New Castle-Henry County Public Library actively works toward the prevention, containment and elimination of bed bugs and bed bug eggs in all materials and on library premises and the mobile library (bookmobile).

New Castle-Henry County Public Library ensures its staff is trained in bed bug detection, containment, elimination and prevention, and regularly examines and updates its procedures according to industry best practices.

New Castle-Henry County Public Library works proactively to:

• Reduce risk of bed bugs to staff and patrons.
• Monitor detection and response levels on an ongoing basis.
• Contract licensed, accredited, and reputable pest detection and control companies.

Staff Protocol

Staff will consistently inspect all incoming materials, including those returned at the public desks, in the book drops, and through inter-library loan delivery, for evidence of bed bugs. Evidence includes live or dead bed bugs, bed bug eggs, bed bug nymphs, and feces and spotting associated with bed bugs.

Materials returned to the New Castle-Henry County Public Library with evidence of live or dead bed bugs will be treated or discarded at the discretion of the Library. Discarded items will be considered as damaged items under the Borrowed Materials Policy.

Materials with live or dead bed bugs returned by a patron will result in immediate suspension of New Castle-Henry County Public Library privileges for that patron and for any patrons in the same residence as original patron. Suspension will be lifted after the patron presents proof in writing that his or her residence has been successfully treated for and eradicated of bed bugs by a licensed and accredited pest control company.

Patron Protocol

New Castle-Henry County Public recognizes that all patrons and staff have a role to play in controlling bed bugs in the community. Library patrons must cease to borrow materials from New Castle-Henry County Public Library if they are experiencing bed bug infestations in their residences.

In the event that a patron discovers a live or dead bed bug, bed bug eggs, bed bug nymphs, or feces or spotting associated with bed bugs in New Castle-Henry County Public materials, the patron must immediately do the following:

• If the materials are outside of the Library and in the possession of the patron: Place the materials into a sealable plastic bag and add tape to cover the sealed opening. Return the sealed materials directly to a staff member and inform the staff member of the problem. Do not use book drops to return materials suspected or with evidence of bed bugs.
• Patrons are prohibited from self-treating, including heating, Library materials that are known or suspected to contain bed bugs. Materials damaged by patrons attempting to self-treat the materials will be considered as damaged items under the Borrowed Materials Policy.
• If the materials are inside of the Library: Leave the materials where they are, get a staff member, and bring the staff member to the materials.

Public Donations Protocol

Donors must inspect materials for evidence of live or dead bed bugs prior to donating them to New Castle-Henry County Public Library. If evidence is present or an infestation is known, the donor must not donate the materials to The Friends of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library.

The Friends of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library are trained and follow the same procedures as Library staff to identify, quarantine, and treat materials for bed bugs.

New Castle-Henry County Public Library and its Friends reserve the right to discard donated materials that show evidence of past or present bed bug activity.

Revised: 7/17/2017

PURPOSE

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library has established this policy and standard practice for allowing orderly public expression and commentary at every regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.

POLICY

1. The New Castle-Henry County Public Library and its Board of Trustees recognizes the value of public commentary on Library-related issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on Organizational matters.

2. To permit fair and orderly public expression, the Board of Trustees shall provide a period for questions and public comment regarding agenda item(s) at every regular meeting open to the public.

3. Members of the public wishing to be placed on the Library Board meeting agenda for the purpose of making a presentation or addressing non-agenda item(s) must submit a completed Board of Trustee Meeting Public Participation Request form to the Library Director, prior to the meeting, or to the Board President, if submitted just prior to the meeting’s call to order. Requests submitted after the meeting’s call to order will be held over until the next regularly-scheduled open session.

4. Personnel and personal patron issues will not be addressed during open sessions.

5. The Board President (or presiding officer) shall be guided by the following rules:

• Public participation shall be permitted at the discretion of the Board President (or presiding officer).
• Participants must be recognized by the Board President (or presiding officer) and will be requested to preface their comments with an announcement of their name, address and group affiliation, when appropriate.
• Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to five (5) minutes’ duration.
• No participant may speak more than once on the same topic unless all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard.
• The Board President (or presiding officer) may:

1) Interrupt, warn or terminate a person’s statement when the statement is too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene or irrelevant;

2) Request any individual to leave the meeting when that person does not observe reasonable decorum;

3) Request the assistance of law enforcement officers in the removal of a disorderly person when that person’s conduct interferes with the orderly progress of the meeting;

4) Call for a recess or an adjournment to another time when the lack of public decorum so interferes with the orderly conduct of the meeting as to warrant such action;

5) Waive these rules with the approval of the remaining Board members when necessary for the protection of privacy or the administration of the Board’s business.

• Tape or video recordings are permitted, providing the person operating the recorder has contacted the Library Director prior to the Board meeting to review possible placement of the equipment and agrees to abide by the following conditions:

1) No obstructions are created between the Board and the audience.

2) No interviews are conducted during the Board meeting.

3) No commentary is made that would distract either the Board or members of the audience.

Adopted June 20, 2016

The Collection Development Policy upholds the mission of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library by directing staff in the development and maintenance of its collection of materials in various formats to support the educational, informational, and recreational interests of the community.

The Library respects the freedom of information for its users and adheres to the principles expressed in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. The goal of the Library is to offer a diversity of ideas and opinions including those which may be unorthodox or controversial. The Library opposes any attempts by individuals or groups to censor items in its collection. Responsibility for the reading choices of minors rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of materials will not be restricted by the possibility that these items may come into the possession of children, nor does the Library use any system of coding, rating or labeling to identify or segregate materials for purposes of censorship.

The Library Director has the authority to make exceptions to this policy when benefiting the Library and community. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend this policy and to rule on situations not specifically covered herein.

Library Bill of Rights

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 abridgement 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.

Censorship and Areas of Controversy

The library is obligated to provide materials on all sides of an issue, if possible, since it operates under democratic principles. This is especially important in the subjects of religion, politics, and philosophy. In an attempt to keep a balanced collection, certain materials may be acquired which some individuals may find offensive. These materials are added to the collection in order to provide various and different viewpoints and to meet the interests of all library patrons. Selection of materials for the collection does not mean the Library endorses the contents or views expressed in those materials.

