Privacy Policy for Items on Reserve
Many library users reserve items and then ask another person to pick them up when they become available. In order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all our customers who reserve items we require that:
- The person checking out items that are on reserve has the library card of the person whom the reserves were placed.
- Or, that the person who placed the reserves has given authority to the person picking up the items by registering him or her at the Circulation Desk. This will be indicated by a “note” in the “message field” of the borrower’s record.
If the person picking up the items does not have the borrower’s library card or authority as denoted in the borrower’s record, the person will not be allowed to pick up the items. The items will be held for pick-up at the Circulation Desk for additional time as determined by the Circulation technician and in accordance with the lending library’s policy.
Approved: December 2003
Borrowing Periods:*
| New adult fiction |
7 days |
| Videos, DVD's | 7 days |
| Books, CD's, Magazines, Audiobooks | 14 day |
| Framed prints | 2 months |
| Museum passes | 1 day |
* Special arrangements may be made by request.
Extended loans are also available to Reading teachers and for
National History Day projects.
Renewals
Renewals may be done in person,by telephone or online. All materials from Reading or other NOBLE libraries may be renewed twice except those with waiting lists. Materials from non-NOBLE libraries may not be renewed.
Restriction of Borrowing Privileges
Borrowing of Library materials is unrestricted unless the patron has overdue items with bill status. The delinquency status (as established by the automated system) is firm, and unless there is compelling reason to act otherwise, delinquent patrons will be unable to check-out any library materials until their record is cleared. The delinquency limits are: item or items with bill status.
Lost cards
Lost library cards may be replaced when all outstanding materials are returned.
Lost Books
Patrons must pay replacement cost of lost books. A new copy of the same book may be accepted in lieu of payment.
Donating Materials to the Library
Here's what we love to receive:
- Fiction - current or former bestsellers, published in the last two years
- Nonfiction - on topics appealing to the general reader, published in the last three years
- Paperbacks - bestseller fiction and nonfiction in like-new condition
- Classics - in excellent condition
- Historical material - with information pertinent to Reading history
- Children's books - hardcover picture books or paperback chapter books, in very good condition
- Videocassettes - purchased (not copied) videos, with covers in good condition, up to ten per week
- Audiobooks - abridged or unabridged
- CDs - popular titles
We do not need extra issues or old runs of magazines.
Please limit your donation to one bag or box per week. The Library simply doesn't have enough room to accept more.
If the Library already owns a copy of a book you've donated, we'll put it in the Friend's Book Sale Room.
What Else Can You Do With Your Old Books?
Unfortunately the Library simply does not have space to house all of the books people want to discard. Who or what organization might want all your cartons of old books?
In General:
- Some of your books may be valuable. Contact a used book dealer to find out.
- Donate your books to a nursing home.
- Donate your books to a prison.
- Donate your books to churches or temples (often for book sales).
- Donate your books to shelters.
- Check the Yellow Pages or the Human Services Yellow Pages for addresses and phone numbers.
Specific Groups Accepting Book Donations:
Department of Public Works, Middleton
Recycling Center
Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday 7am - 4pm
Call for directions: 978-777-0407
Essex County Facility and Sheriff's Headquarters
Shirley M. Raynard, Law Librarian
20 Manning Avenue, Middleton, MA 01049-2807
978-750-1900 ext. 3516
Goodwill Industries
13 Peabody Square, Peabody, MA
978-532-2953
Got Books?
35 Concord St., North Reading, MA 01864
978-664-6555
Hands Across the Water Inc.
7 Rodgers Road, Stoneham, MA 02180-3045 USA
781-438-4051
Please check at the Information Desk for more information on these organizations.
Teacher Loan Policy
Purpose
The Reading Public Library offers a wide variety of services to meet the educational and recreational needs of children, young adults, and those who work with them. Unlike a school library, the Reading Public Library does not attempt to collect curriculum-related materials unless those materials are of interest to the general public. Rather, the Reading Public Library seeks to complement the materials offered in a school library. Teachers who wish to enhance their students' access to library materials are encouraged to take advantage of the special borrowing privileges offered to them.
Only materials for use in the classroom or in support of the classroom are eligible to be checked out on a teacher card. As a professional courtesy, teachers are requested to notify a children's librarian or a reference librarian if they wish to take more than three books on any one topic. This will ensure that sufficient materials are left for the general public.
Eligibility
All teachers of Reading public or private schools are eligible for special teacher cards if their school has formally agreed to pay for any lost or damaged materials. Teachers who change schools must update their card to reflect their current position. Teacher Card Authorization forms, signed by principals, are on file in the Administration Office.
