Borrowing Privileges to De-Certified Libraries
Bigelow Free Public Library extends reciprocal borrowing privileges to residents of
municipalities in Massachusetts that have certified libraries that are in compliance with
the state’s Minimum Standard for Public Library Service (Massachusetts General Law Ch. 78, Section 19B1 & 6).
However, the Bigelow Free Public Library will not extend reciprocal borrowing
privileges to those patrons of libraries that do not meet the Minimum Standards or have
been decertified. Patrons are free to come into the library and use our resources and
attend programs here, but they cannot take Bigelow Library materials out of the library
in such circumstances.
Revised & approved by Trustees 1/2023
Approved by Board of Trustees November 20, 2014
Child Safety Policy
The staff members are always here to work with children and parents to ensure that all ages are welcome and safe. In order to ensure this, the staff relies on parents and caregivers to communicate with staff at all times. The Library has developed these rules to maintain a nurturing, respectful, and safe environment for all Library users.
- The librarians require that all responsibility for care or supervision of children belongs with the caregiver. It is impossible for staff to always know if children are in the company of, or leaving with, friends or strangers.
- The Bigelow Free Public Library is a safe place, but accidents can happen anywhere at any time. In order to ensure the complete safety of children, we ask that caregivers always be within ‘hugging distance’ of any children under the age of 10. This means being within eyesight of the child at all times.
- If your child will be unsupervised for any reason please discuss with the Children’s Room staff.
- Children aged 10 and up may be unattended at the Library, but staff is not responsible for the child’s care or well-being.
- If a child is left unattended after open hours, a staff member will remain with the child for 15 minutes while attempting to contact the caregiver. If the caregiver cannot be reached, or does not arrive within the 15 minutes, the staff will contact the police about the unattended child.
- To keep both children and staff safe, staff members are not able to transport any child to any other location.
- Adults unaccompanied by children are asked to remain in the Adult areas of the library unless they are actively using materials or services in the Youth areas.
Updated 2/2023 & approved by BoT 2/28/2023
Approved by Board of Trustees 5/22/2018
Collection Management
Library mission
Provide opportunities to explore, learn, create, and connect across the community.
Selection
The Bigelow Free Public Library supports the cultural, educational, informational, and recreational interests of the community by providing quality materials. The Library strives to provide a balanced collection, representing a range of viewpoints and interests. The following standards will be considered for all items for acquisition, whether purchased, requested, or donated:
- Popularity and patron requests
- Local interest
- Limits of budget and space
- Reputation and qualifications of the author or publisher, including reviews
- Strengths and weaknesses of the existing collection
- Currency and accuracy of information
Maintenance
Collection maintenance ensures that materials fulfill the Bigelow Library’s selection criteria and are attractive to users. The ongoing process of collection maintenance accomplishes several goals; inventory control provides an accurate collection size count, review provides feedback on the collection’s strengths and weaknesses, and weeding refreshes the collection.
Weeding is extremely important to ensure that the collection includes the latest information as well as considering the physical quality of the materials.
General policies for weeding follow the MUSTIE rules:
- Misleading information
- Ugly or lack of usage
- Superseded by a more current edition or better book on the subject
- Trivial—of no discernible literary or informational merit; this is somewhat prejudicial
- Irrelevant to the library or community
- Elsewhere—material is easily obtainable from another library through the network
[MUSTIE recommendations from CREW, a publication on collection management]
Continuous evaluation of the collection will help keep it relevant and up-to-date. Overcrowded shelves discourage browsing and frustrate users. Many of these weeded items will be donated in the following order: to the Friends of the Bigelow Library, Little Free Library, local organizations, or to More Than Words.
Challenges
The Bigelow Library does not promote particular views. Instead, it strives to be a resource for various opinions and viewpoints. Language, content, situations, subjects, or opinions do not disqualify material from being included in the collection. (See Request for Review)
The Bigelow Library Board of Trustees supports this policy in accordance with the ALA Intellectual Freedom and Library Bill of Rights statements.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees 4/25/2023
Community Room Usage Policy
The Bigelow Free Public Library Community Room is a public facility open and available to all residents of Clinton. The Library does invite public and private organizations who wish to have a place to meet to use said facility. If you wish to reserve the Community Room, fill out the request form (available online and on paper). The following conditions will be considered:
- All meetings and events conducted in the Library’s Community Room must be free and open to the public
- No alcohol may be sold, served, or consumed without prior permission
- Events occur during the Library’s open hours or with prior permission. Events occurring outside of open hours must arrange with library administration for library staff to be onsite
- Organizations using the room should designate a contact person
- The Organization is responsible for cleaning the Community Room and will be held responsible for damages
- The use of the space is free, but monetary donations to the Bigelow Free Public Library Gift Fund are always welcome
- Recurring meetings may only be made three months in advance
- Patrons may have a maximum of three dates reserved in advance
- Fill out the request form (online or on paper at the library)
- Political campaigning not permitted
- The Library does not discriminate, but the Library has the right to refuse a request
- Bigelow Library-hosted programs take precedence
Approved by the Board of Trustees 1/2024
If interested, please download the and email the completed form to us at illcl@ cwmars.org to request the use of the Community Room.
