Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-26 - RESOLUTIONS - OPERATIONAL POLICIES (4)1 BOLT RESOLUTION NO. 11-4 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING OPERATIONAL POLICIES FOR THE SANTA CLARITA PUBLIC LIBRARY ADDRESSING MEETING ROOM RESERVATIONS, INTERNET USE, CONDUCT, REGISTRATION, MATERIALS SELECTION, DISPLAYS, AND CIRCULATION NOW THEREFORE, the Board of Library Trustees (Board) of the City of Santa Clarita resolves as follows: SECTION 1. Findings. The Board of Library Trustees finds as follows: a. Pursuant to California Education Code section 18919, the Board is authorized to adopt those policies it deems necessary for the administration of the Santa Clarita Public Library. b. Policies addressing library meeting room reservations, internet use, conduct, registration, materials selection, displays, and circulation are necessary for the efficient administration of the Santa Clarita Public Library. SECTION 2. Adoption of Operational Policies. The Board of Library Trustees hereby adopts the following operational policies: Meeting Room Policy, Internet Use Policy, Conduct Policy, Registration Policy, Materials Selection Policy, Display Policy, and Circulation Policy. The policies are attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof by this reference. SECTION 3. Effective Date. This resolution will take effect immediately upon adoption. SECTION 4 Certification. The Secretary is directed to certify the passage of this resolution. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of Aptil 2011. PRESIDENT STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Kevin Tonoian, Acting Secretary of the City of Santa Clarita Board of Library Trustees, certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Library Trustees at a regular meeting held April 26, 2011, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: TRUSTEES: Ferry, Weste, Kellar, Ender, McLean TRUSTEES: None ABSENT: TRUSTEES: None 2 1 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) CERTIFICATION OF BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES RESOLUTION I, , City Clerk .of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy -of the original Resolution No. BOLT 11-4 adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California on April 26, 2011, which is now on file in my office. Witness my hand and seal of the City of Santa Clarita, California, this day of 2011. City Clerk By Deputy City Clerk 1 EXHIBIT A 1 Santa Clarita Public Library MEETING ROOM POLICY It is the policy of the Santa Clarita Public Library (Library) to allow public, private, and cion -profit organizations use of Library meeting rooms, conference rooms, and other public rooms within the Library as space and availability permit for purposes that enhance the Library's educational, cultural, and civic mission in serving the community. PRIORITY OF ROOM USE The use of Library meeting spaces by public and private groups is subordinate to the operating requirements of the Santa Clarita Public Library and, in all cases, will be permitted only when not in conflict with ongoing Library -sponsored activities, including activities of the Friends of the Library. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Permission to use the facilities in no way implies endorsement of the meetings or activities conducted in these facilities, except when the event is sponsored by the Library. Booking of Library meeting room space, including meeting rooms and study rooms, shall be the prerogative of the staff of the branch Library facility in accordance with. the, guidelines ,and rules of the City of Santa C..larita for the use of its public spaces. GUIDELINES FOR ROOM USE 1. A Meeting Room Reservation Application must be filed at least one week, but no sooner than three months, before the date of the event. All fees .are to be paid at the time the application is submitted. 2. The use of Library meeting rooms will be granted in the order of receipt of applications and is not transferable. Reservations are not confirmed until the application has been signed by the appropriate Library administrator and returned to the organization representative. 3. Due to demand by community groups and Library -sponsored programs, organizations requiring guaranteed regular time slots cannot be accommodated. 4. The person who signed the Meeting Room Reservation Application must leave identification while their group is using the room. Preferred identification is a Library card. This person will notify Library staff when the meeting is over, verify that the room has been returned to its original condition and configuration, and give the number of participants at the ;meeting. ..5. Facilities are available only during open hours. Facilities may be used outside of regular hours with prior approval of the City Librarian. Additional conditions and fees may apply. 6. To receive a full reservation fee refund, cancellations need to be made at least one week in advance of the event. Users making cancellations within one week of the event will be assessed a cancellation fee of 50%. 