While the Deaf Smith County Library encourages children of all ages to use the library, it does not provide childcare, nor does the library assume any parental responsibilities for children while they are in the library. Library staff may take action they deem appropriate and necessary to provide for the welfare and safety of an unattended child and the welfare of other library users.

Purpose of Policy

In support of the library’s mission statement, this Unattended Children Policy has been created to:

• Clearly state the polices of Deaf Smith County Library
• Make library resources available in a safe and comfortable environment to provide patrons and staff with consistent standards of parental responsibility for children in the library
• Provide guidelines to staff for managing unattended children

Responsibility

          Deaf Smith County Library staff members are not responsible for unattended children. Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their children’s safety, activities, and behavior while at the library.

Unattended Child(ren) Who:

• Exhibit specific inappropriate behavior (ex. vandalism or disruptive behavior) whether or not the parent/guardian or care giver is present in the library
• Is found frightened or crying in the library
• Is perceived to be endangering themselves
• Is perceived to be endangered by another person in the library
• Has been left alone in the library for an extended length of time
• Has not been met by a responsible parent or guardian at closing time

Regulations

• Children under the age of 8 must always be directly supervised by a parent or guardian at all times while in the library. Parents or guardians must remain in the same area of the library as the child.

• Children eight and older may be left unattended, providing they are mature enough to follow library rules and observe proper conduct. Such children are subject to the same rules of behavior as other patrons and the same consequences, including being asked to leave the library.
• Children of any age with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities, which affect decision-making skills or render supervision necessary, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
• When closing time for the library approaches, all children left in the building will be sent home. An attempt will be made to contact parents or other relatives if the staff feel it is necessary because of the age of the child. If a parent or guardian of a child cannot be contacted or located within five minutes of the library’s closing time, local law enforcement will be contacted to take custody of the child. Staff will not, under any circumstances, transport children home or to any other location.
• A child left unattended in the library, in violation of this policy, or a child of any age habitually left unattended, may be deemed to be at risk. In such situations, library staff may contact local law enforcement and/or child protective services to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. The staff of Deaf Smith County Library are obligated, by law, to report concerns related to neglect or physical abuse.

The primary purpose of the library meeting rooms is to provide facilities for library-related activities.  As a community service, the library makes the meeting room space available to community groups, organizations, schools and businesses for informational, educational, cultural or civic purposes.  Groups may use the rooms for private meetings or to present programs to the general public.  Library needs for meeting room use will take precedence over all other groups and activities.

Library meeting rooms are not available for:

• soliciting sales of commercial products or services, including fundraising activities, except Friends of the Library events
• events which charge admission fees, with the exception of government-mandated adult education courses conducted by governmental or nonprofit entities (with permission obtained from the library director)
• religious or partisan political meetings
• private social events such as family reunions, showers, or wedding receptions

PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

In support of the library’s mission statement, this meeting room policy has been created to:

• state clearly the policies of Deaf Smith County Library
• provide staff with consistent guidelines for establishing eligibility of a group for meeting room use
• provide a comfortable and safe environment in which library and community groups may meet

RESERVATIONS

Reservations for meeting rooms:

• should be made at least a week in advance
• must be made by a representative, age 18 or older, of the group or organization wishing to use the room (a copy of this policy may be requested)
• are made on a first-come/first-served basis
• may not be made more than six months in advance
• should be cancelled as soon as possible with notification to library staff

Reservations for the kitchen facilities must be made at the time of a room reservation.

Food and Drinks are NOT allowed in any of our meeting rooms unless pre-approved by the director or assistant director.

RESPONSIBILITY

Groups using the meeting rooms are responsible for:

• providing an adult leader to be present at all times and to be responsible for the supervision of any group of children under the age of 18
• reserving any equipment needed
• informing the library staff of desired furniture arrangement
• ending meetings and programs prior to the library closing time unless prior arrangements have been made
• returning the meeting room/kitchen facilities and utensils to their original condition
• placing all trash, leftover handouts, etc. in trash receptacles
• notifying library staff of any equipment malfunction
• notifying library staff of any food or beverage spills or other mishaps

A fee may be charged if the group’s use of the room results in the need for repairs to the furnishings or equipment, or if excessive clean-up is required by library personnel.  The imposition of this fee will be at the discretion of the library director.

Deaf Smith County Library is not responsible for:

• injuries to people
• damage to property belonging to individuals or groups using the meeting rooms
• loss of property belonging to individuals or groups using the meeting rooms
• posting meeting cancellation notices when needed

Having and/or using illegal drugs, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and alcoholic beverages and their use are strictly prohibited on library premises.

