Library Cards
Apply in person at the:
West Warwick Public Library
1043 Main St.
West Warwick, RI 02893
When applying for a library card, two forms of identification are required;
one needs to have the patron's current address. For children under the
age of twelve the library will accept one piece of identification with
the child's name and one with the family's name and current address. A
parent or guardian must sign the child's application.
Some acceptable forms of identification are:
Current driver's license or Rhode Island State ID
Auto registration
Postmarked mail
Report card
Birth certificate
Checkbook
Passport
Lease agreement
- Always
bring your CLAN card with you when you visit the library.
- There is
a $1.00 replacement fee for a lost or stolen card.
- You are
responsible for all materials borrowed on your library card from
the time they are checked out until they are checked in.
- Please
report a lost or stolen card immediately to avoid responsibility
for unauthorized use.
- When you
sign the back of the library card, you agree to uphold the contract
that appears on each card.
- This card
is non-transferable. Rhode Island law:
Any person who shall borrow library property,
and who, upon neglect to return the same within the time required
and specified by the library owning the property, after receiving
notice in writing that the same is overdue, shall upon further
neglect to return the same within sixty (60) days from the date
of notice, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more
than twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
Loan Periods
and Overdue Fees
LOAN PERIODS
Books
21 days - books
Audiocassettes, Compact Discs and Books On Tape
21 days in any combination. Limit 4
Videocassettes and DVD's
Entertainment videos - 7 days
Non-fiction videos - 21 days
Limit 3 per household
Please
note:
To determine the specific day an item is due, check the date on your
printed checkout receipt from West Warwick Public Library. The item
is due before the library closes that day.
OVERDUE
FEES
All Books
10 cents per day, maximum of $6.00 per item.
Audiocassettes, Compact Discs and Books On Tape
10 cents per day per audio item, maximum of $6.00 per item.
Videocassettes and DVD's
$1.00 per day, per video or dvd, with a maximum fine of $10.00 per item. We
do not renew video cassettes or DVD's.
West Warwick Public Library does not mail notices of fines due, but
maintains a record.
OTHER FEES
Damage Charges
Will be determined in each individual case according to the extent of
the damage to the item.
A/V Borrowing
Rules
AUDIO
Four
(4) items (compact discs, books on tape,books on compact disc, children’s
kits and language kits) may be borrowed at one time,
by the cardholder only.Overdue
fines are .10 per day per audio item. Maximum fine is $6.00 per audio
item.
VIDEO
A
total of three (3) video cassettes or dvd’s per
household may be borrowed
at one time, by
the cardholder only. Overdue
fines are $1.00 per day, per video or dvd, with a maximum fine of
$10.00 per item. You may reserve video cassettes and dvd’s.
IMPORTANT
In
order to borrow audio/visual materials, you will need to have your
own OSL card with you. The card must be free of overdue items and
fines. The Checkout service area will shut down five (5) minutes before
closing.
The
library is not responsible for any problems patrons may have when
using A/V materials. Patrons are responsible for any damage to materials
they have borrowed.
All
library resources are provided equally to all library users. Parents
or guardians are responsible for their children’s use of library resources.
The West Warwick Public Library assumes no responsibility for children’s
use of library resources.
Internet
Acceptable Use Policy
INTRODUCTION
The world of online information is filled with resources that can entertain,
educate, and expand your horizons. The library will serve as your gateway
to this new world, as it has always connected you to information sources.
Here are some things you should know about the library's role as gateway:
CONTENT
AND USES OF THE SERVICE
The West Warwick Public Library does not endorse and has no control
over the information accessed online and cannot be held responsible
for its content. Online sources, including the Internet, comprise a
global entity with a highly diverse user population and library patrons
use it at their own risk. Not all online sources provide accurate, complete
or current information. Please exercise caution in assessing the validity
of information you find online.
You should be aware that there are
some information resources that are inappropriate to a library setting.
Because the library is a public place, the library staff has the authority
to end an online session when inappropriate material is displayed
on the screen. Also, patrons may not access chat rooms/programs, or
access sites that have chat as a component.
