Lynn Public Library
5 North Common Street
Lynn, Massachusetts 01902
Phone: 781-595-0567 / TTY: 781-477-7057
Fax: 781-592-5050
Web: www.noblenet.org/lynn/
Theresa Hurley, Chief Librarian

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Policies

• Internet Policy Statement
• Disruptive Patrons
• Unattended Children
• Lost and Paid Item Policy
• Program Policy for Lynn Residents
• Fax Policy
• Circulation Department Fine and Bill Policy

INTERNET POLICY STATEMENT

The Lynn Public Library is pleased to make Internet access available to our patrons.

The Internet is a worldwide network of independent computers that have the ability to communicate with one another.

It is not regulated or controlled by any centralized agency and therefore the library cannot assume responsibility for the content, accuracy or availability of its information.

While there is a wealth of great information to be found on the Internet, parents should be aware that some material may be objectionable and/or inappropriate for children. As with other library resources, the library cannot censor a child’s use of the Internet. Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet.

The Internet should not be a substitute for other library resources and patrons are encouraged to ask for assistance from the Reference Librarian to find the best sources for their research.

Approved by Trustees
9/26/96

POLICY AND PROCEDURES
CONCERNING DISRUPTIVE PATRONS

1. Policy. Each and every patron must conform to reasonable standards of behavior to ensure quality library services to all.
2. Procedures.
   1. Staff can request that a patron who does not conform to reasonable standards of behavior leave the Library. In all cases, senior Library staff (Chief Librarian or department heads) shall exercise authority in these matters. If the patron does not readily comply, a custodian on duty may be called for backup. If the patron still does not comply, senior staff will call 911.
   2. If circumstances warrant, senior Library staff will call 911. The Police will be called without any notice to the patron if the patron is engaged in illegal activities.
   3. Rude, inappropriate behavior and/or verbal abuse of Library staff or other patrons will not be tolerated and patrons will be ejected for such behavior.
   4. Patrons who are ejected will not be allowed back into the Library until said patron has met with the Chief Librarian and all appropriate responsible parties to establish a clear list of the Library's expectations of the patron's conduct. This appeal for a meeting must be made in writing within 48 business hours of the incident.

Voted and passed by the Board of Trustees May 31, 2007

POLICY FOR UNATTENDED CHILDREN

The Lynn Public Library welcomes and encourages children of all ages to utilize our services. However, the Lynn Public Library is NOT responsible for the well being of children who are left unattended in the Library. Parents/Guardians are strongly urged to accompany their children to the Library. Parents/Guardians should be aware that the Library is a public building and is no safer than any other public place or building.

Parents/Guardians are reminded that numerous, unexpected events may occur in which the Library could close without notice therefore stranding an unattended child.

The Lynn Public Library reserves the right to ask a patron to leave the building if he/she is acting in an inappropriate manner, creating a public nuisance or inhibiting the rights and privileges of others.

The Lynn Public Library staff is here strictly to help you and your children with library needs. The staff is not licensed to perform child care.

In the event an unattended child is not picked up 1/2 (one half hour) prior to closing, the library staff will attempt to notify parent or guardian. If attempts are unsuccessful, the library will notify the Lynn Police Department at least 15 minutes prior to closing.

During the school year, the library expects elementary students to be accompanied by an adult during school hours. If a child appears to be without adult supervision during school hours, the truancy officer will be notified.

APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SEPTEMBER 2006

LOST AND PAID ITEM POLICY

If a patron loses any item they have borrowed on their library card, they must pay the replacement cost of the item before being able to borrow any other material. The replacement cost is listed in the data of every item this Library and other libraries own.

Once the patron has paid for the item, their library card record is cleared, and the item is deleted from the Lynn Public Library's database, if the item belongs to this Library.

If the patron should find the item at a later date, he/she then owns the item. The Library can no longer accept its return and refund the patron's money. The Lynn Public Library circulates up to 1600 items per day, and does not have the manpower or time to keep changing the status of any item or make refunds. If the item has been borrowed from another library, the patron is welcome to take up the issue with that library.

Patrons are strongly urged to search their homes for missing items to avoid any penalties that would have to be paid or losing any library privileges.

PROGRAM POLICY FOR LYNN RESIDENTS

The Lynn Public Library is pleased to offer a variety of free programs to all. However, if the Lynn Public Library offers a program where space or supplies are limited, Lynn residents have preference. If, after the program starts, there is space available, non-residents are welcome to attend.

LYNN PUBLIC LIBRARY FAX POLICY

The Lynn Public Library is pleased to provide fax service to the public. Patrons needing fax service will be accommodated as soon as possible, but library services and operations will take priority.

• Patrons must have a valid library card.
• Operation of the fax machine is limited to library staff.
• The fax service may not be used for any illegal purpose and patrons must abide by all copyright laws.
• The library is NOT responsible for the quality of the fax received or sent including missing pages, bad transmissions, failure to transmit or incomplete information. Patrons are expected to confirm the receipt of the fax by the other party.
• Patrons must be present when the fax is sent. If transmission is unsuccessful after 3 attempts, the patron must try back at another time.
• The cost for faxes sent is $1.00 per page (local- MA) and $2.00 per page (long distance- outside MA). The cost for incoming faxes is $1.00 per page. The library does not fax to international numbers. Fees must be paid prior to transmission (CASH ONLY).
• Patrons must complete a supplied cover sheet to send a fax. There is no charge for the cover sheet unless it is the only page sent.
• If patrons are expecting a fax, they must notify the library immediately. The library will notify the patron when the fax is received. Patrons have 5 days to pick up their fax, if not picked up, the fax will be discarded and charges will be assessed to the individual.
• All fees must be paid at the time the fax is sent. Any unpaid fax cost will be charged to the patron's library card.
• Abuse of the fax service may lead to denial of future use.

Approved by the Lynn Public Library Board of Trustees: February 24, 2011

CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT FINE AND BILL POLICY

• Patrons may check out library items as long as they don't owe more than $10.00 in fines or have any billed item on their account.
• Patrons may check library items out as long as they make partial payments on fines under $10.00. The partial payment must be at least $1.00 and paid at each checkout.
• Patrons may pay their fines down over time until the fine is less than $10.00.
• Patrons may replace lost or damaged library items, provided the replacements are the exact items and in excellent condition.

Approved by the Board of Trustees May 2011