Policies

I. Policy

The Bedford Public Library is supported by the taxes of the people of Bedford County and the Commonwealth of Virginia who expect each of our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe places for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending Library or community sponsored programs and meetings. To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, volunteers, and staff, as well as for preserving and protecting the Library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds.

The children’s area is reserved for use by children, their parents or guardians, and adults interested in children’s literature. The young adults area is reserved for young adults; those who accompany them, and other patrons using young adult materials.

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or law enforcement personnel will intervene to stop prohibited activities and/or behaviors. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and expulsion from the Library for a period of one day to one year, or in arrest or prosecution. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers and other equipment. Expulsion for more than one week may be appealed in writing to the Director.

II. Applicability

All adults, teens, and children who come into the library.

III. Objective

To provide for the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, as well as the protection of Library property.

IV. Procedures

The following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property and will result in appropriate actions (as defined above) being taken by library staff and/or law enforcement personnel:

• Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or Library policy.
• Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
• Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure.
• Soliciting or conducting surveys/petitions not authorized by the Library.
• Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of Library property in Library facilities or on Library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment.
• Trespassing in nonpublic areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours, or camping on Library grounds.
• The Libraries and its grounds are considered a limited public forum with public areas, staff only areas, and areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy such as bathrooms, public computer areas, meeting rooms and study rooms (not an inclusive list).
• Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
• Creating disruptive noises such as loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.
• Gambling and group activities which are disruptive to the Library environment.
• Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others.
• Using restrooms for bathing or shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes.
• Littering.
• Smoking, chewing, e-cigarette use and tobacco product use.
• Entering the Library barefooted, without a shirt, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.
• Consuming food or beverages in public areas of the Library, including restrooms (except for beverages in closed containers, drinking fountain use, baby bottles, nursing or in locations where use is authorized such as Café areas, and at authorized events).
• Bringing in garbage, articles with a foul odor, or articles which, alone or in their aggregate, impede the use of the library by other users.
• Using wheeled devices in Library property or on Library grounds, except in designated areas, including skateboarding, roller-skating, bicycling, scooters, and shopping carts (exceptions i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers).
• Lying down or sleeping in the restrooms or on any floor, couch, table, or seat in the Library, and by blocking aisles, exits, or entrances by sitting or lying down in them.
• Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children. See Safe Child Policy.
• Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals necessary for disabilities, into the Library, except as authorized by the Director.

All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by security and other authorized personnel. The Library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought into the Library.

Revised and approved by the Bedford Public Library System Board of Trustees November 2013; October 2014; August 2022.

I. POLICY

The Bedford Public Library System protects each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.

Residents of Bedford County who have obtained a library card may borrow Bedford Public Library System (BPLS) materials; e-readers are available for loan to adult BPLS patrons.

The BPLS has entered into a reciprocal agreement with the Campbell County and the Lynchburg Public Library Systems to share collections (with some minor exceptions). To facilitate the sharing process each of the systems will grant library privileges to patrons who have a card in good standing in any of the three systems.

Borrowers will abide by the policies and procedures of the library system whose facility they are using.

Materials are checked out for specific loan periods and may be returned to any library within the partnered systems. Most Library materials may be renewed for an additional loan period if not reserved for another patron.

New books (marked as 14 day books) not returned by the due date are subject to a fine charge of fifteen (15) cents per day per item and one (1) dollar per day for specialty items.  The maximum fine for overdue materials is ten (10) dollars per item.  A five (5) dollar fine will be charged if an item marked “do not return in book drop” is returned in the book drop. BPLS does not charge fines for overdue juvenile materials and adult materials other than those specified here. However, patrons are expected to return materials by their due dates to ensure that all library users have equitable access to materials.

Items not available in the BPLS, CCPL or LPL collections may be available through interlibrary loan from another library. Applicable postage or borrower’s fees will be charged to the patron and must be paid when the patron picks up the book. Fines for interlibrary loan items are one (1) dollar per day per item, with maximum fine of forty (40) dollars.

Library patrons will temporarily lose their borrowing privileges when items are considered ‘long overdue’ or if the overdue fine/damaged fee limit has been reached. If a library patron under the age of 18 temporarily loses their borrowing privileges as a result of overdue materials or accumulated fines, the responsible party linked to the minor’s account will also lose their borrowing privileges. Borrowing privileges will be restored when materials are returned and/or fines and fees paid.

