American Library Association Library Bill of Rights:

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996

Loan Periods:

Physical Books: 28 days

New Fiction books: 14 days

Adult and Juvenile DVDs:  7 days

TV Series DVDs:  14 days

Audiobooks on CD: 14 days

Music CDs: 14 days

Videogames: 14 days

“Library of Things” items: 14 days

Streaming and downloadable collection loan periods vary based on individual digital platforms.

Renewals:

Most library materials can be renewed for two additional loan periods. The Hackettstown Free Public Library will not renew materials that have been reserved by another person.

There are several ways to renew library materials:

Extended Use Fee:

Each cardholder is responsible for returning borrowed library materials by the assigned due date. An extended use fee will be charged for each overdue item. See the Fee Schedule for the extended use fee cost.

Lost and Damaged Materials:

Cardholders are responsible for lost or damaged materials checked out on their library card. In the case of children under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian will be asked to accept responsibility for items loaned in order to keep the child’s card in good standing. Lost items are charged at the retail cost of replacement. Patrons are discouraged from purchasing replacement copies for lost or damaged items.

Claim Items:

Cardholders may claim that they have returned Library materials that are still checked out on their card. Or patrons may claim that they never took something out on their card. These claims are cumulative and stay on a patron’s record even if the item is later found. Items will be marked “Claimed Returned” or “Claimed Never Out” as a final resort. Hackettstown Free Public Library allows only 5 of these before privileges are suspended.

Placing Holds on Materials:

Library cardholders may place a hold on items that are currently checked out. Follow these instructions to place a hold through our catalog. Cardholders will be notified by phone or email when a requested item is available for pickup. The status of a requested item can be checked online by visiting Your Account in the catalog.

There are several ways to place a hold:

  • In person at the Circulation Desk
  • By phone: 908-852-4936
  • Online through the library catalog

Reciprocal Borrowing:

The Hackettstown Free Public Library is a member of the Main Library Alliance (Main), a consortium of 49 public libraries located in Morris, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties. Patrons are required to register for a library card at their home library and may use it at any of the Main libraries.

Open Borrowing:

Hackettstown Free Public Library cardholders are able to take items out from over 75 libraries across New Jersey that are not a part of the Main consortium. These include libraries in Sussex, Warren, Middlesex, and Passaic counties. For more information, visit www.openborrowing.org.

InterLibrary Loan:

Through InterLibrary Loan (ILL), the Hackettstown Free Public Library may obtain books for patrons from public, university, and special library collections on a local, regional, state, and national level.

Patrons are responsible for all charges they may incur from other libraries; such charges cannot be absorbed by the Hackettstown Free Public Library.  Charges incurred by the Hackettstown Free Public Library from another library (or outside agency or organization) in the performance of a library service for a specific patron may be passed along to that patron at the discretion of the Director.  In such cases where charges may be assessed, the patron will be notified of the potential cost when the service is requested.

The Board of Trustees has adopted a Library Code of Conduct to help ensure a comfortable and safe environment within the library.  This policy is intended to provide clear and reasonable rules to guide behavior while in the library and on library premises.

The library subscribes to Article IV of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states, “a person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.”

Members of the public (including members of the Board of Trustees and Friends of the Library but excluding DPW staff or other outside contractors engaged in maintenance, repair, or equipment checks) are not permitted in “Staff Only” areas of the Library. This is to ensure safety and preserve the confidentiality of patron records and data. Members of the public must use only those entrances and exits designated for their use.

Unacceptable behavior includes actions in the library or on library premises that interfere with the use of the library by others, creates a risk of injury to oneself or others, inhibits the work of library staff, disrupts the peaceful enjoyment of the library, or creates a risk of damage to library, personal, or staff property.

