Patron Behavior Policy

Purpose:  In an effort to provide a comfortable and safe environment for all library patrons, staff, volunteers and the protection of library facilities, materials, and equipment, the Board of Trustees of the Lassen Library District has established a Patron Behavior Code. The policy is designed to provide clear and reasonable guidelines governing acceptable behavior within the library and on its premises, ensuring 1) the safety of library patrons, staff, and volunteers in the library and on library grounds, 2) patrons’ rights to use the library for the intended purposes as described in the library’s Mission and Vision Statements, 3) all staff’s time and freedom to do their library jobs, and 4) respect for library facilities, materials, and equipment. These rules are carefully written to protect everyone’s right to use the library. The Director and staff should apply these rules equally, fairly, and consistently to all members of the public.

Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building or on library grounds. The Children’s Room is intended for young children and their caregivers. In the interest of child safety, any adults not accompanied by children in the Children’s Room may be asked to relocate to another part of the library. The Young Adult corner is intended to provide a place for young adults (teens/tweens) to access library resources and interact with their peers in a safe environment. Adults in the young adult section of the library at times young adults are present may be asked by staff to relocate to another part of the library. 

Users of the library are expected to adhere to existing copyright, patent, trademark or other existing intellectual properly laws when using library equipment or wireless internet.

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

1.  Any activity in violation of federal, state, or local law shall result in the police being called.

2.  People fighting, throwing objects, using obscene, abusive, or threatening language or gestures threatening the safety of patrons, staff, or volunteers shall be asked to leave for a day. If any of these behaviors cross the bounds of legality, police will be called.

3.  People in the library or on library grounds staring, following, stalking, photographing, or talking to others without permission in a way that disrupts patrons from using or accessing the library or staff from doing their jobs shall be asked to stop on the first offense and asked to leave for a day for additional offenses.

4.  People using alcohol, any tobacco products, or e-cigarettes in the library shall be asked to stop. If they don’t stop, they shall be asked to leave the library premises for the day. People smoking or vaping within 20 feet of the library entrance, operable windows, and the side staff entrance door shall be asked to move to the end of the building, where no operable doors or windows exist.

5.  People utilizing library property or other property brought into the library in a manner that can reasonably be expected to create a safety hazard for library patrons, staff, and volunteers shall be asked to leave for the day.

6.  People bringing items into the library that can be reasonably expected to create a safety hazard for library patrons, staff, and volunteers shall be asked to either leave for the day or remove the item and return without it.

7.  Use of computers for illegal or pornographic purposes shall on the first offense be asked to stop, and on any additional offenses be asked to leave the premises for the day.

8.  The Young Adult corner is intended to provide a place for young adults (teens/tweens) to gather and interact with their peers in a safe environment. Adults in the young adult section of the library at times young adults are present may be asked by staff to relocate to another part of the library. 

9.  With the exception of Lassen Library and Friends of the Library fundraisers and events, campaigning, soliciting funds, petitioning, interviewing or surveying patrons, political activity, proselytizing, gambling, panhandling, and selling of goods or services are prohibited anywhere on Lassen Library District property when the library is open or when it is closed. Exceptions may be made for youth groups outside the library front doors if prior authorization has been granted in writing by the Library Director and the youth group does not interfere with patrons entering/exiting the library. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, or using library materials or equipment shall be given one verbal warning for the first offense and asked to leave the premises on additional offenses.

10.  People engaged in disorderly conduct, boisterous behavior, loud talking, singing, music produced with instruments or electronic devices, cell phone use or other loud sounds disrupting other patrons using the library or staff from doing their jobs shall be asked to stop or temporarily step outside on the first offense and asked to leave for the day for additional offenses.

11.  People not wearing shirts/blouses, pants/shorts/skirts/dresses, and shoes while in the library shall be asked to put them on or leave the library and not return until they are wearing them.

12.  People using the restrooms for bathing, shaving, hair cutting or dying, washing laundry, or sex shall be asked to leave for the day.

13.  People stealing or vandalizing library property or facilities shall be reported to the police and will be prosecuted.

