Library Policies

1. The Lake Park Public Library is not responsible for the safety or behavior of children (see appendix for behavior policy for all patrons)
2. No food or drink at computers
3. Headphones are not furnished
4. FAX service is no longer available. We can scan and email documents for $.25 per page
5. We are unable to rent or loan equipment
6. Library items lost or damaged require payment of the replacement cost of the item plus a $5.00 processing fee
7. Library materials overdue for 2 (two) months can be prosecuted as theft under Iowa Code 714.5 & 808.12

The Lake Park Public Library is open Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

The librarian will close the library in correspondence to the school closing for bad weather. Closings will be announced on KUOO and KICD radio stations. Patrons using the library during bad weather should be informed that the library will be closing.  Staff will contact the school superintendent to supervise students who have not been picked up by parents by the time the library closes for bad weather.  

1. Registration of borrowers.
   1. All library cards must be updated on a three year rotation.
2. Responsibilities of borrowers. Borrowers will abide by the Lake Park Public Library policies relating to overdue/damaged materials (see Circulation).
3. Confidentiality of records. Each patron will have a number for circulation purposes.  These numbers, circulation records and other records identifying the borrowers will not be disclosed without following proper legal procedure.
4. Other library privileges.
   1. We participate in Interlibrary Loans with the State Library of Iowa.  
   2. We participate in the program Open Access that enables our patrons to borrow directly from other Open Access participating libraries in the state of Iowa.

1. All print materials circulate for two (2) weeks and can be renewed for two weeks. Renewing bestsellers and items that are reserved for another patron is discouraged.
2. No more than ten (10) books can be checked out at one time.
3. DVDs can be checked out for one (1) week. 
4. No more than five (5) DVDs can be checked out at a time. No renewals for at least 24 hours.
5. Books/DVDs will be held on reserve for one (1) week.
6. Interlibrary loans will be held one (1) week from time of notification. 
7. Patrons with past due library materials will have their accounts placed on hold until the past due materials are returned.
8. Overdues- Each patron contact is recorded with date and type of contact. The Lake Park Public Library abides by the Code of Iowa governing concealed library Materials. (Code of Iowa Section 714.5 and 808.12)
   1. Patrons will be notified face-to-face, by calling, texting, emailing, or instant messaging the individual.
   2. After one (1) month the patron will be mailed a replacement bill. 
   3. When the material is overdue more than two (2) months the patron is mailed a second bill that references section 808.12 and 714.5 of the Iowa Code and the statement “Failure to return the materials or cover the replacement cost within 2 weeks may result in notification of local law enforcement.”.
   4. When the material is three (3) months overdue the Lake Park Public Library shall revoke the patron's borrowing privileges. The patron will be notified about revoked privileges.
   5. When the material is four (4) months overdue a certified letter is sent to the patron with a copy of the Code of Iowa section 808.12 and 714.5 and the statement “Failure to return the materials or cover the replacement cost within 2 weeks WILL result in notification of local law enforcement.”  When the material is 6 months overdue or more retrieval can be turned over to the sheriff’s department for lawful recovery. 

1. Damaged and lost materials will be paid for by the patron plus a $5.00 processing fee.  The librarian will determine the amount to be paid according to the current replacement value. Funds are nonrefundable even though the patron may return the material.
2. Copier fees are twenty (20) cents per copy, $1.00 for photo paper and fifty (50) cents per page for scanned/colored copies. 
3. Printing fees are twenty (20) cents per page in black and white and fifty (50) cents per page in color.
4. There will be a charge of $3.00 for each book interlibrary loaned for patrons except blind matter.  Payment is upon request. 
5. $1.00 per foot laminated will be charged. 

1. All library equipment (TV, copier, computers, tables and chairs) are to be used in the library only.  They are not available to loan out.
2. Public access Internet computers, and staff trained in their use, are available for patrons’ use.  See appendix for the Lake Park Public Library Computer Policies.

