Library Policies
Our policies are designed to ensure a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for all patrons. We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with our guidelines, which cover borrowing materials, using library resources, maintaining respectful behavior, and more. By following these policies, you help us preserve the Library as a vibrant community space for learning and exploration.
Policies
Cell Phone Policy
This policy is to outline the use of cell phones in the library. Patrons: Patrons are asked to silence cell phones and all other sound-emitting devices while in the library. Individuals finding it necessary to use their cell phone while in the library must keep their voices at a reasonable level and move away from others so as not to disturb other library patrons. Personal cellphones staff: While at work, employees are expected to exercise discretion in using personal cell phones. Excessive personal calls during the workday can interfere with employee productivity and be distracting to others. Cell phones are not allowed at the front service counter. Cell phones are to be silenced in all patron areas of the library. Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library will not be liable for the loss of personal cellphones brought into the workplace. Adopted: 12/18/2014 Revised: 12/15/2022
Smoke free and Tobacco Use Policy
To protect and enhance our outdoor and indoor air quality and to contribute to the health and well-being of all staff and patrons, the facilities and the immediate premises of the Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library shall be entirely smoke free. Additionally, the use of all tobacco products, including chewing tobacco and electronic cigarettes are banned from the library except as designated in this policy. For the purposes of this policy, “smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning carrying or possessing any lighted tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and any other lit tobacco products. Smoking is prohibited inside the library. This includes all public and private areas, meeting rooms, offices, staff kitchen, restrooms, supply and mechanical rooms and all other enclosed areas. Smoking is also prohibited on the library premises. No one may smoke in front of the library under the awning, on the benches or on the library lawn. It is not acceptable that either patrons or staff be required to walk through smoke to reach their vehicle or any other destination on the library premises. Patrons and staff may smoke in their personal vehicles but the smoke and tobacco products must be contained within the vehicle. Adopted: 6/18/15 Revised: 11/23/2021
Library FOIA Policy
It is the public policy of this state that all persons (except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities) are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees. The people shall be informed so that they may fully participate in the democratic process. Consistent with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Public Act 442 of 1976, the following is the Written Public Summary of the Library’s FOIA Procedures and Guidelines relevant to the general public. How do I submit a FOIA request to the library? - A request must sufficiently describe a public record so as to enable the library to find it. - Please include the words “FOIA” or “FOIA Request” in the request to assist the library in providing a prompt response. - Requests to inspect or obtain copies of public records prepared, owned, used, possessed or retained by TCHRTL may be submitted on the library’s FOIA Request Form, in any other form of writing (letter, fax, email, etc.), or by verbal request. - Any verbal requests will be directed to fill out the proper FOIA Request Form or request the information in writing. - No specific form to submit a written request is required. However, a FOIA Request Form and other FOIA-related forms are available for your use and convenience on the library’s website and at the library circulation desk. - Written requests may be delivered to the Library Director in person or by mail to: TCH Reynolds Township Library, PO Box 220, Howard City, MI 49329 - Requests may be faxed to (231) 937-9240. To ensure a prompt response, faxed requests should contain the term “FOIA” or “FOIA Request” on the first page/cover page. - Requests may be emailed to csmith@tchrtl.org. To ensure a prompt response, email requests should contain the term “FOIA” or “FOIA Request” in the subject line. What kind of response can I expect to my request? Within 5 business days after receiving a FOIA request the library will issue a response. If a request is received by fax or email, the request is deemed to have been received on the following business day. The library will respond to your request in one of the following ways: 1. Grant the request, 2. Issue a written notice denying the request, 3. Grant the request in part and issue a written notice denying in part the request, 4. Issue a notice indicating that due to the nature of the request the library needs an additional 10 business days to respond, or 5. Issue a written notice indicating that the public record requested is available at no charge on the library’s website If the request is granted, or granted in part, the library will ask that payment be made for the allowable fees associated with responding to the request before the public record is made available. If the cost of processing the request is expected to exceed $50, or if you have not paid for a previously granted request, the library will require a deposit before processing the request. What are the library’s deposit requirements? - If TCHRTL has made a good faith calculation that the total fee for processing the request will exceed $50.00, the library will require that you provide a deposit in the amount of 50% of the total estimated fee. When the TCHRTL requests the deposit, it will provide you a non-binding best effort estimate of how long it will take to process the request after you have paid your deposit. - If TCHRTL receives a request from a person who has not paid the library for copies of public records made in fulfillment of