Library Policies...

LOAN PERIOD

VHS/DVDs (movies) may only be borrowed for two (2) working days. All other circulating materials may be checked out for two weeks. Renewals are allowed on all materials, by phone or in person. The maximum amount of movies (VHS/DVD) to be loaned to a patron is four (4) and the maximum amount of books is five (5). note: New releases of books and movies are not renewable.  All materials must be returned during library hours of the day they are due, otherwise they will be considered overdue as they will not be checked in until the following morning. 

FINES

A fine of $1.00 per day per movie will be assessed on overdue VHS/DVD material. A fine of $1.00 per day per item will be assessed on all audio materials.  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 for any materials checked out. A maximum fine charged for any of the above mentioned items will be the cost of the item, plus shipping fees. Patrons owing a late fee or having overdue items will not be allowed to check out any more 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.

COMPUTER/INTERNET POLICY OVERVIEW

Disclaimer: The Bowling Green 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.

1.) 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.

2.) 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.

3.) Time Limits:

Terminals are available on a first come, first serve basis. Users must check out computers at the circulation desk.  The Library's Time Management program will allow patrons 1 hour time slot per check out.   Patrons are limited to one computer sign on per day, unless special arrangements are made.

4.) Printing Materials:

Pricing is subject to change. Please see the current price list or ask a librarian for the current prices. This includes pages printed for homework and pages printed by mistake.

5.) Downloading Materials:

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. (Installing of clients such as Yahoo, AOL, or other programs of this nature, or any other nature, is prohibited.)

6.) E-Mail & 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.

7.) 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.

8.) Inappropriate Content:

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 or content (text, or general content) 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.

Disruptive Patrons and Unattended Children

Patrons are asked 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.