Policies: – WAKEENEY PUBLIC LIBRARY

GENERAL LENDING POLICY

Patrons must register as a borrower before materials may be loaned. The signature on the registration indicates agreement to abide by all WaKeeney Public Library policies. Applicants under age 14 must have a parent’s signature on the registration.

Appropriate Library behavior is expected and will be enforced.

CHECKOUT LIMITS

2 ITEMS on the first checkout

After the first two items have been returned, patrons may check out up to:

10 ITEMS TOTAL – which can include any combination of:

Books, audiobooks, puzzles or games for 2 weeks (for no more than 3 renewals)
“New” books (no more than 2 at a time) for 2 weeks (no renewal if book is on a “reserve” list)
Magazines (no more than 5 at a time) for 2 weeks (1 renewal)
DVDs (no more than 2 at a time) for 1 week (no renewal) TV shows with more than 2 DVDs will be checked out in groups of 2 or 3 at a time.
MiFi Devices – 7-day checkout per household (no renewal—device must be returned and rechecked out if not already on a reserve list.)
An E-Reader (Kindle) may be checked out for 2 weeks (1 renewal)
A Tablet may be checked out for use inside the library only.

Non-circulating materials marked “Library Use Only” must remain in the Library.

FINES

.05 per day per item for overdue books, audiobooks, magazines, puzzles, and games

$1.00 per day per item for overdue DVDs and Blu-Rays

$5.00 per day for overdue E-readers up to a replacement cost of $139.00

$3.00 per day for overdue MiFi Devices.

In addition, when a MiFi Device is not returned on time:

The device will be deactivated.
Repeated late returns will result in the loss of MiFi borrowing privileges for

any and all members of the household.

DVD’S and BLU-RAYS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE CIRCULATION DESK IN THE LIBRARY.

THERE WILL BE A $2.00 FINE IF PLACED IN THE BOOK DROP.

A REPLACEMENT FEE (based on actual item cost) will be charged for lost or damaged books.

MiFi REPLACEMENT FEES: for Devices that are Lost/Broken/Stolen:

$100 for the MiFi device $10 for the charger $10 for the container

PATRONS OWING $10.00 OR MORE MAY NOT CHECK OUT ITEMS OR USE LIBRARY COMPUTERS UNTIL AT LEAST 50% OF THE FINE BALANCE IS PAID.

(Revisions updated on: 2/10/2000; 7/11/2022; and 2/12/2024)

VIDEO CIRCULATION POLICY

Borrowers: All borrowers must be at least 18 years of age and registered as patrons of the WaKeeney Public Library.

Registration: Your signature on the LIBRARY REGISTRATION or Video Borrower Registration will indicate that you attest to being 18 years of age and that you have read and agree to the policy and fines related to the circulation of videos. Borrowers agree to be liable for and to assume charges for replacement of any videos lost or damaged while loaned out to them. This charge will not be greater than the replacement cost of the DVD, Blu-ray, or VHS tape.

THE LOAN PERIOD IS SEVEN DAYS.

It is expected that the patron will keep the videos in their possession during the loan period.

Videos are overdue if not returned by closing time on the DUE DATE. VIDEOS MAY NOT BE DEPOSITED IN THE BOOK DROP.

THERE IS AN OVERDUE CHARGE OF $1.00 PER DAY PER OVERDUE VIDEO.

A $2.00 FINE WILL BE CHARGED FOR ANY VIDEO DROPPED IN THE OUTSIDE BOOKDROP. Non-payment of fines will result in suspension of borrowing privileges.

Circulation Procedures:

There is a maximum of two videos per loan period per borrower. (TV shows with more than 2 DVDs will be checked out in groups of 2or 3 at a time.)
There are NO reserves or renewals.

Condition of Videos:

All videos have been previewed upon purchase and inspected prior to each circulation. If upon visual examination there is evidence of tampering (removal of seals or opening of case of the videocassette), the patron may be charged replacement cost for same. If upon mechanical examination of the video tapes or discs damage is found (other than a break that can be spliced), the video borrowing privileges may be withdrawn. The Patron may also be charged a replacement cost for same.

