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Policies

Mission statement

The Glen Lake Community Library will bring people, information, and ideas together to support the evolving educational, intellectual, and recreational needs of Empire, Glen Arbor, and Kasson Townships.

While preserving its traditional roles, the library will cultivate diverse experiences, services, and materials including the use of emerging technologies to link people to information.      Revised Feb. 2014

Library cards

Any resident of Empire, Glen Arbor, or Kasson townships may register for borrowing privileges. Residency is defined as living or owning property within the service district. People residing outside of the district may also register, but must pay a one-time fee of $10.00.

Proof of identification is required before a library card can be issued. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, student ID, checkbook, or mail received at the resident’s local mailing address.

Families will normally be registered on a single library account. All family members that may use the account should be listed in the registration. Children under the age of 16 who wish to have their own card must have the permission of a parent or legal guardian. Parents may also request that a child over the age of 16 be removed from the family account. Borrowing privileges may be extended to guests, with the understanding that the registered party will give formal notification to the library, and assume full responsibility for all materials checked out on the account.

Borrowing materials

Patrons may borrow as many materials as they can use, with the exception of New materials. No more than 4 new items from each collection (fiction, non-fiction, recorded books, music CDs, DVDs, etc.) may be borrowed at one time. These materials are identified by a label on the front cover, and are shelved in designated display areas throughout the library.

Materials may be renewed as needed, provided there are no pending reserve requests. STEM kits, Mobile Hotspots and Chromebooks may only be renewed one time.

Loan periods are as follows:
Books3 weeks
Recorded Books3 weeks
Music CDs3 weeks
Periodicals3 weeks
DVDs7 days
STEM Kits & Games7 days
Mobile Hotspots & Chromebooks7 days

Late fees are not charged on overdue materials. However, materials that are one month past due will be automatically billed to patron accounts for replacement. Similarly, patrons may be charged for materials that are returned with damages. Borrowing privileges will be suspended on delinquent accounts until all materials are returned, or replacement costs are paid in full.

Program & Study Rooms

Library-sponsored activities and meetings will be given first priority for use of the Program Room.  When not needed for such functions, the Program Room will be available for use by other community organizations, during normal business hours. The Program Room may not be reserved for individual use.  The room will not be available for private social functions, such as wedding receptions and birthday parties.

Reservations for the Program Room will be made with library staff. Standing reservations for activities taking place on a regular basis may be made, as the library schedule allows. The library will reserve the right to adjust the reservation schedule as needed if demand warrants. Reservations will be limited to no more than 4 hours per week.

The room is not available for religious functions, or meetings affiliated with specific political parties. Permission to use the room does not imply endorsement by the library. No fees or donations may be solicited by those using the Program Room.

Community groups using the Program Room will confine their activities to that space, except as authorized by library staff. All policies governing acceptable behavior within the library will apply to Program Room use. No more than 50 people may use the Program Room at one time, as per Fire Department regulations. Maximum occupancy will be reduced as required by public health advisories.

There is no charge for use of the room. However, the Program Room will be left in clean and orderly condition, with all furniture returned to its original arrangement. Users of the Program Room shall also be responsible for any damages to the room or its contents that occur as a result of their use.

When not needed for library or community activities, the Program Room will be open for general use by library clients.

The study room is intended for quiet study by individuals and small groups. No more than 6 people may use the room at one time, unless authorized by library staff. Occupancy will be reduced as required by public health advisories. All other policies governing use of the program room, including reservations, shall also apply to the study room.

Food and beverages

Beverages are permitted in the library, except in those areas where they might damage equipment such as public computers, printers and photocopiers. Beverages must be in spill-proof containers. Food may only be consumed in the program room, if not in use by other groups, or outside in the front or back seating areas.

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on library premises. Exceptions may be made for authorized library-hosted programs pending approval by the Board of Trustees. Tobacco and cannabis products of any kind are prohibited on library property.

Patrons who consume food and beverages are expected to clean up after themselves. If food or drink residue cannot be completely cleaned, patrons should report to library staff. Patrons will be held liable for damages caused by food or drink. Unattended food or drink will be removed and discarded at the discretion of library staff.

Additional Policies

Collection development

Request for Reconsideration of Library materials

Community notices & exhibits

Disruptive behavior

Freedom of Information Act

Gifts & donations

Internet acceptable use

Patron confidentiality

Strategic Plan