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General Library Policies

CIRCULATION POLICY

Residents of Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Cape Porpoise, Wells, and Arundel (including the general area) are welcome to a free Library card. By signing the borrower’s application, the patron agrees to all lending policies accordingly. A valid driver’s license or some other form of identity is required at the time of registration. Children under the age of 14 are welcome to a Library card as long as a parent or guardian has signed the child’s application.

Non-residents are also welcome to acquire a temporary card for a non-returnable fee of $20.00. The application requires a valid driver’s license and a local address.

CIRCULATING COLLECTION

Your Library card allows you to borrow books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, puzzles, and pamphlets.

BORROWING PERIOD

All circulating materials are loaned for a period of two (2) weeks and can be renewed upon request (unless material has been placed on hold for another patron).

NUMBER OF ITEMS WHICH MAY BE BORROWED

As a rule, no limit will be placed on the number of items which may be borrowed at one time. At the staff’s discretion, however, a limit may be set on certain categories if, in her opinion, the collection would be overly depleted in these categories without such a limit.

OVERDUE CHARGES

Overdue fines for books and audiobooks are charged at the rate of 10 cents per day, per item for adults; 5 cents per day, per item for juvenile patrons. There is a maximum fine of $4.00 for adults; $2.00 for juveniles. Sundays, holidays, (and other closed days) are excluded when computing fines. Overdue fines for DVDs are charged at a rate of 25 cents per day with a maximum fine of $5.00.

EXTENDED LOANS

At the discretion of the staff, special extended loan periods may be arranged.

RENEWALS

Circulation materials may be renewed 3 times. As long as another patron is not waiting for the item, renewals can be made by telephone (967-2778), in person, or by email. To renew via email, please visit our website at (www.graveslibrary.org) and choose the “Contact Us” button.

RESERVES

You may reserve materials which are not immediately available because they are already on loan or not on the shelf. You will be notified when the material you have requested is available. Reserved material will be held for you for three days following notification.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

Materials not owned by the Library may be requested through our Interlibrary Loan Service. There is usually no charge for this service (unless special circumstances are incurred with the request—ie, photocopies, special collections.)

CHARGES FOR REPLACEMENT OF LOST, UNRETURNED, OR DAMAGED MATERIALS

Charges for the replacement of lost, unreturned, or damaged materials will be computed on the basis of replacement costs, except for magazines which are $2.00 for each replacement.

SUSPENSION OF BORROWING PRIVILEGES

Borrowing privileges are automatically suspended if materials are not returned or charges are not paid.

Charges can mount quickly. For your own protection, and in consideration of other Library patrons, we urge you to return all material on time and to settle all outstanding accounts promptly.

 

TECHNOLOGY USAGE POLICY

General Policy

The Library provides technology resources and services, to cardholders in good standing, in accord with its goal to enrich the community by connecting people to the world of ideas, information, and imagination to support their work, education, personal growth, and enjoyment. These technology resources and services meet the cultural, educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community.

Definition

Library technology includes but is not limited to, computer services, free access to the Internet, copiers, printers, FAX, scanners, projectors, recorders, microphones, amplifiers, software, programs, applications, games, and similar devices and services.

Acceptance

Use of Library technology constitutes acceptance of the Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library Technology Use Policy.

Internet Use Disclaimers

The Internet is a global computing network that provides access to a wide range of educational, reference, and recreational resources, many of which are not available in print.  The Internet does not fall under the control or governance of any single agency, government, or organization, and therefore the Library can make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, content, nature, or quality of information obtained through the Internet.  Further, the Library does not endorse viewpoints presented on the Internet.

In no event shall the Library have any liability for damages of any kind arising from its connection to the Internet. Users of the Library technology resources, including, in the case of minors, their parents, or guardians, agree to assume full liability (legal, financial, or otherwise) for their actions.

A library home page has been established, which includes a variety of destinations (links) and search tools. These links have been selected by library staff as a service to help the user navigate the internet. Selections are made solely in accordance with expected future utility to library users. Selection as a link implies no endorsement by the library as to the content of a website, and users must be aware that the content of external links may and will change without our knowledge.

Disclosures

Internet access in the Library allows access to ideas, information, images, and commentary beyond the scope of the Library’s collections, selection criteria, and collection development policy. Some of the Internet material may be controversial. Court decisions over the years have interpreted the Library to be a “limited public forum” and, as such, the Library may not discriminate against constitutionally protected content or viewpoints.