14.  People with body odor or perfume preventing patrons from using the library or staff from doing their jobs shall be asked to leave the premises and not return until this issue is corrected.

15.  People sleeping in the library or on library premises during open hours shall be awakened on the first offense and asked to leave the premises for the day for additional offenses.

16.  People putting feet on the tables, chairs, or sofas will be asked to remove them on the first offense, and asked to leave for the day for additional offenses.

17.  People engaged in extended hugging, kissing, and touching other than hand-holding will be asked to stop on the first offense and asked to leave for the day for additional offenses.

18.  With the exception of Lassen Library and Friends of the Library fundraisers, programs, and events, and other Board authorized fundraisers, programs and events, food and drinks other than closed water containers are not allowed in the library, or near library computers and equipment. People engaged in eating or drinking near the computers or in the library will be asked to stop on the first offense, and asked to leave for the day for additional offenses.

19.  If people do not leave the library premises within five minutes of being asked, the police will be called to escort them from the premises.

Patron Bannishment Policy

Banning for more than one day:  Any person who has been asked twice during one month to leave the library for any combination of offenses, shall on the next offense of any kind be asked to leave for a week. People who previously have been banned for one week shall, on any next offense of any kind, be asked to leave for one month. People who have been banned previously for one month who engage in any combination of offenses thereafter shall be asked to leave for one year. Any person(s) who have cumulatively broken one or more of the library’s behavior policies and been banned for one or more days for these offenses may, after Board review, be banned from the library for up to one year. People entering library grounds or the library without permission of the Director or Library Board President before the end of the banning period will be reported to authorities for legal charges.

Banning Appeal process:  People banned for more than one day may submit a written appeal to the Library Director within ten days from the start of the ban. The Patron Banning Appeal Form () is available at the library or can be downloaded here, filled  out and delivered to the library The Director will provide a written decision within ten business days of the submitted appeal. The person may appeal the Director’s decision by submitting a written appeal to the President of the Library Board of Trustees within ten days of the Director’s decision. The Library Board of Trustees will schedule the appeal for action at its next regularly scheduled board meeting, and within ten business days of the board meeting where the item is heard, the Board will provide a written decision. The Library Board’s decision is final.

Implementation of these policies:  Since the Library Board intends everyone to know what behaviors are not allowed, the most up-to-date version of these policies will be posted in the library and on the library’s website; copies will be available at the Circulation Desk. The Library Director will train staff how to consistently, equitably, and fairly apply these policies to everyone.

Diversity and Inclusion

This Library is dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful organizational culture that appreciates and supports individual differences.

The Lassen Library District recognizes and actively affirms the dignity of those it serves, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, income, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and physical or mental capabilities.

The Library understands that an acceptance of differences can place individual and collective values in conflict. Nevertheless, the Library is committed to fostering an environment of understanding and respect and providing a wide variety of opinions and information to our patrons in accordance with the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. Specific actions to demonstrate our commitment include:

• Provide a variety of displays, both physical and virtual, that inform and enrich the lives of people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Foster attitudes of respect, open-mindedness, compassion, and inclusiveness.
• Maintain a comprehensive collection of multi-format materials for children, teens, and adults, featuring a wide array of characters, subjects, languages, authors, and illustrators with differing perspectives.

Public Access Computing

The Library provides 12 desktop computers for use by library patrons. The Microsoft Office 2016 productivity suite and web browser software are installed on all PCs. Printing to the Circulation Desk copier/printer is provided.

Use of the library’s public access computers is free of charge and is on a first-come, first-served basis, unless reserved in advance. The rules and guidance for the use of the computers is displayed on each computer screen prior to logging in.

A Parental Consent for Minors Use of Library Computers and Internet Access Form () is available at the circulation desk or downloaded here and must be completed before minors can access the computers.

Minors under 13 years of age must be accompanied at all times by a parent or legal guardian when using the computers. Minors 13 through 17 may access the computers unaccompanied if a Use Agreement form is on file.