While traditional fines will not accrue for all items, a replacement cost will be charged when the item reaches ‘lost’ status, at 42 days overdue.

II. APPLICABILITY: All library users

III. OBJECTIVE: To provide the citizens of Bedford County with educational, recreational, and informational materials.

IV. PROCEDURES

• Residents of Bedford County may obtain a library card by presenting identification, in any format, that lists their current address.  Or by other means of verifying their current address.
• By applying for and accepting a BPLS library card, the patron agrees to comply with the rules of the Library and to pay applicable fines and/or fees that may be incurred for overdue penalties and damages or losses of library materials.  These fines and/or fees may be paid for at any facility of the three library systems (CCPLS, LPL or BPLS).
• By applying for and accepting a library card for persons under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian accepts responsibility for the minor’s use of the library and agrees to pay fines and/or fees incurred for misuse of library materials.
• Lost library cards should be reported immediately.
• BPLS has a reciprocal agreement with Campbell County and Lynchburg City that their citizens with either a Campbell or Lynchburg Public Library ‘in good standing” may checkout materials (with some minor exceptions) and use public computers in each others’ facilities.  They may also place holds on each other’s materials, with some exceptions.  Patrons may designate any facility, at any of the three library systems (CCPLS, LPL or BPLS), as a pick up location.
• Patrons caught intentionally trying to remove library materials from the building without first checking them out will be asked to give their name, address, phone number and proof of identification.  (Benefit of the doubt is given to patrons who may have mixed items with other items properly checked out and who stop immediately upon being checked.)
  • The information will be entered into the patron’s record for future referral in the event a second unauthorized attempt to remove materials is made.
  • If the patron refuses to comply, the police will be called, and the patron will be asked to remain in the building until they arrive.
• In the event of a second attempt to intentionally remove library materials from the building without first checking them out, the police will be called immediately and the patron will be asked to remain in the building until they arrive.
• Patrons who indicate that there is an error relating to materials charged to their card may declare the materials “claims not checked out” or “claims returned.”  Library staff will make every effort to follow-up in locating the material.  If the materials are not located, staff will check in as “claims not checked out” or “claims returned”. No more than one incident of a declaration of error may be current on a patron’s record.  Department/Library managers will determine when an error has been resolved and whether the claim should be removed from the patron’s record.
• Patrons will be charged the price listed in the item record for materials that are lost or damaged beyond repair for library use.

V. DEFINITIONS

Intentionally trying to remove library materials from the building is defined as concealing materials under clothing, in pockets, brief cases, purses or bags, or defacing materials in an attempt to remove them from the library.

Previous revision, 8/2013 and 1/2015 and 10/2015 and 2/2018 and 8/2020.  Revised and approved by the Bedford Public Library System Board of Trustees on August 2, 2022.

I. POLICY

Subject: Gift Policies Last Updated: 4/12/05
Category: Gift Policies Supercedes/Amends: 7

I. POLICY

The Bedford Public Library System (BPLS) and the Bedford Public Library Foundation welcome gifts and donations in support of the library system and its collections, programs, services, and facilities. Monetary gifts and donations of library materials, personal property or real property are accepted subject to policies adopted by the Library Board and the Foundation Board.

II. APPLICABILITY

The Bedford Public Library Foundation will accept gifts of money, securities or other liquid assets. Books, audio and videotapes, etc. are received directly by the Bedford Public Library System and accepted with the understanding that they are non-returnable and may be handled or disposed of in the best interests of the library system. Personal or real property may be accepted either by the library system or the foundation,
subject to their needs and in compliance with any applicable policies.

III. OBJECTIVE

To provide a mechanism for accepting gifts to the Library and acknowledge receipts of gifts for tax purposes

IV. PROCEDURES

• The library will acknowledge receipts of gifts for tax purposes, but will not assess the monetary value of gifts.
• Donated materials may be added to the collection if they meet the standards set forth in the library system’s Collection Development Policy.
• If desired, appropriate donor recognition will be provided.

Subject: Inclement Weather/Emergency Policy Last Updated: 3/01/11
Category: Buildings and Grounds Supersedes: 2-1

I. POLICY

In order to fulfill its mission of public service, the Bedford Public Library System will make every reasonable effort to open its facilities to the public as scheduled, consistent with safe access for staff and the public.