Bigelow Free Public Library Crisis Plan
This Crisis Plan has been designed for staff members of the Bigelow Free Public Library to give library staff common sense, step-by-step procedures on how to respond immediately to a crisis. Following the will help you prioritize and help to provide a sense of order in an emotionally charged situation.
Staff members are reminded to please stay calm during a crisis. It is also important to convey the need to remain calm to library patrons. If you panic; they will panic.
Table of Contents
General 911 Emergencies ……………………………..page 2
Evacuation of the Building…………………………….page 2
Threat Outside the Building……………………………page 2
Threat Inside the Building………………………………page 3
Bomb Threat……………………………………………page 3
Suspicious Package……………………………………..page 4
Facility Malfunction/Hazardous Waste………………….page 4
- GENERAL 911 EMERGENCIES
All staff members of the Bigelow Free Public Library are empowered to call 911 without a supervisor’s permission.
Staff member will:
- Call 911; stay on the line until released by the 911 dispatcher
- Identify yourself; providing and confirming that the library’s address is 54 Walnut Street and that the phone number is 978-365-4160
- State the nature of the incident as well as the exact location of the incident
- Designate a person to meet the responding fire/police units at the appropriate entrance
- Notify Library Director or, in absence of Director, library Trustee
- EVACUATION OF THE BUILDING
Staff member will:
- Check the hallways/stairwells for safety prior to evacuation
- Exit through the nearest doorway. If exit is blocked, use the next closest exit situated away from the emergency
- Move to assigned evacuation location (Central Park Fountain)
- Avoid downed power lines or other unsafe hazards
- Report injuries to Library Director or, in absence of Director, library Trustee
- Attempt to reunite parents with children
- Wait for further instructions
III. THREAT OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY
There is a situation OUTSIDE the library building requiring the library to take extra security measures. Situations such as an explosion outside the building, a hazardous materials leak outside the building, or a violent situation near the library.
Staff member will:
- Call 911
- Advise library staff
- Stay calm; bring patrons in from outside
- Lock library doors & secure windows
- Wait for further instructions.
- THREAT INSIDE THE LIBRARY
There is a situation/intruder INSIDE the library building. An intruder is any unidentified or unauthorized person who has entered the library or library grounds whose intent may be harmful, or whose intent is unknown, or who appears to be a potential safety threat to a staff member or patron.
Staff member will:
- Call 911.
- All children’s room staff and any patrons in the children’s room should immediately exit the building from the upstairs emergency exit
- Check hallways and restrooms for other patrons, if safe to do so.
- No one should be allowed inside the library, unless they are identified as emergency personnel.
- If you are outside the library when a lockdown occurs, remain outside and seek shelter in a safe location, remaining hidden from the source of the threat.
- Remain calm; patrons are watching for your reactions.
- Wait for further instructions.
- BOMB THREAT
Staff member will:
- Keep the caller on the line
- Evacuate the building using the library’s evacuation procedures
- Do not touch any suspicious device or object found on the premises
- Restrict the use of cell phones
- Wait for further instructions
- Notify the Library Director or, in absence of director, library Trustee
- SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE
Any package that is unexpected, handwritten with no return or legible return address or odd address. The package could have oily stains, discoloration or an odor, lopsided or lumpy in appearance, sealed with excessive amounts of tape, sent with excessive postage, protruding wires or aluminum foil or suspicious powder, marked with inappropriate restrictive endorsements such as “personal” or “confidential.”
Staff member will:
- NOT handle the package
- Restrict the use of cell phones
- Notify the Library Director or, in absence of director, library Trustee
- Call 911
- Consider immediate evacuation
VII. FACILITY MALFUNCTION/HAZARDOUS WASTE
In the event of a facility malfunction involving the fire alarm system or the security system, the alarm company will call the library. Write down whatever they say as to where and what kind of alarm/malfunction is happening.
