Varnum Memorial Library Policies
Updated February 22, 2022
Policies updated and approved by the Library Board of Directors on April 26, 2002
Amended with motion on 7/26/2022
To ensure Library policies are current and in compliance with state/federal regulations and Library operation, the policies are reviewed by the Board of Directors every two years (even-numbered years). Changes shall be made as needed, with the board reaching consensus to implement any changes. If a policy is at any time declared invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction or through government regulations or decree, the affected policy(ies) shall be amended to be in compliance.
Table of Contents:
Purpose……………………………………………………...………………………………… 1
Intellectual Freedom and Materials Selection Policy………...…………………………… 1
Confidentiality………………...……………..………………………………………………......4
Anti-Discrimination….…………………………………………………………………………..4
Library Management and Operations…………..…………………………………………… 5
Inter-Library Loan (ILL)……….……...……………………………………………………….. 6
Code of Conduct……………...………………………………………………….……………..7
Public Health…………………………………………………………………………………….8
Volunteers………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Use of Varnum Memorial Library Building and Facilities Policy……...…………………….9
Social Media Policy……………………………………………………………………………11
Programming Policy…………………………………………………………………………..12
Appendix A: Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources Form………………….14
Appendix B: Application for Use of the Varnum Memorial Library………………………..15
Appendix C: Varnum Memorial Library Patron Inter-Library Loan Agreement……….....16
Purpose
The Varnum Memorial Library and its Board of Directors strive to anticipate and meet the community’s needs by providing fiction and nonfiction written works, audio and visual materials, and internet access for adults, young adults and children. When congruent with Building Use Policy, the Varnum Memorial Library may serve as a public meeting space for community members and events.
Intellectual Freedom and Materials Selection Policy
Intellectual Freedom
The Varnum Memorial Library does not promote particular beliefs or views, nor is the selection of any library material equivalent to endorsement of the viewpoint of the author expressed therein. The primary objective of the Varnum Memorial Library is to provide library materials which are selected on the basis of interest, information, and enlightenment of the people in the service area. No material shall be excluded because of age, race, color, creed, religion, place of birth, ancestry, political affiliation, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, military/uniformed service or verteran’s status, disability, or other legally protected classification of the author.
Additionally, materials shall be selected by the Library Director based on the diverse interests and needs of the people of the community.
The Varnum Memorial Library, although not a fully public institution, subscribes to the principles of intellectual freedom as stated in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement. Included in these statements is the commitment to honor the rights of all individuals. Accordingly, the Varnum Memorial Library provides equal service to all users. All registered patrons are equally free to use and borrow from the entire library collection, with the exception of non-circulation materials identified within the Vermont Collection which, while available for use, must remain on the premises.
Material Selection Principles
Material selection for the Varnum Memorial Library shall be at the discretion of the Library Director with input by the Board of Directors as necessary.
The Library Director shall utilize their professional judgment and expertise, enhanced by an understanding of the community’s needs. For this process they will use professional reviews, standard lists of basic works, recommendations from professional journals, their knowledge of authors and publishers and bibliographic essays prepared by subject specialists.
The public’s recommendations shall receive careful consideration in terms of the Library’s overall objectives and the existing book collection.
All materials acquired should meet high standards of quality in content, expression, and form. The Library Director will review the collection regularly to assess its continued relevance to the audience and the public it serves, judging its strengths and weaknesses, adding to or subtracting from it according to general principles below.
Criteria for Selection of Library Materials:
Library materials include items such as books, audio-visual materials, periodicals and various items of equipment useful to community members. Evaluative factors for selection of library materials by the Library Director are:
Factual accuracy and authoritativeness
effective expression
significance of subject
sincerity and responsibility of opinion
current usefulness
interest
permanent value
importance as record of the times
patron demand
relation to the existing collection and usefulness in presenting a diversity of information on issues
relative importance in comparison with other works on the subject
sufficient standards in quality in content, format and binding
Materials, both fiction and non-fiction in all formats, should be favorably reviewed in several established professional journals. Careful consideration will be made when adding books and other library materials.
