.

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