A time limit of 60 minutes is on all computers unless other arrangements have been made prior to using the PC or during a session not later than 5 minutes before the session is to end.. A running clock showing the time left in your session is displayed at the top of the screen. You will receive a session ending warning at 3 minutes and 1 minute prior to the end of your session. At the end of 60 minutes you will be logged off the PC and all applications and work running at the time will be closed.

Lassen Library public access computers employ anti-virus, anti-malware and firewall software and are kept current with the latest operating system patches to protect the PC, the network and you. Nonetheless, you are required to employ commonly recognized measures to limit your exposure to computer crime, including: not opening e-mail from sources you do not know, not transmitting personal information over unsecure or unfamiliar Web links, and not launching applications that are not provided for you on the PC by the library:

Lassen Library public access computers do not employ filtering software. Library staff visually monitors your use of this computer from the Circulation Desk and has the capability to electronicly monitor what you are doing on the PC.

Anyone caught violating the rules of using this PC will, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, suffer one, some or all of the following consequences: 1) be asked to stop the violation, 2) be asked to stop using the computer, 3) be asked to leave the library, 4) lose their library privileges, 5) be referred to law enforcement.

Actions that will get you in trouble are:

            1) Damaging this equipment

            2) Viewing pornography

            3) Conducting unlawful activities, such as gambling

            4) Downloading applications onto the computer

            5) Conduct that interferes with or bothers other computer users

Wireless Internet Use Policy

Wireless computer access is provided upon request for patrons to use their own wireless-capable computers to access the Internet from within the library.

• • This service is available only during the hours the library is open and is provided free of charge.
  • Library staff will provide patrons with the current Wi-Fi password.
  • If patrons are using their privately owned equipment while attending a library-sponsored class or activity, the class instructor or activity leader will provide instructions on how to access the internet. Library-owned equipment will be set up in advance to connect to the wireless network.
  • Patrons will be expected to know how to configure their computing device to perform wireless computing as library staff will not be permitted to perform these operations on patron’s privately owned devices.
  • The policies governing patron use of library public access computers apply also to patron use of their own devices with the library’s wireless network.
  • Rules and guidance for use of the wireless network are posted throughout the library and can be obtained at the Circulation Desk.
  • Library IT staff will increase Wi-Fi security by changing the password on a monthly basis, or more frequently if necessary.

Lassen Library Internet Use Policy

Adopted by Lassen Library Board of Trustees on 7/16/2009

I.

As a public library, Lassen Library supports the free speech rights of citizens as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Lassen Library applies very limited restrictions on its provision of free and open access to the Internet and other electronic resources. Lassen Library does not employ any filtering technologies on it computers. However, Library staff can and will randomly monitor all patrons' use of its public access computers and will enforce basic usage policies to minimize the level of abuse and/or undue exposure of inappropriate material to underage patrons. Violators can expect loss of access to the library's computers or expulsion from the Library.

II.

Lassen Library has no control over what information is available on or obtainable from the Internet. The Library cannot protect users from the Internet's information and images to which they might gain access nor can it guarantee an Internet site's continued existence or the quality or appropriateness of its content.

III.

Lassen Library expects users to exercise personal critical judgment in evaluating the validity and appropriateness of information they gain access to via the Internet. We also expect users to consider the sensibilities of other patrons to Internet content, taking actions that would help prevent their use of the Internet from bothering other patrons.

IV.

When using a library computer, complete privacy cannot be guaranteed. Lassen Library implements standard computer network security measures, such as anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall applications and non-retention of usage history, but these measures do not provide 100 percent protection of ones private or personal information that may be transmitted over the Internet from library computers. The Lassen Library District assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its electronic services or its connections to the Internet.

V.

With limited exception, Lassen Library will not assume the role of a parent or guardian with respect to their children's use of library computers. The Library expects parents to understand that children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images and that it is a parent's responsibility to ensure their children are educated on both the benefits and the dangers of Internet use in relation to family values and boundaries, and to monitor their children's use of the Internet. Lassen Library will assist parents and other caregivers in this education effort by making available online and printed materials about the Internet and its resources and how-to-guides for its safe use.