Criteria for Materials Acquisition

Selectors use several criteria when evaluating and purchasing materials, keeping in mind the Library’s financial resources and availability of physical space. Materials need not meet all criteria for inclusion in the collection. Evaluation criteria for acquisitions includes:

• Public demand and anticipated demand
• Relevance to the interest and needs of the community
• Attention of critics and reviewers, award winners, or inclusion in bibliographies
• Significance, timeliness, or permanence of subject matter
• Relevance and suitability of physical format
• Representation of diverse points of view
• Clarity, accuracy, and logic of presentation
• Relevance to early literacy
• Responsive to school age and teen interest, and scholastic support and enrichment
• Literary merit and contribution to the field of knowledge
• Relationship to the existing collection
• Reputation or qualifications of the author, creator, or publisher
• Value of the resource in relation to its cost
• Suitability of subject and style for intended audience
• Availability of content through the internet, subscription databases, or other means
• Condition of material

Additional evaluation criteria for electronic resources include:

• Ease of use and remote access potential
• Hardware, software, networking, and storage requirements
• Licensing requirements
• Comparison of content and cost with other available formats
• Long term availability and perpetual access rights

Deacquisition

Deacquisition, or deselection, of materials from the collection is a vital part of successful collection maintenance. Continuous evaluation is necessary and materials are regularly removed to maintain a current, accurate and appealing collection and to facilitate its ease of use. Deselected items may be disposed of through book sales, donations to other organizations, recycling, or other means approved by the Library Director. An item may be deselected for several reasons, including but not limited to:

• Information is out of date
• Item is worn or damaged
• Item no longer responds to current needs or interests
• Format of material is no longer collected

Local Authors, Self-Published Materials, Publisher Inquiries

We regularly receive inquiries from authors and publishers requesting that materials (including ebooks) be added to the Library collection. All materials requested to be added to the collection are subject to the same selection criteria as materials purchased by the Library. We may acquire self-published material if it fits within the scope of the Library’s collection plan, meets our selection criteria, or has received independent, positive reviews in one or more the of the major professional review journals; paid reviews do not qualify. Due to the number of submissions we receive, we do not notify submitters whether or not material is selected. Materials requested to be added to the collection may be brought to our attention in one of two ways:

1. Send an email through the Contact Us email address on our website. In the email, include:

• Basic bibliographic information about the material (title, author, ISBN, publisher, date of publication, number of pages, price)
• Links to reviews of the material in professional review journals
• A brief description of the material, its intended audience, and information about how or where to buy it

2. Mail a flier or promotional information (please do not send review copies) to:

New Castle-Henry County Public Library   Attn: Collection Development

376 S. 15th Street

New Castle IN 47362

Gifts

The Library accepts donations that may supplement and enhance its collection. All donations must be offered free and clear without restrictions as to use or future disposition, and all donations become the unrestricted property of New Castle-Henry County Public Library. There is a financial cost incurred by the Library associated with the care, preservation, and maintenance of gift materials to ensure that the materials may serve the Library’s mission, therefore, all gift materials are evaluated according to the same criteria as materials acquisition. Donated materials not added to the Library’s collection are given to the Friends of New Castle-Henry County Public Library to sell, the profits of which directly support Library programs.

Request for Reconsideration

The Library welcomes users’ expressions of opinion concerning materials purchased. Complaints about materials in the Library’s collection will be handled as follows:

1. If a user is dissatisfied with an item, the user may complete the Request for Reconsideration form, listing the concerns that they have about the item.
2. The form will be reviewed by the Library Director, who will review the item in question from the standpoint of the concerns expressed.
3. Options for the Library Director include, but are not limited to, explaining why the item will be maintained by the Library in its present location, moving the item to a different area of the Library, moving the item to non-circulating status, removing the item from a display area to a stack area, or any other action deemed appropriate by the Library Director.
4. Upon request, a written response will be sent to the user explaining the option chosen.
5. The user may appeal the decision to the Library Board of Trustees.

Updated 1/23/2017

It is the policy of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library to adhere to the U.S. Copyright Law. Information concerning the copyright law will be posted on all copy machines, microfilm readers, computer lab and Interlibrary Loan forms. Patrons and staff are expected to obey the law.

At no time may patrons or staff use library equipment to copy an entire work. This includes print and digital materials.

Patrons are expected to copy their own materials. Patrons are expected to provide their own change in order to use copying equipment.

Copying time is limited to 10 minutes if another person is waiting to use the equipment. Staff will assist patrons in learning to use the copying equipment.

Revised: February 23, 2009

The library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information and enlightenment to the community. The library provides information to the community through displays, handouts, announcements, and exhibits in designated areas.

1. Priority and Approval: The library has first priority for all exhibit and display space for library purposes. Approval for all exhibits and displays rests with the library Director or an appointed staff member. Unapproved materials will be disposed of at the library’s discretion. Interpretation of this policy rests with the library Director.
2. Eligibility and Space Availability: Materials may be provided by the library or other non-profit organizations, community groups, individuals, educational institutions or governmental agencies. Handouts provided by businesses may be considered if they inform and benefit the community. Exhibit and display space is available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of groups requesting this service. The library reserves the display case across from the main circulation desk for use by non-profit organizations. All other display cases are for use by the library, but may be used by non-profit organizations when not needed for library displays. Brochures and handouts are limited to the holders in the upper and lower level lobbies. Flyers are limited to the bulletin board near the main circulation desk. Non-library flyers or other materials are not to be posted on the library windows.
3. Limitations: The library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items, the schedule of any display, and the frequency with which the group or organization may have a display.
4. Endorsement: Distribution or posting of materials in the library does not necessarily indicate the library’s endorsement of the issue or events promoted by those materials.
5. Fees: All exhibits are offered to the library on a voluntary, non-fee basis.
6. Security and Liability: The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the library are done so at the owner’s risk.

Adopted: April 19, 2010

Circulation Periods and Fine Schedule

Lost or Damaged Materials Fees: All Lost or Damaged Materials will be assessed a $10 processing fee that is in addition to overdue fines and the replacement cost. There are no refunds for lost materials which have been paid for.

