To provide a safe, clean, and welcoming Library environment conducive to reading and learning for all Library patrons, the Board of Trustees of the Summit Free Public Library adopted the following rules of conduct:
The following are prohibited on Library grounds:
a. Disruptive, unlawful, or other inappropriate behavior including engaging in any behavior or gestures that a reasonable person would find to be intimidating, profane, obscene, abusive, disruptive, harassing, or threatening to patron or personnel. Such behaviors encompasses, though would not be limited to, stalking, prolonged staring or leering, following another with the intent to annoy or disturb patrons, or initiating unwanted conversations.
b. Eating in the public areas of the Library.
c. Drinking from a container without a cap, cover or other lid.
d. Smoking or using alcohol, tobacco products or controlled dangerous substances.
e. Sleeping in the Library.
f. Interfering with another person’s use of the Library or with Library personnel’s performance of their duties.
g. Threatening or physically harming Library staff or another patron(s).
h. Abusive language to Library staff or another patron(s).
i. Misusing the Library building and/or its facilities (e.g., using the Library restrooms as a laundry or washing facility, or otherwise impeding the ability of staff or another patron(s) to use the restroom).
j. Physical obstruction of aisles, stairs, elevator, or traffic corridors.
k. Engaging in unlawful sexual conduct, including but not limited to, public indecency, or offensive touching.
l. Bodily hygiene that is so offensive that it interferes with another person’s use of the Library or with the Library personnel’s performance of their duties.*
m. Improper use or vandalism of computer equipment or other Library property.
n. Carrying a weapon into the Library unless authorized by law.
o. Bringing animals in the Library except for trained assistance or therapy animals in accordance with Service Animal Policy (No. 106).
p. Defacement of property.
q. Skateboarding or rollerblading or other similar activities.
r. Littering.
s. Leaving belongings unattended. (Please Note: Unattended belongings are subject to removal without notice.)
t. The audible use of cellular phones in the public areas of the Library.
u. Conducting interviews or photo sessions other than those authorized in writing by the Library.
v. Fund drives or collections.
w. Entering the Library with a fever, cough, chills, or other symptoms of a contagious illness.
*The Third Circuit of Appeals, in its case #91-5501 Kreimer v. Morristown, states “The Library’s goal is served by its requirement that its patrons have non-offensive bodily hygiene, as this rule prohibits one patron from unreasonably interfering with other patrons’ use and enjoyment of The Library; it further promotes The Library interest in maintaining it facilities in a sanitary and attractive condition.”
Revised 05/11/2022
The Summit Free Public Library welcomes children of all ages; however, Library staff cannot assume responsibility for any child left in the Library.
As in all public places, “stranger danger” is a serious concern. Consequently, a caregiver should not confuse the feeling of relative safety in a Library with the objective reality of the Library as a public place and Library staff cannot prevent children from interacting with or leaving the Library with any person(s). Unlike school personnel, the Library staff does not act in loco parentis for children who are in the Library. The Summit Free Public Library affirms the parent’s or caregiver’s responsibility for the safety and behavior of the child(ren) in their custody.
The Board of Trustees of the Summit Free Public Library adopted this policy to maintain a safe environment for children while in the Library.
Definitions.
“Appropriate Caregiver” refers to a parent, guardian or caregiver aged 12 or over.
“Unattended Child” refers to a child of any age who is apparently not accompanied by an Appropriate Caregiver.
Approved by Board of Trustees September 2019
The Summit Free Public Library protects the confidentiality of Library users’ records to the extent required by applicable law.
Accordingly, when any local, state, or federal official or a private citizen seeks to gain access to Library circulation records or patron files, Library staff may not reveal any personal data on Library users or allow access to such records or files except as provided by applicable law. Individuals seeking such personal data from Library records must be referred to the Library Director or in his/her absence, the designated Librarian.
To protect the Library user against invasion of privacy, the Library Director should withhold any information to be used for non-Library purposes until served with a legal process, order, subpoena, or warrant that specifically identifies the information required and the purpose for such a request.