Staff member will:
- Call 911 if deemed appropriate and the alarm company has not already done this.
- Notify Library Director or, in absence of director, library Trustee
- Describe condition and avoid contact
- Determine if the building needs to be evacuated using library evacuation procedures
Approved by Board of Trustees October 2014
Filming or Photography
The Bigelow Free Public Library is a public place, but the obligation of the Library is to provide a space where patrons can make use of the library without unnecessary intrusion. Therefore, anyone wishing to photograph, film/video or make audio-recordings of patrons or staff in the Library for non-commercial purposes is required to seek permission from the subjects first.
Individuals or organization seeking to photograph, film/video or make audio-recordings for commercial purposes are to first consult with the Library Director.
Photographs of original art on display in the Library require permission of the artist(s) who hold all rights over reproduction of their work.
Please note that the Bigelow Free Public Library sometimes engages in photographing and recording programs and events for its own publicity and promotional purposes. Library staff will make every effort to notify members of the public when filming, photography or audio-recording is taking place. Please notify a Library staff member if you do not want to be photographed or recorded.
All questions about video/filming, audio-recording or taking photographs in the Library should be addressed to the Library Director, who is responsible for the implementation of this policy.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees January 28, 2020
Wi-fi Hotspots
In order to support the Bigelow Free Public Library’s mission to fulfill the information needs of Clinton residents, the library circulates wi-fi hotspots.
- A patron must be a resident of Clinton with an active CWMARS card in good standing.
- Each hotspot circulates for two weeks and is not renewable.
- Hotspots are limited to one per household, per month (30 days).
- All hotspots must be returned to the front desk when the library is open, not the book drop or another library.
- Hotspots are available for walk-in loans only.
- A late hotspot will be disabled remotely the day after it is due, if it is not returned.
- Fines of $5/day will accrue for a hotspot returned late. Repeat offenses may result in a loss of borrowing privileges.
- A patron who damages or disables a hotspot will be charged $50.
The hotspot will be assessed by staff upon its return.
The Bigelow Free Public Library is not responsible for anything accessed by a patron using a borrowed hotspot. The library cannot guarantee quality of the wi-fi service.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees 7/23/2019
All electronic resources are provided equally to all patrons, assuming all behavior is appropriate and adheres to all posted policies. By accessing this wifi hot spot, you agree to the following usage policies.
Will not:
- Destroy or damage equipment, software, or data
- Attempt to gain unlawful access, including hacking and other unlawful activities
- Invade the privacy of others
- Violate software license agreements and copyright laws
- Violate other federal, state, or local laws
- Vandalize or use other users’ accounts or data
- Access material that meets the definitions of pornography
- Abscond with library materials, including peripherals and/or hardware
Will:
- Be respectful of usage of the hot spot, returning it on time
- Accept these policies
- Read and understand these policies
5/25/2022 Approved by the Board of Trustees
Internet & Computer Use Policy
The Bigelow Free Public Library supports the cultural, educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community by providing access to a variety of resources. Electronic databases and networks such as the Internet offer access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the world, enabling libraries to enhance and supplement their traditional print collections.
By simply being a provider of access to the Internet, the Library does not select, control, or monitor any information on the Internet for accuracy, content, or quality. As with other library materials, the responsibility for determining what is useful and valuable lies with each individual user.
In accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), however, the Library’s youth accessible computers are equipped with filtering software that is intended to protect against access to sites that may reasonably construed to contain visual depictions (i.e., videos and pictures) that (1) are obscene, as that term is defined in Section 1460 of Title 18, United States Code; (2) contain child pornography, as that term is defined in Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code; or (3) are “harmful to minors” as defined in CIPA, Public Law 106-554. Such filtering may not be turned off for minors (i.e., persons younger than 17). Patrons who access computers may not try to circumvent the Internet filter to view blocked sites or attempt to hack or jailbreak the Library’s youth accessible computers. The Library’s filtering software complies with CIPA while at the same time providing patrons the broadest possible access to constitutionally protected speech and information.
The Library cannot and does not guarantee that the Library’s filtering software will block all obscenity, child pornography, or materials that are harmful to minors. Nor can the Library guarantee that the filtering software will not restrict access to sites that may have legitimate research or other value. If a website is found to be incorrectly blocked, patrons may send the site address to illcl @ cwmars.org for evaluation. All electronic resources are provided equally to all patrons, assuming all behavior is appropriate and adheres to all posted policies.