7. Organizations using the meeting room agree to assume full liability and responsibility for damage to persons, equipment, or property, and will purchase Insurance Certificates and endorsements from the City of Santa :Clarita or from a ,private insurance agent, and must list the City of Santa Clarita, its officers, employees, and volunteers as additional insured. Policy limits shall be a minimum of $1,000,000 combined single limits, unless otherwise required by the City. Certificate of Insurance is due one week prior to the event. 8. The serving of alcohol must be approved by the City of Santa Clarita at least thirty (30) days prior to the function date. Evidence of proper insurance is required prior to approval. a. Alcohol may only be served and consumed within the confines of a "reserved" indoor meeting room or enclosed gated space. Consumption of alcoholic beverages cannot take place in a lobby, parking lot, .or restroom. area. Applicants desiring to. serve alcoholic beverages must read and sign an Alcoholic Regulations Form, agree to abide by all regulations listed, and obtain and pay for General Liability Insurance. b. Meeting room users that charge a fee to serve alcohol, or charge an admission fee and serve alcohol, must obtain a temporary sales permit from the Alcohol Beverage Control Board, and a copy of the permit must be provided to the City one week ,prior to the event. 9.. Groups/Organizations, which involve minors, are expected to provide adequate adult supervision. 10. The name, address, and telephone number of the Library may not be used as the official address or headquarters of any group using the meeting room or publicized in such a way as to imply Library sponsorship or endorsement of the group and its activities. 1 11.When the use of a City facility is by any group that provides "advice, assistance, sales or descriptions of financial alternatives," the group must: a. Provide proof of license such as State Bar license, Insurance license, or Securities license. b. Print a disclaimer on all fliers and advertising for the event that states, in 12 -point type: "The City of Santa Clarita is not sponsoring or endorsing this program or any goods or services offered." 12. Each group reserving a meeting room at a Library facility must agree to abide by the rules and regulations governing such use and to pay all fees and costs that might be required. Denial of an organization's meeting room privileges will be enforced if there is abuse of the meeting room policy and rules. FEES AND CHARGES 1. Fees are charged and must be paid at the time the application is submitted. Fees for meeting room reservations are established in the City of Santa Clarita Fee Schedule. 2. If the facility should require additional cleaning or repairs following a scheduled use, the organization will be charged to cover any such costs. 3. Checks are to be made payable to the Santa Clarita Public Library. GROUPS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SET-UP AND BREAK -DOWN Each group will be responsible for set-up, take-down and clean-up. Users need to allow enough time within their reservation period to accomplish these tasks. Meeting rooms are to be returned to their original condition and configuration. Equipment, supplies, or personal effects cannot be stored or left in the Library meeting rooms before or after use. After the meeting, the person who signed the application. and left their identification must meet with a Library staff member to verify that the room has been returned to their original condition and configuration, record the number of .participants at the meeting, and have their identification returned. Groups are expected to conclude their meeting and return the room to their original condition and configuration by the time the Library closes. Denial of an organization's meeting room privileges will be enforced if there is abuse of the meeting room policy and rules. 1 Santa Clarita Public Library INTERNET USE POLICY PURPOSE To clarify the use of Internet resources by staff and the public in the Santa Clarita Public Library (Library). POLICY The Santa Clarita Public Library endeavors to provide collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the diverse communities it serves. Within this context, the Library offers access to the Internet for staff and members of the public. The Internet is a global resource. Resources available on the Internet supplement and compliment the collection and resources available at Library facilities. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Users should note that not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, or current information. All Internet access stations and the Library's wireless network are filtered to prevent access to materials deemed by law to be harmful to a minor in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Consistent with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) _Order 03-188[3]. libraries :complying with CIPA are required to implement a procedure for unblocking the filter upon request for patrons who are 18 years of age and over. Access for all patrons under age 18 will be filtered. Filtering software may not block all material users find offensive. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for any and all Internet use by minors Free wireless Internet access will be provided by the Santa Clarita Public Library to all patrons to access on their personal electronic devices and will not require the maintenance of a library account to access such service. All wireless Internet access provided by the Santa Clarita Public Library will be filtered to prevent access to materials deemed by law to be harmful to minors without exception. Library Staff are to use the Internet for library -related purposes only. All Internet use is subject to Santa Clarita Public Library Code of Conduct Policy. Patrons who observe Violations of the Santa Clarita Library Code of Conduct Policy should contact Library staff immediately. v Patrons are expected to adhere to all rules governing the use of the Internet in libraries, including the duration and frequency of sessions. Patrons who violate library policy regarding the use of the Internet, or who behave in a disruptive manner, will be asked to either modify their use appropriately or discontinue such usage. As is the case with any electronic media system .provided by the City, Library users should not have an expectation of privacy when using any form of electronic media. V 7 'PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to outline standards of conduct expected of persons using the Santa Clarita Public Library (Library) and the administrative processes to be used when those standards are violated. POLICY The Santa Clarita Public Library is open to the general public. This policy ensures that everyone has the right to use library services and resources provided his or her behavior does not unreasonably interfere with the rights of others to do the same. This policy requires the following specific behaviors be observed in the library: • Behavior must not disrupt other people's use of the library. • Library patrons must be considerate of others in the library and treat other patrons and staff with courtesy and respect, honor other partons' privacy, and keep all conversations quiet. • Any action recognized as illegal is prohibited in the library. • Cell phones must be set to mute or vibrate in the library. • Food and beverages may only be consumed in designated areas. • If a person creates or emanates a detectable odor that disturbs other library patrons or staff, they will be asked to leave until the situation is corrected. • Bicycles, skates, skateboards, collapsible scooters, and other such items may not be used in library entryways or walkways and must be kept out of passageways. • Smoking or use of tobacco products is not allowed in the library or the library premise. • The consumption of alcohol is prohibited on the premises, except for special events that have obtained appropriate City approvals. • Shopping carts are not allowed in the library. • Animals are not allowed in the library, except those needed to assist disabled .people. • Library restrooms may not be used for bathing or washing clothing. • Shoes must be worn in the .library. RULES FOR SUPERVISION OF MINORS :Parents, caregivers, and teachers are responsible for the behavior of children under their supervision. "Children under the age of 9 must be. accompanied by a parent or responsible caregiver 12 years old or older. "A -responsible adult mustdirectly accompany preschool children at all times. Library staff cannot assume responsibility for children at any time. if an unattended child is in the library at closing time, law enforcement personnel will be :notified and asked to pickup the child. Library staff are not permitted to offer the child transportation home. STAFF PROCEDURES WHEN PATRONS VIOLATE THE CODE OF CONDUCT It is unlawful for any person to fail to obey a directive from library personnel to cease and desist from the violation of any regulation, statute, or ordinance applicable to the use of the library. If a patron exhibits behavior that violates the code of conduct, library staff will first inform the patron regarding the library's code of conduct and seek voluntary compliance. If the patron continues to act in ways that violate the disruptive use policy and the code of conduct, library staff can require that the patron leave the library. Law enforcement personnel may be called in to assist as needed. The Santa Clarita Public Library has the authority to restrict patron access to the library for extended periods upon written notice to the patron. 1 1 Santa Clarita Public Library REGISTRATION POLICY APPLICATION FOR A LIBRARY CARD Any person of any age may apply for a library card at the Santa Clarita Public Library (Library). A card is issued if the person has acceptable identification. The Santa Clarita Public Library participates in universal borrowing, which, by the California Library Services Act means "the extension by a public library of its direct loan privileges to the eligible borrowers.of all other public libraries." Those persons whose residence is outside the state of California must pay a card fee. Customers who are otherwise ineligible for a free library card can apply for a computer card that allows them to use the Library's public computers and wireless network. Cards issued for computer access only are valid for one month. IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR A LIBRARY CARD In order to determine that the person does not possess a Santa Clarita Public Library card, first check all identification (ID) numbers in Borrowers Services for any duplicate entries. After it has been verified that the person does not possess a library card, the following ID must be presented: 1. Juvenile (defined as a person under the age of 18) The address, ID, and signature of the parent or guardian on the application constitute identification. 