Upon receipt of any such request the Library Director shall advise the President of the Board of Trustees of the Summit Free Public Library and, if applicable, legal counsel. No records shall be released until determination by legal counsel that such process, order, subpoena, or warrant is proper and in full compliance with proper legal authority, whether local, state, or federal in nature.
Any issue relating to the privacy of a Library user’s personal data as recorded by the Summit Free Public Library that is not provided for in this policy statement shall be referred to the Library Director. A decision on the problem shall be made after study of the issues and consultation with the Board of Trustees and/or legal counsel.
“Libraries are the people’s university.” – Unknown
A Library card opens a level playing field for all patrons of the Summit Free Public Library and introduces its Library card holders to many possible destinations, avenues for knowledge, inspiration for learning and exchange of ideas. Consequently, the Board of Trustees of the Summit Free Public Library has adopted this policy to facilitate the patrons’ full participation in the services of the Library.
a. Library cards will be issued to Summit residents and non-residents with proper identification and with the limitations defined below.
Summit Card – Resident:
Adult Resident (Summit card):
Juvenile Resident (Summit card):
Homebound (Summit card):
Summit Card – Non- Resident:
Non- Resident Property Owner:
Non-Resident Cards:
Non- Resident Student (Summit courtesy):
Non- Resident Employed (Summit courtesy):
Non- resident MUF or MURAL Adult:
Non- Resident MUF or MURAL Juvenile:
Non- resident Millburn Adult:
Non- resident Millburn Juvenile:
Relevant definitions:
b. Replacement of Cards:
Cardholders should report a lost or stolen card to the Circulation Department as soon as possible. The Library charges a $3.00 non-refundable replacement fee to reissue lost or stolen Library cards.
c. Use of Cards by Others:
A resident card may be used to charge out Library materials by other members of the cardholder’s household or a caregiver with the cardholder’s permission, unless that member’s own borrowing privileges have been revoked. Non-resident cards are issued for individual use only and are not eligible for use by other family members.
The Summit Library reserves the right to require another acceptable form of identification when a card is presented for use.
d. Library Card Renewal:
Cardholders will be asked to re-verify their status for continued Library privileges by presenting an appropriate form of identification.
Approved by Board of Trustees September 2019
OVERDUE FINES:
Fines accrue to a maximum of $5.00 per item for juvenile materials, $10.00 per item for young adult materials and $10.00 per item for adult materials, except: maximum fine for a Museum Pass or Library of Things is $200.00 or the price of the item.
The Summit Library accepts credit and debit cards as a form of payment for fines, fees, or donations by adults aged 18 and older. Payment via credit/debit card can be made in the Library or over the telephone to the main circulation desk. The minimum payment to use a credit/debit card for payment is $1.00.
REPLACEMENT FEES:
As set forth on the schedule available at the Circulation Desk.
Lost/unreturned or damaged Library materials replacement cost are priced as determined by staff or if item is no longer in-print or unavailable, the following default prices apply:
No replacement books/CDs/DVDs or other items can be accepted in lieu of payment.
FEES:
MERCHANDISE:
From time to time, the Summit Free Public Library may sell the following items:
Revised 3/11/2020, 2/9/22
The Summit Free Public Library may accept gifts of cash, tangible property, including books, manuscripts, audio-visual materials, works of art, musical scores, jewelry, antiques, and coin, stamp or other collections and intangible property.
When appropriate, the Summit Free Public Library is pleased to accept gifts in honor or in memory of a person or event with the explicit understanding that the Library, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to display, store, sell, or otherwise dispose of all gifts and contributions of tangible property.
The condition, suitability, conformity with selection criteria in the Collection Development Policy 205, cost of processing or maintaining the contribution, and the availability of space are all factors that may be taken into account prior to the Library’s acceptance of gifts.
Books donated must be in good condition, published in the last twelve months and may include best sellers, new novels, up-to-date non-fiction, paperback and best-selling children’s and young adult titles.
The Library Staff cannot legally appraise or assign valuations to any gift, but will provide the donor with a receipt on Form 401 acknowledging the contribution, if requested.