Online Safety Resources

Numerous online resources are available to parents and children that cover the subject of online safety and provide tips, guidance, links to safety products and extensive educational sources. Entering such words as "online safety", "net safety" "cyber safety" in a search engine will lead you to them.

The following resource will get you started:

Animals in the Library

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees on April 16, 2014

Statement of Policy

Other than animals that serve as a service animal, as defined below, and animals that are participating in a library event, no animals are allowed in the library nor are they allowed to be unattended within 25 feet of the entrances to the library building.

Policy Amplification

The Lassen Library District has a legal obligation to the public that the facility is available without discrimination to all who choose to use it and to ensure that the library environment is a safe one. This document records the library district's policy on the presence of animals at the library and the rights and responsibilities of both the library and its patrons with regard to the presence of animals at the library.

Unattended Animals

The library does not provide facilities or resources with which an animal can be tied up outside the library and left unattended while its owner is in the library. Unattended animals at the library entrances constitute a health and a liability concern to the library and the library cannot allow unattended animals to potentially pose a legal or health risk to the public.

If library staff discovers that an animal is left unattended at the library's entrances, they will attempt to find its owner and advise them that the animal cannot be left unattended and ask that the animal be removed.

If staff cannot find the animal's owner or after failing to have the owner remove an animal after being notified to do so, staff will notify the Susanville Police Department of the unattended animal. 

Program Animals

Occasionally, the library will sponsor an event or program that may involve the presence of animals. In these cases, the animals will be at the library only as long as they are required to be for the event/program and they will be kept under the direct control of their owner(s). The conditions governing the presence of animals at the library in connection with a library event/program will be governed by a written agreement between the library and the animal owner(s).

Service Animals

Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and laws that implement the ADA in California and the City of Susanville, businesses and organizations that serve the public are required to allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. Public libraries fall under the scope of these laws.

A service animal is any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually and specifically trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. Animals which meet this definition are considered service animals whether or not they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government. Service animals, usually dogs of any breed or size, are working animals and are not considered pets. A service animal:

• • guides people who are blind
  • alerts people who are hearing impaired
  • pulls wheelchairs
  • alerts and protects a person who may have seizures
  • performs other special tasks

California does not have a law or program by which an animal is certified to be a service animal nor does it require the animal to wear any identifying tag or garment that identifies the animal as a service animal. Although some service animals wear identifying harnesses or special collars, there is no requirement that service animals be so identified.

The key point about a service animal is that it has been individually trained to provide a specific service to a person with a disability. Library staff is permitted to ask two questions of a patron with an animal that go to that point:

• • Is the animal a service animal?
  • What tasks has the animal been trained to perform?

Staff members cannot ask questions such as the following:

• • Does your service animal have an ID card?
  • Has your animal been certified as a service animal?
  • What is your disability?

Patrons with service animals will be treated with the same care and concern as any other library patron. Patrons with service animals should not expect faster or better service because they are accompanied by their service animal; they will not be charged a deposit or surcharge to be accompanied by their service animal; and they will not be segregated from other customers because of the service animal.

Library patrons with service animals are required to be responsible for their animal's actions and are liable for damage caused by their animal. The service animal must be in the presence of and under the direct control of the patron at all times while in the library. Under the law the library is not required to provide care or food for a service animal nor to provide a special location for the animal to relieve itself.

Library staff is permitted to ask a patron to remove their service animal from the library if the service animal:

• is not kept in the patron's presence or the patron is not trying to control it, or
• poses a direct threat to the health or safety of other people in the library. If this happens, the patron will be given the option of conducting their library business without having their service animal on the premises.

Collection Development Policy

The comprehensive Collection Development Policy () document details all aspects of the Library's collection development philosophy and collection management procedures. Subjects include:

• • The goal of providing a collection that meets the needs of the varied interests of community members
  • Responsibilities of library mamanagement, staff, parents/guardians and community members
  • Providing for a wide scope of items by item style, age group,format, and specialization
  • Item selection guidelines
  • Item removal and replacement guidelines

The following paragraphs summarize the role of library patrons in this process.

