Library Policies
Skidompha Public Library Policies
Skidompha Library supports and enriches our community by fostering literacy, providing ready access to information resources, encouraging lifelong learning and promoting cultural and social interactions.
In general, Skidompha subscribes to the American Library Association (ALA) Code of Ethics and other ALA policies that are relevant to Skidompha.
GOVERNANCE
Governance and financial oversight shall be the responsibility of the Library’s Board of Directors.
Bequests and Gifts Policy
The Library welcomes memorial bequests, gifts honoring special occasions and general gifts. At the request of the donor, the Library will affix memorial bookplates to items purchased with the funds. For major or unusual gifts, Skidompha’s Gift Acceptance Policy is available upon request.
Items donated, or purchased with bequests and monetary gifts, must meet the Library's collection development criteria.
FACILITIES
Equal Access Policy
Library programs and facilities will be accessible to all, regardless of race, color, nationality, age, religion, political affiliation, educational background, sexual preference, or physical limitation. In accordance with applicable ADA regulations, the Library’s facilities will remain fully accessible to those with physical disabilities.
Hours of Operation Policy
Routinely, the Library is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9a.m. to 5p.m.; on Thursdays from 9a.m. to 7p.m.; and on Saturdays from 9a.m. until 1p.m. The Library is normally closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Hours of operation may be modified from time to time and during certain seasons. Public notice will be given in advance of changes.
Severe Weather Closings Policy
When weather conditions affect the safety of roads, the Director will determine whether to close the Library. When possible, notice of closings will be posted on local television stations and on the Library's answering machine.
Power Outages Policy
The Director will determine whether to close the Library after two hours without power, as temperature and air quality within the facility may be compromised.
Programs / Special Events Policy
In its role as a center of community activity, the Library will remain available as a venue for programs and events that encourage reading, discussion, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning.
The Library welcomes the use of its conference room, its informal meeting spaces, and of the Charles Talbot Porter Meeting Hall for educational, civic, and cultural purposes of a not-for-profit nature, and by businesses. Rental fees may apply to any group or organization. After-hour use of the facilities and also library technology will require a contract.
Space will be made available to community groups regardless of the beliefs and affiliations of their members. However, the Director will judge the suitability of groups’ requests for use of Skidompha facilities. The Library’s own programs shall take precedence over any other use.
Harassment Policy
The Library will strive to maintain an environment free of sexual, physical, and verbal harassment, and will deal seriously with allegations when they arise. The Library recognizes that handling harassment situations of any type can be extremely sensitive and, so far as possible, will keep all complaints in strict confidence.
The Director will formally review this policy with staff at least once a year.
Bulletin Boards Policy
The Library staff will post, rearrange, and remove posters and flyers from its bulletin boards as it sees fit. Boards are restricted to not-for-profit causes, with priority given to the events within the local community. Size limits may apply.
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones may not be used in the Library, except where permission signs are displayed.
Animals Policy
With the exception of service animals, pets will not be allowed in the Library.
No Smoking Policy
Smoking will not be allowed in the Library, or anywhere on Library property.
Food and Drink Policy
Only beverages in covered containers may be brought into the Library.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Volunteerism
In support of its traditional reliance on the generous service of volunteers, the management of the Library and its Second Hand Book Store will recruit and train persons in the community who have the ability and the desire to serve.
Staffing and Security
Staff will be hired by the Director to meet the Library’s needs. For security purposes and to meet public service needs, two staff members will be on duty at all times whenever the Library is open.