October 1930
Avon Lake Village Council and the Mayor appoint first Library Association Board of Trustees.  First meeting is October 14.  The Village – population 1,610 – commits $1,000 in annual operating support.  Additional funds are raised, and book donations solicited.

January 1931
White clapboard house on Center Road [State Route 83] is rented for $10 a month from a Cleveland school teacher.  Anna Heider is hired as first librarian at $50 a month.  Books are ordered.  Hours are Monday and Friday, 2:00 – 8:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.  First book purchased for the collection is Penrod by Booth Tarkington.

February 1931
During the first two weeks of operations, 309 patrons register for library cards, and 505 books are checked out.  By the end of 1931:  2,000 items in the collection | 491 registered borrowers | 8,939 checkouts.

1933
Library “branches” are opened at the Post Office and Beach Park Grocery; staffed 45 minutes a week by Mrs. Heider.

1935
3,517 items in the collection | 959 registered borrowers | 13,674 checkouts.

1936 – 1937
Library qualifies for county funding from intangibles tax fund and is designated a Public Library.  Budget is just under $10,000 a year, and the Library is open four days a week.  4,000 items in the collection | 17,000 checkouts.

1940
Village population is 2,274 | 8,858 checkouts.

For more information, call the Library at 440.933.8128

March 13, 2003

Avon Lake Public Library Guidelines for Patron Conduct

 MAKE YOUR LIBRARY EXPERIENCE THE BEST IT CAN BE

PLEASE, DO…

1.      Wear proper street attire, including shirts and shoes.

2.      Behave in a courteous manner.  Refrain from loud talking, yelling, rowdy behavior, verbal abuse and obscene language.

3.      Behave in an orderly manner.  Refrain from running – your safety is a major concern – and loitering in the Library and on library grounds.

4.      Be courteous of others when using a cell phone.  Silence your ringers.  Hold lengthy conversations far away from others or outside of the building.

5.      Park bicycles in the bicycle racks and lock them to prevent theft.

6.      Be respectful of people when petitioning for signatures.  Members of the public may circulate petitions outside the Library from the east/west sidewalk east of the mailbox on the south side, and/or the east/west city sidewalk on the north side.

PLEASE, DON’T…

1.      Consume alcohol, smoke or use tobacco products in the Library.

2.      Post personal or business advertisements on the public bulletin boards.  (Public service and nonprofit postings must be approved by the Public Relations Coordinator or the Director.)

3.      Make solicitations of library staff or patrons.

TELEPHONE…

·         A courtesy phone for brief, local calls is located at the north end of the Circulation desk. 

THE LIBRARY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO…

·         The Board of Library Trustees reserves the right to revoke the library privileges of any person whose behavior constitutes a nuisance to other library patrons, staff and/or library property.

·         Library staff reserves the right to call parents/guardians of minors who violate these guidelines, and to call the police in the event of serious disorderly conduct on the part of any patron.

Based on the powers invested in the Library Board of Trustees of the Avon Lake Public Library in the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3375.40 and pursuant to the recommendations of the American Library Association and the Ohio Library Council, the Avon Lake Public Library adopts the following policy on confidentiality of Library records:

The Avon Lake Public Library specifically recognizes that its circulation records and other records identifying the names of Library users with specific materials are confidential in nature. No such records will be made available to any agency of federal, state or local government, or to any individual not specifically authorized by the Director for legitimate business purposes, except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to federal, state or local law relating to civil, criminal or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.

Under receipt of such process, order or subpoena, the Library’s officers will consult with their legal counsel to determine if such process, order or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance in a court of competent jurisdiction. If the process, order or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, the Library will insist that such defects be cured.

As per the Ohio Revised Code, Section 149.432, the Library records of minor children must be provided to parents/guardians upon request.

The USA Patriot Act [full title: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001] provides a law enforcement agency official with a warrant the right to execute a search immediately. Staff must permit the search but the Library’s officers will request than an attorney be present during the search.

April 10, 2003

Attendance Fee

Patrons from outside of Lorain County will be charged $1.00 per head to attend DiscoveryWorks programs. However, their supervising adults will not be charged.

Starlab

Anyone renting the Starlab must attend training beforehand. The rental fees are:

• $25.00 per day
• $130.00 per week
• An additional $10.00 will be charged for rentals outside of Lorain County.

 
The following fees apply when a DiscoveryWorks employee provides a Starlab program:

• $100.00 for three (3) hours to provide a maximum of three (3) programs up to 45 minutes each in length.
• $175.00 for seven (7) hours to provide a maximum of six (6) programs up to 45 minutes each in length.
• $25.00 additional fee for set up and take down.

 
Starlab programs are given free of charge to public and private primary and secondary schools, located in
Avon Lake.

February 13, 1997

Three (3) display cases and a gallery facility at Avon Lake Public Library are available free on a reservation basis to local individuals and groups to exhibit collections, art, crafts, etc.

The individual or group seeking use of the display case(s) or gallery shall make application to the Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator. The Board of Trustees may adopt a form to be completed by the applicant. The Library Director reserves the right to accept or reject any application.

