The Chappaqua Library

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948
Amended February 2, 1961, June 27, 1967, and January 23, 1980
inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996 by the ALA Council.

1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.
2. Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated.
3. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.
4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.
5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous.
6. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people's freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information.
7. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a "bad" book is a good one, the answer to a "bad" idea is a good one.

Adopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee; amended January 28, 1972; January 16, 1991; July 12, 2000; June 30, 2004.

Adopted by the Chappaqua Library Board of Trustees on October 20, 2009

The FREEDOM TO VIEW, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore these principles are affirmed:

1. To provide the broadest possible access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.
2. To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials.
3. To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.
4. To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging film, video and other audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content.
5. To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public's freedom to view.

This statement was originally drafted by the Freedom to view Committee of the American Film and Video Association (formerly the Educational Film Library Association) and was adopted by the AFVA Board of directors in February 1979.

This statement was updated and approved by the AFVA Board of Directors in 1989.

This statement was endorsed by the ALA Council, January 10, 1990.

Adopted by the Chappaqua Library Board of Trustees on October 20, 2009

CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY
 PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS POLICY

The American Library Association defines privacy in a library setting as the right to open inquiry without having the subject of one’s interest examined or scrutinized by others. Confidentiality exists when a library is in possession of personally identifiable information about users and keeps that information private on their behalf.

The Chappaqua Public Library seeks to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all who use the library. In keeping with this, the library collects and retains personal information for the purposes of providing library services only. The confidentiality of this information, mandated by New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules section 4509, extends, but is not limited to, the circulation of library materials, database searches, interlibrary loan transactions and reference requests.

Some types of personal information needed for the functioning of the library are as follows: name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, library barcode number, and lists of materials currently checked out, requested or overdue, and information related to fines.

To protect confidentiality, such records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal or local government except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena as may be authorized under authority of federal, state or local law which relates to civil, criminal or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.

Upon receipt of such process, order or subpoena, the library’s officers will consult with their legal counsel to determine if such process, order or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance. If the process, order or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been show, they will insist that such defects be cured.

Steps Taken to Protect Patron Information

• As of November 2012, patrons may choose to retain a record of their borrowing history via the online catalog.  Once this feature is turned on by the patron the county-wide system will log all borrowing transactions for an indeterminate amount of time. [Prior to this date, the borrowing history for the patron was not retained].    Staff have been instructed not to engage in practices that would compromise the confidentiality of patron records and, therefore, are not permitted to access/enable this information.  [This may NOT be true for staff members at the other 37 libraries in Westchester County]
• All records of Internet use on the library’s public computers are removed on a daily basis.

Links to Other Internet Sites

Our Website contains links to other sites, which are not maintained by the library. We cannot be responsible for the privacy practices of any other sites you may visit. We encourage you to become familiar with their privacy practices and be mindful of your privacy when you disclose personal information.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: 03/19/2013

CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY
PATRON RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board of Trustees of the Chappaqua Central School District Public Library, in order that the library may operate and be administered in the best interests of the community it serves, publishes and posts these regulations.