In the event that a barcode, jacket, case, etc. is lost or damaged the maximum fine is $1 per item

Other Fees:

Collection Agency Fee – $10.00

Replacement Library Card – $2.00

Non-Resident Library Card Fee – set annually by the Board of Trustees

Public Library Access Card (PLAC) – set annual by Indiana State Library

Copies Black/white – $0.20 per page

Copies Color – $0.50 per page

Poster Prints – $1.50 per foot (24×36 $5)

Lamination- ($1.25 Letter Size) ( $1.75 Legal Size)

Revised: 10/8/2019

The health and safety of NCHCPL staff and patrons is a top priority. NCHCPL will phase in library services in order to ensure adherence to federal, state and local public health recommendations. To protect the health of library staff and our patrons, while continuing to provide library services, the following guidelines will be followed:

• Contactless service will be offered to the public including curbside service, contactless delivery and online and phone reference.
• NCHCPL will make changes in our spaces and procedures to encourage social distancing between patrons.
• Onsite programming and meeting room usage will be adjusted or suspended based on social distancing recommendations and rate of community spread.
• Computer usage will be limited based on social distancing recommendations. All stations will be sanitized between uses.
• Follow recommended guidance from CDC for maintaining low risk of COVID-19 transmission including:
  • Daily employee self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms
  • Cleaning and disinfecting protocols
    • Increased disinfection of high-touch areas
    • Cleaning supplies including CDC approved disinfectants readily available in all departments
    • Hand sanitizer and access to hand washing stations are available throughout the library
  • Staff should frequently and thoroughly wash and sanitize hands. NCHCPL will provide soap, water, and hand sanitizer.
  • Staff and patrons should maintain the suggested social distancing recommendations
  • Fully vaccinated staff and patrons are no longer required to wear masks while in the building. Unvaccinated staff is required to continue wearing masks while working. The library highly recommends that unvaccinated patrons wear masks while in the library.

Employees are encouraged to contact Administration with questions and concerns.

Updated June 21, 2021

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library provides access to computer equipment, programs, databases and the Internet for use by the public.  All users of the Library’s computer resources are expected to use these resources in accordance with the Computer Use Policy and only for legal purposes.  Failure to abide by these standards may result in the loss of Internet, computer and Library privileges. Computer/Internet users must abide by all state and federal laws including, but not limited to, copyright laws, privacy laws, laws related to the unauthorized access or tampering of computers or computer systems or networks, and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Internet Access

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library offers access to the Internet at all public workstations.  In addition to the useful and educational information available on the Internet, some sites may contain material that is inaccurate, defamatory, illegal or potentially offensive to some people.  Adult users are responsible for determining that information they access is suitable to their needs and that it conforms to established Library policy.  Parents, guardians, or caregivers are solely responsible for their children’s use of and/or exposure to the Internet through the Library connection. The library assumes no liability for the performance or quality of any products purchased over the Internet, and cannot guarantee the confidentiality of personal or financial information transmitted over the Internet.

In accordance with the requirements of CIPA, all Library computers are equipped with technology protection that blocks or filters visual materials that are obscene, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors.  In an effort to protect Library equipment from malicious attacks, sites that are known to contain spyware and malware are also blocked.

No filter product guarantees to block all objectionable internet sites, and, as a result, the Board of Trustees does not guarantee total effectiveness of its filtering product. Likewise, filtering products may unintentionally block sites that have a legitimate research value and also fail to block all objectionable content. In order to allow use of the Internet for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, persons 17 years of age or older may request to have unfiled access for any lawful purpose that is not prohibited by the Library’s criteria for acceptable use. The library may also unblock a particular website upon request after the library determines that the website does not contain obscene content, child pornography, or content deemed harmful to minors.

Use of Workstations

Computers are available to all patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. The library reserves the right to limit access to public computers if other patrons are waiting for access to public computers. Only one person at a time may use a computer with the exception of parents or guardians who are with their children.

Users must log-in to the computer using their library card or guest pass. Patrons with long overdue/lost items or with fines/fees in excess of $10 are not considered in good standing, however, they may convert their card to a Computer Use only card.

Henry County residents are encouraged to have their own NCHCPL card. Users who reside outside of the Library’s service district may request the use of a guest pass.

Parents/Guardians of children age 17 years or under must sign a Computer Use Policy granting their child access to the library computers and Internet.  The policy must be signed in the presence of the NCHCPL staff.   Computer facilities in the Children’s Department are reserved for children 6^th grade and below.

Only program applications and hardware provided by the library may be used with the library equipment.   Users are not permitted to delete or modify the installed hardware or software.  Personal program applications may not be loaded onto library equipment.  This includes programs and applications available for download from the Internet.  Patrons needing to save files should provide their own portable storage device such as a USB flash drive or have access to cloud storage.

Unacceptable Use

It is not acceptable to use the Library’s computers or network for:

• Any purpose which violates U.S., state or local laws.
• Cyber bullying or harassment of other users/patrons.
• Transmitting threatening, obscene or harassing materials, including the use of profanity or offensive language.
• Intentional or unintentional disruption of network users, services or equipment, harm to other computer systems, including excessive bandwidth utilization.
• Tampering with computer and/or network security.
• Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access (hacking) to any computing, information or communications devises or resources.
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or other users.
• Accessing Child Pornography.
• Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information.
• Copying, file sharing, downloading or distributing commercial software or other material (e.g. music) in violation of federal or international copyright laws.
• Accessing and exposing others in the computer lab to materials which by community standards and/or law could be interpreted to be obscene or harmful to minors.
• Any uses deemed inappropriate at the discretion of Library Administration.

Training and Instruction

Library staff can provide very limited assistance for users accessing the Internet or utilizing the various applications on the workstations.  Users are expected to have basic computer skills, including the ability to use a mouse.  Whenever possible, staff will attempt to answer brief, basic questions.

Library staff will provide only basic assistance to wireless users.  Staff will not troubleshoot or alter settings on individual laptops or other devices.

Revised January 27, 2020

Evergreen Indiana

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library is a member of the Evergreen Indiana library consortium. As a condition of membership, Evergreen Indiana libraries operate under uniform policies and procedures. The Evergreen Indiana Policies and Procedures may be found at https://blog.evergreen.lib.in.us/?page_id=2770.

A New Castle-Henry County Public Library card is required to borrow library materials and to access many of the library databases from home.  The service district of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library includes all of Henry County with the exception of Fall Creek Township, Spiceland Township and Knightstown.

Resident Cards

Individuals of all ages who reside, own real property, attend school or work in the library service district is eligible to receive a New Castle-Henry County Public Library resident card at no cost.

