Policies
Unattended Adults in Youth Services
Adults may visit the Youth Services Department only when accompanied by children using this department or when retrieving materials for research or check out.
Unaccompanied adults who are retrieving materials for research or check out may not remain in the Youth Services Department to review the materials, but instead should take them to the adult section of the library to review. Unaccompanied adults may be asked by library staff to use the facilities, services, and equipment in the adult section of the library.
This policy reflects the library's concern for the safety of children in the library.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, March 5, 2018
School/Group Visit Policy
The Weston Public Library encourages group visits to the library by local schools, organizations, and groups.
An appointment must be scheduled.
Because we have a very busy schedule with various library programs, we ask that any group that plans to visit the library to schedule an appointment at least a week prior to their visit, even if staff assistance is not required. In this way, we can avoid conflicts between groups and provide better assistance to all our users.
Groups must have a purpose for their visit.
When a group comes with a clear purpose (i.e. exploring a literary theme, conducting research), library staff can provide the group with needed services while maintaining an orderly and educational atmosphere for all our patrons.
This is especially important for large groups and for elementary and middle school children. Students learn to use the library and appreciate library resources when they have a positive library experience.
Groups must be well-supervised.
Teachers or adult supervisors must remain with the group at all times. Groups should not split up to different areas of the library unless each part of the group has a teacher or supervisor with them.
Storytimes can be arranged for special groups.
The group needs to contact the library at least two weeks in advance to arrange a time, date, and space. If a theme is required, the library needs to be told at the time the event is scheduled.
Although we would like to have groups visit as often as possible, we do have a very busy schedule, and sometimes not enough staff to go around. For that reason, we cannot schedule preschool Storytime visits more than one time per month for the same class.
A Reference Assistance or Librarian Speaker can be arranged.
Library Reference assistance or a librarian speaking to the class can be arranged for class visits with prior notification. Please call the library at least two weeks ahead of time, so we can rearrange our schedule if needed.
Special collections of books can be pulled.
Collections of books can be pulled for a Reference shelf or for a class visit. Please call us before the assignment is given to children, so that the books are still here for the class. We can also get books from other libraries on specific topics, but need to be informed at least two weeks prior to the class visit.
Meeting rooms are available.
Arrangements to use special areas of the library (i.e. the Community Room, the Conference Room, or the Local History Room) need to be scheduled WELL IN ADVANCE. Some of these rooms are booked months ahead of time, so call as soon as possible. Please call 781-786-6181 for Community and Conference Room Reservations. Please call 781-786-6170 for the Local History Room.
The Storytelling Room is for Library use only. It is used for library programs or for group visits when a librarian is presenting a Storytime or class assignment lesson.
No Smoking Policy
Weston Public Library is a municipal building and smoking is not allowed under state law. There is no smoking of any kind in the library including cigarettes, artificial cigarettes, or any use of chewing tobacco.
Approved by the Weston Public Library Board of Trustees, April 1, 2013
Charitable Contribution Collection
Due to space constraints and the overwhelming number of requests, the Library cannot serve as a location for charitable contributions for outside organizations.
Draft Approved by the Board of Trustees, October 7, 2013
Renewals
Materials may be renewed, unless they have been requested by another patron.
You can renew an item:
- In person at the library by calling 781-786-6163
- Online in your library account
Quick Pick Books, New & Quick Pick DVDs, Museum passes, Book club kits, and Magazines cannot be renewed.
Late Fees and Fines
Adult Collection
| Item | Loan Period | Renewals | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books, new | 2 weeks | 2 | $0.10/day |
| Books, Quick Picks | 2 weeks | 0 | $1.00/day |
| Books | 3 Weeks | 2 | $0.10/day |
| Audiobooks, Playaways, Music CDs | 3 weeks | 2 | $0.10/day |
| DVDs, new and Quick Picks | 1 week | 0 | $1.00/day |
| DVDs | 1 week | 2 | $1.00/day |
| DVDs, new TV series | 2 weeks | 0 | $1.00/day |
| DVDs, TV series | 2 weeks | 1 | $1.00/day |
| Magazines | 2 weeks | 0 | $0.10/day |
| Museum Passes | 1 day | 0 | $1.00/day |
| Library of Things and Puzzles | 3 weeks | 1 | $0.10/day |
| Book Club Kits | 10 weeks | 0 | $0.10 day |
Children's and Young Adult Collection
| Item | Loan Period | Renewals | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books, Quick Picks | 2 weeks | 0 | $1.00/day |
| Books | 3 Weeks | 2 | $0.10/day |
| Audiobooks, Playaways, Music CDs | 3 weeks | 2 | $0.10/day |
| Playaway Views and Launchpads | 2 weeks | 1 | $1.00/day |
| DVDs, new | 1 week | 0 | $1.00/day |
| DVDs | 1 week | 2 | $1.00/day |
| Magazines | 3 weeks | 2 | $0.10/day |
Wednesday Half Fine Policy
As a courtesy to our patrons and to ensure prompt return of library items, Weston Public Library offers patrons the option to return overdue materials on Wednesdays and pay half of the fine amount due.
