POB Library Policies

Auditorium Seating	Gifts
Behavior	Public Access Internet/www
Cell Phones	Use of Library Facilities for Meeting and Other Purposes
Exhibits	Wireless Internet Access

Auditorium Seating
Approved by the Board of Trustees August 17, 2005

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library reserves the right to hold front row seats for patrons requiring walkers and wheelchairs.

Twenty-four hour notification is required for groups needing preferential seating.

Behavior
Adopted by the Board of Trustees August 15, 2007

It is the intent of the Library to promote respect for the Library, respect for the staff and respect for the patrons.

It is the policy of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library to offer the full range of library service to all residents of the community. It is the intent of the Library to provide its services with a minimum of regulations and restrictions, adopting only those which are deemed essential to the Library’s operation.

It is the Library’s policy to promote a safe environment for its employees. At the core of this policy is the Library’s commitment to work with its employees to maintain a work environment free from psychological and emotional abuse, violence, threats of violence, harassment, intimidation and other disruptive behavior from fellow staff or patrons. Any reports of such behavior will be taken seriously and will be dealt with appropriately.

Library users have a right to assume that visiting the Library will be free from harassment, physical discomfort, psychological and emotional abuse and personal danger.

It should therefore be the policy of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library Board of Trustees to maintain in the library system a quiet, pleasant environment conducive to serious study as well as casual use.

Cell Phones
Approved by the Board of Trustees January 21, 1999

In order to keep the noise level in the library to a minimum, cellular telephone conversations are not permitted in the library.

Incoming calls may be received, but all conversation must be continued in the lobby area. Outgoing calls must be made from the lobby area.

Exhibits
Approved by the Board of Trustees October 18, 2006

As part of our cultural mission, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library is pleased to offer exhibit space to the public in its Art Gallery. The Library is a central community cultural gathering place, and its easy public accessibility and numerous hours of operation make the Library’s exhibit space an advantageous public venue. Having artwork in the Library also enhances the Library’s environment for patrons, and helps promote both art and artists. While all artwork is eligible for display, this space will not be provided for advertising for commercial enterprises. Artwork shall not be excluded on the basis of doctrinal, religious or political beliefs of the exhibitor(s). Displays do not necessarily represent the views of the Library.

Library sponsored or cosponsored exhibits take precedence over other exhibits, and the Library reserves the right to cancel any exhibit or display without prior notice if the Library Director or Board of Trustees determines that the space is needed for Library purposes. The time allowed for display of any single exhibit will be determined by the Library’s needs and schedule.

The selection of materials for exhibit will be governed by the same principles of intellectual freedom which underlie the Library’s material selection policy, e.g. The American Library Association’s “Freedom to Read Statement,” and the “Library Bill of Rights,” as well as “Exhibit Spaces and Bulletin Boards – an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.” The Library will schedule artwork for display with preference given to Plainview-Old Bethpage residents. The Library reserves the right to limit the frequency with which a particular artist or organization may display materials.

The Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to items installed, displayed or exhibited. The Library does not insure exhibits. Exhibitors must agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Library, its Trustees, agents and employees from any claim, demand, or liability against any of them arising directly or indirectly or relating to the exhibit.

The library encourages gifts of money and materials subject to the policies adopted by the Board of Trustees. Prospective donors shall contact the Director to discuss arrangements for their gifts.

The library reserves the right to reject, use, hold, or dispose of the gift in the manner most beneficial to the library.

Gifts which are conditional upon the library agreeing to provide a service, special handling, or in some other way deviate from its established procedure, may be accepted subject to review by the Director and the Board of Trustees

The acceptance and use of gifts of money in excess of $500 is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.

Gifts of materials will not be returned to the donor. Once given, they become the property of the library.

The library will not appraise materials or otherwise place a value on donated materials.

Gifts will be acknowledged by the Director.

Public Access Internet/www
Adopted by the Board of Trustees November 13, 1997

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library provides open access to the Internet and the World Wide Web to patrons having a valid Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library card in their own name.

The Library is a forum for all points of view and adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights formulated by the American Library Association. The Internet and World Wide Web are considered to be logical extensions of the traditional reference and information services offered by the Library. However, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library has no control over these computer networks and assumes no responsibility for the content, quality or accuracy of information transmitted.

Library staff cannot provide in-depth assistance concerning the Internet, computer jargon or personal computer use.We may, however, be able to offer searching suggestions and answer questions.If you have never used computers or have specific questions about the Internet, circulating books and reference books are available.

The Board of Trustees respects the responsibility of parents to monitor their children’s reading and access to information.It is not the obligation of either the Board or the Library staff to monitor or review minor’s or any patron’s utilization of databases or information sources accessed via terminals at the Library.

