Library Patron Policies

 

1. Overview

1.1. The Kings County Library encourages the teamwork of staff and volunteers so that it can offer patrons the best service possible. Library volunteers enhance rather than replace the work of Kings County Library staff, enriching the Library’s programs and services. Volunteer opportunities offer citizens a way to contribute to the community, fulfill personal goals, achieve a sense of satisfaction, and learn more about the Library.

1.2. Volunteers also aid the Library in making the best use of its fiscal resources and in contributing to sound working relationships with other community groups and organizations. 

1.3. The purpose of the Kings County Library Volunteer Policy is to clearly communicate the role and expectations of library volunteers and the library procedure for accepting, selecting, training and supervising volunteers. 

2. Definition of Volunteer 

2.1. For this policy, a library volunteer is defined as an individual who assists with regular work done at, or on behalf of, the Kings County Library without promise, expectation or receipt of compensation for services rendered.  

3. Compensation and Benefits

3.1. Neither the County nor the Library provides any medical, health or benefits for any volunteer. 

3.2. Volunteers may receive accident benefits by Kings County in the event an accident occurs during the course of work on behalf of the Library. 

3.3. Nothing in this policy or in the volunteer's service to the Library shall create a contract or employment relationship between the volunteer and the Library.  

3.4. Both the volunteer and the Library have the right to end the volunteer's association with the Library at any time.  

4. Responsibilities

4.1. Upon the direction of the Director or Volunteer Coordinator, volunteers have the opportunity to assist the staff with various tasks throughout the Library.  

4.2. All volunteers are considered to represent the Library while involved in Library activities, particularly when dealing with the general public.  

4.3. All volunteers will still be required to conform to all the rules and regulations of the Library paid staff.

5. Recruitment

5.1. Volunteers shall be recruited without regard to any individual’s, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, physical appearance, socioeconomic level, education level or any other legally protected characteristic. 

5.2. Volunteer screening and placement is the responsibility of the Volunteer Coordinator and additional supervisory staff.  

5.3. The Library cannot guarantee the placement of any person seeking to volunteer with the Library.  

5.4. Volunteers cannot work more than (4) hours per day.

5.5. Volunteers are selected based on their qualifications in relation to the needs of the Library. Volunteers are placed in positions best suited to their skills, interests and availability. The Library is not able to guarantee a position for each prospective volunteer and has the right to decline any application without cause. 

5.6. Volunteer placement is based on the following:

5.6.1. Needs of the Library at any given time

5.6.2. Qualifications of volunteer applicants

5.6.3. Volunteer's ability to commit to a consistent schedule of hours

5.6.4. Availability of staff time to supervise volunteers

5.7.Youth Volunteers

5.8. The Library welcomes volunteer applicants at least 16 years of age or older. Volunteers age 17 and under must have written permission from a parent or guardian. 

5.8.1. Youth volunteers can earn Service Learning/Community Service hours per school district requirements

5.8.2. Youth volunteers cannot work more than four (4) hours per day.

5.8.3. Youth volunteer placement is based on the following:

5.8.3.1. Needs of the Library at any given time

5.8.3.2. Qualifications of volunteer applicants

5.8.3.3. Volunteer's ability to commit to a consistent schedule of hours

5.8.3.4. Availability of staff time to supervise volunteers

6. Application & Review Processes

6.1. All library volunteer applicants must complete a volunteer application form. Forms are available at the library checkout desk and on the library’s website.

6.2. Applicants are interviewed for possible placement by the library’s volunteer coordinator. When relevant, testing of applicants may be required to determine eligibility for assignment.

6.3. If there are no suitable volunteer opportunities available immediately, application forms will be kept on file for a period of six months. Applicants are called if an assignment is identified which matches their interests and qualifications.

6.4. Volunteers 18 years or older must be willing to consent to a background reference check (fingerprinting) Volunteer placement is contingent upon the outcome of this check.

7. Volunteer Position Job Titles/Job Descriptions

7.1. Volunteer job descriptions are detailed in the Volunteer Manual

7.2. Volunteer job titles include the following:

•Book Mender

•Book Sale Coordinator

•Bookbuddies 

•Computer Coach

•Computer Lab Monitor

•History Room Assistant

•Local History Curator

•Online Book Sale Assistant

•Shelf Reader

•Special Events Assistant

•Teen Services Volunteer

•Toy Cleaner

•Veterans Benefits Coach

•Volunteer Coordinator

8. Volunteer Work Assignments, Training, & Supervision

8.1. Volunteers will not be scheduled until they have completed a library orientation and training and have reviewed all relevant library and county policies and procedures.

8.2. A Library volunteer will be scheduled for assignments by the volunteer coordinator or designated library staff member. 

8.3. Typically, volunteers will be scheduled to work on a consistent schedule, depending on the library’s needs. 

8.4. Volunteers should contact the volunteer coordinator before their assigned shift if they will be absent or tardy. 

8.5. A pattern of absences or tardiness may be cause for a volunteer to be excused from assignment. 

8.6. Volunteers who are family members of library staff may not be placed under the direct supervision of their family member. 

9. Restrictions

9.1. Volunteers must sign in to begin their work day and must wear Library volunteer badge during their shift.

9.2. Volunteers will not receive training in the Library's circulation system nor will they be allowed access to the patron database.  

9.3. Volunteers will not be allowed access to non-public areas when not volunteering.  

9.4. Volunteers may not:

•Perform activities that could reveal confidential patron information.

•Use the Integrated Library System (ILS).

Reviewed by the Kings County Library Advisory Board on September 28, 2017

 

1.      Overview 

1.1. The vision of the Kings County Library is to be Kings County’s 21st-century meeting house. The Library is a gathering place that brings our community together. Our mission is to support lifelong learning by providing books, information, and other resources to meet the educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the public we serve.