The library acknowledges its responsibility and commitment to preserve Vermont, Cambridge, and Jeffersonville-oriented materials of historical, genealogical, or literary nature. Books by local authors and other materials of local interest will be given special consideration.
Censorship, Freedom, and Rights
The Varnum Memorial Library adheres to the tenets as set forth in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the American Library Association. All patrons have free and open access to all library materials.
Materials of the required quality, serving the purposes of the library and relating to an existing need or interest, will not be removed because of pressure by groups or individuals expressing disapproval, but materials exhibiting balancing points of view will be offered.
It is the responsibility of legal caregivers to determine what their children, and only their children, may read, view, listen to, or access electronically. The selection of materials will not be restricted by the possibility that young people may obtain materials their legal caregivers consider inappropriate.
The Varnum Memorial Library maintains the confidentiality of its circulation records.
Gifts
The Varnum Memorial Library is pleased to accept donations of books or other library materials as well as monetary donations. The Varnum will accept gifts with the understanding that the materials will be added to the library or its collection only when needed and shall meet the same criteria as purchased materials. The Varnum accepts these gifts on the condition that their use is at the discretion of the Library Director. If not added, the library has the right to disperse or dispose of the item(s). Memorial books are accepted by the library. Patrons wishing to make such a gift should consult with the Library Director before making a choice of book(s).
If a patron wishes to receive a receipt for tax deduction purposes, the patron should list the materials they are donating, which the Library Director may sign as a representative of the Varnum Memorial Library. The value of the materials, however, is to be stated by the donor and is not determined by the Library Director. If desired, the donor may use a pre-created form obtained from the Library Director.
Material Dispersal and Disposal
The deliberate, measured, routine evaluation of library materials in relation to the collection, as a whole and the community at large is part of the library’s normal procedure.
The same criteria used in selecting materials apply to the systematic removal or replacement of outdated, inaccurate, no longer useful, seldom used, or worn items. Each withdrawal or replacement is judged by standard library tools to determine its retention value, as part of the overall collection, or its current usefulness.
Materials no longer useful to the library may be given to other libraries, sold for the benefit of the library, or discarded.
The authority for the final withdrawal of materials rests with the Library Director.
Challenges of Library Materials
In the event a library patron wishes to protest the inclusion of a particular item in the collection, a library-sponsored program, or a social media post approved by the Library Director and/or the Board of Directors, they must submit a written request on the Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources Form. The form should be completed in full and submitted to the Library Director who will refer it to the Varnum Board of Directors with a recommendation for appropriate action as necessary.
In the event of a challenge, the procedure shall be:
The Library Director will discuss the challenge and the selection procedure with the complainant.
If the complainant wishes further consideration of their objection to the library material/program/social media post under reconsideration, they will be requested to fill out a form titled “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” and submit this to the Library Director.
The Library Director will inform staff members and the Board of Directors of the complaint.
The challenged material/program/social media post will remain available to the public during the reconsideration process.
Upon receipt of the completed form, the Library Director will present it to the President of the Board of Directors and the request will be incorporated into the agenda of the next regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting. The complainant will be notified of this meeting.
Prior to the next regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting, the Library Director and the Board of Directors who have read, viewed, or listened to the material in its entirety, checked general acceptance of the material by reading reviews, and consulting recommended lists, will determine the value of the material to the collection.
The Library Director and the Board of Directors present a written recommendation to the complainant. The recommendation will be based on their knowledge of the material as well as their understanding of the library’s selection policy and the Library Bill of Rights.
Confidentiality
The Varnum Memorial Library maintains confidentiality in accordance with federal and state regulations with regard to its circulation records and other records identifying the names of Library patrons and the materials they have used.
Under Vermont law, a parent or guardian of a child under age 16 who has a Library card may request and receive circulation records pertaining to that child. A parent or guardian must have the documented permission from a child 16 years of age or older who has a Library card to request and receive the number and titles of overdue books on the card and the amount of any fines and/or fees associated with the record.