a previously granted written request, the library will require a deposit of 100% of the estimated processing fee before it begins to search for the public record for any subsequent written request when all of the following conditions exist: 1. The final fee for the prior written request is not more than 105% of the estimated fee; 2. The public records made available contained the information sought in the prior written request and remain in the library’s possession; 3. The public records were made available to the individual, subject to payment, within the best effort time frame estimated by the library to provide the records; 4. Ninety (90) days have passed since the library notified the individual in writing that the public records were available for pickup or mailing; 5. The individual is unable to show proof of prior payment to the library; and 6. The library has calculated an estimated detailed itemization that is the basis for the current written request’s increased fee deposit. The library will not require the 100% estimated fee deposit if any of the following apply: 1. The person making the request is able to show proof of prior payment in full to the library; 2. The library is subsequently paid in full for all applicable prior written requests; or 3. Three hundred sixty-five (365) days have passed since the person made the request for which full payment was not remitted to the library. How does the library calculate FOIA processing fees? The Michigan FOIA statute permits the library to charge for the following costs associated with processing a request: - Labor costs associated with copying or duplication, which includes making paper copies, making digital copies, or transferring digital public records to non-paper physical media or through the Internet. - Labor costs associated with searching for, locating and examining a requested public record, when failure to charge a fee will result in unreasonably high costs to the Library. - The cost of copying or duplication, not including labor, of paper copies of public records. This may include the cost for copies of records already on the library’s website if you ask for the library to make copies. - The cost of computer discs, computer tapes or other digital or similar media when the requester asks for records in non-paper physical media. This may include the cost for copies of records already on the library’s website if you ask for the library to make copies. - The cost to mail or send a public record to a requestor. Labor Costs - All labor costs will be estimated and charged in 15-minute increments, with all partial time increments rounded down. If the time involved is less than 15 minutes, there will be no charge. - Labor costs will be charged at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid Library employee capable of doing the work in the specific fee category, regardless of who actually performs work. - Labor costs will also include a charge to cover or partially cover the cost of fringe benefits. Library may add up to 50% to the applicable labor charge amount to cover or partially cover the cost of fringe benefits, but in no case may it exceed the actual cost of fringe benefits. - Overtime wages will not be included in labor costs unless agreed to by the requestor; overtime costs will not be used to calculate the fringe benefit cost. - Contracted labor costs will be charged at the hourly rate of $48.90 (6 times the state minimum hourly wage) A labor cost will not be charged for the search, examination, review and the deletion and separation of exempt from nonexempt information unless failure to charge a fee would result in unreasonably high Costs to the Library. Costs are unreasonably high when they are excessive and beyond the normal or usual amount for those services compared to the library’s usual FOIA requests, because of the nature of the request in the particular instance. The library must specifically identify the nature of the unreasonably high costs in writing. Copying and Duplication The library must use the most economical method for making copies of public records, including using double-sided printing, if cost-saving and available. Non-paper Copies on Physical Media - The cost for records provided on non-paper physical media, such as computer discs, computer tapes or other digital or similar media will be at the actual and most reasonably economical cost for the non-paper media. - This cost will be charged only if the library has the technological capability necessary to provide the public record in the requested non-paper physical media format. Paper Copies - Paper copies of public records made on standard letter (8 ½ x 11) or legal (8 ½ x 14) sized paper will not exceed $.10 per sheet of paper. - Copies for non-standard sized sheets will paper will reflect the actual cost of reproduction. Mailing Costs - The cost to mail public records will use a reasonably economical and justified means. - The library may charge for the least expensive form of postal delivery confirmation. - No cost will be made for expedited shipping or insurance unless you request it. Waiver of Fees The cost of the search for and copying of a public record may be waived or reduced if in the sole judgment of the FOIA Coordinator a waiver or reduced fee is in the public interest because it can be considered as primarily benefitting the general public. The Library Board may identify specific records or types of records it deems should be made available for no charge or at a reduced cost. How do I qualify for an indigence discount on the fee? The library will discount the first $20.00 of fees for a request if you submit an affidavit stating that you are: - Indigent and receiving specific public assistance; or - If not receiving public assistance, stating facts demonstrating an inability to pay because of indigence. You are not eligible to receive the $20.00 discount if you: - Have previously received discounted copies of public records from the library twice during the calendar year; or - Are requesting information on behalf of other persons who are offering or providing payment to you to make the request. An affidavit is sworn statement. For your