MISSION STATEMENT

The library’s foremost purpose is to serve the community. In doing so we aim to be a center of reliable information on a wide range of subjects, and a place where readers of all levels and diverse tastes can find the books they desire. Our goal is to continuously foster reading, by working collaboratively with schools and educational organizations, by staying attuned to the public’s interests, and by offering programs that help open the doors to the world of books. Through our programming, we seek to introduce and explore not only a broad spectrum of literature, also art, music, film, and other cultures, science, history, and news of our ever-changing world. We will also continuously broaden our horizons and expand our services by building bridges with other cultural, civic, and educational groups. The modern library must be a place of education, entertainment, research, and information. The library also believes in preserving the valuable records of the past and strives to preserve and conserve the books in the Fogg Collection as well as many titles of local and regional history. This is the model we seek to follow.

INTERNET USAGE

Internet Safety and Usage Policy updated April 2016

Security Policies Procedures & Awareness Program

Information Privacy and Confidentiality

Retention and Destruction Policy

WILLIAM FOGG LIBRARY INTERNET PROCEDURES

A parent or guardian must sign the Internet Usage Agreement in the presence of a staff member. All computer users must agree to leave the computer at any time if asked to do so by a library staff member. The signed agreement will be kept on file and the patron’s record will indicate agreement with these policies.

Patrons must sign up at the circulation desks to use the computer for thirty minutes. Patrons may use the computers for more than thirty minutes if no one else is waiting. Children Take precedence in the Kent Children’s Room.

Children who do not yet read may use CD’s on the computer and must be accompanied by a parent who ideally stays with them in the Kent Room or at least remains in the library.

Signs will be posted on library computers indicating that access is filtered and restricted.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN IN THE LIBRARY

Purpose
The William Fogg Library welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities and services. We want the library to be a warm and inviting place to develop a love of books, reading, and the library. In an effort to ensure the safety and well being of the children and maintain an atmosphere of constructive library use, the following policy regarding appropriate use of the library by children and their caregivers is adopted.

Policy
Responsibility for the welfare and the behavior of children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or an assigned chaperone. Young children should never be left unattended in the library. The staff cannot know if children are leaving the building with their parents or with strangers. The library cannot and does not assume responsibility or liability for children while they are at the library. In order to create an environment of safety, and maintain an atmosphere where reading and study can be encouraged, the following policy has been created:

1. Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library, and may not leave children under the age of 10 unattended.
2. The parents of children under the age of ten should be at the library during the program.
3. The library cannot and does not assume responsibility or liability for children in the library.
4. When children are attending library programs, parent(s) must be aware of the times of the programs, so their children (over the age of ten) do not have to wait for unreasonable amounts of time to be picked up. Parent(s) should tell their older children to wait inside the building to avoid the hazards of the street.
5. Children age 10 and older may be left unattended at the discretion of their parent(s) for a period of time (not to exceed 2 hours) to complete homework assignments or special projects. Children left unattended should know how to reach a parent or guardian, and parents should pick up their children ten minutes before the closing time of the library.
6. If a problem arises with children of any age and we are unable to locate the parent(s) or if the library is closing and the parent(s) cannot be located, the police will be called at the discretion of the staff.
7. It is the policy of the Library that staff members will not transport children from the library to any other location.
   If children are left unattended repeatedly and/or for long periods of time, the staff will notify the parent(s) of the library’s policies. Parents of children who are being left for long periods of time will be contacted by the staff.

NON-RESIDENT PATRONS

A non-resident family card is $52.00. In the Kent Room, a limit of twenty books per card may be borrowed. There will be no limit in the adult section.