During inclement weather sufficient to make travel hazardous or during emergencies, the Library Director, or in his or her absence, the administrative designee may decide to close, delay opening, or close early one or more library facilities.

• Authority to close or alter the operating schedule of an individual facility rests with the facility manager in consultation with the Library Director.
• Authority to return courier van, or any other library vehicle when it is already on the road rests with the driver.

II. APPLICABILITY

• All library facilities, vehicles
• Full-time and part-time employees
• Inclement weather includes but is not limited to: snow, ice, flooding
• Emergencies such as natural disasters, lack of heating/cooling/plumbing

III. OBJECTIVE

• Provide for the safe and consistent operations of the library program for the public and employees.
• Provide effective communications to staff and the public of necessary schedule changes.

IV. PROCEDURES

• Library patrons already in the facility will be notified immediately when schedule changes are decided.
• Library staff will make every reasonable effort to notify the general public when the library schedule is changed due to inclement weather conditions/emergencies. The Libraries automated telephone answering equipment will be adjusted to indicate schedule changes.

I. POLICY

Patrons will be required to pay for materials that are lost while checked out to them. If the patron pays for the materials and then finds and returns them in good condition,
reimbursement for lost charges may be made for a period of 90 days from the date of payment, accrued overdue or CA fines will not be reimbursed. Materials that are automatically declared lost by the library’s circulation database due to length of time overdue will be charged to the patrons account along with the accrued overdue fines. A minimal fee may be charged for mending or repairing library materials that are returned “not in library condition.”
Patrons are responsible for loss, damage or any alteration to equipment checked out on their library card. This includes but is not limited to library-owned electronics, telescopes, nature packs, or book/audio. Such loss, damage or alteration will result in damage charges and loss of some or all library privileges.

II. APPLICABILITY

Library patrons who have lost or damaged materials.

III. OBJECTIVE

To provide an equitable method for replacing lost and damaged materials.

IV. PROCEDURES

• Lost library books are charged the retail price in the item’s MARC record. If there is no price listed in the MARC record, other reliable sources such as Amazon.com, or Barnes&Noble.com may be used to determine a replacement cost. If a price still cannot be determined, the following charges apply:
  • Adult fiction hardcover $ 30.00
  • Adult and Young Adult non-fiction hardcover $ 30.00
  • Young Adult hardcover $ 30.00
  • Juvenile hardcover $ 20.00
  • Board book $ 6.00
  • Soft-cover book $ 25.00
  • Paperback book $ 10.00
  • Trade paperback book $ 15.00
  • Juvenile and Young Adult paperback $ 10.00

Non-book items that are lost are charged at the price listed on library records or a recognized price guide. If no price is indicated, the following charges apply:

• Audio books (CD): $ 10.00 per CD plus a charge of $2.00 to replace the case.
• Music CD (single): $15.00 plus case @ $ 2.00
• DVD: $ 26.00 plus case @ $2.00
• Audio/book kits: $ 25.00
• E-readers: $ 165.00
  • cover: $ 20.00
  • power cord: $ 20.00
  • neoprene case: $ 15.00
• Magazines: price of current issue or $ 6.00 if current price is not available

A damage fee of $ 5.00, or up to the cost of the item, is charged if item can be mended or repaired to proper library condition.
If an item is damaged beyond repair, the library may accept a replacement copy with the same ISBN. A processing fee of $5.00 will be assessed for replacement copies.
Patrons may opt to keep automated lost item(s), once the item(s) has been paid for, unless the item(s) has been re-entered into the collection.

V. EXCEPTIONS

• Due to increases or decreases in the costs of certain items, the Library Board grants the Library Director authority to make such changes at his/her discretion.
• The Library Director may initiate such changes or the Collection Development Committee.

Approved by the Bedford Public Library System Board of Trustees August 2010; revised December 2012,
June 2017, February 2019

I. POLICY

Items that are lost in the library or on library grounds will be kept in a designated lost and found area for a period of thirty (30) days. The Library is not responsible for personal items that may be lost or damaged in the building or on the grounds.