The Library is not able to accept:
The Board of Trustees adopted this policy as a guideline for selection and acquisition of materials, acceptance of gifts, ongoing management, and reconsideration of materials in the collection. Additionally, the policy provides a vehicle for the continuous evaluation of the Library collection as a whole. This policy also provides guidelines for programs offered to the public. This document cannot cover every situation and is not intended to replace the judgment of the professional staff.
Philosophy and Scope of Collection:
Summit Free Public Library’s collection will be developed and maintained to emphasize generality rather than comprehensiveness or depth. The Library will purchase and subscribe to materials that reflect as varied a range of interests, opinions and mores as is evident in the community. In its efforts to provide a wide range of views, the Library will inevitably purchase materials on controversial subjects or by controversial authors. The Library recognizes that some materials may displease some members of the community, but the goal of serving a diverse population results in a collection reflecting that diversity.
With the exception of local history materials, collections are not retained for archival purposes. Fiction and subject collections are routinely evaluated for retention.
Selection Criteria for Library Materials:
Collection Development staff use their training, knowledge, and expertise along with the following general criteria to select materials for the collection:
Patron Recommendations:
Patrons may request items the Library does not own. Each request is reviewed for inclusion in the collection or for loan through Interlibrary Loan. Collection Development staff determine the best method for delivery of materials using the selection criteria.
Local Author Policy
Collection Maintenance
The collection as a whole is not archival. In order to maintain a collection that is current, accurate, and inviting to Library users, materials are withdrawn on a systematic and continuing basis. The choice of materials to be withdrawn is determined by the Collection Development staff under the supervision of the Director. The following factors will be taken into consideration:
Programs
The library sponsors informative and entertaining talks, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations, workshops, children’s story times and crafts, concerts, and other special events. Library programs are coordinated by library staff.
Programs are selected by library staff for their relevance to community needs and interests, popular appeal, and suitability for a general audience. Presenters are chosen for their proven expertise and public performance experience. Other factors considered are the availability of staff and meeting rooms.
No fees may be charged to people attending library programs except with the approval of the library director. The only items that may be sold are books and recordings by authors and musicians. Associates of the performer must handle the sale of these items.
Some children’s programs may be restricted by age level or residency. Registration is sometimes limited; waiting lists are taken.
Programs may be cancelled for a number of reasons, chiefly: severe weather, absence of the presenter, or low registration. Cancelled programs are not automatically rescheduled.
The library does not advocate or endorse the content and viewpoints of presenters and programs. Program topics, speakers, and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy.
Requests for Reconsideration:
Patrons who feel that an inappropriate item has been selected for the collection, or an inappropriate program has been selected for the community, may request that said item or program be reconsidered or withdrawn using Request for Reconsideration of Materials or Programs form. In such situations, the following steps shall be taken:
During the process of reconsideration, the item or program in question shall remain in the collection or continue to be offered to the community. The Summit Free Public Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom, adopted by the American Library Association, as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements.
Approved by Board of Trustees December 2020
The Library’s 3-D printer is available to the community, with priority given to Summit residents, to make three-dimensional objects using a design that is downloaded from a digital computer file.
1. The established Library Rules of Conduct Policy 102 shall apply to the appropriateness of objects to be printed on the 3-D printer.
2. The Library’s 3D printer may be used only for lawful purposes. The public will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printer to create material that is prohibited by local, state or federal law; unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses a threat to the well-being of others; obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment; or in violation of another’s intellectual property rights. The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
3. Only designated staff will operate the 3D printer.
4. A maximum of five hours of print time will be allotted for any item to be printed. If there is high demand, the Library will schedule only one print per day per person or entity.
5. Any 3D drafting software may be used to create a design as long as the file can be saved in .stl or .obj file format.
6. Wait/pickup time: Items must be picked up at the Think It Lab. Library staff will make an educated guess about the length of a job upon request.
7. Items that are printed on the 3D printer that are not picked up within 7 days will become the property of the Library. Items must be picked up by the person who requested the print.
