Policies

Woodbury Public Library Rules of Conduct 

The Woodbury Public Library’s Rules of Conduct are to protect the rights and safety of our patrons, staff members, and also to protect Woodbury Public Library’s materials, facilities and property.

These Rules apply to all buildings, interior and exterior, and all grounds controlled and operated by the Woodbury Public Library at the Ida Cornell Branch (Central Valley) and Rushmore Memorial Branch (Highland Mills).

The Woodbury Public Library encourages the following:

Asking for help                                   Reading

Browsing                                            Researching

Checking out library materials            Writing

Daydreaming                                      Photocopying

Doing homework                                Participating in programs

Gathering information

The following actions will not be permitted on Woodbury Public Library premises:

• Stealing, defacing, or mutilating Library property.
• Loud and/or disruptive or abusive speech and/or action directed toward Library staff or fellow patrons.
• Cell phone conversations will not be permitted in the Library, but may be permitted in the lobby. A pay phone is available in the lobby for patrons if a phone is needed.
• Possession or consumption of food or beverages inside the Library. Patrons will be held liable for damage to Library property.
• Creating a physically offensive condition to others, including offensive bodily hygiene, disturbing odors or infested clothing or personal effects may be considered disorderly conduct under NYS Penal Code Article 240.20.
• Using the library restrooms for and including: bathing, shaving, eating, sleeping and/or loitering.
• Holding unscheduled and/or unauthorized meetings of any kind.
• Smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes, consumption of alcoholic beverages or any other drug and/or controlled substance(s).
• Animals other than assistance or service animals.
• Unsupervised children under age 12 at any time.

Please Note:

• Patrons shall be fully clothed, including footwear.
• The Library is not liable for personal items left unattended.
• Use of the wireless network is at the patron’s own risk.
• The Library is not responsible for any damage that may occur to patron’s device(s) while using the Library’s electrical outlets.

Adopted by Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees, June 24, 2014.

Circulation Policy

Library Card Registration Rules and Card Types
A Woodbury Public Library (WPL) Card is available to all residents of addresses that pay taxes to the Town of Woodbury which includes the Village of Woodbury, the Hamlets of Central Valley and Highland Mills, and parts of the Town of Monroe and Village of Harriman. Residents may apply for a library card at both the Rushmore Memorial Branch (HML) and the Ida Cornell Branch (CVL).

Resident Cards
An adult resident (18 or older) is required to provide identification and proof of residency in order to obtain a Woodbury Public Library card. In determining acceptable identification WPL follows:

Ramapo Catskill Library System’s (RCLS) ANSER Policy:“Acceptable forms of personal identification for a library card conferring Direct Access privileges: Current New York State driver’s license, or current photo-identification card issued by NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles, or other current photo-identification card that contains the individual’s name and current home address, or other current photo-identification card that contains the individual’s name and a recent piece of mail (such as a utility or telephone bill) that shows the individual’s name and current home address. (A college dormitory is not considered a resident home address.)” ANSER Policy last updated 6-15-17.

Children are eligible for a library card at the age of five or upon entering Kindergarten. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (someone who lives with the child at least part of the time and is willing to take responsibility for the applicant) to obtain a library card. The child’s parent or guardian must provide identification in accordance with the above ANSER Policy. Please note: in keeping with the principles of equal access to information and materials to all patrons it is the policy of the library not to act in loco parentis. Guidance in the selection of materials is at the discretion of a child’s parent or guardian.

WPL cardholders, except as outlined below, are eligible for Direct Access, the ability to use their card at any member library within the RCLS service area.
Applicants who have a library card from another ANSER library must have a card in good standing (fines under $10) before replacing it with a Woodbury Public Library card. If an applicant is eligible for a library card in more than one library in the Ramapo-Catskill Library System the applicant must choose one library as their home library.
Patrons are responsible for the materials checked out on their library card. If a card is lost, the library should be immediately notified so the lost card can be invalidated to prevent unauthorized checkouts. To replace a lost card there is a $2.00 replacement fee that must be paid at the time of replacement. If a patron’s card becomes worn to the point that it is no longer readable by the library’s barcode scanners, the damaged card must be presented at the time of replacement and will be replaced with a new card at no charge to the patron. Please note: Once a library card is replaced the barcode of the old card is no longer valid. Replacement cards will have new barcodes. It is not possible at this time to issue a replacement card with the same barcode as the lost or damaged card.

