Policies

Newton Public Library District

Policy Manual

I. Registration Requirements and Borrowing Privileges

Borrowing Privileges for Residents and Non-Residents:

A. Resident

The Newton Public Library District is a tax-supported public library. This means that people residing within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Newton Public Library pay taxes to support the library. Those people who live within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Newton Public Library need pay no additional fee to be eligible to receive their first library card. Library cards are renewed every three years without additional fees, provided the library card holder continues to reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Newton Public Library and is a patron in good standing.

B. Non-Resident

Individuals residing beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of the Newton Public library and not within the boundaries of another public library, and neither owning nor leasing any property within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Newton Public Library, may purchase a non-resident fee card for the price calculated each year by formula devised by the Illinois State Library. This fee entitles the entire household to use the Newton Public Library, and libraries statewide, provided that the library participates in the state’s non-resident library card program. This policy is in accordance with the Illinois Local Library’s Act’s section on non-resident cards (75 ILCS 5/4-7). In accordance with this law, family cards are the only type of non-resident card that may be sold.

C. Taxed Non-Resident

Individuals residing beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of the Newton Public Library, but owning or leasing property within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Newton Public Library, may, upon presentation of the tax bill or a lease bearing your name, receive a resident card for everyone in the household per taxable parcel, valid for one year from the registration date. The card issued will be a resident card and will entitle you to use the Newton Public Library, and libraries statewide, provided that the library participates in the state’s non-resident library card program. This policy is in accordance with Illinois Local Library Act’s section on non-resident library cards (75 ILCS 5/4-7).

D. Cards For Kids

Individuals who are students registered at a public or private school that serves grades K-12 (either in part or in full) and reside in an unincorporated area in Illinois and fall at or below the US Department of Agriculture’s Income Eligibility Guidelines may request a non-resident card at no charge. The student must provide proof of their eligibility. This card is only valid for the student and not the household. If the student is under 16, a parent or guardian must be present to show proof of address for the child’s library card and also will be held responsible for materials borrowed by the child. This policy is in accordance with the Illinois Local Library’s Act’s section on (75 ILCS 16/30-55.60).

E. Adult Proof of Residency

Adults (16 and older) wishing to register for a borrower’s card, renew an expired borrower’s car, or replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed borrower’s card at the Newton Public Library must bring with them one form of identification which bears their name, photo and current address. This form of identification includes, but is not limited to, driver’s license, utility bills, mail, or voter’s registration card. P.O. Box addresses are not considered valid proof of residency. If a person does not have a mailing address other than a P.O. Box, they must prove their residency through other means (a letter from the landlord or piece of mail sent to residence.)

F. Child Proof of Residency

Children (15 and younger) must complete a “child” registration for a library card. A parent or guardian must be present to show proof of address for the child’s library card and also will be held responsible for materials borrowed by the child.

G. Reciprocal Borrowing

As a resident or non-resident card holder of Newton Public Library, the borrower identified on a valid borrower’s card may physically take his/her library card to another library to borrow materials. Those materials are the responsibility of the individual who borrows them and are subject to all the fines, rules and regulations of the lending library. Often libraries limit the borrowing privileges of reciprocal borrowers, and it is best to establish local rules and procedures before making your selections.

Eligibility to Borrow

Individuals presenting valid borrower’s cards issued by the Newton Public Library are eligible to borrow materials form the Newton Public Library when the following conditions are met:

No materials that are more than one circulation period are overdue on their card.
No outstanding fines in aggregate excess of $5.00 have accrued to their card.
No materials borrowed for them from another library are overdue in any amount.

The library staff may not waive these regulations without the specific permission of the library director or director’s designee; however, the patron may request and receive a 24-hour hold on the item(s) he or she wishes to check out to allow the patron to correct the situation which has resulted in loss of eligibility to borrow.

II. Patron Conduct Policy

The Board of Trustees of the Newton Public Library District has established the following rules for patron conduct in the library. Any user not in compliance with the following rules or who jeopardizes the health or safety of the other users or acts in a manner inconsiderate of other users may be asked to leave. Should the offender not leave when ordered to do so, the police will be summoned.

