Jump to specific policy: Collection Development | Community Room | Confidentiality of Library Records | Display of Non-Library Publicity Materials | Faxing | Harassment and Bullying | Internet and Wi-Fi Use | Materials Donation | Non-Discrimination | Patron Behavior | Political Activity in Library | Programming | Public Comment | Service Animal | Social Media for Patrons | Unattended or Disruptive Children
The Taylor Community Library envisions a future in which everyone has free access to a diversity of resources needed to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
The Taylor Community Library strives to enhance the lives· of all individuals by offering free access to materials and programs designed to satisfy the informational and recreational needs of our community.
Our Mission Statement is based on the following values and goals.
The Taylor Community Library
The direct service area for the Taylor Community Library includes Taylor Borough and Old Forge Borough. Taylor Community Library offers free services to all Lackawanna County residents while working closely with all members of the Lackawanna County Library System.
The Collection Development Policy is designed to support the Library’s Mission Statement and serves as a guide for the selection, acquisition, maintenance, and retention of materials.
Library staff utilize professional judgment and expertise in making collection development decisions, including decisions about choosing titles, identifying quantities for purchase, and selecting locations for materials. Anticipated demand, community interests, strengths and weaknesses of the existing collections, system-wide and regional availability, physical space limitations, acquisitions procedures, and fiscal resources are all factors taken into consideration. Materials are acquired in multiple formats when appropriate, including print, audiovisual, and digital resources. Highest selection priority is given to those materials in all formats having the broadest appeal.
Materials will be selected based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:
The Taylor Community Library supports and is supported by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.
The Taylor Community Library maintains a diverse collection of materials designed to satisfy the needs and interests of the community.
In no case will library materials be excluded because of race, nationality or social, political, or religious views of the authors, nor will materials be proscribed or removed from the Library because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
The Taylor Community Library recognizes that the choice of library materials by library users is an individual matter. While an individual may reject materials for themselves, they cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials by others.
Recognizing that a diversity of materials may result in some requests for reconsideration, individuals may complete a Library Resource Challenge Form which include a description of reconsideration procedures.
The Taylor Community Library welcomes donated materials, but accepts them with the understanding that it has the right to handle or dispose of them in the best interest of the Library. Such material may be added to the collection provided it meets the standards of selection or given to the Friends of the Scranton Library to be sold at their book sales. Once given to the library, they cannot be returned to donor. We do not accept encyclopedia sets, outdated media formats, magazines, college textbooks, or musty or soiled materials.
The Taylor Community Library welcomes purchase suggestions from library users. Although we may not be able to acquire everything that is suggested, all suggestions receive serious consideration.
A strong collection requires ongoing evaluation and maintenance. Materials will regularly be weeded from the collection based on the following criteria:
The Alma H. Rees Community Room is available without charge to community groups and organizations of Lackawanna County whose main purposes are: education, cultural and/or civic.
No organization will be granted use for the Alma H. Rees Community Room for any of the following:
All meetings must be open to the public. Groups using the room may not charge admission or seek any type of donation. The room may be used by only one group at a time. The exception to this rule is that two small groups may use the room if the divider is in place.
*To reserve the Alma H. Rees Community Room a signed form (available at the Circulation Desk or below) must be submitted to and approved by the Taylor Community Board of Directors by the third Thursday of each month. No request may be submitted more than three months prior to the meeting date. Regularly scheduled library activities (story hour, board meetings, etc.) will take precedence over outside group use.
The Alma H. Rees Community Room is available from the time the library opens to one half hour prior to its closing.
Maximum capacity of the Alma H. Rees Community Room will vary depending on the program/event being held. This is not to be exceeded.
Smoking is not permitted in the Alma H. Rees Community Room.
Permission to serve light refreshments (coffee, tea, etc.) may be granted upon request. No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the library grounds/premises.
The library is not responsible for equipment, supplies, materials or other items owned by a community group and used by them in the Alma H. Rees Community Room, or for personal property of those attending. The organization holding the meeting assumes responsibility for any damage done to the Alma H. Rees Community Room, its contents, the building and the grounds or any personal injuries sustained by attendees. All groups using the Alma H. Rees Community Room, will be asked to sign a waiver releasing the Taylor Community Library of any responsibility in the event of an accident resulting in injury.