II. APPLICABILITY

Items that are in good repair and considered worth saving

III. OBJECTIVE

To provide a means to hold lost items in order to return them to their rightful owner

IV. PROCEDURES

• Found items should be turned in to the circulation desk.
• Anyone inquiring about lost items will be asked for a description before they are given the item.

Approved by the Bedford Public Library System Board of Trustees March 2004, revised August 2019.

I. POLICY

The Bedford Public Library System provides meeting room space for community, educational, recreational, cultural, civic and charitable groups. Meeting rooms are available on an equitable basis to local groups and organizations engaged in legal activities, regardless of the beliefs and affiliations of their members. Small group study rooms are made available, when not in use by the library, on a first come, first serve basis, to local groups, organizations, and groups of individuals working together.

In allocating the use of the meeting rooms, the Library will not discriminate on the basis of the political or religious beliefs of applicants, or on any other constitutionally prohibited basis.

The Library has a paramount need to provide a safe, peaceful and respectful environment in which patrons may use Library facilities. The Library has the authority to accept, renew, or reject requests for use of the meeting rooms. The Library reserves the right to reject a reservation request if the anticipated meeting is likely to be unreasonably disruptive to regular library functions, too large for the applicable room capacity, disorderly, dangerous to persons or property, or in any other way inconsistent with or in contravention of any of the terms and conditions of this policy. In determining whether such a likelihood exists, the Library may take into consideration the contents of the application form, the history of the group’s meeting room use in the library or elsewhere, and such other information as they may deem appropriate.

Meetings must be free of charge and open to the public, except as provided within this document. Meeting rooms shall not be used for entrepreneurial or commercial purposes, for solicitation of business, for profit or for fundraising, other than that which supports the BPLS, unless specifically permitted by the Library Director or Board. No goods or services shall be promoted, sold or exchanged upon the premises or by sample, pictures or description.

Permission to use BPLS meeting room facilities does not constitute endorsement of the organization’s beliefs by the library staff or Board, and publicity for the event should not imply BPLS sponsorship or affiliation. No group may consider the Library its permanent meeting place or use the Library as its mailing address, except the Friends of the Library. Use of the meeting rooms for library purposes shall take precedence over all other uses. The Library reserves the right to preempt any scheduled meeting.
No one will be granted permission to schedule the rooms on an ongoing basis except as provided within this document.

II. APPLICABILITY

Local groups and organizations engaged in legal activities. An authorized representative, 18 years of age or older, must take responsibility for and be in attendance at the meeting to insure that the Library Appropriate Use policy is followed.

III. OBJECTIVE
To provide meeting room space for community, educational, recreational, cultural, civic and charitable groups.

IV. PROCEDURES
Applying for permission to use the meeting rooms:

• Reservations should be made through the Library’s web page by the applicant’s authorized representative or in person at any BPLS Library. The application is tentative until approved by the library manager or designated staff.
• Permission to use meeting rooms will be granted on a first-come basis; however, library-related programs and events will be given priority.
• A group may schedule the meeting room twenty-four (24) times a year, system wide. A reservation canceled within seven (7) days of the scheduled meeting date counts toward the total.
• A group may have no more than 3 meetings scheduled at any one time and may reserve meetings as much as six (6) months in advance.
• With permission of the Library Director or staff designated by the Director, the meeting rooms may be used for depositions, mediations or similar private uses.
• Local businesses, in their role as corporate citizens, may be permitted to use the meeting rooms for employee training purposes or other employee informational sessions.
• Meeting rooms may be used for political forums, but not for political campaigning purposes, such as press conferences.
• Meeting rooms are not intended to be used for private social gatherings, parties, weddings, dances, or for regular church services for any one organization.
• The Library Director will have final approval of applications, and will make all policy decisions and interpretations.
• Any false, misleading or incomplete statement in the application process shall be grounds to deny the use of the room by the applying group.

