1. Residents of the city of Garnett and Anderson County are the primary population served by the library. Borrowing privileges are also extended to residents in the Southeast Kansas Library System, the counties surrounding Anderson County and members of the SEKnFIND consortium. People not in this service area will be dealt with on an individual basis.

2. Children age 7 and older may apply for a card; those under the age of 18 will be issued cards after obtaining the signature of a parent or guardian agreeing to be responsible for materials checked out on the card.
3. At the time of initial registration, each patron may check out a maximum of two items or more at the discretion of the library staff.
4. Check-outs without their card will be allowed for registered patrons upon verification of identity by a staff member or by showing proper ID.
5. Patrons from other libraries within the SEKnFIND Consortium may check out from the Garnett Public Library if they have their library card or valid id. These patrons will be subject to the same borrowing rules as all other Garnett Public Library patrons.

(Revised 3/8/2021)

1. Loan periods are as follows:

            4 weeks: Adult, YA and Children’s books.  

            2 weeks: Interlibrary loans and books on reserve

            2 weeks:  Magazines, audios, puppets and puzzles,

            1 week:   DVD’s and some interlibrary loans.

Reference books, current issues of magazines, and a few other materials as indicated in the catalog and on the item do not normally circulate.

2. The staff reserves the right to limit the number of items that may be checked out on an individual or family card. Generally, this is due to recurring overdue materials and/or fines. The limit per card for DVD’s is 2 of our own DVD’s in addition to DVD’s borrowed from other libraries. The maximum checkouts allowed on any card is 50 items.

3. Patrons should normally check out materials using their own library card. Spouses or parents of minor children may use each other’s card if they do not have a card of their own and they either have the card in hand or it is noted on the cardholder’s account that they have permission.

4. Patrons who have lost or had their library card stolen should notify the library. No more items will be allowed to be checked out on the card. However, the patron is responsible for any items checked out prior to notifying the library of the missing card.

5. No member of the staff shall determine what may be checked out by a patron. Parents are responsible for monitoring the materials their child checks out from the library.

6. All items may be renewed one time unless a reserve has been placed on the item. Further renewals are at the discretion of library staff.

7. Reserves will be accepted on all materials. The patron will be notified by telephone, text or e-mail when the material is ready. Reserved items will be held for 5 days after notification.

(Revised 3/8/2021)

1. Borrowers assume responsibility for items checked out on their cards. If items are lost or damaged beyond normal wear, the borrower will be charged.

2. Fines per day for overdue materials are:

DVDs and ILL items: $.50

Accumulated fines will not exceed the value of the item.

3. Long overdue materials or accumulated fines in excess of $3.00 may result in the loss of borrowing privileges. The staff may override this on a case by case basis, due to extenuating circumstances. At $10.00 the KOHA Automation software automatically bans the patron from checking out until some payment is made. The staff also reserves the right to limit or suspend borrowing privileges for other patrons in the same household if other household members have fines.

4. Replacement cost will be charged for items lost or damaged to the extent that the library no longer wishes them kept in the collection. Repair costs may be applied to slightly damaged items as well.

5. Refunds for lost materials will be made when the item is returned within 6 months of payment. Any accumulated fines will be deducted from the refund.

(Revised 3/8/2021)

Interlibrary loan is defined as borrowing items from the Kansas Library Catalog.  This service is used by the Garnett Public Library to supplement our existing collection. 

1. Items not owned locally, in the consortium, on waiting lists or missing may be requested on interlibrary loan by patrons in good standing. If the lending library charges a fee, the patron requesting the material is responsible for payment.
2. When multiple copies of an item are needed for a class or group, they may be requested even though the item is available locally.
3. The staff reserves the right to limit the number of interlibrary loan requests placed by a patron at one time.

For good cause shown, and to further the mission of the Garnett Public Library, the Director is hereby authorized to make individualized exceptions to the above-listed lending policies.

Terms and Conditions

A Wi-Fi Hotspot is a portable device that you can use to connect a mobile-enabled device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, to the internet. A Hotspot kit consists of the mobile wireless Hotspot device itself as well as its charger and case. A Hotspot can provide internet access for multiple devices.

Hotspot Service:  Internet service relies on cell tower technology and coverage. Service outside the continental United States is prohibited; any fees associated with use outside of this area will be the responsibility of the borrower.

User experience can vary based on location. Hotspots are equipped with a content filter that keeps the Library in compliance with Federal regulations and Library policy. Parents/guardians are responsible for the use of the Hotspot by minors. Unlawful use of the internet or use that violates the Library’s Computer and Internet Use Policy is prohibited and may result in the loss of privileges. The Library is not responsible for personal information shared over the internet or for information or websites accessed. The Library is not responsible for any liability, damages, or expense resulting from the use of the Hotspot.