Items to be displayed should be suitable for viewing by persons of all ages. Items must be of such size, composition and weight that they will not necessitate alterations to or cause damage to the cases or hanging systems.

The exhibitor shall provide information regarding items, identification of exhibitor, etc., if such information is to be part of the exhibit. The Library will publicize exhibits in local news media.

The Library will display items which are for sale and will post a price list, if same is provided by the exhibitor. Library staff will neither sell items to nor reserve items for persons viewing the exhibit.

Exhibits may be scheduled for one (1) month, with set-up and removal times determined by the Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator or the Library Director’s designee.

May 11, 1983

Upon written recommendation of the Administration, equipment and furnishings deemed no longer useful are to be declared surplus property.

Periodically, the Fiscal Officer will present a list of obsolete equipment to the Board of Trustees who will vote whether to dispose of or sell the surplus items to the public.

Items to be sold will be on view in a designated area, and a silent auction of said items will be advertised to the public.

December 1, 1998

What is ILL?

InterLibrary Loan (ILL) is how different libraries share material with one another to meet patron needs. We can get things for you that we could not purchase or we don’t have the space for.

How does it work?

We use a huge shared catalog, OCLC WorldCat, to locate materials. Our staff then uses OCLC’s Resource Sharing system to identify libraries willing to loan, and then places and manages ILL requests. Materials come from all over the country by mail, but mostly from other libraries in Ohio through a courier service.

What materials can I get?

Books and some journal articles. We cannot guarantee that anyone will loan anything. The more “widely held” an item is - the more libraries owning it - the better the chances.

What materials can’t I get?

• Audiovisual materials (except audiobooks).
• Anything we already own or plan to order.
• Newer materials, rare books, reference books, current textbooks, e-books or issues of magazines.
• Also, most libraries will not consider requests for items that are checked out [at the time of the request].

What will it cost me?

Most of the time, this is a free service. If we find the item in a library we have an agreement with, there is no fee.

If we cannot locate a free loan anywhere, we ask if you are willing to pay the fee before we place the request.

How long will it take for my request to arrive?

That depends on how rapidly other libraries respond to our request and how they ship it. This is out of our control but most requests are filled within 1 - 3 weeks. We will contact you if your request cannot be filled.

Please do not make ILL requests if you are planning to leave town for an extended period as we can only hold them for 5 - 6 days before sending them back.

How many ILLs can I request at once?

Patrons may have three active ILL requests (pending, in process, or checked out) at any one time. Processing ILL requests takes more staff time and library money than processing holds on our own materials.

How long can I keep them?

Three weeks. Renewals on ILL books are not permitted because they do not belong to us – they need to be returned swiftly to the lending libraries. Overdue fine is 25¢ per day.

• If your ILL is not returned in a timely manner, we call to remind you. If your ILL is more than a week overdue, we block your card.
• If you lose or damage the item, ALPL must replace or pay for it, and we bill you accordingly.

What if I’m not done with it? Can I request it again?

We must wait six months before re-requesting.

How do I get an ILL? Three options:

• Talk with us at the Reference Desk.
• Call the Reference Desk at 440.933.8128 (option 5 or x248 or x249).
• E-mail the Reference Desk at refdesk@avonlake.lib.oh.us.

You need a valid ALPL library card and we need your current phone number in order to place your request.

August 4, 2009

The purpose of access to the Internet at Avon Lake Public Library [ALPL] is to provide educational opportunities and greater access to information through the use of technology via the Ohio Public Library Information Network [OPLIN].

This service may be used to access any resource, engage in any communication, or conduct any activity available on the Internet or OPLIN, provided such activity can be done with standard Web browsers.

The following are exceptions:

• Patrons may not send, receive or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene.
• Patrons may not use this resource for any illegal purpose.
• Patrons may not alter, reconfigure or damage the public access workstations of Avon Lake Public Library.
• Patrons may not interfere with or disrupt others, nor invade the privacy of others.
• Patrons may not modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others; nor seek unauthorized access to any computer system, or damage or alter software components of any network, host server or database.

General Guidelines

• Use of Internet workstations is open to all patrons of the Library with an ALPL library card.  Patrons without an ALPL library card, who do not reside in Ohio, may request a guest pass.  Patrons who reside in Ohio but not in Avon Lake are eligible for guest passes, but are encouraged to obtain an ALPL library card. 
• Use of Internet workstations also extends to minor children, ages 8 – 17.  Parents/legal guardians of minor children who do not want their child(ren) to access the Internet at Avon Lake Public Library have the option to “opt-out” by informing the Library, in person, at the Reference desk. 
• Minor children under the age of eight (8) must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian when using an Internet workstation. (See also, the Library’s Safe Child Policy.)
• Time is limited to a maximum of four (4) hours per day, in any combination of sessions, dependent on workstation availability for patrons with their own ALPL library card.  Patrons using a guest pass are limited to one (1) hour per day.
• Two (2) users are permitted at a Library workstation at one time.
• Modification, installation or deletion of files is prohibited.  Any needed files must be saved to the user’s media, not to the Library workstation’s hard drive. 
• Use of personal software programs on Library workstations is prohibited.
• Misuse of the Library’s OPLIN workstations or Internet access will result in loss of Internet privileges.  In particular, a patron found accessing obscene material may lose Library Internet privileges for up to one (1) year.

