Baxter County Library Facilities Use Policy

The Baxter County Library Board, in accordance with state law, and to ensure that the library system operates and is administered in the best interests of the public it serves, establishes the following policy governing the use of the Baxter County Library and its branches.

Library Materials and Equipment

1. Control of Library materials is governed by the current “Collection Development” and “Circulation” policies.  Unauthorized removal of materials from the library is in violation of Arkansas State laws.  Authorized library staff who have reason to believe that a person has concealed any library material upon his person or in his belongings may detain and question that person in a reasonable manner for the purpose of determining whether or not library material has been concealed. 
2. Use of all equipment is on a first come, first served basis.  Computer Use is governed by the current “Computer Use” policy.  Refunds from the coin-operated photocopy machines will be made only if no copies were produced.
3. Patrons may not use the library telephones except in case of emergency and with approval of library staff.

Library Facilities Use

1. The public areas of the library shall be kept clean and the furniture in good repair.  Malicious destruction or vandalism of library property will be prosecuted. 
2. No smoking, eating or drinking is allowed in the enclosed public areas of the library.
3. Pets are not allowed in the library except those used for library programming or service animals.
4. Bathing in the public restrooms, sleeping, bare feet, bathing attire, or the leaving of personal property for safekeeping is not allowed.
5. Exhibits and displays of an artistic, cultural, and informational nature can be mounted at the library within the limits of available space for organized and tasteful display.  All such exhibits or displays must be approved in advance by the Librarian.  Persons loaning items do so at their own risk and are required to sign a waiver which releases the library from any liability incurred through damage to or loss of any exhibited material.
6. All material posted on the public bulletin board must have prior approval.  Advertisements of personal or business nature are not allowed.  Priority will be given to informational notices related to library program matter and of an educational or cultural nature.  The bulletin board will be updated periodically by removing any notice that has served its purpose.
7. The multi-purpose Meeting/Program Room is intended to serve as an auxiliary area to support library operations and programs such as:
• Library related workshops and programs
• Staff meetings
• Book Sales
• Educational and cultural events sponsored by non-profit organizations
• Study area for library patrons

Subject to availability, the Meeting/Program Room may be scheduled for use by community organizations.   Groups meeting solely for recreational purposes or for commercial purposes will be charged $25 per half day.  Use of the Meeting/Program Room is subject to the following regulations:
The room is available only during regular library hours.  The room will not be made available to any person/group if, in the opinion of the Librarian, the proposed activity would interfere with the normal operations of the library.   Should scheduling conflicts occur, the library reserves the right to resolve by rescheduling prior room use commitments.



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• Anyone using the Meeting/Program Room assumes responsibility for setting up and taking down tables and chairs and for damage to the room or its contents.  Users are responsible for learning to operate any equipment well in advance so as not to disrupt library operations with requests for assistance with equipment.
• The room must be vacated 15 minutes before established library closing time.  The room is to be restored to its original condition.

Patron Responsibilities
The public areas of the library are intended to provide a pleasant and peaceful environment. 

• Standards of cleanliness/personal hygiene must be such that those using the library or its equipment do not offend other library users or library staff.
• Library patrons are requested and expected to assist the staff in maintaining a reasonably quiet and orderly atmosphere and to respect the privacy of others.  Accordingly, the following activities are prohibited on library premises:

• soliciting, campaigning, or loitering
• obscene or profane language
• unreasonable noise, violent, or  riotous, or  behavior
• running, climbing or disorderly behavior

• Children are not to be left unattended in the library or on library premises.

Violation of Policy/Regulations
For any violation of these policies and/or regulations the library board or the librarian may exclude any member of the public from the library premises for a specified time period and/or withdraw library privileges.

Adopted by the Baxter County Library Board 9/22/93
Revised 3/6/97
Reviewed and Revised 3/17/2004
Reviewed and Revised 1/182006

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