Non-Resident Cards
Temporary cards may be issued to people who live outside the Ramapo Catskill Library System Service Area and fall into one of the following categories.
Non-Resident Supporter Card: Second home owners and business owners whose owned property falls within the Woodbury Public Library service area are eligible for this card. They must provide photo ID and proof of ownership, such as tax bills or utility bills of the owned property. These cards must be renewed every two years.
Pay Card: These cards are available to people who live outside of the RCLS service area but who wish to have a WPL card. The fee for this card is the amount of library tax paid per capita by the patrons of the WPL. The amount will be provided upon request as this amount has the potential to change along with the library budget and the population of the WPL service area. The card can be used for one year at which time the patron can choose to renew the card for the updated fee which will be recalculated at the time of renewal.

Non-Resident Supporter Cards and Pay Cards have the same Direct Access privileges as Resident cards.
Temporary Card: Individuals who are temporarily (for less than 6 months) residing in the library’s service area are eligible for a temporary card. Temporary cards can be set to be valid for a period of 6 months or less. Photo ID with a permanent address and proof of temporary residence must be provided. Proof of temporary residence may be shown with a utility bill in the applicant’s name or, if that is not available, with a letter written from the owner of the residence stating that the applicant is currently residing at that address. Patrons holding a temporary card are allowed 10 checkouts and 1 hold at a time. Only WPL items may be checked out on these cards and the card may only be used for checking items out at HML or CVL branches.
Temporary Cards are for local use only and do not have Direct Access privileges.

Standard Loan Rules
A patron must present their library card to check out materials. A one-time courtesy check-out will be allowed without a library card as long as the patron presents their photo ID with address. Patrons may either present their physical library card or their library card barcode stored in an approved app. At this time, the only approved app for barcode storage is the RCLS Mobile App. A picture of a library card will not be accepted.
A patron can have up to 50 items checked out and 15 holds placed on their card at one time (unless otherwise noted under “Library Card Registration Rules and Card Types”). Patrons may renew items either in person, online, or via phone.
In accordance with ANSER Policy, a library card will be suspended if it has $10 or more in fines and/or fees.

Loan Periods and Fines
These are the loan periods and fines for Woodbury Public Library items. Patrons who use inter-library loan or who check items out from other RCLS libraries need to be aware that other libraries items may have different fines and checkout periods than Woodbury Public Library. Patrons are responsible for keeping track of due dates for items that are checked out on their cards.

New Magazines and Reference Materials are for use inside the library and may not be checked out.
Children’s and Young Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction Books and Audiobooks may be checked out for 3 weeks (21 days). They may be renewed up to two times, as long as there are no holds on the item.
Children’s DVDs may be checked out for one week (7 days). They may be renewed up to two times, as long as there are no holds on the item.
Adult Audiobooks may be checked out for 3 weeks (21 days). They may be renewed up to two times, as long as there are no holds on the item. There is a late fine of $ .10 per day up to a maximum of $5.00.
Older Magazines may be checked out for 3 weeks (21 days). They may be renewed up to two times, as long as there are no holds on the item. There is a late fine of $ .10 per day up to a maximum of $5.00.
Older Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction Books may be checked out for 3 weeks (21 days). They may be renewed up to two times, as long as there are no holds on the item. There is a late fine of $ .10 per day up to a maximum of $5.00.
New Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction Books may be checked out for 2 weeks (14 days). They may be renewed up to two times, as long as there are no holds on the item. There is a late fine of $ .10 per day up to a maximum of $5.00.
Non-Fiction DVDs and Older TV Series DVDs may be checked out for 2 weeks (14 days). They may be renewed up to two times, as long as there are no holds on the item. There is a late fine of $1.00 per day up to a maximum of $5.00.
Older Fiction DVDs and New TV Series DVDs may be checked out for one week (7 days). They may be renewed up to two times, as long as there are no holds on the item. There is a late fine of $1.00 per day up to a maximum of $5.00.
New Fiction DVDs may be checked out for 3 days. They may be renewed up to two times, as long as there are no holds on the item. There is a late fine of $1.00 per day up to a maximum of $10.00.