convenience, the library has provided an Affidavit of Indigence for the waiver of FOIA fees on the back of the Library FOIA Request Form, which is available on the library’s website. May a nonprofit organization receive a discount on the fee? A nonprofit organization advocating for developmentally disabled or mentally ill individuals that is formally designated by the state to carry out activities under subtitle C of the federal developmental disabilities assistance and bill of rights act of 2000, Public Law 106-402, and the protection and advocacy for individuals with mental illness act, Public Law 99-319, may receive a $20.00 discount if the request meets all of the following requirements in the Act: - Is made directly on behalf of the organization or its clients. - Is made for a reason wholly consistent with the mission and provisions of those laws under section 931 of the mental health code, 1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1931. - Is accompanied by documentation of its designation by the state, if requested by the public body. How may I challenge the denial of a public record or an excessive fee? Appeal of a Denial of a Public Record If you believe that all or a portion of a public record has not been disclosed or has been improperly exempted from disclosure, you may appeal to the Library Board by filing a written appeal of the denial (c/o the Library Director). The appeal must be in writing, specifically state the word “appeal,” and identify the reason or reasons you are seeking a reversal of the denial. You may use the Library FOIA Appeal Form (To Appeal a Denial of Records), which is available on the library’s website. The Library Board is not considered to have received a written appeal until the first regularly scheduled Library Board meeting following submission of the written appeal. Within 10 business days of receiving the appeal, the Library Board will respond in writing by: - Reversing the disclosure denial; - Upholding the disclosure denial; or - Reverse the disclosure denial in part and uphold the disclosure denial in part. Whether or not you submitted an appeal of a denial to the library, you may file a civil action in Montcalm County Circuit Court within 180 days after the library’s final determination to deny your request. If you prevail in the civil action the court will award you reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements. If the court determines that the library acted arbitrarily and capriciously in refusing to disclose or provide a public record, the court shall award you damages in the amount of $1,000. Appeal of an Excess FOIA Processing Fee If you believe that the fee charged by the library to process your FOIA request exceeds the amount permitted by state law, you must first appeal to the Library Board by filing a written appeal for a fee reduction to the office of the library Director. The appeal must specifically state the word “appeal” and identify how the required fee exceeds the amount permitted. You may use the Library FOIA Appeal Form (To Appeal an Excess Fee), which is available at the library and on the library’s website: www.tchrtl.org. The Library Board is not considered to have received a written appeal until the first regularly scheduled Library Board meeting following submission of the written appeal. Within 10 business days after receiving the appeal, the Library Board will respond in writing by: - Waiving the fee; - Reducing the fee and issue a written determination indicating the specific basis that supports the remaining fee; - Upholding the fee and issue a written determination indicating the specific basis that supports the required fee; or - Issuing a notice detailing the reason or reasons for extending for not more than 10 business days the period during which the Library Board will respond to the written appeal. Adopted 09/16/2021
Materials Selection Policy
The purpose of the Material Selection Policy is to set broad guidelines in order to assemble, preserve, organize, administer and promote the use of a wide range of communication media and to inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made. These functions are undertaken to further the objectives of the Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library. Definitions: The term “Library Materials” means books, magazines, DVDs, CDs or other synonyms as they may occur in the policy having the widest possible meaning. This statement of policy applies to all Library Materials in the collection, including adult, young adult and juvenile. However, this policy and the term “Library Materials” does not apply to Internet sites available through the Library's computers or Internet collection. The Library has no control over the content of the Internet. Please see the Internet Use Policy for any issues related to computer or Internet Use. The term “selection” refers to the decision to add, retain or withdraw material in the collection. It does not refer to reader guidance. Goals of Materials Selection: 1. To meet the individual’s, need for information through maintenance of a well-balanced and broad collection of materials for information, reference and research. 2. To help the individual attain maximum self-development through life-long intellectual and cultural growth. 3. To support the democratic process by providing materials for the education and enlightenment of the community. 4. To assist individuals in their pursuit of occupational activity and practical affairs. 5. To provide diverse recreational experience for individuals and groups. 6. To assist institutions of formal education with services that will assist individual study. 