Circulation records and other records that link the names of Library patrons with specific materials are confidential. Such records will not be made available to any party except as required by law.
Anti-Discrimination
The Varnum Memorial Library supports the intellectual freedom of all Library users regardless of age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, country of national origin, religion, nationality, ethnicity, or political affiliation. The Library does not condone discriminatory practices in the administration of its responsibilities, or toward the public it serves, or the materials selected to be part of the Library collection. It is not the responsibility of the Library staff, volunteers, or the Board of Directors to determine the appropriateness of materials accessed by its patrons through the collection or internet.
Library Management and Operations
Hours of Operation
The Varnum Memorial Library is open 40 hours per week.
It is closed on:
New Years’ Day
Memorial Day (observed),
Independence Day,
Labor Day,
Thanksgiving holiday (day of and day after Thanksgiving)
Christmas holiday (Dec. 24th-26th)and other days as determined by the Library Director and/or Board of Directors (i.e. set up for book sale, inclement weather)
Regular hours of operation are:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9-6
Wednesday: 9-6
Thursday: 8-6
Friday: 9-3
Saturday: 9-3
Sunday: Closed
Access by Patrons
Residents of and visitors to the Towns of Cambridge and contiguous towns may apply for a Library card, entitling them to borrow print, audio and video media. Any member of the public may have onsite use of the Library’s materials and computers.
To apply and qualify for a Library card, in addition to filling out a Patron Application, the applicant must show proof of residence. Acceptable proof of residence is:
Driver’s license or other photo ID showing current residence, or
Utility bill (electric, phone, gas/oil) showing current residence with photo ID
For visitors staying for an extended period who wish to apply for and qualify for a Library card, the applicant must:
Provide local contact information including address and telephone number.
Provide proof of permanent residence either with a valid drivers’ license or current utility bill.
Parents or guardians of any child under the age of 17 will be asked to sign a registration sheet and be responsible for materials signed out for or by the child.
Borrowing
Individuals holding a valid Library card for the Varnum Memorial Library are entitled to borrow books, audio CDs and DVDs for three (3) weeks. It is the responsibility of the borrower to abide by the assigned due dates and return the materials in good condition. Failure to meet these requirements will result in fines and/or the suspension of borrowing privileges.
Library patrons under the age of 16 may not borrow any visual materials rated “R” by the Motion Picture Association unless given permission to do so by a legal guardian. This permission will be noted on the patron’s account and can be removed at any time by the under-aged patron’s legal guardian. Beyond this sole restriction, please refer to subsection: Censorship, Freedom and Rights for further guidance.
Any patron wishing to renew an item may do so by:
bringing it to the Library,
calling the Library, or
going online to their account.
Borrowers will be charged the replacement cost of materials lost or damaged.
Inter-Library Loan (ILL)
The Varnum participates in the free inter-library loan program, which allows all patrons who have Varnum Memorial Library patron cards to borrow materials from libraries throughout Vermont. The Varnum is not able to honor requests from out-of-state locations at this time.
All new and existing patrons will be required to have a completed Inter-Library Loan Agreement on file with the Varnum prior to the (continued) use of this program. This form is found in Appendix C.
The loan period for materials requested and received through ILL can vary as the due dates are set forth by the lending library. Most materials are available for a 3 week period. The Varnum staff will do their best to request extensions for patrons when requested, but the final determination lies with the lending library.
Varnum patrons are limited to no more than 3 requests at one time.
Inter-Library Loans are subject to a $35 per item charge if not returned or returned in a damaged state as determined by the Library Director and or the lending library.
Code of Conduct
The Varnum Memorial Library welcomes all visitors. Our Conduct Policy is intended to ensure that our library facilities are safe, welcoming, and provide equitable access to materials and services for all library users.
We ask that patrons and visitors show respect for everyone in the library. Speak mindfully of volume and use appropriate language and behavior.