The Library Code of Conduct is to be observed by everyone in the building or on library grounds. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Any activity that constitutes a violation of federal, state, or local criminal statutes or ordinances.
  • Damage, defacement, or theft of any library property or material, or any personal property or material.
  • Possession, distribution, or use of alcohol.
  • Possession, distribution or use of controlled substances.
  • Use of tobacco products or e-cigarette devices.
  • Sexual conduct.
  • Carrying any instrument or object which could reasonably be classified as a weapon onto Library property, unless authorized by law to do so.
  • Use of profanity, abusive or threatening language or threatening gestures, bullying or unwanted physical conduct.
  • Unreasonable noise levels including shouting, loud talking, or disruptive conversation, uncontrolled or repeated ringing of cell phones and loud cell phone conversations.
  • Solicitations, petitions, or canvassing in the library or on library premises.
  • Consumption of food except in designated areas or at authorized library functions.
  • Bringing animals inside the library with the exception of service animals or those allowed at a library-approved event.
  • Lack of personal hygiene that interferes with the use of and enjoyment of the library by others or interferes with the work of library staff.
  • Prolonged sleeping that interferes with the use and enjoyment of the library by others.
  • Use of the library restrooms for anything other than their ordinarily intended purpose; such purposes do not include bathing, shaving, or washing hair.
  • Use of personal electronic equipment at a volume that disturbs others.
  • Leaving unattended children or adults who are in need of supervision.
  • Removing or not wearing footwear or shirts within the library building.
  • Staring at, or following Library staff and other patrons.
  • Intentionally monopolizing Library staff time so that duties and services are interrupted.

Enforcement

A staff member observing a violation of the library’s rules shall approach the patron observed violating the policy courteously, tell the patron that the behavior is unacceptable, and ask the patron to refrain from the behavior.

If the behavior continues, the staff member may approach the patron a second time, reiterate the relevant policy, and warn that he/she may be asked to leave the library. If the behavior is so disruptive or if the staff member believes a second warning is inappropriate under the circumstances, the staff person need not approach the patron a second time. In the event the patron does not cease the behavior, the staff member is to direct the patron to leave the library immediately. If the patron refuses to leave, the staff member may warn the patron that he/she has no choice but to call the police or may call the police without warning if deemed appropriate.

If the person being asked to leave is a minor, staff will ask if the child’s parent or another caregiver needs to be called to pick him/her up. If the child has nowhere else to go and cannot leave the library, he/she will be instructed to sit quietly in another part of the library until they are picked up or can go home.

The Board of Trustees authorizes library staff to suspend the library privileges for those whose behavior prevents or interferes with the effective use of the library by others. Violation of these rules may be cause for a temporary or permanent prohibition from future use of library facilities.

Guidelines for Suspending Patrons

The following guidelines are to be used when a library patron has violated the Code of Conduct policy sufficiently to require suspension from in and around the Library premises.  The length of the suspension will be based on the nature of the violation.

  • 1-7 day suspension: For behavior such as refusing to comply with standard rules in the Code of Conduct.  This is for more minor disruptive behavior and should be considered the basic response when patrons are having a hard time following Library rules.
  • 30 day suspension: For verbal abuse or inappropriate language rather than an assault. This also applies to repeat offenders who have already been suspended for 1-7 days several times.
  • Six Month Suspension: For more pronounced disruptive behavior and for more serious violations of the Code of Conduct. This includes significant verbal harassment of staff or other patrons.  This also includes patrons who have had prior suspensions and who continue to violate the Code of Conduct.
  • One Year Suspension: For very serious problems, such as verbally or physically threatening behavior, physical assaults of patrons and/or staff, or criminal activity in the library, with review for possible continuation. The police are usually called for this type of incident and the patron may be arrested.  Verbal threats include statements like, “I’ll kill you if I see you again.”  This can also include patrons who have repeatedly violated the Code of Conduct and have a prior history of suspensions from the Library.  At the end of the suspension, the Board of Trustees will review the suspension and decide whether the period of time needs to be extended.
  • Beyond one year: For the most serious incidents such as shooting a gun in the library, threatening behavior towards children, or stalking a staff member. The library Director and Board of Trustees will review this suspension and make the appropriate decision as to the length.  Prior to the end of the suspension period, the library Director and Board of Trustees will review the suspension and decide whether the period of time needs to be extended.

Library staff may also suspend a patron until further notice until the Director has a chance to investigate and review an incident.  Staff will notify the Director immediately or as soon as feasible (not to exceed 24 hours) of the incident and action taken.  The patron will then be notified about the Director’s decision.

If the individual who has been suspended wishes to appeal this decision, he or she must notify the Director in writing within 10 days of the date of the notification of suspension.  The appeal will be heard at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees.  Trustees will decide by a majority vote to uphold the suspension if the behavior is a sufficient threat to the ability of the Library to operate in a safe manner or if the behavior prevents staff and patrons from using library services, furniture, facilities, and materials for their intended use.  The suspension will be in effect until this vote is taken.  Trustees will instruct the Director to contact the person making such an appeal by letter and inform him/her of the decision of the Board.

Overview:

Library books and materials are selected to meet the educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community.