Approval granted by the Taylor Community Library Board of Directors for the use of the Alma H. Rees Community Room does not constitute endorsement by the library of views expressed by any speaker or group.
All groups using the Alma H. Rees Community Room will be asked to sign a waiver releasing the library of any responsibility in the event of an accident resulting in injury.
Alma H. Rees Community Room Printable Form
The Taylor Community Library protects the privacy of library records and the confidentiality of patron use of the library as required by relevant laws and reflected in the library’s Values Statements. This policy seeks to establish protocols that will give staff and Board of Trustees direction in the enforcement of these laws and values.
24 Pa.C.S.A. Education § 9375
Records of the following institutions which relate to the circulation of library materials and contain the names or other personally identifying information of users of the materials shall be confidential and may not be made available to anyone except by a court order in a criminal proceeding:
(1) The State Library.
(2) A local library established or maintained under the provisions of this chapter.
(3) The library of a university, college, or educational institution chartered by the Commonwealth.
(4) The library of a public school.
(5) A library established and maintained under a law of this Commonwealth.
(6) A branch reading room, deposit station or agency operated in connection with a library described in this section.
At TCL the term “circulation records” refers to the following:
If law enforcement officers bring a court order in the form of a Search Warrant:
In the following instances, the procedures outlined above can be bypassed:
The purpose of this policy is to protect the Taylor Community Library (hereafter known as the Library) interests when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of a board member, officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, or employee who is considering a proposed transaction or arrangement for the Library; or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to governmental, nonprofit or charitable organizations.
A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under the instructions below “Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists”, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.
Each board member, officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, or Library employee is expected to perform his or her duties in accordance with the law and the highest ethical standards. As a board member, officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, or Library employee, you, or any member of your family, are prohibited from having a financial interest in any contract with the Library in which you are employed or influencing, or attempting to influence, the making of any contract in which you have a financial interest.
No board member, officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, or Library employee, any member of his or her immediate family, or any business in which he or she has a principle interest, shall accept any gift, gratuity or favor from any source doing or seeking to do business with the Library or attempting to influence the judgment of such employee or official.
Except as otherwise prohibited by law, the foregoing shall not prohibit the Library from accepting any gift, gratuity or favor of a fair market value (regardless of the donor’s cost) of one hundred ($100.00) dollars or less, provided the gift, gratuity or favor shall be physically retained by the Library and made available for the use or enjoyment of all employees of the Library, and provided further, only one such gift from the same donor may be accepted annually.
Any offer to the Library of a gift, gratuity or favor of a fair market value in excess of one hundred ($100.00) dollars shall be referred to the Library board which shall determine at a public meeting whether to accept or reject such gift, gratuity or favor on behalf of the Library.
This policy is not intended to prohibit a board member, officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, or Library employee, or members of their families, while in attendance at a conference or gathering of a statewide or regional association of such people, from accepting meals and/or hospitality from sponsoring entities, provided all persons in attendance at such conference or gathering are invited to attend or participate in the sponsored activity.
The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:
a) The names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the governing board’s or committee’s decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.
b) The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.
a) A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Library for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
b) A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Library for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
c) No voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Library, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation.
Each board member, officer, member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, and Library employee who consider proposed transactions or arrangements shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:
a) Has received a copy of the conflict of interest policy,
b) Has read and understands the policy,
c) Has agreed to comply with the policy, and
d) Understands the Library is either a government agency or is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.
In the event of a potential organizational conflict, the potential conflict shall be reviewed by the Library Board to determine whether it is likely that the Library would be unable or appear to be unable to be impartial in making the award. If such a likelihood exists, this shall not disqualify the related organization; however, the following measures shall be applied:
The Taylor Community Library may designate specific areas at its locations for the display of non-library publicity materials. Examples include, but are not limited to, flyers, brochures, and electric bulletin board signs. These areas are open for community organizations and governmental entities engaged in educational, cultural, charitable, or civic activities.
A copy of all items intended for posting on a library bulletin board must first be submitted for approval by a designated library staff member. Items posted without approval are subject to removal. Approval will be granted based upon library policy as herein stated and subject to available space.
The following items/types will not be approved:
Taylor Community Library offers faxing services to the public. Patrons needing fax service can visit the Library during regular business hours and speak with any member of the staff. Requests will be handled in a timely manner, but library services and operations will take priority.
Operation is limited to library staff. The library is only able to provide both outgoing fax services.
