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TOWN OF ESOPUS LIBRARY |
ABOUT THE ESOPUS LIBRARY | |
Mission: The Town of Esopus Library, through a team of friendly, knowledgeable, and well-trained Staff, Volunteers, Friends, and Trustees, is dedicated to providing people of all ages with innovative lifelong learning and leisure opportunities through information, education, technology, and entertainment.
Vision: The Town of Esopus Library strives to reflect and enrich community life in the Town of Esopus and the surrounding areas. As a focal point, the Library works in partnership with its patrons, community groups, and the Mid-Hudson Library System to stay in the forefront of local needs and trends. Library programs and facilities are designed to compliment the unique characteristics of the Town of Esopus.
These were adopted by the Board of Trustees on October 25, 2006.

| ITEM | LOAN PERIOD | FINE |
| Books, Audio's, Book/Tape Kits | 4 Weeks | 10 cents/day |
| Magazines, Travel Books | 1 Week | 10 cents/day |
| Best Sellers | 14 Days | 25 cents/day |
| Music CD's | 14 days | 10 cents/day |
| Non-Fiction Videos | 1 Week | 1 dollar/day |
| Adult and Juvenile Feature Films* | 1 Week | 1 dollar/day |
| DVD** | 1 week | 1 dollar/day |
| *Limit five videos per family | ||
| **Limit four DVD's per family |
| Phone Reminder | When items are overdue 2 weeks |
| Phone Notification | When items are overdue 8 weeks |
Rules Governing Use
Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to the Internet, the Library may set limits, for example, on use of large files of still or moving images or sound, or on downloading files in any medium. The Library also reserves the right to limit the amount of time an individual user can devote to a single session.Computer User Guidelines
These computers are available for public access to the Internet and information in digital formats
- • The Library requests that the public sign-up for computer use by presenting their library card or other form of identification to the Main Desk staff.
- • An individual may sign-up for computer use in person or via the telephone. Sessions last for ˝ hour unless other arrangements are made in advance. Staff at the Main Desk will assist with reservations requiring an extended time (i.e. projects, tests).
- • Pages may be printed for 15˘ each.
- • No one may sign up for usage during the last 15 minutes before the closing of the Library. Patrons are requested to end their sessions in a timely manner.
- • The Library staff cannot provide tutoring or devote significant time to assisting patrons in use of the computer. The Library offers free Internet and computer classes.
- • The display of sexually explicit graphic material is inappropriate for a public and open environment and is prohibited.
- • Disks for in library use may be obtained at the Main Desk for $1.00 each. Violations may result in suspension or loss of privileges to use computer resources at the Library
- . Any illegal activity involving the use of the Library’s computers, including the Internet, will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
- • Users may not: Make any attempt to alter, remove, or damage computer equipment or software
- . They may not install any executable software on library computers. Data may be transferred to and from the A: drive only
- • Users may not: Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.
- • Users may not: Use the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the Library’s tax-exempt status or its proper operation.
- • Users may not: Misrepresent themselves; attempt to gain unauthorized access either inside or outside the library.
- • Users may not: Distribute unsolicited advertising.
- • Users may not: Invade the privacy of others.
- • Users must: Refrain from illegal or unethical use of the Internet.
- • Users must: Respect intellectual property by only downloading information or computer files with proper permission.
Internet Use Policy
To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats, the Library provides access to Internet resources. In doing so, the Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its home pages. The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. In addition, the Library is committed to providing instruction and guidance for positive and educational experiences in utilizing Internet resources. However, some information found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. A good information consumer must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found.Choosing and Evaluating Sources
The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly diverse array of information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk. The Library does not limit or filter access to materials, or attempt to protect users from materials some individuals may find offensive. In choosing sources to link to its home pages, the Library follows its materials selection guidelines. Beyond this, the Library does not monitor or control information accessible through the Internet and is not responsible for its content, for changes in content or the sources to which the Library home pages link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links.Access by Minors
Parents or legal guardians assume responsibility for deciding what library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not use. The Library home page has areas for children and young adults, which provide content and links to other web sites that parent or legal guardians may find appropriate for their children. Also, the Library conducts individual and family instructional sessions in the proper use of Internet resources.
