Policies & Procedures

The Simon Fairfield Public Library aims to provide free and open access to as many informational resources as we possibly can. As part of that aim, we provide computers for public use and Internet access—a tool so ubiquitous that it is an integral public service. Though we provide access, we do not control, endorse, filter, or monitor the information on the Internet for content or accuracy. The individual user is responsible for judging of the appropriateness and value of information accessed online. In the case of minors, this responsibility belongs to the parents/guardians.

Though we strive to provide free and open access, consideration must be made for the fact that the library is a public space where individual privacy is respected. In consideration, you agree to the following policies upon making use of our computers or wifi network. Infraction of these policies can result in a loss of computer or library privileges depending on severity, appealable before the library director or the board of trustees:

1. In order to protect personal information and privacy, patrons must log out after each session on our public access computers. The library does not accept liability for damages done due to negligence of this procedure.
2. Installing or removing software on library computers is not allowed (please see staff to ask for additional programs).
3. Changing user settings such as display, power options, wallpaper, etc. is not allowed.
4. Viewing sexually explicit or lewd materials is not allowed.
5. Harassment of other individuals (either on-site or remotely) is not allowed.
6. Destroying or damaging equipment or data is not allowed.
7. Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material is not allowed.
8. Violation of software license agreements is not allowed.
9. Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification assigned to others is not allowed.
10. Any unethical or illegal use that is not in compliance with local, state, and federal laws is not allowed.

We highly recommend never giving your personal information on the internet, remembering that people you meet online may not be who they say they are, never arranging to meet someone you meet online face-to-face, and remembering that not everything you read online may be true.

Library staff can provide general guidance on use of the computers and the Internet, but does not perform tasks on behalf of patrons. Library staff typically cannot advise on problems with specific websites, e-mail accounts, or other applications other than suggesting sources for instruction.

Library staff reserves the right to limit the computer use of individual patrons when demand exceeds our available resources.

In order to provide a comfortable and safe environment for all patrons, staff, and volunteers, and in order to protect the property and assets of the library, the following behaviors are not permitted when on the premises of the Simon Fairfield Public Library. Depending on the severity, violation of these rules of conduct can result in the temporary or permanent revocation of any or all library privileges by the library director. Appeals can be made before the board of trustees at monthly board meetings.

• Disruptive behavior, such as creating loud noises, loud talking, screaming, or cursing.
• Possession of weapons unless authorized by law.
• Entering into the Library attired in a manner as to be disruptive to the environment.
• Having offensive body odor that interferes with other patrons’ ability to use the library.
• Leaving personal items unattended.
• Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children (See Child Safety Policy)
• Inappropriate use of library property.
• Engaging in any activity in violation of the computer use policy.
• Gambling.
• Using audible devices set at a volume that disturbs others.
• Littering.
• Smoking, chewing, or other tobacco or vaporizer use.
• Failing to comply with a staff request to cease behavior that interferes with the effective functioning of the library.
• Verbally or physically harassing/threatening other patrons, volunteers, or staff.
• Being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
• Damaging or defacing Library property.
• Possession or use of alcohol or any other controlled substance.
• Assault, fighting, or challenging to a fight.
• Refusing to leave the library when asked by staff.
• Offensive touching, sexual acts, or indecent exposure.
• Trespassing in nonpublic areas of the library.
• Engaging in any behavior that would constitute a felony under applicable law.
• Taking photographs and/or recording videos of Library staff or patrons without their permission.

The Simon Fairfield Public Library encourages children of all ages to enjoy the library. The library is a public space, however, and library staff cannot monitor children to protect them from strangers, each other, or themselves. Children are safest when supervised by a parent, guardian, caregiver, or mature adolescent (heretofore referred to as “responsible adult”). For the protection and well-being of our littlest patrons, the following rules are in effect on the Library premises:

• All children 9 years old and younger must be accompanied and continually supervised by a responsible adult. The responsible adult must stay in the library building while children who are in their care attend library-sponsored programs. The responsible adult must escort the child to the program and meet the child at the conclusion of the program. Children attending library programs are supervised by library staff only for the duration of the program.
• Children ages 10 to 12 may be left unattended to select materials, complete homework assignments, or attend a program. The child must know how to reach the responsible adult in case the need arises, and the responsible adult must be within 15 minutes of the library.
• Children ages 13 and up may utilize the library unattended.

No children of any age may congregate outside of the library after it closes waiting to be picked up by a responsible adult. Children must be picked up before the library closes or have arrangements to go elsewhere.

If any child is found unattended at the library according to the above criteria, staff will attempt to contact the parent of the child. If the staff is unable to contact the parent, police will be notified.

Our patron behavior policies apply to all patrons regardless of age, as all patrons are entitled to reasonable and unobstructed use of the library. Policies applicable to interactions between patrons apply regardless of patrons’ relations to one another.

The Simon Fairfield Public Library aims to provide a diverse and interesting collection of reading material that reflects the wide range of interests, views, opinions, and preferences in Douglas, MA. We strive for a good balance between acquisitions that patrons want now and acquisitions that will constitute valuable long-term additions to the collection.

We are primarily a popular reading library, and aim to maintain an up-to-date collection of print and electronic media so that our patrons can enjoy a steady stream of new releases. We also maintain collections that enhance the area’s culture, including seminal works, classics, and groundbreaking media. In addition, we provide a variety of nonfiction tooled to our local community’s interests.

Responsibility for selection of library materials resides with the library director. The collections are regularly reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet our patrons’ needs. Materials that are worn, obsolete, unused, inaccurate, or misleading may be removed. All accession, de-accessions, and replacement decisions are made taking into account need, demand, and budget. The presence of an item in the collection does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of its content.

We encourage patrons to suggest materials for accession.

All parts of the collection are available for all patrons to access, and it is the responsibility of patrons to use the collection in a way that is appropriate to their tastes, interests, and tolerances. If a patron wishes to formally object to an item’s inclusion in the collection, see the Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form.