The exception to the “limited public forum” doctrine is the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Under CIPA it is not acceptable for a minor to receive any material through any website, Email, chat room, or other direct electronic communication if it is deemed harmful to minors. CIPA defines harmful as “any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction” that, with respect to minors, which

  • taken as a whole, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual conduct, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd  exhibition of genitals
  • taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

To offer some safeguards for children, the Library provides filtered access for individuals using Library technology. A filter is a third-party software that blocks access to certain websites. Parents and guardians should understand that filters limit, but cannot eliminate, a child’s exposure to potentially harmful or undesirable information. Therefore, it is a parent or guardian’s responsibility to monitor and control the internet usage of minor children.  The library will implement filters that endeavor to identify sites that would not comply with the provisions of CIPA but will not apply filters to generic word lists or lists of sites not relevant to CIPA.

The library currently uses a filter provided and administered by the Maine School and Library Network (MSLN), a service of Network Maine, a unit of the University of Maine System.

The Library technology is also subject to access by law enforcement authorities, acting through federal or state law. The Library will cooperate in the prosecution of violations arising out of the use of its computers for illegal purposes and activities.

Guidelines for Use

Therefore, library users may not perform the following actions and Library staff shall intercede when these policies are violated.

Persons using library-supplied technology resources or services may not

  • Use these services in a way that violates local, state, or federal law. Illegal acts involving Library resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal officials. Electronic gambling via Library technology is strictly prohibited by this policy.
  • Post, transmit, access, or display obscene and illegal material. This includes sending, receiving, or displaying inappropriate materials, defined as text or graphics.
  • Use the services for illegal or criminal purposes.
  • Use the services to harass or defame others.
  • Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
  • Use sounds or visuals which may be disruptive to others.
  • Violate another Library user’s privacy.

Persons using Library-supplied Public Access Computers may not

  • Attempt to change any pre-established system configurations.
  • Install or download any software onto the computer hard drive or BIOS.
  • Damage computer equipment or software.

Further Guidelines for Use

  • Communication services such as email, instant messaging, and social networking sites are only available as internet services. The library does not provide accounts or storage for these services.
  • Patrons may save data to preformatted discs, or to their own flash drives. They may not save to the hard drives of Library technology. If a copy of a document is left on a Library technology resource or service, there should be no expectation that that document or file will be available at a future session or will remain private.
  • Library technology is limited to 30 minutes, except for Internet access from a device owned by the patron.
  • Black and white copies and printouts cost $0.15 per page. Color copies and printouts cost $0.25 per page. The first 3 pages are free for school assignments.

Security

The Library endeavors to protect the privacy and confidentiality of library users. Internet users should be advised, however, that because security is technically difficult to achieve, electronic transactions and files could become public.

Please note that the wireless access provided by the library is non-secured and potentially subject to monitoring by third parties within range of the building and with the technical capability to do so.

Patrons are responsible for protecting their privacy and the confidentiality of their information.

Enforcement

Enforcement of this policy will be done in accordance with the Library’s behavior policies.

The Library reserves the right to limit or suspend access to the network at any time and for any reason.

MEETING ROOM POLICY

The Library has three meeting rooms available. Library functions and Town meetings/programs/events, however, will take precedence over any other scheduled meetings.  Please call the Library to discuss booking (967-2778) or visit the Community Room tab on the Resources Menu.

General Library Rules and Restrictions

• Any group of non-adults must have supervision deemed appropriate by Library staff.
• No smoking anywhere on the campus.
• No animals permitted except seeing-eye or therapy dogs.
• Users must assume liability for any damages incurred, including fines or charges for accidentally setting off false fire/security alarms.
• The Library will not be responsible for any materials or equipment left in the Library.
• A named individual must sign a contract assuming responsibility for the proper use of the meeting room.

The Board of Directors (Trustees) reserves the right to restrict or limit the use of the premises at any time, without prior notice, and for reason determined by it in the exercise of its sole and absolute discretion.

GIFT ACCEPTANCE POLICY AND GUIDELINES

The Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library (hereinafter “Graves Library”) welcomes gifts of library materials, money, or real property. These gifts help enrich and improve public library resources. Gifts and donations may be made to the Library in a number of ways: through the Annual Appeal; to the Gifts and Memorials Fund; to the Library Endowment/Investment Fund; or, through the gift of tangible objects.

The Graves Library is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Tax Code.  Donations to the Library are generally tax deductible.

Purpose

The purpose of these Gift Acceptance Guidelines is to provide guidance to:

  • Staff, Trustees, and other representatives of the Graves Library who may be involved in the acceptance of gifts;
  • Advisors to donors or potential donors who may assist in the gift planning process; and
  • Prospective donors who may wish to make gifts to the Library.