Library Rules:

Loud, offensive, or threatening language and disruptive behavior are not permitted. Any behavior that disrupts or interferes with the operation and/or use of the library is prohibited.
Improper acts which are subject to prosecution under any criminal or civil codes are prohibited.
Soliciting, petitioning, loitering, or any other activity that would interfere with the normal flow of library business is prohibited. There is a community bulletin board for the sale of items, but staff and patrons may not be approached about sales including but not limited to fundraisers. The library is not responsible for anything posted on the bulletin board.
Theft, mutilation, or vandalism of library property is prohibited.
Patrons will be appropriately attired, including shirts and shoes.
Food and beverages without secure lids are not to be consumed while using any library computer.
Smoking or the use of any tobacco product or the use of alcohol is not permitted in the building and/or within 15 feet of the building.
Bicycles or other vehicles may not be parked in a manner that blocks or hinders entry to the library.
Animals are not permitted in the library, except for companion dogs for the physically disabled and/or for the purpose of library programming.
Parents should be aware of and comply with the library’s Safe Child Policy.
Restrooms will not be used as a bathing facility.
The library dumpster is considered private property. Any dumpster “diving” (retrieving items in the dumpster for reuse) is hazardous and prohibited. Depositing any personal items in the dumpster for disposal is also prohibited.
Library phones will not be used for personal use. Library visitors are expected to inform staff of emergencies so they may contact appropriate services. If necessary, the library staff will assist children under 15 in contacting their parents.

Anyone who has willfully violated any of these rules may be excluded from the library for a length of time to be determined by the Library Director.

III. Safe Child Policy

No public places, including the library, can guarantee the safety of children. A child could be approached by a stranger, become ill, wander outside, or become lost or injured. Because of this, parents or guardians are responsible for their children’s safety and well-being while their children are visiting the library. The library cannot and does not assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of children. The library staff cannot observe all patron contacts made on the premises.

Parents or guardians are responsible for their children in the library. The Newton Public Library is not responsible for children left unattended.
The library staff will assist children with using the library, but will not act as caregivers for children.
Children under 10 years old must not be left alone in the library. A responsible caregiver (parent, guardian, or sibling or babysitter age 13 or older) must supervise children in the same department of the library. Parents or guardians remain responsible for their children and tweens/teens even when the parent or guardian is not present in the building.
If the library is closing, at a regular time or in an emergency situation, and a parent or guardian of a child cannot be located in the building, the Newton Police Department will be called to assist the child. Under no circumstances will a staff member drive any child home.
The library is not responsible for the care and safety of minor children traveling to and from library premises.

IV. Public Access to Electronic Information Network

State Library Systems

Affiliation with the Illinois Heartland Library system provides an additional source of library materials.

Newton Public Library and all ILLINET libraries use electronic information networks such as the Internet for a variety of purposes:

Access to shared automation systems that provide bibliographic access to the collections of the local library and libraries in the region and across the state.
Access to the wealth of information resources available via the Internet.
Access to general and specialized shared licensed databases available to ILLINET member libraries through regional and statewide cooperative programs.

Relationship to Other library Policies

Newton Public Library’s Policy for Access to Electronic Information Networks is part of the library’s overall policy structure and should be interpreted in conjunction with other existing policies. Copies of all library policies are available upon request from a library staff member

“Global” Versus “Local” Resources

Most resources available via the Internet and other electronic information networks are “global” resources rather than “local” resources. Newton Public Library does not and cannot control the information content available through global resources such as information obtained from outside sources via the Internet. Internet resources enhance and supplement resources that are available locally within a library. Library users must be aware that Newton Public Library does not exercise control over information obtained via the Internet and must keep in mind the following points when evaluating information obtained via the Internet:

Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable and may or may not be obtained from a reliable source.
Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be accurate.

Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be current and up to date.
Links to information on the Internet may not always be valid, and particularly information sites on the Internet may sometimes be unavailable and this unavailability often occurs unpredictably.
Some library patrons may consider certain information obtained via the Internet controversial.

Newton Public Library urges library patrons to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet. Library staff may be available to assist patrons in making judgments about the reliability or currency of certain types of Internet information sources, but are unable to provide definitive analysis of particular sources due to the extremely large variety and volume of information available via the Internet.

Library Patron’s Rights

Library patrons have certain rights with respect to use of electronic information networks such as the Internet. Newton Public Library will work with other libraries in the Illinois Library and Information Network to preserve and protect these rights, subject to limitations imposed by licensing and payment agreements with database providers.