Adults (age 18 and older) must apply in person and present current photo identification and proof of residency to receive a library card.  Acceptable forms of photo identification are:

• a valid Indiana Driver’s License which displays a current address;
• valid Indiana State ID which displays a current address;
• a current government issued photo ID (e.g. military ID, passport)
• valid identification issued by another State (e.g. Driver’s License)
• valid current university or college identification (e.g. Student identification)

Acceptable forms of identification for proof of residency are:

• valid voter registration card
• computer generated bank statement issued in applicant’s name within the last 30 days
• computer generated utility, credit card company, doctor or hospital bill, issued in applicant’s name within the last 30 days and containing address of residence
• Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement issued in the applicant’s name within the last 30 days
• Change-of-address confirmation from the United States Postal Service showing prior and current address of residence (a P.O. Box is not acceptable as a residence address)
• apartment lease signed within the last 30 days
• property tax receipt issued in applicant’s name

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their custodial parent or legal guardian in order to apply for a library card. The parent or guardian must present current photo identification and proof of current address and sign the library card application as the person responsible for all fees, fines and payment for lost or damaged materials charged on the child’s library card.

Registering a minor child for an Evergreen Indiana library card denotes an acknowledgement and understanding that Evergreen Indiana libraries own and circulate videos, DVDs and unrated television series that may be geared toward a more mature audience and that a minor child will have access to materials for both adults and children and will be able to check out any of these materials. A “limited access” card, which prevents the user from checking out “R-rated” audiovisual materials, is available for minors.

Resident library cards are valid for two years from the date of issue and may be renewed by verifying the card holder’s address and paying any outstanding fines/fees.

Reciprocal Borrower Cards

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library has reciprocal borrowing agreements with the other three library districts in Henry County.  Patrons of the Middletown-Fall Creek Township Public Library, the Spiceland Town-Township Public Library, and the Knightstown Public Library are eligible to receive a New Castle-Henry County Public Library reciprocal borrower card at no cost.

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library is also a part of the statewide reciprocal borrowing covenant.  Any patron of a library who is a part of the statewide covenant is eligible to receive a New Castle-Henry County Public Library reciprocal borrower card at no cost. A current list of libraries who participate in the statewide reciprocal borrowing agreement can be found at https://www.in.gov/library/files/RBCOVENANTS-20190725.pdf.

Reciprocal borrower cards are valid for use within the New Castle-Henry County Public Library system only; they will not be able to use other Evergreen Indiana resources.

Reciprocal Borrowers must present their home library card, valid photo identification and proof of mailing address.

Reciprocal borrower library cards are valid for one year from the date of issue and may be renewed by verifying the card holder’s address and paying any outstanding fines/fees.

Non-Resident Card

Indiana residents who reside in an area where no library tax is levied to support a public library may apply for a non-resident card. Non-resident cards are available for a fee and expire one year from date of issue.  The cost for a non-resident card is based on the operating expenditure per capita.

The Non-resident card provides access to the New Castle-Henry County Public Library as well as the Evergreen Indiana consortium.

Public Library Access Card (PLAC)

Patrons with a valid library card from any Indiana public library are eligible to purchase a PLAC.  They must be in “good standing” with their home library.  The PLAC may be purchased from any public library in Indiana at an annual rate established by the State Library.

Persons applying for PLAC borrowing privileges at New Castle-Henry County Public Library must fill out a registration form and present a valid PLAC or their home library card.  A New Castle-Henry County Public Library card and a PLAC, if not already owned, will then be issued.  PLAC cards are valid for one year from the date of purchase. The PLAC card provides access to the New Castle-Henry County Public Library as well as the Evergreen Indiana consortium.

Student and School Personnel Cards

Students who do not live in the library service district, but who are currently enrolled in a public or non-public school located within the library service district may, with parental signature, be issued a Student library card which is valid within the New Castle-Henry County Public Library system only at no cost.

Proof of current enrollment such as a report card or mail from the school to the student from the current school year, is required.  Parent or guardian must provide current photo identification and identification stating their current address of residency as defined above.

Current school personnel who do not live in the library service district, but who are currently employed in a public or non-public school located within the library service district may be issued a Student library card which is valid within the New Castle-Henry County Public Library system only at no cost.

Proof of school employment such as a school ID, pay stub, business card or other correspondence from the school must be provided in addition to photo identification and proof of address.

Student cards are valid for one year from the date of issue and may be renewed by verifying the card holder’s address and paying any outstanding fines/fees.

Transitional Borrower

Adult members of the community who are temporarily residing in the New Castle-Henry County Public Library’s taxing district, but do not have a permanent residence may be eligible for a Transitional Borrower card.  Examples include: seasonal workers, church missionaries, residents of an emergency shelter, or other long-term visitor such as a foreign exchange student.  These patrons may receive a New Castle-Henry County Public Library reciprocal borrower card free of charge which is valid for use within the New Castle-Henry County Public Library system only. They are limited to a maximum circulation of three concurrent items and the card is valid for three months.   They will not be able to use Evergreen Indiana resources.   Transitional borrowers must present valid photo identification and a completed community sponsor form.

Adopted:   April 18, 2011

Revised:  5/21/2012

Revised:  4/17/2017

Effective: May 3, 2017

New Castle-Henry County Public Library will collect, organize, preserve and provide public access to a non-circulating collection of primary and secondary materials that document the history of New Castle-Henry County, its inhabitants, government, environment, businesses, institutions, and organizations. The historical materials included in the local history collection will be accurate and suitable for community need and interest.

Materials must demonstrate a direct or strong tie to New Castle-Henry County or Indiana to be considered for the local history collection. The local history collection includes both original materials and reproductions in a variety of formats including books, pamphlets, newsletters, reports, letters, manuscripts, maps, photographs, postcards, negatives, sound recordings, and films. All materials in the local history room are for reference use and do not circulate. New acquisitions will not be available to the public until proper archival storage arrangements are completed.

Staff, space, and budget limitations are considerations when adding materials. Materials that fall beyond the stated mission and scope of the collection, that are relevant outside the geographical area of New Castle-Henry County, that are in need of repair costing more than overall merit or intellectual value, or that require special shelving or storage will not be collected. Self-published books by local authors are typically not included in the local history collection; those that are considered for inclusion must meet the same selection criteria as materials purchased according to the Library’s Collection Development Policy. Three-dimensional objects and large maps or drawings are not collected due to space, preservation and storage considerations.