These guidelines are intended to be used as a guide and allow for some flexibility on a case-by-case basis.

Gift Review Committee

Any questions that may arise in the review and acceptance of gifts to the Library will be referred to the Executive Committee who, together with the Director, shall comprise the Gift Review Committee.  Ad hoc members who are knowledgeable about the asset at issue may be added by the Executive Committee and/or Director for review of a specific gift.  The Library may seek qualified professional counsel to assist in the exploration and execution of planned gift agreements.

Cash and Checks Gifts are accepted in the form of currency, money orders, checks, or electronic transfers (either through a wire transfer to the Library’s bank account or by a verified credit card transaction.) Checks should be made payable to Graves Library.

Publicly Traded Securities

Readily marketable securities, such as those traded on a public stock exchange, can be accepted by the Library. It is preferred that donors electronically transfer marketable securities directly to the Library’s Investment Account. The Library will provide information for the transfer.

For gift crediting and accounting purposes, the value of the gift is considered the closing price on the day the gift is accepted or consistent with most recent IRS regulations.

A gift of securities normally would be liquidated immediately. However, the Finance Committee will decide whether to sell or hold the securities.

Closely Held Securities

Non-publicly traded securities may be accepted after consultation with the Gift Review Committee.

Prior to acceptance, the Gift Review Committee shall attain from the donor:

  • Information relating to the methods and timing of liquidation of the securities through redemption or sale;
  • An estimate of fair market value;
  • Any restrictions on transfer; and
  • Whether and when an initial public offering might be anticipated. No commitment for the repurchase of closely held securities shall be made prior to the completion of the gift of securities. A receipt will be provided without identifying the value of the gift.

Life Insurance

A gift of a life insurance policy must be referred to the Gift Review Committee. The Board of Trustees will accept a life insurance policy as a gift if the Graves Library is named as a beneficiary of the policy.

Tangible Personal Property

Books or non-book materials, specialized collections, paintings, prints, maps, and art may be given to the Library provided the stipulations about such gifts follow the Gift Acceptance Guidelines.

Individual donations to the collection are accepted with the understanding that the Library applies the same criteria for evaluating gift material as it applies to purchased material.  Gifts will be withdrawn in the same manner as purchased material. The Library does not accept responsibility for notifying donors of the withdrawal or replacement of gift items.

The Director will review all gifts prior to their receipt to determine their usefulness and suitability. Any expenses that might be incurred by accepting the donation will also be noted. The Director shall have the discretion to accept or decline a gift of tangible personal property.

Gift terms such as a request to display or keep an item, or group of items in perpetuity are substantial commitments that will rarely be made. Such decisions will be made by the Library Board with the recommendation of the Library Director.

The donor is advised to seek professional financial counsel on the tax consequences of the donation.  If IRS rules require an appraisal, it will be at the donor’s expense.

Deferred Gifts

The Library encourages deferred gifts in its favor through any of a variety of vehicles including, but not limited to:

Charitable gift annuity (or deferred gift annuity)

Pooled income fund, Charitable remainder trust, Bequest, Retained life estate

The Library (or its agent) shall not act as an executor (personal representative) for a donor’s estate. The Director or a designated person does so in a personal capacity and not as an agent of the Library.

The Library (or its agent) shall not act as trustee of a charitable remainder trust.

When donors are provided with planned gift illustrations or form documents, these will be provided free of charge. For any planned gift-related documents, materials, illustrations, letters, or other correspondence, the following disclaimer should be included:

We strongly urge that donors consult with an attorney or financial and/or tax advisor to review and approve this information provided to you without charge or obligation. This information in no way constitutes advice. We will gladly work with your independent advisors to assist in any way.

Corporate Sponsorship

Sponsorship of programs and special events is available to corporate and foundation donors. The Library shall work with potential sponsors to achieve the maximum benefit for both the Library and the sponsor regarding issues such as marketing and public relations and attaining the best fit for the sponsor taking into consideration all events planned for the year.

 Confidential Information

All information obtained from or about donors and prospective donors shall be held in the strictest confidence by the Graves Library, its staff, and volunteers. Neither the name, the amount, nor the conditions of the gift shall be published without the express written or oral approval of the donor and/or beneficiary.

Declination of Gifts

The Board of Directors, upon the advice of the Gift Review Committee, reserves the right to decline any gift that does not further the mission of the Library. Also, any gifts that would create an administrative burden or cause the Library to incur excessive expenses may be declined.