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
Tutoring Policy
Tutoring is an activity that relates to the Library’s mission to provide materials and resources for lifelong learning. As part of its mission, the library permits tutoring on the premises in accordance with written policy.
Tutors are required to observe the following guidelines when tutoring in the library.
If tutors consistently disregard these guidelines the Weston Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to disallow the practice of tutoring in the library.
- Tutors may use the library no more than four hours per week.
- Tutoring activities are confined to the tables outside of the local history room and study rooms. No tutoring is allowed in the Youth Services department. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO MOVE IF YOU ARE IN ANY OTHER AREA. NO ONE MAY RESERVE SPACE IN THE LIBRARY TO TUTOR.
- Tutors are responsible for the behavior of the student being tutored. Only one student may be tutored at a time. Students may not be left unattended while waiting for their session to begin.
- Tutoring sessions must be kept as quiet as possible. Any disruption to other patrons may result in the tutor and student being asked to leave.
- Tutors and students must bring their own supplies.
- All arrangements are made strictly between the tutor and parent. No messages may be conveyed through library staff.
- The library is not responsible for unattended children.
- The Weston Public Library Child Supervision Policy will be strictly enforced.
Independent tutors are not sponsored by the library. Advertising that tutor services occur at the library is strictly prohibited.
The Weston Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend this policy from time to time.
3/13/07 Approved by Weston Public Library Board of Trustees
Amended 9/13/10 by the Weston Public Library Board of Trustees
Amended 9/10/18 by the Weston Public Library Board of Trustees
Test Proctoring Policy
Weston Public Library offers limited supervision test-proctoring for Weston residents or Town of Weston employees.
Tests must be scheduled with the Reference supervisor in advance and are subject to availability and convenience of Reference staff on that day. Exams are proctored during library public service hours, Monday through Saturday. Tests must be completed 30 minutes before the library closes. We cannot guarantee proctoring supervision every day.
The library will proctor exams received from educational institutions via mail, e-mail or website. Software cannot be installed on any library computer. Tests offered in a computer format must be compatible with the hardware and software already installed on library workstations. Library staff will check I.D. if necessary, provide a space for students to store backpacks, get the student started, and stop the student at the conclusion of the exam.
Library staff proctoring the exam will complete appropriate documentation forms provided by the institution. The library will mail completed exams to the institution if a postage paid envelope is provided or the student or institution has made prior prepaid arrangements with a commercial carrier. The library is not responsible for any costs in obtaining or returning the examination. If exams will be mailed directly to the Library, this must be arranged in advance with the Reference Librarian. The Library will not sign for packages which have not been scheduled in advance.
8/6/12 Approved by Weston Public Library Board of Trustees
The Weston Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend this policy from time to time.
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
Abbreviated Computer and Internet Use Policy
Please note: the Computer and Internet Usage Policy adopted by the Weston Public Library Board of Trustees on January 15, 1997. This summary provides information on the portions that are still applicable while the policy undergoes review.
Access to Internet Resources
- The mission of the Weston Public Library is to provide materials, resources, and programs which meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of all members of the Weston community.
- [The Internet] is an unregulated medium. As such, 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, disturbing and/or illegal.
- Library staff will identify specific starting points for searches on the Library's home page which are appropriate to the Library's mission and service roles. The Library cannot control or monitor other material which may be accessible from Internet sources. It is not possible to apply the same selection criteria which are used for other materials.
In-Library Access
- The Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. The Library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of Library materials and resources.
- The Library will provide Internet access in Youth Services, reserved for youth.
- Library staff is available to provide assistance and to help identify appropriate sites. The user, however, is the selector in using the Internet with individual choices and individual choices and decisions.
Conditions and Terms of Use in the Library
In an effort to ensure that the use of this medium is consistent with the Mission of the Weston Public Library the following regulations shall apply:
- Designated Internet stations will be located where they can be monitored by staff for assistance and security.