Wireless Internet Access
Wireless Internet access is available through the Library’s network, free of charge.

• Time on the wireless Internet is unlimited, up to 50 simultaneous users.  Beyond 50 users, time is limited to one (1) hour.
• Although patrons are operating their own equipment, the Internet access itself is provided to the Library through OPLIN, and patrons are subject to the rules and regulations of OPLIN, Avon Lake Public Library, and all applicable local, state and federal laws.  Furthermore, Avon Lake Public Library is not responsible for the safekeeping of personal computer equipment left unattended.  The Library does not provide anti-virus protection or content filtering, and provides only minimal firewall shielding via its public connections.

Disclaimer
The Avon Lake Public Library is not responsible for the accuracy or the content of any information found in any Web site not created by the Library itself.  When using any links from the Library’s Web site, or any link that leads to a non-Library resource, users are responsible for determining the value and accuracy of the information. It is recommended that particular caution be exercised when obtaining financial, medical and legal information from the Internet.

As with other library materials, it is the parent/legal guardian of minor children who must assume ultimate responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library.

April 21, 2003

Introduction
The Avon Lake Public Library’s Investment Policy is developed and implemented in accordance with Senate Bill 81 and Section 135, “Uniform Depository Act,” of the Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.). This Investment Policy applies to all active, interim and inactive funds that the Library has received, and is held accountable for, from all public and private sources.

Investment Authority Defined
The Investing Authority will be the Clerk-Treasurer, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer or such Officer or employee of the Library as the Avon Lake Public Library Board shall designate. The individuals comprising the “Investing Authority” are authorized to execute deposit/investment decisions and/or transactions in accordance with limits as directed by the Library Board of Trustees. The Investing Authority shall act only in accordance with the direction of the Board as described in this Investment Policy. The Library’s Clerk-Treasurer is responsible for establishing investment procedures consistent with this policy, and for establishing written internal controls designed to prevent losses arising from fraud, errors, imprudent actions by an employee, misrepresentation by third-parties or unanticipated changes in financial markets.

Ethics and Conflicts of Interest
Employees involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal business activity that could conflict with the proper execution and management of the Library’s investment program, or that could impair their ability to make impartial decisions.

Policy Review
The Investment Policy shall be presented to, reviewed and approved annually by the Avon Lake Public Library’s Finance Committee and Board of Trustees in open public meetings as prescribed by State of Ohio law.

Legislative Changes
Any laws enacted by the State of Ohio that affect the Avon Lake Public Library’s Investment Policy shall, upon their effective date, supersede any and all provisions to the contrary in this Investment Policy.

Investment Philosophy
The Investing Authority shall make investments in good faith, in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Library, and with the exercise of that degree of care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. The prudent person standard requires that the Investing Authority seek investments that will achieve the prescribed objectives set forth in the Investment Policy.

Maintaining the Public Trust
The Investing Authority shall act as the custodian of the public trust in all deposit/investment program activities. The Investing Authority shall recognize that the deposit/investment program is subject to public review and evaluation. The overall deposit/investment program shall be managed with a degree of professionalism that is worthy of the public trust.

Objectives
The following deposit/investment objectives will be applied in the management of funds of the Avon Lake Public Library:

Preservation of Principal
The deposit/investment program shall preserve capital and protect investment principle within defined parameters.

Maintenance of Liquidity
The deposit/investment program shall maintain sufficient liquidity to meet reasonably anticipated fiscal operating requirements on an on-going basis throughout the fiscal cycle.

Maximization of Income
The deposit/investment program shall strive to attain the best total return or yield on deposited and invested funds of the Library as is reasonable and prudently achievable within defined parameters.

Minimization of Risk
All attempts shall be made to minimize risks inherent in investment through diversification so as to eliminate the risk of loss resulting from an over-concentration of funds in a specific maturity, issuer, industry, geographic area, or class of securities.

Minimization of Costs
All attempts shall be made to minimize the costs of financial transactions related to implementing investment strategies.

Authorized Investments
The Investing Authority may deposit and/or invest in the following instruments at a price not to exceed the fair market value of the specific investment instrument:

Bills, notes, bonds, or other obligations of, or guaranteed by the United States, or those for which the faith of the United States is pledged for payment of principal and interest thereon.

Bills, notes, bonds or other obligations or securities issued by any U.S. Government Agency, whether or not guaranteed by the United States including, but not limited to Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Government National Mortgage Association, Student Loan Marketing Association, etc.

Certificates of deposit, including but not limited to passbook accounts, in any eligible institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and having an office within the 50 U.S. states.

