LIBRARY POLICIES

General Information:  Click here to see general information on fines, phones, and other policies at the library, in a PDF file.

Inclement Weather Policy: 

When Salem School is closed because of inclement weather, the library may also be closed. We may also open late or close early because of the weather.  Don't go out in bad weather simply to return your books or videos.  Call to renew them if  you are worried about their being late.  When in doubt, call us to see if we are open.  If we do not answer, leave a message and if we are here, we will call you back.

Affirmative Action Statement:

It is the policy of the Salem Library to provide employment opportunities solely based on job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, and potential. Expressly unrelated to employment opportunities are the sex, race, color, creed, retardation, mental disorder, marital status, or criminal record of an applicant for employment or any employee; except where such mental disorder or physical disability prevents adequate job performance. Philosophical commitment, as well as legal obligations, forms the basis of this policy.

BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES FOR AFTER-SCHOOL LIBRARY VISITORS

Students who wish to spend time in the library after school need to follow our guidelines. 

We do not require absolute ssssh! quiet, but you need to be reasonably quiet.

No running, horseplay, or disruptive behavior.

Limit trips to the restrooms to one person at a time per restroom.  We do not want to lock the restrooms and have to check out keys, but if there is a problem, this could happen.

We do not forbid snacks, but if you make a mess, we will forbid them.  Keep them away from the computers as much as possible.

Telephones may be used only with permission, and calls must be short.

If you check out computer headphones and do not return them when you leave, you will not be allowed headphones for two days.

Chat rooms are not allowed.  If you are caught in a chat room (and you WILL be caught eventually) you will lose computer privileges for a week.

Bring your own school supplies; there is a limit to what we can furnish you.  Remember that we charge ten cents per page for computer printouts in black and white and a quarter for color printouts.  Do not print things you do not intend to pay for, and remember to ask the library staff before printing in color.

DVDs may be watched on the computers, but only G and PG movies may be watched in the children's room, and PG-13 in the adult and young adult rooms.  No one may watch R-rated movies on the library computers.

If the library staff finds you disobeying the rules, you will be warned.  If you continue to behave in an unacceptable manner, your parents and your school will be informed, and your library privileges may be suspended for a period of time.

Your signature and your parent's signature will indicate that you understand the behavior that is expected of you in the library and the consequences if you do not behave accordingly.

Please sign the form and have your parent sign it, and return it to the library.  Forms are available at the library, or download a printer-friendly version here. BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

Copied below is a further explanation of policy regarding children going to the library from school.  Please read and make note of the procedure.

 April 4, 2007

 Dear Middle School Parents / Guardians,

 The Salem Public Library has been working in concert with Salem School Administration regarding after school use of the library by Salem students. Students being dropped off at the library after school are raising some behavioral and safety concerns – notably some students riding the bus to the library are not actually going to the library but are hanging around the surrounding areas.

 A meeting was held on Monday April 2^nd between members of the Library Board  and Salem School Administration to discuss these concerns.

 As a result of the April 2^nd meeting the following procedure will be put in place beginning Monday, April 9^th:

• Parents are to call into the library the day before the planned library visit –

859-1130 (Fridays for a Monday visit) and leave their child’s name, a contact number, the purpose of the visit and pick up time. (The library will FAX the list to the school.)

• Parents are to send a signed note to the school requesting a bus pass. Upon receiving a signed note from the parent to ride the bus to the library and confirming the student name on the library list, a bus pass will be issued to the student.
• Students are to check in with the librarian as soon as they get off the bus

Students visiting the library are expected to adhere to appropriate use policies established by the Salem Public Library (back page). Neither the library nor the school is responsible for monitoring student behavior at the library.

 Sincerely,

The Salem Library Board

MEETING ROOM POLICY

• The Salem Free Public Library, Salem Library Board of Directors, and the Town of Salem shall bear no responsibility whatsoever for personal injury to any member, affiliated person, or guest of the groups using the meeting rooms.
• Facility use will be on a first-come-first-served basis with priority in favor of Salem Library functions, Salem municipal meetings, Salem community organizations, and Salem residents for not-for-profit activities.
• The Library is not responsible for storage, damage, or loss of equipment, supplies, exhibit materials, or any other items owned by organizations using Library meeting rooms.
• No organization has an exclusive right to a specific time, day, room, or use of equipment.
• Permission to use Library facilities does not imply any endorsement by the Salem Library or Salem Library Board of Directors of any group using the meeting rooms, nor does it imply endorsement of ideas expressed at the meetings.
• Use of these facilities will not disturb normal operations of the Salem Library or place demands upon the Library staff.
• Courteous behavior must be maintained at all times on Library grounds.  No physical, verbal, or threatening behavior will be tolerated.
• No use of tobacco products, alcohol, or open flame objects are permitted anywhere in the building.
• Groups are responsible for setting up, and putting away chairs, tables, and other equipment used during their meeting, and also returning the room and kitchen to their original clean and orderly condition.
• The organization will be responsible for any damage to Library equipment or premises.  Such damages shall be reported promptly to the Librarian who will arrange for professional repairs or cleaning, the cost of which will be borne by the organization.
• Organizations will provide supervision of attendees at all times, and no child will be left unattended.
• Telephones are not to be used except in cases of emergency.
• The Salem Library Board may deny permission to any group failing to follow behavior guidelines or who mistreats the policies of the Salem Library.  They reserve the right to amend or alter this policy at any time.

• The Library retains the right to cancel a reservation in case of severe weather or other emergency conditions beyond the Library’s control.  Notice of cancellation will be given as far in advance as possible.