The inclusion of a book or material in the Library’s collection does not in any way constitute an endorsement of its content or ideology.  Some works on certain subjects may not meet the approval of all members of the community; however, if the Library is to fulfill its public obligation and social responsibility these works still may be included in the collection.

Final authority for the determination of policy in the acquisition of books and related materials is vested in the Board of Trustees.  Responsibility for book selection within this policy and expenditures for materials rests with the Director.

Criteria for Selection of Materials:

Selection of materials is based on one or more of the following:

  • Importance of the subject to the balance of the collection
  • Potential use and interest in the community
  • Popular appeal
  • Permanent value
  • Literary and artistic quality
  • Accuracy of information
  • Authoritativeness of author and publisher
  • Scarcity of material on the subject
  • Accessibility of material in other libraries
  • Format
  • Reviews from reputable sources
  • Cost of item

Requests for specific materials will be given consideration.  If it is determined by the Director that purchase is not practical, every effort will be made to obtain the required book through reciprocal borrowing or interlibrary loan.

 Selection of Juvenile and Young Adult Materials:

 Juvenile and Young Adult materials are selected with the same care and judgment as adult materials. The Library accepts and recognizes that it is the role of the parent, and not library staff, to supervise the reading materials of a child. Library staff cannot be responsible for withholding materials from particular children.

Textbooks:

 No attempt will be made to provide textbooks, but a book will not be excluded because it is a textbook.

Maintenance of Collection:

 The collection will be reviewed, weeded, and added to regularly. Information used to make decisions about removing a title from the collection includes:

  • Review of statistical information such as circulation reports
  • Visual inspection of materials to determine poor condition
  • Library holdings compared to standard bibliographies and recommended purchase lists

Withdrawn books and materials will be placed on sale for the benefit of the library or will be recycled.

Reconsideration of Library Materials:

Complaints concerning the content of material will be given formal recognition when the complainant completes and submits a Request for Reconsideration form, which is available at the circulation desk.

When such a completed and signed form has been received, the Director will meet with the Board of Trustees to discuss the material.  This group will review the material, gather all pertinent reviews and information and determine whether the material meets the selection criteria outlined above, and whether it is appropriate to the collection. The Director will inform the complainant of the Board’s decision.

Gifts:

Gifts of books and other library materials in good condition are gratefully accepted by the library with the understanding that they will not necessarily be added to the library’s collection. The same selection criteria used for the purchase of materials are applied to gifts.  The library assumes ownership of all donated materials and reserves the rights to sell or otherwise dispose of gift materials not added to the collection.  The library reserves the right to refuse conditional donations.

Receipts for materials given to the library are limited to acknowledgement of the quantity and format of materials donated.  Assignment of value for income tax or other purposes is the responsibility of the donor.  The library will not appraise gifts or endorse appraisals obtained by donors.

Monetary gifts may be designated as memorials or given in honor of individuals or special occasions.  Subject or title preferences of donors will be honored insofar as possible, but the library reserves the right of final selection.  An appropriate acknowledgement will be placed in items acquired with gift funds.

No guarantee is made that gift materials selected for inclusion in the library collection or materials acquired with gift funds will be kept permanently or will continue to be replaced indefinitely, if worn, damaged or lost.

All library users are expected to show consideration for others when viewing Internet sites.  No person shall use a computer in a way that disturbs or interferes with other users, employees, or operation of the library.

All federal, state, and local laws are in effect while library patrons are using computers in the library.  Examples include laws governing copyright, gambling, and display of pornographic materials.  Anyone who breaks any law using a computer in the library may be banned from using the library and/or library computers, and may also be subject to criminal prosecution.

Anyone who accesses the library’s network must:

  • Recognize that public workstations must be used in a manner that respects the rights of others and therefore should refrain from activity that prevents others from using the Internet at the Library.
  • Not use the Internet for any illegal activity or purpose.
  • Not violate copyright or any other law.
  • Not damage or alter the setup or configuration of the equipment or software used to access the Internet at the library.
  • Refrain from the deliberate or reckless propagation of computer worms, malware, or viruses.
  • Refrain from the transmission of threatening, harassing, violent, obscene, or abusive language or images using the Internet, applications, or email.

 Failure to Comply:

In the event that a patron violates this policy, a staff member will inform the individual that his/her behavior violates the Internet Code of Conduct, and that it must stop.

Library employees are authorized to terminate the computer session of anyone who fails to comply with the Internet Code of Conduct.