The policy applies to any items returned; however, the following conditions must also be met:
- Items must be handed to a staff person and the fine paid at the time the item is returned
- Existing fines are ineligible
- Fines must be paid in the Library (not online)
Children in the Library
Rules for Children's Behavior
Using the Library should be an exciting experience for children, but remember, other people are here trying to read or study. And even though playing in the Library is fun, safety issues are a concern for both library staff and visitors.
In order to insure that everyone visiting the Library enjoys their time here safely, the following are rules for Library Behavior.
- Please walk in the Library.
- Pick up after yourself. Replace any puzzles or toys that you use.
- Do not throw toys, books, etc.. Intentionally trying to hurt another person will result in you being asked to leave the Library.
- Do not climb on the bookshelves. Parents and caretakers,please do not let children sit on top of the shelves as this is very dangerous.
- Please do not bring food into the Library.
- Use your inside voice at all times.
- Children under ten must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Please see our Child Supervision Policy for more information.
Child Supervision Policy
Weston Public Library welcomes children of all ages and strives to create a warm, inviting learning environment. The library offers many programs and services that encourage children to develop a love of books and learning. However, the library is a public building and open to all.
The well-being of young children left alone at the library is a serious concern. Library staff persons do not act as guardians or caretakers for student patrons, and cannot assume responsibility for the safety of children while in the library.
The safety and well-being of every child visiting the Library is very important, and in an effort to further their protection, the Weston Public Library has adopted the following policy:
Parents and caregivers are responsible for the behavior, safety and supervision of their children while in the Library and on Library property. Caregivers must be over the age of 16.
Children under the age of 10 must be supervised by a parent /caregiver at all times while in the library. Children ages 10-11 may use the library unattended for up to 2 hours at a time and must remain in the youth services area.
All children MUST have contact information for their parent/caregiver. Parents and caregivers should know the library’s operating hours and realize there may be times when the library has to close unexpectedly. If a child is left here at closing and the parent/caregiver cannot be reached, the Weston Police Department will be contacted promptly. In the event of school closings for weather or other emergencies, children should not be sent to the library as the library will also be affected and may also close.
Children of all ages are expected to display behavior that is respectful of library staff and which does not interfere with other patrons’ use and enjoyment of the library. Running, hitting, and shouting are some examples of behavior that is not allowed in the library. If a child cannot comply with respectful behavior, the library will first give the child the opportunity to correct their behavior. Subsequent problems will result in the child being asked to leave the library in the custody of their parent/caregiver until they can comply with this policy.
Parents and caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for the actions and safety of children while in the library.
Mutual Goals
The Weston Public Library is a source of information, education, and recreation for everyone, young and old. The Library strives to maintain that role with a high level of service and safety. Your cooperation and concern for children's welfare and behavior in the library will help us to do our job even better.
Approved Weston Public Library Board of Trustees August 23, 2016. The Weston Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend this policy at their discretion.
Children's Computer Use
Internet access is available to all our patrons.
There are currently three Internet access computers in Youth Services and one additional computer for use for non-internet homework. Computer use in the Youth Services area is for CHILDREN. Because there are only two internet computers available for children's use, we will ask adults to leave if there are children who want to use these computers.
Computer Availability and Signup
| Time | Availability |
| 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | first-come, first-served |
| 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Sign up at Youth Services Desk for the next available turn at the computers. During this time period, there is a 30-minute time limit. Once your turn is over, you must leave the computer. |
| 6:00 PM - closing | first-come, first-served |
Rules
- Only two people per computer at any time.
- Please be considerate of others--everyone is entitled to his or her own computer time. Hovering over another user is not permitted.
- The thirty-minute time limit during the afternoon period from from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. will be strictly enforced.
- Any arguments over the rules will result in a loss of computer time for that day and next day.
The Library Board of Trustees has adopted the following code of conduct to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable library facility.
Any conduct that disrupts the delivery of library services or hinders others from using library materials is prohibited. (Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 272, Sec. 41)
Any conduct that is potentially abusive or harmful to library personnel or patrons, materials or facilities is prohibited.
The use of false identification to obtain a library card or to check out library materials, or use of another person’s library card without his or her permission, is against state law. (Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 266, Sec. 99)
Theft, defacement, or damage of library materials or property is against state law. (Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 266, Sec.99 and 100)
Parents can be held liable for damage done by a child under the age of 18. (Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 231, Sec. 85G)
Smoking* is not permitted in the Library. (Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 270, Sec. 22)
Library staff is authorized to enforce this code, and to call for police assistance or contact a parent or guardian when necessary. The Library reserves the right to revoke or restrict Library privileges in cases of violation of the code of conduct.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, December 5, 2006
*There is no smoking of any kind in the library including cigarettes, artificial cigarettes, or any use of chewing tobacco.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, April 1, 2013