POLICIES & GUIDELINES

BORROWERS

1. All persons who reside in the South Beloit Public Library taxing district are entitled to a library card which may be used at any of the other member public libraries in the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS). In a reciprocal agreement, patrons from other RAILS member libraries may use their cards to check out materials from the South Beloit Public Library.

2. Proof of identity and current residence are required to apply for a South Beloit Public Library Card.

3. Library cards are valid for three years from registration and may be renewed.

4. All eligible persons living outside a RAILS library taxing district may purchase an annual card for the current amount figured by the state formula for household non-resident library cards. Non-residency eligibility determined by the rules set forth by the Illinois General Assembly.

a. A non-resident student may be issued a card, without payment of fee, pursuant to the Card for Kids Act. “Student”, for purposes of this section, means an individual currently enrolled in a public or nonprofit private school (K- 12) or homeschool students who do not have his or her principal residence within a public library service area. The student must present proof of eligibility, as required by statute, at the time of application for this card. These cards will be eligible until the beginning of the following school year at which time proof of eligibility must be again presented to renew the card.

b. A non-resident veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 70% who are exempt from paying property tax on their primary residence, an unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who has previously qualified for this exemption prior to his/her death, or an unmarried surviving spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty shall be eligible to receive a free non-resident library card. Qualifying veterans or surviving spouses must present documentation from the county where they reside that indicates their residence is exempt from paying property taxes. For disabled veterans who rent property in an unserved area, the surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran who previously had the fee waived would not be eligible to have the non-resident fee waived after the death of the veteran. These cards will be good for one year at which time proof of eligibility must be again presented to renew the card.

5. The patron who signed up for and to whom the card was issued is responsible for all materials checked out on that card. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a minor is responsible for all materials checked out on the minor’s card.

6. Owners of property within the South Beloit Public Library taxing district who reside out of the district are eligible for a South Beloit Public Library card. The owner must bring in personal identification and proof of South Beloit property address.

7. Any business in the South Beloit Public Library taxing district is eligible for a library card. The owner, president, director, or signing authority must bring in proof of their connection to the business, the business name and address, as well as personal identification and proof of address.

South Beloit Public Library Board Policy

BULLETIN BOARD, DISPLAYS, AND EXHIBITS

The South Beloit Public Library serves the information needs of the community by providing sources of information, assistance in locating information, and serves as a distribution point for various kinds of free literature. The library has designated areas for distribution of this free material. The primary focus of the distribution of literature is related to educational, cultural, intellectual, charitable, governmental, and library materials.

The bulletin board and literature racks are available for distribution of non-profit literature by clubs, organizations, institutions, and individuals on a first-come, first-serve basis as space allows. Library staff will remove older material when space is compromised.

The library does not assume responsibility for material that is damaged or stolen. The library does not return literature.

The display cases are for the use of the library and library related activities and organizations.

The Library Board endorses the American Library Association’s “User-Initiated Exhibits, Displays, and Bulletin Boards” statement which can found within the Appendixes of the Materials Selection Policy of the South Beloit Policies Manual and at http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/exhibitsdisplaysbulletinboards

Policy updated Oct 2020

South Beloit Public Library Board Policy

CIRCULATION

1. Books and audiobooks may be checked out for three weeks. They may be renewed for an additional three weeks unless they are on a reserve list.

2. Magazines may be checked out for a one-week period. Magazines may be renewed for one week unless on a reserve list.

3. DVDs may be checked out for one week and may be renewed for one week unless on a reserve list. There is a limit of 5 (five) DVDs per library card.

4. Renewals may be done in person, by phone, or on-line. Interlibrary loan materials may be renewed unless they are on a reserve list.

5. Wi-Fi hot spots may be checked by South Beloit Public Library cardholders age 18 or older. Hot spots may be checked out for three weeks. They may not be renewed and only one hot spot per household at a time is permitted. Households must wait 24 hours / one business day after returning a hot spot to check one out again. If a hotspot is two days overdue, user’s privileges for hot spots will be suspended for 30 days.

6. Items in the Library of Things (LOT) collection may be checked out by South Beloit Public Library cardholders age 18 or older. LOT items may checkout for a one-week period. They may not be renewed and are not holdable. Patrons may borrow up to two LOT items at a time. LOT items must be returned in the library. They are not allowed to be returned in the book drop. Items which become long overdue (i.e. more than 2 days late) may result in a one-month suspension from borrowing items from this special collection.