Patron information is not tracked by the library or the service provider.

In order to borrow a Hotspot:

• Patrons must be eighteen years of age or older and have a Garnett Public Library card in good standing. A valid phone number, email, and address must be on file.
• Upon checkout, Library staff will confirm, in the presence of the borrowing patron, that all items are present in the Hotspot kit.
• The patron must sign the Library’s Hotspot Agreement before a Hotspot can be checked out.
• Only one Hotspot may be borrowed by a household at any one time.
• Holds may be placed on Hotspots.
• The loan period for the Hotspot is 30 days, or 90 days depending on the device borrowed, with no renewals. There will be a minimum of 5 business days before a Hotspot can be borrowed or a hold placed by the same household.
• Patrons who check out 90 day Hotspots must declare that they do not have access to equipment or services sufficient to access the internet
• Patrons who experience any problems with the Hotspot should return it immediately to the library. Borrowers should not attempt to repair the device.
• Please DO NOT return in book drop. Hotspots must be returned directly to a Library staff member who will verify that all components of the Hotspot are accounted for before checking it in from the borrowing patron’s account.

Overdue Hotspots and Replacement fees:

• When a Hotspot becomes 3 days past due, it will be turned off and unable to connect to service.
• Overdue Hotspots will be charged a $1/day overdue fee; this fee continues even after service has been disconnected. If a patron habitually returns the Hotspot device after the due date (more than two times in a 12-month period), the patron may lose their ability to check out a Hotspot device in the future.
• After 10 days overdue, the Hotspot will be considered lost and patron will be billed. If a device is disconnected and marked lost, a $110.00 replacement fee will be added to the patron’s account. If the Hotspot is returned within 30 days, the replacement fee will be waived but the overdue fines will be accessed.
• The borrowing patron will be responsible for lost or damaged Hotspots and accessories (includes theft thereof). The cost to replace the Library Hotspot device is $80.00, the charger is $15.00, and the case is $15.

I have read the Mobile Hotspot Lending Policy and I agree to abide by this lending agreement.

Print Name:

______________________________________________________________________________

Signature:

______________________________________________________________________________     

Address:

______________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: ___________________________ 

Email address: __________________________________________________________________

I agree that the Mobile Hotspot is in working order upon checkout. ____________Patron initials

Hotspot #_____________________________

Staff Initials_____________ Date________________

Return Date: ________________ Successful check-in ________________ Staff initials____

Revised 09/12/2022

1. Records of patron registration and circulation which pertain to identifiable individuals shall be regarded as confidential. As permitted by K.S.A. 45-221 (a) (23), they are deemed to be not subject to disclosure under the Kansas Open Records Act. Such records shall not be made available except pursuant to a valid process, order, or warrant. If a warrant is presented it will be referred to the administrator of the SEKnFIND Consortium.
2. This policy will not be so construed to prevent the library from pursuing the return of, or payment for, overdue library materials.
3. Library staff will not disclose patron’s use of the Library with respect to information sought or received, the frequency or content of a patron’s visits to the Library, nor images recorded on the Library security cameras, except as required by law or pursuant to a valid process, order or warrant.

1. The staff of Garnett Public Library will offer assistance to those needing help in using the library, finding the materials they need, using the public access computers and locating information.
2. Telephone reference service is available. All materials available to in-house patrons will be available to telephone patrons to the extent that the information requested lends itself to being conveyed in that manner.

1. The charge to send a fax will be .75 for each page sent.
2. Persons receiving faxes may pick them up by asking at the service desk and paying .25 cents per page. If the person receiving the fax does not pick it up on the same business day, one contact by telephone will be made if the telephone number is available. Faxes not picked up within three business days will be discarded.

1. The library does not have a public copy machine, however staff will make letter sized copies for the public at .25 each, double sided and/or legal sized at .35 and ledger sized at .50 each for black and white copies. 25 or more copies of the same image will be made at a .10 discount for each size.  Charges for color copies are .50 for letter sized, double sided and legal sized at .75 each and ledger sized at 1.00 each.   25 or more copies of the same image will be made at a .10 discount for each size.

ARCHER ROOM RENTAL AGREEMENT

The Garnett Public Library facilities include a public meeting room that is available for the use of individuals, groups and organizations under the following guidelines:

Permissible Meetings:

• Library sponsored/related meetings including without limitation, meetings sponsored or conducted by the Library, the Friends of the Library, the Walker Art Committee, and the Southeast Kansas Library System.
• Only not-for-profit activities.
• Meetings of official agencies, committees and boards of local units of government.
• Businesses may use the meeting rooms for not-for-profit activities. Programs involving the sale, advertisement or promotion of commercial products or services are prohibited.