7. To maintain Michigan and local history collections. Responsibility for Selection: The responsibility for selection lies with the professional staff of the Library. That staff operates within the areas of service to children, young adults and adults. Both the general public and staff members may recommend materials for consideration. The ultimate responsibility for book selection, however, rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board of Trustees. The Director shall be responsible for ensuring that the funds budgeted for collection development are allocated appropriately depending upon the needs of the Library and the fulfillment of the above Goals of Material Selection. General Principles: 1. Selection of Library Materials is based on the relationship of such work to the needs, interests and demands of the community. Basic to this policy is the Library Bill of Rights and the Intellectual Freedom Statement of the American Library Association to which this Library subscribes. Selection is not made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval by patrons or Library users, but solely on the merits of a work, without regard to the race, nationality, political or religious view of the writer. 2. Responsibility for the reading matter of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection shall not be inhibited solely by the possibility that books may inadvertently come into the possession of children. The Library respects each individual parent’s right to supervise his children’s choice of reading materials. However, the Library does not have the right to act in loco parentis (in place of the parent). Therefore, a parent who chooses to restrict the materials his children select must accompany those children when they use the collection in order to impose those restrictions. 3. Further, Library Materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of contents, and no catalogued book or other item will be sequestered, except for the express purpose of protecting it from injury or theft. The use of rare and scholarly items of great value may be controlled to the extent required to preserve them from harm, but no further. 4. It is the responsibility of the Library to provide circulating, reference and research materials for the general public and the student based on the services it is expected to perform. Specific Principles for Selection: The following principles, individually or collectively, will prevail in the selection of all Library Materials. The total collection will attempt to represent opposing points of view. - Contemporary significance or permanent value - Accuracy - Lack of bias, factual - Diversity of viewpoint - Portrays issues sensitively - Authority of author - Relation of work to existing collection - Price, format and ease of use - Scarcity of information in subject area - Available shelf or storage space - Availability of material through inter-library loan - Popular demand: The Library will make an effort to have materials available which are in high demand by the public; however, selections by popular demand will still be guided by consideration of merit, use and the specific principles for selection. - Duplication of materials already in the collection; i.e. purchase of additional copies of materials, shall be governed by intrinsic or historical value, or immediate need - Collection objectives - Community relevance - Audience for material Gifts: Acceptance of gifts shall be governed by the same principles and criteria applied to the selection of items for purchase. Gifts of books or other materials which do not comply with the Library’s objectives and policies will be refused. No conditions may be imposed relating to any item either prior to or after its acceptance by the Library. All gifts and donated materials (including works of local authors) become the property of the Library. The manner of disposition of any materials which are not added to the collection will be decided by the Library. Maintenance of the Collection: The collection shall be periodically examined for the purpose of eliminating obsolete, damaged, duplicate or unneeded materials, and for binding or repair of materials, in order to maintain a balanced, attractive and useful Library Materials collection. Challenges to Materials: No material shall be removed from the Library’s collection until all steps in the following process have been completed. 1. Patrons who object to particular Library Materials will be sent to the Director. 2. The Director will discuss the Library Materials in question with the patron, attempting to resolve the concern to both the patron’s and Library’s satisfaction. 3. If the patron wishes to carry the request further, the Director will provide the patron with a copy of the Materials Selection Policy, including the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials (“Request for Reconsideration”). 4. Once a completed, signed copy of the Request for Reconsideration is received, the Library Director shall make a decision regarding the Request for Reconsideration, taking into consideration the Library’s Materials Selection Policy and any other relevant information to reach a decision. The Director may consult with any other staff or consultants when making this decision. 5. The Library Director shall send the decision in writing to the complainant within 75 days of the receipt of the completed Request for Reconsideration form. If the decision is that the questioned material should be removed from the collection, the complainant will be notified in writing by the Library Director and all copies of the item will be withdrawn. If the decision is that the questioned material is to be retained, the complainant will be notified in writing by the Library Director that the material will be retained. 6. A written appeal of the Library Director’s decision may be made by the requester to the Chair of the Library Board within ten (10) business days after the written decision is made by the Library Director. The Library Board will review any documentation it deems necessary to decide and render their decision within 60 days of receipt of the appeal. 7. The Library Board serves as the final authority in cases involving retention or withdrawal of Library Materials. Revision of This Policy: This policy shall be reviewed and revised to be consistent with the objectives of the Library. Adopted 09/16/2021 Library Bill of Rights Library Bill of Rights 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 which 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. Adopted June 19, 1939. Amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; and January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council.