1. No person shall destroy, damage or deface any property and/or materials belonging to the library.
2. Any person abusing or threatening to abuse other patrons or members of the staff may be expelled from the premises at once.
3. No weapons are allowed in the library.
4. No person while on the premises of the library shall conduct him/herself in a violent or disorderly manner, use abusive or profane language, engage in lewd conduct, disturb any public meeting or assembly, or be found under the influence of alcohol or drugs in such a condition as to threaten the safety and rights of others.  The library premises include not only the building, but all associated property, such as sidewalks, parking lots and yards.
5. No person may smoke anywhere in the building or consume food or drink in the public areas of the building.  Exception may be made for specific library programs, when refreshments may be permitted.
6. No person while on the library premises shall engage in disruptive conversation or conduct or unruly behavior which inhibits the use of the library by others, nor shall any person refuse to obey the reasonable requests of an employee of the library, including a request to present identification.
7. No person may play any audio equipment on library premises without using headphones or earphones which make the sound inaudible to others.  If sound is heard, despite the use of earphones or headphones, the patron must turn the audio device off.  Persons receiving or making calls on cellular phones may do so only outside or in the library’s entrance lobby.
8. No person while on the premises of the library shall obtain or attempt to obtain signatures to a petition or conduct surveys or investigations or distribute printed material.  No posters or flyers and other forms of material may be posted without the express permission of the Library Director or their representative.  Solicitations for charitable, religious or other purposes, selling of tickets, magazines, or merchandise of any kind are prohibited on library premises.  The only exceptions to this rule are the on-going book sales and other fund-raising events sponsored by the Library or the Friends of the Library, or by similar groups authorized by the Director to use the library theater.
9. No person shall bring animals into the building, except for those needed to assist a patron with a disability, or any animals used in library programs.
10. A responsible parent or adult guardian must accompany any child under the age of ten who is using the library.  For a child under eight, the responsible parent or adult guardian must always be in the same vicinity as the child.  The responsible parent or adult guardian must stay with any child under six while the child uses a computer in the children’s computer room.
11. Roller skates, in-line skates and skateboards are not permitted in the library or on library premises.  Bicycles must be walked between the street and the bike rack provided.
12. Bicycles may not be brought into the library; they must be parked in the bicycle racks by the entrance to the library.
13. The parking lot is for the exclusive use of the staff and patrons of the library.
14. Members of the public who violate these regulations may be expelled from the library premises and/or have library privileges withdrawn by the Library Director for a specific or indefinite period of time.  Persons from whom these privileges have been withdrawn have the right to appeal in writing to the Library Board of Trustees.
15. All books, bags, briefcases, coats and other containers are subject to inspection by Library personnel.
16. Clothing and footwear (other than cleats) must be worn at all times in the Library.
17. Prolonged or chronic sleeping, loitering without using Library resources or services or assisting others in using such resources or services are prohibited.

Adopted ___May 19, 1998________

Revised ___Feb. 28, 2007________

Revised ___Oct 18, 2011_________

Revised ___ June 19, 2012_______

Chappaqua CSD Public Library
Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy
Adopted April 16, 2013

The Chappaqua CSD Public Library is a facility located on property owned by the Chappaqua School District.

Bullying or Intimidation is defined by the Chappaqua School District handbook as a single significant act or a pattern of threatening, stalking, coercing, intimidating or manipulating done verbally, physically, in writing, by gesture or through electronic communications, and in a way that negatively affects the well-being, health, safety, freedom or reputation of any person.

Such an act or pattern has the effect of interfering with a patron's ability to visit the library and/or use the facility in a safe, non-hostile environment.

The following action will be taken if the act or pattern of behavior continues
1. Oral warning
2. Written warning sent to the patron or, in the case of a minor, to the parent/guardian.
3. Removal from the library for a week.
4. Removal from the library for a month.
5. Removal from the library for six months.

Staff will notify appropriate law enforcement agencies if a patron is suspected of engaging in conduct which would constitute a crime.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees
April 16, 2013

Library Cards
All adults and children who live, work, attend school or own property in the Chappaqua School District are eligible for a free Westchester Library System (WLS) card from the Chappaqua Library. With a Chappaqua Library card, you may borrow materials from all 39 WLS Libraries and Westchester County Community College. To obtain a Chappaqua Library Card you may register online or bring a photo I.D. and proof of address (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.) to the circulation desk. Parents should bring their children to the library to register in person.

Your Responsibility 
A library card is a financial responsibility. You are responsible for all materials borrowed on your or your child's library card. Library resources are shared resources. Loan periods and fine schedules are designed to encourage fair and equal access to available resources for all library users. Your responsibility to the library community includes the timely payment of all fines, replacement costs, or damage fees for items you borrow but do not renew or return on time and in good condition. Failure to fulfil financial obligations will result in the loss of library privileges.