Public Users Security
Adopted by the Board of Trustees:
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. However, the Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.
Revised by the Board of Trustees: August 30, 2006
Use of meeting rooms in community libraries is primarily for programs conducted or sponsored by the Library, and secondarily, for programs of established and recognized institutions, groups, and associations with educational, cultural, or civic purposes. The fact that a group is permitted to use a room does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the Library. All meetings must be open to the public.
Programs that are planned by the Library take precedence over meetings of outside groups. The Library reserves the right to pre-empt the use of meeting space for library purposes upon two (2) weeks notice to the organization which had requested that space.
As long as meetings do not conflict with one another, there is no objection to regular meetings of the same group; however, in fairness to the numerous groups of the community, reservations are taken not more than three (3) months in advance.
APPLICATION: Formal application for the use of any meeting room is made with the administrator of the Library. An individual responsible for the meeting must complete and sign an application form. Reconfirmation of the meeting must be made with the administrator at least one week prior to the meeting. Cancellations or change of meeting dates also must be cleared with the administrator of the library.
General Rules of Use
- 1. Meeting rooms may not be used for religious services, sales promotion, social meetings, or for the benefit of private individuals or commercial concerns engaged in marketing goods or services. Sale of merchandise is strictly prohibited.
- 2. Political meetings are acceptable for the discussion of issues but not for campaign purposes, party caucuses, or meetings closed to the public.
- 3. Except as a designation of location, the name of the Library may not be used in any publicity relating to use of meeting rooms.
- 4. Individuals or groups using the meeting room shall secure any necessary performance licenses and indemnify the Library for any failure on their part to do so.
- 5. Attendance at authorized meetings may not exceed the maximum room capacity of 75 people.
- 6. Groups of children or teenagers must be supervised by one adult for every ten children/teens.
- 7. No cooking may be done or food served without approval. No alcohol may be served at any time. No smoking is permitted. Burning of any materials, including incense and candles, is prohibited.
- 8. There is no charge for meeting room use during the library’s regular hours of operation. Programs should be planned so that meeting space will be vacated 15 minutes before closing time.
*** If scheduling a meeting after regular library hours a $15 service fee is required.- 9. Meeting rooms must be left in acceptable, un-littered condition. Tables and chairs should be returned to the positions in which they were found.
- 10. No games of chance may be played.
- 11. Meetings must be conducted in such a way as not to disturb library operations.
- 12. Use of audio-visual equipment must be arranged at time of reservation.
- 13. Library personnel will not move or rearrange heavy equipment.
- 14. The Library will not provide storage space and assumes no responsibility for equipment or personal articles belonging to applicants or their guests.
- 15. The applicant accepts liability for either damage to library facilities or loss of library property.
- 16. The Library reserves the right to close due to adverse weather conditions and will attempt to contact the applicant.
- 17. The applicant assumes responsibility for participant accommodations (e.g. assistive listening devices, etc.) and specific articles of compliance as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- 18. Library personnel must have free access to meeting rooms at all times. The Library retains the right to monitor all meetings conducted on the premises to ensure compliance with the above regulations. Infringement of any of the regulations here stated shall be grounds for denial of future use of meeting space.
Meeting room policy is determined by the Board of Trustees, and is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Board. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Library Board of Trustees as it deems in the interests of the Library and the community. Appeals to any of these policies may be submitted to the Board of Trustees in writing.
The Board of Trustees of the Town of Esopus Port Ewen Library, under section 262 of the New York State Education Law, establishes the following rules in order to facilitate the broadest and most equitable use of the facilities and materials of the Library:
The Town of Esopus Library welcomes gifts of books, periodical subscriptions, works of art, media, other educational materials and equipment. Money for the purchase of library materials and equipment or donations to the Library Foundation are also accepted.
All gifts are accepted under the following conditions:
- 1. No gifts will be accepted on which the donor places restrictions or special conditions, unless those restrictions or conditions are specifically accepted by the Library Board of Trustees.
