The North Scituate Public Library encourages people to visit the library.  Those using the library and its resources have the right to expect a safe, comfortable environment that supports appropriate library services.

People demonstrating disruptive behavior will be required to leave library property after one warning from library staff.  If the individual does not leave on his/her own accord, police may be called for assistance.  Depending on the severity of the misbehavior, individuals who have been asked to leave library property may be barred from returning to the library.  Those who have been barred must talk to the director or his/her designee before being readmitted.  Juveniles will be asked to bring a parent or guardian to such a conference.

Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• noisy or boisterous actions,
• running,
• conversation that is disturbing to other individuals or employees, including but not limited to profanity or other abusive and threatening language,
• actions made to deliberately annoy others or which prevent the legitimate use of the library and its resources, including but not limited to following or staring at other individuals, initiating unwanted conversations, impeding ingress or egress from the building,
• possessing any weapon on library property except those in the possession of police,
• damaging, defacing, stealing or misusing any library property,
• fighting,
• using tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs in any form on library property,
• using skateboards, roller-blades, roller-skates, or any other sports equipment anywhere on library property,
• distributing literature, taking surveys, or asking individuals or employees to sign petitions or similar activities,
• tampering with, altering, editing, or damaging library computers, software or equipment,
• leaving children under the age of eight unattended.

Personal appliances, such as computers and calculators, may be used as long as the noise level is low and use does not interfere with others.  Personal listening devices must be used with headphones, and cannot be played at a level which can be heard by other individuals.  Because of the lack of outlets and the concern for electrical overload, all appliances must be battery powered and may not be plugged into library outlets.  Portable telephones and pagers must be turned off or switched to a non-audible signal and must be answered outside the library.

Young children (ages 7 and under) are not safe when left unattended in the library.  Staff cannot know if children are leaving with a parent, a friend, or a stranger.  Library staff will not deliberately seek out unattended children; however, unattended children frequently become disruptive when they become bored.  Parents are responsible for ensuring the appropriate behavior of their children while in the library.  If a parent or other responsible adult cannot be located, unattended children will be placed in the care of the Scituate Police.  Under no circumstances will library staff take a child out of the building or transport children to another location.

Approved by the Board of Trustees 10/16/2001

Items that publicize community organizations as well as state and local events further the role of the library as an important source of civic, cultural, educational, and recreational information.

Display space is available to community organizations to disseminate information.  Posters and flyers displayed on the bulletin board may be no larger than 11 by 14 inches.  The bulletin board may not be used for personal or commercial advertisements excepting commercial advertisements posted by Scituate businesses and residents.  Items may be displayed for a maximum of one month, unless the Director grants permission for longer display.  Library staff will remove items that have expired or that have been posted for one month.  Items removed will be discarded; library staff can not return posters and flyers that have been displayed.

Items that may be distributed include flyers, brochures, leaflets, newspapers, and pamphlets that provide information about non-profit civic, educational, cultural, or recreational organizations and events.  Other materials that promote programs or projects of a personal or commercial nature may not be distributed in the library.  Items may be distributed for as long as they are valid.  If space becomes limited, preference will be given to items of a timely nature and to organizations or groups that have not recently distributed items.  Literature related to political campaigns will be distributed for thirty days preceding an election.

All items for posting or distribution must be presented to the library director for approval; library staff will date and place items out for display.  Distribution or posting of items by the library does not indicate endorsement of the issues, events, or services promoted by those materials.  Items left or posted without approval will be removed and discarded.

Approved by the Board of Trustees 12/14/99, revision approved 6/9/2009.

Ocean State Library Cards: An OSL card is available to Rhode Island residents free of charge. Proof of identity and current address is required.  Patrons under eighteen must have their registration forms signed by a parent or legal guardian in the presence of a staff person. A lost OSL card will be replaced for a fee of $1.00.  Old, worn out cards are replaced free of charge. Patrons are responsible for all items checked out on their card. Information about patron registration and borrowing habits are protected under Rhode Island law and all information will remain confidential. All print and nonprint materials are freely available without restriction to all library patrons.

LOAN PERIODS:

BOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, MUSIC CDS, and DVD MULTIDISK SETS: 3 weeks.