You must advise the circulation desk of any changes in your name, address, or phone number. Please report lost cards immediately.

Forgotten Cards
In order to check out library materials without a library card, you must present some form of photo ID with current name and address. You must have your library barcode number to access your library record over the phone, whether to place a hold, renew items, or for any other reason.

Reserves
You may reserve items electronically in the library, at home through our web site, or by calling the Reference Desk at 238-4779, ext. 2. You will need your library barcode number. You will receive notification via phone or email when your item is available for pickup. Reserve items must be checked out on the same library card that was used to reserve the items. Items will be held for 8 days.

Renewals
All items except Rapid Read books and Express DVDs may be renewed once as long as the item is not on reserve for another patron. You may renew by calling TeleCirc at 674-4169, by using our web site, or by calling 238-4779 ext. 5 during business hours. Items may not be renewed more than once. Renewing an item extends the loan period from the date of renewal (not the original due date). Renewals must be completed by 10 pm to be valid for that day. Always review your due dates to make sure your renewal was successful.

NYS Privacy Law
“Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.”

This means you will need your library card number to transact business by phone.  If you are picking up items or transacting business for a friend or family member, you will need their library card number to do so.  No exceptions. 

TeleCirc
Patrons may call TeleCirc at 674-4169 to renew materials, check on fines, or cancel a hold. Enter your library barcode number and PIN number (default is the last four digits of your phone number) and follow the prompts.

Loan Periods and Overdue Fines
Loan periods and overdue fines vary by item and are summarized on the following table. Please note there is a 50-item limit on a Chappaqua library card.  The library may also impose a maximum of 3 items in any one subject for popular subjects (travel books, school assignments, etc.).  The Chappaqua Library is in compliance with the Westchester Library System's policy for the circulation of library materials

Long Overdue Items
Items overdue for more than six weeks are billed as lost. The replacement cost will be the actual price listed in the WLS database.  When an item is billed for replacement, fines are removed.  Because acquisition priorities change over time, the decision to replace an item must take into consideration many factors. Therefore the Chappaqua Library does NOT accept replacement copies of lost items.  Lost items belonging to other libraries should be paid directly to the owning library.

Maximum of 3 items in any one subject.

Fees for Missing or Damaged Items
If only part of an item is lost or damaged, and that part is replaceable, the following fees will apply.

Audiobook CD $10.00
Audiocassette $10.00
Cassette envelope $2.00
CD case $3.00
DVD/Video case $3.00
“J” plastic bag $1.00

CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY 
INTERNET & USE OF LIBRARY COMPUTERS

As part of its mission to provide a broad range of information in a variety of formats, the Chappaqua Library provides access to the Internet. Staff will conduct Internet searches on behalf of patrons when warranted as part of the library’s reference and information services. Computers are also available for patrons who wish to conduct their own searches or use other Internet resources. Wireless connectivity is available for those who wish to connect to the Internet using their own devices.

Patrons must use their library barcode or guest pass to access the Internet using the library’s computers. Each patron will be assigned a 30 minute appointment which can be extended to a maximum of two hours per day. Longer periods may requested and will be provided at the discretion of the reference librarians. By logging on to the Internet, patrons agree to abide by the library policy on public use of computers.

The library is responsible only for the information provided on its own Web site. Access points and links to information resources on the library’s home page are selected by library staff and are checked regularly to ensure that they remain valid and consistent with the roles of the library. The library cannot monitor or control information accessed via the Internet. The library cannot guarantee that information on the Internet is accurate. If requested, staff will assist patrons in conducting searches and offer guidance on evaluating sources and verifying information.

Library staff will assist patrons with searches and suggest search strategies. Those wishing more advanced instruction should sign up for one of the computer instruction sessions provided for by the library.