Access to and use of the Internet is a privilege and should be treated as such by all users of the system. Examples of unacceptable, unethical, and illegal behavior include the following:
- Destruction, damage, or disruption of equipment, software, or data, including removing privacy screens, shutting off computers, and/or disconnecting computer cables;
- Gaining unlawful access, including hacking and other unlawful activities;
- Invading the privacy of others, including unauthorized use of other users’ accounts or data;
- Violating software licensing agreements and copyright laws;
- Violating federal, state, or local laws, including but not limited to accessing materials that constitute child pornography;
- Accessing, sending, receiving, or displaying any material, whether in text, graphic, or video form, that may reasonably be construed as either obscene or child pornography;
- Absconding with library materials, including peripherals and/or hardware;
- Participating in any online activities that would be considered harmful to minors, including social media contact or unauthorized sharing of personal information
Library staff will intercede when this policy is violated and violators may be asked to leave the Library.
Patrons can log in for two hours, but may extend time if no one else is waiting. All users must agree to the Internet Use Policy prior to accessing the computers.
Internet Safety for Minors Using the Library’s Computers
Supervision of children’s use of the internet on the Library’s computers is the responsibility of a parent or legal guardian.
The Library urges parents, legal guardians and their children to follow these safety guidelines:
1. Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, social media handle, or telephone number.
2. Let a parent or legal guardian decide whether personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information should be shared or revealed.
3. Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without a parent’s or legal guardian’s prior approval.
4. Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make one feel uncomfortable.
5. Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
6. Remember that everything one reads online may not be true.
Approved by the Board of Trustees 2/2024
Lending Policies
Books
- Books may be loaned for up to three weeks plus an automatic three-week renewal (CW MARS network-wide policy)
- Books may be loaned to other libraries/individuals through the CW MARS network
- Books may be loaned to other networks/individuals via the Commonwealth Catalog
- Items more than one month overdue will result in an item status of lost (see policy on Fines & Fees below)
DVDs & Video Games
- DVD and video games may be loaned for up to one week plus one automatic renewal
- DVD television series may be loaned for up to three weeks plus one automatic renewal
- DVDs may be loaned to other libraries/individuals through the CW MARS network
- DVDS may be loaned to other networks/individuals via the Commonwealth Catalog
Library of Unexpected Items (LoUI)
- Please see lending policies for individual items
Fines & Fees
- Overdue fines will accrue on patron’s record for Unexpected Items, but will be waived upon the return of the Items
- Items more than four weeks overdue will result in a patron’s borrowing privileges being suspended. Fines for these lost items in excess of $9.99 will result in patrons being unable to borrow other materials until the return of the lost items. These policies are required as part of the Library’s membership in the CW MARS network
- For more information, see the Lost Items Policy
Approved by the Trustees 2/2024
Library Bill of Rights
The Bigelow Library supports the American Libraries Association Bill of Rights statement:
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Approval by trustees June 19, 2014
Library Card Policies & Privileges
- Any Massachusetts resident with photo ID and proof of address may obtain a library card from the Bigelow Free Public Library. The first card is free.
- If photo ID or proof of address verification is unavailable, library card applicant may borrow just one item. Library card will be mailed to address provided. Item must be returned to borrow another item. Full borrowing privileges will be granted when address is verified.
- Non-patrons can apply online through the CW MARS network for a digital-only card. This will allow them to borrow digital resources unique to the Bigelow Library. A patron who wants to upgrade their digital card to a physical card must follow the procedures listed in section 1.
Approved by the Board of Trustees 3/26/2019
Updated & Approved by the Board of Trustees 5/31/2022.
Library Displays Policy
Selection
The Bigelow Free Public Library supports the cultural, educational, informational, and recreational interests of the community by providing a variety of quality displays. The Library strives to represent a range of viewpoints, topics, and interests.
Challenges
The Bigelow Library does not promote particular views. Instead, it strives to be a resource for offering displays on a range of topics to appeal to a variety of opinions, interests, and preferences, reflecting a myriad of topics. (See Request for Review)
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees 4/25/2023
Lost Materials Policy
The Bigelow Free Public Library loans physical materials to members of the public who hold valid CW MARS library cards with less than $10 in fines on their accounts.