The local history collection is available to the public during regular Library hours. Some rare or fragile materials are kept in staff-only areas, and are generally available upon request from a designated staff member of the local history room. New Castle-Henry County Public Library may enter into cooperative arrangements with other organizations in order to preserve historical materials or to make them more widely available.

Donations

Private donations may require a signed donation form, a legal transfer of title, a deed of gift, or other official acknowledgement. All donations must be offered free and clear without restrictions as to use or future disposition, and all donations become the unrestricted property of New Castle-Henry County Public Library. The Library will not accept materials which are to remain closed to public access. Materials donated together may be separated or dispersed in several locations or collections as based on the professional judgment of designated Library staff. Materials will be named or categorized by designated Library staff based on professional judgment and practice.

The Library reserves the right to refuse an offered donation. When declining an offered donation, the Library wishes neither to offend the donor nor denigrate the value of the donation offered, but recognizes that there may be other organizations whose mission and available resources create a closer match with the donor and offered donation. The Library will not conduct any monetary appraisals of materials.

New Castle-Henry County Public Library reserves the right to withdraw, deselect, and dispose of any materials in its local history collection; materials may be moved to the circulating collection, offered to another institution, sold, or discarded according to the general collection development deselection procedures of the Library.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions and acceptance of donations to the collection will be made based on the following criteria:

1. Fit with the mission, scope, and available resources of the local history collection
2. Educational, intrinsic, and/or asset value of materials
3. Available provenance, authenticity, and/or clear documentation of materials
4. Non-duplication of materials within the local history collection, the general collection of the Library, or other area archives
5. Ability of the Library to utilize and maintain the materials
6. Cost to the Library to repair, handle and store the materials
7. Materials must be free of dirt, mold, moisture, smoke, and insects
8. Materials must be in good or reasonably repairable condition

The Library Director has the authority to make exceptions to this policy when benefiting the Library and community. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend this policy and to rule on situations not specifically covered herein.

Revised 1/23/2017

Evergreen Indiana

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library is a member of the Evergreen Indiana library consortium. As a condition of membership, Evergreen Indiana libraries operate under uniform policies and procedures. The Evergreen Indiana Policies and Procedures may be found at https://blog.evergreen.lib.in.us/?page_id=2770.

Borrowing requirements

A Library patron may borrow materials as long as his/her New Castle-Henry County Public Library card is in good standing (no long overdue items, no fines above $10, card not expired). Patrons are required to present their Library card in order to borrow materials.

In most cases, a maximum of 100 items may be checked out simultaneously on an Evergreen Indiana library card. There is a maximum limit of 10 music CDs, 10 videos, 5 equipment, 6 art, 2 ereaders, and 2 gaming software items per Evergreen Indiana library card. Borrowing limits are calculated at the consortium level and not at the library level.

Patrons must use their own Library cards when checking out Library materials. Spouses or designated caregivers may checkout materials on behalf of a cardholder if permission is granted in-person or by filling out a form available at the circulation desk by the cardholder.

Alternate ID

As an occasional courtesy, the library may circulate materials to a patron by looking up the patron’s account using a current driver’s license. The current license must match the driver’s license ID number and/or the complete combination of name, DOB, and address in the Evergreen Indiana system. Patrons traveling to Evergreen Indiana libraries other than their home library must present their official Evergreen Indiana library card at all times. Patrons who repeatedly fail to present their library card at their home library will be required to purchase a replacement card for two dollars ($2).

Return of Library Materials

Materials may be returned in the drop box located at the east end of the parking lot, or inside the Library at the main public service desk on the first and second floor.

Damaged items should be brought into the Library and not placed in the drop box. Items that have suffered from spillage should not be placed in the drop box, as this could damage other items.

Care of audiovisual material

DVDs and music CDs should be handled by the center hole and edges to avoid touching the playing surface. DVD and CD discs should be stored in their protective sleeves and cases when not in use. Keep DVDs and CDs out of direct sunlight and hot, unventilated areas.

Listening Rooms

Two listening rooms are provided to the public to watch videos, listen to CDs, or use the Sorensen Video Phone for the hearing impaired. Patrons with an adult or young adult New Castle-Henry County Public Library card may use the listening rooms alone; youth patrons with juvenile New Castle-Henry County Public Library cards must have a parent/adult guardian present when using a listening room.

Patrons with New Castle-Henry County Public Library cards that have long overdue or lost items, or fines or fees in excess of $9.99, are not permitted to use the listening rooms.

The Library is not responsible for patrons’ personal materials (CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes) brought in for use in the listening rooms.

InterLibrary Loan (ILL) Requests

The Library will attempt to borrow materials and acquire periodical articles from other libraries for New Castle-Henry County Public Library cardholders. The library will exhaust local resources first, including its own collection and that of Evergreen Indiana, before requesting items on interlibrary loan.

There is no charge to the patron if an available copy of the book can be located in Indiana. If the only copy available is from a library that charges fees to loan materials or photocopy an article, the patron will be notified of any cost prior to ordering the material. Any fees must be paid before the item will be ordered.

Certain items such as videos, reference books, new books or genealogical materials are difficult, if not impossible, to acquire through interlibrary loan and the library may refuse to pursue such requests.

Failure to return ILL materials will result in replacement costs and fines from the loaning library, as well as suspension of all privileges with the New Castle-Henry County Public Library until the items are paid for or returned and all fines have been paid. Loan periods and renewals of ILL materials depend on the policies of the lending library. NCHCPL staff will inquire whether the items may be renewed and will notify the patron.

Lost or Damaged Materials

The Library expects materials to suffer some wear with normal use. The Library also expects patrons to exercise care in the handling of borrowed Library materials. Patrons are not held responsible for what the Library determines is normal wear. If the Library determines that an item was lost or damaged due to mistreatment, neglect, etc., while charged to the patron’s card, the patron will be billed for the cost of repair or replacement, processing, and any overdue fines that have accrued while checked-out to the patron.

The patron is responsible for all fines that accrue from the date an item was due until the patron pays for replacement or requests to be billed for replacement. When the Library receives payment in full for replacement of an item or any part, the original item becomes the property of the patron.

No refund will be given to a patron for a “Lost” item for which a patron has paid. In addition, no fines/fees and third party collection fees will be refunded.