When it is technically possible to do so, files may be downloaded to portable storage devices or printed to designated printers. Users agree to observe all copyright and licensing laws and will not duplicate any computer programs or documentation unless expressly labeled as being "in the public domain" or "shareware." No personal software may be loaded on library computer hard drives. No private files may be stored on the library computer(s), and any files left on the computers will be deleted. Users will supply their own portable storage device or purchase such a device from the Circulation Department. A "per page" fee will be charged for all material printed using the library’s printer.

Children have priority use of the Children’s Room Internet terminals. Parents or guardians are advised to take an active interest in their children’s online use. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct, or indirect, which arise from use of electronic services.

Patrons, including minors, who access the Internet in the library, may not display text or graphics defined by federal or state law as obscenity or pornography. Chappaqua staff have the right to take appropriate actions to enforce the rules of conduct and to prohibit use of computers by individuals who fail to comply.

Deliberate and continued display of some materials that are not obscene or pornographic may still constitute sexual harassment. Actions that violate federal, state, or local laws will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Repeated actions that create a disturbance or that may be considered sexual harassment may result in the loss of some or all library privileges.

Users, including minors, are advised not to share personal identification information to unknown or otherwise unverified sources via electronic communication.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: October 19, 2010

CHAPPPAQUA C.S.D. PUBLIC LIBRARY
POLICIES AND RULES GOVERNING USE OF THE CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY FACILITIES GENERALLY

These Policies and Rules Governing Use of the Chappaqua Library Facilities Generally are applicable to third-parties’ reservation and use of Library facilities as a general matter.  Use of specific facilities such as the Theater or the Children’s Program Room may be subject to additional Policies and Rules which supplement or may in specific cases supersede these Policies and Rules.  Any user must be familiar with and abide by all applicable policies and rules.

CHAPPPAQUA C.S.D. PUBLIC LIBRARY
POLICIES AND RULES GOVERNING USE OF THE CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY THEATER

These Policies and Rules Governing Use of the Chappaqua Library Theater supplement the Policies and Rules Governing Use of the Chappaqua Library Facilities Generally (“General Policies”) and supersede the General Policies to the extent, if any, specifically set herein as they relate to the Theater.  Terms which are capitalized but not defined in these Policies and Rules have the same meaning in theses Policies and Rules as they are given in the General Policies.  All users must be familiar with and abide by all applicable policies and rules.

1.                  Administration:  No change from the General Policies.

2.                  Eligible Sponsors:  No change from the General Policies.

3.                  Eligible Activities:  No change from the General Policies.

4.                  Reservations:  No change from the General Policies.

5.                  Priority of Use:  No change from the General Policies.

6.                  Cancellation of Reservations:  No change from the General Policies.

7.                  Sponsor’s Responsibilities:  Supplementing the General Policies, use of the Theater also is subject to Regulations for Productions, rev. 4/97.

8.                  Liability and Financial Responsibility:  No change from the General Policies.

CHAPPPAQUA C.S.D. PUBLIC LIBRARY
POLICIES AND RULES GOVERNING USE OF THE CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM ROOM AND OTHER SPACES AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE DIRECTOR

These Policies and Rules Governing Use of the Chappaqua Library Children’s Program Room and Other Spaces as Deemed Appropriate by the Director supplement the Policies and Rules Governing Use of the Chappaqua Library Facilities Generally (“General Policies”) and supersede the General Policies to the extent, if any, specifically set herein as they relate to the Children’s Program Room and other spaces deemed appropriate by the Director.  Terms which are capitalized but not defined in these Policies and Rules have the same meaning in theses Policies and Rules as they are given in the General Policies.  All users must be familiar with and abide by all applicable policies and rules.