When items are more than four weeks late, they become “lost” items and the patron is automatically charged the replacement fee. Patrons must return or pay for the items before borrowing additional items. The fee will automatically be waived when the book is returned in usable condition.
If the materials are permanently lost, patrons can pay the replacement fees via check or cash directly to the library, or via credit card by logging into their account at www.cwmars.org. In some instances, exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Director, Head of Adult Services, or Head of Youth Services.
Some non-traditional items may have their own lending and lost policies. Please refer to these policies when borrowing non-traditional items.
Approved by the Library Trustees 4/30/24
Discount Museum Passes
Discounted museum passes may be borrowed from the library by patrons, 18 years and up, who have a valid CW MARS library card in good standing (i.e. no outstanding fines over $10 or lost items).
Passes and coupons should be reserved in advance. If you make a reservation, but change your mind, you are requested to cancel the reservation so that the pass is available for another patron. See our list of available passes and the privileges afforded. Check the venue websites for visitor details.
The Bigelow Library reserves the right to revoke borrowing privileges if an individual or family abuses the pass privilege.
Any borrower who loses a returnable pass is responsible for the full replacement cost of that pass.
Revised & approved by Trustees 1/2023
Approved by Trustees 3/2015
Periodicals Selection & Retention
The Bigelow Free Public Library supports the cultural, educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community by providing quality materials. The Library strives to provide a balanced collection representing a range of viewpoints. The following standards will be considered for all items for acquisition, whether purchased, requested, or donated:
- Relevance to present needs of the community
- Strengths and weaknesses of the existing collection
- Currency and accuracy of information
- Popularity and user demand
- Limits of the budget and space
- Local interest
Periodical Collection Maintenance & Retention
- For monthly magazines, the Bigelow Free Public Library will retain one year’s worth of back issues.
- For weekly magazines, the library will retain six months’ worth of back issues.
- For daily newspapers, the library will retain two weeks’ worth of back issues.
- The exceptions are The Item, which we will retain on paper until we receive the microfilm version from the publisher; and the Clinton Courant which has ceased publication, but we will retain it on microfilm.
Gifts or Donations
The library will not accept donations of used magazines, but if a patron would like to buy a subscription for the library, the library will acknowledge the gift with a mention in the next newsletter.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, November 20, 2014
The Bigelow Free Public Library welcomes well-behaved, healthy, and leashed — or otherwise constrained — pets, so long as they are under the control of their owners, do not get onto furniture, and/or disrupt other library patrons. Please be mindful of this etiquette so that everyone can enjoy the library.
Subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 98A regarding service animals¹ being present in places of public accommodation, including the Library, staff reserves the right to ask the pet owner to remove an animal that is not behaving in accordance with this Policy.
¹Service animals are either dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to perform one or more specific actions or tasks in response to either a command or some signal that they have sensed to assist an individual with a disability and those actions/tasks must directly help with the symptoms or limitations associated with the individual’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support are not service animals.
Service animals (1) are permitted to go wherever their handler is permitted to go; (2) must be under their handler’s control at all times (which usually involves use of a harness or leash); (3) must be housebroken; (4) may not pose a legitimate, direct threat to the health or safety of others; (5) are allowed even if others have fears of them or are allergic to them; and (6) do not have to be allowed to sit on furniture meant for patrons.
Awaiting Approval by Board of Trustees 1/2024
Policy for Political Campaigns
This policy applies to all local, state, and national political campaigns.
The Bigelow Free Public Library is a town-owned public building. As per Town of Clinton Bylaws no political campaign materials may be distributed on public property, including the Library.
Furthermore, the Library does not permit any campaign related activity of any kind on library property. Anyone not acting in accordance with this policy will be asked to leave.
approved by the Board of Trustees 5/29/2019
Posting Promotional Flyers
The Bigelow Free Public Library is a public facility open and available to all residents of Clinton. The Library does invite public and private organizations to send flyers for promotion.
- The Front Desk, Front Doors, Back doors, elevator, Children’s area desk, Children’s area doors, YA area, and inner Front Doors are limited to Bigelow Free Public Library and Friends of the Bigelow Free Public Library events only
- Organizations and/or individuals may not post without permission of the library staff
- Flyers for other organizations may be posted on the bulletin boards by the elevator only
- Flyers without a date will get a date written on them. After one month they will be taken down.
- Flyers/posters with a date will be taken down the day after the event.
Printing, Scanning, & Faxing Policies
The library has a printer/copier/scanner available for use by the public. All printing and copying fees have been suspended, although donations are always accepted.