- The Library will make Internet stations available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Only two (2) people can be on a computer at the same time.
- Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library's Rules of conduct which have been adopted and are posted in the Library. Failure to use the Internet stations appropriately and responsibly…may result in revocation of Internet use privileges.
- It is NOT acceptable to use the Internet for illegal purposes, or to transmit threatening, obscene or harassing materials.
- Access is without charge.
- If a patron wishes to print out text that carries a fee for downloading, the patron is responsible for the payment of that charge. Payment should be made directly to the source of the article. The library will take no part in the transaction. Personal credit cards can be used.
Internet Station User Policy
- An individual has up to 1 hour on the Internet if others are waiting,
Disclaimer
Since the Internet is a global electronic network, there is no state/county control of its users or content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature.
The Library cannot censor access to material nor protect users from offensive information. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the Library's connection.
Library staff cannot control the availability of information links which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information.
Also, the Weston Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its internet services.
Community Room Policy
As a public service, the Trustees of the Weston Public Library offer the use of its Community Room to civic, cultural, and educational groups and organizations engaging in activities consistent with the library’s mission to provide materials, resources, and programs for lifelong learning and enjoyment, and of a non-commercial, non-profit nature. The primary use of the Community Room is for library sponsored programs, and is otherwise limited to programs or events sponsored by Weston residents or employees of the Town of Weston, All programs held in the Community Room must be free and open to the public. Use of the Community Room does not imply Library endorsement of the aims, policies or activities of any group or organization. Fees may apply for room usage.
The Board of Library Trustees reserve the right to disallow the use of the Community room for any purpose incompatible with the overall mission of the library, and that may interfere with the safety of the public or staff
The library is a smoke-free building.
The Community Room is not available for individual social functions.
Serving of food and beverages in the Community Room are permissible with prior consent of the Library Director or designate. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
All reservations for the Community Meeting Room are coordinated by the Library Circulation Supervisor. All authorized sponsors of events held in the library must read the Weston Public Library Community Room Regulations and sign and submit the Weston Public Library Community Room Application in advance. This person assumes responsibility for the conduct of the group during the meeting, and for all library equipment they may use.
Reservations for use of the Community Room will be granted to adults (18 years or older) only.
Library sponsored programs, groups and organizations affiliated with the library, and Town of Weston departments including elected or appointed town committees shall be given priority in reserving the Community Room. Bookings will then be approved in the order received. Bookings may be made up to six (6) months in advance. Efforts will be made to accommodate groups in order to serve the needs of the community.
The library must be notified 48 hours in advance of any cancellation of the use of the room by a group. Any group that does not give the necessary cancellation notice to the library may be denied future use of the Community Room.
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.
Code of Conduct
The Library Board of Trustees is committed to providing safe, comfortable, and enjoyable facilities at the main library and AIC and has adopted this Code of Conduct.
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Library/AIC staff are 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/AIC privileges in cases of violation of the code of conduct.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, December 5, 2006
Amended by the Library Board of Trustees, April 4, 2022
Weston Public Library Collection Management Policy
Collection Management Policy Purpose and Philosophy
The purpose of the collection management policy is to provide guidelines for collection management including materials acquisition, withdrawal of items, allocation of resources, and planning in conjunction with the WPL’s mission statement and physical space limitations. WPL subscribes to the principles in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association, and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association and the American Book Publisher's Council. (see appendices).
WPL staff provides equitable service to all patrons. Patrons of all ages are permitted to borrow all items in the collection (with only exceptions for designated Library of Things items). Parents (or legal guardians) are responsible for monitoring the library items that minor children borrow, read, view, or use.
Responsibility for Selection
This Collection Management policy is approved by a formal vote of the WPL Board of Trustees. Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Director who serves under the auspices of the WPL Board of Trustees. Librarians will work cooperatively to manage the adult, youth services, and young adult collections. Librarians may delegate ordering to other staff as necessary and appropriate.