Library patrons have the right to confidentiality and privacy in the use of electronic information networks to the extent possible given certain constraints such as proximity of other patrons and staff in public access settings.
Library patrons have the right to equitable access to electronic information networks.
Library patrons have the right to access and read all library service policies and discuss questions with appropriate library staff.

Patron Assistance and Instruction

Newton Public Library’s staff may provide assistance to patrons in the use of electronic information networks as time and staff knowledge permits. Printed and online documentation and instructions are available at or near points of service. Formal instruction in particular aspects of electronic information network use may be available. Staff will not provide basic computer skills training outside of specific program time. Staff will not fill out employment application for library visitors. Staff my provide printing assistance and basic troubleshooting.

Use of equipment and Networks

Newton Public Library requires that library patrons using electronic information networks such as the Internet do so within guidelines of acceptable use. The following activities are unacceptable:

Use of electronic information networks for any purpose with results in the harassment of other users.
Destruction of, damage to or unauthorized alteration of the library’s computer equipment software, or network security procedures.

Use of electronic information networks in any way, which violates a Federal or state law.
Use of electronic information networks in any way that violates licensing and payment agreements between Newton Public Library and network / database providers.
Unauthorized duplication of copy protected software or violation of software license agreements.
Violations of system security.
Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to overuse of computer equipment, which serves to deny access to other users.

Children’s Access to Electronic Information Networks

Newton Public Library supports the right of all library users to access information and will not deny access to electronic information networks based solely on age.

Newton Public Library recognizes that the electronic information networks such as the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their children’s use of the Internet. Library staff is unable to monitor children’s use. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children’s issues of appropriate use and electronic information network safety.

Internet Rules

In order to provide a fair access to the library’s computers and to allow the internet to be available as a source for reference, the Board of Trustees has established the following policy.

NO use of cell phones.

NO food or drink in the library.

QUIET will be strictly enforced in the computer area.

The library has five internet-accessible computers. Time on the computer is not limited unless other patrons are waiting. (Patrons being on the computer the longest will be asked to leave).
There is no computer fee to use the computers. Black/white copies are $.10 per page & color are $.25 per page.
A parent or guardian must accompany grade school age children (under age 12) while they use the computer. They are responsible for their children’s use of the internet. Library staff is not in a position to monitor Internet access.
Patrons should have a working knowledge of computers. Library staff may not be able to provide computer assistance. They cannot provide in-depth Internet searching or one-on-one computer training.
Newton Public Library is not responsible for the content, timeliness, accuracy, or quality of information on the Internet. Users are cautioned to be aware of potential risks when entering personal or financial data.
The library reserves the right to end a computer session at any time for use not consistent with this policy. Inappropriate use includes but is not limited to tampering with computer hardware or software, disruptive behavior or displaying images or text inappropriate for viewing in a public setting.

Using Newton Public Library’s Wireless Internet Access

You must provide all needed equipment to connect to the wireless network. The library does not checkout laptops or wireless hotspots to use with your laptop. If your laptop already has a wireless card in it, then you are ready to connect.

Using your wireless network application on your computer, phone, or device browse for an available wireless network. You should see:

SSID; LibraryOpen

There is no password required to connect. Just connect to the LibraryOpen network and open your browser.

Your homepage will be redirected the first time you login.

Wireless Internet Rules.