Room use guidelines:

• The library reserves the right to have a library representative attend any meeting held in its facilities (excepting lawful executive sessions of governmental bodies) to ensure no unlawful activities or activities contrary to this policy are occurring on library premises. The library representative may enter the meeting at any time.
• Groups using the meeting rooms or small group rooms must make provisions to guard against public disturbances, unsafe practices, or excessive noise. The authorized representative is responsible for supervision of all children.
• The BPLS, its Board of Trustees and Library employees assume no responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of any property of any group, individual or organization using the facilities.
• The group’s authorized representative will be held liable for any damage and the condition of the room after its use. The authorized representative and/or the organization s/he represents agrees to pay for damages, special clean-up and any other damages to the Library property and materials resulting from the meeting.
• Local groups, organizations or individuals may not schedule meeting rooms or small group study rooms to provide fee based services since these facilities are provided as a free service to the community.
• Objects left in the room will be discarded. Meeting rooms shall be left in good order and in the original set-up; chairs and tables put away, dishes washed and floors swept. Failure to do so may result in denial of future use.
• Applicants may not tape or tack anything to the walls or doors without permission.
• All Library buildings are tobacco and vapor free facilities.
• No alcoholic beverages may be distributed or consumed.
• Meeting rooms are to be vacated by 10:00 p.m.
• Small group rooms are to be vacated ten (10) minutes before the library closes.
• Big Island Library meeting room may only be scheduled when the Big Island Library is open to the public or at the discretion of the Library manager.
• Attendance in all meeting rooms is limited by fire code.
• There are no fees charged for use of the meeting rooms; donations are accepted.
• Library staff cannot be responsible for taking registration fees, selling tickets, providing information about, or answering questions about non-library sponsored events.
• Library staff will provide the name and number of the group’s contact person to persons having questions relating to the meeting.
• The Library may provide some equipment in the rooms, such as projectors, or white boards. It is the responsibility of groups to arrange for other equipment needs not provided by the Library.
• No materials may be stored in advance by groups using the meeting rooms without prior approval.
• In those meeting rooms which are set up for meetings to continue after normal business hours, arrangements for security and closing must be made with the library manager.

Previous revision, May 2009. Revised and approved by the Bedford Public Library System Board of Trustees April 2016.

the item.

I. POLICY

The Bedford Public Library System does not permit petitions or petition signing in its facilities. Petitions or petition signing are permitted on library grounds, provided such
activity does not interfere with pedestrian access to the building or vehicular access to the grounds.

II. APPLICABILITY

All Bedford Public Library System locations

III. OBJECTIVE

To provide for a quiet atmosphere conducive to study
To support the library’s position of presenting all perspectives of an issue

IV. PROCEDURES

Petitioning activity must be conducted in a reasonable location, as determined by the library manager.

I. POLICY

The Bedford Public Library System may accept unsolicited posters and dated announcements for display on public service bulletin boards from nonprofit organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities, including information produced or co-sponsored by town, county, state and federal government agencies. Posting of notices does not indicate library endorsement of ideas, issues, or events promoted by those notices.

II. APPLICABILITY

All Bedford Public Library System locations

III. OBJECTIVE

To provide information to the public on current events.

IV. PROCEDURES

1. Library-sponsored and library-related events, or events promoting library service will be given precedence.
2. Events taking place in or information concerning Bedford County will be given precedence.

Materials will be posted on a first come, first displayed basis with the following guidelines:

• Materials that fall under #1 and #2 will always be given first consideration.
• Materials advertising events more than thirty (30) days in advance will not be accepted.

Location of materials at the central library will be determined by the Library Services staff and at the branches by the branch staff. If there is a question about the appropriateness of material, the item will be held for review and approval by the Library Services manager or branch manager.

Because of space limitations large amounts or large-sized materials cannot be accepted for posting.  Notice size (physical dimensions) may be restricted to maximize available space. 8.5X11 is preferred; larger materials will be accommodated as space allows.

When there is a heavy demand for available space, information may be removed from the boards after one or two weeks even if the event has not taken place; however, every effort will be made to notify the notice owner.  Notices will be removed when they are no longer timely or when space is required for more current items.

Questions arise about the appropriateness of materials will be held for review and approval by the central library manager or county library manager. In fairness to numerous community groups, the library may limit the frequency with which notices may be posted by the same organization.

The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of any materials delivered for posting. Materials will not be returned.

Only authorized library personnel may post or remove notices. Notices posted without authorization will be removed.  Contact information for the notice owner/organization should be included on the notice.

The following will not be accepted for posting:  

• Materials endorsing or opposing the election of any candidate for public office
• Materials endorsing or opposing the adoption of federal, state or local legislation
• Materials promoting commercial products or services

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, 5/11/04, 10/1/2013; revised 6/6/2023.

