Policies

A. Guiding Principles

A1. Mission Statement

The Plumb Memorial and Huntington Branch Libraries (the Shelton Library System) are dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment that celebrates a love of reading and lifelong learning, a resource to provide valuable information and a cultural center that enriches the lives of our patrons and community. We strive to keep pace with current technology while honoring our past.

To aid in carrying out this responsibility, the library has established the following goals.

Goals

• To provide books and other materials for the interest, and information for all people in the community.
• To keep current on trends and technology that enables our public to access information and entertainment through databases and streaming services via our website and library apps.
• To preserve freedom of thought and information.
• To serve the community as a center of reliable information.
• To cooperate with other libraries to achieve better service to citizens.
• To serve all of the public efficiently, pleasantly, and without discrimination.
• To organize materials to make them easily accessible to potential users.
• To establish lending procedures to ensure that materials may be used at a time and place convenient for the public.
• To make the public aware of the resources of the library and encourage their use.
• To support educational and cultural activities of local groups and organizations.
• To make the public aware of the resources of the library and encourage their use.
• To support educational and cultural activities of local groups and organizations.

A2. ALA – The Freedom to Read

The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently arise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.

Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.

These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials.

Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it less able to deal with controversy and difference.

Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.

We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.

The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.

We therefore affirm these propositions:

It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.

Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.

Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated.

Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.

It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.

No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.

There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.

To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters, values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.

It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous.

The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.

It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information.

It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society, individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.

It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one.

The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support.

We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.

A3. ALA – 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. 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.

This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers.

Adopted by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee
June 25, 1953

Amended by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee
January 28, 1972
January 16, 1991
July 12, 2000
June 30, 2004

A Joint Statement by:
American Library Association
Association of American Publishers

Subsequently endorsed by:
American Booksellers for Free Expression
The Association of American University Presses
The Children’s Book Council
Freedom to Read Foundation
National Association of College Stores
National Coalition Against Censorship
National Council of Teachers of English
The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression

B. General Policies

B1. Circulation of Materials

In order to make library materials available to eligible borrowers, the library has established policies for the length of loan periods, renewals, reserves and fees. The library also determines who is eligible for a library card and who can borrow materials.

Library Borrower’s Cards

A valid borrower’s card is required in order to borrow materials from the library. Plumb Memorial Library and Huntington Branch borrower’s cards are issued free to all who qualify.

Library Cards

Adult Borrower’s Card

All adult residents of Shelton will be issued library cards upon providing proof of identity, current residency and completion of an application. Proof of residency may be a driver’s license, printed mailed item with name and address, a checkbook with printed name and address or other legal or business document showing name and address.

Residents under age 18 must have their registration card co-signed by a parent or legal guardian before a card will be issued. Once the application is signed by the parent, the child will be given a library card. All Shelton children who are three years of age and older can get a Shelton library card with their parent or guardian’s signature.

Child Borrower’s Card

Children’s cards are issued to children ages 3-17 and adult cards are issued to those persons age 18 and over. A person’s status is not automatically upgraded by the computer, so the library should be notified when a patron’s status changes.

Local Non-Profit Organization Borrower’s Card

A local non-profit organization, such as a nursing home, nursery school, etc. may receive a borrower’s card upon completion of an application by the head of the organization or his/her designee. Materials may only be borrowed by an employee presenting the organization’s card.

Library Card Renewal

Borrower’s cards are issued for a period of four years and may be renewed at the end of that period provided the borrower is in good standing There is no charge for renewing an expired card.

Stolen Library Cards

Patrons who have their card stolen should notify the library as soon as possible so that no one else will charge out materials on their card. The card will be canceled as of the date of notification. If a card is lost, the card will be replaced at no charge.

Borrowing Privileges

A Plumb Memorial Library card may be used to borrow books from any public library in the State of Connecticut. The policies of the lending library will apply regarding length of the loan period, fines, fees, materials available for loan, etc.

Any person holding a valid borrower’s card from any public library in the State of Connecticut may borrow books from the Plumb Memorial Library.

Patrons’ borrowing privileges will be suspended or blocked if they have any items more than four weeks overdue.

Borrowers are responsible for all items charged out on their library cards. Cards may not be loaned to others.

Loan Periods

3 Days Museum passes (no renewals, Shelton adult card only)

1 Week Magazines, Music CDs, Audiobooks, Playaways and DVDs (1 renewal)

2 Weeks NEW adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction (1 renewal)

3 Weeks OLDER Adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction (1 renewal)

Interlibrary loan periods vary: The loan period is set by the lending library.) Special loans to teachers.