7. Interlibrary loan of materials is available to South Beloit Public Library cardholders with cards in good standing.

8. Electronic circulation of material is available to South Beloit Public Library cardholders with cards in good standing. Number of checkouts, renewals, and length of checkout is subject to the rules of the contract with the circulating agency.

Policy updated February 2025 to help site visitors find quick answers to common questions about your business and create a better navigation experience.

South Beloit Public Library Board Policy

MEETING ROOM POLICY

• The meeting room of the South Beloit Public Library is for the use of the Library and library related activities and organizations. The meeting room is not available for public use at this time as the server is housed unsecured in the room.

• Meetings may not be held in the public service areas.

• According to fire code regulations, no more than 30 people should occupy the room at the same time.

• The library reserves the right to revoke meeting room privileges at any time.

• Upon request, exceptions to these rules may be granted at the discretion of the Board.

NOTE: All existing programs in effect prior to November 12, 1990 will be allowed to continue as is.

The Library Board endorses the American Library Association’s “Meeting Rooms” statement which can found within the Appendixes of the Materials Selection Policy of the South Beloit Policies Manual and at http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/meetingrooms

Policy updated Oct 2020

South Beloit Public Library Board Policy

The South Beloit Public Library provides computer workstations and Internet access to all patrons for the purpose of serving the needs of the community. The Internet provides a gateway to the world of information which enhances the library’s collections, resources, and services. Wi-fi is provided to access the Internet on personal devices.

INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

Eligibility for Use

Computers with access to the Internet, databases, and Library catalogs are available to all customers regardless of cardholder status.

Customers under the age of 16 are permitted unrestricted access to the Internet if a parent or legal guardian signs a permission form, available at the Circulation Desk. The Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. It is the right and responsibility of the parent or guardian to determine what is appropriate and to direct their children accordingly. Written permission for children does not apply to the Library’s wireless network.

Wireless Connectivity

The Library provides access to a wireless network free of charge. Customers utilizing this network are responsible for their own antivirus, antispyware, firewall, security, and privacy protection. Any attempt to gain unauthorized access to any computers or systems from the Library’s wireless network is prohibited.

Parents and legal guardians are responsible for supervising their children’s access to the Library’s wireless network.

Fees & Filtering

No fees will be charged for access to Internet workstations or the Library’s wireless network.

Internet access provided by the Library is not filtered.

Customer Assistance and Instruction

Library staff will provide assistance to customers using Internet workstations as time and staff knowledge permit.

Customers are responsible for knowing how to configure and use their own equipment. Library staff members are permitted to provide general information for connecting devices, but are not responsible for providing technical assistance with wireless-enabled devices.

Breach of Policy

Violation of any aspect of this Internet Policy or the Guidelines for Internet Use may result in the loss of Library privileges and Internet access. Actions that violate local, state, or federal laws will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. If appropriate, the Library may also pursue criminal prosecution.

Privacy

Personal information used on the Internet may be at risk, and communication should not be considered secure. Customers who are transferring confidential information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, banking information, Social Security numbers, and health data, are strongly encouraged to safeguard their information.

Use of the Internet

The Internet is an invaluable resource, but it also contains information that may be inaccurate, outdated, or offensive. Use of the Internet at the Library workstations carries with it a responsibility to evaluate the information accessed.

Library staff cannot control or be responsible for specific information customers may locate on the Internet. Just as libraries do not endorse the viewpoints found in the collections, they do not do so for electronic information. The South Beloit Public Library is not responsible for damages, direct or indirect, that arise from a customer’s use of Internet information resources or Internet access.

Public access computers are located in public areas shared by customers of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities; the library expects customers to recognize this and refrain from accessing potentially obscene or disturbing web sites. The library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images that violate state and federal laws.

Guidelines for Rules of Use

South Beloit Public Library customers who select to use Library computer and Internet Workstations agree to the following:

1. A posted use-time will be enforced if customers are waiting to use a computer.

2. The Library does not monitor and is not responsible for information found on the Internet.

3. Computer users may not add, delete or modify the equipment or programs in any way.

4. Downloading information from a website onto the hard drive is prohibited.

5. Unauthorized duplication of copy-protected software or digital recordings is prohibited.

6. Immediate payment is required by users who incur charges for printing.

7. In addition to following Library rules, customers are responsible for obeying all local, state, and federal laws when using the Internet, including but not limited to copyright, fraud, obscenity, and privacy legislation. Use of the Internet access sites that are obscene, have pornography, or contain material harmful to minors is prohibited.