Checking and savings accounts, including money market deposit accounts, in any eligible institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and having an office located within the territorial limits of the State of Ohio. The amount of Library funds in depository accounts at any one eligible institution shall not exceed the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (12 C.F.R. 330.15)

Bonds or other obligations of the State of Ohio that are rated A or better by Moody’s or SP-1 or better by Standard and Poor’s, or its equivalent.

No-load money market mutual funds consisting exclusively of Treasury or Federal Agency obligations and Repurchase Agreements secured by Treasury, or Federal Agency obligations made through eligible institutions.

Repurchase Agreements collateralized as required by the Ohio Revised Code with Treasury or Federal Agency obligations and made through eligible institutions for no longer than thirty days.

STAR Ohio, the State Treasury Asset Reserve of Ohio.

Maturity Guidelines
As is reasonably prudent, the Investing Authority will attempt to match deposits/investments with anticipated cash flow requirements to take best advantage of prevailing economic and market conditions. No bond, bond mutual fund, or regular money market fund investment shall have a maturity date, or average maturity date, of more than five (5) years from its date of purchase, unless the investment is matched to specified obligation or debt of the Library. Individually purchased bonds and obligations shall not carry any provisions for call before maturity. Any Investment made must be entered into with a reasonable expectation to be held to maturity unless defined opportunities exist to better achieve deposit/investment objectives denoted in this Investment Policy.

Authorized Financial Institutions and Broker/Dealers
Any financial institution located within the State of Ohio as defined by O.R.C. 135.03 is eligible to serve as an approved depository and/or investment provider contingent upon having an active executed Depository Agreement on file with Investing Authority. Four (4) times per year, a depository is required to supply the Investing Authority the amount of public monies deposited by the Investing Authority and secured pursuant to division (B), (135.181) of the O.R.C. and the total market value of the pool of securities pledged to secure public monies held by the depository, including those deposits by the Library.

The Investing Authority shall deal only with brokers or dealers who are registered as such with The Securities and Exchange Commission and, which are licensed as a dealer with the Ohio Division of Securities and as defined in O.R.C. 135.03. Such brokers or dealers should also be members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Securities brokers and dealers shall be utilized only after an analysis performed by the Investing Authority has revealed that the broker or dealer is adequately financed to conduct business with the Library, and that there are no regulatory actions or issues nor lawsuits pending that would materially affect the firm’s business.

The Clerk-Treasurer shall maintain a current list of financial institutions and security brokers or dealers who have been specifically authorized by the Board of Trustees to provide services to the Library.

Certification by all Parties
The Investing Authority shall distribute a copy of this Investment Policy and any revisions or updated versions to each of the eligible institutions and brokers and dealers desiring to do business with the Library. It shall be the responsibility of the designated officer of each eligible financial institution, broker, and dealer to certify that they have reviewed this Investment Policy and agree to comply with this Investment Policy’s content and all applicable State of Ohio and Federal laws. Furthermore, the aforementioned officer shall agree to disclose any potential conflicts or risks to Library funds that could arise out of financial transactions between the financial institutions, brokers, and dealers and the Library.

Filing Requirements
This Investment Policy, along with any future revisions or updates, will be filed with the Auditor of State, Attention: Clerk of the Bureau, P.O. Box 1140, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1140, in accordance with State of Ohio Law.

Credit of Interest
Interest will be credited to each fund on which it was earned.

Reporting
The Clerk-Treasurer will report at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees the results of such investments, showing interest credited to the proper accounts and fund. The Clerk-Treasurer will also calculate and periodically report to and as directed by the Board the yields or rates of return on the Library’s deposits and investments.

March 13, 2003

1. Eligibility: Any Ohio resident, three (3) years of age and above, is eligible to apply for an Avon Lake Public Library card.
   
   
2. Cards are valid for two (2) years.
   
   
3. Cardholders are responsible for reporting changes in name, address, and telephone number(s) to the Library.
   
   
4. Photo identification with current address is required at first time registration for a library card. If the address on the photo identification is not current, an alternate document, such as a utility bill or banking document, must be presented as proof of current address at time of registration.


5. If photo identification and proof of current address are not available at time of registration, library materials will be held for a maximum of two (2) days at the Circulation desk for the convenience of the prospective borrower.


6. A first-time borrower is limited to five (5) items.


7. The limit on the number of non-overdue items checked out on a borrower’s card is 50.


8. Regarding children, 15 years of age or younger: A parent/legal guardian must be present at time of registration, with the child, in order to sign for the minor child’s card. Children under three (3) years of age are not eligible for a library card.


9. Children, ages 16 or 17, may register for a library card without a parent/legal guardian present, but must show photo identification, with or without current address.

March 13, 2003

I. Mission Statement

The Mission of Avon Lake Public Library is to provide its users with 1) the information needed to support their lifelong learning; 2) materials on a broad array of topics related to their life, work, school and recreational interests; 3) the staff to assist in finding and using information effectively; and 4) meeting spaces for the community to come together on issues that affect us all.