1. Up to 4 reservations may be scheduled at a time, up to 6 months in advance. Library related programs have first priority for use of the room.  The library reserves the right to cancel other bookings with a two-week advance notice.
2. 2. No fee will be charged for the use of the room; however, a $20.00 cleaning deposit will be due when this agreement is signed. The paperwork should be signed at least 24 hrs. in advance.  The deposit will be returned the day after the room is used, if the room is left clean and neat.  If the deposit is not picked up within 7 days, it will be considered a donation.  Donations are gladly accepted. 
3. If the room is to be used outside of regular library hours, a key must be picked up no more than 24 hours prior, during library hours – if being used on a Sunday or a Monday morning, key must be picked up Saturday. The keys should be returned in the book drop immediately after the group is finished using the room.  If the keys are lost, the group is responsible for the cost of having the locks changed throughout the building.  In such case any portion of the cleaning deposit to which the patron or group using the room might otherwise be entitled, will be retained by the library as partial payment of the costs incurred in changing the locks.
4. No admission fee may be charged, collection be taken or product sold, except for reimbursement of materials required for educational group discussion use. The only exceptions are in the case of paid registration at conferences or institutes, held in cooperation with the library, or payment of fees for regularly scheduled education courses sponsored by non-profit organizations.  Fund raising events sponsored by the Library or other organizations affiliated with the Library are permitted. 
5. Light refreshments excluding alcoholic beverages, may be served but organizations are required to provide their own utensils.
6. The Library has a projector and projector screens available for use. The organization will need to provide any other equipment they may need.
7. The organization will be responsible for setting up the rooms according to its own needs. The Library staff will bear no responsibility.  The organization or group using the room must restore the furniture and room to the order in which it was found.  If they are using the room outside library hours they are also responsible for checking the restrooms and making sure the outside door is locked
8. All publicity (e.g., posters, brochures, throw-aways, radio or TV announcements) must carry the name of the organization sponsoring the meeting. The library may not be identified as a sponsor.
9. Permission to use the Library Meeting Room does not in any way constitute the Library’s endorsement of a group’s policies, practices or beliefs, and no claim to that effect may be used, either implicitly or explicitly in any advertising
10. Neither name nor address of the Library may be used as the official address or headquarters of the organization.
11. Youth organizations using the meeting room must have one adult (over 21) per 10 children present at all times
12. Out of courtesy to others who might want to use the room, if a meeting is cancelled the Library should be notified as soon as possible. If a deposit has been made and the library is not notified of the cancellation, the library reserves the right to retain the deposit.
13. No open flame or smoking is permitted in the meeting room or any place in the library.
14. The group is responsible for any damage incurred during the use of the rental facility (meeting room, restrooms and so forth).
15. The Garnett Public Library and the City of Garnett are not responsible for any injuries that may occur during the rental of the facilities.
16. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
17. No program from the Library may be broadcast or televised without the permission of the director.
18. No group or organization using the meeting room will discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or handicapped status in the provision of service.              
19. Any individual or organization that reserves the meeting room is responsible for any special needs of its audience. This would include any help (interpreters, hearing impaired devices, etc.) needed, other than what the library provides (tables, chairs, handicap accessible restrooms, kitchenette, etc).
20. The Meeting Room is made available free of charge on an equitable, first come, first served basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or organizations requesting its use. Permission to use the Library Meeting Room does not in any way constitute the Library’s endorsement of a group’s policies, practices or beliefs, and no claim to that effect may be used, either implicitly or explicitly in any advertising
21. Exceptions to these policies are possible only by permission of the Garnett Public Library Board of Trustees.

PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

           ____I wish to leave my cleaning deposit as a donation to the library.

           ____I agree to pick up my cleaning deposit within 7 days or it will be considered a donation.

           ____I am leaving my deposit on file because I will be using the room again within 6 months. Anything after 6 months will need a new deposit and new paperwork. At the end of the 6 month time frame the deposit will be considered a donation to the library.

Date and Time of Meeting __________________________________________

Local Contact Person _____________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________

Phone # _________________________    Email address ___________________________________________         

Agreed by _________________________________________________

                                      Signature of Applicant                                        Date

For ____________________________________________________

                                Name of Organization

(Policy Revised 09/12/2022)

In fulfillment of its mission to “provide informational, educational and recreational services, materials and programs to users of all ages”, the Garnett Public Library offers public access to the Internet.