Patron Input to Collection Content

Patron input to the contents of the library’s collection is always welcome. Suggestions for changes to the collection, either additions or deletions, can be made to the library in person, over the phone, via e-mail or via the library’s web site. In all cases a form will be completed either by the patron or by a staff member on behalf of the patron.

Patron suggestions for additions to the collection can be submitted using the Book – Item Request Form () (downloadable here) or available at the library.

Patron suggestions for deletions from the collection will be recorded on the Materials Reconsideration Form () (downloadable here) or available at the library..

All patron suggestions concerning the contents of the library’s collection will be reviewed and acted upon by the Library Director in a timely manner according to the Library’s budget and purchasing schedules. Requests for reconsideration of materials may be acted upon by a review committee depending on the nature of the request.

Donations of books and other library materials from patrons are always welcome. Patrons may request a receipt for their records that lists the donated items and sets forth the conditions under which the items are received and used by the library.

Meeting Rooms Use Policy

The library has a few areas in which people can meet: 1) Main Conference Room, 2) Test Center Meeting Room, and 3) two fairly secluded areas in the Main Reading Room having tables and chairs.

Use of the Test Center Meeting Room requires prior scheduling to deconflict its use with scheduled testing.

Use of the Main Conference Room requires prior approval obtained by submission of the Conference Room Use Application () (downloadable here and available at the library).

Use of the Main Conference Room has the following conditions:

• • Facility is provided “as is” with the following listed furniture and equipment: 6-7 long tables, 25 chairs, projection screen, overhead projector, VCR and DVD/Bluray players, ceiling mounted video projector, a 3-speaker sound system, Internet connections, mini kitchen (sink, microwave oven, mini refrigerator, short counter space). Users desiring additional equipment will need to make their own arrangements for it.
  • Requests to use the room are approved on an as-received basis. Call the library to verify room availability for your desired date prior to submitting the application.
  • When multiple events are scheduled consecutively on any given day, persons or groups must limit their use to the times scheduled so as not to delay the next group’s scheduled use of the room.
  • Extraordinary costs generated as a result of facility use, such as damage or excessive dirtiness, will be billed to the group requesting the use of the facility.
  • A responsible adult must be present during time(s) of use.
  • A member of the library’s staff will assist in the room’s set up and ensure the facility is ready for its intended use.
  • Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances are NOT permitted.
  • Smoking is NOT permitted in the facility or within 20 feet of the library building.

Cost of use:  

• • There is no cost for community gatherings/activities that are open to the public,  
  • There is a cost of $25/hour for a private business to use the conference rooms.
  • We reserve the right to charge for cleaning and/or repairs should they be required after your use of the room.

Borrowing Policy

Only patrons who have a library card may borrow from the library’s collection or from the collections of other libraries with which the Lassen Library has inter-library loan agreements.

Patrons having a library card from another California public library may borrow from the Lassen Library collection via inter-library loan from their resident library or via direct loan during a physical visit to the Lassen Library. The Lassen Library staff will validate the currency of the patron's library card with the issuing library prior to fulfilling a loan request.

Lassen Library card holders are generally entitled to borrow from other California libraries. Borrowing privileges are granted by the issuing library according to its policies.

Patron Accounts

• • The issuance of a library card to a patron constitutes the creation of an account with the library, with which the library will administer patron borrowing and financial transactions.
  • Parents and guardians will be recorded in library records as the responsible party for their minor children’s library accounts..
  • Patron accounts with outstanding fee balances or overdue materials will be identified as “restricted” accounts. Patrons with restricted accounts will not be allowed to borrow additional materials until the overdue accounts are cleared.

Patron Borrowing and Account Responsibilities

• • All adult patrons are responsible for the care and timely return of all materials checked out on their library cards.
  • Parents and legal guardians are responsible for the care and timely return of materials borrowed by their minor children.
  • Parents and legal guardians are responsible for educating their children on how to make appropriate selections from the library’s collection and they are ultimately responsible for the selection choices their children make.
  • Patrons are responsible for informing library staff of any borrowed items that are lost.
  • All patrons are responsible for paying in a timely manner any and all fees and charges that are incurred as a result of overdue, lost, damaged or borrowed items.
  • Patrons are responsible for informing library staff of any changes in name, address, or phone number.