FEDERAL LAW REGARDING COPYRIGHT: Use of a borrowed video is restricted to HOME USE ONLY. Duplication in whole or part of videos is prohibited. Use of videos for public performance is a direct and serious violation of Federal Copyright statutes (17 U. S. C. Sec. 10604). U. S. C. Section 101 defines “publicly” as:

“To perform or display a work ‘publicly’ means – 1. To perform or display it at a place open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of family and its social acquaintances is gathered. Or 2. To transmit or otherwise communicate a performance or display of the work to a place specified by Clause 1 or to the public, by means of any device or process, whether the members of the public are capable of receiving the performance or in separate places and at the same time or different times.”

The statute defines ‘publicly’ as not limited to performances which are open to the general public. A work may be considered as being performed publicly even though the audience is limited to persons of a particular environment such as students, club members, factory workers, and campers, and the site is not open to the general public.

COMPUTER USE POLICY

Objective of the Library’s Information Service:

The function and purpose of WaKeeney Public Library is to meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of all Library patrons. It is within the context of this mission that the WaKeeney Public Library offers access to computers and the Internet.

Foundation of the Library’s Information Access Policy:

The foundation of the Library’s information Access Policy is to meet the expressed needs and preferences of each user by providing the greatest possible information access within the means of the Library and within the limitations of policy and law.

Internet Safety and Library Policy:

Although the WaKeeney Public Library is concerned for the safety and security of users who access online information, the Library has no control over the content of the Internet and cannot be held responsible for what the user sees when connected to the Internet. The restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet beyond that required by this policy is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The safety and security of users accessing the Internet require those persons to be cautious, thoughtful, protective of personal information, and respectful of library policy and state and federal laws. No user shall misuse a library computer to:

Access or display information that is obscene as defined by Kansas law;
Participate in e-mail, a chatroom, or instant messages that use information that is obscene as defined by Kansas law;
Disclose, use and/or disseminate personal information that could threaten or create a vulnerability for a minor, for any other person, or for the library;
Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any data, computer, or network;
Send threatening or harassing materials;
Transmit computer viruses;
Use personal software programs on Library computers;
Download files to a library computer hard drive, network drive, or disk;
Violate software license agreements;
Print and/or copy copyright-protected materials in any format [Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.)]
Adjust bookmarks, history, home pages, and/or icons;
Alter, damage, or destroy data or programs;
The policy must be signed by the patron or a parent or guardian if the user is under 18 years of age;
Computer users are limited to 60-minute sessions.
Users may print copies to the network printer for a fee of .10 per black and white copy and .50 for color copies.

**A user who violates this policy will be prohibited from using the library’s computers until the user agrees to comply. A second violation will cause the library to stop a user’s computer access for 14 days. More than 2 violations will result in the user’s access to the library being rescinded. The library has the right and responsibility to stop the internet session when the user has violated this policy.

The WaKeeney Public Library complies with state and federal laws. We have a particular awareness of Kansas laws relating to obscenity (K.S.A. 21-4301; 21-4301a, and 21-4301c) federal laws on copyright (U.S. Code, Title 17), the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA). The library and library users must comply with these laws. A copy of the state laws referenced here may be obtained at the Circulation Desk. In the U.S. Code, Title 17, are the laws that protect the rights of authors to their publications and other intellectual property. CIPA and NCIPA are laws adopted by Congress to protect children and others as they use the Internet from a computer located in a public library or public school. The laws require an age-related limitation of information access for, in the Kansas law, “. . . a child under the age of 18 years” and in CIPA and NCIPA, “. . . an individual who has not attained the age of 17.” This limitation is applied to information that is obscene as defined in K.S.A. 21-4301; 21-4301a, and 21-4301c. In compliance with state law, the library will apply this limitation to users under the age of 18. To provide definition required by CIPA and NCIPA, the phrase “matter . . . inappropriate for minors . . .” used in the federal law is regarded as synonymous with the definition of obscenity in K.S.A. 21-4301; 21-4301a, and 21-4301c.

INTERNET SAFETY POLICY

Introduction

Public access to the Internet and online services have become an integral part of the WaKeeney Public Library’s programs and services. The intent of this policy is to meet the provisions of the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act, as well as provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding online computer use of Internet accessible computers.

