The purpose of the
library's Code of Conduct is to protect the rights of individuals who are in
the library to use library materials and services, to protect the rights of
staff members to conduct library business without interference, and to
preserve library materials and facilities.
It is the policy of the
Sterling Heights Public Library that any behavior disruptive to library use
will not be tolerated.
1.
Food and uncovered beverages are
not allowed, except in staff or other designated areas.
2.
The library encourages courteous
use of cell phones.
3.
Patrons must wear shirts and
shoes at all times while in the library.
4.
Patrons may not interfere with
the use of the library by other patrons, or by library staff.
5.
Loud conversations and sounds
which disrupt library use are prohibited.
6.
Use of audible devices without
headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others is not
allowed.
7.
The disturbance of other library
patrons and staff, or interference with other’s use of the facilities
through extremely poor personal hygiene is prohibited.
8.
Bathing in the restrooms is
prohibited.
9.
Gambling on library property is
prohibited.
10.
Pets and animals in the library,
except for service dogs and pets participating in library programs, are not
allowed.
11.
The defacement or damage to
library materials or property is prohibited.
12.
Library materials may not be
taken into the library restrooms.
13.
The consumption or possession of
alcoholic beverages or drugs, being intoxicated to the extent that normal
faculties are impaired, or to endanger the safety of another person or
property is prohibited.
14.
Children under the age of twelve
are not allowed in the library without a parent or adult guardian at least
18 years old.
15.
Lying down or sleeping in the
restrooms or on any floor, couch, table, or seat in the library, or to block
aisles, exits, or entrances by sitting or lying down in them is prohibited.
16.
Campaigning, petitioning,
interviewing, survey taking, sales, or other speech and conduct must not
disrupt normal library activities, should occur outside the library
building, and can not impede safe entrance and exit from the building.
Each patron shall be
responsible for any fines, fees, or other charges due in accordance with the
library's standard schedule. Failure to pay these fines will result in the
suspension of borrowing privileges.
According to Michigan
Statutes, the Library Board may exclude from the use of the library any and
all persons who shall willfully violate such reasonable rules and
regulations as the Library Board may adopt. (MCL 397.206) Such exclusion
from this library shall occur on the orders of the Director or Director
designee. Additionally, the Sterling Heights Public Library staff will
contact the police if deemed necessary.
Library staff members may ask violators of
the Library’s Policies to leave the premises for the day. This is termed a
suspension. These persons may return no earlier than
the following day.
Library staff members may also ban
persons for repeated and/or serious offenses. A banned patron
may not return to the library without the Director’s permission. If they
return to the Library without permission the police will be contacted to
remove them from the building.
When a person is being banned, they will be given contact information for
the Director, who is responsible for reinstating library privileges. It is
up to the banned person to contact the Director by phone, mail or email to
set up a meeting to discuss the situation and the length of the ban, which
may be one week or longer, at the discretion of the Director. At the
meeting, banned persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent
or legal guardian. After the meeting, the banned person must leave Library
premises until the date that the ban is lifted.
The determination of the Director in a case of a banning may be appealed to
the Library Board of Trustees in writing. Written appeals must be filed
within 10 days of the Director’s determination. Such appeals will be filed
with both the Director and the Library Board President. The Board will hold
a hearing at the next scheduled Library Board meeting after the appeal has
been filed. The appellant will be notified at least 10 days before the
hearing. Failure to appear on the assigned day of the hearing without prior
notification to the Library Board President will result in denial of the
appeal.
The President of the Board shall conduct the
hearing. At the hearing, the appellant may present evidence to support
his/her case.
Within 30 days of the completion of the
hearing, the Board shall issue a written decision stating their
determination. The Board has the power to affirm or modify the Director’s
decision. The decision of the Board shall be
final.
Library
Board of Trustees 09/2010
Revised 03/2011
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The purpose of this
policy is to enable library staff to handle unattended children whose parent
or adult guardian is not in the building with them. This policy also
focuses on the library's concern with the safety and protection of young
patrons.
Parents may not leave
children under age twelve alone in the library as the library is a public
place and staff cannot be responsible for those unattended children. In
addition, unless participating in a program for children only, any child
that is age seven and under must be within visual and physical contact of a
parent or adult guardian age 18 or above at all times while using the
library.
For those children
twelve and older, parents or care givers are still responsible and liable
for their children's behavior in the library including any disruptive or
unruly behavior; damage to materials, equipment, and furnishings; or injury
to themselves or others. If an unattended child acts in a manner not in
compliance with the library’s code of conduct, staff members will take
appropriate actions that may include contacting the police.
Unattended Children,
Under Twelve Years
Official library hours
are widely publicized in the City’s quarterly magazine, city calendar, cable
channels (Comcast Channel 12 and Wow Channel 11), and postings in the
building. Parents, not library staff, are ultimately responsible for the
supervision and transportation of their children.
Fifteen minutes before
closing, staff members will remind young patrons of closing time, and allow
children to call for transportation or to locate family members using the
library telephone. At closing, if a child (or children) remains, two staff
members, including the librarian in charge of the building, must remain
after closing time to assist the young patron. The two staff members should
secure the library building front entrance and accompany the child to the
police building while maintaining a calm attitude, so as not to alarm the
child. The Operations Officer will handle the situation from that time on.
Unattended Children
during Regular Library Hours
Any children under
twelve left at the library on a weekly basis for two hours or more should be
considered abandoned, intentionally and purposely left for supervision by
library staff. Care should be taken to document dates and times. This
record should be submitted to Administration in a timely manner, in order
for further action to be taken.