Materials Returned with Parts Missing

The Library will attempt to contact a patron immediately when it discovers that a part (e.g. case, booklet, DVD, audiobook disc, etc.) is missing from an item that has been returned. The patron is responsible for all parts of an item checked out from the Library. If the item has more than one part (e.g. 2 discs) and all parts are not returned, the fine for the entire item is owed.

If the Library is able to purchase a single part of a multi-part item, the patron will be charged only for the replacement and processing of the single part. If individual parts cannot be purchased separately, the patron will be responsible for paying the cost to replace the entire item. When the Library receives payment in full for replacement of an item or any part, the original item becomes the property of the patron. If the patron does not want the damaged item or part, the Library will dispose of it.

Renewals

Renewal requests may be made in person, by phone or via the online catalog “My Account” feature. Certain categories of materials are not eligible for renewal. If a “HOLD” has been placed on an item, it may not be renewed.

Claims Returned Items

Sometimes an item may appear as overdue on a patron’s account, but the patron is certain that the item was returned. In such an instance, the Library recognizes that either the Library or the patron may be in error. For this reason, a procedure is followed that allows both the Library and the patron time to look for the item for a period of thirty (30) days without accruing additional overdue fines.

At the discretion of the Library, fines may be waived on an item that a patron “claims returned” that has not been found by the Library or the patron during the thirty-day period.  This grace may be given to the same patron up to two (2) times in a calendar year.

Overdue Notices

As a courtesy, the Library attempts to electronically notify patrons at least twice that items are overdue for return to the Library, however, failure to send a notice does not change the due date or cancel any fines or fees. Return of Library materials on or before the due date is the sole responsibility of the patron.

Patrons should ensure that a spam filter does not block emails sent from the Library, and should notify the Library of any change in email address.

An electronic notice is sent when an item is fourteen (14) days overdue. A second electronic notice is sent when an item is twenty-one (21) days overdue, and this notice states that the item will be considered lost and billed for replacement once it is twenty-eight (28) days overdue. If an item has not been returned before it is forty-two (42) days overdue, the patron’s account will be sent to collections and a nonrefundable $10 collections fee will be added to the patron’s account in addition to any other replacement costs, processing fees, and accrued overdue fines.

Holds and Intra-Evergreen Indiana Lending

Resident, non-resident, and PLAC Evergreen cardholders, have full access to the consortium and may place holds on any Evergreen library’s holdable materials. Reciprocal borrower, student, transitional, or teacher profile cardholders may place holds only on the materials owned by the New Castle-Henry County Public Library.

Holds may be placed on most items in any Evergreen Indiana library (see list of exceptions below). Patrons will have one week after the hold is filled to pick up the held item. Some Evergreen Indiana libraries may impose a fee for failure to pick up a hold. Patrons may have 20 unfilled holds in the system. Evergreen Indiana does not allow holds to be placed on the following items by any patron:

• Reference materials
• Bestsellers with the no-hold designation

Evergreen Indiana does not allow Evergreen Indiana library patrons to place holds that would generate Intra-Evergreen Indiana [transiting] loans on the following item categories:

• Art
• Bestsellers
• CDs
• Equipment
• ILL
• Kits
• Media
• New Books
• New videodiscs
• Realia
• Reference
• Software
• Software – Gaming
• Videocassettes

These items may be borrowed by Evergreen Indiana library card holders by proceeding to the owning library and checking out the material. The patron may return such materials to any Evergreen Indiana library for transit to the owning library.

A library may place a six-month age protection on new items. Local patrons may place holds on such items. Non-local patrons may place holds on such items, but the materials will not be transited until the six-month age protection expires. Non-local patrons may place a hold on such an item, select the owning library as the pickup location, and proceed to the owning library to check out the item.

Patrons may place their own holds via the OPAC, and may select their pickup location and notification method. The software will refuse holds requests which do not conform to Evergreen Indiana policies.

Patrons may choose any pickup location for holds. Patrons whose Evergreen Indiana cards are “blocked” or “barred” will not be allowed to place holds until their card privileges are restored.

Circulation Periods and Fine Schedule

Revised: October 8, 2019

Meeting rooms in the New Castle-Henry County Public Library exist for cultural, civic or educational purposes. The purpose of the meeting and a description of the program must be included on the application to use the room. The Library Director shall determine whether a proposed meeting falls within library policy and make exceptions as deemed appropriate. Violations of this policy may result in the denial of future meeting room use.

General Guidelines
Meeting Rooms may be reserved through the library’s online room reservation system or by filling out a paper Meeting Room Application. By clicking the acceptance of the Terms and Conditions online or signing the application, the user accepts responsibility for damage or loss to the library’s meeting room equipment and furnishings. The person who signs the application is responsible for the conduct of the group and payment of fees, if applicable.

Groups and individuals who use the meeting rooms are guests of the library and their use of the space should reflect that understanding. Persons attending activities in the meeting room are subject to all library policies. Use of the meeting room must not disrupt other library patrons.

Sale of goods and services is not permitted in a library meeting room, unless related to a library program (class materials, craft supplies, author’s books, etc.). No charge may be made for admission.

Priority of meeting rooms will be given to library-sponsored events. The library reserves the right to preempt any event for an emergency or library-sponsored event; should this occur, the library will make every effort to provide ample notice and associated fees will be refunded.

The library reserves the right to cancel any program or change meeting rooms.

Use of meeting rooms does not constitute library endorsement of the beliefs or ideas expressed by organizations or individuals using the space. Meetings should not be publicized in a manner that suggests library sponsorship or affiliation. To establish the fact that the New Castle-Henry County Public Library is not sponsoring the event, all publicity which uses the name of the library must include the statement “Sponsored by (the name of the organization).” Contact information for the organization should also be included in all publicity. Groups that violate this policy may lose their room privileges for future meetings.

All rooms are ready for use in a standard setup determined by the library. Users are permitted to move tables and chairs to another setup, but must restore the meeting room to the original state and leave the room clean and free of trash. The user agrees to pay for all damages and losses incurred to the room or its contents, as well as the cost of excessive clean up. In such situations, the damage deposit will not be refunded.

Users may not store or leave equipment, supplies or personal belongings in the library. The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Rooms will be booked only to adults. Youth groups may use the rooms if a responsible adult has been designated and is present at all times. Children must be supervised at all times by adults responsible for their care.

Smoking, alcoholic beverages, candles, and any fire-lighted materials are prohibited. Food and drink are not permitted in the fixed seating area of the auditorium.

