Policies

• Library service is rendered on a strictly impartial basis providing the highest of professional standards to all individuals and groups in the community.  No library staff must be so engrossed in other work that a patron is given superficial attention.
• Complaints from the public shall be addressed to the Librarian or the Library Administrator.

2. Meeting Room Use

• All meetings must be scheduled prior to the use of the room.
• All children’s meetings must be supervised by adults.
• Dancing and strenuous activity are not permitted.  The flooring is not designed for such activity and this rule has been adopted in the interest of our visitors safety.
• The library is not responsible for misplaced, lost or stolen articles.
• Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the library.

3. Materials Selection

• The library affirms and encourages the freedom to read, the enjoyment of life-long learning, and open access to ideas.The mission of the library is to make readily available, in the most appropriate formats, the information and materials most wanted by its users.
• The Library Board of trustees endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association.

Criteria for Selection

• The Library selects and makes available materials, in a variety of formats for the interest, information, and enlightenment of the entire community.
• The Library seeks to represent a diversity of expression and points of view in its collection in order to provide people with the foundation for making informed decisions and formulating personal opinions.
• Items are selected for the collection based on the following criteria:

1. Favorable Reviews
2. User interest as expressed in requests by the public
3. Bestseller status of materials
4. Local interest in material due to authorship or subject matter
5. Popularity or importance of the author or subject
6. Need to strengthen a particular part of the collection, including various opposing opinions on controversial subjects
7. Materials of lasting value
8. The availability of material through interlibrary loan
9. Budgetary considerations
10. Physical limitations of the library building

• Items are not excluded from the Library because of the race or nationality or social, political or religious views of the author.  Items are not excluded from the collection because they may contain language and illustration offensive to some persons.  Works being considered are to be viewed as a whole, not in isolated parts.
• The Library is aware that individuals may question the selection of a specific item, and welcomes any expression of opinion by patrons.  Challenges regarding specific materials will be reviewed upon written request using the Request for Consideration of Library Materials form provided by the Library.
• The library is not responsible for the materials chosen or read by minors.
• Resources shall be made accessible to the public wherever possible.  Certain items may be limited because of susceptibility to loss or damage.
• Individuals are encouraged to suggest items for purchase at any time.
• The Library welcomes gifts of materials, with the understanding that they will be evaluated using the same criteria as those applied to purchased materials.  If the gifts do not meet these criteria, the Library reserves the right to dispose of them.
• Items may be discarded from the Library it they are surplus to the collection, no longer relevant to the needs of the community, or physically worn or damaged.
• All decisions regarding the selection or withdrawal of materials are made by the Head Librarian.

4. Issuance of Library Cards

• Library cards will be issued, upon application, to any person residing within our service area.  Applicants must provide  one form of identification showing current local address.
• Those persons not residing within a library service area desiring to borrow materials from the library will be issued cards upon payment of the current nonresident fee ($30) for a family.
• Children ages 6-17 will be issued a card with permission by signature and appropriate identification of a legal parent or guardian.
• Replacement cards are available for $2 at the front desk.  You must present valid ID.

5. Borrowing and Return Policy

• Materials may be kept two weeks and may be renewed once for the same period.
• A fine will be charged on each item that is not returned according to the above rule.  No items or internet service can be used until any fines of $5.00 or more have been paid.
• New fiction items are available for seven days; fines will be assessed accordingly when the item has been returned.
• All injuries to materials beyond reasonable wear and all losses shall be made good to the satisfaction of the Librarian.
• Each borrower is held responsible for all materials drawn on his/her own card and all fines accruing on the same.
• In compliance with Pennsylvania’s Act 1984-90, the Library Records Confidentiality Act, librarians and staff will not reveal the names of patrons of the titles or nature of the materials used or requested by them. Except by a court order in a criminal proceeding.  This policy shall apply to all library records, including, but not limited to, circulation, patron registration, ILL requests, fines, and reserves.

6. Interlibrary Loan

• Requests for resources from other libraries will be processed in accordance with the Pennsylvania Interlibrary Loan Code.
• The Library’s resources are available for loaning to other libraries in accordance with the PA ILL Code.

7. Statewide Borrowing Access Pennsylvania

• Following the Guidelines for Statewide Library Card System patrons in our service area in good standing with the library may request an Access Pennsylvania sticker on their library card giving them borrowing privileges at no cost from other participating libraries.
• Patrons with an Access sticker from their home library may borrow resources from FranklinPublic Library at no cost.

8. Backpacks / Briefcases

• The Library reserves the right to inspect all backpacks, briefcases, and other parcels.