The purpose of the Internet Safety Policy is to implement and enforce technology protection measures to: ensure that no minor has access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene; and ensure that no person has access to visual depictions that are child pornography or obscene while using a public access computer.

Developed under the direction of the Library Board, this Internet Safety Policy was discussed and adopted during an open meeting of the Library Board on December 9, 2019. This policy supersedes all previous Internet Safety Policy statements and is effective on December 10, 2019.

This policy document will be reviewed by the Board at least every three years.

Legal Requirements

The Library’s Internet Safety Policy complies with the applicable requirements of subsection (b) and L. 2013, ch. 98, sec. 1, and amendments thereto, commonly known as the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.

The Library has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure or other process that blocks or filters online access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene as defined in L. 2013, ch. 98, sec.1.

Supervision and Monitoring

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled only for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.

Library staff shall supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Patrons who encounter web sites which they believe should be blocked but which are not, or who are prevented from accessing web sites which they believe should not be blocked may submit a complaint. This should be given in writing to the library director and include the URL of the site in question and whether the request is to block or unblock it. Staff shall examine the site and determine whether it should be blocked or unblocked. If the technology protection measure being used is a regional service, the information and recommendation shall be forwarded to the appropriate regional staff.

Complaints about enforcement of this policy or observed patron behavior which violate this policy shall also be submitted in writing to the library director, providing as much detail as possible.

The library shall inform patrons of the provisions of this policy, including the standards used and procedures for complaint, by making the policy available on the library’s web site and in print at the circulation desk.

COMMUNITY ARTS ROOM POLICY

As a basis for use of the Community Arts Room, WaKeeney Public Library agrees with the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights philosophy that facilities should be available to the public served by the Library on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting use, and that “a person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views.”

The Community Arts Room is available to patrons, community members, and groups for cultural, educational, and social purposes; however, the library does not sponsor or endorse the views of any group using the space.

Groups cannot use the library’s name, address, or telephone number as their official address or contact information.

Use of a Library meeting room by a group or individual signifies acceptance of the terms of this Meeting Room Policy.

No group will be permitted use of a Community Room if that use poses a potential disturbance to the normal operation of the library (e.g. excessive noise, a safety hazard, or a significant security risk. Use may be denied to groups that violate the Community Arts Room Policy and/or the Library Behavior Policy.

The Library reserves the right to cancel any other scheduled event in the Community Arts Room to schedule a Library function, or due to incidents such as a natural disaster, a capital project, a maintenance problem, or any other reason deemed valid by the Library. Rescheduling is subject to availability.

THE COMMUNITY ARTS ROOM MAY NOT BE RESERVED FOR:

Commercial Endeavors – No group or individual may advertise, solicit business (including any kind of social gathering to indirectly promote a business), sell products or services (with the exception of Art Shows and Book-signings), cultivate client names, conduct fundraising activities or classes for profit.

Fundraising – A group or individual using the room may not charge admission, collect fees or contributions, solicit donations or take up collections of any kind. (Club dues and other shared costs within an organization are not considered fees.) Only the Library or the Trego County Public Library Foundation may sponsor fundraising activities in library meeting rooms the proceeds of which shall directly benefit the WaKeeney Public Library. Non-library groups are not permitted to engage in fund-raising activities, solicit donations or charge fees or admission to programs held in the Community Arts Room.

Political Campaigning – The room may not be used for a political rally or campaign for or against any candidate or specific ballot issue. However, it may be used for a forum or study group on a political issue.

Healthcare – Individuals or Groups may not provide a direct healthcare service, including an examination, a hands-on demonstration, or a treatment. However, a meeting room may be used for a forum on or the sharing of information about healthcare services.

RESERVATION LIMITS

The following time restrictions apply to the use of a Library meeting room by members of the public. It does not apply to the Library use or use by another department of the City of WaKeeney or Trego County.