Loan Limitations and Restrictions

The following items do not circulate:

• Reference books
• Newspapers
• Books placed on special reserve for a specific class of students

Some audiovisual equipment may be borrowed upon special arrangement.

Any number of books may be taken out by a library borrower whose card is in good standing.

Special loan periods may be temporarily established from time to time for portions of the collection in special situations; e.g., books on a school summer reading list, etc.

Books borrowed from any public library in Connecticut may be returned to either Shelton Library and any books borrowed from the Plumb Memorial Library and Huntington Branch may be returned to any other public library in Connecticut.

Book Return Containers

The main library has one book return containers located on the sidewalk adjacent to the parking lot

The branch library also has two separate return containers, one for books and one for audio-visual media. Both are located at the exterior library entrance in the community center courtyard.

Interlibrary Loan

If the library does not own a particular book desired by a Shelton cardholder, the library will attempt to secure a copy of the book from another library through interlibrary loan.

Restrictions

All items borrowed through the interlibrary loan service by the Plumb Memorial Library will be processed at the Plumb Memorial Library. However, interlibrary loan items can be picked up and returned at the Huntington Branch.

Rules and Regulations

The date on which a book is due is determined, first, by the return date established by the lending library and, second, by the time required to return the book from Plumb Memorial Library to the lending library.

The Plumb Memorial Library will follow any restrictions or regulations set by the lending library. A lending library may or may not permit renewal of the item loaned. Some libraries charge a fee for loans of books or photocopies of journal articles. If a fee must be paid to the lending library for loan of a book or for photocopies, the library will notify the patron of any costs involved before securing the item. Any fees are to be paid when the book is picked up.

Patrons borrowing books through the interlibrary loan service must return the books to the Plumb Memorial Library on or before the due date, unless permission to renew the item is received from the lending library.

Patrons wishing to renew an item secured through interlibrary loan must notify the local library prior to the due date. We will check with the lending library to find out if renewal is possible and will inform the borrower.

Any charges for overdue fees, damage to, or loss of any item borrowed through interlibrary loan will be set by the lending library. The patron borrowing the item will be responsible for payment of those fees.

Any person violating the interlibrary loan rules will have their interlibrary loan privilege suspended and, if the violation is serious, may also lose the privilege of borrowing from the Plumb Memorial Library collection as well.

Book Return Containers

The main library has one book/audio return container located on the sidewalk adjacent to the parking lot.

The branch library also has two separate return containers, one for books and one for audio-visual media. Both are located at the exterior library entrance in the community center courtyard.

Renewals

Items on a library card can be renewed in person, over the telephone or through the library website, Library cards must be renewed in person. All library materials may be renewed once.

No item may be renewed if it has been placed on reserve by another patron. Interlibrary loans may or may not be renewable, depending on the policy of the lending library.

Overdues

On the day after the due date, all materials will be considered overdue if they have not been returned or renewed.

Fines and Fees

Books or materials that have been lost by the patron must be monetarily replaced for the price of the item.

Defacing books and property of the library is strictly prohibited by law.

Confidentiality of Records

Circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users are confidential in nature. Such records shall not be made available to any person, organization, government agency or other entity except pursuant to a valid order, subpoena, or other process as may be authorized by law relating to civil, criminal or legislative investigative powers.

All requests for disclosure of such records shall be presented to the Library Board. The Board will evaluate the requests and, where it deems appropriate, may engage Counsel to resist disclosure of such records until ordered to make disclosure by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Cooperation with Other Libraries

Resource sharing among libraries includes interlibrary loan of books and other materials, cooperative programming and participation in automated networks. By working with other libraries, it is possible to practice cost-effective services.

The Board of Directors and the Library Director will work with other libraries where they will strengthen the services and the resources of the library and help meet the needs of the community more effectively.

B2. Collection Development

The policy serves as:

• A guide for the staff in the selection of materials for the collection and for withdrawing materials
• It informs the Library Board of the principles and methods by which selections are made
• It explains to the public the basis upon which decisions are made in selecting and maintaining materials
• It helps to answer questions regarding the presence or absence of certain materials

Constituencies to be Served

The Community

The library provides service to community residents of all ages, races, and nationalities.

Visitors may use the reference service, reading room, and attend meetings without charge. If they have a borrower’s card from their Connecticut hometown library, they may also borrow material from the library.

Shelton taxpayers who reside out of town

Shelton taxpayers are entitled to all the privileges of community residents at the Plumb Memorial Library and Huntington Branch.