Museum Passes may be checked out for 3 days. They may not be renewed. There is a late fine of $5.00 per day up to a maximum of $20.00.

Lost or Damaged Items
Patrons are responsible for any lost or damaged items that are checked out on their card.
For WPL items: Patrons can either pay the cost of the item as noted in the item record or purchase a NEW copy of the item for replacement. If a patron chooses to purchase an item for replacement the replacement item must be in NEW condition. If the item is a CD or DVD it must still be in the original packaging. Staff will use their discretion in accepting a replacement item and may reject an item if it is not satisfactory.
For items not belonging to WPL: Patrons can either come into WPL and staff will call the owning library or patrons can call the owning library directly to report the lost/damaged item and figure out payment. This is to determine how the material can be replaced; some libraries do not allow patrons to purchase a replacement so patrons must pay for an item. Payment for another library’s item paid at WPL must be in the form of a check. Cash cannot be accepted.

Out-of-System Requests for Materials
The WPL uses SEAL (SouthEastern Access to Libraries) to place a request for an item that is not available in the RCLS system. If the item also cannot be found using SEAL, an ILL form will be submitted to RCLS requesting the item. RCLS will notify WPL if the item is able to be found and available for lending. Items borrowed from out-of-system libraries are subject to the policies of SEAL or the system through which the item was found and the lending library.

Adopted by Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees, 1/2/2018.
Revised by Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees, 7/31/2018.

Materials Selection Policy

The authority and responsibility for selection of specific materials rests with the Director, and, under his/her direction, to the professional staff who are qualified for this activity by reason of education, training and experience.

Procedure:
The Library staff utilizes their professional expertise and judgment, based on understanding of community needs and knowledge of authors and publishers, in the process of selecting materials. Staff are aided by authoritative professional Reviews (including those provided in Library Journal, Booklist, New York Times Book Review, Kirkus and School Library Journal), standard lists of basic works, recommendations of professional journals, and bibliographic essays prepared by subject specialists. Recommendations from the public are welcomed and will be given careful consideration in terms of overall objectives and the existing book collection.

Principles of selection:
The principles regarding the selection and retention or withdrawal of library materials are designed to implement the library objectives. The ultimate goal is the development and maintenance of a well-balanced collection of the best and most useful materials available in terms of the overall needs of the community and within the limits of budgetary restrictions. Intrinsic to this goal are certain fundamental principles which will insure that the diversified interests and need of all the community are met. The Woodbury Public Library therefore endorses the “Library Bill of Rights” and “The Freedom to Read” statements of the American Library Association. (Appendices II & III attached).

All materials acquired should meet high standards of quality in content, expression and form. Factors to be considered in evaluating an item: factual accuracy and authoritativeness, effective expression, significance of subject, sincerity and responsibility of opinion, current usefulness, interest or permanent value. When judging the quality of materials, several standards and combinations of standards may be used, as some materials may be judged primarily on artistic merits while others are considered on scholarship, value as human documents, or ability to satisfy the recreational and entertainment needs of the community.

Each work should be considered as a creative unified whole with consideration given to the total purpose of the item. The form in which materials are acquired should be appropriate to the content and anticipated use. Additional criteria included: insight into human and social conditions; present and potential relevance to community needs; suitability of subject and style for intended audience; relation to the existing collection; reputation and significance of the author; attention given by critics, reviewers, and the public.

The same criteria used in selecting materials apply to the systematic removal or replacement of outdated, no longer useful, seldom-used or worn items. Each withdrawal should be judged individually with reference to the standard library tools and the collection as a whole.