I. POLICY

The Bedford Public Library System Board of Trustees welcomes citizen participation concerning library service and provides an opportunity for such involvement during regular meetings of the Board. Bedford County citizens may request permission to address the Library Board during the “Public Comment” portion of the Board’s regular meetings, which are held typically on the first Tuesday of each month. Requests to appear before the Board of Trustees should be directed to the Library Director via email or phone, and must be received by 5:00pm on the Friday preceding the board meeting. The public comment period is a time for the BPLS Board to listen to members of the public regarding the BPLS programs and operations. It is not a time for interaction between the Board and members of the public. The Board will not engage in dialogue or question and answer period with speakers during the public comment period.

II. APPLICABILITY

Citizens of Bedford County

III. OBJECTIVE

To provide a method for Bedford County citizens to request information or address questions that have not been resolved through contacting the appropriate staff person.

IV. PROCEDURES

• A description of what the topic will be and the speaker’s full name and address are required in order to schedule time at the meeting.
• Speakers are limited to speaking on the same topic not more than two times in 12 months.
• Each speaker shall be limited to 3 minutes and all speakers should direct comments/questions to the Chairman.
• Speakers must stay on the topic identified when requesting to speak; failure to stay on the topic will result in forfeiture of the remaining time that had been allotted to the speaker.
• Opportunity for citizen comment should be used to improve delivery of library service in a positive way. No citizen may engage in political statements, personal attacks on members of the Library Board, Staff or any other person; nor is any person entitled to use abusive language or discuss matters outside the purview of the authority of the Library Board.
• Matters brought before the Board will be taken under advisement to allow time for due deliberation. Action on such matters is not taken at the time of
  presentation. Speakers will be notified of the Board’s decision within seventy-five (75) days. If a matter requires a longer period of time for resolution, the speaker will be notified of the interim status.
• In lieu of appearing during the public comment period, Bedford County citizens may submit written statements for consideration by the Board, but those statements will not be read during the public comment period. The same seventy-five (75) day response time will apply.

Previous revision, 3/2005 and 10/2013. Revised and approved by the Bedford Public Library System Board of Trustees on 8/1/2023.

I. Policy

The Bedford Public Library is supported by the taxes of the people of Bedford County and the Commonwealth of Virginia who expect each of our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe places for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending Library or community sponsored programs and meetings. To this end, selected areas of the library premises are equipped with video cameras. Security cameras are used to enhance the safety and security of library users and staff by  discouraging violations of the Library’s Appropriate Use Policy, to assist library staff in preventing the occurrence of any violations in library policies, and when necessary, to provide law enforcement assistance in prosecuting criminal activity.

II. Applicability

All adults, teens, and children who come into the library or visit the library grounds.

III. Objective

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the placement and use of video security cameras, as well as, the access and retrieval of recorded video images originating from any facility of the Bedford Public Library System.

IV. Procedures

Security camera purpose and placement guidelines

• Video recording cameras will be used in public spaces of library locations to discourage violations of the Library’s policies and criminal activity.
• Cameras may be installed in outdoor and indoor places where individuals lack a reasonable expectation of privacy. Examples include public common areas of the library such as parking lots, entrances, seating areas, service desks and areas prone to theft or misconduct or areas where money is stored or handled.
• Cameras will not be installed in areas of the Library where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms or private offices.
• Signs will be posted at all entrances informing the public and staff that security cameras are in use.
• Because cameras will not be continuously monitored, the public and staff should take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the security of their personal property. The BPLS is not responsible for loss of property or personal injury.
• Recorded data is confidential and secured in a controlled area. Video recordings will typically be stored for up to 30 days, with the exception of records retained for criminal, safety, or security investigations. As new images are recorded, the oldest images will be automatically deleted.
• Cameras are not installed nor will they be used for the purpose of routine staff performance evaluations.