Residents of other Connecticut towns

Any Connecticut resident with a valid card from their hometown library may borrow materials from the Shelton Library system.

Any Connecticut resident with a valid card from their hometown library may borrow materials from the Shelton Library system.

Collection Materials

Adult Materials

General Non-Fiction

The aim is to establish a broad, general non-fiction collection covering a variety of interests and needs. The libraries do not attempt to acquire highly specialized materials more appropriate for an academic library.

General Fiction

New fiction is purchased after reading reviews in professional review sources. An attempt is made to purchase many types of fiction – romances, mysteries, science fiction, short stories, historical fiction, family sagas, adventure, etc. Classics are replaced as needed.

Reference / Information Materials

The main criteria for selecting reference materials are the relevance of the material to the present or anticipated need for the information, the accuracy and currency of the information, and the ease of use in retrieving information.

Each year the library purchases more reference sources in the electronic media through databases available on our website. The decision to purchase is primarily determined by the availability of funds and the relative cost of the electronic publication vs the cost of the print form of the same item.

Periodicals

The library maintains a well-balanced collection of magazines for reference and for circulation. Subscriptions are renewed annually after evaluation as to use and continued need. New titles may be added as subjects increase in popularity and sometimes after suggestions by the public.

DVDs and Blu-rays

The libraries’ movie collection consists primarily of entertainment films and non-fiction titles. Additional titles are available to stream through our databases.

Audio Books

The libraries have a varied collection of books on CD, mp3s and Playaways in both fiction and nonfiction. We also offer fiction and nonfiction audiobooks that can be downloaded through our databases.

Music CDs 

The collection is composed of a variety of musical genres for adults, teen and children. Music can also be streamed from our databases.

Large Print Books

A collection of large print books is available primarily to serve patrons who have impaired vision. Most of the titles are books of fiction by popular authors. However, some well-reviewed and popular non-fiction titles are also selected.

Newspapers

The libraries subscribe to a variety of newspapers, both for browsing and for reference purposes. National newspapers are available as well as local area newspapers. We also have past issues of the Shelton Herald and CT Post available through our databases.

Children and Teen Materials

The Children’s and Teen Librarians are responsible for the selection of all children and teen materials using recognized public library resources. The collection contains materials suitable for a variety of reading levels and interest levels.

Responsibility for the appropriateness of children and teen reading material rests with their parents or guardian.

General Non-fiction Books

The non-fiction collection is to help meet the informational needs of the children and teens both as students and individuals, to stimulate their curiosity, and expand their knowledge.

This is accomplished both by weeding books that are out of date and by adding new current titles with more accurate information.

General Fiction Books

This collection is meant to develop and foster a reading habit at a young age.

Picture Books

This collection is designed to appeal to children with the emphasis on the book’s illustrations. Classics are replaced as needed and duplicate copies are purchased of highly popular titles.

The collection of easy readers is designed to introduce and foster reading skills in children

DVDs and Playaway Views

This collection of materials contains fiction and nonfiction intended to entertain and inform. We also have several databases that stream movies and tv shows.

Kits & Audio books Audiobooks

The Children’s Department has a growing collection of books with accompanying recorded books and books on CD, Playaways, Launchpads and Playaway Book kits. These are selected based on recommendations in professional library journals and review sources.

Easy Readers

The collection of easy readers is designed to introduce and foster reading skills in children

Special Constituencies

Students

The library staff assists students in locating information they need. However, the library does not purchase materials needed for classroom use unless it also has general value. Textbooks are not purchased unless they are the most appropriate source of information on the subject. Materials to supplement formal study are selected according to their appropriateness to the collection and to the general public.

Visually Impaired

The library purchases a wealth of materials designed to help individuals who have trouble reading small print in both fiction and nonfiction. We also offer audiobooks, mp3s, Playaways and streaming databases for the visually impaired.

Job Seekers

The libraries have books, newspapers and databases all designed to assist anyone who is looking for employment. These focus on enhancing career opportunities, writing resumes, job interviews, etc.

Consumers

The library maintains an up-to-date collection of consumer information in books, periodicals, and databases to assist the public in making informed purchasing decisions.

Business

Recognizing that business plays an important role in the community, the library supports the local business community by purchasing reference and circulating materials to assist in the operation of their businesses.

New Readers / New Citizens

The library purchases materials on English as a second language and publications designed to help prospective citizens prepare for the United States citizenship test.

Special Considerations

Access

Library materials are kept on open shelves with the exception of some local irreplaceable local materials. Reference materials may not be taken out, but may be used within the library.