II. Policy Statement

The purpose of the Avon Lake Public Library Materials Selection Policy is to guide library staff and inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made.

A policy cannot replace the educated judgment of Library staff, but stating goals and criteria will assist them in choosing from a vast array of available materials.

The Library’s major goals in materials selection are:

• the advancement of knowledge;
• the education and enlightenment of the people of the community; and,
• the provision of recreational reading, viewing and listening.

Basic to the policy is the Library Bill of Rights as adopted by the American Library Association, which states, in part:

“As a responsibility of library service, books and other library materials selected should be chosen for values of interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community. In no case should library materials be excluded because of the race or nationality or the social, political or religious views of the authors. Libraries should provide books and other materials presenting all points of view concerning the problems and issues of our times; no library materials should be proscribed or removed from libraries because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”

III. General Criteria for the Selection of Materials

A. In order to afford citizens an understanding of the world in which they live, the Library will provide materials that present widely diverse points of view, including those which may be controversial or unorthodox.

B. The Library will provide materials of excellence and lasting value. Ephemeral, topical materials of current interest will also be added. An attractive, useful collection will be maintained through a continual discarding (i.e., weeding) and replacement process.

C. The Library will include in its collection appropriate titles listed in bibliographies of notable books, library materials and electronic resources.

D. The selection of materials is influenced by the following factors:

1. Relevance to community interests and needs.


2. Current and historical significance.


3. Attention by critics, reviewers and the general public.


4. Number and nature of requests from the public.


5. The need of additional or duplicate materials in the existing collection.


6. The physical limitations of the building.


7. Budgetary considerations.


8. General commercial availability of library materials.


9. Suitability of formats of the material for library purposes.

E. Non-book materials, including electronic resources, will be added and incorporated into the collection as needed.

F. The Library staff and trustees recognize the changing nature of the Internet and provide access to Internet resources within this understanding. The Library staff selects electronic resources, some of which may change in format or content after selection. When selection involves the provision of access to a remote source, e.g., an Internet-accessible database or a Web site, it is possible that content of the resource may not conform to the Library’s selection criteria at any given time. The Library staff will review the content of such resources on a regular basis to assess their continued value in terms of interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community.

G. The Library will not acquire textbooks or other curriculum-related materials except as such materials also serve the general public.

H. The Library will use other available avenues, e.g., interlibrary loan, appropriate referral and redirection, etc., to serve the individual whose needs are either outside the scope of the Library’s collection or are remote from the acknowledged collective needs of the community the Library primarily serves.

IV. Responsibility for Selection

The Director delegates the authority and responsibility for materials selection and management to the appropriate department managers. However, ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Board of Library Trustees. Any book, library material or electronic resource so selected shall be held to be selected by the Board.

V. Use of the Library’s Materials

A. The Library recognizes that many library materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selections will not be made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the work in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the interests of readers/viewers/listeners.

B. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and no book or other item will be sequestered, except for the express purpose of protecting it from injury or theft. Selection of any material should not be construed as an endorsement by the Library of the views contained therein.

C. The Library staff does not serve in loco parentis. Decisions concerning children’s use of specific library materials and/or electronic resources are the responsibility of their own parents or guardians. Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into the possession of minor children.

D. The Board of Library Trustees believes that censorship is a purely individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to reject for her/himself books, library materials or electronic resources of which she/he does not approve, she/he cannot extend this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of others to read, view or listen.

E. The Board of Library Trustees defends the principles of intellectual freedom, and declares that whenever censorship is involved, no book, library material or electronic resource shall be removed from the Library save under the orders of a court of competent jurisdiction.

VI. Collection Maintenance Guidelines

A. Weeding - The weeding of the Library’s collection is a form of selection, in reverse. Weeding is a thorough and conscientious effort to achieve a well-balanced collection suitable to the clientele served and should be a continuous, consistent process. Factors to consider in weeding are:

1. Materials worn out through use.


2. Ephemeral materials which are no longer timely.


3. Materials no longer considered accurate or factual.


4. Materials which have had little recent use and are of questionable value.


5. Excess copies of titles no longer in demand.


6. Materials no longer used frequently enough to justify their space in the collection or the staff time to maintain them.


7. Retention of local materials and materials by Ohio authors.

B. Disposal of Library Materials - Materials discarded from the Library are in unusable condition, present obsolete information, or have been weeded from the collection for reasons outlined in VI. A.

1. Certain materials are discarded from time to time, which may be of use to another library, e.g., duplicates purchased to fill a demand which no longer exists. Any recognized social or civic organization may have these materials by request with permission of the Director. In general, the Library will not transport or mail discarded material to any location for another organization.


2. When replaced by new editions, encyclopedias may be placed into the circulating collection until supersedure, at which time they will be sold, if possible.


3. Any reference material, which is replaced by a later edition, may be added to the circulating collection or transferred to another library or sold.


4. Withdrawn materials may be included in the on-going book sale of the Friends of Avon Lake Public Library, with proceeds used by the Friends to enhance Library services and programming.