Please comply with all guidelines as put forth by the Board of Directors and posted within the premises.
Regarding computer use, the Varnum computers are made available to the public for public use. As such, computers are stationed as space allows and at the discretion of the Library staff. Expectations of privacy must be understood within the context of the public nature and space-constraints of the library. If a user is dissatisfied with the level of privacy afforded at the computer stations, then the responsibility lies with the user to meet those expectations outside the Varnum’s offerings.
Cell phone use is permitted within the library building, however, be mindful of volume and take calls out of doors when asked or deemed appropriate.
Food and beverages are allowed within the library; patrons are responsible for any and all messes incurred within the library. The library staff reserves the right to restrict usage if deemed appropriate.
Only covered beverages and no food items are allowed in the computer use area.
Appropriate attire is required within the library building; shirts and socks/or shoes must be worn at all times.
Smoking, vaping, alcohol use and the use of illegal drugs are not permitted anywhere on the library property. Patrons impaired by alcohol or drugs are not permitted within the library.
Service animals are permitted as by law; all other animals are not permitted unless approved by the Library Director.
Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Library policies and guidelines must be followed. Failure to comply with the reasonable direction of library staff may result in being asked to leave the premises.
Weapons on Library Property
The Library strives to maintain the safety of its patrons, staff, and volunteers. With the exception of police personnel engaged in police work, no person shall be allowed to carry a concealed weapon or to openly carry a weapon in the Library or on the Library property. Any person violating the weapons policy shall be denied entrance to the building or ordered to leave the building. Any Library employee or volunteer violating this policy may be disciplined.
Emergencies and Dispensing of Medications
The Varnum library maintains a supply of NARCAN on-site to be administered by the trained library staff, volunteers, or members of the public in the event of a suspected overdose. Library employees are protected from any legal recourse as stated in Vermont statue: 18 V.S.A. § 4254.
Public Health
Decisions will periodically be made in regards to issues of public health. As with all policies and procedures, considerations will be based on current scientific findings and the recommendations of State of Vermont Health authorities in conjunction with the CDC. Additionally, recognizing that the Staff of the Varnum are ultimately the frontline agents of the organization, final decisions in regards to public health expectations will reside with the Library Director. The Library Director will be expected to timely communicate with the President of the Board all decisions.
Volunteers
The Varnum recognizes the vital role that volunteers play in the special events and projects of the library. It must always be the intention when accepting volunteer labor that the library acknowledges their spirit of generosity of service. Individuals interested in becoming a volunteer shall complete and submit an application to the Library Director. The application shall be reviewed by the Library Director and Board. Subsequent to a successful interview with the Director, the applicant will provide authorization for a criminal background check and 3 references. The successful volunteer will coordinate with the Library Director to determine best placement and hours.
Overall Policy on Utilization of Volunteers: The Varnum accepts and encourages the involvement of volunteers at all levels and within all appropriate programs and activities.
Definition of ‘Volunteer’: A person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service: such as: one who renders a service or takes part in a transaction while having no legal concern or interest.
Service at the Discretion of the Board: Volunteers agree that the Board of Directors may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the Library. The volunteer may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to sever the volunteer’s relationship with the Library. Notice of such a decision should be communicated as soon as possible.
Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities: Volunteers are viewed as a valuable resource to the Library. Volunteers shall be extended the right to be given meaningful assignments, the right to be treated as equal co-workers, the right to effective supervision, the right to appropriate full involvement and participation, and the right to recognition for work done.
Maintenance of Records: Records will be maintained by the library director for each volunteer including dates of service, contact information, and duties performed. Volunteer personnel records shall be accorded the same confidentiality as staff personnel records.
Worksite: An appropriate worksite shall be established prior to the enrollment of any volunteer. This worksite shall contain necessary facilities, equipment, and space to enable volunteers to perform their duties effectively and comfortably.