1. Administration:  No change from the General Policies.
2. Eligible Sponsors:  No change from the General Policies.
3. Eligible Activities:  No change from the General Policies.
4. Reservations:  No change from the General Policies.
5. Priority of Use:  No change from the General Policies.
6. Cancellation of Reservations:  No change from the General Policies.
7. Sponsor’s Responsibilities:  No change from the General Policies.
8. Liability and Financial Responsibility:  No change from the General Policies.
9. Certificate of Insurance:  Superseding the General Policies, the Library Director may waive or reduce the amount of insurance coverage otherwise required for use of the Children’s Program Room or another room after consultation with the Library’s insurance broker or another risk manager based upon the nature of the activity and level of attendance expected.
10. Admission Charges and Donations:  No change from the General Policies.
11. Publicity:  No change from the General Policies.
12. Rental Fees:  No change from the General Policies.
13. Smoking and Alcoholic Beverages:  No change from the General Policies.
14. Use of Library Equipment:  Supplementing the General Policies, the Director may allow use of the Staff Kitchen for meetings, but any use of the Staff Kitchen equipment by a Sponsoring Organization is prohibited.
15. Kitchen Use:  No change from the General Policies.
16. Amendments and Changes:  No change from the General Policies.

Adopted by the Chappaqua Library Board of Trustees on October 20, 2009

CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY
SELECTION OF MATERIALS

The Chappaqua Library provides materials and services to support the informational and educational needs of the citizens of the Chappaqua Central School District. The mission statement of the library is as follows:

1. To be a welcoming community center for human interaction, intellectual stimulation and cultural enrichment for people of all ages;
2. To provide, through books and other informational, educational and cultural materials, including non-print resources, events, and programs, a place where the experience of the past can meet the needs of the present and future;
3. To provide access to its own materials and to sources beyond its collections for people on-site and in other locations; and
4. To work with institutions, organizations and individuals within the community in the pursuit of these goals.

Our mission statement shapes the development of the collection and how our resources and funds are allocated.

Selection and purchase of library materials rests with the professional librarians in each department. Staff will adhere to accepted professional practices when making selection decisions. The recreational, educational, and informational needs of the community will be considered in selecting materials.

Prior to the beginning of each budget year, the director will determine how budgeted funds will be allocated among the major collection subdivisions, e.g., adult nonfiction, fiction, youth collection, reference, periodicals, and non-print. Circulation statistics and counts of in-house use of materials will be maintained to assist in decision making. Average cost per item, as determined by the previous year’s purchases and reports in library and publishing journals, will also be considered in allocating funds.

Materials will be selected based on positive reviews in professional journals or actual examination and evaluation of materials. Popular demand, school bibliographies, or local interests may also be used as the criterion for selection of materials. Items that must be updated every year may be placed on a standing order list to ensure timely delivery. Suggestions from the community for items to be considered for purchase are strongly encouraged, but materials must meet selection criteria.

The Chappaqua Library does not attempt to acquire textbooks that specifically support local curricula, but it may acquire textbooks for general use by the public. Multiple copies of popular books, e.g., bestsellers may be purchased to meet short-term demand. Paperback books will be purchased when available to meet short-term demand. The library will attempt to have information available in a variety of formats, such as book, non-book, magazines, etc., when available and practical. Generally, only one copy of materials in other formats—DVD, compact disc, computer programs, etc.—will be purchased unless long-term high demand is anticipated. Film and audio recordings will be selected for potential long-term use that meets general interests. Regardless of an item’s popularity, the library may choose not to select it if the available format is not durable enough to withstand reasonable library use or if it would require excessive staff time to maintain.

Objections to items in the collection should be made in writing using this form to the library director. (See also the "Request for Reconsideration of Materials" policy.) Materials that no longer meet the needs of the community and no longer support the library’s collection will be withdrawn and disposed of in accordance with the library’s "De-selection of Materials" policy.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: October 19, 2010

CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY
DE-SELECTION OF MATERIALS

Materials that no longer fit the stated mission and service priorities of the library will be withdrawn from the collection. This may include materials that are damaged, that include obsolete information, or that have not been used within a reasonable period of time.