2. Adult (defined as a person age 18 or older) Identification (who they are) and verification of address are to be presented before issuing a new library card. Adults identifying themselves as students must verify a second address in addition to and other than their school residence address. This address can be the parent's home address. 3. Out-of-state residents are required to pay for a visitors (fee) card unless they can show proof of a.permanent. second home (not business) in California. 1 4. Shut-in customers can call or write the Library or send a friend or relative to pick up an application and reader profile form or obtain an application via the Santa Clarita Public •Library website. LIBRARY CARD USE 'Once the registration information has been entered, the card is handed to the new borrower to sign. If a child is unable to sign, the parent or guardian may sign for then!. The staff person then explains the first-time item limit; circulation periods, and system -wide card use. The. cards are non- transferable, and it is the customer's responsibility to monitor the use of his or her own card. The card must be presented each time materials are checked out. Staff will provide a customer a courtesy 'lookup one (1) time with proper identification. REPLACEMENT CARD If a card is reported lost or stolen, or it is damaged, a fee will be charged for its replacement. Identification must be presented before an adult replacement card can be issued. A juvenile replacement library card will be issued immediately if the youth is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and ID is presented. If the youth is not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, the juvenile application must be taken home to be filled out completely, including ID number. Juvenile application must be on file when replacing a library card. 1 1 1 1 Santa .Clarity Public Library MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY PURPOSE The Materials Selection Policy establishes policies governing the acquisition and retention of .print and non -print library materials available to the public in the Santa Clarity Public Library (Library). Each year, a tremendous number of books, audio-visual materials, and resources in digital format are published. It is the responsibility of the City Librarian to select, within budget limitations, those items that best serve the information needs of the residents of Santa Clarita. The City Librarian, in consultation with library staff, will oversee the selection, acquisition, and maintenance of the library collection of the Santa Clarita Public Library according to the guidelines contained in this policy as adopted by the Santa Clarita Public Library. This policy includes the acquisition of materials by purchase, as well as through donation to the Library, and also includes the process by which obsolete, worn, and damaged materials are removed from the collection. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF MATERIALS The Santa Clarita Public Library has an inclusive approach to selection and affirms the public's right to choose and read with the freedom essential to a democracy. The Santa--Clarita Public Library will adhere to theprinciples.of the "Freedom to Read .Statement" of the American Library Association (attached). Each community library provides materials presenting various points of view concerning the problems and issues of our times. Material dealing with controversial views or subjects is judged on the basis of the entire work and not on isolated passages or sections. Matters such as the race or nationality, or the political, social, or religious views of the author are not factors affecting the evaluation of material. The following criteria are used to evaluate the appropriateness of materials added to the library collection: • Accuracy of information • Quality of treatment • Merit, awards, or critical acclaim • Timeliness or permanent value • .Popular interest or demand • Extent to which the subject matter is already represented in the library collection • Readability or literary style • Social significance Reputation of the author or publisher Cost • -_Physical durability, attractiveness, and other format characteristics • Inclusion in standard bibliographies or indexes Existence of authoritative, published reviews When selecting materials for inclusion in the collection, the Library also considers the availability of materials and resources in other libraries. To strengthen its :services and resources, the Library actively participates in resource -sharing agreements with other libraries, such as those participating in the Inland Library Network. PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR MATERIALS SELECTION DECISIONS The City Librarian has the prerogative to delegate to library staff the responsibility of selection and maintenance of library materials. Recommendations for selections to be added to the library collection shall be sent in writing to the City Librarian. After those items have been approved by the City Librarian, those items shall be purchased or accepted for. donation by library staff. Responsibility for recommendations for library acquisitions will be made by the City Librarian and designated materials selectors, with assistance by other staff. ACCESS TO LIBRARY MATERIALS Materials_ held in branches of the Santa Clarita Public Library will be available to all members of the public, regardless of age or any other factor. Upon request by a parent or legal guardian, library staff will limit access by a minor to videos and DVDs held by the library system. Minors with cards restricted in this way will not be permitted to check out any video or DVD material owned by branches of the Santa Clarita Public Library. The restriction will be in effect until either the minor reaches the age of 18 or the parent or guardian requests that the restriction be removed. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING THE LIBRARY COLLECTION Comments from our library patrons regarding the library collection are welcome at any time. Suggestions for items to be added to the library collection—either specific titles or subject areas—should be provided in writing to any library personnel. The library staff will apply to the suggestion the same criteria that are applied to any item under consideration. If the staff concurs that the item conforms to the selection criteria and is, therefore, appropriate for the collection, the request will be sent to the City Librarian for approval. The customer recommending the book will be notified when the book is received. Customer complaints about the collection—either that an item has not been purchased that the customer feels_ is ap.propriate,_ or about an item that has been added to the collection—are also welcome and should be submitted in writing using the appropriate form provided by the Santa Clarita Public Library. Requests to add or remove items from the collection shall be forwarded to the City Librarian for review and response. Even those complaints that do not result in a written complaint should be logged by staff using the appropriate form and forwarded to the branch manager and City Librarian. WEEDING AND DISPOSAL OF LIBRARY MATERIALS An ongoing process of weeding of obsolete, unused, or damaged materials is essential to maintaining an authoritative collection that is responsive to the needs of Santa Clarita residents. Library staff will remove such weeded materials from the library collection, only with the prior written permission of the City Librarian. The following materials will be considered for weeding. • Materials containing outdated information • Materials that have been superseded by a new edition (almanacs, statistics, etc.) unless the earlier edition is still useful as a circulating item Bibliographies and reading guides listing books that are dated or obsolete • Books with outmoded or inaccurate illustrations • Highly specialized books with no potential readership • Unneeded duplicates ® Books that have'not circulated or been used in a reasonable period of time that indicates that they are no longer needed (this period of time will differ for different types of materials) • Worn or damaged items In most cases, Library staff will offer items weeded from the collection to authorized Friends of the Library groups to be sold to the public, with revenues accruing to the Friends to benefit the Library. Library staff may also offer weeded items to the following groups: • Local governments and agencies, including cities and school districts • State institutions • Non-profit organizations • Recycling centers Weeded items not taken by other governmental or non-profit agencies will be discarded by the. library staff with the approval of the City Librarian. 1 :DISTRIBUTION OF RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL MATERIAL IN THE 'LIBRARY The Santa Clarita Public Library will not distribute to the public unsolicited literature of religious or .political content. Pamphlets and current issues of religious periodicals maybe accepted as gifts in order that information on the beliefs and teachings of a wide range of faiths and sects may be readily available to the public, and be shelved in an area designated by library personnel. Such gifts should not be displayed in commercial cases provided by donors. Gifts of religious or political materials that are regarded as ephemeral may be shelved together in a magazine or pamphlet file labeled "Gifts." Only current issues of such materials will be retained. ADDING GIFT MATERIALS TO THE LIBRARY COLLECTION The Santa Clarita Public Library welcomes gifts of library materials from the public. The decision to add gift materials to the collection will be handled in the same manner as if the items were purchased, as follows: • Staff will evaluate the materials according to the selection criteria identified above Staff will recommend the addition of items meeting the selection criteria to the City Librarian. The Library may not use all donated material in the collection. Any donated material not used in the collection may -be given 4o Friends of the Library, groups to be sold and resulting revenues used to support library programs, collections, and services. Library staff will provide to the donor, upon request, a statement of the number and type of material donated for tax purposes. Library staff will not assign a value to donations for tax purposes. 