Recruitment Volunteers: Volunteers shall be recruited without regard to gender, handicap, age, race or other condition. The sole qualification for volunteer recruitment shall be suitability to perform a task on behalf of the Varnum. Volunteers may be recruited through either an interest in specific functions or through a general interest in volunteering, which will be matched with a specific function.
Acceptance and Appointment: Service as a volunteer with the Library shall begin with an official notice of acceptance or appointment to a volunteer position. At the time of final acceptance, each volunteer shall complete all necessary agreement paperwork and shall receive a copy of their duties and receive a copy of volunteer policy.
Length of Service: All volunteer positions shall have a set term of duration. While this term shall not be longer than one-year, the option for renewal may be extended at the discretion of both parties. All volunteer assignments shall end at the conclusion of their set term, without expectation or requirement of re-assignment of that position to the incumbent. Volunteers are neither expected nor required to accept further service in a position at the end of their set term.
Communication: Volunteers are entitled to all necessary information pertinent to the performance of their work assignments. Accordingly, volunteers should be included in and have access to all appropriate memos, materials, and meetings relevant to the work assignments.
Reimbursement of Expenses Volunteers are eligible for reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred while undertaking tasks of the library. The Library Director shall distribute information to all volunteers regarding specific reimbursable items. Prior approval must be sought for any expenditure.
Limited insurance coverage is provided for volunteers engaged in Library duties.
Use of the Varnum Memorial Library Building and Facilities Policy
The Varnum Memorial Library reserves the right to host library sponsored events in the library facility. All other non-profit groups will be booked on a first come, first served basis according to the date the application is received.
Use of the library by any group, organization, or individual does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the Library or the Board.
Written application for each date must be signed and returned to the library for approval at least two weeks prior to the requested date. Applications may be obtained through mail, e-mail, or at the library during library hours.
Use of the library space that takes place while the library is closed will require the accompaniment of a library representative being either a Board of Directors member or a paid employee of the Varnum Memorial Library unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors with a signed Usage Agreement.
Use of library equipment, such as projector, screen, etc. is allowed only with prior permission and training for proper use.
No fee will be charged for use by civic, community, cultural, educational, or other non-profit, non-commercial purposes. All programs held at the Varnum Memorial Library must be free and open to the public. The Varnum will not close per-usual hours to accommodate requests for use. For-profit organizations or individuals may be charged (on a case-by-case basis) for the use of the library facility, subject to permission from the Board of Directors and/or the Library Director.
Organizations are responsible for leaving the library as it was upon arrival and should:
turn off all lights
place chairs and tables in their original positions
close windows
turn heat down to 58-degrees F when in use
turn off all fans
replace equipment used to their original locations
clean all dishware used and return to original locations
all trash generated must be removed from the premises
For a complete listing of responsibilities of groups and individuals using the library premises, please see Checklist for Using the Varnum Memorial Library.
Additionally, these guidelines must be followed by all organizations using the library premises:
Each organization is responsible for any costs arising from damage or loss during use of the library facility.
The library assumes no responsibility for the personal belongings of persons attending meetings, or individuals, groups or organizations using the premises.
Groups must provide all their own materials, such as paper, pens, art supplies etc. Use of the library materials is not permitted. Groups may have limited access to store a small amount of materials, depending upon space and on a first-come, first-served basis with the permission of the Library Director.The library is not responsible for any damaged or lost property. All non-library property should be labeled to clarify ownership.
Materials should not be affixed to the walls.
Groups may not charge admission, however, groups may restrict meetings to their own members and take normal collections or dues from its members. Fees to cover actual costs of materials used during a meeting may be charged, i.e. craft supplies.
No buying or selling of products or services is permitted except in support of the library or in library-sponsored programs.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere on library property.
Smoking, vaping, and open flames are not permitted anywhere on library property.
Refreshments may be served with permission of the Board of Directors and/or the Library Director. Each group must provide its own supplies such as: napkins, cups, paper towels, etc.
The telephone may be used in emergencies for local calls only.
Groups using the library are responsible for proper supervision and for assuring that the event does not disrupt library services.