Relationship to Schools

The Shelton libraries maintain a cooperative relationship with schools. The libraries’ materials can be used as vital resources of the educational system. The children’s and teen librarians plan school visits throughout the school year and are always available at the libraries if help is needed.

Materials

The library welcomes gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be evaluated with the same criteria applied to purchased materials. If the gifts do not meet those standards, are unneeded duplicates of titles already owned by the library, are in poor condition or contain information which is out-of-date, they will be disposed of or given to the Friends of the Library for their book sale. The library does not provide evaluation of gifts for tax deduction, but on request, will provide the donor with a receipt stating the number and type of books donated.

Money

The library is grateful for all donations and bequests of funds. Books purchased as memorial gifts have a bookplate in each one noting the donor’s name and that of the person being honored.

Requests for Purchase

Patron recommendations or requests for new books are given serious consideration and are judged using the usual selection criteria. Publications may also be made available for checkout through interlibrary loan.

Maintenance of the Collection

The development and maintenance of the collection is achieved through repairs to damaged materials, replacement of items with new copies or editions, or withdrawing from the collection items that are outdated or worn out.

Inventory

An inventory of the collection reveals any materials which have been lost and whose records need to be deleted from the catalog.

Mending and Repair

Minor repairs are made to books as needed. If a book or material is beyond a simple repair, the librarian will determine if it needs to be replaced or removed from the collection.

Replacement of Materials

Lost or stolen materials are not automatically replaced with a new copy. The need to replace an individual item is evaluated by the librarian in regards to its ongoing importance in the collection.

Controversial Materials

The library recognizes that some materials may offend some patrons. Selections will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the work in relation to building the collection and serving the needs of library patrons. Materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents. Selection of adult materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that they may inadvertently come into the possession of children. Responsibility for the reading of children rests solely with their parents or guardian. The form to be followed if a patron objects to a particular item is included in the Library Policy Handbook.

Responsibility, Criteria, and Method of Selection

The selection of the library materials is the responsibility of the Library Director.

Responsibility for selecting in specific areas may be delegated to other library staff members. Suggestions from the general public are welcome and are given serious consideration within the limits of the guidelines of these policies and funds available.

The library attempts to maintain as balanced and varied a collection as possible. The collection includes, but is not limited to, books, periodicals, newspapers, DVDs, Blu-rays, music recordings, audiobooks, and databases that offer streaming ebooks, eaudiobooks, movies, tv shows and magazines.

Most materials are selected by reading reviews in various professional journals.

Each year, once the budget has been set by the city’s appropriating authorities, a portion of the budget is allocated for purchases in the various categories. The percentage for each category may vary from year to year.

Material Reconsideration Policy

Request-for-Reconsideration-Form.pdf

B3. Computer Usage and Internet

Shelton Libraries, comprising both Plumb Memorial and Huntington Branch Library, offer free and open access to the internet for the public. A valid local library card will give patrons access to log onto a library provided computer. The internet is also accessible via library wireless (Wi-Fi) in conjunction with a personal device. As a public entity, the library does not filter, or block content from any webpages or sites visited by patrons. The library cannot guarantee everything on the internet is safe, factual, accurate, or appropriate.

Patrons using a library computer are to use software only provided by the library, and preloaded onto the computer. In an effort to curb viruses, worms, keyloggers, spyware, or any other harmful software, patrons cannot download and install their own software. Patrons cannot uninstall or modify any preloaded software. Patrons cannot use any extra devices (external hard drive, compact discs or USB drives) to boot into their own software or operating system. These peripherals should only be used to save files and documents when using a library computer.

Patrons are strongly advised against using library internet for sensitive usage, even when using a personal device. This includes the following: banking, money transfers, shopping, stock trading, or any other services that require sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and banking information. Patrons that do need to utilize services such as unemployment, payment of bills, banking, DMV web services, or legal transactions may do so at your own risk. This includes the use of apps on personal devices such as Venmo, CashApp, banking apps, shopping apps, or anything that has personal data.

Patrons are barred from using the library Wi-Fi or a library computer to access illegal content. This includes the following: illegal streaming and downloading of copyrighted media (movies, tv shows, music, e-books, audiobooks) and downloading stolen software. Patrons are prohibited from visiting websites relating to pornography, abusive, and violent content. Patrons are not allowed to use the library Wi-Fi or a library computer to make any illegal transactions such as the sale of drugs, weapons, or anything involving a sexual nature. 