1. Books and other materials will be accepted at the librarian's discretion.
2. Materials must meet the materials selection criteria of Lake Park Public Library to be added to the collection.
3. Gifts of money, real property and stock will be accepted if conditions attached are acceptable to the Board of Trustees and the City Council.
4. Personal property, art objects, portraits, antiques, collections and other museum objects will be accepted at the Board's discretion.
5. The Lake Park Public Library will not accept for deposit materials that are not outright gifts.
6. Gifts of money and items need to be gifted to the Friends of the Lake Park Public Library.  The funds designated for the Friends are to be kept in the Friends account separate from library city funds. 

Public notices and displays are subject to approval by the librarian and/or Board and must be from not for profit groups and agencies.

1. Materials Selection Statement
   The Lake Park Public Library serves a rural area of all ages from children through senior citizens. Information needs can be fulfilled locally or by interlibrary loan.  The collection strives to answer pleasure and educational needs with an emphasis on current fiction.  This collection should in no way be limited because of sex, age, race, nationality, or social, political or religious views of either the author or patron.  The Lake Park Public Library provides the loaning of books (hardcover and paperback), and digital materials.  A patron who is a resident of Lake Park or the immediate surrounding Dickinson County can take advantage of online electronic resources.
2. Selection Criteria and Procedure
   1. The library allocates a percentage of its total operating funds for purchasing materials for the library’s collection.
   2. The director shall be responsible for the selection of books and materials for the collection.  Selection shall be based on information found in standard library selection aids, on reviews by competent critics, direct examination of materials when feasible, the specific needs and interests of the community, including special populations, and on the library's existing collections, services and budget.  Books on the reading lists of local clubs and groups and the best-sellers list will be given priority consideration. Literary award-winning books will be purchased: for example, Caldecott Medal Picture Books and Newbery medal (distinguished contribution to American literature for children)
   3. Criteria to be followed in the selection of materials are: the author's reputation and significance as a writer, the importance of the subject matter to the collection, the timeliness or permanence of the material's overall purpose, authoritativeness, and the appearance of the title in bibliographies and/or indexes, availability of materials elsewhere in the community and the format and price.
   4. The library purchases or adds materials at regular intervals throughout the year to insure a steady flow of new materials.
   5. The library determines collection specific turnover rates. The turnover rate is the average number of times each item in a collection is checked out per year.
   6. DVD, Blu Ray and other digital materials are for "home use only."
3. Complaints
   1. Complaints about materials in the library collection shall be directed to the director and the board and shall be in writing.
   2. “Citizen's request for reconsideration of a book” (See appendix) will be filed for a formal complaint.
   3. Library board and director will make a final decision in regards to removal of the material.

APPENDIX

Computer Use Policy

The Lake Park Public Library provides public access to the internet to fulfill its mission to make available full and equal access to all types of information and to promote the love of reading and the joy of learning to all members of the community.

The Library supports the right to privacy and confidentiality of its patrons and maintains no records of what the patron views however we do maintain records of what patron used the computer by time and date. The content of the internet is not filtered; therefore, patrons may encounter materials they consider offensive. The Lake Park Public Library Board, the Lake Park Public Library and its employees assume no responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of its technology equipment, electronic resources, or connections to internet resources.

Computer Use

User must have a Lake Park Public Library card

User must sign in and out on the sign-up sheet

User is responsible for any and all activity that occurs on the computer to which they are signed up.

No food or drink are allowed at the computers

User assumes no right to privacy the library is a public place shared by all ages.

User is liable for any damage to the equipment.

Monitoring and restriction of a child’s access and computer use is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

Users handling financial transactions or other activities requiring confidentiality do so at their own risk.  The security of electronic communication cannot be guaranteed.

Personal software programs may not be installed on the library’s computers. Files may not be downloaded.

Internet Access

The Lake Park Public Library prohibits any use of the library’s Internet connection to access materials that are obscene, pornographic or in any manner deemed “harmful to minors;” consistent with any state and local laws. The Library’s Internet connection is not to be used for unethical, unauthorized or illegal purposes. The Library does not filter Internet content. Staff may, however, limit images displayed on screens that is materially offensive or that might create an atmosphere of discomfort or harassment in order to ensure the secure and comfortable environment of the Library.