New MUSIC CDs, Seasonal Music CDs, MAGAZINES, & REALIA (cake pans, fishing poles, etc):  1 week.

OTHER DVDs:  1 week.  Limited to 3 DVDs per card.

NOTE:  All items except for realia may be reserved and sent through the interlibrary loan system.  However, the library may refuse to allow holds on particular items or send certain items through the inter-library delivery, at the discretion of the director.

NOTE: While we do not limit the number of books or magazines which may be borrowed, please be considerate of other patrons. We do reserve the right to limit in periods of high demand.

RENEWALS AND RESERVATIONS (HOLDS): All items (except for realia) may be renewed once unless they are on reserve for another patron.  Holds may be placed on all items except realia.

OVERDUE FINES: Realia, DVDS, and music CDs are subject to the following fine: $1.00 per day.  Maximum over due fines: $10.00 per item.  While the library charges no fines on its own books, it must follow the fine policy of the lending library for materials borrowed through the OSL system.

NOTE: It is OSL policy that any card holder with fines of $5.00 and over will have their borrowing privileges suspended until such fine is brought under $5.00.

BOOK DROP: All items, except realia and audiovisual materials may be returned in the Book Drop when the library is closed.  All audiovisual materials may be returned in the Audiovisual Drop.  Realia must be returned inside the library.   Please do not use the book or audiovisual drops when the library is open.  Items returned in the book or audiovisual drops when the library is open are not checked in until the following day.

LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS: Any library items that have been lost or damaged will be charged to the borrower at the replacement cost. Please do not attempt to repair damaged books or videos – we have special materials and ways of dealing with things – thanks!  Replacement copies are not accepted.

LIBRARY CLOSINGS: Sometimes during inclement weather the library closes for the safety of our patrons and staff.   No fines accrue when the library is closed due to bad weather.

RI State Law:  § 11-41-14  Failure to return book or other library property. – (a) Any person who shall take or borrow any book or other library property from any of the libraries or collections as defined in § 11-44-15(b), and who, upon neglect to return it within the time required and specified in the bylaws, rules, or regulations of the library owning the property, after receiving notice in writing by the librarian or other proper custodian of the property that it is overdue, shall upon further neglect to return it within sixty (60) days from the date of the notice be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00), the fine to be for the use of the library. A written or printed notice given personally or sent by mail to a last known or registered place of residence shall be considered a sufficient notice. In addition, if the book should be lost, destroyed, or not returned, the person shall within sixty (60) days after being so notified pay to the custodian the replacement value of the book, including all reasonable processing costs, as determined by the governing board having jurisdiction.

(b) All library users shall be notified of the penalties provided in subsection (a) of this section at the time they obtain or renew their library privileges. The final notice provided for in subsection (a) of this section shall also contain notice of the penalties.

Purpose:

The North Scituate Public Library (the “Library”) recognizes that within the Scituate community there are groups and individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds and needs.  The Library further recognizes and emphasizes that the public library is an institution of a democratic society and was established to serve all of the people in a community.

Electronic information and networking is a rapidly developing area of public and private activity.  The Library recognizes that these developments pose new challenges as well as new opportunities for the Library Board, the Library staff, and Library users and their families.  The Library believes that these challenges and opportunities are best addressed by adherence to the fundamental principles of traditional library use and the principles of a free society.

Responsibilities of the Library:

Congress and the courts have recognized that there is no single organization to govern, control, or select information for the Internet.  Because of this freedom of information, the breadth of information on the Internet, the unstructured and unregulated nature of the Internet, and the unreliable state of filtering, the North Scituate Public Library cannot control the content of resources available on the Internet.

Access:

The Library does not select the material on the Internet, and has no means or statutory authority to assure that only constitutionally protected material is available on the Internet.

The Library adheres to the American Library Association’s stance regarding access to electronic information, services and networks: “Electronic information, services and networks provided directly or indirectly by the library should be equally, readily and equitably accessible to all library users . . . Some information accessed electronically may not meet a library’s selection or collection development policy.  It is, therefore, left to each user to determine what is appropriate.  Parents and legal guardians who are concerned about their children’s use of electronic resources should provide guidance to their own children . . . Libraries and librarians should provide access to information presenting all points of view.  The provision of access does not imply sponsorship or endorsement.” (Access to Electronic Information, Services and Networks: an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, 1996).