8. Disruptive behavior is not allowed.

Policy reviewed Nov 2024

FINES AND FEES

1. Items checked-out at the South Beloit Public Library will not be charged fines for overdue materials. However, due dates and loan rules still remain in effect.

2. For lost or damaged items, patron must reimburse replacement cost, plus $2.00 processing fee.

3. Patron fines must be below $10.00 for borrowing privileges from the library, interlibrary loan and electronic borrowing.

4. There is no maximum fine per card. The total fines accrued must be paid.

5. Lost library card replacement fee is $1.00.

6. Courtesy and overdues will be sent according to the following schedule: 3 days prior to due date – items soon coming due notice (email or text formats only), 7 days after the due date – friendly reminder overdue notice (email, text, or phone), 14 days after the due date – overdue notice is sent (email or print) and patron account is blocked from further checkouts until items are returned in good condition, 21 days after the due date – bill notice is sent (print only).

7. Persons failing to return materials and/or pay for damaged materials may be subject to prosecution or may be referred to the City Attorney for court action. When judgments are found in favor of the Library, the person will be assessed court costs, plus an additional $25 library delinquency account fee. The Library may also choose to use a collection agency to retrieve delinquent materials. Any costs to the Library may be passed on to the customer.

HOMEBOUND DELIVERY SERVICE

Our library provides free delivery of circulating materials to homebound residents of the South Beloit Public Library taxing district. Homebound customers are ones who are homebound either temporarily or permanently due to illness, disability, or age, and physically unable to visit the library. Homebound customers will complete a Reader’s Profile with library staff.

Due to delivery logistics, there are some limits placed on the level of service provided to homebound customers. The library can only provide print and audio materials currently on the shelves. Reserves cannot be placed.

We are unable to deliver or pick up materials not checked out on the homebound customer’s library card.

Overdue fines will be waived, but homebound customers are responsible for lost or damaged items. Circulation guidelines apply to homebound customers.

For customers who do not have a South Beloit Library card, an application can be brought to the customer. The card will be held at the library while the patron is enrolled in homebound delivery.

Library staff will work with the homebound customer to determine what materials are selected. Staff will keep a record of the reading preferences and items delivered. This record is confidential and is only used to select items the customer will enjoy.

Customers requesting homebound services must provide a safe and appropriate environment for volunteers or staff members who make deliveries to their homes and customers must protect all library materials while in their custody. Volunteers or staff members may choose not to enter a home, to leave a home immediately and/or to recommend suspension of the service for any reason.

The library reserves the right to suspend a customer’s homebound status once the customer regains the ability to visit the library.

For More information please call the South Beloit Library.

South Beloit Public Library Policy

MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY

Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to guide the library staff in selecting materials for the library’s collection. The South Beloit Library Board of Trustees recognizes that within the community there are groups and individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds and needs and that the library serves all the people within their service area.

Responsibility for Selection

Ultimate responsibility for selection, evaluation, and weeding of materials lies with the Director, who operates within the framework of the policy determined by the Library Board of Trustees. The Director, in turn, may delegate these duties to other knowledgeable staff.

General Selection Criteria

The library recognizes that its responsibility to this community is to present and have available as wide a spectrum of currently useful, significant, and desired reading and other materials as possible. Due to limited finances, the library will collect materials at the intensity of mostly minimal and basic levels.

Recommendations and requests from the public always are welcomed, encouraged, and given serious consideration.

Specific Selection Criteria

1. Current and anticipated needs and interests of the public

2. Accuracy and currency of content

3. Relevancy

4. Price

5. Condition

6. Format and ease of use

7. Awards, recognitions, and reviews from recognized and evaluative sources

8. Hardware and software requirements

9. Availability of materials through our shared catalog PrairieCat and from the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)

10. Sharing with neighboring libraries, cooperative buying of expensive reference materials, so as not to duplicate them.

As general guidelines for materials selection, the South Beloit Public Library Board of Trustees adopts the American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Rights.”

Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

• Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

1. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

2. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

3. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.

Controversial materials and censorship

The library aims for as balanced a collection as possible within the constraints of budget, space and staff limitations. The responsibility of the library is to serve all the community and not to promote, or censor, any particular political, moral, philosophical or religious convention or opinion, but proper consideration will be given to the contemporary mores of society and of the community.