Library staff are delegated the authority to:insure Plainview-Old Bethpage residents have first priority in use of such terminals; and 2) when and if demand necessitates, make such rules as may be required or are appropriate to limit time spent by patrons at Library terminals by which such access is available, whether via the Internet or otherwise.

Revised September 22, 1982
Revised January 28, 1987
Revised July 16, 1998
Revised March 16, 2005
Revised April 20, 2005
Revised September 21, 2005
Revised April 26, 200
Revised December 27, 2006
Revised May 16, 2007

The Library welcomes the community to use its physical facilities: exhibit space, grounds, meeting rooms and the Cultural Program Center (Auditorium) subject to the rules and regulations established by the Board of Trustees.

In formulating this policy, the Board has in mind its goal of making library facilities accessible to the greater number of people “.…on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use,” so that the Library may be a center of community activities and information. The only restrictions are those required by law or necessary for the proper management of the facilities. Implementing these goals by making space available to individuals and organizations does not mean that the trustees or staff of the Library endorse the beliefs, policies, or programs of the individuals or groups using the space.

Thus, in accordance with the Constitutional guarantees of free speech and public assembly, the Board of Trustees affirms that the political, social or religious beliefs or affiliations of applicants requesting use of the Library’s meeting rooms or display facilities are not valid criteria for determining whether such use will be granted. All applications for use shall be judged solely on the basis of the purpose for which the facilities are to be used. Therefore, the right of free speech and public assembly on Library property shall not be restricted unless its untrammeled use by one will result in a denial of the same to others. Consistent with the accepted principle that prior restraint is a form of censorship abhorrent to the American democratic tradition, any doubts as to the propriety of a group or individual’s use of Library facilities shall be resolved in favor of the applicant. However, no group or individual shall be granted use of the Library’s facilities for any activities prohibited by Education Law §414(1)(e).

I The Library Director is authorized to approve applications for the use of the Library's facilities by individuals and organizations and he/she may delegate this authority to one or more members of the staff.

PROCEDURE

1. Library's facilities must always be used in accordance with Section 414 of the Education Law.

a. Meetings and other uses shall be open to the general public.

b. For meetings and other uses where an admission fee or other charge is to be made, or a fund raising activity held, the prior approval of the application by the Board of Trustees is required. The proceeds collected must be expended for an educational or charitable purpose. Such use shall not be permitted if the event or program is under the exclusive control, and the proceeds are to be applied for the benefit of a society, association or organization of a religious sect or denomination, fraternal, secret or exclusive society or organization, other than organizations of veterans of the military, naval and marine service and volunteer firemen.

c. Library's facilities may be used for a political meeting as provided for as follows:

No "political organization" may hold a meeting on Library property. "Political organization" has been recognized, and for the purposes of these Guidelines shall be considered to be a party which is the last preceding election for governor polled at least fifty thousand votes for its candidate for governor (pursuant to Election law s1-104). This definition included any organization affiliated with or a subsidiary of a "political organization".

For the period 2002-2006, "political organization" refers to the Republican party, the Democratic party, the Conservative party, the Independence party and the Working Families party and any organization that is affiliated with, or is a subsidiary of any of those parties.

A candidate for public office or a public official shall not be barred from using the Library's meeting rooms for a community forum, or for a political discussion, so long as the forum or discussion is not sponsored by one of those organizations termed "political organization". For purposes of these Guidelines, library board members and candidates are considered candidates for public office or public officials.

The Library may, in its discretion, arrange for public candidates' forums at which interested candidates may express their views to members of the public. Every practicable effort will be made to schedule such forums in connection with elections for pertinent seats for United States Congress, New York State Assembly and Senate, Nassau County Executive and Legislature, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor and Council, and Plainview-Old Bethpage school and library boards, and Water Commissioner. The scheduling of such events shall also be subject to the availability of the Library's meeting rooms.

Library property may also be used for the following purposes when requested by the proper authorities and approved by the Board of Trustees:

Polling places for primaries and elections
To register voters

d. Library's space may not be used for any commercial activities by an individual, private-sector company or corporation, unincorporated association, society or any other entity or organization.

2. Conditions for Use:

a. It is understood that meeting of the Library Board of Trustees and programs sponsored by the Library shall take priority over all other groups with regard to use of the meeting space.

b. Organizations desiring space must submit a properly completed application. Applications will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis. The application form must be signed by a Plainview-Old Bethpage resident who is a member of the group. The submission of an application is not a guarantee of space. Applications serve the purpose of notifying the Library of an organization's desire to use Library facilities. So long as the application complies with the requirements of this policy, use of the Library's facilities shall be granted unless the requested facilities are unavailable on the requested date(s).

c. Officers of a group or organization using Library space are responsible for:

1. comply with the rules and regulations established by the Library for the proper management and use of the space.