Decisions will be based on accepted professional practice, such as those described in The CREW Method (continuous review, evaluation and weeding), and the professional judgment of the library director or designated staff. When necessary, local specialists will be consulted to determine the continued relevance and reliability of materials.

Items withdrawn from the collection will be disposed of in accordance with local law, which permits discarding worn, dirty, or dangerously outdated material into the trash, recycling, or transfer to the Friends of the Chappaqua Library for sale. No withdrawn items may be sold or given directly to individuals or groups; however, items that do not sell in the Friends sale may be transferred to other nonprofit organizations or placed in a "free books" area for anyone to take. Discarded magazines and newspapers may be given to other area libraries or social service agencies or recycled at the discretion of the library director.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: October 19, 2010

REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF MATERIALS

The Chappaqua Library welcomes comments and suggestions regarding the continued appropriateness of materials in the collection, especially with regard to outdated materials. Suggestions and recommendations will be considered and used by the library in the ongoing process of collection development.

Individuals may take issue with library materials that do not support their own views or values on a subject or that is not compatible with their beliefs. Staff is available to discuss concerns and to identify alternate materials that may be available. If a patron’s concern is not satisfied through discussion with staff, a formal, written request for reconsideration of materials may be submitted to the library director. Copies of this form are available by clicking here, at the reference desk or from the director’s office.

For a request for reconsideration to be considered, the form must be completed in full. The patron submitting the request must be a resident of the Chappaqua Central School District and hold a valid borrower’s card. The library staff and the director consider each request in terms of the criteria outlined in the library’s materials selection policy and the principles of the ALA Library Bill Of Rights and related statements, printed reviews, and other appropriate sources.

The director will respond, in writing within 30 days of receipt, to the patron’s request for reconsideration. The response will indicate the action to be taken and reasons for or against the request. An item will be evaluated for reconsideration only once in a 12-month period.

The Chappaqua Library is not a judicial body. Laws governing obscenity, subversive materials, and other questionable matters are subject to interpretation by the courts. Therefore, no challenged material will be removed solely based on a complaint of obscenity or any other category covered by law until a local court of competent jurisdiction has ruled against the material. No material will be knowingly added to the library collection that has been previously determined to be in noncompliance with laws.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: November 2010

CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY 
GIFTS POLICY

The Chappaqua Library welcomes gifts of new and used books, audio recordings, and DVDs, and similar materials. Items will be added to the collection in accordance with the selection policy of the library. Once donated, items become the property of the Chappaqua Library, and may be discarded if they are not added to the collection. The donor may place no conditions on the donation. Donated items will not be returned to the donor, and the library will not accept any item that is not an outright gift.

The library will acknowledge receipt of donated items, but is unable to set fair-market or appraisal values. It is recommended that the donor make a list of items donated. If items are being donated to obtain a tax benefit, it is the donor’s responsibility to establish fair-market value or obtain expert assistance in establishing any value. Once a donated item has been added to the library collection, it is subject to all other library policies and may be discarded according to the policy on withdrawal and disposition of library materials.

Monetary gifts, bequests, and memorial or honorary contributions are particularly welcome. Funds donated will be used to purchase items in accordance with the selection policy of the library.

Books and other materials purchased with bequests and memorial or honorary contributions will be identified with special donor plates whenever possible. If requested at the time the donation is made, notification of memorial or honorary contributions will be sent to the family of the person being recognized. Suggestions for subject areas or other areas of interest are welcome and will be followed to the extent that such items meet the library’s selection policy and collection needs.

Acceptance of donations of equipment, real estate, stock, artifacts, works of art, collections, etc., will be determined by the library board based on their suitability to the purposes and needs of the library, laws and regulations that govern the ownership of the gift, and the library’s ability to cover insurance and maintenance costs associated with the donation.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: October 19, 2010

 LIBRARY PROGRAMS PROCEDURES

1. The Program Coordinator is responsible in the first instance for coordinating the planning, scheduling, publicity, videotaping (when possible) and presentation of library programs.