Library Cards
Teachers may get cards at either Children's or Circulation desks.
Each teacher will be issued his/her own card.
Loan Period
Library materials are checked out for 8 weeks.
Renewals
Due to the 8 week loan period, renewals will be made on an exceptional basis.
Overdue Notices
Notices will be sent to teachers as a reminder of outstanding library materials. Bills will be sent to principals. In May, bills will be issued for any outstanding charges. Teachers are requested to check with the Library about outstanding items in June, before the end of school. In the fall, the Library will notify teachers of any items left over from the previous year.
Fines
There are no fines on overdue materials.
Replacement
The school is responsible for replacement cost of lost or damaged materials.
Adopted 2/27/89 Revisions Approved: 6-19-95
Business Center, Policy for Use
- The Business Center is strictly for the use of its special equipment and business-related software, and is not intended for general use.
- You must present your library card or ID every time you use this room.
- Two people maximum are allowed in the room at once.
- No food or drink allowed.
- There is a maximum of three hours use, unless no one is waiting or signed up.
- If you are 15 minutes late, your slot will be given to the next person waiting.
- The room reservation ends five minutes before the hour or half-hour.
- When you are finished, please notify the librarian.
- You may prebook the room for one timeslot per day. If you need to cancel or adjust the time you will lose your timeslot.
- You may make up to three advance bookings of the Business Center at one time.
- You may book up to one week in advance.
- The cost of color printing is high; please remember to pay for all your printing.
Policy on Lending to Residents of Municipalities with Decertified Libraries
In order for a public library to be certified in Massachusetts it must meet certain minimum standards of funding and service mandated by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. A public library that does not meet the minimum standards is "decertified" by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and is not eligible to receive state aid funding, apply for or receive LSTA grant funds, or enter into any contracts with the region to provide supplemental services.
Massachusetts General Laws (605 CMR 4.01) state that certified public libraries are not required to loan materials to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries.
This policy aims to address the issue of the fair and appropriate use of Reading tax dollars spent on public library service by limiting the reliance of a municipality with a decertified library on the Reading Public Library and its resources.
The Reading Public Library upholds the importance of maintaining at least the minimum standards of public library service required for public library certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and therefore will not loan materials to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries.
Public libraries that receive a waiver from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners are considered certified. Residents of municipalities in which the library has received a waiver will be permitted to borrow materials.
As stated in the Massachusetts General Laws (605 CMR 4.01), "all residents of the Commonwealth shall have access to reading and reference rooms under the same conditions as residents of the community." The Reading Public Library welcomes residents of all municipalities. However, residents of municipalities with decertified libraries are only able to use library resources within the bounds of the library building.
Approved: 08/02
Safe Child Policy
For purposes of this policy the following definitions will be used:
Unattended Children:
- Under 9 years old and unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, or other caregiver;
- Under 9 years old and on a different floor of the Library from a parent, guardian, or other caregiver.
- Under 9 years old and being "supervised" by someone under 14 years old.
Caregiver:
- Any individual, at least 14 years of age who is responsible for a child.
Introduction:
The trustees and staff of the Reading Public Library strive to create a warm, inviting, fun, and safe environment for children. The Library offers many programs and services that encourage children to develop a love of books, reading, and learning. The safety and well-being of children at the Library is a serious concern.
The following rules have been established regarding unattended children because we care about the safety of all our customers.
- Parents or guardians should be responsible for having their children picked up by the time or before the Library is closed.
- Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a caregiver while in the Library
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- Children ages 9 to 11 should not be left unattended for longer than two hours at a time.
- Children ages 9 and above should have the telephone number of their parent or guardian or other designated adult available in the event of an emergency or unexpected closing.
- Should it be determined that a child under age 14 has been left at the Library at closing time, every attempt will be made to contact the child's parents or other family member. The Reading Police will be called if no one can be reached.
Staff members will remain after hours with an unattended child until the parent, guardian, designated adult or police arrive. The Reading Police plan to go to the child's home first and leave a message indicating that the officer will be picking the child up at the Library and will bring him or her to the Police Station.
- Staff members staying with the child will be compensated for time spent waiting.
- Staff members should fill out an incident report form and leave it for the director when the Police are called.
- Library staff members will not transport children from the Library to any other location.
- Parents, guardians, or caretakers who violate the rules stated above risk having their library privileges restricted or revoked.
Approved: 6/03
