The Library Board is responsible for establishing policies and rules of conduct for preserving and protecting the library building and its materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds, and to protect the safety of all library patrons, staff and volunteers.
NOT PERMITTED
• ALCOHOL
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the library or on the grounds.
• ANIMALS
Animals are prohibited from entering library facilities, with the exception of service animals (as defined by ADA law), animals featured in programs sponsored by the Library, or animals used by law enforcement agencies.
• DRUGS
The use or distribution of any illegal or harmful drugs on library property is not allowed.
• FOOD AND DRINK
In order to maintain a clean and hygienic environment and preserve the Library’s collection and facilities, the Library does not permit food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, to be consumed in the library—other than water within a sealable container or in areas specifically designated by library administration, including meeting rooms (which may be used in accordance with the Library’s Meeting Facilities Policy).
• GAMBLING
Gambling in any form is not permitted in the library building.
• PHONES
While the possession of cell phones is not prohibited in the library, patrons are requested to turn off notification sounds or ring tones that may be disruptive to others and limit use to texting. In an emergency, the library phone may be used for local calls: charge $0.25.
• SMOKING
No person shall smoke, carry or possess any lighted tobacco, or use any tobacco products including “electronic cigarettes” or similar while in the library building or on Library grounds.
• TRANSPORTATION DEVICES
All motor vehicles, bicycles, scooters, or any other kind of transportation shall be parked outside the building in designated areas. Roller-skates, rollerblades, and skateboards may not be brought into the premises. The only modes of transportation allowed inside the building are individual devices needed by the physically handicapped, baby carriages, or strollers.
• WEAPONS
A patron shall not possess knives, firearms, or any type of weapon while on the premises, unless authorized by law. Any person authorized to carry a weapon must notify library staff that they are carrying a weapon in the library.
Violation of Rules
Individuals violating any of these rules may be asked to leave by the staff member in charge. Individuals refusing to leave may be arrested for trespass. They may also, in appropriate circumstances, have their Library privileges revoked or suspended by the Library Director and/or be subject to legal proceedings. A written appeal of such revocation or suspension can be submitted to the Library Board of Trustees. The appeal will be reviewed and decided by the Library Board of Trustees, and their decision will be final.
Loans
Magazines, most DVDs, children’s holiday books, and new adult books have a two-week loan period. All other material has a 4-week loan period. New DVDs are available for one week only.
Renewals
All Elmwood Park items may be renewed up to twice, unless another patron is currently waiting for the item.
If an item that should have renewals is available but currently shows zero renewals online, this may be because another patron is currently waiting for the item.
Overdue Fines
Patrons will accrue late fines if they do not return items belonging to the Elmwood Park Library by its due date.
An overdue fine of $0.10 per item will be issued for each day an item is late, up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.
When a patron has accrued $10.00 in fines, the computer automatically blocks them from borrowing.
Patrons returning books from another BCCLS library to Elmwood Park will be charged per item per calendar day, in accordance with the policy of the library that lent the item.
Senior citizens are exempt from paying fines for Elmwood Park Library materials if they show their Medicare cards or driver’s license.
Refunds
Refunds will be made only for Elmwood Park items lost and paid by Elmwood Park borrowers and only if the item is found within 30 days of payment.
Lost Items
An item that has been overdue for 60 days is declared lost and a bill is sent to the patron for the price of the item.
Richard A. Mola Public Library accepts replacement copies of lost Elmwood Park items in lieu of payment. The replacement item must be unused and must have the same ISBN/UPC as the item it is replacing.
A lost Elmwood Park item that is later found may be returned to the Richard A. Mola Public Library. Doing so will replace the charge for the price of the item with the item’s overdue fine.
This is only true for lost items from Elmwood Park’s Library. If a patron borrows a book from another BCCLS Library and it has been marked lost, then the Richard A. Mola Public Library must reimburse the other Library for the cost of the lost item. Once the Library has paid for that item, we can no longer accept the item’s return and the patron must pay for the cost of the item.