A fax transmission cover sheet will be available, if requested. The cover sheet is included in the price of the fax.
All material to be faxed must be on an 8 ½” by 11” sheet of paper and be free of wrinkles, folds or tears. Materials not in appropriate form will be photocopied at a cost of .25.
Local fax transmission charge is $1.00 per page. Local faxes are faxes that are within the 570area code. Long distance fax transmission service is $1.00 per page. Long distance fax numbers include all numbers outside of the 570 and out-of-state faxes. International faxing is not available. Cash, credit card and checks are accepted.
If the first call results in a busy signal or other failed connection, 2 more attempts will be made to transmit in the next 10 minutes. If failure persists, patrons may return to the library at a later time to retry. Patrons must be in the library to send faxes.
Patrons will be given receipt of fax transmittal. The library is not responsible for transmission of faxes nor is the library responsible for any damage or loss of data or consequential damage arising out of the use of this service. Transmission errors are common and print quality is variable and not controlled by the library.
The fax service may not be used for illegal purposes and patrons must abide by copyright laws.
The purpose of this policy is to communicate to all employees that the Taylor Community Library will not in any instance tolerate harassment or bullying behavior. Employees found in violation of this policy will be disciplined, up to and including termination.
This policy applies to all employees, trustees, contractors, and anyone else whom employees come into contact with at work. For more details on how to recognize, report and deal with sexual harassment please refer to the library’s sexual harassment policy.
Harassment is any verbal or physical conduct designed to threaten, intimidate or coerce a person of a protected status as defined in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Harassment includes but is not limited to:
Bullying is repeated inappropriate behavior, either direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment. Bullying is similar to harassment however it need not be related to a protected status. Bullying may be done for reasons such as jealousy, personal dislike, revenge or insecurity. Bullying includes but is not limited to:
Individuals who believe they have been the victim of conduct prohibited by this policy or believe they have witnessed such conduct should discuss their concerns with their immediate supervisor or human resources. Any reported allegations of harassment, bullying or retaliation will be investigated promptly. The investigation may include individual interviews with the parties involved and, where necessary, with individuals who may have observed the alleged conduct or may have other relevant knowledge. Taylor Community Library will maintain confidentiality throughout the investigatory process to the extent consistent with adequate investigation and appropriate corrective action.
Misconduct constituting harassment, bullying or retaliation will be dealt with appropriately. Responsive action may include, for example, training, referral to counseling or disciplinary action such as a warning, reprimand, reassignment, temporary suspension without pay, or termination, as the Library believes appropriate under the circumstances. If the employee is a union member then a representative of the union may be included in the investigation or decision process.
Lodging a bona fide complaint will in no way be used against the employee or have an adverse impact on the individual’s employment status. However, filing groundless or malicious complaints is a violation of this policy and may be the subject of appropriate disciplinary action.
All complaints and investigations are treated confidentially to the extent possible and information is disclosed strictly on a need-to-know basis. The identity of the complainant is usually revealed to the parties involved during the investigation. The Director will take appropriate steps to ensure that the complainant is protected from retaliation during and after the investigation. All information pertaining to a complaint or investigation is maintained in secure files within the Director.
The Lackawanna County Library System (LCLS), through its member libraries, provides public access to the Internet via local area networks and a wide area network linking all system libraries. Access to this network is free to:
In accordance with current state and federal laws, the LCLS libraries exercise their rights to selectively employ filtering technology to block access to images that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors (age 16 and under). However, filters are not 100% effective and may not filter images that should be blocked, and conversely, may block images that should not be blocked. In the case of an inappropriate site that was not filtered, a patron may be requested to exit the site in question. Specific time limits set system-wide. Reservations are not presently necessary, but please note that presentation of your library card is required.
Library staff may assist patrons in getting connected to the Internet, but searching for specific materials and information is the user’s responsibility.
The system headquarters – Albright Memorial Library in Scranton – provides free classes in the use of the Internet for those who are interested. A listing of times and availability is published monthly. Call (570) 348-3000 ext. 3038 for more information, or check the library’s web page at www.albright.org.
Printing is available subject to fees and limitations established by the member libraries. Users are reminded that material on the Internet may be subject to the copyright law of the United States (U.S. Code; Title 17). See NOTICE posted at all print stations.
