The Reading Public Library recognizes the importance of electronic information to the educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community. To meet these needs, the Library offers full access to the Internet, current information about the Internet, and instruction on the use of the Internet through hands-on classes, lectures, and walk-in lessons.
Wireless access provided by the Library is unsecured. Antivirus, security and privacy protection are the responsibility of the customer. Patrons using Library wireless access must comply with this Internet Access Policy.
The Reading Public Library cannot guarantee the accuracy, authority, or timeliness of the information available on the Internet. Patrons are advised to exercise caution in divulging personal information through direct electronic communications, as doing so can compromise personal safety and privacy.
Computers, like other library materials and services, are shared resources, and patrons are expected to limit their time on library computers while others are waiting.
Materials obtained or copied on this computer network may be subject to copyright laws that govern making reproductions of copyrighted works.
The Internet may contain material of a controversial or mature nature that may be offensive or disturbing to some individuals and may not be appropriate for certain age groups. Full access to the Internet is compatible with the Library’s endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights; Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks; and with the policies, goals, and objectives of this public library; however, viewing of certain materials in the Library may be considered improper in time, place or manner. The staff reserve the right to end an Internet session at any time if it is creating a disturbance.
Accessing material that meets the legal definition of obscenity is prohibited. Minors shall not access material “harmful to minors.” Blatantly offensive visual or text-based materials constitute potential sources of sexual harassment to other patrons and to library staff and will not be tolerated. The use of Internet access through the Reading Public Library for illegal purposes or to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials is also strictly prohibited.
Violation of any part of this policy may result in discipline including, but not limited to, loss of access to the computers and, in appropriate cases, exclusion from the library.
Approved: 9/15/97
Revisions Approved: 7/20/09
The Reading Public Library supports the right of all individuals to:
- Receive friendly, courteous, and respectful service
- Have free and equal access to information
- Have a clean, comfortable, and pleasant environment
- Use the library without discrimination
- Use the library undisturbed without threat of harm, invasion of property, or interference
To allow for the safety of all patrons:
- Sidewalks, entries, and passageways must remain free of obstacles.
- Use of skateboards, rollerblades, roller-skates, or scooters are not allowed on library premises.
- Library patrons should not bring animals or vehicles into the library except as required by persons with disabilities.
- Patrons must not deface or improperly remove library materials, furnishings, or equipment.
- Library patrons should not consume food or beverages in unauthorized areas such as the Local History Room or the Business Center. Trash, wrappers, and empty containers should be disposed of properly.
- Library patrons are prohibited from staff or other restricted areas.
- Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a caregiver while in the library. (RPL Safe Child Policy 6/03).
Many patrons use the library as a place for quiet study or reading. Patrons should respect the rights of other and not engage in loud conversation or noisy activities.
- No talking is allowed in the sections of the library reserved for quiet study.
- Cell phone and pagers should be used in designated areas only. Patrons should speak in low tones and keep conversations brief.
- A pay phone is provided for public use next to the book drop on the side of the building. Library telephones are not for public use except in an emergency.
- Loud or boisterous conduct, including shouting, pushing, hitting, fighting, throwing things, or playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, is prohibited.
To ensure individuals’ right to use the library free of disruption, library patrons must refrain from:
- Verbally or physically harassing, threatening, or bullying any staff member or patron, or displaying unwanted attention toward another person
- Smoking or using alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
- Loitering or soliciting on Library property
- Carrying a weapon or a facsimile of a weapon
Patrons should abide by library guidelines for time limitations, computer use, and restrictions on the numbers of people using computers and tables.
The Reading Public Library is for everyone’s enjoyment. We appreciate your cooperation with these guidelines in keeping the library a pleasant place to visit for everyone and ensuring respectful treatment for all individuals who use this public facility.
First reading 8/15/05; Public Hearing & Approved, Board or Trustees 9/19/05
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
All children’s programs are free and open to the public. We may suggest age-appropriate guidelines for children to participate, and it is the responsibility of the parent/caregiver to respect the guidelines. We reserve the right to ask disruptive audience members to leave the program. We also are not responsible for the health or contagiousness of attending children.
In programs where the attendance has to be limited, we reserve the right to register Reading residents before taking out-of-town participants.
Any program which requires a fee (for example, a theater trip) is sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library. Bus and ticket fees are prepaid by them. Participants register and pay these costs in the Children’s Room, but the money is returned to the Friends’ treasury.
Approved: 6-19-95
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.
1. Parents or guardians should be responsible for having their children picked up by the time or before the Library is closed.
2. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a caregiver while in the Library
3. Children ages 9 to 11 should not be left unattended for longer than two hours at a time.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Staff members staying with the child will be compensated for time spent waiting.
7. Staff members should fill out an incident report form and leave it for the director when the Police are called.
8. Library staff members will not transport children from the Library to any other location.
9. Parents, guardians, or caretakers who violate the rules stated above risk having their library privileges restricted or revoked.
Approved: 6/03
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