548 Main Street
Tel. 732-251-1515
Fax. 732-251-8151
Spotswood Public Library
Rules & Regulations
OBTAINING A LIBRARY CARD:
- Anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Spotswood may apply for a free library card.
- Non-residents may purchase an individual card for $50.00 year, good for services and programs of the Spotswood Public Library.
- Lost cards will be replaced for a $2.00 fee.
LOAN PERIOD:
- Most materials are loaned for (2) weeks unless otherwise stated.
- Videos, DVDs and high demand 'best sellers' are loaned for (7) seven days and cannot be renewed.
- Most materials can be renewed over the phone or in person at the library.
RETURNS:
- Books, periodicals, and video cassettes may be returned in the outdoor book drop.
- CDs, audio books, Hooked on Phonics and DVDs must be returned inside.
FINES:
New books
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$.20/day
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All other adult books
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$.10/day
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Juvenile books
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$.05/day
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Inter-library loans
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$.25/day
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Videos (VHS & DVD)
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$1.00/day
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Compact discs
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$.10/day
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Audio books
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$.10/day
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Unwound videos
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$.50/day
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'Inside return' items returned outside
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$.50/day
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RULES FOR LIBRARY BEHAVIOR:
The Administration and the Board of Trustees of the Spotswood Public Library are responsible for determining the rules of behavior necessary to protect all Library users' rights of access to Library facilities and materials, to ensure the safety of users and staff, and to protect Library resources and facilities from damage.
To maintain an atmosphere appropriate for work, study and enjoyment for all Library users and staff, the following policy on behavior in the Spotswood Public Library and on Library property has been established. The policy will be courteously, but firmly, enforced by Library staff.
All persons shall respect the rights of others in the library and shall not harass, annoy, or interfere with, either verbally or physically, any other person in the library by means of physical contact, communication, or other intrusive behavior. No one shall interfere with Library personnel in the performance of their duties.
Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- The sale or solicitation of contributions or signatures by any outside organization
- Eating or drinking in other than designated areas [without the permission of the Director]
- Disruptive behavior
The Library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, backpacks, personal listening equipment, etc., for Library materials.
Persons who repeatedly fail to follow the accepted rules of behavior will be asked to leave the library. In the case of a minor, the parents/guardians will be notified of the expulsion and be given the opportunity to meet with the Board of Trustees to discuss the same.
Approved by the Spotswood Public Library Board of Trustees. 01.18.01
UNSUPERVISED/UNATTENDED CHILD POLICY:
It is the policy of the Spotswood Public Library that no child under the age of eight (8) shall be left without adult supervision in the library. An adult is herein defined as a responsible person over the age of eighteen (18). The first time a child is left unattended a telephone call will be made to the child's home. The second time a child is left unattended a letter will be mailed to the child's home. The third time a child is left unattended in the library the police will be notified and the child will be given over to the custody of the police department.
A child between the ages of eight (8) and twelve (12) may be left unattended in the library when the child's behavior conforms to accepted library behavior; and when the period of time involved is one hour or less. The first time the unattended child fails to meet any of the above requirements, the parents/guardians will be notified by telephone. The second time the child fails to meet any of the above requirements, the parents/guardians will be notified by mail. Should the unattended child subsequently fail to conform his behavior, the police will be notified as necessary.
Children between the ages of twelve (12) and seventeen (17) may be left unattended in the library for unspecified lengths of time so long as their behavior conforms to accepted library behavior.
ADOPTED BY THE SPOTSWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 19 OCTOBER 2000
REVISED NOVEMBER 16, 2000.
When children are waiting for a ride home from the library, and the ride has not arrived within 10 minutes of closing time, the staff will call the Spotswood Police to ensure the safety of unattended children once the library closes. The staff is not expected to stay past closing time to supervise unattended children.
ADOPTED BY THE SPOTSWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 17 JANUARY 2002.