The Library’s Internet Use Agreement further provides that:

• Users may not make any changes in the set-up or configuration of the Library’s computer system hardware or software.
• Users may not modify or gain access to the Library’s computer system files, passwords or data.
• Users may not seek unauthorized access to any computer system or network.
• Users may not use personal software on the Library’s computers.
• Most library computers are available to users in half-hour blocks of time, which allow unlimited half hour time renewals unless there is a waiting list for the computers.

• Internet Express computers are limited to 10 minutes per person, and may not be reserved.

• Computers designated as Library Catalogs are to be used for no other purpose, and may not be reserved.
• Computers located in the reference area are to be used for office functions or research only.
• No more than two people shall be allowed at any given computer at a time.
  • Users may print materials at a cost to the user to be posted in the library.
  • Users may download information off of the Internet or save work onto portable storage devices.
  • Misuse or abuse of computer or Internet access may result in the loss of a patron’s computer use privileges at the Library and/or the imposition of damage charges if applicable.
  • Library patrons owing $5.00 or more in fines and fees will not be allowed access to library computers.

Confidentiality:

The North Scituate Public Library upholds the right of confidentiality and privacy for all Library users.  In order to protect the privacy of the user and the interests of other library patrons, the Library will manage access to the Internet by judicious placement of the terminals, and other appropriate means as determined by the Library staff and Board of Trustees.

Users are urged to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing information that may reasonably be offensive to someone else.  However, absolute privacy for patrons using electronic resources in the Library cannot be guaranteed.  There exists a possibility of inadvertent viewing by other patrons, either by watching the user’s screen, or because a user may leave the screen unattended.

Responsibilities of Users:

The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and information content.  Although the Internet provides users with a wide array of excellent information, it also contains information that may be inaccurate, outdated, or personally offensive.  Library patrons use it at their own risk.  A good information consumer evaluates the validity of information found.  Use of Internet resources carries with it a responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed.

The availability of information does not constitute endorsement of the content by the North Scituate Public Library.

Access, use, or dissemination of information via the Internet in the Library is the responsibility of the user.  In the case of minors, it is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian.

Supervising Children’s Use:

The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet.  The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians.

The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians to ensure that children have positive online experiences, whether at home or in the Library.

• Use the Internet as a family.  Join your children in Internet exploration.
• Explore the wide range of available information and tell your children about sites you consider inappropriate for them.
• Counsel children to avoid sites you consider unsuitable.
• Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of time they spend online, just as for television viewing.
• Instruct children NEVER to give out personal information (name, address, password, telephone number, credit card number, etc.) online.
• Teach children to be good online consumers.  As with print information, consider the source, date, and accuracy of online information.

As it does with other library resources, the Library will provide training on electronic resources.  It will also make information available to help parents and guardians in their efforts to exercise their rights and responsibilities regarding their own children’s use of electronic resources.

Approved by the North Scituate Public Library Board of Trustees 9/11/02, revised and approved 10/2003, revised and approved 5/2004 for implementation as of 7/1/2004, revised and approved 6/9/2009.

Purpose:

The Board of the North Scituate Public Library Association and its staff solicit current and deferred gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations to secure the future growth and missions of the Library. These policies and guidelines govern the acceptance of gifts by the Library and provide guidance to prospective donors and their advisors when making gifts to the Library. The provisions of these policies shall apply to all gifts received by the Library for any of its programs or services.

Restrictions on Gifts:

The Library will accept unrestricted gifts, and gifts for specific programs and purposes, provided that such gifts are not inconsistent with its stated mission, purpose and priorities. The Library will not accept gifts that are too restrictive in purpose. Gifts that are too restrictive are those that violate the terms of the corporate charter, gifts that are too difficult to administer, or gifts that are for purposes outside the mission of the Library. All final decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift, and its acceptance or refusal, shall be made by the Library Board.

Acceptable Gifts:

The following gifts are acceptable with the following criteria governing the acceptance of each gift:

1. Cash: Cash is acceptable in any form. Checks shall be payable to the North Scituate Public Library Association and shall be delivered to the Library.

2. Tangible Personal Property: All other gifts of tangible personal property shall fulfill the mission of the Library; shall be marketable; and shall have no undue restrictions on the use, display or sale thereof.