5. If a patron damages library material beyond repair and pays for its replacement, the patron may have the damaged item, if she/he so requests. The decision to replace the damaged material is weighed with regard to several factors: number of duplicate copies; extent of coverage of the subject area; other similar material in the collection; patron demand; and budgetary considerations.

C. Patron and Staff Recommendations - The Library welcomes suggestions for purchase of library materials or for the inclusion of links to specific Internet sites. Decision for purchase or inclusion is made by the selecting staff person according to the Materials Selection Policy.

D. Challenged Materials – A patron critical of materials in the Library’s collection can record their complaint on a “Citizen’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form. This form must be signed by the individual challenging the item. The item will be reviewed by the Director, as per the selection criteria; an appropriate reply will be sent to the individual. If the challenger is not satisfied, she/he may request that the item be reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees, whose decision is then final.

VII. Donations

A. Donated material is accepted with the understanding that any donated item is evaluated according to the Materials Selection Policy. The cost of processing, the availability of space, the suitability of the format and the physical condition of the item are factors in the selection process. The Library accepts donated materials only with the understanding that they are used or disposed of as the Library determines is appropriate. No donated item can be accepted with restrictive conditions unless the conditions are specifically approved by the Director. (See also, Gifts.)

B. The Library will not provide evaluations of donated items for tax purposes.

VIII. Gifts

A. A gift for the Library collection may consist of materials or of funds for the purchase of materials. Funds may be given for acquiring materials recommended by Library staff or for the purchase of specific items suggested by the donor. The Library encourages gifts not earmarked for specific items in order to permit the most flexible use of the donation for the enrichment of the collection.

B. Gifts are accepted subject to the following limitations:

1. The Library retains unconditional ownership of the gift.


2. The Library makes the final decision on its own use or other disposition of the gift.


3. The Library reserves the right to decide on the conditions of display, housing and access to the materials.


4. The Library does not commit itself to accepting all donations of materials.

C. Donors of funds to the Library are encouraged to direct their donations to the “Avon Lake Public Library Endowment Fund” at The Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County. Gifts in any amount are welcome. However, a gift of $100.00 to the Library’s endowment fund entitles the donor to a sentiment on the roster in support of the “Enchanted Fairy Garden” glass mural* in the Children’s department. Gifts to the Library’s endowment fund are sent on to The Community Foundation by the Director, with the proper acknowledgements, as per the wishes of the donor.

IX. Memorial Books
The Library welcomes gifts of books and other library items as memorials. In order to be accepted, materials must conform to the criteria established for the selection of purchased materials. In general, works of fiction and popular non-fiction are not encouraged. The preference should be for materials that will remain in the collection for a number of years. Specific titles or particular subject fields enjoyed by the person honored or memorialized may be requested.

* The “Enchanted Fairy Garden” mural is comprised of eight, 3’x3’ acid-etched and sandblasted glass panels. The mural was created by local glass artist and Avon Lake resident, Nancy Adler Kearns. It depicts four fairies and a garden gate against a lush landscape. The mural was dedicated in January 2003, and serves as a memorial to many loved ones in the Avon Lake community.

 November 11, 2004

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Library’s meeting rooms is to provide space for library-related activities. The needs of the Library for use of the meeting rooms take precedence over use by outside groups. The Library reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any meeting or move a group to another meeting room.

Guidelines

A. Library meeting rooms are available during regular library business hours - subject to the stipulations below - to educational, cultural, civic, social, political, religious, professional or other non-profit organizations.  All meetings and programs must be consistent with the informational, educational, recreational and cultural purposes of the Library.

B. Library meeting rooms may be used by political groups for regular meetings of an organizational nature.  They may be used for public forums, debates and candidates’ nights but not for promotion of any one candidate.

C. Library meeting rooms are not available to non-library groups or individuals for the promotion or sales of services or products, fundraising, conducting classes for profit or private social functions.

D. No admission or attendance charge or required donation may be assessed by any non-library group using a meeting room.

E. The Library may permit presenters at library-sponsored programs to sell merchandise related to the subject or activity of their programs. The Library will grant this permission either to reduce the cost of the program to the Library or to raise funds for the Friends of Avon Lake Public Library. Likewise, a library-sponsored program may have a registration charge to defray or reduce the cost of the program to the Library.

Protocols

A. A group requesting a meeting room must complete a Meeting Room Application, prior to the meeting date.  The signer of the Meeting Room Application, who must be an adult, is responsible for the orderly conduct of the group, and, in the event of any damage to library property and/or equipment, that individual will be liable. A group using a meeting room more than once for the same purpose need only complete the application annually. A copy of the completed application will be kept on file in the Library. The Director or the Director’s designee will approve all reservations.

B. Groups obtaining permission to use meeting rooms will pay an annual [September – August] fee, or a one-time meeting room fee. Fees are determined by the Board of Library Trustees. The use of meeting rooms by governmental entities is free.

C. Groups are responsible for arranging the tables, chairs and other equipment to meet their own needs.  Following their use of the room, groups must return the room to its original state.  Art work in the rooms may not be touched or removed.