2. The Program Coordinator shall notify the Library Director of all proposed programs. The Library Director shall notify the Board President or, in the absence of the President, another board member, of each proposal prior to the library’s committing to the proposed program. If the President or other board member believes that the library’s presentation of the program should be reviewed by the board,no further commitment shall be made by the library staff with respect to such program prior to the board’s review of the proposal.

3. Any staff member can initiate a program by presenting a program idea to the Program Coordinator. The idea will be evaluated, and if accepted/approved, be scheduled in the library calendar.

4. If an author talk is scheduled, appropriate staff will be responsible for acquiring books for the library’s collection and book displays. Staff members are also responsible for acquiring videos, DVD’s or films that are shown during film programs.

5. A maximum of two (2) staff members and one custodian shall represent the library at any one program. If additional or substitute coverage is necessary, that will be arranged either the Program Coordinator or Library Director.

6. The custodial staff will have the responsibility of setting up any A-V equipment and the hospitality tables. The tables should include:

• Gallery or Theater - tablecloth, coffee pots with hot water and coffee ready to be plugged in, food on trays, cups, stirrers, sugar, napkins, appropriate signs and trash cans
• Author table (if needed) - tablecloth, two (2) chairs
• The custodial staff will also have the responsibility of cleaning up the above areas.

7. When a date is being held for a prospective program, up to three (3) dates per month per program can be held for no longer than two (2) weeks unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

8. Honorarium or dinner: A speaker or group can elect to have either a dinner at a local, designated restaurant or an honorarium of between $100 and $300. Staff members responsible for the program (see #4 above) will be paid for attending the dinner and the program. The Library Director and/or the president of the Library Board will be invited to attend the dinners.

9. As part of its author programs, and whenever possible, the Chappaqua Library will arrange for copies of books by featured authors for sale to program attendees. The library may condition the sale of such books on the library’s receipt of an appropriate commission on the sale of books.

10. While commercial organizations may co-sponsor programs, no control over the content, publicity or presentation of such programs will be given to the co-sponsoring commercial organization.

Adopted July 17, 2001

Revised October 21, 2003

CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY EXHIBITION POLICY FOR DISPLAY CASES

The library has three display cases, two (2) large multi-shelve units, and one (1) flat case unit.

The materials displayed in the library display cases shall reflect its role as an educational and cultural institution. The displays will be free and open to the public. All displays must be reviewed and approved by the library curator.

Responsibility: The use of the display cases of the Chappaqua Library is scheduled at the discretion of the curator. All display material must be delivered to the library by the exhibitor or representative in display-ready condition at the convenience of the curator.

All displays will be shown for four to six weeks.

The location and overall appearance of the display cases is the sole responsibility of the curator.

Use of the display cases for Chappaqua Library programs and library exhibits takes precedence over use by outside groups and individuals.

Eligibility: Any person, group or organization is subject to the applicable Chappaqua Library Board of Trustees policies which may prohibit or limit the use of the facilities by commercial organizations and to applicable New York State Education Law (section 414) that may, among other things, prohibit or limit the use of facilities by: a) partisan political groups for political purposes and b) religious groups for religious purposes.

Liability and Financial Responsibility: The Library does not accept any responsibility or liability for the preservation, protection, loss of or damage to any part of a display at any time. All items brought to and placed in the Library are done so at the owner’s risk. The owner of the displayed materials shall indemnify and hold the Library harmless from any loss, damage, liability, costs and/or expense, including but not limited to attorney fees, that may arise during or to be caused in any way by the owner’s use of the Library display cases and compensate the Library for any damages to the Library’s Display Cases, or other property of the Library caused by or resulting from the use of the Display Cases.

Applications: Applications must be submitted in writing to the curator on the application form provided by the library.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: May 8, 2012

In order to maintain the integrity of the blog and its content, all comments made to the Chappaqua Library blogs are moderated.