To provide an opportunity for all groups to use the meeting space on an equitable basis, groups may use the room for no more than one event per week.
Maximum Occupancy of the Room is 46 persons.
Groups may schedule the community room no more than four months in advance.
The room must be vacated no later than 1 a.m. on the morning following the event.
You must be 18 or older to reserve the room, and an adult, 18 or older, must be present during the event.
Once reserved, a group is not permitted to allow a third party to use the room in its place.

INCLEMENT WEATHER GUIDELINES

If inclement weather forces the closure of the Library, any events planned in the Community Arts Room will be cancelled for that day. Groups may call the library at 785-743-2960 to confirm Library closure.

LIBRARY ENDORSEMENT / SPONSORSHIP

The use of a meeting room does not constitute the WaKeeney Public Library’s or the City of WaKeeney’s endorsement of a viewpoint expressed by a group or by a participant in a meeting or activity. A group using a room may not publish an advertisement or announcement of an event that states or implies the endorsement or sponsorship of the Library or the City of WaKeeney without prior approval.

Rev. Approved:: 12/9/2019

WaKeeney Public Library Community Arts Room Policy – Page 2 (Rev. Approved 12/9/2019)

LIABILITY

Wakeeney Public Library, the City of WaKeeney, the Library Board of Trustees, the Library Director, and their agents and employees shall assume no responsibility whatsoever for personal injury to any member, affiliated person, guest, or attendee who uses, or participates in any program that uses the Community Arts Room. In addition, the Library is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.

MAKING YOUR RESERVATION

A $25.00 deposit must be paid (in cash or check) and paperwork must be completed in order for your reservation to be confirmed. Deposit will be returned if the room is found in good condition after your event and you have returned the key. Pick up check within 2 weeks after your event, or it will be deposited as a donation to the Library. You may also notify us at any time of your intention to leave the deposit fee as a donation.

Obtaining the key and being given instructions on securing the building must occur during normal library business hours no more than a day prior to your event. Failure to obtain the key during Library business hours will result in forfeiture of the room reservation. Library staff is not on-call to open facility doors.
Facilities shall be left in a clean and orderly condition. In the event of damages, groups will be charged no less than the actual costs of repair to the Library’s building, property, or technology equipment.
All cleanup is the responsibility of the group. A vacuum cleaner is available in the closet near the entrance door. A fee for cleanup will be assessed if not done properly. Misuse of a room and/or violation of the Community Arts Room Policy will result in the individual or group losing reservation privileges in the future.

Proposed meeting time must include any set up and clean-up time. Extra set up time may be available for the day previous to the event if there are no other scheduled bookings between the setup time and the event, but it must be booked with Library Staff during Library business hours. Possession of a key on the day prior to the event does not authorize access to the room prior to the actual booking time and date.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

The person completing the application is responsible for ensuring that the organization abides by the Community Arts Room Policy. The individual making the reservation, as well as the group as a whole, is responsible for damages that result from the group’s use of the meeting room.

The use of open flames or candles is prohibited in the room.
NO Alcoholic beverages of any kind are to be brought into this building.
All uses of tobacco and vaping are prohibited.
The Community Arts Room may not be used for any illegal or potentially hazardous activity.

If your event takes place during library hours, please leave parking spaces in front of the library for library patrons.

Groups may not tack anything to doors or walls not covered with the brown carpeting, or use any type of adhesive that will mar the wall surface.

A sign to indicate the location of a meeting may be posted at the front door of the library and the door of the meeting room the day of the meeting. Notice of the meeting may also be posted on the community bulletin board.

Groups using the room will be afforded as much privacy as possible; however, Library staff reserves the right to enter the meeting rooms whenever necessary.

WaKeeney Public Library complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and organizations using the library meeting room must provide accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Open aisles must be maintained within the seating arrangement to provide clear access to exits.
- With the exception of service dogs as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, animals may not be brought onto library premises.

User groups must secure necessary licenses for showing of videos, films, or other media. The Library assumes no responsibility for violation of U.S. copyright law.

All persons attending meetings at the Wakeeney Public Library are subject to the Behavior Policy and the Child Policy. If any programs include children, an adult, 21 or over, must be present at all times. Parents who bring children under age 8 with them when attending meetings/events in our meeting spaces must stay with their children at all times, in or out of the rooms.