The selection of library materials is predicated on the individual’s right to read and his or her freedom from censorship by others. Many materials are controversial and any given item may offend some people. Selection for this library will not, however, be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the material in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the needs and interests of the community. The library holds that censorship is purely an individual matter and declares that, while anyone is free to reject for himself or herself materials of which he or she does not approve, he or she cannot restrict the freedom of others to have access to them.

With respect to the use of library materials by children, the decision as to what a minor may read, hear or view is the responsibility of his or her parent or guardian. Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that controversial materials may come into the hands of children.

Gifts and Memorials

The library accepts donations of books and most other materials, but it does with the explicit understanding that such materials will be added to the collection only if they are needed and meet the selection criteria that apply to library purchases. The library does not accept gift subscriptions to magazines or newspapers. The library reserves the right to utilize gifts as it sees fit and to dispose of gifts which are unsuitable or unneeded in the collection. Donations will not be returned to the donor.

When a cash gift is received for the purchase of materials or other resources, whether as a memorial or for any other purpose, the general nature or subject area of the item(s) to be purchased may be specified by the donor. Selection of specific titles will be made in accordance with the needs and selection policy of the library.

Collection Management

In order to maintain a collection that is current, reliable, in good condition, well-used and which relates to the needs and interest of the library’s users, materials are withdrawn on a systematic and continual basis. Materials are withdrawn when they are dated, inaccurate, in poor condition, and on the basis of circulation statistics.

Reconsideration

Any South Beloit cardholder who questions material in the collection may bring this concern to the Library Director. If the matter is not resolved, the patron may be given a request for reconsideration form. Materials held by other libraries available through interlibrary loan are not subject to reconsideration.

Formal requests for reconsideration may only be made by a South Beloit cardholder. For each item to be reconsidered, cardholders must submit a completed Reconsideration Request form. The patron will receive a letter acknowledging receipt of the Request for Reconsideration within 30 days and advising that a written response to the Request will be sent within the next 30 days. The Library Director will review the item in question applying the Materials Selection Policy and make a decision regarding the retention of the material. The individual who submitted the form will be notified of the Director’s decision in writing within 60 days of the original request.

If this individual is not satisfied with the decision of the Library Director, that person may appeal the decision in writing to the Library Board of Trustees within 30 days of the Director’s decision. The Board of Trustees will then review the matter and make a final decision. The decision on reconsideration of a specific item will remain in effect for three years. Material and resources undergoing review in a formal request for reconsideration process will not be withdrawn from the collection pending resolution of the process.

The library subscribes to services that offer access to downloadable and/or streaming materials, which are selected and weeded by the companies that offer the services and/or a centralized Collection Development team. When content is provided by third-party vendors, the library might not have any control over the content provided though it will provide suggestions for adding, removing, or providing an avenue for patron feedback on the content.

The Library Board of Trustees adopts the most current versions of the following Intellectual Freedom Policies, Statements, and Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights (ALA.org):

• Access to Digital Resources and Services

• Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors

• Access to Library Resources and Services Regardless of Sex, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sexual Orientation

• Challenged Resources

• Diverse Collections

• Economic Barriers to Information Access

• Education and Information Literacy

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evaluating Library Collections

• Expurgation of Library Materials

• Freedom to Read Statement

• Freedom to View Statement

• Internet Filtering

• Labeling Systems

• Library-Initiated Programs and Displays as a Resource

• Meeting Rooms

• Minors and Online Activity

• Politics and American Libraries

• Privacy

• Rating Systems

• Religion in American Libraries

• Restricted Access to Library Materials

• Services to People with Disabilities

• Universal Right to Free Expression

• User-Initiated Exhibits, Displays, and Bulletin Boards

• Visual and Performing Arts in Libraries

*Texts of these are included in an appendix to this policy at the library.

*This policy will be reviewed the Library Board biennially

Policy updated Sept 2024

South Beloit Public Library Board Policy

LIBRARY PHOTOGRAPH AND VIDEO POLICY

The South Beloit Public Library has a significant interest in maintaining an environment that allows patrons to freely access library information and resources. This significant interest requires the library to maintain policies that protect the privacy of its patrons and staff members and ensures their freedom from harassment, intimidation, and threats to their safety and well-being. In order to provide appropriate safeguards against such behavior and enforce policies and procedure addressing that behavior when it occurs, the library has adopted the following policy regarding the taking of photographs or videos inside the library.