3. Securities: The Library can accept publicly traded securities. Marketable securities may be transferred to an account maintained at one or more brokerage firms or delivered physically with the transferor’s signature or stock power attached. As a general rule, all marketable securities shall be sold upon receipt. In some cases marketable securities may be restricted by applicable securities laws; in such instances, the final determination on the acceptance of the restricted securities shall be made by the Library Board.

4. Real Estate: Gifts of real estate may include developed property, undeveloped property, or gifts subject to a prior life interest. The gift shall be approved by the Library Board and by the Library’s legal counsel. The property shall be useful for the purposes of the Library and shall be marketable.

Prior to the acceptance of real estate, there shall be determined any restrictions, reservations, easements, or other limitations associated with the property.

Prior to the acceptance of real estate, the Library shall require an initial environmental review of the property to ensure that the property has no environmental damage. The cost of the environmental audit shall generally be an expense of the donor.

When appropriate, a title binder shall be obtained by the Library prior to the acceptance of the real property gift. The cost of this title binder shall generally be an expense of the donor.

5. Remainder Interests in Property: The Library may accept a remainder interest in a personal residence, farm, or vacation property subject to the provisions of paragraph 4. The donor or other occupants may continue to occupy the real property for the duration of the stated life. At the death of the donor, the Library may use the property or reduce it to cash. Where the Library receives a gift of a remainder interest, expenses for maintenance, real estate taxes, and any property indebtedness are to be paid by the donor or primary beneficiary.

6. Charitable Remainder Trusts: The Library may accept designation as remainder beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust with the approval of the Library Board. The Library will not accept appointment as a Trustee of a charitable remainder trust.

7. Charitable Lead Trust: The Library may accept a designation as income beneficiary of a charitable lead trust with the approval of the Library Board. The Library will not accept appointment as a Trustee of a charitable lead trust.

8. Retirement Plan Beneficiary: The Library may accept as designation as beneficiary of a retirement plan.

9. Bequests: The Library may accept bequests under wills and trusts with the approval of the Library Board.

10. Life Insurance Beneficiary: The Library may accept designation as beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

Miscellaneous Provisions:

Securing appraisals and legal fees for gifts to the Library: It will be the responsibility of the donor to secure an appraisal and independent legal counsel for all gifts made to the Library.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 5/13/08

The North Scituate Public Library adheres to the American Library Association’s statement titled Libraries:  An American Value:

Libraries: An American Value

Libraries in America are cornerstones of the communities they serve. Free access to the books, ideas, resources and information in America’s libraries is imperative for education, employment, enjoyment, and self-government.

Libraries are a legacy to each generation, offering the heritage of the past and the promise of the future.  To ensure that libraries flourish and have the freedom to promote and protect the public good in the 21^st century, we believe certain principles must be guaranteed.

To that end, we affirm this contract with the people we serve:

We defend the constitutional rights of all individuals, including children and teenagers, to use the library’s resources and services;

We value our nations diversity and strive to reflect that diversity by providing a full spectrum of resources and services to the communities we serve;

We affirm the responsibility and the right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children’s use of the library and its resources and services;

We connect people and ideas by helping each person select and effectively use the library’s resources;

We protect each individual’s privacy and confidentiality in the use of library resources and services;

We protect the rights of individuals to express their opinions about library resources and services;

We celebrate and preserve our democratic society by making available the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions and ideas, so that all individuals have the opportunity to become lifelong learners-informed, literate, educated, and culturally enriched.

Change is constant; but these principles transcend change and endure in a dynamic, technological, social and political environment.

By embracing these principles, libraries in the United States can contribute to a future that values and protects freedom of speech, in a world that celebrates both our similarities and our differences, respects individuals and their beliefs, and holds all persons truly equal and free.

Approved by the Board of Trustees 12/11/2001

Interlibrary loan is the process by which a library requests material from, or supplies material to, another library for use by one of its patrons. This process allows patrons to access many more items than are owned by their single home library.

The North Scituate Public Library is a member of the Ocean State Libraries consortium and adheres to the standards and policies set forth by the Library of Rhode Island. Therefore, patrons are able to request materials from all LORI member libraries in the state, and from outside Rhode Island via a state clearinghouse maintained by LORI.