Patrons are not permitted to use the library Wi-Fi or a library computer to perform illegal acts such as hacking. Patrons cannot use library Wi-Fi to hack/remote access into library provided computers/networks, staff PCs or any other computer systems/networks, email, or any other web accounts not currently owned, or authorized, by the user.

Computer Usage / Internet Usage for Minors

The library has computers available for children and teens. The library is not responsible for the content accessed by minors who use the internet from a library computer or a personal device. A parent or guardian is responsible to guide their children when using the internet safely. Staff cannot oversee or supervise patrons’ internet usage. Staff will intervene only when minors access content that is in violation of local, state or federal law(s), or inappropriate content such as pornography or pornographic images. Parents and guardians are responsible for their child regarding the safe use of social media or other digital communication platforms accessed through the web browser.

Library Equipment

All patrons have access to our computers and copy machines. Patrons will be monetarily responsible for any deliberate damage to any library property.

The Shelton Libraries believe in fostering a safe environment for everyone to enjoy. Failure to comply with any of the policies can result in a permanent ban on computer usage and may be banned from both library branches. Authorities will be contacted if illegal acts are performed.

Wireless Printing

Wireless printing is available through the library public computers or any personal computer or device. Copies must be picked up at the library and a charge for them can be paid at the Circulation Desk. Additional instructions are available on our website.

Use of the computer is free; however, there is a charge for each page printed.

B4. Meeting Rooms

The Plumb Memorial Public Library is a city department, and therefore follows the rules set forth by the City of Shelton. The Library uses its Meeting Room primarily for library-sponsored programs.

When the Meeting Room is not needed for a library program, the use of the Meeting Room can be requested by nonprofit community groups or nonprofit organizations, based in Shelton and/or serving the Shelton community.

Reservation Policies

Priority

Library-sponsored activities have first priority for use of the Meeting Room.

Application Required

A written application for the Meeting Room must be submitted and approved by the Plumb Memorial Library, prior to consideration for a reserved use of the space. Submission of the application does not guarantee a reservation commitment. If approved, notification of the approved reservation will be sent by email.

Advance Notice

Application for use of the meeting room at Plumb Memorial should be made at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the event and at HBL should be made four (4) weeks ahead of time. 

Approved Use

Approved use of the Meeting Room is for educational, cultural, or civic activities of general interest to the community.

Period Open for Use

The Meeting Room is available during regular library hours only Use of the Meeting Room must be completed 15 minutes before closing and all attendees must leave the Library by closing time. 

Attendance by Children

Any program attended by children under 18 requires adult supervision.

Number of Programs, Limitation

The Library reserves the right to limit the number of times an organization may use a Room within a calendar month, and a calendar year.

Organization’s Clean Up of Room

The authorized representative is responsible for removal of all materials brought in for the event, and placing any refuse in the provided trash containers.

Organization’s Liability for Damage

The organization assumes all liability for damage or loss of library property incurred while on the premises, and costs for cleaning or repairs of library property that occurred while the Meeting Room was being used. Any problems must be immediately reported to the Library Director.

Misuse of the facilities will result in permanent revocation of the group’s privilege to use the Meeting Rooms in both main and branch library buildings.

Plumb Non-Liability for Injury: The Plumb Memorial Library is not responsible for injuries to participants attending a function in the Meeting Room.

Smoking, alcoholic beverages, and the presence of animals are not allowed in the library (other than service animals, as defined under the “Americans With Disabilities Act”).

Library-owned equipment may only be set up and taken down by trained library staff.

Groups cannot ask for “admission charge” or “request donations”.

Clean the Kitchen After Use

Groups using the kitchen and its equipment must dispose of their trash in the bin provided, and wipe down the kitchen surfaces.

Security of non-library equipment

The Library will not be responsible for security of equipment, supplies, exhibition materials or other items owned by the group or individuals using the Meeting Room.

In case of emergency, all attendees must exit the building immediately.

Updated by the Library Board of Directors
January 2019

B5. Patron Rules of Conduct

Acceptable Behaviors at the Shelton Libraries

Engaging in the following behaviors may result in our requesting your removal from the Shelton Libraries. The Library Staff has the discretion to determine if behavior falls within the range of unwanted activities.

If necessary, the police may be contacted to assist the Library Staff in enforcing the rules.