D. Groups using the meeting rooms must vacate rooms a minimum of five (5) minutes prior to the Library’s closing unless other arrangements have been made in advance with the Library.

E. Cancellation notice of booked meeting rooms must be given at least 24 hours in advance.

F. Refreshments may be served in the meeting rooms. Smoking, use of open flames and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Groups are responsible for protecting carpeting and tabletops from damage and stains. A group serving refreshments is responsible for cleaning up following its meeting. Damages in excess of normal wear and tear as determined by the Director or the Director’s designee will be charged to the group.

G. Library audio-visual equipment is available only upon prior reservation. It is strongly recommended that groups using the Library’s audio-visual equipment arrange for a practice session ahead of time, especially when using their own personal laptop. The Library cannot guarantee that there will always be a staff person available who is able to help with technology needs.

H. Meetings must be conducted in a manner not to disturb others using the Library.

I. Children accompanying adult users of the meeting rooms will not be left unattended in the Library.

Disclaimers

A. The Library makes no endorsement, expressed or implied, of any non-library event or activity held in its meeting rooms.

B. The Library is not liable for injuries to people, damage to their property or loss of property belonging to individuals or groups using the meeting rooms.

C. Avon Lake Public Library reserves the right to alter or amend the rules governing the use of meeting rooms without notice, and to cancel any authorization granted pursuant to the Meeting Room Application for any reason deemed sufficient by it

July 15, 2010

I. Purpose

Long-distance learning programs and some professors/instructors provide opportunities for independent study on the condition that exams are proctored by an outside agency. Although the Avon Lake Public Library is not a test center, to meet this need of our community and in our role of supporting lifelong learning, the Library provides this service, at the convenience of staff.

II. Guidelines

A. The Library does not charge a fee for this service. All expenses, including copying and postage, are the responsibility of the test-taker. When a test is to be mailed to the school or professor/instructor, a self-addressed stamped envelope with appropriate postage must be provided by the school or the test-taker before the test is administered. The Library will arrange for courier pick-up if provided with a return envelope or label. Copies of completed exams will not be retained. The Library will not fax test materials.

B. The Library provides a public computer workstation with word processing software and Internet access for online exams. These workstations do not allow installation of any additional software. It is the test-taker’s responsibility to ensure that the Library’s computer resources are adequate for their test-taking requirements.

C. The exam or the instructions for taking the exam online must be forwarded to:

Reference Librarian
Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, OH 44012

or, via e-mail to refdesk@avonlake.lib.oh.us, at least one (1) week in advance of the intended test date. The test-taker must contact the Library’s Reference desk, by e-mail, phone or in-person, at least 48 hours in advance to schedule an appointment to take the test. A member of the Adult Services staff will proctor the test.

D. The Library cannot guarantee quiet conditions for test-taking. The test-taker will be seated in sight of the Reference desk. The Library does not guarantee that the test-taker will be under observation at all times.

E. Staff will verify the identity of the test-taker by requiring presentation of picture identification before administering the exam. Test-takers should not bring cellular phones or other equipment or materials prohibited by the exam instructions into the Library. If such materials are brought into the Library, they may be left at the Reference desk during the exam; however, the Library is not responsible for them.

F. Test-takers are responsible for supplying all materials, including paper, pencils and calculators.

G. The Library will not hold tests beyond their expiration dates. If the test has not been taken by that time, it will be destroyed.

H. Due to legal and ethical concerns, staff will not sign a proctoring verification that attests to more than they are able to do.

III. Reservation of Rights

If it is determined that the proctoring request is unreasonable or its demands are too burdensome to administer, the Library reserves the right to deny this service.

October 12, 2006

Meetings of the Avon Lake Public Library Board of Trustees are public meetings, that is, meetings that may be observed by the public. However, Library Board meetings are not open meetings, in that observers may not participate in the work of the Board.

The agenda of a Board meeting will include an item for “public comments,” which is a time for the public in attendance to contribute to the meeting. The Board accepts comments, but may choose not to respond to them, preferring instead to consider them at another time. In order for the Board to fulfill its obligation to complete the scheduled agenda in an effective and efficient manner, a maximum of thirty (30) minutes of public participation will be permitted during the “public comments” section of the agenda.

Each person wishing to make comment to the Board (a) will be given three (3) minutes to speak, and (b) will provide their name and address for inclusion in the official record of the Board. The minutes of the Board meeting will reflect the comments made by members of the public.

Copies of Board meeting minutes are available upon request in accordance with Ohio public records law.

September 14, 2006

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the public’s request of public records from Avon Lake Public Library, in compliance with Ohio state law.

II. Contact Information and Cost for Obtaining Public Records

A. Contact/Records Custodian: The Library’s Administration department.

B. Location:

Avon Lake Public Library
Address: 32649 Electric Boulevard / Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
Voice: 440.933.8128 x 238 / Fax: 440.933.6406
E-mail: publicrecords@avonlake.lib.oh.us

C. Contact Times: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. / Monday through Friday 

D. Cost: Hard copies are five cents ($.05) per page, unless a specific fee is otherwise established by law. Copies in other media are charged at actual cost. Payment for copies must be made in advance. Records may be inspected without cost.