8. By submitting objects for printing, the patron assumes all responsibility for, and shall hold the Library harmless in, all matters related to patent, trademarked, or copyrighted materials.
9. Patrons wishing to be present for the printing process must make an appointment with the Youth Services Department.
10. Fees charged – $1.00 for any item printed up to 28 grams in weight plus $ .25 for each additional gram.
Approved by Board of Trustees September 2019
The Board of Trustees adopted the following criteria to prioritize the use of study rooms by patrons, organizations and members of the general public. The study rooms are provided for quiet study, literacy/ESL tutoring or for group study that necessitates conversation. The rooms are not available for social, political, partisan, or religious purposes, for the benefit of commercial concerns, as an open study hall, or where, in the judgment of the Library, disorder may occur.
a. Reservation priority will be given as ordered below:
b. Regulations:
The Library reserves the right to terminate any session or to refuse use of the room at any time.
Approved by Board of Trustees September 2019
The Board of Trustees of the Summit Free Public Library adopted the following policy to ensure that the Library is a safe, clean and friendly place for the entire community.
As a general rule, animals are not allowed in the Library or on Library property. Any animal left unattended on Library property may be removed, without notice.
Approved by Board of Trustees September 2019
The Board of Trustees adopted this policy to assist the Summit Free Public Library in becoming the focal point for knowledge, entertainment, social gathering and the exchange of ideas. The Library does not advocate or endorse the organizations permitted to post or distribute material, or the viewpoints the materials contain or espouse. The Library accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to any item accepted for posting. The Library will not censor or remove posted materials because some members of the community may disagree with its content.
a. The Library public information bulletin board, public information binders and counter are to be used only for the posting of the following notices:
b. The Library information bulletin board, electronic bulletin boards and the exterior electronic sign are for Summit Library programs and announcements only.
c. Members of the public are not permitted to post notices or place material for distribution. To be considered for display in the library any notice or brochure must be submitted to the Adult Reference Desk for approval. Notices posted and handouts distributed without authorization will be removed.
d. The following rules apply to all materials submitted for posting:
e. The Library may remove notices and handouts when they are no longer timely, or when space is required for more current items. Only one (1) item will be posted on the Library bulletin board announcing a single community event or function. Public flyers and brochures will be displayed as space permits on a “first come, first-served” basis in the public information binders or on the public information counter.
f. The Library bulletin board, public information binders and counter are not to be used for advertising or for commercial notices. Handout notices from for-profit groups, companies or organizations and handouts from individuals will not be accepted. Community newspapers produced for for-profit organizations, but distributed free of charge, may be accepted at the discretion of the Library. Appeals regarding the content or requirements of this policy may be submitted to the Board in writing.
Approved by Board of Trustees September 2019
The Board of Trustees adopted the following criteria to prioritize the use of meeting rooms by organizations or businesses. Meeting rooms will not be reserved for use by individuals.
a. Priority will be given as ordered below:
b. Regulations:
c. Reservations, payments and cancellations:
Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. In order to reserve a public meeting room, the authorized representative of the organization will complete and deliver an Application to Use Meeting Room (Form 406) and satisfy the insurance requirements described in section g of this policy. A reservation is not secured until a receipt has been issued by the Summit Free Public Library, showing the name of the organization, the date of the reservation and the name of the reserved room.
The Summit Free Public Library charges a service fee to cover costs for staff time in setting up, breaking down, and cleaning the reserved room. Service fees also cover utilities, use of technology, and any other costs incurred on the Library while the room is in use. Payment of applicable service fees must be made to the Library prior to the event. In all cases, all service fees must be paid in full before access to the room will be granted. If the scheduled usage is less than 7 days from the time of booking, payment must be made at the time of booking.
d. Refund policy:
If the program or meeting is cancelled, the authorized representative of the organization must inform the Summit Library. Refund or credit for the unused room will be made as follows:
If the Summit Free Public Library should close due to a facility or weather emergency, the Library staff will notify the booking group, and fees already paid shall be reimbursed (or applied as a credit toward a future booking, if preferred). The Library shall bear no responsibility for any associated program costs incurred by the booking group.
e. Advance and recurring reservations:
Rooms cannot be reserved more than 6 months in advance, and recurring uses can be prearranged.
f. A-V Equipment:
The Summit Free Public Library has built-in A-V equipment and free wireless Internet. You may bring your own laptop to connect to our video equipment. Please notify the Library in advance of any needs and to arrange for an introductory session on the Library’s A-V equipment.