Censorship:
Once an item has been accepted as qualifying under the selection policies and rules it will not be removed at the request of those who object to it unless it can be shown to be in violation of these policies. There is a formal procedure for reconsideration of materials. A written request (Appendix I attached) must be completed and submitted to the Library Director who will refer it to the Board of Trustees.

APPENDIX I:     REQUEST FOR REEVALUATION OF A BOOK OR OTHER MATERIALS
APPENDIX II:    Library Bill of Rights
APPENDIX III:   THE FREEDOM TO READ STATEMENT

In-Library Tutoring Policy

Unattended Children Policy

• Age(s) 8 or under must have parent, guardian, or caregiver in immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child.
• Age(s) 14 and up may use the library on their own.
• Children age(s) 8 or under must have a parent, guardian, or caregiver in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child.  An exception would be children attending a library program without a parent, guardian, or caregiver in the room.  However, the parent, guardian, or caregiver is expected to remain in the library building and immediately join the child at the end of the program.  The assigned caregiver must be at least 16 years of age and must carry emergency contact information.
• If a child age 13 years or younger is found unattended while the library is open, library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the library.  If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, law enforcement officials will be called, and the child will be placed in their care.
• Children age(s) 14 and older may use the library on their own.  However, parents are still responsible for the actions and well-being of their child(ren).   All unaccompanied children at the library are required to have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.
• Children age(s) 9 to 13 must have a parent, guardian, or caregiver available in the Library.
• Caregivers must be age 16 and up.
• Age(s) 9 to 13 must have parent, guardian, or caregiver in library.
• The Woodbury Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment for customers of all ages.  Sharing this environment with other people requires that everyone follow the Library Code of Conduct established by the Library Board of Trustees and posted in each library building and on the Library website.  The responsibility for the care, safety, and behavior of children ages 17 or younger using the library rests with the parent, guardian or caregiver.  Library staff cannot supervise children.

Adopted by Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees, May 29, 2012.
Revised by Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees, May 30, 2017.

Use of Library Bulletin Boards

• All postings of events or organizations must be open to and of interest to the Woodbury community in general.  The library prohibits postings of events or organizations that discriminate due to ethnicity, creed or gender.
• Only not-for-profit organizations may post. Advertising for business, private services or ventures is prohibited (This includeds garage sales, articles for sale, babysitting, lawn service, cleaning, etc.). No campaign posters or literature may be posted.
• Size shall be no larger than 18″ by 24″.
• Any posting that is refused may be appealed to the Library’s Board of Trustees at their next regular meeting.
• Postings are for information only and do not reflect the views or endorsement of the library staff or board.

Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records

Recognizing the library’s position of special trust with members of the public, the Trustees of the Woodbury Public Library wish to clarify their policy and responsibility regarding confidentiality of patron information and the use of library resources. No information shall be given, made available, or disclosed to any individual, corporation, institution, or government agency, without a valid court order or subpoena, regarding or including:

Upon presentation of such a court order or subpoena, the library shall resist its enforcement until such a time as proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.

• The use of library resources is essentially a private endeavor on the part of each individual patron; consequently the library shall make every reasonable and responsible effort to protect the confidentiality of patron information and use of library materials.  Woodbury Public Library supports the ALA’s Code of Ethics, point #3, which states “Librarians must protect each user’s right to privacy with respect to information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed or acquired.”

Approved by the Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees, July 2002.

Internet and Computer Use Policy

The Woodbury Public Library offers Internet access as part of its mission to meet the information and educational needs of the community.

The Woodbury Public Library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet. As with other library materials, restriction of access is the responsibility of the patron or the patron’s parent or legal guardian. Patrons are strongly advised to evaluate for themselves the validity and appropriateness of information found on the Internet. Parents are strongly encouraged to accompany their children when using the Internet in order to monitor the information they are accessing.

Failure to utilize the Library’s Internet and Computer Use Policy appropriately may result in revocation of Internet and Computer Use and/or Library privileges. Internet and computer use that is also unlawful may result in criminal and/or civil proceedings.