All online
resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all
library users. Parents or guardians are responsible for their children's
use of online resources and are advised to supervise their children's
online sessions. The West Warwick Public library assumes no responsibility
for children's use of online resources. Parents/legal guardians are
strongly encouraged to review and discuss SafeKids.com's
Rules for Online Safety with their children before accessing the
Internet.
COPY
RIGHTED MATERIAL
Users may
not use the service to upload, transmit or post copyrighted or otherwise
protected material and/or software to the Internet without the permission
of the owner(s) or person(s) owning the copyright or other intellectual
property rights in the transmitted materials.
Downloading
from the Internet copyrighted or otherwise protected material must
be done with the express permission of the owner(s) or otherwise authorized
persons regarding copying, redistribution, modification or publication.
The library is not responsible for any software or shareware fees
incurred through the downloading of software. Users may not use the
identity of the West Warwick Public Library as an educational institution
to download software designated "for educational use only" for personal
use.
Software registered
to the West Warwick Public Library is not intended for personal use
and copies of the applications may not be made for home use. Doing
so is a violation of US copyright laws and the library's licensing
agreement with software publishers. Access to West Warwick Public
Library electronic services will be terminated for such a violation.
UNAUTHORIZED
ACCESS AND HACKING
Unauthorized
access to the West Warwick Public Library service through its server(s)
is strictly prohibited. Patrons will not engage in any such activity
or attempt to access the service for the purpose of altering or manipulating
the hardware or software (hacking).
TERMINATION
OF ACCESS
The West Warwick
Public Library reserves the right to suspend or terminate your access
to the Internet or other network services without prior notice at
anytime and for any reason. Violations of the law, such as destruction
or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library
or other users will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner.
Illegal acts involving library computing resources may also be subject
to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
PRIVACY
AND SECURITY
In general the
library will treat information displayed on its computers and/or printers
as confidential. Requests for disclosure of information will be answered
immediately only in emergency situations such as bomb threats or when
the police can verify a threat of immediate danger. In all other situations
such as routine or follow-up investigations, the library will require
a warrant or other legal search document before complying with the disclosure
request. Users access their own data, files, email, and other forms
of direct electronic communication on public computers at their own
risk. The library is not responsible for the loss or corruption of a
patron's local or Internet-based digital information. The library is
not responsible for any corruption, loss, or misuse of a patron's digital
information that is submitted online.
The
West Warwick Public Library reserves the right to modify this policy
at any time.
Approved by the Board of Trustees July 2002
Meeting Room Policy
1. West Warwick Public Library's meeting room is
available free of charge to non-profit organizations for meetings
of an educational, cultural, or civic nature, that are held during
regular library hours.
- Meetings
may be held between 9:00 A.M. and 8:45 P.M., Monday; Tuesday
and Wednesday; 9:00 A.M., and 4:45 P.M., on Thursday, Friday
and Saturday.
2.
The meeting room may be booked as follows:
- The
meeting room may be reserved by visiting the library Administration
office, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
- An
application form for each use of the room must be signed by
a representative of the organization at least a week in advance
of the meeting.
- Reservations
cannot be taken more than three months in advance of the meeting
date.
3.
The meeting room is not available for: social, political, partisan
or religious purposes; the benefit of private individuals; commercial
purposes; or permanent office space.
4.
Continuing and repetitious use of the meeting room is rarely permitted.
5.
To defray the library's cost of utilities and equipment maintenance,
there will be a $25 charge made to any group planning to serve refreshments.
This charge is payable at the time of application, and is non-refundable.
No refreshments or beverages will be provided by the library.
6.
All groups are required to leave the meeting area in a neat, clean,
and orderly condition. This is not the responsibility of the library
custodian. A vacuum cleaner is available. If the room is not left
in a clean and orderly condition, the organization will not be allowed
to use the meeting room in the future.
- Use
of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
- The
library has tables and chairs available for use. All groups
are responsible for setting up these tables and chairs for their
own use, and for returning them to storage.
- The
library will not provide storage space for groups using the
facilities.
7.
Groups are responsible for paying for any breakage, damage to library
property, or any inordinate amount of cleaning resulting from the
use of the meeting room. No signs or posters may be affixed to walls
or doors.