Exceptions to these rules may be enacted at the discretion of the Library Board of Directors.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in revocation, or restrictions of use of the space.
Groups and organizations must renew their application on an annual basis.
The library reserves the right to cancel this agreement at any time.
Check-List for Using the Varnum Memorial Library
The use of the library is limited to the main floor and designated outside locations with prior permission. All clean-up is the responsibility of the group.
If children are attending the program please explain ramp safety and road safety. No child(ren) should be left unattended outside or inside the building.
Computers are not available for use, unless approved by library staff.
If the group leaves the building with the intention of returning, lock the door, regardless of how brief.
Before closing up the library building:
Put away all chairs, tables, cushions, etc.
Turn heat down to 58 (when in use)
Turn off all fans
Make sure bathroom is clean and re-stocked if supplies are depleted
Close and lock all windows
Use sweeper/vacuum if needed
Take all trash generated with you; remove all food waste and packaging
Turn off all lights
Make sure back door is secure and locked
Lock front door from inside, leaving key on circulation desk
Social Media Policy
Purpose and Scope: Recognizing the role of social media in the lives of the community members and patrons of the Varnum Memorial Library, the Varnum will utilize social media platforms such as FaceBook, to post information solely related to its services and operations and does not seek or respond to comments. The Varnum may engage at various times with its community regarding matters related to library resources and services. The library reserves the right to close comments at a predetermined time.
Audience: The intended audience of the Varnum Memorial Library on social media are the community members, constituents, and surrounding community members that may utilize the services of the library.
Staff Responsibilities: All social media accounts represent the digital face of the library and maintain the same level of patron care as any in-person interaction. As such, any staff who post on behalf of the library should be trained and have a clear understanding of what is appropriate and expected behavior when representing the Varnum on-line. All postings initiated by staff must be approved in advance of posting and under the guidance of the Library Director. Library staff shall be restricted in postings to those which promote library hours, library-held book promotions, library displays, and weather/public health announcements that specifically impact the daily operation of the library. All social media posts should be in-tone with the welcoming, helpful spirit of the library and always speaking from the point of view of the “we”.
Board of Directors Responsibilities: All social media accounts represent the digital face of the library. Social media posts made on behalf of the Board of Directors are the responsibility of the Programming and Publicity Committee. All postings approved by this committee must maintain the same level of care and intention as required of postings made by library staff. Postings made by the Programming and Publicity Committee must be made from the point of view of the “we”, and shall be restricted to the creation and maintenance of FaceBook Events which correspond to specific library programming or other library-related activities.
Reconsideration: The opportunity exists for a community member to request reconsideration of a social media posting made in compliance with the social media guidelines. The process shall be the same as that for a request for reconsideration of a library material and/or programming. Please refer to Challenges to Library Materials.
Actions: The Varnum Memorial Library reserves the right to remove comments and/or block commenters if deemed necessary. The Varnum Memorial Library requires strict adherence to a code of conduct for all communications via social media. If a commenter is harassing, threatening, bullying, discriminating of any protected class of persons or using hate speech, they will be blocked and/or deleted. A patron may request reconsideration of such action following the same process as outlined in subsection, Challenges to Library Materials. A reinstatement process to allow a previously blocked patron renewed access to the Varnum managed social media accounts may be developed if required. As the Varnum is a privately owned and operated library, records of such correspondence are not subject to open-records requirements. The Board of Directors will determine how long the Varnum will retain all social media records.
Disclaimer: Comments expressed on social media, even when in response to a Varnum posting, do not reflect the positions or views of the library, its employees, volunteers, or Board of Directors. Social media users should exercise their own best judgment about the quality and accuracy of any information presented through social media.
Privacy: Library staff and the Board of Directors should make a good-faith effort to understand the privacy practices of the social media platforms which they use and the implications for patron privacy. The Varnum social media account may occasionally refer to public comments made on social media. However, it will not collect, sell, or knowingly transfer to any third party any personally identifiable information. Like other social media platforms, FaceBook has its own privacy policies, which can be found here and should be carefully reviewed.