Full names and email addresses will be required to post. First names will be published but last names and email addresses will not be published.

The Chappaqua CSD Public Library reserves the right to monitor content before it is posted on all blogs, and to modify or remove any messages or postings that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of the copyright, trademark right, or other intellectual property right of any third party, or otherwise inappropriate for this service. The Chappaqua CSD Public Library also reserves the right to edit or modify any submission in response to requests for feedback or other commentary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chappaqua CSD Public Library is not obligated to take any such actions, and will not be responsible or liable for content posted by any subscriber in any forum, message board, or other area within the service.

Comments will not be accepted if they appear to be indecent or offensive, or contain negative content of a personal, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, or religious character. We will not post comments that appear to be libelous or otherwise legally problematic.

Comments which may also be refused are those that are:

• irrelevant to the article;
• trivial;
• appear to be advertising or "spam";
• a repetition of comments posted elsewhere on the Chappaqua Library website;
• badly written or incomprehensible; or
• hyperlinks to material that is not directly related to the discussion.

By posting a comment you agree to indemnify the Chappaqua CSD Public Library and its officers and employees from and against all liabilities, judgments, damages, and costs (including attorney’s fees) incurred by any of them which arise out of or are related to the content that you post.Forums and messaging may not be used for commercial purposes or for organized political activity.

If you do not agree to these terms, do not use the service as violation of the terms can lead to legal liability.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees – February 2008

For patrons with a disability who are approved by the Director following submission of the attached application, the three week loan period for books will be extended to five weeks. Those books borrowed with an extended loan may be renewed for an additional three weeks (as long as there are no pending reserves).

A maximum of three books may be borrowed, at any one time, for an extended loan period.

Items not included under this policy are DVD’s, items from other libraries, items on reserve for other patrons, and materials received through Interlibrary Loan from colleges and libraries outside of Westchester.

The extended loan service is available to disabled patrons only and not to other members of the disabled patron’s household, family members or friends.In the event that the patron ceases to be under disability, the patron must notify the Library and the extended loan service will no longer be available to the patron.

To qualify for this service, applicants must already have a valid Chappaqua Library card and meet the regular registration requirements of the Chappaqua Library.

Click here for a printable version of the policy

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees – November 18, 2008

Chappaqua Library Long Range Plan 2011 - 2016

The library’s most pressing problem results from a lack of sufficient interior and adjacent exterior space, and from competing needs for the space. At the same time the impact of new technologies, such as e-books, downloadable audio and video, which do not require physical space in the library, may open up opportunities to reconfigure the interior footprint of the library. In order to carefully consider the best allocation of these limited resources, we recommend that the Library follow a Master Plan to include a program of requirements, drawings and associated documents, to address the facility needs outlined below. The 2008 study would serve as an important resource. A phased program of renovation and/or expansion may be necessary as funds become available.

The Plan will cover the entire physical plant of the library but will highlight:

1. Consideration should be given to the age of the building and the need to continuously maintain the physical plant infrastructure.
2. Staff areas;
3. ADA compliance;
4. Parking;
5. Children’s room;
6. Meeting room space

The library has made significant additions and improvements in the use of new technologies to improve services over the last few years, including installing additional computers for public use, increased wireless capacity throughout the library, and created a more robust website. The Committee believes that technology will continue to play a large role in the library’s delivery of services to the community; however, implementation of new technology will be subject to cost/benefit analysis.

1. Install additional electrical outlets throughout the building for patron and staff use.
2. Complete the implementation of RFID technology.
3. Investigate additional benefits provided by the use of MAC computers and other hand-held devices (iPad, Droid, Nook, etc.) for the library and patrons.
4. Continue, with the assistance of the Westchester Library System (WLS), the investigation into new online information databases, and sources of downloadable media (ebooks, music, streaming video), to meet needs of the community.