Unacceptable Behaviors at the Shelton Libraries

The following list of behaviors are not allowed:

• Assault
• Bicycling, rollerblading or skateboarding anywhere on the library premises
• Defacing the building or furniture or littering
• Disruptive or frequent entering and exiting the building
• Disturbing noises, loud noises or loud talking (if headsets are in use, they must not be audible to others)
• Uncovered beverages or foods larger than a snack
• Harassment
• Indecent exposure
• Inappropriate displays of affection
• Leaving children unattended (53-21a)
• Loitering on the premises or in the parking lot
• Offensive language or verbal abuse of patrons or staff
• Pushing, shoving or running in the library
• Smoking in the library
• Staring, lurking or following people
• Tearing, cutting or marking library materials
• Threatening behavior

Disruptive Behavior

When a patron or patrons act(s) in such a way as to disturb other patrons, a supervisor should contact the Library Director, or in their absence, approach the patron and warn him or her to stop the disruptive behavior. If such behavior continues, the supervisor should tell the patron to leave the building. If the patron refuses to leave the police should be called immediately.

Suspension

Any patron guilty of violating the rules of conduct may be barred from using the library by the Library Director and the Board of Directors. The period of suspension will be determined by the severity of the offense.

Reports

Whenever problem behavior results in the police being called to the library, the Library Director should make the call, If the Director is not on duty, and the supervisor on duty will then call. In such cases, the Library Director must be notified as soon as possible.

An Incident Report form should be completed whenever a problem results in the police being called to the library.

Procedures for Problem Behavior

The library staff has the responsibility to protect the safety of all library patrons and to maintain order in the library. On occasion, the library staff may have to deal with patrons who violate the rights of others or who create disorder in the library. If such an incident should occur, the staff should take the following actions:

Emergency Situations

If a patron’s actions present an imminent danger to the life or safety of themselves or others, the supervisor on duty should be notified immediately and contact the police. This would include any crime of violence or the threat or attempt to commit such a crime.

Theft and Vandalism of Library Property

Any staff member observing or receiving a report of a patron attempting to steal or to destroy library property should report the incident to the supervisor on duty. The supervisor will then contact the police.

Other Illegal Activities

Whenever a staff member observes or receives a report of a patron committing an illegal act; e.g., selling drugs, indecent exposure, theft, etc., the staff member should immediately report the incident to the Library Director, or in their absence, the person in charge of the library at that time. The supervisor will then report it to the police.

Incident Report Form

Incident-Report-Form.pdf

B6. Posting of Materials:
Exhibits and Displays

The library may exhibit materials and items of educational and cultural interest to the community in its display areas. The exhibit may be an exhibit of materials from the library’s own collection or it may be provided by other community agencies or individuals. All materials submitted for display by individuals or organizations must be approved by the Library Director prior to their exhibition.

The library cannot be responsible for damage or loss to materials exhibited or displayed. Exhibitors should provide their own insurance to cover any loss or damage to materials.

Exhibits of works of art, artifacts, etc. may include only the name, address, and telephone number of the exhibitor; no exhibit may include prices. The name of the person or organization providing the display should be included in all displays.

Bulletin Boards and Distribution of Free Materials

Library bulletin boards are used to display posters or announcements publicizing activities of a civic, cultural, educational or recreational nature. Use of the bulletin boards is limited to the library and to non-profit organizations. Notices of a commercial nature will not be displayed. When space is limited, Shelton organizations will be given priority for use of bulletin boards. Display of an item does not constitute library endorsement. The Library Director must approve items to be placed on the bulletin board.

The library distributes free pamphlets or brochures of interest to the public. They must be produced by a government agency, a non-profit organization or educational institution. The library does not serve as a distribution point for religious or commercial pamphlets or newsletters.

B7. Service Animals

The libraries do not allow animals on their premises, with the exception of service dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for persons with disabilities as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Therapy dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals and other species of animals are not considered service animals under the ADA.

A doctor’s note stating that a person needs to have an animal for emotional support does not suffice to qualify an animal as a service animal.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors
November 2018

B8. Volunteers

The Shelton Libraries appreciate all our library volunteers. Volunteers are an essential part of the Shelton Library System, performing a wide variety of tasks that are important to the library’s success. This generally includes providing support services to staff and/or working on special projects. Their objective is to enhance rather than replace regular library staffing.

Potential library volunteers will be asked to fill out an application. They will then be interviewed by the Library Director or a Department Supervisor. Volunteer applicants are held to the same standards as regular job applicants and will be asked to perform tasks needed to fill the libraries needs and mission.

The Library Director and supervising staff will determine the work that can be done by library volunteers and the candidates who will best fulfill that goal.