Library staff is not available for technical support at the time of the program.
g. Insurance Requirements:
Authorization for organization use of the Summit Free Public Library meeting rooms is contingent upon the applicant furnishing a certificate of insurance naming the Library as an additional insured. The certificate shall be in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit and include comprehensive general liability with the broad form liability endorsement or its equivalent.
Failure of the applicant to provide a valid certificate of insurance will render the application invalid and prohibit use of the facilities.
It is expressly understood and agreed that organizations receiving approval of use shall defend, indemnify and save harmless the Summit Free Public Library, its employees, agents, volunteers and officials against any and all suits, costs, claims, expenses and judgments resulting from the use of the facilities.
If the Library, in enforcement of any part of this indemnity agreement, shall incur any expense, or become obligated to pay attorney’s fees or court cost, the approved organization agrees to reimburse the Library for such expenses, attorney’s fees, or costs within ten (10) days of receiving written demand from the Library.
Approved by Board of Trustees September 2019
Revised 3/8/2023
The Board of Trustees of the Summit Free Public Library adopted the following Disciplinary Policy and Procedure to ensure the well-being and safety of Library staff and patrons.
If a patron is removed from Library premises by the police department as the result of one or more infractions of the Rules of Conduct, the removal may accelerate the disciplinary steps and may result in an immediate one-year ban of the patron from Library property.
Approved by Board of Trustees September 2019
It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to encourage the borrowing and use of the Summit Free Public Library’s print, non-print and electronic resources. The Board of Trustees adopted the following specific criteria to facilitate the full use of Library resources.
a. Borrowing Records:
Generally, the Library does not maintain records of materials individuals have borrowed and returned in the past, except when materials have been returned late and a fine is incurred or when items are lost or damaged. Patrons may opt to have their loan history maintained. All information on the individual cardholder is confidential except for notification and collection of overdue or unreturned materials. In the case of a juvenile card when the parent or guardian has signed the application card, loan history may be shared with the person who signed the application card.
b. Holds (Reserves):
Cardholders may place or cancel requests for materials:
Cardholders may not check out an item that another patron has reserved.
c. Authorization To Pick Up Requests For Cardholder:
A cardholder may authorize another person residing in their household or a caregiver with the cardholder’s permission to pick-up “holds” by giving them the Library card with which the reserve was placed. The Library may request additional identification from the person presenting the card and may verify use of the card with the patron to whom the card belongs.
d. Renewals:
e. In-House Use of Library Resources:
The Library allows in-house use of Library resources; however, the Library reserves the right to require and hold an acceptable form of identification for use of materials, equipment or study rooms. An acceptable form of identification, as determined by Library staff must identify the patron by name. An additional form of identification showing address may be requested at the discretion of the Library staff member.
f. Overdue Materials:
g. Damaged Library Materials
Revised 2/9/22
h. Fines and Fees:
OVERDUE FINES:
Fines accrue to a maximum of $5.00 per item for juvenile materials, $10.00 per item for young adult materials and $10.00 per item for adult materials, except: maximum fine for a Museum Pass or Library of Things is $200.00 or the price of the item.
The Summit Library accepts credit and debit cards as a form of payment for fines, fees, or donations by adults aged 18 and older. Payment via credit/debit card can be made in the Library or over the telephone to the main circulation desk. The minimum payment to use a credit/debit card for payment is $1.00.
REPLACEMENT FEES:
As set forth on the schedule available at the Circulation Desk.
Lost/unreturned or damaged Library materials replacement cost are priced as determined by staff or if item is no longer in-print or unavailable, the following default prices apply:
No replacement books/CDs/DVDs or other items can be accepted in lieu of payment.