The following restrictions apply to all individuals who access the Internet over the LCLS network:
Any attempt to alter workstation or network settings, or any attempt to defeat library security programs, etc., will be viewed as a serious matter and may result in the loss of access privileges on a temporary or permanent basis. The library receives the right to expand or alter the list of prohibited sites without notice.
While there is much of value on the Internet, patrons are reminded that no one regulates the Internet and its content. Consequently the LCLS cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information found. Users are also cautioned that they may encounter material that is offensive. As the libraries are public buildings for the use of all, users are asked to be considerate of others, and to act in such a manner that respects the privacy of each patron. The libraries reserve the right to request viewers to change web pages. The libraries reserve the right to employ filtering software on all or selected workstations. System member libraries may establish other requirements as dictated by local issues and concerns, as long as those requirements do not conflict with the System-wide policy. The LCLS and system member libraries assume no responsibility for damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of this service.
Use of the library’s Internet service constitutes acceptance by the user of all pertinent LCLS rules, regulations, and policies as posted.
All patrons must agree to this policy when logging into a computer at Taylor Community Library. (TCL 2012).
The Taylor Community Library currently accepts donations of books and non-print materials. We appreciate the generosity of our patrons. Each item we receive will be carefully evaluated for inclusion in our circulating and local history collections. Items we currently DO NOT ACCEPT include:
Any item which will not be added to our collection will be sent to another library or put in our on-going book sale. All proceeds from this sale directly benefit the Taylor Community Library. ALL donations must be brought directly into the library to the Circulation Desk. If you need assistance with getting materials inside the library please call the library. Please note we DO NOT pick up materials from other locations. Any materials which are left outside the library will be disposed of properly.
The Library does not engage in and stands against all forms of illegal Discrimination with regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, or the other proper exercise by an employee of their rights guaranteed by the Public Employee Relations Act No. 195.
The Taylor Community Library aims to provide a positive experience to all our patrons. We ask our patrons to follow these policies in order for us to provide a rewarding experience here at our facility.
Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, using library materials or attending programs shall be required to leave the building. Loitering and/or impeding access to the library or any part of the library property is prohibited. Mutilation of library materials by marking, underlining, removal of pages, removing electronic detection devices, or in any way defacing library property is prohibited.
Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and shall not harass or annoy others through noisy or boisterous activities, by staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person, by following another person with the intent to annoy that person, by use of cell phones, by playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, by singing or talking loudly to others or in monologues or by behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other patrons.
Patrons shall not be permitted to enter the building without a shirt or other covering of their upper bodies or without shoes or other footwear. Patrons shall not be permitted within the building wearing hoodies and sun glasses or other articles of clothing that would impede their identification. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is so offensive that it constitutes a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
Any patron involved in the unlawful use, sale, manufacturing, dispensing or possession of controlled substances, illicit drugs and alcohol on library premises or work sites, or working under the influence of such substances, will be required to cease from all further activities related to the Taylor Community Library.
The use of electronic smoking devices (also known as electronic cigarettes or “e-cigarettes), vaping and tobacco products inside this building is prohibited by law.
Any person in the possession of any type of weapon (box cutter, gun, knife, etc.) will be asked to leave the premises, including the parking lot, immediately. Failure to comply will result in the authorities being contacted.
Patrons using offensive or abusive language or acting or behaving disrespectfully towards a library employee, volunteer or patron or engage in any form of harassment, physical, verbal or sexual, of library staff, patrons or volunteers, will be refused service until further notice. Harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations, impeding access to the building, stalking and the like.
If necessary the library will notify the authorities, which could result in prosecution according to the law.
Purpose
Although libraries collect materials that represent a diverse array o(viewpoints and opinions in political matters, it is not in the interest of the library to become a setting for political activities such as the display or distribution of campaign materials for elected officials or ballot measures. The purpose of this policy is to define the types of political activities prohibited on library premises. The Library will not support, endorse, or advocate the viewpoints or beliefs of any one candidate, political party, partisan organization or group. Posting or distributing partisan election or campaign material in Libraries or on Library property is not permitted. Elected officials, candidates for political office, representatives of political parties, and registered third-party advertisers may not use open Library space or property to solicit or advocate among library users and may not use open Library space or property to make public statements or host media events, unless they are part of a shared Library program or announcement.