All patrons accessing internet content or services share a single internet connection through the library. Therefore, excessive or inappropriate use of that connection is prohibited and grounds for suspension of internet privileges. Excessive use includes but is not limited to: excessive email generation (spam), peer-to-peer networking downloads, and media or software piracy.

Altering Computers

All patrons using the computers provided by the library are using a communal resource that must be maintained for the entire community. Therefore, altering a computer in any way including but not limited to installation/removal of software, installation/removal of programs, and/or installation/removal of devices must be cleared by the library director before any changes may be made. Failure to do so is grounds for suspension of library computer privileges.

Patrons are discouraged from saving documents to library computers. If patrons do choose to save documents to library computers, they are encouraged to delete the documents before logging off of the computer.

Usage Time Limits

Young Children’s Computer

The computer located in the children’s section of the library is specifically for young children. There is no specified time limit, however, if other children are waiting, the library staff may limit time usage.

Patron Computers

The library has computers available for children and adults. To use the patron computers, patrons will need to have a Lake Park Library card.  Time is limited to two hours per day.  Patrons working on projects may receive “unlimited” time access to the computer by requesting it before logging on to a computer. Projects are not defined as playing games, “surfing the internet”, online chatting, etc. Library staff has the right to determine if a patron will receive “unlimited” time access.

Printing

Printing services are available for a charge. Please see library staff for fee schedule.

Policy Reviewed and Approved on March 3, 2020

Next Policy Review June 2022

 

CITIZEN'S REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF A BOOK

If you, as a patron of the public library, wish to recommend the removal of a book from the collection, kindly answer the questions listed below.

Author: ____________________________________________________________________________

Title:   ______________________________________________________________________________

Request initiated by:     ____________________________________________________________

Address:  _______________________________        Telephone:     _______________________

City:        _______________________________        Zip Code:     _________________________

Patron represents __________   himself and/or   ______________________ organization

Name of organization:     __________________________________________________________

How was the book brought to your attention? ____________________________________

Are you aware of the judgment of this book by literary critics?            Yes    No

Have you read the entire book?          Yes    No

Are you considering the book as a whole __________ or in part? ___________________

What, in your opinion, is the theme of the book___________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

What is your objection to the book? Be specific, cite pages.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

What do you feel might be the result of reading this book?

______________________________________________________________________________________

If the book were to be removed from the library, what book do you recommend

that would convey as valuable a picture and perspective of our civilization?

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

 

____________________________                                          ______________________________

Signature of Patron                                                    Date

 

Library Behavior Policy

It is the policy of the Lake Park Public Library to provide a safe and comfortable environment for its users and staff ensured that they are free from harm and harassment.  Please observe the rights of other patrons and staff members and use the library for its intended purpose.

The list below, although not all inclusive, is intended to provide examples of behavior not allowed in the library

• Any behavior that endangers the safety or health of others
• Violations of any local, state or federal law
• Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library materials or properties
• Removing library materials from the building without checking them out is not only prohibited, it is unlawful
• Belligerent, abusive or profane language will not be tolerated
• Willfully annoying, harassing or threatening another person
• Behaving in a boisterous, disorderly or loud manner
• Stalking, harassing or intimidation of patrons or library staff
• The use of tobacco, vaping, alcohol or controlled substances is not permitted
• Conversation with others, cell phones and electronics should be quiet enough not to disturb other library users or to disrupt library activities
• Children aged eight and under must be accompanied by a parent or responsible childcare provider while in the library
• Animals, except for a service animal necessary for mobility or animals being used as part of a Lake Park Public Library Program are prohibited
• No running or jumping

Enforcement

In most cases, persons who are behaving inappropriately in the library will be given one warning and asked to behave in an appropriate manner.  People who do not modify their behavior after one warning will be asked to leave the Library for the rest of the day.

In the event of misconduct that is considered extreme by the library staff, the offender will be ordered to leave the building immediately or the police will be called.

Persons who behave inappropriately on a regular basis or who engage in unlawful activities while on library property may have all or part of their library privileges revoked or risk being barred from the Library for a period of time, as well as face the possibility of legal charges.

Policy Reviewed and Approved on March 3, 2020

Next Policy Review June 2022