The Newton Public Library provides free Internet access points for users with portable computers or devices capable of receiving wireless signals, during normal library business hours. These access points allow users to access the Internet from their laptop computers when sitting within range of the access points.
Library staff will provide general information the settings necessary to access the Internet via these connections, but are not responsible for any changes users make to their computer settings and cannot guarantee that a user’s hardware will work with the library’s wireless connection.
The library accepts no responsibility regarding the ability of a patron owned equipment to connect to the wireless network. Library staff will not change settings on patron equipment.
The library’s wireless connection is unencrypted and unfiltered. Use of the wireless connection is done at the patron’s own risk. By using this connection, patrons acknowledge that security errors and hacking are an inherent risk associated with any wireless service. For that reason, patrons expressly agree that they knowingly assume such risk, and further agree to hold the library harmless from any claim or loss arising out of, or related to any such instance of hacking or other unauthorized use or access into the patron’s computer.
The library accepts no responsibly for any software downloaded and/or installed, e-mail opened, or sites accessed while patrons are on the wireless internet connection. Any damage done to the patron’s equipment or self from viruses, identity theft, spyware, plug-ins, or other Internet-borne programs is the sole responsibility of the patron. The patron indemnifies and holds harmless the library from any such damage.
All users are expected to adhere to a “good neighbor” policy and should avoid extended periods of high bandwidth usage or any needless network traffic. The wireless network is four client access only; it is not to be used to connect servers to the network nor as a means to provide network services. Any form of File Sharing or peer-to-peer applications is strictly forbidden.
Access to printers via patron-owned equipment is not supported. If you need to print, please save your work to a USB flash drive or email files to yourself, then login to a wired library workstation and send jobs to the public printer.
Our Internet Policy governs use of these access points. Patrons connecting to the wireless network are responsible for reading the internet rules and abiding by them. The library is not responsible for any damage done to personal laptops while on library property.
All users are expected to use the library’s wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided. Users should not violate federal, state or local laws, including the transmission or receiving or child pornography of harmful material, fraud, or downloading copyrighted material.
Any restriction or monitoring of a minor’s access to the library’s wireless network is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.

V. Material Selection

The Newton Public Library District subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement, as adopted by the American Library Association and incorporated herein.

The goal of the selection policy is to provide a broad collection of materials of contemporary significance and permanent value, in addition to materials available through interlibrary loan that contribute to:

The education and enlightenment of the patrons of the library.
The aesthetic and literary appreciation of the population served.
The availability and exchange of information.

The policy for selection of the library materials is as follows:

Section 1. The authority and responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the Director and, under his/her direction, staff members who are qualified for this activity. Accountability to the Board for the entire collection rests with the Director.

Section 2. Policies

The selection of the materials will be in accordance with the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association.
Suggestions will be welcome from patrons on materials to be added to the library’s collection, but will be subject to approval of the Director.
The library staff will continually evaluate the needs of the community and will reflect this evaluation in the current selection and acquisition program.
Materials offered to the library as gifts must meet the library’s selection standards and needs before these materials will be added to the collection.

Section 3. The Newton Public Library District shall provide high quality materials for education, information, aesthetic appreciation, research. Significance of content and popularity are applied in the consideration of library materials. The measure of a material’s contribution to a body of accumulated knowledge or to understanding in a particular field, and its particular contribution to the library’s collection, are primary factors in selection. However, no single standard shall be applied in all cases. Some materials may be judged primarily in terms of artistic merit, scholarship or value to humanity; whereas, others are selected to satisfy the information, recreation or educational interest of the community. Budget constraints, space limitations and the objectives of the library necessitate the acquisition of only the best available materials.

Section 4. Anti-Censorship Statement

The Newton Public Library is committed to providing free and open access to information, ideas and expressions of all perspectives. Intellectual freedom is essential to the democratic principles of our society and we recognize the inherent authority of the library to preserve and make available all expressions of knowledge and creativity. We also understand that censorship, the suppression of ideas or information, undermines these principles and ultimately harms our community.

The library endeavors to build a collection representing varying points of view. The choice of library materials by users is an individual matter. Responsibility for the reading materials of children and adolescents rests with their parents or legal guardians. While a person may reject materials for himself or herself and for his or her children, he or she cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials by others. The library supports intellectual freedom and has adopted the following statements as policy: ALA Freedom to Read Statement, ALA Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to View statement of the American Film and Video Association.

To that end:

The library will not remove or restrict access to any materials in our collection based on personal, political, or religious beliefs, or on the grounds that the content is controversial or offensive to some.
The library does not endorse or promote the ideas, opinions, or viewpoints expressed in any materials in our collection. Rather, we believe that our patrons have the right to access a diversity of perspectives and to form their own opinions based on their own critical analysis.
The library will resist any attempt to censor or restrict access to our collection, whether it comes from individuals or organizations within or outside of the library.
We uphold the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights, which states “Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.”
The library board and staff reserve the right to place materials in the age section we deem appropriate based on the content of the materials. This decision will be made based on publisher recommendations, professional judgment, and consideration of age appropriateness of the content, as well as the potential interest and needs of our patrons.
If patrons object to specific materials in our collection, we encourage them to express their concerns and engage in respectful dialogue with library staff. We will provide access to alternative materials that may address similar topics or themes. The library supports and complies with Illinois Public Act 103-0100 that takes effect on January 1, 2024.