- 2. Monetary gifts will be accepted for the purchase of library materials or equipment. All monetary gifts exceeding $500 will be utilized at the discretion of the Library Board of Trustees in accordance with this policy and/or the Library's Materials Selection Policy.
- 3. Gift materials will be judged by the same materials selection standards that apply to purchased materials.
- 4. Gifts are irrevocable. Those weeded from or not added to the collection may be disposed of as the librarian deems appropriate. This includes personal property, art objects, antiques and other collectibles.
- 5. Gift items will be formally acknowledged, if the donor wishes. The Library will not appraise or estimate the value of gift donations. The responsibility for such assessment lies with the donor. The donor may request a receipt for the number of items donated.
The Town of Esopus Library hereby states it is a municipality currently in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service and contributions to the Town of Esopus Library are deductible charitable contributions to the donor. In addition, the Library has received sales tax exemption from the State of New York. Donors will be supplied with appropriate statement regarding any monetary donation which is tax deductible at the donor’s request.
This policy is determined by the Library Board of Trustees and is subject to periodic review and/or revision at the discretion of the Board. Appeals may be submitted to the Board in writing.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees:
Revised by the Board of Trustees: November 29, 2006
MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY
- 1. The responsibility for the collection rests with the Library Board. The responsibility for selection of materials rests with the Director, who delegates this task to qualified professional staff. These librarians may in turn consult with other staff who have a variety of expertise in their respective fields.
- 2. The selection of library materials should be based on a comprehensive knowledge of the nature and special characteristics of the local community.
- 3. The collection should include subjects of permanent value and current general interest on international, national, and local levels.
- 4. A "complete" collection of library materials should not be the goal, but the best and most useful materials should be selected. Some materials may be acquired primarily on the basis of their artistic merit, scholarship or value to humanity, while others are selected to satisfy the informational, recreational or educational interests of the community.
- 5. Materials for individuals of varying ages, educational levels, and interest should be acquired.
- 6. The library acquires a wide range of materials in a variety of formats according to their suitability for public library use and their cost effectiveness. Each type of material is considered in terms of its own merit and its intended audience.
- 7. Wherever possible, the Library will provide materials to anticipate the needs and interests of potential users.
- 8. Gift materials will be judged by the same standards that apply to purchased materials. (See "Gift Policy.")
- 9. The collection is maintained by retaining or replacing essential materials and removing, on a systematic and continuous basis, those works that are worn, outdated, or no longer in demand.
- 10. No library materials shall be excluded based on expressions of race, religion, nationality, or political or social views.
- 11. Censorship is a purely individual matter. Responsibility for the reading/viewing/listening material of children and adolescents rests with their parent or legal guardian. The library does not stand in loco parentis. This policy defends the principles of freedom to read, view or hear, and no material shall be removed from the collection save under the procedures for Reconsideration of Library Materials adopted by this Board of Trustees.
- 12. This Board has adopted and declared that it will adhere to and support:
This policy is determined by the Library Board of Trustees and is subject to periodic review and/or revision at the discretion of the Board. Appeals may be submitted to the Board in writing.
- o The Library Bill of Rights.
- o The Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the American Library Association.
- o The Restricted Access to Library Materials Statement, and
- o The Free Access to Libraries for Minors Statement, all of which are made a part hereof. /ul
Adopted by the Board of Trustees:
Revised by the Board of Trustees: November 29, 2006
Library Holiday Closings - 2012
January 16 Monday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day February 20 Monday Presidents' Day April 08 Sunday Easter May 13 Sunday Mother's Day May 28 Monday Memorial Day July 4 Wednesday Independence Day September 3 Monday Labor Day October 08 Monday Columbus Day November 11 Sunday Veterans' Day 22 & 23 Thurs & Friday Thanksgiving Holiday Day December 24 - 26 Monday - Wednesday Christmas Holiday December 31 & Jan 1 Monday & Tuesday New Year's Holiday
Update by "M" 12/21/11
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