Staff Assistance with the Internet and Technology:

Staff will assist library users with use of the Internet and library-supplied technology, including suggestions for effective search strategies.  Library staff will also provide general assistance with personal electronic devices, particularly those that are used to access library-supplied digital content.  However, the library cannot guarantee that staff will be able to assist users at all times the library is open.

Limit of Liability:

 The Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, but Library personnel have no control over the quality of information on the Internet.  Because Internet content is not managed or governed by any single entity, Library users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment and consider the validity and reliability of the source of information when accessing Internet sites.

Library staff can assist users with connecting a personal device to the wireless network but cannot troubleshoot problems related to a specific wireless device or assist in making changes to a device’s network settings and/or hardware configuration.  The Library cannot guarantee that all devices will work with its wireless access points.

All wireless users should have up-to-date virus protection on their laptop computers and wireless devices. The Library cannot be responsible for information that is compromised, or for any damage caused to hardware or software.

Use of the Hackettstown Free Public Library’s wireless network is at the risk of the user.  The Library disclaims all liability for loss of confidential information or damages.  Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communication are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public.

A Hackettstown Free Public Library card is necessary to borrow materials from the library and to remotely access subscription-based digital content. A library card must be presented to perform any circulation transactions. Library cards can be obtained in person at the Circulation Desk or online via the website.

The Hackettstown Public Library card is free for anyone who lives, works, pays property taxes, or goes to school within the boundaries of the Hackettstown municipality.

Free Borrowing Privileges are Extended to the Following:

  • Residents of the Town of Hackettstown
  • Students in the elementary or secondary school within the town (and their families)
  • Non-resident taxpayers and their immediate families
  • Teachers and school officials in town school for as long as they are employed by the local school system, even though they may not reside within the town. Separate cards are not issued to members of such teachers’ families.

Courtesy Cards:
Courtesy cards can be issued to people who work or attend school in Hackettstown and do not reside in a community served by a Main Library Alliance member library. Proof of eligibility (such as a pay stub or a report card with the person’s name and work or school address) must be shown along with the home library card or documentation that shows the person’s home address.  Patrons with a courtesy card are eligible for in-person service and may request materials through the patron online request system for pick‐up at the issuing library.

College Student Card:
Students who are enrolled at an institution of higher learning located within the Main Library Alliance service area may be eligible for a College Student card.  Patrons with a student card are eligible for in-person service, but may not request materials through the patron online request system.

Proof of Eligibility for Library Cards:
Proof of residency or property ownership and photo ID is required for registration.  Please register in person at the library and bring a driver’s license, rental lease, utility bill, bank statement, or government issued ID showing a Hackettstown address. Identification and proof of residency can also be uploaded via the website. The ID must not be expired.

Minors:
All children under the age of 18 must have parental endorsement of their library borrowing cards.  Children ages four (4) and up are eligible to receive their own library card.

The Hackettstown Free Public Library provides meeting room space as a community service, for purposes that enhance the Library’s mission to enrich the lives of all members of our community with opportunities for learning, entertainment, cultural enrichment, and access to information.

The Library allows civic, cultural, educational and charitable groups the use of the Library conference room and other public rooms within the Library as availability permits and when they are not in use by the Library.  Access will be provided on equal terms, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the organization or individual requesting use of the meeting rooms.  Use of meeting spaces by groups not directly related to the Library does not imply the Library’s endorsement of those meetings or activities.

Fundraising events are permitted only if sponsored by the library, Friends of the library or other organizations affiliated with the library.

Reservations

Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.  The reservation of Library facilities shall be the prerogative of the Director of the Library, in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Library Board of Trustees.  Any organization or individual (sponsor) desiring to schedule the use of a room must complete the Meeting Room Application (also available at the circulation desk).