General Policy

Permission is not required for taking photographs or videos in public areas of the building for personal, noncommercial use if no tripods, lights, or other specialized equipment is used. However, there may be library locations and/or exhibition areas where the taking of photographs or videos is restricted or prohibited (i.e., restrooms, rooms reserved for nursing, child care areas). Taking photographs or videos of, or in, areas reserved for staff use is prohibited. If tripods, lights, or other specialized equipment is to be used, requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Persons taking photographs and videos shall not (i) compromise a patron or staff member’s right to privacy, (ii) harass, intimidate, or threaten a patron or staff member, or (iii) block aisles, walkways, stairwells, doors, or exits.

Exterior Photography and Videos

Taking photographs and videos outside of the library and/or of the library grounds does not require permission. However, the activity may not impede the ingress or egress of patrons or staff to or from the library building.

Commercial Photography

The library may permit use of its facilities for the taking of commercial photographs or videos if the project does not interfere with the mission of the library and is in accordance with the rest of this policy. The library will charge a fee to offset costs incurred by the library to provide access to the facility and prior permission must be sought at least one week in advance.

Photography and Videos of Materials and Resources

The library permits the taking of photographs and videos of its publicly-available collections. However, patrons are solely responsible for obtaining consent or other permission when taking photographs or videos of copyrighted materials.

Library Photography, Videos, and Recording

The library may take photos, videos, and recordings at the library and during library events to use in its publicity material and on its website and social media sites. The library reserves the right to document its services and the public’s use of the library building and grounds. These photographs, videos, audio recordings may be copied, displayed, televised, and published (including on any library website or social media site). Any individual that does not wish the library to use a photograph or video of them or their child should inform the library staff member prior to or while such photographs or videos are being taken.

Library Board Meetings

Pursuant to Section 120/2.05 of the Illinois Open Meeting Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.), any person may record the proceedings of the Library Board and other meeting required by the Act to be open to the public. The recordings may be made by tape, film, other means and shall not disrupt the meeting or create a safety hazard.

Liability

Persons involved in taking photographs or videos are solely liable for any injury to persons or property that result from their activities on library property. They also have sole responsibility for obtaining all necessary releases and permissions required by law from persons who can be identified in any photograph or video or for copyrighted materials. The library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases or permissions.

Right Subject to Compliance with Policy

The library reserves the right to ask any individual or group violating this policy to cease the taking of photographs or videos.

Policy updated Dec 2019

PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY

The South Beloit Public Library encourages and welcomes public participation and input, and will hear any interested individual pursuant to the guidelines outlined in this policy. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all persons are allowed time to address the Board while permitting the Board to conduct its meeting in an efficient and effective manner.

Therefore, at each open meeting, a period of time not to exceed thirty (30) minutes will be devoted to concerns presented by the public. Unless otherwise allowed by the President or designee, all public comment shall occur only during the public comment portion of the meeting.

The following rules shall govern speakers who address the Board:

1. Members of the public are asked to sign the sign-in sheet prior to the call to order. The sign-in sheet will request the person’s name, topic to be addressed, and group affiliation (if any). A person may sign the sign-in sheet until public comment period begins, at which time public comment will be taken and sign-ins will cease.

2. Each speaker will be permitted to address the Board as a whole for three (3) minutes. Speakers are asked to adhere to time allocated.

a. If more than one member from a group wishes to speak, the group must select one representative of the group to present the group’s view. In such a case, the representative will be allowed to speak for five (5) minutes.

1. Comments should be brief and to the point. Language that is considered offensive, harassing, or profane will not be tolerated. No discussion will be permitted on items regarding specific Library personnel.

2. During a Special Meeting, comments should be germane to the agenda.

3. The President of the meeting may cut off comments which are irrelevant, repetitious, scurrilous, or disruptive.

4. No person may assign their time to any other person.

5. Members of the public shall not be allowed to speak a second time until all members of the audience who wish to speak have had the opportunity to do so.

6. A response from the Board is not required.

7. Minutes are a summary of the Board’s discussion and actions. Speaker requests to append written statements or correspondence to the minutes will not be honored. Written materials presented to the Board will be included in the library files rather than the minutes.

Adopted: March 2022

REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER POLICY

The South Beloit Public Library Board, administration, and staff acknowledge that registered sex offenders live within the communities we serve.

Public libraries are recognized as a community gathering place and a primary point for information of all kinds. The Library acknowledges that the right to some level of access to a public library is constitutionally protected under the first amendment right to receive information. To that end, all individuals are welcome in our library, provided that in doing so they do not violate the law or any library policies/procedures.

Like many other states, the state of Illinois enacted the “Sex Offender Registration Act” (730 ILCS 150/1, et Seq.) which requires all persons adjudicated sexually dangerous who are later released, or found to be no longer sexually dangerous and discharged, to register with proper local law enforcement authorities so that their whereabouts are known by these authorities. The “Sex Offender Registration Act” also prohibits child sex offenders from residing within 500 feet of a school, park, playground or other facility providing services exclusively to persons under the age of 18. As public libraries do not provide services exclusively to persons under the age of 18, registered sex offenders in Illinois can live within 500 feet of a public library.

Areas of Access

Whenever a registered sex offender wishes to enter the South Beloit Public Library, they need to be aware of the following limitations with regard to where they can go and what they can take part in while on library property.

Registered sex offenders MAY NOT:

1. Loiter or linger outdoors on Library property.

2. Loiter or linger the lobby or other common areas of the library.

3. Be present in any of the areas of the Library that are primarily for the use of minors, including but limited to the Children’s or Young Adult/Middle School areas as a whole, any storytime area or any area being used for a Children’s or Young Adult/Middle School programming.

4. Attend Library programming whose audience/participants can be reasonably expected to contain minors.

Registered sex offenders MAY:

1. Visit the library collection areas intended for adults.

2. Use a public computer – Registered sex offenders are not permitted to utilize any computer system in the Children’s area or any other area that may be designed for the use of minors but shall have access to the other public computer systems as availability permits.

3. Request and receive quality adult reference service, place holds on library material, check out materials with a library card in good standing, and otherwise receive access to Library information.

4. Attend Library programming intended exclusively for adults.

Parental Rights

If they are the parent or legal guardian of a minor child (with proper paperwork documenting this), a registered sex offender may accompany that child into areas of the Library facility that are primarily for the use of minors, into programs intended for minors, etc., so long as abuse is not suspected and the minor remains with the registered sex offender the entire time.

Staff Expectations

With regard to staff knowledge of use of public library facilities by registered sex offenders, staff are not expected to regularly review the registered sex offender database. However, Library staff may know that an individual is a registered sex offender because the individual has self-identified, law enforcement has provided identification, or staff may have independent personal knowledge. In such cases, the Charge Person (the Director, or in their absence, the Assistant Director, or in their absence, the senior staff person) in the library should be notified and should advise the sex offender of the Registered Sex Offender Policy.

If another patron advises staff that a registered sex offender is on the premises, the patron will be allowed to point out the individual and, if possible provide the name of the alleged sex offender. The Charge Person in the library will then be notified and review the sex offender database to confirm whether the individual is a registered sex offender.

If the individual is a registered sex offender, the Charge Person will advise the sex offender of the Registered Sex Offender Policy.

If the name of the purported sex offender cannot be obtained or the fact that the individual is a registered sex offender cannot be confirmed, the individual will not be approached and the governance of the Registered Sex Offender Policy will suffice.

Adopted: July 2024

South Beloit Public Library Board Policy

PATRON OF CONDUCT

The South Beloit Public Library is dedicated to providing access to knowledge and information through reading, writing, quiet contemplation, and the use of technology. The Library is committed to providing patrons with access to materials and services without being disturbed or impeded and providing patrons and employees with a secure and comfortable environment.

The Illinois Local Library Act (75 ILCS 5 et seq.) provides the Board of Library Trustees with the general power to carry out the spirit and intent of the Act in establishing and maintaining the Library and providing Library services, and the specific power to “exclude from the use of the Library any person who willfully violates the rules prescribed by the Board.”

The South Beloit Public Library staff will be respectful of all patrons and will enforce the Patron Code of Conduct to ensure that the Library is preserved for the purposes for which it is intended. The library staff will uphold all federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and the South Beloit Public Library Policies in regard to public behavior.

Patrons are expected to follow staff directives regarding use of the Library. Patrons are expected to abide by all federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and the South Beloit Public Library Policies in regard to public behavior. Patrons who violate the Patron Code of Conduct and/or disregard staff directives, may be asked to leave the Library. Suspension of Library privileges may result. Written records of Library suspensions and incident reports will be kept on file with the Library Director. As necessary, the South Beloit Police Department may be called.

Patrons may not interfere with the use of the library by other patrons or interfere with staff performance of their duties. Patrons may not use language or engage in behavior that offends, threatens, or insults groups or individuals, based on:

Race, creed, color, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, physical appearance, physical or mental ability, socioeconomic level, education level, and any other legally protected characteristics.

Patrons are expected to respect the rights of others and to work together to create an environment conducive to the equitable and enjoyable use of the Library by all patrons. Disruptive behavior inhibits equitable and enjoyable use and will not be permitted in the Library or on its grounds.

Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to:

· Using loud, abusive, threatening or insulting language or behavior

· Engaging in the sexual harassment of patrons or staff, including but not limited to:

-making inappropriate personal comments or sexual advances;

-using obscene or lewd language or gestures, staring at, or following a patron, volunteer, or staff in a manner that reasonably can be expected to disturb them; or

– exposing others to sexual content (additional information on internet usage can be found in the Internet Access Policy)

· Possessing uncovered beverages and food

· Smoking, including vaping and e-cigarettes, within the library or within 15 feet of the library entrances and exits

· Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including cannabis

· Using rollerblades, roller skates, or skateboards on library property

· Using the library to store belongings or leaving belongings unattended

· Bringing an animal into the building unless it is a service animal, or permission was granted by the Library Director to be used for a library program

· Lying or lounging on the floor or sleeping anywhere in the building or on the library property

· Lying on furniture or moving furniture in any way or to any location which may impede safe or easy passage

· Using the facilities to store personal belongings as Library staff is not responsible for monitoring and safeguarding patrons’ belongings and all unattended belongings will be removed

· Vandalizing library facilities, equipment, or materials, including damaging or interfering with computer system hardware or software configurations (additional information on computer use guidelines can be found in the Internet Access Policy)

· Engaging in any other behavior that could easily be expected to disturb other patrons, inhibit other patrons’ access to the library facility or materials, or interfere with library employees’ performance of duties

· Leaving a child age 8 or under at the library without a responsible caregiver (responsible must be at least 14 years old)

The South Beloit Public Library Board Trustees establishes its conduct ordinance as follows:

Section 1.

A patron who engages in any activity which materially disrupts the use of library facilities, collections, or services by patrons or materially disrupts the ability of the staff to perform its duties shall cease such activity immediately upon request by library personnel.

Section 2.

In such instances involving minors, identification will be requested and the incident may be reported to the parent or guardian.

Section 3.

If, following a request, the patron fails or refuses to comply or responds to the request in an abusive fashion, he or she will be required to leave the library premises immediately for the balance of that calendar day. If he or she fails to leave, the police will be summoned.

Section 4.

Library personnel will record instances in which patrons are required to leave the library in a ledger maintained by the library for that purpose. Upon the second recorded instance in which a patron is required to leave the library premises within a thirty (30) day period or the third recorded instance in which a patron is required to leave the library premises within a ninety (90) day period, the Director shall bar the patron from use of library premises for a period of thirty (30) days. Parents or guardians of minors will be notified in writing after the first recorded instance in which a minor is required to leave the library and advised of the consequences of any further recorded instances.

Section 5.

Patrons and parents or guardians of minor patrons wishing to appeal such action may do so upon written request to the Board of Library Trustees at the Library’s address.

Section 6.

In the event a patron barred from the use of the library attempts entry to the library during any such period of exclusion, the police will be summoned and informed of the prior action which led to the barring of the patron.

Section 7.

In the event the patron persists in abusive conduct or disruptive behavior following such a period of exclusion, the Director shall report to the Board of Library Trustees at the first regular board meeting such conduct following prior exclusion and the Board will consider a long-term exclusion of that patron.

Police updated May 2025

South Beloit Public Library Board Policy

UNATTENDED CHILDREN

South Beloit Public Library welcomes children and families at our facility, but we understand that young children require constant supervision, which Library staff is unable to provide. To protect children while using the Library and to provide all customers with a public facility that is safe, pleasant, and conducive to appropriate library use, the following must be observed:

• Children ages 8 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver.

• A responsible caregiver must be at least fourteen (14) years old.

• Caregivers are responsible for the behavior and supervision of children in their care while at the Library.

If children ages 8 and younger are unattended in the Library, Library staff will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of the child. If the parent or guardian cannot be located, for safety reasons, staff may contact the South Beloit Police Department.

Any minor child who requires repeated intervention by Library staff may be asked to leave the library, and Library staff may contact the child’s parents/guardians.

Policy reviewed June 2022