III. Responding to Requests

A. All responses to public records requests are to be made in compliance with Ohio Revised Code, Section 149.43. This policy is intended to summarize these provisions. Any interpretation of this policy or matter not specifically provided for herein will be in accordance with R.C. 149.43.

B. Records are to be organized so as to be available promptly and within a reasonable time after allowing for examination and redaction of exempted information. This may include seeking legal assistance.

C. The records custodian cannot require the requester to provide identity or reason for request.

D. The records custodian may ask for the requester’s identity, about the intended use, or that the request be in writing, if it would help to identify, locate or deliver the requested records. However, the records custodian must disclose to the requester the following:

You are not mandated by law to make your request in writing,
and you may decline revealing your identity or intended use.

E. The records custodian is not required to allow the requester to make copies.

IV. Refusing Requests

A. If a public records request is refused, an explanation for the refusal must be provided, which includes the legal authority. If a public records request is in writing, the refusal must be in writing.

B. If the refusal is because the request is overly broad, ambiguous or worded so one cannot identify records, the records custodian must inform the requester how records are maintained and accessed in order to assist the requester in revising the request.

C. If redactions [deletions of exempt information] are made to public records, the records custodian must notify the requester of redactions and make redactions plainly visible.

August 9, 2007

Records of the Avon Lake Public Library fall into two (2) categories: Permanent and Non-Permanent. The following list shows the retention period for specific records, which is compiled from recommendations of the Auditor of State and the Ohio Historical Society. The Clerk-Treasurer will adhere to this list and dispose of records accordingly.

PERMANENT

• Annual Financial Report to the State Library of Ohio
• Appropriations Budgets - included with the Minutes
• Board Minutes
• Board Policies Files
• Building Specifications
• Capital Outlay Files
• Clerk-Treasurer’s Monthly Financials, re reports to the Board – included with the Minutes
• Director’s Annual [Library] Report
• Donation Records – monetary and non-monetary
• Historical Files
• OhioPERS Records
• Personnel and Payroll Records
• Work Schedules

NON-PERMANENT

ADDITIONS

October 12, 2000

I.  Purpose

The purpose of the Safe Child Policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the Library, and to maintain an atmosphere of constructive library use throughout the building.

II. Guidelines

A.  Responsibility for the welfare and behavior of children using the Library rests with the parent, guardian or responsible caregiver.  Though staff will respond with care and concern, they cannot assume responsibility for children’s safety and comfort when they are unattended.  The Library defines “unattended children” as those who are under the age of eight (8) years who are without close supervision even though a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver may be in the building.

B.  Supervision of children:
1.  Children under the age of eight (8) years are to be in sight of and supervised, at all times, by a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver. Parents/guardians or caregivers are expected to remain in the Library while children are attending programs.

2.  Children eight (8) years of age and older who are able to maintain proper library behavior may use the Library unattended; otherwise, they should be adequately supervised by a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver.

C.  As needed, staff may:
1.  Notify parents, guardians or responsible caregivers whose children need additional supervision.

2.  Contact the police to assist with the enforcement of proper library behavior and/or to ensure the safety of an unattended child.

D.  Staff will make a reasonable effort to assure that children leave the Library comfortably and safely at closing time. A minimum of two (2) staff members will remain in the Library if a minor child is in the building after closing. If any children remain at the Library fifteen (15) minutes beyond closing, staff will contact the Avon Lake Police Department to ensure safe transport.

October 9, 2007  

A separate Teacher Loan library card for Avon Lake Public Library will be issued upon request to primary and secondary teachers, pre-school teachers and homeschooling instructors, residing and/or working in Avon Lake.

1. Materials checked out on a Teacher Loan library card should be for classroom use only and not for personal borrowing, such as current fiction and bestsellers. All materials are checked out and returned at the Circulation desk. In order to facilitate the check-out process, please present your Teacher Loan library card when checking out at the Circulation desk.


2. Hot Picks materials may not be checked out on a Teacher Loan library card.


3. The loan period, for most materials, is 21 days. The loan period for DVDs, that are no longer Hot Picks, is seven (7) days. Extended loan periods are set by the department, loaning the materials.


4. The Teacher Loan library card has a maximum loan of 50 items at any one time.


5. Fines will be charged as usual. Overdue notices will be sent as usual.


6. All materials checked out on a Teacher Loan library card are the responsibility of the teacher.  Damaged, lost or stolen materials are the financial obligation of the teacher. When Teacher Loan materials are 45 days overdue, the teacher will be billed for the cost of the replacement of those materials.


7. A Teacher Loan library card with excessively overdue materials and/or fines and fees will be blocked until materials are returned and the fines and fees are resolved.


8. The Teacher Loan library card is for use at Avon Lake Public Library only. Other libraries do not honor our Teacher Loan card.

October 2009