Guidelines for Internet use         

1. Use of the Internet access computer is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Patrons may use the computers for a maximum of 120 minutes per day. If no one is waiting staff may extend the time for another 60 minutes.  After 1 hr. of usage, computer users will be “bumped” if other patrons are waiting. Any patron signing up for public access internet computers between 3:00 and 5:30 during the school year, will only be guaranteed 30 minutes at a time.  Patrons may sign in more than once per day.

Only children under the age of 12 will be allowed to use the computer in the children’s section (parents may assist children if necessary).

2. To prevent equipment damage and data loss, patrons may not install any hardware or software on any library computer.
3. Subject to limitations imposed by law, patrons may use library computers to copy information from any source to removable media. The unauthorized copying of copyrighted material is expressly prohibited.  The library is not responsible for damage or loss to a patron’s hardware, software or data caused by the patron’s use of library equipment.  By allowing public access to its equipment and software, the library does not accept responsibility for any liability incurred by the patron in the use of the library’s equipment and software.
4. Printing may be done at the cost of .15 cents per page. Patrons should use print preview or ask the staff for assistance if they are unfamiliar with printing. Patrons will be charged for each page printed.
5. Objectionable material

The library is concerned for the safety and security of users who access online information.  The library has no control over the content of the Internet and cannot be held responsible for what the user sees when using the Internet.  The purpose of this policy is to restrict access to those materials which are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene.  The restricting of a minor’s access to the Internet beyond that required by this policy is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

A user may not use a library computer:

• to access or display information that is obscene or child pornography as defined by Kansas law
• if a minor, to access or display information that is harmful to minors
• to disclose, use, or disseminate personal information that could threaten or create a vulnerability for a minor, for any other person, or for the library
• to send threatening, obscene, abusive or harassing messages
• to attempt to gain unauthorized access to any data, computer, or network
• for any illegal purpose

The library shall use a DNS-based filter.  Such filter shall be configured as nearly as possible to prevent access to materials that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors while allowing access to other information. It is recognized that filters do not block all inappropriate sites or allow access to all legitimate sites.  The filter will be disabled upon request by an adult, or for a minor to enable access for bona fide research and other lawful purposes.  Computers must not be used to display sexually explicit images, even when sites are not blocked by the filter or when the filter is disabled.

Patrons who encounter web sites which they believe should be blocked but which are not, or who are prevented from accessing web sites which they believe should not be blocked, may submit a complaint.  This should be given in writing to the senior employee in charge and include the URL of the site in question and whether the request is to block or unblock it.  Staff shall examine the site and determine whether it should be blocked or unblocked.  If the filter currently being used is a regional service, the information and recommendation shall be forwarded to the appropriate regional staff.

Complaints about enforcement of this policy or observed patron behavior which violate this policy shall also be submitted in writing to the senior staff person in charge, providing as much detail as possible.

The library shall inform patrons of the provisions of this policy, including the standards used and procedures for complaint, by making the policy available on the library’s web site and in print at the circulation desk.

Some public computers may be reserved for specific functions, such as using specific software or using the library’s catalog.  All other public computers will have Internet access.

Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in the following loss of computer privileges: 

                                         First Offense – 2 weeks

                                         Second Offense – 1 month

                                         Third Offense – Director’s discretion – could result in a permanent ban of computer usage.

6. ECF Equipment. The library has received funding from the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to purchase hotspots.  Any ECF supported equipment and services can only be provided to patrons who declare they do not have access to the equipment or services sufficient to access the internet.
7. Minors using the Internet

Parents or guardians who wish to allow children under the age of 18, access to the Internet must come in and sign an internet permission slip or give permission when applying for a card.         

8. Wireless Internet access

The library will offer wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) for Wi-Fi capable devices within the library. Users must provide their own wireless-enabled device. The library does not provide technical assistance in configuring a patron’s device. These devices should normally run on battery power, but they may be plugged in to a library electrical outlet where this does not create an obstacle, including an electrical cord across a traffic path, for other users of the library.

Patrons may print from their wireless device to the library’s wireless printer at a cost of .15 per page.

Users of the library W-Fi must follow the same guidelines, where applicable as for other Internet use.   Therefore, Wi-Fi access is filtered, sexually explicit images may not be displayed, and the network may not be used to send threatening, obscene, abusive or harassing messages, or for any illegal purposes.

Public Wi-Fi is not secure. Information sent to and from a patron laptop computer device may be captured by someone else with a wireless device and appropriate software. The library assumes no responsibility for changes to a patron’s device, the security of the device, or data files changes resulting from connection to the library’s wireless access.