Patrons are encouraged to ask for help rather than print mistakes.
Scanning is free, but must be sent to a patron’s email or a jump drive.
Staff must fax documents behind the desk. Fees are currently suspended.
The fax machine can only send from a one-sided paper in black and white. Patrons are requested to make their materials one-sided using the copy machine.
Thank you for supporting the library
Programs Policy
Selection
The Bigelow Free Public Library supports the cultural, educational, informational, and recreational interests of the community by providing a variety of quality programs. The Bigelow Library strives to provide a balanced calendar, representing a range of viewpoints and interests. The following standards will be considered for all programs, whether hired, produced in-house, or co-sponsored:
- Popularity and patron requests
- Local interest
- Limits of budget and space
- Reputation and qualifications of the presenter, including reviews
Challenges
The Bigelow Library does not promote particular views. Instead, it strives to be a resource for offering programs & presentations on a range of topics to appeal to a variety of opinions, interests, and preferences. (See Request for Review)
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees 4/25/2023
RECYCLING & PURCHASING POLICY
In an effort to reduce solid waste volume and disposal costs, make more efficient use of our natural resources, create markets for the recycled materials, conserve energy and significantly limit the amount of toxic substances being disposed in the environment, the Board of Library Trustees, in accordance with the Clinton Select Board, would like our town library to serve as a model to the community by committing to purchase products which are environmentally preferable whenever such products meet quality and performance requirements and are available at reasonable prices and terms. Environmentally preferable products include, but are not limited to, products that contain recycled content, are energy efficient, less toxic, reduce packaging, conserve water, are readily biodegradable, and preserve open space. The Clinton Recycle Drop-Off Center and curbside recycle material pick-up service by the Department of Public Works provides our citizens with access to recycling options which has greatly increased our recycling rate. As public sector purchasers, we need to support the recycling process by purchasing products made with recycled material. If we do not purchase recycled products, there is no economic motivation for manufacturers to use the materials that we recycle and enhance the market for these items. To the maximum extent practicable, the following standards should be adhered to by library staff:
- For all purchases of printing and writing paper for in-house use or custom printed materials by professional printers, including copier paper, offset paper, forms, stationary, envelopes, tablets, notepads, and file folders, the minimum content standards shall be no less than 30% post-consumer recycled materials to meet the current state and federal minimum standards.
- The Bigelow Library shall ensure that all contracts for printing require the inclusion of an imprint identifying the recycled content of the paper whenever practicable, along with the recycling symbol.
- Consider targeting additional items to be purchased only with recycled and environmentally preferable content, such as, but not limited to, janitorial paper products, cleaning products, paint, remanufactured toner cartridges, office supplies, trash bags, and energy efficient office equipment.
- The library shall implement paper reduction techniques through the use of duplexing, sharing and circulating materials, use of electronic mail and file storage, and reuse of discarded paper for draft work, scrap paper and internal messages.
The Select Board endorse this standard for office operations and strongly encourage all departments to follow this policy. The Board of Library Trustees adopts these policies and practices for the library.
Adopted by the Trustees 8/2024
Standards of Conduct
We welcome everyone to use the Bigelow Free Public Library. We welcome the opportunity to support you in your research, information, and entertainment needs. However, there is a level of expected behavior acceptable in a public place.
This policy allows the Library to provide an enjoyable and safe environment where patrons can fully benefit from and utilize the Library’s resources and services. We expect patrons to behave responsibly, respectfully, and with consideration for others:
- Dress appropriately for a public place. Shoes and shirts must be worn. Personal hygiene should be sufficient as to not offend others.
- Behave appropriately for a public building.
- Treat public property with care. Stealing or vandalizing any property of the Library is not allowed.
- Disruptive behavior that hinders others from fully enjoying the Library will not be tolerated.
- Treat other patrons and staff with courtesy. Rude behavior will not be tolerated.
- Possession or the use of alcohol or illegal drugs are not permitted.
- For the comfort of all patrons, pets, except service animals, are not allowed in the Library.
- Patrons are expected not to be in the library without permission or when the library is closed. Camping or trespassing on the grounds is prohibited
- Soliciting and panhandling are prohibited.
- Appropriate supervision of young children should be provided by their caregivers. Children under ten must not be left unattended in the library.
The library staff reserves the right to ask a patron to leave if any of the above is not honored. Anyone who witnesses inappropriate behavior should report the behavior to a staff member immediately.
Update approved by board 5/2023