Section 5. It is recognized by the Board of Directors, the administration and the staff that knowledge of the community, its characteristics and needs, based on facts, is essential to the sound acquisition of materials. The library, therefore, shall periodically analyze the existing community, taking into particular account newly annexed areas, changing population and age patterns, racial and cultural elements, industrial developments and city planning. The Newton Public Library District shall attempt, within its financial limitations, to provide a collection of books and other library material sufficient in number and variety to meet the needs and interests of the library patrons. The library subscribes to the principle of free inquiry and shall exercise rigid impartiality in library selection practices. Books no longer useful shall be systematically withdrawn. Popular periodicals shall be available with back issues kept as determined by the Director.

VI. Circulation of Materials

Length of Loans for Typical Card

The Newton Public Library circulates materials in a variety of formats including books, magazines, audiobooks, CDs, and videos. The following terms of loan are applicable as indicated:

Item	Length of Loan	#Allowed	Renewals	Requests
Books	14 days	10 items per Family member not to exceed 25 items	2 times	10
Books on CD	14 days	10 items	2 times	10
DVDs- Movies or TV Seasons	14 days	3 items	2 times	10
Magazines	14 days	5 items	2 times	0
Reference	14 days	5items	2 times	5

*If there are outstanding requests for the item, the library is unable to honor renewal requests.

Fees and Fines

The Newton Public Library has established, in addition to the schedule for lost or damaged items, the following schedule of fines for overdue materials as well as fees for the other services provided by the Newton Public Library District.

Overdue Materials

A patron has a grace period of 3 days before an overdue notice is generated. A patron becomes delinquent whne they have 5 or more items overdue. If a patron has more than $5.00 in fees on their records, their borrowing privileges will be restricted or suspended.

Newton Public Library District no longer charges daily fines on overdue materials. This excludes equipment, and Technology Devices that might have their own User Agreement in order to borrow.

Technology Devices: $5.00 per day, not to exceed the replacement fee for the item as stated in the Chromebook Lending Agreement.

If an item is more than 42 days overdue, the patron will be considered delinquent and the patron’s borrowing privileges will be considered suspended until the patron clears their record.

Interlibrary Loan

When patrons want material that is not available within the Newton Public Library District, we ask other agencies (either within our shared database or through other databases) to provide it. This is the process of interlibrary loan. Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan have a circulation period that is determined by the lending library, not the Newton Public Library. The due dates established by the item’s home library need to be respected or Newton Public Library could lose the privilege to borrow through interlibrary loan. A patron’s habitual failure to return items may result in individual loss of the privilege in order to preserve the privilege for other library patrons.

Newton Public Library cannot renew items from other libraries without expressed permission from the loaning library.

Upon receiving interlibrary loan materials at the Newton Public Library, the requesting patron will be notified. Patrons will have seven days to pick up materials from the Newton Public Library. After that time, the material will be returned to the lending library.

Lost and/or Damaged Materials

Materials borrowed via any mechanism are the responsibility of the library patron. Replacement cost is the responsibility of any patron who borrows and loses any library material. In the case of children under the age of 16, it is the guardian’s responsibility to pay for lost or damaged items.

Replacement cost of items owned by the Newton Public Library is determined by the item’s inventory record. The library will determine the replacement cost for items that do not have an inventory record. The replacement cost of an item received via interlibrary loan is determined by the lending library.

Once a lost item has been paid for the item is the property of the payee. The library will not refund the lost payment if the item is found at a later date.

A patron becomes delinquent if they have 3 or more lost/damaged items in any twelve-month period.

Claims Returned

If a patron claims they have returned an item that cannot be located by the library, this item may be marked “claims returned.” However, if a patron has 3 or more claims returned on their library card in any twelve-month period, they become delinquent.

VII. Information Services

Reference Services

The Newton Public Library offers access to reference services and in-house use of materials to all persons regardless of age, race, sex, social or economic status. All questions will be treated with equal respect and confidentiality.

The Newton Public Library will offer basic reference service, such as assistance finding books and with Cloud Library and Libby by OverDrive (downloadable media), during all hours that the library is open. In addition to basic reference service, the library will strive to provide staff trained to offer more advanced reference services Monday – Friday, 10am –5pm, and occasional Saturdays. Staff will offer these reference services in person, by phone, by fax, and electronically.