Guidelines

  • Meetings considered to be political, advocating for or against a particular candidate or position, private meetings, or social events are not permitted.
  • All meetings must be open to the public and free of charge.
  • The room is not available for use by individuals or groups that are offering seminars in order to solicit customers or business for their organizations.
  • All literature distributed at meetings must be clearly marked with the name of the sponsoring group; “Hackettstown Free Public Library” shall not be included in any such literature.  The library’s address may not be used by any organization as its headquarters address.
  • A Certificate of Insurance may be required for reservation of library facilities.
  • Permission to use the library’s meeting rooms in no way implies library sponsorship or endorsement of any group or its program.
  • Due to demand by community groups and Library-sponsored programs, organizations requiring guaranteed regular time slots cannot always be accommodated.
  • Events must end 15 minutes prior to the regular closing time unless prior arrangements are made with the Director.
  • The sponsor may arrange food and beverage service in the meeting rooms, but no food may be carried into the main portion of the Library.
  • At the conclusion of the event the sponsor shall promptly clean up any debris and remove from the premises all materials and equipment provided by the sponsor. The room must be left in the same condition as found at the beginning of the event.  Trash must be bagged and placed where directed.  Kitchen facilities must be left clean.  All costs to the library to repair damages to the room, its furnishings and fixtures or any other library property or property on loan to the library, beyond ordinary wear and tear, will be charged to the sponsor.
  • Events may not disrupt other library patrons.  Event attendees are subject to all library rules and regulations and may be asked to leave if they do not abide by them.  The sponsor is responsible for maintaining proper order on the part of all participants.  At least one responsible adult (18 or older) must always be present.
  • The organization/individual will adhere to all Town ordinances.  Alcoholic beverages and illegal substances are prohibited by local ordinance.  Use of open flames or candles in the meeting room is prohibited.  Smoking or vaping are not permitted in the library.
  • The library reserves the right to refuse permission for use of the rooms to any group or individual that does not meet these requirements.

Library Notaries witness a person signing a document or signing a sworn statement on a document.  The Library Notary documents that:

  • The signer of the document appeared before the Notary
  • The Notary positively identified the signer
  • The signer both acknowledged the signature as hers or his, and that the signature was made willingly.

The following guidelines need to be followed in the provision of Notary Service:

  • This service is free to Hackettstown residents. Out of town residents will be charged a $5 fee.
  • An online appointment form is required to schedule an appointment with a notary. This form is located here. The notary will confirm the appointment via email within 24 hours.
  • Drop-in notary services are not available.
  • Notary Public service is limited to three documents per person per day.
  • The person who will sign the document must be sure that the document is completely filled out–leaving no blanks except where the customer will sign the document when appearing before the Library Notary. Library Notaries may not notarize any document with blank spaces.
  • The document(s) should not be signed before arriving at the Library.
  • Government issued photo identification is required of any customer seeking Notary service.
  • Documents in any language other than English will not be notarized.
  • New Jersey law requires that a Notary and the customer seeking notarization be able to communicate directly with each other. Library Notaries are not permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with a Notary service customer.
  • In accordance with New Jersey Notarial Law, Notaries will not provide service if the customer, document, or circumstances of the request for Notary service raise any issue of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt, or uncertainty for the Library. In this event, the Library Notary may, at his/her sole discretion, decline to provide Notary service.
  • The Library Notary does not provide Notary service for Wills, mortgages, deeds, birth certificates, codicils, depositions, marriage licenses, I-9 forms, or Powers of Attorney.
  • In situations where a witness is required the Library will not provide witnesses and witnesses may not be solicited from patrons using the Library.  To serve as a witness, the witness must personally know the individual whose document is being notarized and must be in possession of valid photo identification.

Pandemic Policy

Purpose
In the event of a pandemic, the library may be required to operate on limited staffing or take unique measures to help slow the spread of the illness, including service restrictions, limited hours of the operation, or possible closures by order of local public health officials.  Recovery from a pandemic may be slow, as compared to a natural disaster or other physical crises.  It is important to ensure that core business activities of the library can be maintained for several weeks or more with limited staff and reduced hours due to a pandemic.

Definitions
Pandemic Plan: A pandemic plan differs from a general emergency preparedness policy or procedure.  With an emergency preparedness policy, there is an assumption that staff will return to the building or begin rebuilding, almost immediately after the event crisis (such as after a fire or storm, or if there is a utility shortage). Recovery from a pandemic may be slow and limited staff, services, and hours may be necessary for an extended period.

Pandemic: A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease (World Health Organization www.who.int).

Appropriate Staffing Level: For the purposes of this policy, “Appropriate Staffing Level” refers to the minimum number of qualified staff necessary to provide service safely and efficiently as determined by the Library Director or their designee.  Two staff members are required to be in the library building in order for it to open to the public in any capacity.

Library Closures
Public Health Mandate
: The Hackettstown Public Library will close due to the pandemic in the event of a mandate order or recommendation for closure issued by public health or government officials on the local, county, or state level.  All transactions will be fine-free until further notice.

Discretionary Service-Level Changes
At the discretion of the Library Director and Board of Trustees, the Library may close, reduce its operating hours, or limit service temporarily in the event that there is not sufficient staff to maintain appropriate staffing levels. The Director can update procedures as needed during a pandemic.  In the event of closure or reduction in operating hours, the Library Director will maintain communication with staff, Library Board of Trustees, and patrons.