Display Case Use Policy
The Library provides opportunities to individuals, community groups, and organizations whose objectives are cultural, educational, or civic in character to display materials temporarily in the designated display cases within the Library. The display cases are not available for use by for-profit organizations. A for-profit organization is one whose primary purpose is the sale of property or services for monetary gain. Use of the display cases must follow conditions established by the Board of Trustees. The following conditions and regulations apply:
One Month Exhibits
Each exhibit is scheduled for the period of one calendar month. The display period begins on the first working day of the month and ends on the last working day of the month but can be extended at the discretion of staff members responsible for arrangements.
Priorities
Priorities for the use of a display case will be determined in the following order:
- Elmwood Park Public Library
- Official agencies and government departments of Elmwood Park
- Individuals residing or organizations based in Elmwood Park
- Art, crafts, or special exhibits in conjunction with a local school or community group
- All others
An individual or organization may apply for display space only if they have not applied in the previous six months.
Materials Displayed
Exhibit materials must be of an appropriate size and quantity to fill the display case. Each exhibit must conspicuously contain the name(s) of the exhibitor and/or sponsor of the display. (First name, last initial only will be adhered to for displays by minors.)
The Library will not facilitate the sale of any materials. Prices may not be affixed to any material on display. However, the Library can keep business cards or contact information for people inquiring about collectibles or art, with the express permission of the display applicant.
All materials in the Library will be given reasonable care and protection within the limits of the general operation of the Library, but the Library and the Board do not assume responsibility for damages or loss suffered on its premises, nor the cost of insurance coverage. Such costs, losses, damages, etc., are understood to be the responsibility of the organization or individual providing the display.
The Library does not carry insurance on any items owned by the exhibitor. Exhibitors are encouraged to insure any valuable displayed materials.
The Library will not provide storage for the property of organizations or individuals displaying in the Library.
All exhibitors are required to sign a Request and Release Form, which releases the Library from any responsibility for displayed items.
Prohibited Displays
The Library welcomes expression of all viewpoints, but displays may not advertise commercial endeavors, advocate the election of specific candidates, or seek to influence the votes of a legislative body or the policy decisions of a governmental body. Furthermore, to prevent injury to Library patrons, material that threatens violence or intimidation of any individual or group; is obscene, defamatory, or invades a particular person’s privacy may not be displayed.
Removal of Materials by Library
The Library will remove any materials or displays violating these policies from the display case immediately. The Library may also remove any materials not removed from a display case by the Library’s closing hour on the last working day of the month. The Library will not be responsible for the storage or condition of any materials removed.
All material for display must be picked up within 30 days of the end of display or it may be disposed of or donated at the Library’s discretion.
Patrons are solely responsible for their own property. The Richard A. Mola Public Library is not responsible for lost items.
As a courtesy, the Library will retain found items for 30 days. Staff will make a reasonable attempt to contact the rightful owner if the item has identifying information. For items such as driver’s licenses, credit cards, social security cards, passports, library cards, or student ID cards, the Circulation Department will attempt to notify the individual. If unclaimed, these items will be safely disposed of after 30 days.
Patrons may leave their name, contact information, and a description of a lost item with the Library. While we will try to help, we cannot guarantee items will be found. Patrons are encouraged to check back periodically.
To claim a lost item, patrons must satisfactorily describe it. A valid photo ID may be required.
Unattended personal items may be picked up by staff at any time. The Library is not responsible for unattended items mistaken as lost. Patrons should keep personal belongings in sight at all times.
Library Guidelines for Lost and Found Items:
- Suspicious items will be reported to the police immediately.
- Perishable, personal care, or hazardous items will be discarded immediately.
- Flash drives will be safely discarded after 30 days; staff will not access their contents.
- High-value items (over $100) will be secured and turned over to the police after 30 days.
- Low-value items (under $100) will be held for 30 days. If unclaimed, they may be donated or discarded.
- Found cash will be retained for 30 days. If unclaimed, it will be deposited into the Library’s donations account.
- The Library is not liable if lost items are claimed by someone other than the rightful owner.