9. Staff assistance

Library staff members offer assistance with basic computer and internet procedures as time permits but should not be expected to provide in-depth support for computer usage or technical issues. Library staff will not enter personal information for patrons or use their personal or library emails to assist patrons in setting up accounts or ordering items.  Library staff will not assist anyone under the age of 18 in setting up e-mail or social network accounts.              

             (Policy updated 6/13/2022)

In order to provide an environment in which all patrons may safely and freely use and enjoy the library, some expectations regarding patron conduct must be enforced. All patrons observing proper conduct in the library are allowed to freely make use of the library. Those whose conduct compromises the safety or privacy of library users and/or is disruptive to library operations may have the privilege of using the library abridged or denied to the extent necessary to deal with the problem.

No list can be complete, however, conduct which may lead to denial of library privileges includes, but is not limited to, the following.

• damaging library property
• verbal abuse, physical abuse or sexual harassment of library patrons or staff members
• bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a disabled person. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals.
• eating or drinking in restricted areas
• possessing, consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances
• smoking of any kind (including vapor cigarettes)
• “hovering” at the computers when others are using them; the staff reserves the right to allow two people on the computers when one patron is assisting the other
• playing of audio equipment so that others may hear it
• talking loudly enough to disturb others
• use of a cell phone in a manner that disturbs others
• body odor so offensive as to disturb others
• soliciting or selling items in any public area, and in staff areas unless authorized by the senior staff member on duty
• campaigning or petitioning
• anything which may be reasonably expected to result in injury to self or others
• inappropriate public displays of affection and/or sexual misconduct
• any illegal activity

Patrons indulging in improper conduct may be asked to cease that conduct, to move to another location or activity, or to leave the library; severe or recurring problems may be dealt with by barring use of the library to the individual involved, or by making library use conditional. In general, the least restrictive means which effectively deals with the conduct should be employed. Minor problems should be dealt with by the staff member observing it; more serious or recurring problems should be handled by the senior staff member on duty. Only the Director or Board of Trustees may bar an individual indefinitely from use of the library. Police should be called when conduct is illegal, when it poses a threat to the library or an individual, or when an individual refuses to leave the library when asked to do so.

When any serious incident or one in which an individual is asked to leave the library occurs, the senior staff member on duty will prepare a written account for the Director by the end of the next working day.

(Policy Updated 5/10/2022)

1. The library does not provide care or supervision of children, except to the extent needed to uphold library rules of conduct and use, and does not accept responsibility for such care. Parents or other caregivers are responsible for their children’s behavior.
2. Children under the age of seven may not be left unattended in the library, except during scheduled library-sponsored programs.
3. Children age seven and older may be left unattended providing they are mature enough to stay alone and observe proper conduct. Such children are subject to the same rules of conduct as other patrons and the same consequences, including being asked to leave the library. This possibility should be taken into account when deciding whether to leave a child unattended in the library.
4. Children of any age with special needs which render supervision necessary, shall be accompanied by a parent or other caregiver at all times.
5. Children left unattended in the library in violation of this policy may be considered a child in need of care, and the matter referred to the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services or other authorities.
6. If a minor is left at the library at closing time or in the event of an emergency situation, staff will attempt to contact the parents or adult caregivers. If the parent or adult caregivers cannot be contacted the police may be notified. A judgment call based on the child’s maturity or lack thereof will be made whether to leave them unattended or call the authorities.  Staff members will not give the minor a ride home or to any other location.

(Policy Updated 8/9/2017)

1.  The Display Case and Community Gallery are reserved for use by the library or for display of art works, handicrafts, and collectibles.  They are not considered open public forums for uses beyond these.
2. The Library and the City of Garnett assumes no responsibility for damage or theft of items displayed. An agreement to this effect must be signed by anyone displaying in the library.
3. As the Display Case and Community Gallery are located in the library entryway, all items displayed must be suitable for an audience which includes young chil­dren.  Although we realize many times the items on display are for sale, price tags should not be displayed, however contact information may be displayed.  The Library Director is authorized to determine if individu­al items being displayed meet these criteria.
4. Persons wishing to display must provide information regarding what will be displayed, when the display will be installed and removed, and the name and telephone number of a contact person.  Displays in the Display case are normally 4 weeks in duration, the Community Gallery displays are normally 8 weeks.

(Policy Reviewed 9/5/2017)

Announcements and notices of programs and activities sponsored by civic, cultural, and educational groups may be made available to the public through the library’s bulletin board and handout areas.