The Library Volunteer agrees to follow library rules and procedures. They must contact the library in advance if they are scheduled to work at the library and cannot fulfill their obligation. We ask for two weeks’ notice if the volunteer can no longer work at the library. Volunteers must protect confidential information and exercise good judgment when acting on the libraries’ behalf. The Shelton Libraries agree to provide necessary orientation, training, and supervision for the volunteer position, including providing a tour of the library, introduction to library staff, and a copy of the Volunteer Policy.

B9. Unattended Children

The Plumb Memorial Library welcomes children of all ages to the library. Our goal is to encourage children to read, to provide information to meet their needs, and to make the library a beneficial part of their lives.

Because children are minors and require the care of an adult or a supervisor, the library has established rules regarding the use of the library by children. Parents or caregivers are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are in the library. The library cannot assume responsibility for the safety, care or supervision of children.

No child under the age of twelve will be allowed in the library unless accompanied by a responsible adult. A responsible adult is defined as a caregiver who will supervise the minor’s behavior and ensure the minor’s safety during their library visit.

If a child over the age of twelve is not picked up at the library by closing time, the child may use the library phone to contact his/her parent/guardian for a ride home. If a parent or guardian is not available, the Shelton Police will be contacted to provide a ride home to the child.

Approved by the Library Board of Directors
November 14, 2023

B10. Social Media Policy

“Social media” is defined as any website, Facebook, Instagram or mobile platforms created or moderated by the staff at the Plumb Memorial or Huntington Branch Library.

The Shelton Library system uses social media in all its forms to share information about the libraries, the programs and the services provided by the library system. It is another tool to promote literacy and programming.

The Shelton Library Director reserves the right:

• To monitor the content that is posted on any and all of its social media platforms.
• The Shelton Library system is not responsible for any third-party social media links that are not related to any Shelton library social media platforms.  
• Library staff are required to comply with the stated policy, as is the general public.

Policy passed at Library Board meeting on
December 12, 2023

C. Staff Policies

C1. Staff Policies:
Storm Emergency

The following policy has been adopted in order to clarify the responsibilities, procedures and rules which will apply when there is a storm emergency.

Library Storm Closing

During hours when the city hall is open, the Mayor will make the decision as to whether municipal buildings should be closed, and the Administrative Assistant will inform the Library Director. The Library Director will confer with the Administrative Assistant if there is a serious storm. During evening hours, Saturdays or Mondays when City Hall is closed, the Library Director will decide whether or not to close the library because of a storm emergency. In the absence of the Library Director, an officer of the Library Board will make the decision. When the library is closed all day or part of a day because of a storm emergency, the full-time staff will be paid for the complete day regardless of the number of hours worked.

If an employee is scheduled for a vacation day and the library closes for a storm, that employee will be charged with the vacation time as had already been scheduled. If an employee is sick when the library is closed for a storm emergency, the lost time will not be charged to sick time.

Library Remains Open during a Storm

Absence
Employees unable to report to work because of the weather must notify the Library Director or, in the Director’s absence, the person in charge of the library. They will not be paid for the lost time unless they choose to cover their absence with a vacation day.

Tardiness
Employees who report for work late because they are unavoidably delayed due to storm conditions will be paid from the start of the work shift. They should contact the library and inform the person in charge of the reason for being late and the time when they expect to report to work. Any hours missed may be made up in vacation time. 

Request to Leave Early

Employees who report to work and are given permission to leave early due to the storm emergency will be paid only for hours worked. The employees who leave early will be given the option to cover the unpaid time with vacation time.

Parking Lot

The library parking lot is critical to operation of the library and the library will receive the same priority as City Hall in snow removal.

Adopted from the Library Board of Directors
August 12, 1986

Revised by the Administrative Assistant/Personnel Director
December 22, 1992

C1 a. Emergency Evacuation Plan:
Plumb Library

Notice to Employees

In the event of an emergency necessitating the evacuation of the building, the fire alarm system will be activated by the Librarian determining the need for evacuation. The Librarian will call 911.

In the case of a fire, smoke alarms may trigger an audible mechanical fire alarm. In such case, all personnel in the building will evacuate the building in an orderly manner.

Moreover, in the event that any employee observes a fire, you are to first call 911 and pull a fire alarm located nearest to you. You are to immediately vacate the building. If possible, the Librarian should call the Administrative Assistant (203-924-155 x1413) or in his/her absence, the Executive Secretary (203-924-1555 x1309) to report the emergency, preferably from their cell phone as they are leaving the building.

In the case of any other emergency, any employee should call the Administrative Assistant or in his/her absence, the Executive Secretary to report the emergency.