Staff will strive to answer and or give patrons a status update within one weekday of the request. Reference questions that the library cannot answer with the resources they have access to will be referred to appropriate agencies.

The library will select online databases with the same criteria as books. The library will provide access to onsite and offsite use of online databases (contingent on database agreements) that add to the scope of the library collection.

While the library will strive to provide accurate and current information, staff will not be responsible for any inaccurate information obtained. The library can provide assistance locating information, but will not interpret information. This includes but is not limited to medical and legal topics.

Reader’s Advisory Services

The library will provide staff with training in reader’s advisory and will assist patrons with book suggestions upon request. The library will offer lists of suggested reading material. All reader’s advisory inquiries will be confidential.

Test Proctoring

The Newton Public Library will provide proctoring services upon request. The proctoring service should be scheduled in advance and the person taking the test should provide the library with a contact phone number. Proctoring will only take place one day/week to ensure an adequate testing environment, including a staff member scheduled to monitor the scheduled exams.

The appointment may be canceled due to library closure (i.e. closure due to weather, etc.)

This service is $10 per test. The fee will be due before the test is taken and will assist with covering the cost of staff time, cost of printing if sent from an email, and any postage fees or fax fees associated with the test delivery or departure. The person taking the test will be responsible for confirming that the test is sent to the library for the proctor appointment. The library will hold any test materials that are sent to the library for 3 months and then will discard if not picked up.

Genealogy Collection & Research

The library houses research materials on family and local histories. All materials are for reference use and do not circulate. Patrons are asked to register at the circulation desk before using the materials.

Tours

Appointments must be made with the Director for any tour of the library or museum by groups.

VIII. Fees

Copies: $.25 per page for black and white and $.50 per page for color.

Fax: $.50 per page in state, $1.00 per page out of state. Faxes are sent only within the continental United States. The Newton Public Library assumes no responsibility of notification of the receipt of a fax for an individual, unless phone number of recipient’s phone number is listed. Th fax will be held by the library for one week and then discarded if not picked up.

Computer printouts: $.25 per page for black and white and $.50 per page for color. This fee applies to all material printed by library printers including, but not limited to, Internet downloads, CD-ROM product information, personal work, and graphics. Patron must pay for all pages printed regardless of the number of lines on the page. Any printouts left on the printer will be held by the library for one week and then discarded if not picked up.

Laminating Machine: Only Library staff may operate the laminating machine. A fee of $1.00 per sheet regardless of size, will be charged.

IX. Confidentiality of Library Records

The Newton Public Library Abides by Illinois Law (See the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality act, 75 ILCS 70/2) that states that the records of patron transactions and the identity of registered library patrons is confidential material. The Newton Public Library does not make available the records of patron transactions to any party except in compliance with the law. The Newton Public Library does not make available lists of registered library patrons except in compliance with the law. Records of patron transactions are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

X. Display and Exhibits

Because the Newton Public Library is a community center, it invites local organizations to submit exhibits of cultural, artistic and education interest for temporary placement in the library building. This display space is not available for political or religious proselytizing; however, religious displays are accepted and encouraged if they are educational. Religious displays will be deemed educational by the library director.

The name of the sponsoring group and a contact telephone number must be visible.

Exhibits may be scheduled for up to one month. Reservations for exhibit space may be made up to 90 days in advance of the reservation date. Reservations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis; however, organizations may be limited to one exhibit per calendar year.

The setting up and removing of exhibit materials must be done at the time agreed upon when the space is reserved. Items not removed from the exhibits at the scheduled time will be boxed by library staff and stored at the library for 30 days, after which time they will be disposed of. All efforts will be made to contact the exhibitors to arrange a pick-up time.

The Newton Public Library is not responsible for theft or damage of items in its exhibit areas. Insurance is the sole responsibility of the lender. All items placed in the library are done so at the owner’s risk. Any individual or organization providing materials for an exhibit shall sign a form that releases the library from any responsibility for loss or damage to works on display. If the individual is a minor, a parent or legal guardian shall sign the waiver.

XI. Gifts and Special Collections

The library is grateful for gifts, and it’s collection has been enriched greatly by many fine donations of books, etc. However, in accepting a gift, the library reserves the privilege of deciding whether it should be added to it’s collection. Once an item is donated to the library, the donor relinquishes all rights to the item, and items will not be returned for any reason.