Attendance must be limited to the room capacity posted by the Fire Marshal.

The use of all Sound Booth equipment and any technology needs must be prearranged with library staff at the time of reservation. Only library staff is permitted in the Sound Booth.

Groups showing copyrighted movies in the library are solely responsible for obtaining written public performance licensing rights. Borrowing, renting, or purchasing a movie does not carry with it the right to show the movie outside the home.

Time-Related Guidelines
Meeting rooms may be scheduled up to 3 months in advance. Groups or individuals who reserve the meeting rooms are limited to a maximum of 4 times per month.

Meeting rooms are available only during the hours the library is open to the public. All meetings must be completed 15 minutes prior to the closing of the library. Failure to do so may result in a penalty charge of $50 per hour.

Cancellations should be made at least 48 hours in advance. Less than 48 hours will be considered a no-show. Groups with 3 no-shows within 12 months may lose their room privileges for 1 year. Consecutive use is limited to seven days.

Fees
For-Profit Groups / Individuals– New Castle-Henry County Public Library charges a usage fee plus sales tax for the use of the library’s auditorium and meeting rooms. The fee will cover a maximum of eight (8) hours of use. The Library Director will make fee adjustments as needed for special events.

The fee is to be paid in advance of the scheduled date. If the program is cancelled 48 hours before the event, the fee will be returned.

Not-for-Profit Groups– Not-for-Profit organizations and units of local government may reserve the auditorium and other meeting rooms without a usage fee. Organizations claiming nonprofit status may be asked to provide a copy of their IRS Form 501(c)(3), Articles of Incorporation, or a Tax Exempt Certificate.

Damage Deposit– A damage deposit fee ($25) is required with every reservation and will be refunded within 60 days after the meeting on the stipulation that the room is left in its original condition. This fee secures the date requested and reservations will not be considered final until the fee is paid.

Refunds – The library will not issue refunds due to poor attendance. If the library is closed (due to inclement weather or other emergency) on the date of a scheduled meeting, the library will make every effort to reschedule the meetings at no additional cost or reimburse the room reservation fees.

Fee Schedule
Damage Deposit Fee – $25
Auditorium – $75
Meeting Room A & B – $50
Board Room /Training Lab – $30 each
Upper Level Study Rooms- FREE
Use of Kitchen – $10

For questions regarding these policies or to make a reservation, please contact Tina Phelps at tinap@nchcpl.lib.in.us or 765-529-0362 x1346.

Revised October 15, 2019

Library information in any form about library patrons and their use of the Library is private in nature, and is protected to preserve the patron’s intellectual freedom.

Confidentiality also extends to information sought or received as well as materials consulted, borrowed or acquired. Confidential material includes search records, reference interviews, circulation records, computer use records, interlibrary loan records and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities and services.

Collected Patron Information

To obtain a library card, we ask for and record the following information on paper and in an electronic database: full name, mailing address, phone number, township and county of residence, date of birth and e-mail address (if applicable.)

A PIN (Personal Identification Number), in conjunction with the library card number indicated on your card, is required to access your account information from one of the library’s online public access catalogs or from any computer with Internet access. We do not write your PIN on your card; patrons are responsible for protecting their PIN. Your PIN is confidential.

Confidentiality of Library Records

By Indiana law (IC 5-14-3-4(b)), all records relating to library patrons and their use of library materials and services are strictly confidential. Library staff members are not authorized to disclose such records to any third party. Minors are accorded the same confidentiality rights as adults under Indiana law.

The Library does not make any information about patrons or patron use of library services or materials available to anyone or any group except in these situations:

Library Use

The Library may provide patron information to a third party to be used in claims against library patrons for collection of fines, materials, and other expenses. The Library may also disclose patron information in litigation where these records are material.

Subpoena, Search Warrant, Court Order

The Library will provide information to law enforcement personnel if presented with a subpoena, search warrant, or court order. If such a document is issued, the Library Director may consult with legal counsel to assure the document is in proper form before complying.

Parent/Guardian Access to Information

Indiana law requires a library to provide information about a minor child under 18 to his parent, guardian or custodian. This information cannot be disclosed via telephone or electronically. The parent, guardian or custodian must come to the library with proper identification in order for the library to disclose the child’s library records.

The library will not allow a noncustodial parent access to a child’s library record if a court has terminated the parent’s legal rights and the library has received a copy of the court order.

USA Patriot Act

The 2001 USA Patriot Act expands federal law enforcement’s surveillance, seizure and investigative powers. If library records are requested under the USA Patriot Act, the law states that, in certain circumstances, library staff cannot inform the person about whom the information is requested, cannot speak to co-workers, the media or other government officials about the inquiry. Such requests may only be reported to the appropriate higher authority within the library.

Adopted May 20, 2013

New Castle-Henry County Public Library provides public bulletin boards for the posting of notices about community activities such as concerts, cultural events, lectures and workshops, as well as public service notices of educational, cultural or community interest.

The following applies to all Library public bulletin boards:

• All notices must be submitted to the Information Desk to be approved, dated, and posted by designated Library staff.
• All notices intended for posting on the public bulletin board must contain the name, address and telephone number of the sponsoring agency and/or authorized representative.
• Handwritten notices will not be posted.

• Private sale or business advertisement notices will not be posted.
• The Library will post approved notices within two (2) working days of receipt.

• Only designated Library staff may post or remove notices. Unauthorized notices will be removed and discarded.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of any notices delivered for posting, and notices will not be returned.
• Oversized posters or other large notices may be declined due to space limitations.
• Notices that are not date-sensitive may be posted for up to two (2) months, space permitting.

• Notices will be removed when they are no longer timely or when space is required for more current items.

• The library reserves the right to remove any posted notice at any time.
• Once notices are removed, they are discarded.
• The Library may limit the frequency with which notices may be posted by the same organization.
• If the public bulletin board is crowded, the Library reserves the right to select which notices will be posted.
• Acceptance of notices for display does not imply Library endorsement of any kind for any event, service, group or organization, nor does it imply that the Library endorses the policies or beliefs of any group or organization that supplies approved notices.

Library bulletin boards are not intended or permitted to be a forum for the expression of the views or opinions of individuals or groups. The following will not be accepted for posting:

• Notices endorsing or opposing the election of any candidate for public office.
• Notices endorsing or opposing the adoption of federal, state or local legislation.
• Notices asking Library visitors to sign a petition or letter.
• Notices promoting commercial products or services.