Criteria for Selection
Materials will be selected to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs and interests of library patrons with foremost consideration given to Weston residents. Librarians making selections will strive to order materials in multiple formats as well as those that represent a variety of viewpoints.
One or more of the following criteria serve as the basis for selection and/or removal:
- A positive review in a professional journal, such as Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus, the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Horn Book, etc.
- A request by a Weston resident
- A recommendation by a librarian due to his/her subject area knowledge
- A recommendation by a subject matter professional (as approved by the Library Director)
- An identified need of the collection as determined by the selector
- The number of hold requests by Weston patrons (and anticipated demand)
- The determination by a selector that the information is no longer accurate or current
- The determination by a selector that the material is not age appropriate
- Budget constraints
- Historical significance of the item
- Merit of the item (literary and/or artistic)
- Significance and/or popularity of the author
- Availability of the item in the Minuteman Network
- Space limitations
An item need not meet all or more than one of these criteria to be selected. Self-published materials will be evaluated based on the above selection criteria. All patron-suggested purchases will be considered, but may not be selected based on the selection criteria above. Materials published or released in new formats will be considered for the collection when there is evidence that a significant portion of the local population has the required equipment to make use of the format. Availability of items in the format, the cost per item, the WPL’s ability to obtain and circulate the items as well as space or technology limitations will also be factors in determining when a new format will be acquired.
Local History Collection
WPL collects, preserves, organizes, and makes available, as appropriate, suitable materials of historical, geographical, or cultural relevance to the town of Weston for the purpose of current and future research into the growth and development of the town. This includes items written and created by Weston residents.
Collection Maintenance and Weeding
A strong collection requires ongoing evaluation and maintenance. Materials will regularly be weeded based on one or more of the following criteria: content is outdated or superseded, circulation statistics for the item are low, and/or condition of the item is poor.
All Materials acquired by the WPL shall become the permanent property of the WPL until such time as the Library Director deems it no longer relevant to the collection, in which case the material may be deaccessioned or weeded. Deaccessioning of items from the Local History Collection will not take place without written permission of the Chair of the WPL Board of Trustees or a majority vote of the WPL Board of Trustees.
Replacements and updated editions are purchased when warranted. Discarded materials may be sold, donated, or recycled as determined by the Library Director. Standards for materials withdrawal are detailed in the CREW Manual (see appendices).
Gifts/Donations
WPL welcomes gifts of funds and materials to enrich the collection New or used donated materials are subject to the same criteria as purchased materials and must be in good condition. Items for the Local History Collection should be in good condition and of importance to the history of Weston. Equipment donations can only be accepted providing that the item is in excellent condition and is compatible with other current technology in use.
Gifts are accepted subject to the approval of the Library Director and WPL Board of Trustees. Gifts are accepted with the understanding that they may be utilized or disposed of at the Library Director's and/or Board’s discretion. The WPL reserves the right to determine the use and disposition of all gifts unconditionally and without requirement to notify the donor. Gifts offered with restrictions may be considered, but acceptance may not be possible.
Consideration of Material
Anyone who wishes the WPL to consider the acquisition or removal of an item must fill out a “Request for Consideration of Material” form (see appendices). These forms are available at all services desks. Within ten days, the request is reviewed by the appropriate Department Head Librarian who will then discuss the request with the Library Director and/or Library Assistant Director. The Library Director will issue a response. If the complainant is not satisfied, he or she may appeal to the WPL Board of Trustees and ask to speak at a future meeting of the WPL Board of Trustees within three months of the date of the appeal. The decision of the WPL Board of Trustees is final.
Appendices
Library Bill of Rights:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill
Freedom to Read Statement:
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement
The First Amendment:
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/censorship
CREW Manual:
https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/pubs/crew/index.html
Request for Consideration of Materials form
Approved by the Weston Public Library Board of Trustees, October 19, 2022