Evacuation Plan

To provide for an orderly and safe evacuation of the building, the following plan is to be executed.

Captains: Captains are assigned as follows:
Upper Level – Joan Stokes / Kirsten Liggins
Lower Level – Maura Gualtiere / Joe Cappella

Duties of Captains

The assigned Captains are to designate an alternate person who is briefed on the duties of being a captain when the captain is not in the building. When the captain is absent, the alternate is to assume the duties of the Captain.

When the alarm is given to evacuate, the Captain shall direct every person to the nearest exit or stairwell. Each office should be checked to ascertain that all persons are proceeding out of the building in an orderly fashion. The Captain will give any handicapped person special assistance. In the event that any handicapped person is unable to vacate the premises, they should report to the stairwell refuge area and wait for assistance from fire personnel or others.

The Captain is to check that all doors and windows are closed, particularly fire doors and safes, vaults, and fireproof files.

All persons must leave the building immediately, without attempting to gather personal items. Any deviation of this could endanger the individual or other people. When the alarm is given, all operations and business functions must cease and evacuations commence.

Once Outside the Building

All employees and occupants of the building should assemble in the parking lot across the street from the Library building.

The assigned Captain will take a head count to determine that all employees are accounted for and report to the Fire Department Command that all employees have left the building.

The Fire Department has absolute control of the fire scene. The Captain should make the Fire Department officials aware of any special knowledge that will assist their efforts.

Miscellaneous Rules

Each day, the Librarian will compile a list of all personnel present at work each day. Any groups using conference rooms in the building should have attendance forms.

The elevator is not to be used to evacuate the building at any time.

No employee is to attempt to put out any fire by use of fire extinguishers or other methods. It is imperative that each employee vacate the building immediately upon the alarm going off or public address announcement.

From time to time, drills may be performed in order that all are familiar with evacuation procedures. Always remember that preservation of life, not property is our primary concern. Smoke can be as deadly as fire.

C1 b. Emergency Evacuation Plan:
Huntington Branch Library

The senior staff member on duty will telephone 911 immediately to alert emergency response personnel if there is a fire or explosion. The fire alarm should be pulled. Park and Rec should be notified so that anyone else using the Community Center can be contacted.

Whenever the building must be evacuated immediately, the library staff must remain calm and direct patrons to appropriate exits, assertively and without delay. Staff will monitor emergency exits to prevent backups or blockages.

The senior staff member on duty will direct staff to check all areas for remaining patrons and to assist those who require help.

Staff and patrons will proceed as quickly as possible, but in an orderly fashion, to the nearest exit.

Staff will exit the building only after all members of the public have been safely directed outside. Supervisors will exit last after making sure their area is empty, and close all doors behind them.

Once outside of the building, move away from the structure and assemble on the courtyard sidewalk or as directed by emergency staff.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all staff is accounted for, and for preventing any further entrance to the building except by emergency personnel.

When emergency personnel arrive on the scene, the senior staff member will inform them of any rescue priorities and the floor plan of the library.

Any staff or patrons who are downstairs during an evacuation procedure should not use the elevator to exit. Anyone who cannot exit using the stairs is to remain with a staff member in the stairwell area.

If there is a power outage at night or non-life-threatening emergency, the senior supervisor will request the public to vacate the facility and move to a safer location. Parks and Rec should be notified. 

Staff should locate flashlights to assist safe exiting in the dark.

In case of flooding, all persons should avoid areas of standing water in the vicinity of electrical outlets and equipment. The senior supervisor should notify Parks and Rec.

In case of bomb threats, call 911 on a land line and turn off cell phones. Notify Parks and Rec.

C2. Staff Policies:
Tuition Refund

The Library Board wishes to encourage staff members to further their education in job-related areas. As an incentive to the pursuit of further education, the Library Board offers a tuition refund program for full-time staff members.

In order to qualify for a tuition refund (exclusive of books and college fees) the staff member must:

Obtain approval from the Library Director before enrolling in the course. The Director must certify that the course is job-related and will recommend the course for refund consideration by the Library Board.

Enroll in a course or courses conducted by an accredited educational institution.

Obtain a grade of B or higher to receive a 50% refund.

After completing the course, the employee must submit copies of his/her transcript of grades and tuition invoices to the Library Director in order to receive the refund check.

To receive tuition reimbursement, the fulltime employee must have completed one full calendar year of library service in the Shelton Library system and remain in fulltime employment by the Shelton Library system for one year after completion of their degree or certification.

Approved by the Library Board of Directors
December 9, 2008

Amended by the Library Board of Directors
January 1, 2020