FEES:
MERCHANDISE:
From time to time, the Summit Free Public Library may sell the following items:
Revised 3/11/2020, 2/9/22
The Summit Free Public Library’s Internet service, available on PCs and through a wireless network, makes the Internet available as an information and educational resource in support of the Library’s role as the community’s information and lifelong learning center. The Board of Trustees adopted this policy for Internet use and wireless Internet access through the Summit Free Public Library’s network.
The Summit Free Public Library offers free wireless internet access to any Library patron without exception. The wireless network is a shared bandwidth and connection speeds are not guaranteed. Connection speed may vary within the building. The Library assumes no responsibility for any alteration or interference with any devices’ configuration, settings, operation, or data files, resulting from connecting to the wireless network.
In using this free Internet access, the patron agrees and hereby releases, indemnifies and holds harmless the Summit Free Public Library, its’ trustees and its employees from any damage that may result in the use of the wireless access. While using the wireless access, the patron acknowledges that s/he is subject to, and agrees to abide by, all government laws and the rules and regulations of the Summit Free Public Library, including the Library’s Rules of Conduct and the Internet Access Policy. Library staff will have the authority to disconnect either temporarily or permanently any patron violating these rules.
Internet access may only be used for legal purposes by the staff and public. Generally, the U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, USC) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”. Consequently, users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including e-mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”. Responsibility for any consequences or copyright infringement lies with the user. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use. These laws and rules are equally applicable on user-owned equipment that is connected to the Library’s wireless network.
Since the Internet is an unregulated medium, it enables access to some materials that may be offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal. Each individual user must accept responsibility for determining content, timeliness and accuracy of information. Use of the Library’s PCs and wireless network must be consistent with applicable Rules of Conduct Policy.
Parents or caregivers are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parental supervision of children searching the Internet is advised.
The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session for inappropriate and/or illegal usage, or if time limits are exceeded when others are waiting. Maximum daily time limit when others are waiting is sixty (60) minutes and maximum time limit per patron is three (3) hours.
Software and information downloaded from any source, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses. Patrons access and use this information at their own risk.
The Summit Free Public Library expressly disclaims any liability responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or consequences thereof.
Approved by Board of Trustees September 2019
Consistent with its vision that the Summit Free Public Library will be a destination vital to the fabric of the community, the Summit Free Public Library offers notary services for the benefit of its patrons. The Board of Trustees of the Summit Free Public Library adopted the following guidelines in connection with the provision of these notary services by Library staff who is commissioned as a notary (“Library Notary”).
a. The service is based on the availability of the Library Notary. Unforeseen circumstances may sometimes result in a pre-scheduled appointment with a Library Notary to be cancelled.
b. Valid photo identification is required of any patron seeking notary service.
c. Notary service is limited to three documents per person, per day.
d. Since New Jersey law requires that a notary and the customer seeking notarization be able to communicate directly with each other, Library Notaries are NOT permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with a notary service customer.
e. Under applicable New Jersey law, the notaries at the Summit Free Public Library may not notarize:
i. Documents in any language other than English.
ii. Certain public documents cannot be copied and notarized. Examples of these are: birth certificates, death certificates and marriage certificates.
iii. Deeds, wills, living wills, probate, living trusts, codicils, depositions, adoptions, mortgages, home equity loans or other real estate closing documents.
iv. Any copy of a document. Only original documents may be notarized.
f. In accordance with governing New Jersey Law, Notaries will not provide service if the customer, documents or circumstances of the request for Notary Service raise any issue of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt or uncertainty for the Library. In this event, the Library Notary may, at his/her sole discretion, decline to provide Notary Service.
g. The library will not provide witnesses and witnesses may not be solicited from patrons using the library. In order to serve as a witness, the witness must personally know the person whose document is being notarized and must be in possession of valid photo identification.
h. Notary services will be provided at no charge to Summit residents. There will be a charge of $1.00 per notarization for out-of-towners.
Revised 2/9/22
Library staff will serve as proctors for exams taken by distance learners within the following guidelines:
Student responsibilities:
Responsibilities of the Examining Institution:
Added 2/9/22