Borrowing Constraints and Restrictions

The following limits apply to each category:

• • New patrons may borrow up to five items per household at one time for a 4-month probationary period
  • After the probationary period, each household may borrow up to 15 items (including up to five DVD/Videos) at any one time
  • Non-residents in temporary housing may borrow up to five items per household at any one time

Patrons are asked to borrow only the number of items they can reasonably use and care for within the loan period. The loan periods are:

• • Four (4) weeks – Most books, books on tape, magazines
  • Four (4) weeks – Audio CDs
  • One (1) week – Video tapes, DVDs

Inter-Library Loan Borrowing

Patrons are strongly encouraged to make use of inter-library loan services to obtain materials that are not in the Lassen Library District’s collection. The inter-library loan service provides access to virtually any library item in the world.

• • Policies governing inter-library loans, including loan periods, shipping and handling charges and late fees, are those of the lending library.
  • Lassen Library staff will endeavor to obtain requested materials from libraries that don't assess processing fees. For those requests that will entail charges, patrons must agree to pay the charges, usually return postage, at the time the materials are picked up.
  • There is a four item limit to the number of items a patron can have borrowed from other libraries at any given time.

Interlibrary requests are recorded on the ILL Request Form () (downloadable here and available at the library).

Library Card Policy

All California residents are entitled to a library card from the library that serves the area in which they reside. The Lassen Library District’s area of operations coincides with the boundaries of the City of Susanville. Persons living in the City of Susanvile are considered residents of the Library District and are entitled to a Resident Library Card at no cost to them by virtue of  a special parcel fee assessed on residential properties within the city limits..

Lassen County residents who do not live in the City of Susanville are considered non-residents of the Library District. Their eligibility for a Library District library card is contingent upon them paying a Non-resident Library Card fee of $28 per year..

To get a library card

• • You must apply in person;
  • You must present proof of a current Lassen County address, such as a property tax statement, utility bill, vehicle registration, rental agreement, checks with imprinted address, or current driver’s license.
  • You must present photographic proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license, government I.D. or passport;
  • Patrons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian when applying;
  • Non-residents living outside of the City of Susanville must pay a library card fee of $28, which entitles everyone living in the payers residence to a library card..
  • Non-residents living in temporary housing may pay a library card fee of $28 and must present proof of a rental/occupancy agreement within Lassen County. Stricter limitations on borrowing may apply.

A Library Card Application Form () (downloadable here and available at the Library) can be used to record required information.

Public Records Request Policy

Our obligation under the law:

Under the California Public Records Act, Government Code sections 6250-6276.48, the public may review certain District records upon request. A request to review District records should be reasonably specific in identifying the records sought for review in order to enable District staff to locate the records appropriate to the request and make them available for review or copying. If requested, the District will make photocopies of public records in accordance with Government Code section 6253(b). The District is permitted to impose a reasonable fee for staff time and copying costs.

The District will advise the requester within 10 calendar days after receiving a records request whether the District will provide the requested records. The District also will advise when the records will be available for review or when copies will be available for pick up. In certain cases, the District may extend the time to respond to a records request for up to 14 additional days. Certain District records are not considered public records, are exempt from disclosure under the law and the District will decline access to or duplication of such records (or portions of records). Notification of denial will also be provided in writing.

The District is not required to synthesize, manufacture or summarize records (i.e. develop new records). The District is only responsible for providing access to or copies of non-exempt records that exist as of the time the request was submitted.

Making the request:

Prior to making a request for a publically accessible record please check the Library District’s web site. It contains the majority of information most people would request via a Public Records Request.

The Public Records Act does not specify how requests are to be made, therefore requests can be made either verbally or in writing.  The request should be specific, focused and sufficiently describe records so that identification, location and retrieval of the records can be achieved in a timely manner.

Written requests are strongly encouraged so that you can state the request in your own words without requiring the interpretation of third parties. This Public Records Request Form () (downloadable here and available at the library) is provided for this purpose. When completed it can be delivered to the Library District via mail, fax, e-mail or in person.