Library patrons in good standing – with no fines or blocks as per OSL policy – may request interlibrary loans. Library staff will attempt to locate and borrow the requested materials. An owning library occasionally imposes a fee for the loan or for the photocopying of an article. If there is an associated charge, the patron will be notified before any material is requested on their behalf. In such cases, the fee would be passed along to the patron making the request. If a patron incurs overdue fines from the owning library or the borrowed material is damaged and a replacement fee is charged, those costs will be the responsibility of the patron. The Library does not charge patrons for the shipping costs associated with interlibrary loans.

The North Scituate Public Library will lend via ILL all regular circulating materials. Materials not available via ILL include archival items, special collections, reference materials, e-readers and tablets and those items which do not typically circulate. All fines associated with owned materials will follow those items through their circulation.

Approved by the Board of Trustees 3/8/16.

Purpose and Scope of the Collection

The purpose of a public library in a democratic society is to encourage freedom of thought through open access to information and ideas.  The library serves a diverse community and it must include materials that represent as broad a range of viewpoints as is possible.  With this in mind, the library will acquire books, periodicals, audio visual materials, and computer software for the intellectual enlightenment, cultural development, and recreation of our users.

Selection Criteria:

The librarian has sole responsibility for collection development.  Materials selection will be based on standard library reviewing sources such as Booklist, Library Journal, and  other professional publications.  Our basic tendency is always toward inclusion rather than exclusion; items will not be rejected for racial, political, religious, or moral reasons.  Patron requests will also guide our selections.  Also, gifts to the library  of books and videotapes will be considered for inclusion in the collection based on their condition, popularity, and relevance.

Intellectual Freedom

Since public libraries do not promote or endorse any particular set of beliefs, viewpoints, or lifestyles, the North Scituate Public Library has adopted the standards as set forth in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement as proposed by the American Library Association.  All library materials will be made available for individuals to freely examine in order to make their own decisions.

Complaints About Inclusion/Exclusion

Occasionally an individual or group may object to materials in the collection.  The procedure for handling such a complaint is outlined in the Intellectual Freedom Handbook (published by the Rhode Island Library Association) which suggests that the complainant be asked to fill out a form detailing his/her objection (click here to go to the form).  A similar procedure will be followed for a complaint about the exclusion of materials.

Meeting Room Policy

A meeting room is available in the North Scituate Public Library (NSPL) primarily to support library programs and functions which further the goals of the library. When not being used by the library, the room is available to government and established not-for-profit groups based in Scituate, Rhode Island. The library does not limit use of the meeting room based on the subject matter or content of the meeting or on the beliefs or affiliations of the meeting’s sponsors.

Except for library and library-related programs, groups may not use the meeting room more than once each month; limited series of daily or weekly meetings may be scheduled at the discretion of the library director. The meeting room may be reserved up to 90 days in advance. Fees, rules, and procedures for use of the meeting room are established by the NSPL Board of Trustees and are reviewed annually. A copy of rules and procedures will be provided with the application for meeting room use.

Use of the meeting room does not imply endorsement, support, or co-sponsorship by NSPL of the activities that take place in the meeting room or the beliefs of the group using the meeting room. Groups or individuals using the meeting room may not imply that the event or program is sponsored, co-sponsored, or endorsed by the library in any advertising or publicity.

No selling, solicitation, or taking of orders may occur without written permission from the library director. No admission may be charged for programs held in the meeting room. The library reserves the right to conduct sales or charge admission to library programs.

The Library is not responsible for any accident, injury, loss or damage to any person and/or property of any individuals or organizations using the facility.

A library staff member may be present at any time during any meeting.

Groups failing to comply with any part of this policy or the established procedures will be denied further use of the meeting room.

Approved by the NSPL Board of Trustees on 6/14/2011

The Library provides a personal amplifier as a service to hearing impaired patrons.  This device may only be used by a patron to assist with hearing during an open meeting or a library program.  The device may also be used to assist patrons trying to communicate with library staff for library related business only (i.e. reference interview, circulation requests, etc.).

If a patron wishes to use the Library’s personal amplifier away from the circulation desk, they must leave their library card, driver’s license or other form of identification.  After the meeting or program is over, the device and all accessories must be returned to library staff immediately.