1 1 The Freedom to Read Statement The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor. content in schools, to label "controversial" views, to distribute lists of "objectionable" books Pr authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read. Most attempts at -suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be "protected" against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression. These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of.fear cast by.these,pressures leads, we. suspect, to an even.larger:voluntary s curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials. Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference. Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections. 1 We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity ;present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our.culfure depend.-We,believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read, We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings. The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and - will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights. We therefore affirm these propositions: 1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority. Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at„birth would mark the..end of the democra ic__process.,.Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it. 2. Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated. Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher. or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper. 1 3. Itis contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say. 4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression. To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others. 5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous. The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them. 6. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people's freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large, and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information. It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are -more safe, free, and. creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self - censorship, 7. it is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a "bad" book is a good one, the answer to a "bad" idea is a good one. The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader's purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support. We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may.mean the_-dissemination_of_ ideas, and,.manners.of-express ion that.,are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours. This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers. Adopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee; amended January 28, 1972; January. 16, 1991; July 12,2000; June 30, 2004. 1 A Joint Statement by: .American Library Association Association of American Publishers Subsequently endorsed by: American Booksellers Foundation for Free'Expression The Association of American University Presses, Inc. The Children's Book Council Freedom to Read Foundation National Association of College Stores National Coalition Against Censorship National Council of Teachers of English The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression 1 Santa Clarita Public Library DISPLAY POLICY It is .the policy of the Santa Clarita Public Library (Library) to make public forums available to the community for purposes that enhance the Library's educational, cultural, and civic mission. While the Library would like to accommodate all requests of local organizations and businesses for such space, the volume of requests and the small amount of space available makes this impossible. The term "display' is used collectively to include handouts, flyers, posters, and exhibit items. The Library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of exhibits or exhibitors using public forum locations. The Display policy applies to all locations of the Santa Clarita Public Library. SUBJECTS/CONTENTS Displays are for information about civic, cultural, educational and recreational programs of likely interest to the local community. The displays may include such forms as: Presentation of books, visual arts, crafts, paintings and drawings, sculpture, and a variety of media. Promotion of interest in the use of books and other library resources. Information about community affairs, organizations, services, and activities. Civic groups, service clubs, nonprofit organizations, and governmental units promoting free or nominal charge events are typical sponsors of these activities. .No political candidate or proposition materials, commercial promotions, or private events, such as yard sales and "services provided," are eligible for display. SIZE AND LOCATION The Library reserves the right to refuse display materials that are awkward to display or take up disproportionate space. Displays are only allowed in designated areas; generally, these are counters and kiosks in the lobbies or reference area. Other areas, such as service desks, study tables, walls, windows, doors, and shelving end panels are reserved for the Library's own displays. Library mounted,displays shall have priority .of use of available space. 1 1 REQUIREMENTS FOR POSTING/DISTRIBUTING ITEMS 1. 'Handouts, flyers, and posters are displayed no more than n one month prior to the.event and will be placed in the appropriate public forum location by Library staff. 