Failure to abide by these policies for meeting room use may result in denial of privileges for future use.

Need help with computers &/or phones?

Deaf Smith County Library Staff can help you:

• Log into a library computer with library card or guest pass
• Get on the internet on a library computer
• Get on a Word Document on a library computer
• Print from your phone or library computer

The staff cannot:

• Go to websites for you
• Help you log into personal accounts
• Help reset your passwords
• Help with tax forms
• Help reset your phone
• Help you take online classes
• Help fill out job applications
• Help type documents, resumes, etc.,.
• Print coloring pages (what we have is free)

Extra time:

Patrons who have a library card may be allotted more time on the computer. Patrons who use a guest pass have 60 minutes to use the computer. The only extra time that can be given is for a job application or class (for example: defensive driving.)

All policies are subject to change without notice.

Purpose of the Policy

The Library Materials Policy has been created to:

• Clearly state the policies of Deaf Smith County Library
• Provide the public with guidelines for using Deaf Smith County Library materials
• Ensure materials are kept in good condition for future use

Regulations:

• Materials must return unstained, clean, dry, and free of debris or bugs
• Materials must return by date due stamp or renewal date (renewals can be made online, over the phone, or in person.)
• Materials containing stains, wet or dirty pages, scribbles, writing, scratches, tears, or any other damage will be charged a fine to the patron who last checked the material out (typically $5.00 unless the material is no longer useable by other patrons).
• Patrons who return materials with bugs will be blocked from checking materials out until further investigations by the director and/or assistant director are done. Any materials containing bugs are to be double bagged in trash bags until the director and/or assistant director inspect them. Patrons will be blocked from checking out materials but can still use the library. Patrons can bring a bill or receipt from a pest control company to resume their account in good standing. Without receipt, it can be 6-12 months before the patron account is reinstated in good standing. This is up to the director and/or assistant director and is subject to change.
• Books and audiobooks can only be renewed 3 times.
• DVDs can only be renewed once.
• If patrons owe more than $10, they cannot renew any items and must return all materials.

Internet & Computer Use Policy

Deaf Smith County Library provides access to a wide range of resources, including those available through the Internet, to offer a broad program of informational, educational, recreational, and cultural enrichment opportunities for all patrons.

The library does not censor access to materials, some of which may be offensive to some users. Therefore, parents or guardians assume responsibility for the supervision and restriction of a child’s access to the Internet. Deaf Smtih County Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children.

For children under the age of 17 to use the library computers, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign a permission card, verifying knowledge and acceptance of the Internet & Computer Use Policy. It is the responsibility of the user (or parent/guardian) to determine what is appropriate. Children under 12 years of age may not use the library’s computer unless directly supervised by a parent or legal guardian.

Misuse or abuse of Deaf Smith County Library computers or Internet access, or noncompliance with this policy will result in temporary or permanent suspension of computer privileges and/or possible legal action. Appropriate action will be determined by the library director.

Purpose of the Policy

In support of the library’s mission statement, this Internet & Computer Use Policy has been created to:

• Clearly state the policies of Deaf Smith County Library
• Provide the public with guidelines for using Deaf Smith County Library Internet and computer equipment
• Make library resources available on an equitable basis

Responsibility:

• It is the responsibility of Deaf Smith County Library Staff to:

• Ensure accuracy of the content of the Deaf Smith County Library home page and the supporting web pages resident on this server only
• End an internet session when material inappropriate to a public library setting displays on a screen (Texas Penal Code, Sections 43.21, 43.22, and 43.24 makes display of obscene material a criminal offense. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner.)
• Assistance with computers is limited. (See Patron Help Policy for more details)
• Ensure confidentiality and privacy to patrons only as technically feasible in a public area
• Inform patrons of time restrictions and limits

• It is the responsibility of the computer user to:

• Be knowledgeable about the Deaf Smith County Library Internet & Computer Use Policy and regulations and to follow them.
• Be aware that there is no library or county control of internet users or content of websites. Deaf Smith County Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the internet.
• Obey the U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) which prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”
• Bare any responsibility or any consequences of copyright infringement
• Exercise common courtesy to other patrons
• Pay for any and all pages printed
• Bare the responsibility and expense of any illegal or unethical use, or damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of Deaf Smtih County Library’s computer, or from its connections to Internet Services
• Inform staff if the computer session may require more time