No elected official or candidate from that level of government will be invited to speak or present at library events, except for at all-candidates meetings, until after the election has concluded. Candidates, political parties, and registered third-party advertisers may not book any library spaces for meetings or other activities related to the election underway.
Definitions
For the purposes of this policy:
Policy
The following political activities are prohibited on Library premises:
As part of an exhibit, the library may allow the display of historical campaign materials to promote voting or to provide history education.
Definition: A program is a planned public activity for five or more people that is presented by library staff, authorized volunteers, or contractors. Examples include, but are not limited to, story time, lecture, workshop, discussion group, performance, book talks, demonstration, class, and panel discussion. Programs are offered for adults, young adults, and children.
Selection: Library programs are selected by library staff and must adhere to the Taylor Community Library’s mission. (See attached.) Individuals or entities who wish to conduct a program at the library or request that the library offer a program must fill out the attached Program Request Form. The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to Library programming, and the Library does not knowingly discriminate through its programming. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants. The library does not offer programming that is purely commercial, religious, or partisan political in nature. If a party wishes to challenge the library’s decision regarding a program selection, the party must follow the Taylor Community Library’s Library Resource Challenge procedure
Fees: All Library programs are free. A materials fee may be charged if additional materials are required.
Access: All programs are open to the public though registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited. For some programs a library card may be required to enter or make a reservation. Some programs may be designed with specific audiences in mind. Programs targeted toward a specific audience will be publicized as such.
Printable Program Request Form
The Taylor Community Library, as part of its commitment to the community, offers a Public Comment section during public meetings. We ask that speakers observe the following rules:
As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Taylor Community Library will allow service dogs to accompany patrons with disabilities in public areas. The dog may be of any breed. Additionally, miniature horses are allowed under the ADA. The dog (or miniature horse) is not required to wear a vest, and the library, per ADA requirements, will not require the patron to show proof of certification. Instead, the patron/handler will be asked the following questions:
If a service animal is out of control, and the patron/handler does not take effective action to control it, or if the animal is not housebroken, the library may ask the patron/handler to remove the animal from the library. Staff will offer the patron/handler the opportunity to receive goods or services without the animal’s presence.
The patron/handler is solely responsible for any/all damages or injuries caused by the animal. Under no circumstances will Taylor Community Library bear any responsibility for any damages to library patrons, staff, or property.
The Mission of the Taylor Community Library is to provide materials, related services, and programming to meet the educational, recreational and informational needs of the residents of Lackawanna County. In keeping with this mission, the library uses various social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and others to engage library patrons in an open communication about library materials, services and programs.
The role and utility of social media outlets are constantly evaluated by library staff and may be terminated at any time without notice.
By joining, utilizing, and/or posting on the Library’s social media outlets, you agree to comply with this Policy. The Taylor Community Library assumes no liability regarding any event or interaction that takes place on library sanctioned outlets and does not endorse or review content outside the library sanctioned outlets created by the Taylor Community Library staff. Comments posted by users on library outlets do not reflect the view of the library staff, administration, and Board. Comments containing copyright violations, child pornography, or physical threats will be removed.
The Taylor Community Library encourages children and their families to use the Library. However, staff cannot assume responsibility for unattended children. When children are left unattended, even if a parent, tutor, or guardian is in the building, problems can arise. If left alone in the Library:
The Taylor Community Library is a public facility and cannot regulate who enters the building. Children left on their own may be approached by strangers, view non-age-appropriate materials, or otherwise come in contact with a situation that is beyond their ability to cope. If an unattended child has a medical emergency, the Library staff cannot take legal responsibility for the child.
To protect children while they are using the Taylor Community Library and to provide all patrons with a facility that is safe, pleasant, and conducive to library use, the following guidelines must be observed:
Please make sure that your children know and obey the Library’s rules. Prepare them for an emergency by giving them your cell or work number. Every child should be taught their home telephone number at an early age. Know the library hours and pick your child up at least 15 minutes before the Library closes or make other travel arrangements before the Library closes.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS & CAREGIVERS, please be aware that for the safety and comfort of all children visiting the library, CHILDREN 8 and under must be in sight of and supervised by a parent/caregiver at all times. This includes while the adult is using a public computer or looking at library material.
If a child in this age group is found unattended, library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the library and inform him/her of this policy.
If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, if the child is found unattended again, or if the library is closing, the police will be called for assistance and the patron’s library privileges may be suspended.