8.
Smoking is prohibited by state law. This rule is strictly enforced
because of the library's sprinkler system. Any expenses incurred
by the library, due to a violation of the Rhode Island No Smoking
Law, will be billed to the organization that has used the meeting
room.
9.
The person signing the application form assumes full responsibility
for the group, agreeing that the organization will pay all charges
for damages or cleaning fees.
10.
The library is not responsible for equipment, clothing, or other
items left on its premises at the close of a meeting.
11.
Permission to any group to use the meeting room does not constitute
endorsement by the West Warwick Public Library of that group's philosophy
or objectives.
12.
A library-sponsored program has priority over other uses of the
meeting room.
13.
Decisions as to the use of the meeting room by any group
will be made by the Library Director/Board of Trustees.
The Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to
deny any meeting room application after review.
Policy
on Lost Or Damaged Books
LOST
BOOKS
When
a book is determined to be lost, the patron is fined any overdue
charges, the replacement cost of the book as listed in a standard
bibliographic source, and a $2.00 fine to cover the library's cost
in processing the replacement. If the book is out of print, the
standard replacement cost is $15.00, the combined average cost of
adult and children's books. The patron is given a receipt for the
amount paid. It frequently happens that shortly after paying the
assessment, the patron locates and returns the book. In this event,
the library will refund the amount paid, minus the overdue charges
and the $2.00 processing fee, provided the patron can produce the
receipt. No refunds will be given after 90 days.
DAMAGED BOOKS
When
an item is returned damaged, and the extent of the damage is such
that, in the judgment of the Head of Circulation or any professional
librarian on staff, the item cannot be returned to the shelf for
further circulation, the following options may apply:
- The patron is fined any overdue charges, the replacement cost
of the item as listed in a standard bibliographic source, and
a $2.00 fee to cover the library's cost in processing the replacement.
The library will keep the item for 90 days, unless keeping it
will harm the collection or staff by introducing mold or bacteria
into the environment. After 90 days, the library will discard
the item regardless of its condition. The charge will remain
on the patron's record.
- When a book is returned damaged but, in the judgment of the
Head of Circulation or any professional librarian on staff,
may be repaired and returned to the shelf for further circulation,
the patron is fined any overdue charges and a $5.00 fine to
cover the library's cost in repairing the book.
Approved
by Library Board
February 12, 2007
Policy
on Disruptive Behavior In the Library Or On Library Grounds
It is the policy of the library to provide a safe
and appropriate environment both within the library building and on
library grounds to facilitate the public's use of the library's services
and resources. When the behavior of a patron constitutes a disruption
which interferes with the use of the library by other patrons or which
interferes with a staff member's completion of his/her duties, the
following progressive steps will be taken:
- The staff member will issue a verbal warning, with the statement
that the person(s) will be told to leave if the behavior in
question does not cease.
- If the disruptive behavior continues after the verbal warning,
the staff member will tell the person(s) to leave the building
and the grounds.
- If there is difficulty in getting the person(s) to leave the
building or the grounds, the staff member will call the police.
All
instances of verbal warning, eviction, and notification of police
will be documented and logged by the staff of the department in question.
Behaviors
which will result in warnings and then evictions from the library
and its premises:
- Violation of library rules regarding proper use of materials
and equipment
- Inappropriate, foul, or vulgar language
- Running or throwing things in the library
- Inappropriate use of or rearranging of library furniture
- Use of indelible markers, paints, lipstick, etc., on the library
building or furniture
- Eating, drinking, or smoking
- Loitering in or outside the building
- Solicitation of library patrons or staff members for money
for products, services, or causes; solicitation of library
patrons or staff members for the signing of political, religious,
or other petitions
- Card playing or gambling
- Inappropriate public display of physical affection
- Talking or laughing in a repeated pattern of loud outbursts
Any
time a staff member feels that a patron's behavior is threatening
to the immediate safety of other patrons or staff members, the staff
member will call the police immediately.