Library Staff
Staffing level for a temporary period of time is defined as two healthy employees available to be present at the library during all open hours.  An inability to maintain this temporary minimal level will result in reduced hours or closing of the library.

In providing service safely and efficiently, the following actions may be taken at the discretion of the Library Director or designee:

– Increased health/safety measures for staff (wearing gloves, wiping down work areas, etc.)

– Social distance practices in public areas

– Reduction of staffing

– Cancellation of all programs, special events, and meeting room reservations

– Reallocation of employee responsibilities and shift/schedule changes to provide coverage during open hours

– Closure of the library

If the Library is open, employees are expected to report to work on time as scheduled, excluding any excused absences following the established Personnel Policy, or due to sickness of the pandemic itself.  In the event of closure, employees shall be compensated for their regularly scheduled hours.  If the library is closed or hours reduced, healthy employees may be assigned work-at-home tasks to be completed in their compensated hours.  When appropriate, work tools (laptops, supplies, etc.) can be lent to employees by the Library Director for work-at-home assignments.

Communication
In the event of closure necessitated by pandemic, effective communication about any reduction in services or open hours must be announced in a timely manner.  Library staff should follow normal procedures used for any unexpected closure/program cancellation, which includes posting on the library website, social media, and local media.

Prioritization of Services
Priority will be given to the following essential services:

– Information services for the public – in the event of a library closure, conducted via chat, phone, or email
– Payroll
– Accounts Payable
– Facility Maintenance

In the case of reduced staffing or reduced hours of operation, the Library Director or designee will prioritize service-related tasks and assign the daily work plan to staff.

Patron Code of Conduct During a Pandemic
The following items are added to the Library Code to Conduct as an addendum and shall continue to the end of 2020 unless otherwise extended or suspended by the Board of Trustees.

  • Library patrons, age two and older, must wear a face covering at all times while in the buildings.
    • For those unable to, or unwilling to, wear a face covering, reasonable accommodations will include curbside pickup of library materials and reference and information services via phone or email.
  • Patrons that are sick, have a fever, or are actively coughing or sneezing shall not enter library buildings, even if they are wearing a face covering.
  • All visitors will practice social distancing at all times, ensuring a minimum of six feet distance to all others.
  • While in the library building, patrons shall practice good hygiene by properly washing hands or using hand sanitizer.
  • The library will observe the following occupancy limit: 10 patrons, plus staff. As state mandates allow larger percentages of people in the building, library staff will adjust limits accordingly.
  • Minors (those under age 16) must be accompanied by, and under the direct supervision of, their own parent or legal guardian at all times.
  • Browsing in the Children’s Room will be available by appointment.
  • Patron use of library computers shall be:
    • Limited to 45 minutes per day by appointment
    • Limited to essential business or research use only. No gaming permitted.
  • Patrons shall return all borrowed materials via the external book drops.
  • No group or class visits are permitted. The library’s meeting room is not available for public use.
  • For questions about the Code of Conduct or restrictions, please contact the Library Director at 908-852-4936.

Children of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to use the library’s materials, programs, and services. However, the library is an open, public building, and the well-being of children left alone is a serious concern. The library does not accept responsibility for the supervision of unattended children. Parents and other caregivers are responsible for their children’s behavior and safety at all times in the library.

Children nine (9) years of age and under must be monitored by a parent or caregiver at all times. Parents/caregivers must remain in the immediate vicinity of and be in visual contact with the child.

The staff has the discretion to require that a parent or caregiver accompany certain children at all times, regardless of age.

Children’s Room:

The Children’s Room is intended for children (infants through grade 4) and their parent(s) or caregiver(s).  All children age nine (9) and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult age eighteen (18) or older when using the Children’s Room.  The responsible adult must remain with the child in the room at all times.  It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to supervise the children. Library staff do not act in place of the parent or guardian and are not responsible for the care of unsupervised children.  Unaccompanied children, eleven (11) and older, may use the Children’s Room only if they are looking for materials to check out and must leave the room once they have located the items.

Disruptive, rude, and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.  If such behavior occurs, verbal warnings will be issued.  Failure to behave appropriately will result in being asked to leave the building and/or having library privileges suspended.

Library property is to be treated respectfully.  Children’s room books and toys are not to be thrown, kicked, or stepped on.  Games, books, and toys are to be put away before leaving the room and chairs should be pushed in.

Children are to walk and not run.  Shoes are to be worn at all times.