Regulations

• Patrons who have a library card in good standing may use Deaf Smith County Library’s computers for one hour per day.
• Patrons holding a library card in good standing may make a special request for additional time. (Up to one hour extra)
• Patrons without a library card may get a guest pass to use Deaf Smith County Library’s computers. Patrons who do not hold a library card can only have 60 minutes per day on the computer. The only exception is a class (ex. Defensive driving), or a job application. If extra time is needed, the patron must tell the library staff before running out of time. If time has run out, no extra time can be given.
• Patrons owing fines in any Harrington Library Consortium library will be denied computer access until the fines are paid.
• Any and all pages printed by a user must be picked up and paid for at the circulation desk. Black and white pages will be charged .50cents each; color pages will be charged .75cents each.
• Deaf Smith County Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from copyright infringements by patrons.
• For children under the age of 17 to use the library computers, a parent or legal guardian is required to come to the library and sign a permission card, verifying knowledge and acceptance of the Internet & Computer Use Policy.
• Children 12 or below may not use the library computers unless directly supervised by a parent or a legal guardian. Parents must physically sit with the child(ren) during computer use.
• Workstations are limited to two users at a time.
• All public access computer workstations will shut down 15 minutes prior to library closing time to allow staff to properly close the library.

Patron Code of Conduct Policy

Deaf Smith County Library encourages people of all ages, backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses to visit the library. In order to maintain a safe, clean, and pleasant environment for our patrons and staff, the Deaf Smith County Commissioners have adopted these rules of conduct for those using our Library.

Purpose of the Policy:

In support of the library’s mission statement, this Patron Code of Conduct Policy has been created to:

• State clearly the policies of Deaf Smith County Library
• Make Library resources available in a safe and comfortable environment
• Provide patrons and staff with consistent standards of acceptable behavior

Staff Responsibilities:

It is the responsibility of every library staff member to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all library patrons. Library staff is authorized to issue verbal warnings, ask patrons to leave the library, suspend library privileges, or, if necessary, call local law enforcement to manage unacceptable behavior on the part of a library patron. Decisions pertaining to extreme situations, repetitive unacceptable behavior, and special circumstances may be referred to the library director. If the director is absent, the assistant director has the authority to call the appropriate law enforcement agency. If both the director and assistant director are absent, staff will act as a team to determine if it’s appropriate to call law enforcement.

Unacceptable Behavior:

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Any actions which present an imminent danger to the life or safety of others.
• Engaging in any activity prohibited by law.
• Sleeping on Library premises.
• Smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco products within the library. This includes e-cigarettes and other electronic smoking devices.
• Engaging in sexual activity.
• Eating or drinking, apart from pre-authorized groups in meeting rooms.
• Soliciting of or panhandling for money, transportation, goods, or services.
• Bringing in shopping carts or other vehicles used for transporting large amounts of items.
• Bring camping supplies or bedrolls.
• Leaving personal items unattended in the library.
• Bringing pets into the building apart from service animals or animals specifically invited for Library sponsored programs.
• Harassing, intimidating, stalking, or prolonged staring at patrons or staff.
• Using abusive or profane language.
• Placing feet on tables, chairs, or other furnishings.
• Remaining in the Library or on Library property without being engaged in Library related activities.
• Being drunk or disorderly; including loud, boisterous, or disruptive behavior.
• Leaving children or individuals requiring care unattended for long periods of time or at closing.
• Parents or guardians must monitor all activities and behavior of their children in the library.
• Gambling.
• Bathing, shaving, shampooing, and washing clothes or other inappropriate uses of Library restrooms.
• Bodily hygiene constitutes a nuisance to patrons or staff.
• Damaging or vandalizing Library facilities, equipment, or materials.
• Removing Library materials without properly checking them out.
• Operating any iPad, tablet, cell phone, or other device at a volume or in a manner which disturbs other users.
• Inadequate attire. Shoes, shirts, and pants must be worn at all times.
• Roller-skating, rollerblading, skateboarding, hover boarding, or camping on Library property.
• Selling products or services or soliciting donations (except as part of the Friends of the Library sponsored programs).
• Entering staff areas without authorization.
• Viewing inappropriate content on Library computers.
• Failing to abide by Library rules and regulations posted or explained by Library staff.

Anyone violating these rules may be asked to leave the library. All staff are authorized to enforce these rules and local police may be called to assist with enforcement of these rules.