Library Board of
Trustees 05/2005
Revised 03/2011
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Circulation
Policy |
One renewal unless reserved for another patron.
CIRCULATION
LOANS/FEES
Items
# Day Loan Renewable Daily
Fine Max. Fine
Books – Hardcover 21
Y .25 $15
Books – Paperback 21 Y .25
$5
Books - On CD*
21
Y
.25
$15
Book Club Kits 42 Y
$1.00
$50
Cassettes – Audio*
14 Y
.25
$15
Cassettes – Video*
14
Y
.25 $15
Compact Discs (Music)*
14 Y .25 $15
Computer CD Software*
14
Y
.25
$15
DVDs*
14 Y .25 $15
Magazines 21 Y .25
$5
New Books (Bestsellers)
7
N
.25
$15
Pamphlets
21 Y .25 $5
Video Games
14
N
.25
$15
* Limit of 10 per library card.
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Michicard Statewide
Library Card Program |
The Sterling Heights Public Library participates in the Michicard
Program coordinated by the Library of Michigan. This is a statewide library card program
allowing our Sterling Heights resident library card holders to borrow print materials from
more than 270 of Michigan's public and academic libraries. You can get a free Michicard
sticker for your library card and a list of member libraries by asking at the circulation
desk. For more information on Michicard,
click here to see the Library of Michigan homepage.
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Guidelines for Library
Internet Access
In-library use of the
library’s Internet computers is for activities relating to accessing
information for reference, research, and recreation. Information such as
news, weather, sports, stock quotes, movie reviews, encyclopedias, and
educational and entertainment resources on virtually any topic is
available. Staff will assist patrons with basic Internet use as time
permits, but cannot offer detailed instruction. In offering Internet, the
library cannot control access points which change rapidly and unpredictably.
The Internet is an unregulated medium and while it offers access to a wealth
of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to
individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be
offensive or disturbing. The library is not responsible for the content,
quality, accuracy, or timeliness of the information on the Internet.
Users of the Internet
Public Access Computers shall:
1.
Respect the privacy of others.
2.
Observe the legal copyright license and protection to programs and data.
3.
Follow the library’s rules for Internet access.
Unacceptable Uses:
1.
Use of any computer for illegal or commercial purposes (other than
commercial purposes involving the user as the purchaser of consumer products
or services for personal use). Users may not display, view, or download
graphics or content that is obscene. Adult users may not display, view, or
download graphics or content that is harmful to minors when in the presence
of, or when the content is visible to minors. Minors may not display, view,
or download graphics or content that is harmful to themselves or other
minors. Internet activity which violates local, state, or federal laws is
prohibited and will be subject to prosecution.
2.
Violation of computer system security.
3.
Violation of another user’s privacy.
4.
Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data.
5.
Unplugging the library’s Internet connection.
6.
The phrase “harmful to minors” includes, but is not limited to, graphics or
content that is indecent or obscene when viewed or accessed by a minor,
regardless of whether a minor actually views or accesses the material;
graphics or material that a minor may not otherwise lawfully possess; and
graphics or content to which a minor or the minor’s parent objects during
the minor’s visit at the library.
Youth Access to
the Internet
Please be aware that some
information on the Internet is of a mature nature and may not be suitable
for children. Parents or guardians are ultimately responsible for
information selected and accessed by children. Although filtering software
is installed on the computers in the children's section, parents concerned
about their children’s use of the Internet are ultimately responsible for
setting standards and establishing guidelines. It is not possible for
library staff to control the flow of information that may be inappropriate
for children. Filtering software does not guarantee a safe Internet
environment.
Internet Use
Procedures and Rules of Conduct
1.
A current library card in good standing from any Suburban Library
Cooperative member library or Michicard entered into the shared system
is required for use of the library’s computers. Those individuals that do
not have a card must pay a $2 fee to use the computers each day. Library
staff will not look up patron barcodes for use of the computers.
2.
Use of the Internet computers is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please be courteous. Use of the Internet will be limited if others are
waiting. There is a maximum of four hours of use per day, with one hour
sessions on all but one station. The express station is for 15 minutes only.
3.
It is requested that a parent or guardian remains with children under the
age of 12, and that parents supervise all use of the Internet by their minor
children.
4.
No more than two persons may use an Internet computer station at any one
time.
5.
In compliance with Public Act 212 of 2000, computers with filtering software
installed and activated are available for use by individuals of any age.
Individuals who are 18 years of age or older, and minors who are accompanied
by their parent or guardian, may access computers without filtering
software. Minors who are not accompanied by their parent or guardian may
not use a computer without filtering software.
6.
Library employees may monitor the terminals being used or observed by
minors. Terminals may be arranged in a configuration that allows a Library
employee to view the terminals at all times. All Library employees have the
authority to terminate computer access for a violation of these rules.
7.
Internet users should be aware that material on the Internet and the World
Wide Web is copyrighted. It is the user’s responsibility to be aware of the
display of any notices concerning the copyright of information on the Web
and to respect the copyright laws of the United States.
Any violation of the
Internet Public Use Policy will result in immediate termination of Internet
access. Internet users whose access session has been terminated or
prohibited will be given information concerning an appeals process to the
Library Board of Trustees to protest the action and/or request that Internet
access privileges be reinstated. The Library Board of Trustees may uphold
the termination; allow privileges with conditions and/or restrictions; or
overturn the ban. In cases of termination or conditional privileges, the
Library Board of Trustees shall set a time period that shall elapse before a
user shall be permitted to apply for full or conditional reinstatement.
Copies of PA 212 of 2000 are available
at all Library Service Desks.
Library Board of Trustees 1/10 | | | |