Approved by the Board of Trustees 9/8/2009

The North Scituate Public Library collects

• items relevant to the history of Scituate and its surrounding area (includes Foster and Providence)
• items relevant to the history of Rhode Island and its surrounding area (includes CT, MA)
• items relevant to the history of New England

The collection includes books, maps, photos, photocopies, cassettes, scrapbooks, CD-ROMs and Internet resources. Books include tax records, yearbooks, family histories, military rolls, passenger lists and census material. CD-ROMs include, military rolls, passenger lists, genealogies and census material.

Related Items and Resources

New England Historic Genealogical Society’s (NEHGS) web site
North Scituate Public Library’s web site links to Genealogy and Scituate History
Scituate History Database
Genealogy Collection

Use Policy

Rules

Registration: Patrons must register at the reference desk in order to use the Local History Collection. Because the collection contains some fragile and unique items, users must be at least 18 years old to register. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is registered and will be responsible for any items used. A staff member will retrieve the requested item(s) for use in a supervised area.

Photocopying is allowed, as long as it will not damage the item, and should be done by library staff only. Exceptions will be made if the patron is given permission by the librarian. Copyright is the responsibility of the patron. Library staff will determine whether or not an item may be photocopied.

Locating Items: Materials in locked cabinets and closed stacks are not available for browsing. To make the best use of our collection, ask our reference staff to help you with your search. All books in the collection are cataloged and can be found by searching the library catalog (CLAN system). Items such as maps and photos can be looked up in our Scituate History Database, which is linked on our web site. When searching, patrons should be aware that there are copies of many local history books in our circulating collection and they may find the information they are looking for there.

Retrieving Items: Our collection is available during regular library hours. However, we recommend calling ahead to arrange a time when a reference librarian is available. Although other staff members can retrieve items, a reference librarian will be better able to direct your research. Call for reference staff hours or call to make an appointment.

Food and Drink are not allowed in any area where the collections are stored or used.

Procedures

Registration

In order to use the collection, each patron must be registered.
Patrons may register at the Reference Desk or, if the reference librarian is not available, at the Circulation Desk.

At the time of registration, patrons must provide the following information: name, address, phone number, signature and a form of photo identification, such as a valid driver’s license or passport. If a library card is used, the library card number will be kept on file. If a license, passport or other form of ID is used, this should be noted along with the license number, passport number or equivalent.

Patron information will be collected in a sign-in book. Information should include what is required for registration, the date of registration, items used and each time a patron uses the collection.

Once patrons are registered, they must sign in and show identification before using the collection. They may sign in at the Reference Desk or, if the reference librarian is not available, at the Circulation Desk.

If a patron wishes to use the collection but his registration date is a year or more old, that information should be updated before the patron uses the collection.

Use of materials

Fragile items should be handled by a librarian.
Before allowing patrons to use any materials, make note of any obvious damage.
Returned materials should be returned in the condition they were given.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on November 8, 2005.

The North Scituate Public Library is a public facility that offers services to a wide range of citizens, and children are especially welcome.  The library has a responsibility to provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for every patron who is appropriately using its services and facilities.  Children and young people are expected to adhere to the same standards of patron conduct expected of adults.  Parents, guardians, or assigned chaperones (hereafter called “parent”) are responsible for the behavior of their children while on library property.

Children under the age of eight should never be left unsupervised in any area of the library.  If a parent cannot be located, staff will call the Scituate Police to report an abandoned child.

Older children who are disruptive will be asked to leave the library (see the library’s Behavior Policy).  If the child cannot safely leave the library to return home on his or her own, staff will permit the child to call a parent.  If no parent can be contacted, library staff will either allow the child to remain at the library under close supervision until a parent can be contacted or contact the Scituate Police, depending on the severity of the situation.

It is sometimes necessary for libraries to close due to unusual or emergency situations.  Parents leaving a child unattended should provide the child with a telephone number where they can be reached.  Children who have not been picked up at the library’s usual or emergency closing time will be given the opportunity to call a parent.  Children who have not been picked up within fifteen minutes after closing will be left in the care of the Scituate Police.  Under no circumstances will staff transport children in a vehicle or accompany them home.

Approved by the Board of Trustees 10/16/2001.