WaKeeney Public Library Community Arts Room Policy – Page 3 (Rev. Approved 12/9/2019)

Room size: 27 x 26 ft. – handicapped-accessible.Nex-Tech Wireless Hotspot – (No password necessary – Select “Nex-Tech” in Settings—not “Library”)Wired access to digital projector Men’s and Women’s RestroomsKitchenette with sink and fridge (no oven).Holds up to 46 people — (Occupancy is limited to 46 people as determined by the State Fire Marshal. The responsible user is subject to a citation for Fire Code violations if capacity is exceeded.

CHECK LIST – BEFORE LEAVING

Facilities shall be left in a clean and orderly condition. In the event of damage to the Library’s building, property, or technology equipment, groups will be charged no less than the actual cost of repair. A fee for cleanup will be assessed if room has not been cleaned.

Please Bag All trash in main room and kitchenette and take it with you.

Restrooms must be clean.

Tables (folded) and chairs must be returned to their stored areas against the walls. Please do not stack more than six chairs on each roller cart. (Two of the carts may hold seven if there are an extra two chairs.)

Wipe Kitchenette counter and sink with soft cloth or paper towels. (Paper products are to be furnished by the user, although you may find products left by other groups.)

If you use dish towels belonging to the library, please take them with you to be washed and returned.

Please be sure the floor is vacuumed before you leave. The vacuum cleaner is stored in the closet next to the room’s main door.

Check that all lights are turned off.

Check that thermostat is returned to 68 Degrees in Winter and 78 degrees in summer.

Make sure all exterior doors are closed and locked. The key may be returned in the Book Return Drop Box or in person during Library business hours. A deposit will not be returned until the Library receives the key.

ABOUT LOCKING THE LIBRARY’S FRONT GLASS DOOR WHEN YOU LEAVE:
P L E A S E LOCK THE DOOR ONLY FROM THE LONG BAR HANDLE ON THE DOOR’S INTERIOR MID-SECTION USING THE “STICK” BAR KEY. TRYING TO LOCK THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE MAY CAUSE THE LOCK TO BREAK AND LEAVE YOUR GROUP RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR COSTS.

SECURITY CAMERA POLICY

Security cameras are used where needed to enhance the safety and security of library users, staff, and property by discouraging illegal behavior and violations of the Code of Conduct Policy, and, when necessary, to provide law enforcement assistance in prosecuting criminal activity. Cameras will provide real-time video surveillance and recorded archival data.

Security Cameras may be placed in both indoor and outdoor areas where security staff and designated Library staff can randomly monitor activity.

Cameras will not be installed in areas of the library where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy such as restrooms.

There is no audio recording associated with the cameras.

Security cameras are not constantly monitored. Staff and public should take appropriate precautions to safeguard their safety and personal property. The WaKeeney Public Library is not responsible for loss of property or personal injury.

Video footage will be kept for the maximum amount of time possible, depending on the capabilities of the recording system and number of cameras. As new footage is recorded, the oldest footage will automatically be deleted.

Images that become part of an official record will become the responsibility of the appropriate authority for the duration of the applicable record retention period.

Access to archived footage in pursuit of documented incidents of inquiry, criminal activity, or violation of the Library’s Code of Conduct is restricted to authorized staff: the Library Director and Systems Administrative Managers.

Authorized staff may use live surveillance, a still shot, or selected portions of recorded data to assess the security risk of a specific individual, to investigate a crime on library property, to request law enforcement assistance, to validate serious or repeated violations, to alert staff to banned or repeatedly disruptive individuals, or to address internal security/operational concerns. Library Director may ask other staff to access and isolate live recorded data related to a specific incident or may ask other staff to view live or recorded data in order to ascertain security concerns.

Video footage may be made available to law enforcement and library staff for the purposes of enforcing library policy or investigating a suspected crime.

SEVERE WEATHER POLICY

If severe weather threatens, parents of children visiting the library will be notified to pick them up.

In case of tornado or dangerous winds, seek shelter in the men’s restroom in the library or either restroom in the Community room.

When City and County offices are closed due to inclement weather, the Library will also be closed.