2. the supervision of the use of the space allotted to their group; the safety of the Library equipment furnished the group; and for leaving the space in a clean and orderly condition.

3. insuring that the space is vacated promptly at the end of the period for which it has been assigned.

d. Where the specific exhibit space, grounds or meeting rooms requested by an organization are unavailable, the Library reserves the right to allocate other exhibit space, grounds or meeting rooms at its discretion.

The Cultural Program Center may be used by outside organizations for meetings. Performances may be held by outside organizations in the Cultural Program Center with prior approval of the Board of Trustees.

e. The use of Library's facilities is restricted to activities which will not impose undue traffic, noise, or parking problems on the surrounding area or result in disruption of Library activities.

3. Other restrictions:

a. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the Library.

b. No food or drink is permitted in the Cultural Program Center.

c. Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into or consumed on Library property.

d. Occupancy limitations as established by the Nassau County Fire Marshall must be adhered to.

e. Minimum of 100 people for use of the Cultural Program Center.

4. Fees:

a. There is no charge for the use of space when the Library is open. Meetings may continue until 10:00 PM except on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, when they must terminate 1/2 hour before closing.

b. Individuals or organizations desiring to use space after 10:00 PM on weekdays, or after closing time on Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday must make such a request in the application submitted for use of Library's facilities. Approval depends upon the availability of custodial employees during the time for which the application is made. Such individuals or organizations must pay fees and expenses associated with these custodial services, as set by the Board of Trustees.

ac. Upon the availability of the special technician needed to use the equipment requested, the fee charged to the group will be the amount the library pays the technician for services rendered. The group will be given an estimate in advance. The fees would be for special lighting and the use of Library equipment.

II Displays and Exhibits

The Library encourages individuals and organizations to sponsor displays and exhibits reflecting their work or area of interest.

Space for displays and exhibits must be arranged for at least 30 days in advance of the desired opening date.

Use of display and exhibit space is open to organizations engaged in educational, cultural. intellectual or charitable activities. However, priority shall be given to Plainview-Old Bethpage residents.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of materials placed on display or exhibit except top exercise reasonable care and supervision while the material is in the building.

III Distribution or Posting of Materials on Library Property

1. No material may be posted or distributed within the Library building without the approval of the Library Director or an authorized representative.

2. Nothing may be posted on the exterior of the Library building or its appurtenances.

3. Advertisements for exchange, rent or sale must be posted in the designated area.

IV Circulation of Petitions

1. Regulations

a. An individual or group desiring to circulate a petition on Library property, either inside or outside the Library building shall notify the Library Director or his/her representative prior to soliciting signatures.

b. The circulation of petitions is restricted to the entrance lobby and grounds of the Library subject to the conditions set forth in Paragraph "c" of this section.

c. Petition circulators, whether inside or outside the building, must not cause unreasonable commotion or noise, obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, engage in conduct which alarms or harasses Library patrons or staff, or otherwise interferes with the operation of the Library.

d. No petition may be left for signature within the Library or on Library property.

V Sale of Articles or Merchandise

1. The sale of articles or merchandise is not permitted in the public areas of the Library except as provided for under Section I.1.b. of this policy.

VI Solicitation of Gifts and Donations.

1. Individuals and organizations may solicit gifts and donations only in the meeting rooms of the Library as provided for under Sections I.1.b. of this policy.

Wireless Internet Access
Adopted by the Board of Trustees September 21, 2005

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library provides free wireless Internet access. You will need a notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device with 802.11b or 802.11g wireless networking to use the service. If you are not sure if your notebook/laptop computer or other device has this functionality, please check with the manufacturer or supplier of your equipment. If your notebook/laptop computer or other device does not include wireless networking, you may be able to purchase a variety of notebook/laptop pc cards and USB devices. The manufacturer or supplier of your equipment, or local technology merchants, can help you find the right product for your notebook/laptop computer or other device. Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be made that you will be able to make a wireless connection.

The wireless Internet access we offer is unfiltered. By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library’s Public Access Internet/World Wide Web Policy. Printers are not directly accessible via the wireless network, so printing is not available. In addition, since the Library’s wireless Internet is not secure, information sent to and from your notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.

We have tried to make wireless access as available as possible in the library, but you may encounter some “dead” spots, where wireless reception may be limited. If you have trouble accessing the Internet or staying online, please move to a different location within the library.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for damage or loss to notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s wireless access.