FACILITY USE POLICY
The primary purpose of the meeting spaces at the Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library (TCHTRL) is for programs, classes, meetings, and events conducted or sponsored by the library to benefit the library and patrons within the community. Priority may also be given to programs or events conducted or sponsored by community groups and non-for-profit organizations whose aims are educational, cultural, and/or civic. The Friends of the Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library principal purpose is to promote and support the library; therefore, the Friends will also be given priority for their event and programs, including the annual book sale and Friends monthly meetings. Study Tables and Study Rooms: The Timothy C Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library (TCHRTL) encourages the use of the library for educational pursuits and provides study rooms for individuals to meet without disruptions. General Regulations: Study Rooms are not guaranteed, to ensure availability a person or tutor may call and reserve it in advance. 1. Library, Library related, and Library sponsored or co-sponsored programs have priority in the use of the facilities, study rooms. 2. Any use of the study rooms or the study tables that disturb regular library functions or otherwise violates Library policy, including but not limited to the Patron Conduct Policy, is not permitted. 3. The study rooms or study tables must be left in the same condition they were prior to the use. 4. Taping, stapling, or tacking of materials to the walls or other furnishings is prohibited. Community Room: Groups or individuals may rent the TCHRTL Community Room for meetings by requesting a date and time through the Library Director or a designated staff member. Reservations occurring no more than 1 time a month may be made up to 3 months in advance. Reservations occurring more than once a month can only be made 30 days in advance. All reservations are first come first served, with library/Friends programs receiving first priority. Rental Fees: 1. $50 for up to 4 hours of use. 2. $20.00 plus staff salary an hour if the library is closed. A staff member must be present in the building while room is in use. (Depending on staff availability) 3. A cleaning deposit of $50 for all users. This deposit is refundable after the room is inspected by staff member. Hours of scheduling will include the total time involved in the meeting and the time the organization required the room for set up time until the room has been cleaned up and is vacated. Since these fees are designed to help offset the costs of heating, lighting, air conditioning, cleaning, etc., they may be changed and take effect one month after approval by the TCHRTL Board. Rules of Use: 1. Renters of the facility assume responsibility for setup and cleanup of the room. 2. There will be a $50.00 cleaning deposit for all users. 3. Deposit will be refunded after room is inspected for damage to room or furnishings and cleanliness of the room. 4. Any and all damages will be the responsibility of the users. 5. Maximum occupancy is 134 in the Community Room. 6. The library is not responsible for any equipment, supplies, materials, clothing or any other items brought to the library or transported to the library property by any group or individual attending a meeting in the library. 7. The Library Board and Staff do not assume any liability for groups or individuals attending a meeting in the library. 8. Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted. 9. Refreshments (i.e., coffee, soft drinks, tea, cookies, etc.) may be served in the Community Room. Any food served must be prepared off site. 10. If special cleaning fees are necessary due to the use of the community room, costs incurred may be billed to the entity responsible. 11. Organizations using the TCHRTL Community Room will provide all equipment and service utensils except as otherwise arranged at time of reservation. 12. Smoking is not permitted on the library property; this includes the community room. 13. Final acceptance or rejection of requests to use the meeting room will rest with the Library Director according to the above policies, or in consultation with the Library Board if special cases not covered by the above rules should arise. History Room Use: 1. History room use is for Genealogy/History purposes first and foremost. 2. Due to the location and quietness of the history room it maybe used for depositions. 3. Maximum of 6 persons and the fee being $50 per session. Food and uncovered drink are not permitted in the history room due to the nature of the history room contents. Violations, Penalties, and Appeal: 1. Failure to comply with the terms of this policy may result in a forfeiture of Facility Use privileges as determined by the Library Director. Violation, penalties and Appeals shall be administered as defined in the Patron Conduct Policy. Adopted: 05/21/2022
Unattended Child Policy
The Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library (TCHRTL) encourages children of all ages to visit the library and hopes they will find it a warm, inviting place to be. Programs and resources are offered to make the library enticing to children, to help children enjoy their visits, and to develop a love of books, reading and libraries. The happiness and safety of children left alone at the library can be of serious concern. Young children left on their own in the library often become frightened or anxious. Children may be able to occupy their time for a short while, but when left unattended for any length of time when no library programs are being offered, they become bored, restless, and disruptive. Young children are not safe when left unattended in the library. The staff cannot know if the children are leaving the building with parents or with strangers. It is not the library's intention to seek out unattended children, but rather to have a reasoned response prepared when a problem presents itself. For the protection and wellbeing of children who visit our library, the following policy has been established. Children age 8 or under must be accompanied in the library. (Accompanied is defined as "within sight".) It is strongly recommended that all children are accompanied by someone who can take responsibility should an emergency occur. If a child in this age group becomes disruptive, the child and the parent/caregiver will be informed of the rules. If inappropriate behavior continues, the family may be asked to leave the library. If a child in this age group is found unattended, library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the library and inform him/her of the rules. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, the police will be called for assistance to locate the child’s parent/caregiver. Children age 9 and older may use the library on their own. However, parents are still responsible for the actions and the wellbeing of their child or children. Children using inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the library. Responsibility for the welfare and the behavior of children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or an assigned chaperone. Though staff will always respond with care and concern, they cannot assume responsibility for children’s safety and comfort when they are unattended. Staff may need to contact authorities such as the police either to assist with the enforcement of discipline in the library or to ensure the safety of an unattended child. Parents should not use the library as an alternative to daycare. For safety’s sake, parents should make sure that their children are sufficiently mature before allowing them to visit the library by themselves. Parents should also realize that, even in their absence, they are legally responsible for their children’s behavior. TCHRTL is not responsible for the care and supervision of unaccompanied children prior to opening or after closing. TCHRTL is also not responsible for children outside the building who await transportation or who are socializing. Adults responsible for unattended school-age children using the library should be aware of the library’s hours and make arrangements to meet the children on time. Adopted: 5/12/2016 Revised: 12/15/2022
WiFi Hotspot Policy
Purpose: The Timothy C Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library loans WiFi hotspots to provide patrons the ability to connect WiFi-enabled devices to the internet. Guidelines for Borrowing and Use: 1. WiFi Hotspots can only be checked out with an adult library card in good standing (no fines on the account) 2. WiFi Hotspots can be checked out for two weeks 3. WiFi Hotspots cannot be renewed, they must be returned on their due date. 4. WiFi Hotspots can only be checked out once a month per patron 5. WiFi Hotspots can only be checked out to the household once per month. 6. Only one WiFi Hotspot will be checked out to a patron or household at a time. Fines and Liability 1. The cost for unreturned Hotspots is $10.00/per day 2. If the Hotspot is more than one day late, the data service will be shut off to the Hotspot. 3. The replacement fee for a lost or unreturned Hotspot kit is $85.00, the cost of the Hotspot kit. 4. The replacement fee for a lost or unreturned charging cable is $15.00, the cost of the cable. 5. The replacement fee for a lost or unreturned carrying case is $20.00, the cost of the carrying case. 6. All components of the Hotspot kit must be returned to be considered fully checked in. Adopted: 2/16/23
Lost or Damaged Material Replacement Policy
Library materials must be returned in good condition. At the discretion of the Library Director, replacement and processing fees will be assessed to a borrower account for items returned with damages. Damage includes but is not limited to: - Water damage - Burned or ripped covers, cases or pages - Ripped or removed labels or barcodes - Dirt, sand, food or other substances adhered to materials - Highlighting or underlining of text - Bed bugs or other pests Repairing a Damaged Item: A $2.00 processing fee will be assessed for each item returned with a missing/damaged barcode or spine label. TCHRTL staff will determine if a damaged item can be repaired. If a repair can be made a $4.00 mending fee will be charged. Replacing a Lost or Damaged Item: Patrons may pay for the item by paying the cost listed in the library’s database plus a non-refundable $1.00 processing fee for the item. Patrons may purchase a replacement for the item that was lost or damaged. A non-refundable $1.00 processing fee will be due with the replacement. Replacement copy must be new. Used copies will not be accepted. Replacement copy must be an exact match for the item that was damaged. Adopted: 3/17/16 Revised: 8/19/21