2. All items must identify the group or person responsible for distribution and provide a contact address or telephone number. 3. Items may remain posted or be distributed for a period of 60 days. Posters, flyers, and pamphlets may be discarded by the Library staff after 60 days. The library will relocate, rearrange, and remove materials as it chooses. 4. The library does not store materials. Any items brought early must be redelivered within the display period. 5. Active distribution, in which a person on site hands out materials, canvasses, solicits, or petitions, is not allowed in the library. 6. Items to be posted/distributed must not be in violation of any federal, state, or local laws. REQUIREMENTS FOR LOANED EXHIBIT ITEMS 1. Oral or written requests must be made to the Library branch manager for approval. Requests will be processed on a first-come/first-served basis, with scheduling priority given to City of Santa Clarita organizations and exhibitors who have not previously presented an exhibit. 2. The exhibitor/lender will complete the Receipt for Display Items Loaned to the Library. Individual items will be listed on the back of the receipt. 3. Neither the Library nor the City assumes responsibility for materials, equipment, or any other article left by the. organization, group, or individual in the library and will not be liable for loss, theft, or damage thereto. 4. The Library branch manager, or librarian in charge, will sign and date the receipt, retaining a copy for the library and providing the original to the lender or exhibitor. 5. The exhibitor is responsible for the installation and dismantling of the exhibit as scheduled. If the Library must dismantle an exhibit because it is not removed as scheduled; the Library is not responsible for any. damages. 1 ;6.. -Exhibitors using exhibit cases or exhibits space assume liability and shall be liable for any damage resulting from said usage, as assessed by the City_ 7.:When items are returned to their owner, on or before the agreed pickup :date, the owner shall sign and date the original form, .noting that all rmaterials have been returned. ;8.. If items are not picked up at the agreed time, the Library will attempt to contact the owner twice in writing within sixty (60) days. If the owner does not respond after 60 days, the items will become property of the Library to dispose of as it sees fit. In doing so, the Library will follow its established practices for disposal for surplus property. No employee of the Library may take possession of the items. 1 1 Santa Clarita Public Library CIRCULATION POLICY LIBRARY CARDS To check out materials, each customer of the Santa Clarita Public Library (Library) must have a valid, barcoded library card. There is no charge for the initial library card for any resident of California. There is a fee for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card. Library cards are non -transferable. Fees are established within the City of Santa Clarita Fee Schedule. LOAN PERIODS AND NUMBER OF RENEWALS ALLOWED Reference Materials: Reference materials do not circulate Adult and Juvenile Books: 21 days; 3 renewals Sound Recordings (compact discs, cassettes, books on CD, books on tape, playaways): 21 days; 3 renewals Videos / DVDs: 7 days; 3 renewals Magazines: 7 days; 1 renewal HOLDS If an item is not available or is located at another library, a customer can place a hold on it. When available, it will be delivered to the Santa Clarita Public Library location of the customer's choice. There is no charge for placing a hold on an item available via the Santa Clarita Public Library catalog. Some items may not be holdable. INTERLIBRARY LOANS If an item is not available to borrow from either the Santa Clarita Public Library's collection, the Inland Library Network's collection, or other participating resource -sharing partner's collection, the item can be requested via Interlibrary Loan from another library system. There will be no fee for Interlibrary Loans from participating resource -sharing partners such as the :Inland Library Network. There will be no fee for Interlibrary Loans from the :Los Angeles County Public Library System. A nominal fee, as established in the City of Santa Clarita Fee Schedule, will be charged for Interlibrary Loans, with exception to loans from the Inland Library Network and the Los Angeles County Public Library System. .FINES Fines are calculated'onahe number of day""that the -library is open 'No -fines are charged.for materials'lost in natural disasters (fire, flood, death of the cardholder) with an accompanying insurance, police, or fire report. Fines for overdue items checked out with an adult card or a juvenile card is established -in the City of. Santa Clarita Fee Schedule. RECOVERING OVERDUE MATERIALS The Santa Clarita Public Library will send an overdue notice to the customer 14 days after the item is due. At 28 days after the item is due, a bill is sent to the customer requesting that the item be returned and fines paid or the cost of the item plus a processing fee, which is established in the City of Santa Clarita Fee Schedule. Six weeks after an item is due, the Santa Clarita Public Library will send the customer's account to a collection agency. The Santa Clarita Public Library will use a collection agency to recover lost materials with a value over $50. 1