Behaviors which
will result in the immediate calling of the police:
-
Hitting or striking another person
-
Threats of violence to oneself or others
-
Deliberate vandalism to library materials or property, or
to the personal property of library patrons or staff
-
Theft of library materials or property, or of the personal
property of library patrons or staff
-
Disrespectful attitudes or language, goading, teasing, or
other types of harassment of library patrons or staff
-
Loitering on library grounds, or remaining on library grounds
after being evicted from the building
A minor who has been evicted from the building more than twice or
whose disruptive behavior has resulted in the police being called
will not be allowed to use the library again unless accompanied by
a parent or guardian. When possible, a letter will be sent to the
parent or guardian stating this policy. The minor will be allowed
to use the library again without parental supervision only after the
parent/guardian has spoken with the Library Director, Assistant Director,
or Head of the department where the offense occurred; and only
at the discretion of the Head of the department.
Approved
by the Board of Trustees
March 10, 1997
Policy
On Unattended Children
It is the policy of the library to provide a safe and appropriate
environment for library users of all ages. The library is, however,
a public building with staff trained to provide public library services.
The library is not equipped, nor is it the library's role, to provide
long- or short-term daycare for children of any age. Aside from the
planned programs, services, and activities designed for specific age
groups, the library's staff is not responsible for supervising or
tending to the needs of individual users or groups of users.
Accordingly,
children under the age of eight must always be accompanied by a parent,
guardian, or responsible childcare provider while in the library.
If a child under the age of eight is attending a library program or
activity, the parent, guardian, or responsible childcare provider
must remain in the Children's Department throughout the program.
In
general, parents of any minor children should not leave them unattended
for long periods at the library. This is especially important in the
evening. The library closes at 9 p.m. or at 5 p.m., and children should
be picked up no later than five minutes before closing time. Police
will be notified concerning any children left alone at the library
after closing time.
Parents
are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library,
whether or not the parents are present.
Approved
by the Board of Trustees
March 10, 1997
Cell
Phone Policy
-
Cell
Phone use in the library is prohibited.
-
Staff
will ask patrons to turn cell phones off or use the silent signal
function while in the library.
-
If
patrons must make or recieve a call, staff will ask them to leave
the building for the duration of the call.
Approved
by the Board of Trustees
May 2003
Donation
Policy
As always we are grateful to get more books, as they
are our stock in Trade! Our general rule of thumb is that we can use
books that are general interest and are likely to be checked out by
several readers. Here are our more specific guidelines for what we
do and do not accept:
We do accept:
- General
fiction and non-fiction of any date, as long as it is in good
condition. It is not necessary to provide the original dust covers.
- Non-fiction
reference books for which accuracy or timeliness are not at issue.
This includes quotation books and guides to great works of literature.
- Hardcover
and paperbacks in good condition
We do
not accept:
- Textbooks
of any type, including those for college courses.
- Non-fiction
reference works that are more than three years old. This includes
encyclopedias, almanacs, atlases, and other works which may have
inaccurate or dated information.
-
Books that are not in
good condition. This includes books that have torn pages, any
traces of mold or mildew, or have writing in them.
Although the library receives many donations which fall into the acceptable
category, we cannot always use them. For donations, the library applies
the same selection criteria for inclusion in the collection as it
applies to materials it purchases. Some of the reason a book may not
be added to the collection are:
- We
already have enough copies of this work in good condition.
- We
already have enough, and perhaps more recent, works in this subject
area.
- Upon
further inspection, the book has been found to need repair work
or not to be in the best condition.
- The
work does not meet our selection criteria, such as being reviewed
in a professional journal or recognized review source, or being
issued by a reputable commercial publisher.
The Library reserves the right to dispose of all material donated
to it and not accepted for the collection. This means the library
may put the book up for sale or discard it.
The Library does not evaluate the worth of any books, including donations.
For tax purposes, you are urged to make a list of each title donated,
along with author, publisher, date, whether the book is a hardcover
or paperback, and your best good-faith estimate of its value. Your
tax prepareer will advise you how or whether to proceed in claiming
deductions.
If the material you want to donate falls under our guidelines and
if you agree with the conditions described above, please call the
Circulation Department at 828-3750 to make arrangements to deliver
the materials to the library.
Approved
by the Board of Trustees
October 1999
|
![[Book]](../images/book.jpg)