Programming Policy
Library-initiated programs support the mission of the library by providing users with additional opportunities for information, education, and recreation. Article I of the Library Bill of Rights states: “Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.”
The Varnum Memorial Library shall strive to offer programming that offers diverse views and avoid biases. The Varnum staff and Board of Directors use a variety of criteria to select speakers/presenters. This includes but is not limited to: current topics and interests, informational needs of the community, and the availability of resources and speakers. Library-sponsored programming must have some level of expertise, credentials or credibility on the topics presented.
The staff and Board of Directors reserve the right to approve of all programming requests brought forth by the community and are under no obligation to create, provide space for, or sponsor requests made by the community.
If a patron wishes to request a reconsideration of a library-sponsored program, they may do so following the procedure outlined in subsection, Challenges of Library Materials.
Appendix A
Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources Form
The Varnum Memorial Library has delegated responsibility for selection and evaluation of library resources to the Library Director and has established reconsideration procedures to address concerns about those resources. Completion of this form is the first step in the process. If you wish to request reconsideration of library resources, please return the completed form to the Library Director.
Your Name:_______________________________
Today’s date: ______________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________
Resource on which you commenting: ____Book ______Magazine _______Newspaper
________Audio Recording ______Video _______other
Title of the work: _________________________________________________
Author:___________________________________________
Have you examined the entire resource?
What are your concerns about the item?
Are there other resources you suggest to provide additional information/points of view on this topic?
Appendix B
Application for use of the Varnum Memorial Library
Name of organization _______________________________________________
Title of your meeting or program________________________________________
Are you a non-profit? YES NO if no, there may be a $150.00 per/use fee
Will this meeting be open to the general public? YES NO
Will refreshments be served? YES NO
Date(s) and time(s) of your meetings or program_______________________________
Hours room will be needed (including set-up and clean-up times) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please identify spaces needed: main room, back room, outside premises
Number of people expected:_________________________________________________
Equipment needed: ________________________________________________________
Other special requirements:
Name of person responsible for this program:____________________________________
Address/City/State/Zip:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone:_________________________ Email:________________________________
I will be in attendance at the event(s) and will be responsible for the observance of the Varnum Memorial Library. __________(initial)
I have read and understand the “Policy for Public Use of the Varnum Memorial Library”:___ (initial)
I have read and have been instructed on closing procedures and of equipment use if applicable __________(initial)
I understand the Varnum Memorial Library reserves to right to nullify this agreement at their discretion_______(initial)
___________________________________
Your signature and date
_______________________________________
Library approval and signature and date
Appendix C
Varnum Memorial Library Patron Inter-Library Loan Agreement
Of benefit to the patrons of the Varnum Memorial Library is the ability to request loans from participating state-wide libraries. To appropriately manage and honor this benefit, all patrons are required to sign annually this agreement to the rights and responsibilities of participation in this benefit.
Patron Name:____________________________
Patron Library account number: _________________________________
Date of agreement (must be renewed annually):______________________
As a patron of the Varnum, I understand that the Varnum Memorial library is requesting on my behalf to borrow materials from participating libraries _________ (initial)
I understand that all requests are requests and no request is guaranteed ________ (initial)
I understand that I am limited to three (3) requests at any given time ________ (initial)
I understand that it is my responsibility to return items when they are due as determined by the owning library _________(initial)
I understand the Varnum Memorial library and staff do not have final say over material availability or due dates __________ (initial)
I am responsible for each item borrowed on my behalf, and am financially accountable for $35.00/per item if lost, damaged or misplaced ________ (initial)
I understand that failure to timely return, return in an acceptable condition or non-adherence to any aforementioned conditions will cause an immediate termination in my ability to use this benefit. ___________ (initial)
Signature of Patron: ________________________________________
Date:_____________________
Signature of Library Staff:_____________________________
Date:_________________________