Library Policies

View or download individual policies with these links:

Donations Policy

The library will accept item donations with the understanding that they will not necessarily be added to the library’s collection. The material will be judged by the same standards of selection as those applied to the purchase of new materials. If the materials are not suitable because of condition, out-dated knowledge or other factors, they will be discarded.

The library frequently receives from an individual or an organization the gift of a book, a group of books, or a sum of money for the purchase of books in memory of a family member, friend or co-worker. Library selection standards apply in these cases. A memorial gift plate is placed in these books. The library does not set aside a special section or shelf for gift or memorial books.

The library welcomes cash donations, gifts of real property, stocks and bonds. It is our custom to expend cash gifts on materials, equipment, or a project which is acceptable to a donor. Although there may be an occasion in which the restrictions set by the donor make it impossible for the library to accept the contribution. All donations are subject to the approval of the Director and the Library Board of Trustees.

Donations of art objects and other types of materials are welcomed. Final decision on acceptance lies with the Director and the Library Board of Trustees.

All donations are accepted with the understanding that it may someday be necessary they be sold or disposed of in the best interest of the library. The library cannot commit itself to perpetually housing a donation. Gifts of local historical content must be given without restrictions or exclusions.

Behavior in the Library Policy

Rules of Conduct on Library Premises

Library patrons have a right to expect that the library will be quiet, safe, and an enjoyable place for reading and study.  The Library Director and authorized staff are responsible for enforcing patron conduct in the library and on library premises.  Anyone found to be interfering with another's use and enjoyment of the library will be asked to stop the behavior or activity.  If the behavior continues, the staff will ask the individual to leave the library. Failure to leave will result in the staff calling for assistance.

  1. No smoking in the library.
  2. No food, drink, or gum in the library.
  3. Pets of any kind will not be allowed.
  4. Appropriate clothing is required which includes shirts and shoes.  No rollerblades allowed. Flyers, brochures, pamphlets, etc. may be accepted for display which describe an event or activity of public interest.  No announcements of a strictly personal nature will be accepted.  In no case will the library staff participate in the distribution of any but library generated publications.
  5. Solicitation of funds within the library will not be permitted.
  6. Preschoolers may not be left unattended in the library unless they are participating in a library program.  In the case of children being unattended the following will occur:  a staff member will accompany the child within the building to reunite them with the adult in charge, or if the child is alone in the library, a staff member will call the parents and request that they pick up the child.
  7. The telephone is for business use of the staff.  Patrons may use the phone for emergency use only.
  8. Unattended school age children are free to use the library facilities provided their behavior is not disruptive to other patrons or to the staff members.  The library is not to be used as after school or daytime child care.  The District Board of Trustees asserts that it is the parents' responsibility to provide child care.
  9. Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children, whether or not the parents are in attendance.  Disruptive children, attended or unattended, may be asked to leave the library after one warning.  Library staff may notify the appropriate authorities if they have reason to suspect that there is significant evidence of abuse or neglect.
  10. All library users must conform to acceptable standards of hygiene and cleanliness in order to prevent the disturbance of other library users and their use of the facility.  Patrons exhibiting unsanitary hygiene may be asked to leave the premises.
  11. Failure to abide by the rules of the library will be a basis for suspension of library privileges.
  12. The following actions may result in the loss of library privileges: using another patron's library card for personal use, fighting or other disruptive behavior, abusive language, defacing or abusing library property, and taking materials from the library without checking them out.
  13. Library users may not harass or bother other library users or library employees on library property.  The library enforces a comprehensive harassment policy which also covers sexual harassment.
  14. The library grounds and parking lot should not be used as a playground.  The library assumes no liability for individuals using the library property during hours in which the library is closed.
  15. Loitering in the library building, the foyer, or on the library premises is prohibited.  Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of the public library while in the building.  Patrons not engaged in reading, stuydying, or using library materials or services shall be required to leave the library premises.

Community Room Policy

The Community Room may be used at no charge by non-profit organizations/groups within the Robert W. Rowe Public Library District.  Other organizations/groups will be charged a $75.00 janitorial fee.

  • Groups using the Community Room are responsible for setting up the room to their requirements and returning the library property to its proper place. Any group leaving the Community  Room in poor order may have their privileges revoked.
  • Groups may not store equipment and supplies in the room.
  • Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the premises.
  • Groups of individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult sponsor  who shall be held responsible for the group.
  • Application for use of the room must be made on the "Robert W. Rowe Public Library Community Room" form.  See Appendix C.
  • Reservations may be canceled if the room is needed by the library.
  • This application does not guarantee usage approval.  Application are approved on a first-come, first served basis.
  • The person making the reservation must be present during the scheduled activity.  This person, as well as the requesting organization, shall be responsible for any and all damages that may occur.
  • The Board of Trustees will require compensation for damage to library property by the organization or group causing the damage whether such damage was deliberate or accidental.  Such compensation will be based upon the cost of repair or replacement.

Collection Development

The authority and responsibility for the selection, acquisition, and weeding of the library materials in all formats are delegated to the library director and, under his or her direction, to additional staff members who are qualified for this activity.  These materials will be selected in a variety of formats including but not limited to: print, DVD, sound recording, and electronic media.

Reviews in professionally recognized periodicals are a primary source for materials selection. Standard bibliographies, book lists by recognized authorities, including best seller lists, and the advice of competent people in specific subject areas will also be used.

In accordance with the American Library Association (ALA) guidelines including the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements and the Library Bill of Rights, the Robert W. Rowe Public Library District sees as its function to provide materials for all ages, from preschool through maturity. The aim of the adult collection is to make available items that will meet the educational, informational, cultural, and recreational interests and needs of the patrons. To fulfill this purpose, the library endeavors to maintain a carefully selected collection of good, representative books of permanent value and current interest. Each title is judged as whole and isolated passages are not used as criteria.

The children’s collection is selected to provide pleasurable reading for reading’s sake and to provide information of all fields of knowledge which are of interest to children. The collection is selected for children of all ages and abilities and emphasis is placed upon books which stimulate imagination, mental growth, and the development of good taste in literature.

The library will provide materials treating all sides of controversial issues – materials that give evidence of a sincere desire to be factual, that are written in a reasonable fashion and show result of careful study.

Materials on controversial issues that are written in a violent, sensational, or inflammatory manner will ordinarily not be selected. Books of doubtful value about which there is great curiosity, will occasionally be acquired by the library.  These materials will  be discarded when they have served the purpose of meeting a strong, though temporary demand.

Responsibility for the reading material of children and adolescents rests with the parents or legal guardians. While a person may reject materials for himself or herself or for his or her children, he or she cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials of others. When a patron voices objections to a particular item held in the library’s collection, a Request for Reconsideration form (See Appendix A) will be filled out and reviewed by the Director.

Circulation Policy

Length of loan periods shall be as follows:

  • Books, audio books: Three (3) weeks
  • Magazines, new books: Two (2) weeks
  • DVDs: Two (2) weeks
Most items may be renewed for a maximum of two (2) renewals. New books may not be renewed if there is a reserve placed on it by another patron.

Fine schedule shall be as follows:

  • Books, audio books, magazines, new books: Fine free
  • DVDs: $0.50 a day

Fines will also be assessed on overdue items in the book drop. Patrons will be given a one-day grace period for fines on all materials. Use of the library and library services may be suspended until payment is made. The maximum fine will be $10.00 for all items, not to exceed the cost of replacing the item, including preparation costs.

The library staff may, at their discretion, specify dates for the return of overdue items without a fine.

There is no limit to the number of items that may be checked out at one time, providing it does not deplete the collection in one area. The exception would be a limit of five (5) DVDs.

Lost or damaged books or items will be paid for by the patron at the current list price. If an interlibrary loan item is lost or damaged, charges will be assessed to the patron based on the advice of the owning library agency. Use of the library may be suspended until payment is made. If the cost of the lost materials exceeds $50.00, the patron’s account will be forwarded to a collection agency.

Reference materials may not be checked out of the library.

A patron may be allowed to reserve library materials.

Patrons will be required to use their library card when borrowing library materials.

A schedule of all fees and fines will be posted at the circulation desk. This schedule will include fees for photo copies, faxes, laser printouts, meeting room rental, and others deemed necessary by the director or Library Board of Trustees.

Revised 1/11/22

Computer/Internet Use Policy

Public Access to Electronic Information Networks

Libraries make it possible for citizens to have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.  As a member of the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET), the Robert W. Rowe Public Library is committed to networking which represents good public policy by maximizing the use of the resources of all types of libraries.  Every library user benefits from expanded access to information beyond the four walls of a single library building.

The Robert W. Rowe Public Library and all ILLINET libraries use electronic information networks such as the Internet for a variety of purposes:

  1. Access to shared automation systems that provide bibliographic access to the collections of the local library and libraries in the region and across the state
  2. Access to the wealth of information resources available via the Internet
  3. Access to general and specialized shared licensed databases available to ILLINET member libraries through regional and statewide cooperative programs.

"Global" versus "Local" Resources

Most resources available via the Internet and electronic information networks are "global" resources rather than "local" resources.  The Robert W. Rowe Public Library does not and cannot control the information content available through global resources such as information obtained from outside sources via the Internet.  Internet resources enhance and supplement resources that are available locally within a library.  Library users must be aware that the Robert W. Rowe Public Library does not exercise control over information obtained via the Internet and must keep in mind the following points when evaluating information obtained via the Internet:

  1. Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable and may or may not be obtained from a reliable source.
  2. Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be accurate.
  3. Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be current and up to date.
  4. Links to information on the Internet may or may not always be valid, and particular information sites on the Internet may sometimes be unavailable and this unavailability often occurs unpredictably.
  5. Certain information obtained via the Internet may be considered controversial by some library patrons.

Library patrons are urged to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet. The Robert W. Rowe Public Library is not responsible for damages, direct or indirect, arising from a library patron's use of Internet information resources.

Library Patron's Rights

Library patrons have certain rights with respect to use of electronic information networks such as the Internet.  The Robert W. Rowe Public Library will work with other libraries in the Illinois Library and Information Network to preserve and protect these rights, subject to limitations imposed by licensing and payment agreements with database providers.

  1. Library patrons have the right to confidentiality and privacy in the use of electronic information networks to the extent possible given constraints such as proximity of other patrons and staff in public access settings.
  2. Library patrons have the right to equitable access to electronic information networks.
  3. Library patrons have the right to access and read all library service policies and discuss questions with appropriate library staff.

Patron Assistance and Instruction

The staff of the Robert W. Rowe Public Library may provide assistance to patrons in the use of electronic information networks as time and staff knowledge permits. Printed and on-line documentation and instructions are available at or near points of service.

Use of Equipment and Networks

The Robert W. Rowe Public Library requires that library patrons using electronic information networks such as the Internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use.  The following activities are unacceptable:

  1. Use of the electronic information networks for any purpose which results in the harassment of other users.
  2. Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of the library's computer equipment, software, or network security procedures.
  3. Use of electronic information networks in any way, which violates a Federal or State law.
  4. Use of electronic information networks in any way which violates licensing and payment agreements between the Robert W. Rowe Public Library and network/database providers.
  5. Unauthorized duplication of copy protected software or violation of software license agreements.
  6. Violation of system security.
  7. Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to overuse of computer equipment which serves to deny access to other users.

Children's Access to Electronic Information Networks

The Robert W. Rowe Public Library supports the right of all library users to access information and will not deny access to electronic information networks based solely on age.

The Robert W. Rowe Public Library recognizes that electronic information networks such as the Internet may contain material that in inappropriate for children.  In order to use a computer with full access to the Internet, children between the ages of 14-16 must have an Internet Permission Form signed by a parent or legal guardian, This Internet Permission Form will be kept on file at the library.

Children under the age of 14 (minor) must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult, age of eighteen (18) or older.  Parents, or responsible adult, are expected to remain in the library building to monitor and supervise their children's use of the Internet.  Library staff is unable to monitor children's use. The library assumes no liability for any access a child might make to sites or information the parent may feel is inappropriate. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic network safety.

The multi-media computers located in the reference area are for public use.
Children under the age of eight (8) need the direct supervision of a parent or adult sitting with them.
Times for computer usage may be reserved.  Time may be limited to one half hour time slots but may be extended if no one is waiting.
Nothing is to be put into the hard drive, no files are to be saved there, and no programs are to be installed.  Nothing is to be deleted from the hard drive except by library staff.
Use of the computer is free for valid RAILS library cardholders but printing fees will be $.10 per black and white page or $.25 per colored page.  Guest passes will be issued at $1.00 per session on the discretion of the library staff.

As not to disturb others, cell phone usage is to be limited to the library foyer or outside.