• Only one copy of any item may be posted on the bulletin board; multiple copies (15 total) of      handouts will be accepted as space allows.
• Items for dated events may be posted no earlier than 30 days before the scheduled event, and    will be removed after the event they publicize is past.
• Items not pertaining to a specific date or pertaining to ongoing meetings, may be reduced in size or removed after one month on the bulletin board or in a handout area.
• Materials that support or oppose any current or pending ballot measure or political candidate will not be accepted.
• Announcements concerning library programs and organizations and agencies in Anderson County are given priority.
• Due to space limitations the library reserves the right to limit the number of announcements displayed and to reject oversized posters.
• The library reserves the right to post city, state and national items of educational or informational interest.
• ALL posters and handouts must be given to library staff for approval and display. Items will not be saved or returned after the allotted time of display.
• Materials left for posting or distribution without authorization from the library staff will be discarded. 
• Distribution or posting of materials by the Library does not indicate the Library’s endorsement of the issues or events promoted by those materials 

(Policy created 6/13/2022)

The Library uses security cameras for the safety and security of library users and staff as well as to protect library assets and operations.

Reasonable efforts will be made to safeguard the privacy of patrons & staff. Cameras are installed in public spaces inside and outside of the Library where patrons have no reasonable expectation of privacy, such as seating areas, stacks, and computer areas. They will not be installed in areas of the Library where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as in restrooms.

Access to the footage is restricted to the library Director and staff designated by the Director.  Viewing should be in staff only areas of the Library to protect patron privacy. Patron access to video footage is not allowed. In situations involving criminal activity, injury, or violation of the Library’s Code of Conduct, stored images may be shared with staff library-wide. Shared images may remain posted in restricted staff areas as long as the ban is in effect.

The Library Director may release a still shot or portions of recorded footage to the police when requesting their assistance to assess a security risk or investigate a crime on Library premises. Otherwise, requests for access by the Lawrence Police Department or any other outside agency will only be allowed upon presentation of a valid subpoena or court order, or when otherwise required by law. All requests for access to footage must be referred to the Library Director.

(Policy created 05/09/2022)

The Garnett Public Library uses social media to increase awareness of and accessibility to its programs, resources, and services, and to encourage engagement and the exchange of information on book and library-related matters. The library’s social media sites are not intended to be traditional public forums for the general exchange of ideas and viewpoints, but a limited public forum for these purposes.

Social media is any website or application which allows users to generate and share content. The library may use several social media tools, including but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Pinterest, Instagram, and blogs.

User feedback posted on a library social networking site or blog is welcomed. Such postings will be monitored regularly by library staff for content and relevancy. Any postings deemed to contain inappropriate content by the library director or staff will be removed.

Examples of inappropriate content include:

• Offensive, obscene, sexist, or racist content
• Personal attacks, insults or threatening or defamatory language
• Plagiarized and/or copyrighted material
• Commercial advertisements or spam
• Comments or links not related to the discussion
• Private, personal information published without consent
• Potentially libelous statements
• Organized political activity
• Spam

Content that is in context to the conversation will not be removed by library staff, whether the content is favorable or unfavorable to the Garnett Public Library.

Library staff can make original posts and comments on the library’s social media sites. Posts made by library staff shall assist with the library’s mission statement, “to provide informational, educational, technological and recreational services, materials and programs to users of all ages.”       

Staff shall not use library social media to post commercial, religious, or overtly political content outside the library’s mission.

 Library staff should present content in a professional manner and should check facts, cite  

 sources, avoid copyright infringement, present balanced views, acknowledge and correct errors 

 and check grammar and spelling before posting.

The library may share and/or connect to the social media pages of other groups and individuals, for instance by “liking” a page on Facebook, “following” a user on Twitter, etc. Staff should exercise judgment in deciding which pages are appropriate to connect to in this way. The library does not use social media to imply endorsement of political figures or beliefs, religious organizations, or commercial entities.

Confidential work-related matters, or any information which is not designed to be shared with the public, should not be discussed through social media. Posts should not reference library patrons without their consent. 

The library retains the right to reproduce comments, posts, and messages in other public venues.

(Policy Created 06/13/2022)

It is a responsibility of the library, whose constituency is all the people, to notify them of services that are available. The library is also responsible for designing its services to meet the community’s needs. These efforts should include the Library trustees, the public and the library staff. Each has a role to play in developing and maintaining good public relations. 

     The objectives of the library’s public relations program are:

• To promote community awareness of library services.
• To stimulate public interest in and usage of the library.
• To develop public understanding and support of the library and its role in the community.

The following means shall be used to accomplish these objectives

1. An annual plan of specific goals and activities shall be developed, and sufficient funds shall be allocated to carry out the program.

2. The library director or a designated qualified staff member shall have the responsibility for coordinating the public relations and public information activities.