The following uses of the Woodbury Public Library’s computers are prohibited:

• Transmission of defamatory material
• Unauthorized copying of copyrighted material
• Plagiarism
• Due to the close proximity of computer terminals to each other, the Woodbury Public Library reserves the right to require patrons to exit a site that may be offensive, obscene, or harmful to minors as defined under Article 235 of NYS Penal Code (235.00-235.24).
• Destruction or alteration of another’s materials or files; vandalism of equipment, or tampering with computer hardware or software.

To use the Library’s computers:

• Adults who have a valid RCLS Library Card in good standing will receive an initial 60 minutes of computer time with additional 60-minute increments granted based upon availability.
• Adults who do not have a library card will be required to show photo ID and can use the computer on a Guest Pass. Due to the limited number of computers, guests will receive an initial 30 minutes of computer time with additional 30-minute increments granted based upon availability.
• Patrons under 18 years old must have a paper Internet and Computer Use form signed by themselves and a parent/guardian. Parents and guardians assume full responsibility for monitoring their children’s computer use.

Approved and Revised by the Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees,  3/25/14.
Approved and Revised by the Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees,  5/31/16.
Approved and Revised by the Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees,  7/31/18.

Woodbury Public Library Wifi Policy

Woodbury Public Library is pleased to provide free wireless Internet access for the use of our patrons.

Agreement to abide by the following rules is a precondition for having access to the wireless network:

Approved by the Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees, 2010.

WPL MUSEUM PASS POLICY

The following terms apply for all Library Passes:

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pass is made possible by a donation from the Raanahan Park Charity Drive.

American Museum of Natural History Vouchers

The following terms apply for vouchers:

• The Woodbury Public Library offers its Patrons vouchers for admission to The American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. Each voucher is good for one general admission to the Museum and any one special exhibit, film, or live-animal exhibit of the patron’s choosing.
• Museum memberships are paid for by donations made to the Library by fellow patrons.
• Vouchers are available for Woodbury Public Library card holders only.
• The requesting patron must be at least 18 years of age.
• The requesting patron’s library record must be in good standing (without fines or overdue items.).
• Vouchers are not to exceed four (4) per household.
• Vouchers are not reusable.
• Requests for Vouchers may be made once a year per family.

Approved and Revised by the Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees on 2/7/2017.

Video Surveillance Policy

• VIDEO SURVEILLANCE POLICY
  When an incident occurs on Library premises:
  • Video image recordings may be used to identify the person or persons responsible for Library policy violations, criminal activity, or actions considered disruptive to normal Library operations.
  • Video records may be used to assist law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
  • Video recordings of incidents can be retained and reviewed as long as considered necessary by the Library Director.
  • Images may be shared with other Library staff to identify person(s) suspended from Library property and to maintain a safe and secure environment.
  • While it is recognized that video surveillance will not prevent all incidents, its potential deterrent effect, and resource as a means of identifying and prosecuting offenders is considered worthwhile.

   

  The Woodbury Public Library strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for its staff and patrons. In pursuit of this objective, selected public areas of the library premises are equipped with video cameras that are recording at all times. The video security cameras will be positioned to record only those areas specified by the Director, and will complement other measures to maintain a safe and secure environment in compliance with library policies. Signage will be posted at the library entrance disclosing this activity. Camera locations shall not be changed or added without the permission of the Director. The Library’s video security system shall be used only for the protection and safety of patrons, employees, assets and property.  There is no audio recording associated with the cameras.

Reasonable efforts shall be made to safeguard the privacy of patrons and employees. Video cameras shall not be positioned in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of personal privacy such as restrooms or employee break rooms.

Images from the Library video security system are stored digitally on hardware in the Library. It is the intent of the Library to retain all recorded images for approximately 30 days. Typically, images will not be continuously monitored in real-time, nor reviewed by library staff, except when specifically authorized by the Library Director and the Town of Woodbury Police Department.

Approved by the Woodbury Public Library Board of Trustees, February 10, 2015.