Library Policies...
LIBRARY POLICIES
Borrower Registration
Patrons must have proof of address upon application for a library card. Registration and borrowing privileges are free for persons living in the city limits of Bowling Green. All other person must pay a user fee before being able to use the library. Individual persons will pay $15.00 per year in user fees and families are to pay $35.00 per year. (These figures are an average of what taxpayers with in the city limits pay for library privileges.) All children under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature when registering for a library card.
Loan Period
Movies (DVD or VHS) must be returned in two working days. All other circulating materials may be checked out for two weeks. Renewals are allowed on all materials, except new releases, by phone or in person.
Fines
A fine of $1.00 per day per movie will be assessed on overdue DVD, VHS, and/or Blueray movies. Movie fines will not accrue on Sundays or holidays. The maximum fine for an overdue movie will be the cost of the movie, plus shipping fees.
A fine of $1.00 per day per audio book will be assessed on all overdue cassette and/or CD audio materials. Audio book fines will not accrue on Sundays or holidays. The maximum fine for an overdue audio book will be the cost of the audio book, plus shipping fees.
A fine of 10 cents per day per item will be assessed for all other overdue materials. Fines will not accrue on Sundays and holidays. The maximum fine for all other materials will be the cost of the item, plus shipping fees.
Patrons owing a late fee will not be allowed to check out any materials, including computer use, until the fine is paid and all materials are returned.
Lost or Damaged Materials
Patrons who lose, severely damage, or fail to return materials will be assessed the replacement cost of the item(s), plus shipping fees.
Internet and Computer Use
Nature of the Internet—The Bowling Green Free Public Library provides access to the Internet as one information resource among others. As a result of the open nature of the Internet, users should understand that the library has no control over content, and assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of an Internet source.
Internet Access Policy—Only library cardholders may use the computers. Computer terminals are available during regular library hours to any patron who has signed a use agreement form. Children under the age of 13 may only use the Internet when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Children from 13 to 18 years of age may use the Internet unattended if a parent or legal guardian has co-signed a use agreement form. The library reserves the right to deny computer access to any patron with overdue materials or outstanding fines.
Staff Assistance — The library staff is able to provide limited assistance for Internet use. Assistance can only be given as staff time and expertise allow, and may be limited to start-up.
Time Limits—Terminals are available on a first come, first serve basis. Users are allowed half-hour slots and must sign their starting and ending times on the log sheet provided. In the event that no one is waiting to use the terminal, usage may continue past the allotted time but is limited to one hour. Patrons are limited to one computer sign on per day.
Printing—Colored copies are $1.00 per page and black and white copies are $0.25 per page. This includes pages printed for homework and pages printed by mistake.
Downloading—Patrons may download to disks that they purchase for $0.50 from the librarian on duty. Use of any disk or CD from an outside source is prohibited. Downloading to the hard drive is not permitted, nor is installation of unauthorized programs, shortcuts, screensavers, or wallpaper.
E-mail and chat — The library does not provide e-mail accounts, but patrons may use outside e-mail sources, such as Yahoo or Hotmail. Chat is NOT allowed at anytime. Patrons discovered engaging in chat may lose computer privileges temporarily or permanently.
Ethical Use—Internet computers may not be used for illegal or unethical purposes. This includes, but is not limited to: harassment of others, libeling or slandering other users, damage to equipment or software, disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications, unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material, or any action prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Patrons may not conduct a business based on the library’s computers.
Inappropriate Images — The library assumes the responsibility for maintaining an environment conducive to use by patrons of all ages. We therefore ask that patrons not display offensive graphics at any time. Deliberate accessing of pornography will result in immediate termination of computer use for a month. A second offense will result in permanent loss of computer use.
Gift Policy
Gifts of materials are gladly accepted, but the library reserves the right to determine if materials are suitable for placing in the permanent collection. Items not retained will be sold or given to another non-for-profit organization (such as the high-rise). Due to storage space large donations will only be accepted at certain times of the year (1 month prior to a used book sale).
Book Sale
Hardback books will be sold for 50 cents apiece or 3 for $1.00. Paperback books will be sold for 25 cents a piece or 5 for $1.00. Exceptions to these prices may be made when participating in the citywide yard sale.
Fax, Copier, and Printer Charges
All faxes whether incoming or outgoing are $1.00 per page. Each black and white copier page cost 25 cents. Each black and white printer page is 25 cents. Each copier/printer page that is mostly color is $1.00 per page. These fees must be paid at the time the copies are made.
Disruptive Patrons and Unattended Children
Patrons are to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb others. Food, drinks, running, loud talking, and horseplay are not allowed. Anyone whose behavior or whose language is offensive will be asked to leave the library.
Parents are asked not to leave preschool or early elementary children alone at the library, except to attend appropriate library programs. Children not picked up at closing time will be remanded to the city police for their own safety.
revised: 0000-00-00