3. Surveys of the community shall be made as needed to assure the Garnett Public Library’s responsiveness to the interests and needs of all citizens.

4. Personal and informational contacts shall be maintained with government officials, opinion leaders, service clubs, civic associations, and other community organizations by library staff and board members.

5. Training sessions, workshops and other aids shall be made available to library staff members to assure courteous, efficient and friendly contact with library patrons and the general public.

6. The Garnett Public Library may sponsor programs, classes, exhibits, and other library-centered activities and shall cooperate with other groups in organizing these to fulfill the community’s need for educational, cultural, informational, or recreational opportunities.

7. Local media shall be used to keep the public aware of and informed about the library’s resources and services.

8. Newsletters, brochures, and other promotional materials shall be produced and distributed through regular mailings (usually the Friends of the Library newsletter) and other effective methods of reaching the public. The library shall maintain a webpage and a Facebook page that is kept up to date with upcoming activities as well as general information about the library. Other social media such as Pinterest and Twitter may be used as well if appropriate.   Email addresses obtained at the time of patron registration will be used to send out information on upcoming programs or important library announcements.

(Policy Reviewed 9/5/2017)

The provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 will be upheld.

(Policy Reviewed 9/5/2017)

The words “book”, “library materials”, or other synonyms as they may occur in this policy have the widest possible meaning; hence it is implicit in this policy that every form of permanent records is to be included, whether printed or in manuscript; bound or unbound; photographed or otherwise reproduced. This includes, but is not limited to books, periodicals, audio recordings, video recordings, and electronic media.

“Selection” refers to the decision that must be made to add a given book or item to the collection. It also refers to the decision that must be made whether to retain a book or item already in the collection. It does not refer to reader guidance.

Responsibility for library material selection lies with the Library Director, and to those staff members to whom he/she delegates the responsibility. Suggestions from patrons are welcome and given serious consideration within the general criteria. Unusual problems or deviation from the policy will be referred to the Director for resolution.

The primary objectives of library material selection shall be to collect materials of contemporary significance and of permanent value. The Library will always be guided by a sense of responsibility to both present and future in adding materials which will enrich the collections and maintain an overall balance. The Library also recognizes an immediate duty to make available materials for enlightenment and recreation, even though such materials may not have enduring interest or value. The Library does not consider it necessary or desirable to acquire all books on any subject.

The Library recognizes that many books are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selections will not be made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the work in relation to the building of the collections and to serving the interests of patrons. Materials are evaluated as a whole and not on the basis of a particular passage or passages.  The selection of any title does not constitute endorsement of its contents.  (Revised 09/12/2022)

Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents. The use of rare or scholarly items of great value may be controlled to the extent required to preserve them from harm, but no further.

Responsibility for what children check-out rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that adult books may inadvertently come into the possession of children. Children’s books will be selected with the age and educational level of the children in mind.

1. The Library will not attempt to acquire textbooks or other curriculum-related materials except those which will also serve the general public.
2. Legal and medical works will be acquired only to the extent that they are useful to the lay person.
3. Because Library patrons represent a wide range of backgrounds, educational levels, ages and reading skills, it will seek to select materials of varying complexity.
4. Special commercial, industrial, cultural, and civic enterprises of the community will be paid due regard in materials selection.
5. The use of standard book selection tools available to the librarians will be used in the selection of materials.
6. The following general criteria are considered in selecting materials:a. permanent value
   b. Contemporary significance: i.e., attention of critics, reviewers and the public 
   c. popular interest
   d. widely regarded critical reputation of author 
   e. comprehensiveness and depth of treatment 
   f. clarity, accuracy and logic of presentation 
   g. reputation of publisher 
   h. date of publication 
   i. relationship to existing collection 
   j. artistic merit 
   k. insight and/or perspective into human and social conditions 
   l. price 
   m. local interest or relevance 
   n. availability of specific formats
7. Computer Software shall be chosen based on current patron and staff needs. Compatibility, vendor support and ease of use will all be considered.

(Reviewed 1/07/2019)

Materials infrequently used and not of lasting value will be periodically withdrawn from the collections. Obsolete materials include books with outdated information, superseded editions, duplicates, and worn-out items. Items that are worn but are still in demand will be replaced with a newer copy if available.      (Revised 2/5/2019)

The library is grateful for the generosity of persons who make gifts to the library which allow us to stretch our resources and make available items which would otherwise not be available to the community.

Gifts of books and other materials are accepted with the understanding that items not added to the collection may be disposed of through the library book sale, or other means. The library reserves the right to decline books and materials if they are duplicates, outdated, in poor condition, the subject is already sufficiently covered or they are not in compliance with library policy.