Approved: Febraruary 15, 2016

The New Castle-Henry County Public Library strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for its employees and patrons. In pursuit of this objective, selected areas of Library premises are equipped with video cameras. The security camera system will be used only for the protection and safety of employees, patrons, property and library assets and operations. No monitoring shall be done on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability that can be reasonably accommodated, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Signage will be posted at library entrances disclosing security camera activity. Security cameras are positioned to record only those areas specified by the Director, and will complement other measures to maintain a safe and secure environment, and one that is in compliance with Library policies. Security camera locations will not be changed, nor will security cameras be added, without the permission of the Director.

• Security camera recordings may be used to identify the person or persons responsible for Library policy violations, criminal activity, behavior that may be threatening or unsafe to themselves or others, or other actions considered disruptive to Library operations.

• Security camera recordings may be used to assist law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable state and federal laws upon receipt of a subpoena, warrant or court order; such requirements may, however, be waived by the Director. All requests for security camera footage or still images by law enforcement will be referred to the Library Director.

• Security camera recordings of incidents may be retained and reviewed as long as considered necessary by the Library Director.

• Security camera recordings or still images may be shared with Library staff to identify person(s) in violation of Library policy and to maintain a safe and secure environment.

• Security camera recordings will be secure and will only be viewed by those authorized by the Director to do so. Library administrative and authorized staff will operate and monitor the security camera system. Authorized staff may have access to real-time monitors, and images will be viewed on desktop monitors in secure areas to ensure privacy.

• Security cameras may be installed in areas that could capture traffic accidents or other incidents unrelated to the Library that take place on public streets and surrounding properties within camera scope. Footage that might be useful in such incidents may be released to law enforcement upon formal request.

• Images from the security camera system are stored digitally on hardware in the Library. Security camera footage will be kept confidential and security recording equipment is housed in a locked area.

• Recordings shall not be used or disclosed other than as specifically authorized by this policy. A breach by Library staff of this policy may result in disciplinary action. Any Library employee who becomes aware of any unauthorized disclosure or breach of a security camera recording has a responsibility to immediately inform the Director.

• The general public is prohibited from viewing security camera footage that may contain patron information. If the Library receives a request from the general public to inspect security camera footage, the general public will be advised to file a complaint with law enforcement.

• This policy does not imply or guarantee that any or all cameras will record or monitor in real time 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Regardless of the presence of security cameras, staff and public should take appropriate precautions for their safety and the security of their personal property. The New Castle-Henry County Public Library is not responsible for personal injury or loss of property.

Approved: Febrary 15, 2016

In accordance with Henry County policy, all New Castle-Henry County Public Library buildings, grounds, and vehicles are smoke and tobacco free. Tobacco use and smoking in all forms including e-cigarettes and vaping, is not permitted in any facility, vehicle or property owned by the library.

All buildings, doorways and walkways will be smoke and tobacco free. Smoking is not permitted in Library owned, leased, or operated licensed vehicles.

Advertising, sale, or promotion of tobacco products and the sponsoring of Library events by tobacco companies or tobacco-promoting organizations for the purpose of promoting tobacco related products is not permitted.

This policy applies to all persons, including employees, patrons and visitors to property owned by the library. Library customers who do not comply with this policy after being informed of the policy may have his/her privilege to use the Library revoked.

Smoking is permitted within personal vehicles as long as the vehicle is parked 25 feet from any facility entrance and/or 25 feet from any ventilation intake.

Revised October 21, 2019

The following policy has been implemented by the New Castle-Henry County Public Library Board of Directors in order to protect the children of Henry County.

The library cannot be responsible for unattended children:

• Children under age eight must be directly supervised in the Children’s library by a person who is age 16 or older. Children from age eight through twelve must be accompanied by a person age 16 or older who remains IN the library while the child is in the library.
• Unattended children age eight through twelve must NOT be left in the Children’s Library more than one hour.
• If a parent or guardian of an unattended child under the age of thirteen cannot be contacted or located within one-half hour of the discovery that the child is unattended, the library will ask the local Police department to contact Child Protective Services.
• If the library is closing and a parent or guardian of a child under age 16 cannot be contacted or located, the library will ask the local Police department to contact Child Protective Services.

Revised: August 20, 2001

In an effort to provide a comfortable and safe environment for all Library patrons, the Board of Trustees of the New Castle-Henry County Public Library has established a Library Unacceptable Behavior Policy. This policy is designed to provide clear and reasonable guidelines governing patron behavior within the Library and on the Library premises.

Unacceptable behavior includes behavior within the Library or on Library premises that interferes with the use of the Library by other patrons, creates a risk of injury to other patrons or Library personnel, interferes with the work of Library personnel, or creates a risk of damage to Library property. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Use or display of profanity, abusive or threatening language or gestures
• Smoking, vaping, or use of any tobacco products in the Library or on Library premises
• Unreasonable noise levels including shouting, loud talking or disruptive conversation, allowing ringing cell phones or engaging in loud cell phone conversations
• Damaging, defacing or theft of any Library property or materials or patrons’ personal property
• Failure to evacuate in an emergency or during a drill
• Non-emergency activation of alarms
• Fighting, throwing objects and other boisterous behavior including running and horseplay
• Solicitation, gambling or panhandling
• Loitering
• Use of or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
• Skating, skateboarding or bicycling on library property
• Bringing animals into the Library except those who are part of a Library sponsored program or are service animals
• Failure to wear appropriate attire including shirt and shoes
• Violence, sexual or any other type of harassment
• Excessive displays of affection including any sexual conduct or physical contact deemed inappropriate for a public place and/or public lewdness
• Being in an unauthorized, staff-only area
• Leaving children unsupervised
• Lack of personal hygiene that interferes with the use and enjoyment of the Library by other patrons or interferes with the work of Library personnel
• Possession of weapons of any kind, except by law enforcement officers or as allowed by IC 35-47-11.1

The Library reserves the right to require anyone who engages in inappropriate behavior to leave the premises, the right to restrict privileges for a specified period of time, and the right to ban the individual from the library for a specified period of time or permanently. Staff members will notify an individual that he or she is in violation of the standards of conduct and will provide one verbal warning. Unlawful activities will be reported immediately to the police.

Revised: August 17, 2021