When requests are made verbally, District staff will use this form to record your request and may send this form to you for confirmation prior to processing the request.

Visual inspection of records:

You may view requested records in person at the District’s Business office during regular business hours. Advance notice is not required to inspect public records; however, it is recommended that you contact the District in advance to schedule an appointment so that the records you seek are available at your appointment time. Failure to make an appointment in advance will result in a delay while the records are being located and reviewed. District staff will determine the location of inspection and may monitor the inspection in order to safeguard the records. There is no charge to inspect records.

Copies of records:

Photocopies of requested records can be provided to you in person or via mail or fax. Digital reproduction of paper records and certain digitally-formatted records can be provided to you via e-mail or to a personally provided digital storage device.

The photocopying charge is ten cents per page, which reflects the District’s direct costs. Payment is required at the time copies are provided. A deposit may be required for copying a large volume of material. There is no charge for digitally-formatted records.

Child Safety and Unattended Children Policy

The library staff welcomes children of all ages to use library facilities and services and strives to ensure their safety while at the library. While Library District policies and procedures for patron safety are designed to provide the highest level of safety possible, parents and guardians must understand that no public place, including the library, can guarantee the total safety of their children.

The safety of all children left alone in the library is a serious concern as young children left on their own can become frightened or anxious. Responsibility for teaching children how to properly behave in the library and to cope with being alone on their own in the library rests with the parent, guardian, or care giver assigned by the parent.

• • Library policy requires parents to accompany and stay with their young children aged 6 years and younger.
  • It is recommended that children between 6 and 10 years of age be accompanied by a parent or caregiver when visiting the library.
  • Children 10 years and older may use the library unaccompanied by a parent or caregiver. Consent forms for some activities at the library may still be required for these children.

During regular service hours, if library staff judges that any unattended child is not coping adequately, staff will attempt to locate a parent or caregiver to pick up the child. If the parent or caregiver cannot be contacted within 30 minutes, law enforcement personnel (police or sheriff’s department) will be contacted for assistance.

Unattended Preschool-age Children (under 6 years old)

• • Children under the age of six years may not be left unattended in any part of the library.
  • During story times or other programs for pre-school aged children during which adult supervision is provided, adults who do not attend the program with the child must remain in the building and must return to the story or program area by the end of the session.
  • If children under the age of six are found without direct adult supervision, library staff will attempt to locate the parent or caregiver.
  • If the parent or caregiver cannot be located in the building or elsewhere within 30 minutes, law enforcement personnel (police or sheriff’s department) will be contacted to pick up the child.

Unattended School-age Children (6 years and older)

• • Children older than six years of age may use the library on their own; however, due to differences in child development, some children six years old and older may not be able to cope with being unattended and should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • It is recommended that children between six and 10 years of age be accompanied by a parent or caregiver when visiting the library.
  • Children behaving inappropriately will be informed of the rules. If inappropriate behavior continues, the child may be asked to leave the library.

Unattended Children at Closing

When visiting the library without an adult, children should have definite arrangements to be picked up by closing time. All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.

Staff members will use their judgment when dealing with unattended youth at closing. The options available to staff are:

• • When children are left unattended at closing, staff will call the parents or caregiver.
  • If necessary, two library staff members will stay with the child after closing.
  • Under no circumstances will a staff member drive children home.

Involving Law Enforcement

• • Library staff will contact law enforcement personnel if the staff is unable to reach a parent or caregiver by telephone;
  • Library staff will contact law enforcement personnel if the staff is able to reach a parent or caregiver, but the parent or caregiver has failed to pick up the child within 30 minutes after the library closes;
  • When law enforcement is called, staff will leave a note on the door notifying the parent or caregiver that law enforcement personnel picked up the child from the library.

Assessment of Library Special Parcel Fee and Assessment Appeal Policy

The Lassen Library District was formed after voter approval of a ballot initiative on the November 8, 1994 General Election. That approval included the approval of a special parcel fee of $28 per annum on each inhabitable dwelling unit (also referred to as a habitable dwelling) within the approved district to provide funding for the district's operation.