Use/Disclosure of video records

• Access to the archived footage and real-time images in pursuit of documented incidents of injury, criminal activity or violation of library policy is restricted to designated staff.
• The frequency of viewing and the amount of video viewed will be limited to the minimum needed to give assurance that the system is working or to ascertain if footage is available relative to a specific incident.
• The director or director’s designee may use a still shot or portions of the recorded data to request law enforcement review for assessing a security risk or investigating a crime. For investigations initiated by law enforcement agencies, recorded data will be made available to law enforcement upon presentation of a valid court document. Only the director or director’s designee will be authorized to release images to law enforcement.
• Video records and still shots may be used by authorized individuals to identify those responsible for library policy violations, criminal activity on library property or actions considered disruptive to normal library operations as delineated in the Appropriate Use Policy.
• Confidentiality and privacy issues prohibit the general public from viewing security camera footage. If the Library receives a request from the general public to inspect security camera footage pursuant to an alleged crime, they will be advised to file a police complaint.

Revised and approved by the Bedford Public Library System Board of Trustees 7/7/2015.

I. POLICY

The Bedford Public Library System will not accept incoming telephone calls for library patrons or confirm their presence in the library.

Library patrons are expected to be courteous in the use of cell phones in the library.

II. APPLICABILITY

All library patrons, adults and children

III. OBJECTIVE

To protect our patrons right to privacy and for their safety and security, personal information will not be made available over the telephone.

To provide an environment that is comfortable but conducive to study, patrons are asked to minimize noise from cell phones and pagers.

IV. PROCEDURES

If a caller asks for verification or to speak to someone in the library, staff will:

• Ask for a number where the caller can be reached, along with the name and description of the person they are seeking;
• Tell the caller that you cannot be sure of locating the person but if the person is located, you will deliver the message;
• Attempt to locate the person and deliver the message if workflow allows; or
• Keep the information at the desk in case the person comes to the desk.

Use of cell phones in the library

• Library patrons are expected to use a quiet voice in brief cell phone conversations, if the conversation is disturbing others, the library patron should be asked continue the conversation outside the library.
• If a cell phone ringing or pager is distracting or disturbing others, the library patron should be asked to use the silent signal function or turn the audible signal to the lowest volume.

V. EXCEPTIONS

Staff, volunteers, official visitors or speakers may receive phone calls. In the event of an emergency, staff may take additional steps to locate a library patron for a phone call.

Last Updated: 1/13/04

I. POLICY

The Bedford Public Library System provides 3D printer services by reservation at the Bedford Central Library to patrons with a valid BPLS library card in good standing.  Staff will do their best to help ensure each print is successful, but cannot guarantee success. The patron must remain in the library while their print job is processing.

BPLS reserves the right to halt, delete, or disallow the creation of items that are unsafe, harmful, or dangerous, as well as obscene or otherwise inappropriate for a public library setting. Copyrighted materials or objects the patron does not have the right to own will also fall under this category.

Patrons must submit a 3D Printing Request Form for each print job. All submissions are subject to approval based on scheduling, availability and appropriateness. After the print has been picked up by the patron, the submission file and any .STL files may be retained for a specified period of time.

Print jobs must be completed 30 minutes prior to closing. The printer will not run after hours.

All prints will use BPLS provided filaments only. The filament available includes PLA spools in a variety of colors.

The cost for 3D printing is determined by the weight of the item printed, including all structural supports. If the print fails due to design errors, the patron will be charged for the full weight of materials used. If the print fails due to equipment errors, the library will make one attempt to re-print the item, without additional charge to the patron. Any 3D printing that is part of a library program will have no cost.

II. APPLICABILITY

All BPLS patrons with accounts in good standing.  Users 12 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using the 3D printer.

III. OBJECTIVE

To provide a public service in keeping with the BPLS mission and long range plan objectives.

IV. PROCEDURES

Reservations are required to use the printer. Patrons will check in with the circulation desk at the start of their reservation and sign the Terms of Agreement.

Patrons may choose from a pre-selected catalog of designs to print, or they may print their own designs that have been previously created and saved to an external drive. Acceptable file types for 3D printing include .STL only, and must conform to the print area of the 3D printer.  Information about the print area is located on the 3D Printing Request Form.

The printer will not run after hours, if a print job exceeds the allotted time available, staff will halt the job at closing, and the patron can reschedule the job for another time.  All applicable costs will apply to the partial job.  The BPLS can only offer items with a 10.5 hour print time (subject to change) or less.

The build plates limit projects to 150mm long, 150mm wide, 150mm tall and the BPLS charges $0.20 per gram for each printing project.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, 6/6/2023