Gifts of printed and manuscript materials on the history of the community and the region are welcome.

The library makes an effort to dispose of all gift material, which it does not add to its own collection to the very best advantage. If at all suitable, it is offered to other libraries or institutions as gifts or exchanges. Otherwise, it will be offered to the public in the library’s book sale. Proceeds are used to purchase new materials for the library.

All donations must be delivered to the library.

Items not accepted:

Anything worn, tattered, yellowed, stained, musty, or moldy (i.e. books that we must discard)
Anything highlighted, written in or drawn upon
Newspapers
General knowledge encyclopedias

All donations are tax deductible. A receipt is available upon request, but please note that the library cannot asses the value of your gift.

The Newton Public Library is a tax funded organization and is unable to provide donations to other organizations.

XII. Volunteer Policy

The Newton Public Library’s volunteers are an important extension of the library’s staff. Volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks that are important to the institution. The following policy is designed to promote a maximum degree of excellence.

Definition of a Volunteer

One who performs a service of his or her own free will; one who contributes time, energy and talents directly on behalf of the Newton Public Library District and is not paid by library funds. All volunteers must be accepted and trained by the library prior to performance of assigned tasks.

Volunteers are required to have approval from the Director. Volunteers under 18 years of age need the permission of their parents to serve as volunteers for the library. The minimum age for a volunteer is 10 years old.
The library cannot guarantee the availability of volunteer work, as volunteer work is based on library needs.
Volunteers must comply with all library policies.
The Newton Public Library reserves the right to terminate the services of the volunteer.
Volunteers should not be in Staff Only areas of the library without direct supervision by a library staff member.
Volunteers may not be used to establish and maintain new library services.
Volunteers will not be used to replace or reduce the number of paid staff.
Volunteers are not covered by library health insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, IMRF, or provided any other benefits by the library.
Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of ALL library information. Failure to maintain confidentiality will result in immediate termination of the volunteer.
The employee who supervised the volunteer will, upon request, provide letters of reference for the volunteer, if deemed appropriate.
All personal information about the volunteer is for internal use only.

XIII. Meeting Room

The Newton Public Library provides the use of the meeting room for library- related cultural, civic and educational purposes. Permission to use library facilities does not constitute an endorsement by the library of the group’s policies or beliefs.

The library facilities are available for public use during regular library hours by any person who conducts himself courteously, treats the library’s materials and facilities with respect and care, and abides by the Library District policies.
Library sponsored activities are given priority in scheduling use of the room at all times.
There will be no fee for use of the room.
Private social meetings or commercial money-making operations for immediate gain will not be allowed.
Groups may not charge admission or request donations for attendance or participation.
No smoking is allowed in the building and no alcoholic beverages may be served.
Only light refreshments provided by the organization may be served. No cake or punch will be allowed.
The meeting room cannot be reserved for showers or parties.
Groups using the room are responsible for any damages to furniture, equipment, or premises due to the group’s use of the room and will reimburse the library for the damages.
The library is not responsible for losses incurred by a group due to cancellation of the event by the library or due to misplacement or theft of personal items.
Neither the name, address, or phone number of the library may be used as the address or headquarters of any group using the library for meeting purposes.
There is no public telephone service in the library facilities. Staff may take or make calls for patrons only in case of an emergency.
The library reserves the right to revoke and regulate meeting room privileges at all times. All rules concerning the use of the meeting room apply to public use, but may be waived for library programs.
Any group using the room will be responsible for clean-up.
Requests for use of the meeting room should be submitted to the library Director in advance. A request form may need to be filled out prior to the use of the room.

XIV. Policy Violation Consequences

In order to better enforce our Library Policies, the library staff will inform you of your offense and may (but is not limited to) take the following actions:

1st offense – you will be asked to leave the library for the rest of the day.

2nd offense – your library privileges will be suspended for one month.

3rd offense – your library privileges will be suspended for one year.

The police may be called for illegal activities, disturbances, or disruptive behavior.

Due to the serious nature of inappropriate internet use, library staff will use the following steps to address violations of Internet Rules found in section IV of the library policies:

1st offense – you will be informed of your offense; you will be asked to leave the library for the rest of the day.

2nd offense – your library privileges will be revoked permanently, pending annual board review.