Monetary gifts will also be accepted. Funds will be spent on materials, furnishings, projects and /or programs that will benefit the library and its patrons.  The donor(s), library director, and the library board of trustees will work together to apply funds, though the library board will retain the final approval regarding their use.

Non-monetary gifts other than books may be accepted with the understanding that the library is free to use them as needed, and dispose of them if no longer needed. The library reserves the right to decline non-monetary gifts if they are not in compliance with library policy or not needed by the library

No appraisals will be made for non-monetary gifts. On request, we will provide a statement for tax purposes describing the gift.

(revised 09/12/2022)

The Garnett Public Library adheres to and wholly supports the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statements both of which are considered as part of this selection policy.  See Appendix A. The Board of Trustees has also adopted the American Library Association’s statement on:

1) Labeling, 2) Diversity in Collection Development, 3) Challenged Materials, 4) Expurgation of Library Materials and 5) Free Access of Libraries for Minors. See appendix A.

Process for Reconsideration of Library Materials

1. All challenges of materials are handled by the director. An appointment may be set up for the complainant to meet with the director in person.
2. A private area should be chosen for the meeting. The Library Director and another staff person or board member will listen calmly and courteously. The individual or group must be treated with dignity. The Library Director will explain the general criteria of the library’s selection policy to the complainant. It should be made clear that the Library Board of Trustees subscribes to the Freedom Statements in Appendix A of the library policy. If the patron wishes to pursue the matter, he/she will be provided with a copy of the selection policy and a reconsideration form.
3. The patron will fill out in full the reconsideration form, giving specific data required.
4. Upon receipt of the signed form, the Library Director will examine the material in question, the issues raised, and the circumstances involved.  He/she will then make a decision to remove or retain the material in question.
5. The Library Director will respond in writing to the complainant within two weeks of receipt, and will inform the individual of the availability of a Board hearing.
6. If the complainant desires a Board hearing, they may send a request in writing to the Library Director.  The material, reconsideration form, and other relevant material will be presented to the Board at its next regular meeting.
7. The Board will review the materials and the reconsideration form listing the patron’s objections. Final resolution of the matter will be made by the Board with the guidelines for selection in mind.

Materials will remain in circulation while under challenge unless a decision to remove them from the collection is made as outlined in #4 or #7 above.

(Revised 09/12/2022)

(1)All challenges of materials are handled by the director. An appointment may be set up for the complainant to meet with the director in person.

(2)A private area should be chosen for the meeting. The Library Director and another staff person or board member will listen calmly and courteously. The individual or group must be treated with dignity. The Library Director will explain the general criteria of the library’s selection policy to the complainant. It should be made clear that the Library Board of Trustees subscribes to the Freedom Statements in Appendix A of the library policy. If the patron wishes to pursue the matter, he/she will be provided with a copy of the selection policy and a reconsideration form.

(3)  The patron will fill out in full the reconsideration form, giving specific data required.

(4)  Upon receipt of the signed form, the Library Director will examine the material in question, the issues raised, and the circumstances involved.  He/she will then make a decision to remove or retain the material in question.

(5)  The Library Director will respond in writing to the complainant within two weeks of receipt, and will inform the individual of the availability of a Board hearing.

(6)  If the complainant desires a Board hearing, they may send a request in writing to the Library Director.  The material, reconsideration form, and other relevant material will be presented to the Board at its next regular meeting.

(7)  The Board will review the materials and the reconsideration form listing the patron’s objections. Final resolution of the matter will be made by the Board with the guidelines for selection in mind.

Materials will remain in circulation while under challenge unless a decision to remove them from the collection is made as outlined in #4 or #7 above.

(Revised 09/12/2022)

Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Ill. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961;
June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019. Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.

Although the Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are unambiguous statements of basic principles that should govern the service of all libraries, questions do arise concerning application of these principles to specific library practices. See the documents designated by the Intellectual Freedom Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights (https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations).

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 or 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 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.
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 culture 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 democratic 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.
3. It is 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 expression 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.
A Joint Statement by:

American Library Association https://www.ala.org/
Association of American Publishers https://publishers.org/

Subsequently endorsed by:

American Booksellers for Free Expression (https://www.bookweb.org/advocacy#abfe)
The Association of American University Presses
(https://aupresses.org/)
The Children’s Book Council
(https://www.cbcbooks.org/)
Freedom to Read Foundation
(https://www.ftrf.org/)
National Association of College Stores
(https://www.nacs.org/)
National Coalition Against Censorship
(https://ncac.org/)
National Council of Teachers of English
(https://ncte.org/)
The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression