Library Policies

Cell Phone Policy

Manteno Public Library allows the use of cell phones in compliance with the following expectations. Your cooperation is requested.

1. When you enter the library, we ask that you turn the ringer on your cell phone to vibrate or off.
2. Be considerate of those around you, and keep your conversations short and your voice lowered when using your cell phone.
3. If you need to have an extended conversation (longer than 2 minutes), please step out to the foyer or outside the building to take the call.
4. Please refrain from using your cell phone at the patron computers and in the reading room if possible.

If you wish to report inappropriate cell phone use, contact a library staff member at the circulation desk.

COMPUTER/INTERNET POLICY

The Manteno Public Library reserves the right to limit, refuse, and/or ban any patron from using the library equipment and computers. Violation of any aspect of this policy may result in the loss of computer and/or library privileges. Usage of the
library’s computers constitutes acceptance of this policy.

Youth Requirements:

• Patrons under the age of 18 must have their parent/guardian sign a permission card. Patrons under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• The Manteno Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the computer or Internet by children. It is the responsibility of the user (or parent/guardian) to determine what is appropriate.
• The library has installed filtering software on all access Internet stations. Parents should be aware that no filtering software is foolproof. Occasionally, a useful site may be blocked or access is allowed to a site that some might find objectionable.

General Requirements:

• All Manteno Public Library District residents need a valid Manteno Public Library card. Out of town users must show driver’s license or military ID, State ID, or school ID and will be issued a guest pass.
• Patrons wishing to use the library’s computers must agree to the Manteno Public Library District Internet Use Policy.
• Each patron is allowed a 1-hour session on computer stations, which may be extended if needed. Once patron logs out of session there is a 3-hour waiting time before patron can begin another session on computer.
• All users of the Internet at the Manteno Public Library District are expected to use this resource in a responsible and ethical manner. The display of text or graphics, which may reasonably be construed as inappropriate in a library by Library staff, is prohibited.

Responsibility of Patron:

• A minimal level of competence is required of users. Because of limitations, staff may not always be available to assist at this time. The staff does not offer personal Internet and basic computer operation training.
• Download and upload to a flash drive. Patrons must provide their own flash drives. Library is not responsible for damage to storage media or devices or loss of data while using the library’s computers. Patrons may not use personal software or alter or attach equipment to the library’s hardware.
• Use of Internet workstations is for LEGAL purposes only. Use of the workstation for any ILLEGAL purposes including software piracy is NOT permitted. Misuse or abuses will result in suspension of computer privileges for a 1period of time as defined by Library staff.
• Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to: harassment of other users, libeling or slandering other users, destruction or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library or others, disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications or unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material
• Users may be held responsible for damage to computers.
• Viewing of pictorial sexually explicit web sites creates a harassing/hostile/uncomfortable atmosphere for many fellow library users. If you are observed engaging in this behavior you are subject to losing your library public Internet use privileges.

Amended 2-17-09
Revised 4-17-12, Amended 08-19-14, Amended 7-16-19, Reviewed 4-19-2022
Amended 4-18-23, Reviewed 4-16-24

Collection Development and Materials Selection Policy

Purpose of Policy

The Manteno Public Library District (MPLD) is dedicated to fulfilling its vision and mission by offering a comprehensive selection of resources in all formats to its community. The MPLD’s Collection Development and Materials Selection Policy outlines its approach for selecting, evaluating, enhancing, and maintaining its collection. The MPLD values inclusivity and strives to present a diverse range of viewpoints, cultural representation, and experiences. The MPLD also recognizes the importance of value and space in providing materials that cater to the informational, educational, and recreational needs of all ages. To this end, the collection is thoughtfully curated, emphasizing both quality and quantity while staying within the constraints of budget and space.

Responsibility and Authority for Selection

The overall responsibility for collection development rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of policies set out by the Board of Library Trustees. Under the guidance of the Director, material selection responsibilities are shared or delegated to trained staff members. The library staff select, evaluate, and remove materials based upon their professional judgement, reputable resources, and their knowledge of the community’s needs. No employee may be disciplined or dismissed for the selection of library materials when the selection is made in good faith and in accordance with the written policy required to be established pursuant to Illinois Library Law.

Material Selection Criteria

The staff at Manteno Public Library use their professional judgement and expertise to make informed decisions about material selection and replacement. A variety of sources are considered, including reviews from professionally recognized periodicals, standard bibliographies, book lists by recognized authorities, popular magazines and best seller lists, and patron and staff requests. Each type of material must be considered in terms of its own excellence and the audience for whom it is intended. No single standard can be applied to each item or source, the following general criteria are considered when selecting materials for purchase:

• Popular Demand
• Value of Information
• Accuracy of information and relation to existing holdings
• Representation of inclusive experiences and diverse viewpoints
• Relevance to Community Interests, Recreational, Educational Interests, and Languages Spoken
• Relevance or timeliness
• Authority of the author in the field
• Representation of Varying Points of View
• Support of school curricula or library programs and initiatives
• Availability of the material from other libraries and resources
• Suitability of the format
• Price, Format or Production Quality
• Space and ease of access

Retention and Maintenance of the Collection

The library’s goal is to ensure that its collections remain relevant to the needs of the community. The Library Director or assigned staff are responsible for maintaining the collection by conducting regular collection evaluations. It’s important to note that the library is not a repository, and materials are continuously reviewed and removed from the collection when necessary.

While a single standard cannot be applied to each item, qualified library staff will use the following general criteria when materials are considered for removal:

• Physical condition
• Outdated or inaccurate information
• Superseded editions or formats
• Diminished circulation
• Space limitations

Intellectual Freedom

The Manteno Public Library District selects materials in accordance with the guidelines stated by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and Freedom to View Statement, which are addendums at the end of this policy. The selection of an item in the collection does not constitute an endorsement of its content by MPLD. The choice to read, view, or listen to library materials by library users is an individual matter. Responsibility for the reading materials of children and adolescent’s rests with the parents or legal guardians and is not limited by the MPLD.

The MPLD also makes every effort to protect the intellectual freedom of the library user, and shall prevent censorship of library materials, ensuring items are not removed from the collection merely because individuals or groups object to the material. While a person may reject materials for themselves and their children, individuals cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials by others.

Reconsideration of Materials

If a patron wishes for the Manteno Public Library to reconsider an item that is currently part of the collection, the following steps will be taken:

1. The patron will be provided with a copy of the Manteno Public Library District Collection Development and Materials Selection Policy along with a Request for Reconsideration Form.
2. The patron must complete and submit the Request for Reconsideration Form.
3. Upon receipt of request, library staff will review the item, including the criteria used to select it, its significance in the collection, and the reason for it being added.
4. The Library Director will then evaluate the content and provide a written response to the patron. At this time, no removal or restriction will occur until a decision has been reached.
5. In the event that a patron is dissatisfied with the Library Director’s decision, they may appeal the matter to the Board of Trustees.

Addendums: American Library Association Documents

Library Bill of Rights

http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill

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.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which 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.
7. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

Freedom to Read Statement

http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomstatement The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.

Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.

These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials.

Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference.

Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.

We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.

The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.

We therefore affirm these propositions:

1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority. Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.
2. Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated. Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
3. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.
4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression. To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.
5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous. The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
6. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information. It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.
7. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one. The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support.

We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.

Freedom to View Statement

http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomviewstatement

The FREEDOM TO VIEW, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore, these principles are affirmed:

1. To provide the broadest access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.
2. To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials.
3. To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.
4. To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging film, video, or other audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content.
5. To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public’s freedom to view.

MANTENO PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT HOTSPOT LENDING POLICY

The Manteno Public Library District provides mobile hotspots for checkout to serve the needs of the Library and the Manteno Library community. Use of the hotspot service is governed by the policy established by the Library Board of Trustees and any applicable rules or regulations adopted by the Library. The Director, as the executor of the policy for the Board of Trustees, has discretion in determining what use is “in the best interest of the Library” and is authorized to act accordingly, including limiting the use of the hotspot service by individuals whose activities interfere with library operations, adversely affect public safety, or cause public disturbances. The Board of Trustees may modify, amend or supplement this policy, as it deems necessary and appropriate.

BORROWER QUALIFICATIONS

Hotspots shall only be borrowed by Manteno Public Library Cardholders:

• who are 18 years and older

• who are in good standing (i.e., current library card, no overdue library material, no outstanding fines) and;

• who have had a library card for 30 days**

• THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THESE CRITERIA.

**New card holders must establish a borrowing record within the first 30 days with at least two

(2) checkouts. If an individual has had a library card from another PrairieCat Library or Illinois Library, the former library will be contacted to see if the patron is in good standing and has an established borrowing record.

LIMITS AND AVAILABILITY

• Hotspots are checked out on a first-come, first-served basis.

• A current library card OR a current driver’s license or state ID must be present at the time of checkout.

• Hotspots are limited to one device per household.

• When a hotspot is returned, there is a 48-hour waiting period before another hotspot may be checked out by someone in the same household.

• Borrowers cannot loan a hotspot to another person.

• Hotspots are checked out for seven (7) days and are NOT renewable.

• Once a hotspot is checked out, it becomes the responsibility of the patron until returned to the library staff.

• Signal strength may vary by location and the library cannot guarantee connectivity.

• Hotspots must be returned to a staff member at the front desk. Do not place the hotspot in the book drop or leave it unattended at the front desk, otherwise there will be a fine added to the patron account.

• All components (hotspot, USB adapter, USB charging cord, hard shell case, instruction sheet, id tag) must be present and in good condition upon return for the library to consider the item checked in.

• The hotspot should be returned to the library as soon as possible if any technical problems are encountered.

• Hotspots that are five (5) days overdue will be turned off meaning its wireless service will be discontinued. The hotspot will be unusable, and the cardholder will be charged for all kit costs, including but not limited to any service fees, and the patron’s account will be blocked until the device is returned.

• Cardholders assume responsibility for the cost of repair or replacement in the event that the hotspot and/or its accessories are lost, stolen, or damaged.

FINES AND FEES

• Late fees are assessed at $2.00 per day.

• A patron will be charged $5.00 for returning a hotspot in the library book drops.

• A patron’s account will be blocked, and full replacement cost will be added to their account for not returning a hotspot.

• Hotspot users are responsible for damage, loss, theft, and/or International Roaming charges accrued due to data usage outside of the United States.

  ITEM	REPLACEMENT COST
  Hotspot Device	$85.00
  Case	$15.00
  USB Charging Cord	$6.00
  USB Adapter	$6.00
  Tag on Case	$3.00
  Instruction Card	$5.00
  TOTAL KIT COST	$120.00

  DISCLAIMER OF USE

• The library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of the hotspot or from its connection to Internet services.

• The library is not responsible for sites patrons encounter on the web while using these hotspots. Parents or guardians of minors assume responsibility of a minor’s use of these devices.

• The library is not responsible for any consequences incurred when patrons’ personal information is shared over the Internet.

• Unlawful use of the Internet/device is prohibited and may result in removal of hotspot privileges and/or legal prosecution. Illegal acts that involve the library’s devices are subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

  FAILURE TO COMPLY

• Library staff reserves the right to end hotspot privileges at any time.

• MPL reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who abuses equipment, returns a hotspot late more than three (3) times, or returns a hotspot in the book drop.

• Patrons that return a hotspot late three (3) times will no longer be able to check out a hotspot indefinitely.

APPEAL AND REVIEW

The Board of Trustees of the Manteno Public Library District will review the Hotspot policy and regulations periodically and reserves the right to amend them at any time. The Board authorizes the Director to waive regulations under appropriate circumstances. The Director is the chief person empowered to make decisions regarding the availability and use of the hotspots. The Director has delegated authority to approve hotspot lending usage to the Adult and Youth Services Department staff.

Any appeals for changes to, or exceptions to, any portion of the Hotpot policy will be considered. An individual wishing to file an appeal shall submit it to the Director in writing. The Director will respond in writing.

Adopted: 2-8-2020

Amended 5-19-2020

Amended 4-16-2024 Amended 8-20-2024

Interlibrary Loan Policy

INTRODUCTION

Interlibrary loan is the process by which a library requests material from, or supplies material to, another library. Manteno Public Library participates in two types of interlibrary loan: PrairieCat Requests and Out-of-System Requests. In both instances, the material requested will be sent to the Manteno Public Library and patrons can check the material out using their library card. It’s important to note that interlibrary loan is not a substitute for the library’s collection, but rather a supplement to it. Therefore, we exhaust all local resources first before requesting items from libraries outside of our system. The Manteno Public Library endorses the Illinois State Library’s ILLINET Interlibrary Loan Code.

PRAIRIECAT REQUESTS (IN-SYSTEM)

As a fully participating member of the PrairieCat consortium, the Manteno Public Library shares an automated online catalog with other member libraries. This means that Manteno Public Library patrons can request materials owned by other PrairieCat libraries at no charge. However, some items may not be eligible for holds, and this is at the discretion of the owning library. When requesting materials, patrons can either ask a staff member to place the hold, or they can do so themselves using the PrairieCat online catalog. Once the requested item becomes available, the automated system will notify the patron and hold the material for 6 business days. If the material is not picked up within the designated time period, the next patron on the waiting list will be notified of its availability. If no other patrons are waiting to use the item, it may either be sent back to the owning library or returned to general circulation.

OUT-OF-SYSTEM REQUESTS

Manteno Public Library (MPL) cardholders in good standing are eligible for out-of-system interlibrary loan services and may request up to 5 items at a time. Requests can be made in person at the circulation desk or over the phone. However, MPL will not request items that it does not loan to other out-of-system libraries. These items include, but are not limited to, reference materials, magazines, feature film DVDs, and new items less than six months old. The owning library may also determine that additional items are not eligible for interlibrary loan. Fees may apply for certain out-of-system requests. If this is the case, the requesting patron will be notified of the fee and given the option to accept or decline. If accepted, payment must be made to MPL before we can proceed with the request, and if payment is not provided within 6 days, the request will be cancelled. It is also important to keep in mind that patrons are responsible for all photocopy fees charged by the lending library.

When the requested material becomes available, the automated system will notify the patron and hold the material for 10 business days before returning it to the owning library. Regardless of when the patron picks up the item, it is checked out with the due date assigned by the loaning library. Renewals are subject to the discretion of the loaning library and are not guaranteed. To renew an item borrowed from out-of-system libraries, please notify MPL staff during normal business hours at least 5 days before the due date. Patrons will be informed of the renewal request’s status and new due date (if approved) as soon as possible. Renewals for out-of-system interlibrary loans are not available through PrairieCat.

PATRON RESPONSIBILITIES

Patrons are expected to return items by their due dates and in the same condition as received. In the event that an item is lost or damaged, the patron will be held accountable for all overdue fines, the item’s replacement cost, and any processing fees charged by the owning library. Patron-purchased replacement items will not be accepted. Repeated occurrences of lost or damaged materials or failure to meet assigned due dates may lead to the suspension of Out-Of System Interlibrary Loan privileges.

Adopted: 7/20/2023 Amended: 8/20/2024

Library Conduct Policy

To insure that all patrons have a positive experience in the Manteno Public Library, appropriate behavior is expected. Problem behavior is any behavior which either consciously or unconsciously violates or restricts the rights of others to use the library comfortably. Disruptive behaviors include, but are not limited to the following items:

1.  **Loud talking or boisterous behavior (running, excessive seat changing, etc).
2. Engage in disruptive or unsafe behavior, including interfering with the use of operations of the library by users or staff.
3. Harass library users or staff including intimidating, annoying, following or staring.
4. Inappropriate cell phone use. (Cell phone use is limited to the entry way).
5. Refusal to abide by library regulations regarding the return of materials and payment of fines.
6. Offensive language or inappropriate comments to staff or other patrons.
7. Carrying or displaying simulated or real weapons on library property except for authorized law enforcement officials.
8. The Library reserves the right to remove an unattended package from the location where it is found and to inspect such package.
9. Leave a vulnerable adult or child unattended.
10. Take photographs or videos of library users without their permission.
11. Food or drink may not be consumed in the library (except designated areas).
12. Use of tobacco products in the library and/or within 15 feet of a library entrance and/or exit. (E-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, cannabis products, vapors and herbal products).
13. Use of alcohol or illegal drugs.
14. Destruction or mutilation of library property.
15. Bringing pets or animals other than service animals necessary for disabilities or for programs the library hosts.
16. Use of hover boards, roller skates, roller blades or skate boards on library property including the Library building, walkways, entryways, parking or landscaped areas.
17. Parking bicycles or other vehicles in a manner that blocks or hinders entry to the library.
18. Conduct which is disruptive to the operation of the library or threatening to patrons, staff, or library property.
19. Block aisles, shelves, entrances or leave items unattended at any time.
20. Remove library materials from the building without checking them out.
21. Patrons must wear footwear and proper clothing providing appropriate body coverage.
22. Enter the library with hygiene conditions or unsanitary belongings that interfere with the use of the library by other patrons or staff.
23. Soliciting, sleeping, loitering, or misuse of library furniture (such as feet on furniture).
24. Use the building’s restrooms as laundry facilities, bathing facilities, or gathering places.

** The Library reserves the right to host programs that use the entire library that may create noise, e.g. treasure hunts. Notification of such programs will be posted prior to event. For schedule of regular programs please see our calendar. The library assumes that all patrons are using the library’s materials and resources for legal purposes. We assume no responsibility for those users who may use library materials or resources for illegal purposes. Illegal behavior or activities will be reported to law enforcement authorities. It is the responsibility of every staff member to ensure that the library is a pleasant environment for all patrons. If a patron is creating a disturbance or breaking one of the above mentioned rules, library staff has the authority and/or right to tell that patron to leave the library premises. The library director and board have the authority to ban repeat offenders for an extended period of time from library premises. We will bar the patron for two months after the first offense. After the second offense the patron will be barred for six months. If a third offense occurs the patron will be barred for one year. If that patron refuses to comply and continues to cause problems, the police will be contacted to eject that patron from the library premises. Anytime the police are contacted by staff, the patron will be barred for one year.

Amended 08-19-14 Amended 9-15-15  Amended 11-17-15 Amended 11-21-17 Amended 11-20-18 Amended 11-19-19 Amended 9-20-22

Meeting Room Policy

This policy is being established in order to protect all library users’ right of access to library facilities. The meeting room may be reserved in compliance with the following regulations:

1. Library Programs shall have first access to the Meeting Room.
2. Use of the Meeting Room is $75.00 up to 4 hours and $150.00 for full 8-hour day (single non-recurring meeting) for profit and non-profit organizations and available during the hours the library is open. All meetings will conclude 15 minutes before the library closes.
3. A completed request form is required and must be approved, in order for the event to be
   entered on the calendar.
4. Users of the Meeting Room are asked to help maintain its cleanliness.
5. Any meetings that would be disruptive to the use of the library are prohibited.
6. Final decision of the Meeting Room rests with the Library Board and/or Director.
7. No food or drink allowed in meeting room.

Adopted 10/20/09
Amended 07/15/14
Amended 7/21/15
Amended 7/16/19
Amended 8/20/19

Residency Requirements 

It is the policy of the Manteno Public Library District to require proof of residency to obtain a library card. Acceptable forms to prove residency in the Manteno Public Library District are:

A current Illinois Driver’s License or Illinois State Identification Card
OR 2 of the following: (Mail should be within the last 30-days by corporation or governmental agency except for Tax Bill.)

1. Title Evidence
2. Mortgage Papers
3. Lease Agreement
4. Utility Bill
5. Tax Bill
6. Current Voter’s Registration Card
7. Loan Payment Book
8. Home Insurance Policy
9. Bank Account
10. Medical Card
11. Green Card

Amended 4/21/2015
Reviewed 4/19/2022
Amended 4/18/2023
Reviewed 4/16/2024

Small Meeting Room Policy

This policy is being established in order to protect all library users’ right of access to library facilities. The small meeting room is available for individuals to read and study. The room can also be reserved in compliance with the following regulations:

1. To use the meeting room there is a charge of $15.00 for non-profit and profit organizations. This excludes any services for children or literacy.
2. A contact name and telephone number is taken at the time of reservation. The date, scheduled time, and the reason for the use of the room is entered on the calendar.
3. Scheduling requests should be made at least two weeks in advance, but will not be accepted more than two months in advance of the requested date(s).
4. The library does not guarantee exact start up time for any reservation.
5. Users of the meeting room are asked to help maintain its cleanliness.
6. Users may reserve the room for continuous use for no more than a one-hour session per day. If at the end of the one-hour session the room is still available, user may ask the circulation desk for an additional 30 minutes. If there are no other reservations at the end of their time, user can continue adding time in 30 minute increments until 2 hours is reached or there is another scheduled reservation.
7. Any meetings that would be disruptive to the use of the library are prohibited.
8. The meeting room will be available for use by one group at a time.
9. Final decision of the Small Meeting Room rests with the Library Director and/or Library Board.

UNATTENDED CHILD POLICY

Purpose The Manteno Public Library welcomes the use of its resources and facilities by children of all ages. In order to provide a safe environment for everyone that uses the library, the Board of Library Trustees has adopted this policy concerning unattended children. Parents/caregivers should be mindful that the library is a public building and open to all individuals, and that unattended children are vulnerable. Responsibility for children using the library rests solely with the parent/caregiver, not with library staff.

Guidelines: Illinois law (705 ILCS 405/2-3) states that parents/caregivers must not leave minors under the age of 14 years without supervision for an unreasonable period of time. As a result, the library asks that minors be accompanied by a responsible parent or caregiver who assumes full responsibility for the child’s safety and behavior in the library.

Library staff are responsible for providing the best possible service to all patrons and cannot supervise children in the library. Preschool children may not be left unattended in any part of the library.

Even if not present, parents are responsible for and liable for their children’s behavior in the library, for damage of materials, equipment, and furnishings, and for injury to themselves and others.

1. Disruptive Behavior: Unacceptable behaviors and the consequences of them are described in the By-laws and Policy Section IX. This policy applies to all patrons, regardless of age.
   1. If a child or youth is bothersome or unruly, the library staff will make every attempt to restore appropriate library behavior. If this proves impossible, the disruptive individuals will be asked to wait in the entry way until picked up.
   2. Climbing on tables, shelves, chairs and other furniture is not allowed.
   3. Writing or coloring on walls and removing library labels is not allowed.
   4. Offensive language or inappropriate comments to staff or other patrons is not tolerated and will result in an immediate removal from library.
2. Cleaning Up: Out of consideration for others, children should be encouraged to put away puzzles, toys, games and art materials in their proper places. Books should not be re-shelved but left stacked on the “Return” bench.
3. Children aged 5 and Under:
   1. Must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver to use the library.
   2. Must be accompanied to the restroom by a parent or caregiver
   3. Must have a parent or caregiver within sight of the child when using computers.
   4. Parent or caregiver must attend library programs with child.
4. Children Aged 6-9:
   1. Children aged nine or younger must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
   2. Must be within the visual contact of a parent or caregiver at all times while using the library.
   3. May attend designated library programs without an adult. Parent or caregiver is encouraged to stay in library during library program but in the event that the parent or caregiver leave building they must be available by phone in case of emergency.
5. Children ages 10 and over: May be left on their own to attend library programs or to do homework. Children are allowed to study quietly in small groups of no more than four providing they are not disruptive. Even if the parents or caregiver is not present, the parent/caregiver is responsible for and liable for their children’s behavior in the library, for damage of materials, equipment, and furnishings, and for injury to themselves and others. When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt, or the parent or responsible caregiver cannot be located, the library staff is authorized to call the police and stay with the child until the police arrive.
6. Unattended Children at Closing Time:
   1. Unattended children must be picked up at least 15 minutes before closing time.
   2. In the case of a child who is unattended at closing (including emergency), the library staff will try to notify the child’s parent or adult caregiver. If the child’s parent or adult caregiver cannot be located within 15 minutes, the police will be called.
   3. Children will not be left alone in the library or on library grounds. Two library staff members will wait with the child until the child’s parent or adult caregiver, the police, or a protective services worker arrives.
   4. Library staff members will not take the child home or anywhere away from the library site.
7. Library Responsibilities: The library cannot and does not assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of children who are asked to leave the library because of disruptive behavior. If a child who has been asked to leave the library indicates to library staff member that he/she needs transportation home or will not have adequate childcare when he/she reaches home, a library staff member will call the parents/guardians. If the parents/guardians cannot be reached, the police will be notified that the child is being asked to leave the library building. The police will take appropriate actions.

Amended 9-15-15 Amended 5-17-18

Proctoring Service

Proctoring services are available Monday through Friday from 9:30am until 4:00pm. Proctoring may be limited due to requirements of school. Appointments for proctoring services must be made at least one week (7 days) in advance of the desired testing date. Contact the Circulation Supervisor at 815-468-3323.

On the day of the test, the patron must provide a valid government issued photo ID to the proctor prior to beginning the test.

The patron is responsible for any cost associated with the test including printing, faxing, scanning, or postage.

This service is free for Manteno Public Library District cardholders in good standing. For all others, there is a cost of $25 per session, not to exceed three hours. Payment is required at the time of the test.