Definition

An inhabitable dwelling is defined as one that has access to power, running water, sewer system or septic tank and is deemed suitable for human occupation..

The Lassen County Tax Assessor maintains property tax records that includes the habitability status of dwellings and provides that information to the Lassen County Treasurer for the proper recording of the special parcef fee on annual property tax bills. If the dwelling was habitable when the tax bill was issued, then the parcel fee is due for that year. If the dwelling was habitable but vacant, i.e., not rented or the owner is away for a long period, the assessment is still due.

If a dwelling becomes uninhabitable and will remain so for more than a year, that fact should be reported to the Lassen County Tax Assessor who will make the necessary modification to the dwelling’s county property tax record which will suspend the assessment of the library special parcel fee until such time, if any, the property becomes habitable again..

If a dwelling owner feels the library parcel fee should not be assessed on the property, application to have the parcel fee assessment repealed can be made to the Lassen Library District as follows:

Application

When to File: The application must be made by December 10 of each year to be effective in the following tax year.

Who May File:  The application must be made by the properety owner or a person designated as the owner's agent. If the application is made by an agent other than an authorized attorney licensed to practice in the State of California, written authorization to so act must be filed with the application.

What Must be Filed:  This Library Parcel Fee Assessment Appeal Form () (downloadable here and available at the library) is available to facilitate the submission of the following required information:

• • The name and address of the applicant.
  • The name and address of the applicant’s agent, if any.
  • A description of the property which is the subject of the application to include the property's county parcel number.
  • The reason the applicant feels the assessment should be repealed.

 Appeals Committee

Appeals against the assessment will be heard by an Appeals Subcommittee consisting of two members of the Lassen Library District Board of Library Trustees.

• • The applicant will be notified by letter when the Subcommittee will meet with the applicant and discuss the appeal.
  • The Subcommittee shall report their conclusion to the full Lassen Library District Board of Trustees and which will vote to approve or deny the appeal.
  • The applicant shall be notified in advance of the date and time of the Board meeting in which the determination of the applicant’s appeal is to be considered.

Successful Appeals Procedure

If the assessment appeal is approved the Board of Library Trustees will transmit that fact to the Lassen County Assessor's and Treasurer's offices for proper recording of the appeal to their records. This notice must be signed by two authorized members of the Board of Library Trustees.

Display of Community Information Policy

The display of community information in the library supports the Lassen Library District's mission by providing the community access to a wider range of information and viewpoints, raising awareness of issues and concerns, helping people become better informed, and providing tools necessary to form opinions.

• • Limited exhibit space is available on a first-come, first-served basis, on a bulletin board in the library’s lobby and at the circulation desk, at the discretion of the Library Director for non-profit organizations engaged in intellectual, charitable, civic, cultural, educational, and/or recreational activities.
  • The primary purpose of the display must be to inform the public of the organization’s programs, services, and events.
  • Preference is given to local organizations and events.
  • The display of materials at the library DOES NOT imply endorsement by the Library Board of Trustees or staff of the organizations or their views.
  • Display space may NOT be used by individuals seeking political office, or by for-profit groups, companies, organizations, or individuals. Commercial advertising, solicitation and business cards may not be posted.
  • Materials will not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those providing the information;
  • Dated materials will be removed by library staff after the relevant date has expired. Non-dated materials will be removed by library staff after three months of display or other such date as they deem appropriate to make room for newer material. Displayed materials will not be removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

Public Restroom Policy

The Lassen Library District strives to provide safe, sanitary, and accessible restrooms for all Library patrons.  Library restroom practices have been re-evaluated in order to minimize the occurrence of vandalism and illegal drug use.  Our new policy is:

• • Library staff will monitor hallway access using overhead mirrors to ensure use by authorized persons.
  • Restrooms will be accessible to patrons with the use of an access code provided by the front desk staff. The access code will be subject to change as needed by the Library staff.
  • Any vandalism or unauthorized use should be reported immediately to the Library staff
  • Unauthorized or illegal use could result in the loss of Library privileges.
  • Definition of a patron is a person of any age who may be a library cardholder, guest, visitor or volunteer.