1.2. The Kings County Library reaffirms the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights which states that facilities should be made available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliation of individuals or groups requesting their use.

1.3. This policy is designed to make our spaces accessible to the public in a fair and equitable basis. Adhering to our policies helps keep costs down and makes the Library a pleasant place for all.

1.4. Use of the Library rooms and spaces by any group or individual signifies acceptance of the terms of this policy.

1.5. Use of the Library rooms and spaces by any group or individual signifies acceptance of the terms of this policy.

2.      Service Priority

2.1. The Library staff shall have the right to cancel, reschedule or transfer room locations or dates that conflict with Library sponsored programs and will give as much notice as possible. The reserved use of space will be determined by the following service priority:

2.2. Library programs

2.3. Organizations supporting the Library, e.g. Friends of the Kings County Library

2.4. Agencies of Kings County

2.5. Local nonprofit educational, cultural, civic, or social organizations and groups, and individuals

2.6. Kings County for-profit groups, e.g. businesses, individual practitioners

2.7. To make the spaces available to as many different groups and individuals in the community as possible, the Library may limit the number of times a group or individual may schedule to use a space each month.

3.      Eligibility 

3.1. Any person who lives or works in Kings County is eligible.
3.2. Any organization, business, or group that is located in, serves or has a substantial connection to the Kings County community qualifies if the organization’s representative lives or works in Kings County.
3.3. As part of our academic mission, we welcome tutors and their students.
3.4. We do not allow partisan fundraising activities, political candidate promotional events or religious worship services during the Library’s operating hours.
3.5. Individual artists, musicians, and authors may sell their works.
3.6. At anytime the Library reserves the right to revoke or refuse permission to use a space especially when it is deemed to be physically inappropriate for the character of the room or disruptive to regular library functions.

4.      Facilities 

 

			Location
	Hanford	Avenal	Corcoran	Kettleman City	Lemoore	Stratford
	401 N. Douty Street	501 East Kings Street	1001-A Chittenden Ave	104 Becky Pease Street	457 C Street	20300 Main Street
	Hanford, CA 93230	Avenal, CA 93204	Corcoran, CA 93212	Kettleman City, CA 93239	Lemoore, CA 93245	Stratford, CA 93266
	(559) 582-0261	(559) 386-5741	(559) 992-3314	(559) 386-9804	(559) 924-2188	(559) 947-3003
	113 seats	27 seats	41 seats	33 seats	41 seats	33 seats
	Mtg room 50 seats
			Availability
Sunday	Closed	Closed	Closed	Closed	Closed	Closed
Monday	10:30 am-8:00 pm	11:00 am-7:00 pm	11:00 am-8:00 pm	Closed	10:00 am-8:00 pm	Closed
Tuesday	10:30 am-8:00 pm	11:00 am-7:00 pm	11:00 am-8:00 pm	1:00 pm-6:00 pm	10:00 am-8:00 pm	1:00 pm-6:00 pm
Wednesday	10:30 am-8:00 pm	11:00 am-7:00 pm	11:00 am-8:00 pm	1:00 pm-6:00 pm	10:00 am-8:00 pm	1:00 pm-6:00 pm
Thursday	10:30 am-6:00 pm	12:00 pm-5:00 pm	10:00 pm-6:00 pm	1:00 pm-6:00 pm	10:00 am-6:00 pm	1:00 pm-6:00 pm
Friday	12:00 pm-5:00 pm	12:00 pm-5:00 pm	12:00 pm-5:00 pm	Closed	12:00 pm-5:00 pm	Closed
Saturday	12:00 pm-5:00 pm	Closed	12:00 pm-5:00 pm	Closed	12:00 pm-5:00 pm	Closed

5.8.Reservations/events requiring protective services (i.e. security) will not be permitted

6.      Care and Use of Facilities 

6.1.Meeting rooms must be left in the original condition. If the furniture is rearranged, it should be returned to the original arrangement at the end of the meeting.

6.2.Personal furniture or equipment may be provided by a group with prior approval. Arrangements for the use of any personal furniture or equipment should be made at scheduling time.

6.3.Keep all exits unlocked at all times. Open aisles must be maintained within the seating arrangement to provide clear access to exits.

6.4.Public entrances are to be used for all access to and from the building, including all deliveries.

6.5.Any announcements or notices to publicize an activity should not be posted or distributed on library premises without prior approval. Approval must be determined at the time of reservation.

6.6.Attendance at meetings will be limited to the capacity of the individual meeting rooms as listed in this policy. Seating and/or supplementary furniture are not allowed in corridors outside the meeting rooms. 

6.7.Food and non-alcoholic drinks may be consumed in the meeting rooms as long as the food or drinks are individually packaged or do not have to be maintained at a certain temperature such as packaged snacks, individual containers of soda, whole pieces of fruit, cookie trays, etc.

6.8.There are no custodial care services provided in connection with the use of a room. The group or individual using the room shall be responsible for topical cleaning of the room immediately after the use and the removal of all trash and leftover food.

6.9. No smoking is permitted.

6.10. No lit candles or other open flames are allowed.

6.11.The individual making the reservation, as well as the group as a whole, will be held responsible for any and all damages that may occur as a result of the use of the facilities.

6.12. Permission to use Library meeting rooms may be withheld from groups that have failed to comply with the Meeting and Facility Use Policy and from any group that damages the room, carpet, equipment, or furniture, or cause a  disturbance. 

6.13. Questions not covered in this policy should be addressed to Department Secretary, (559)  582-0261.

7.      Materials and Equipment 

7.1.The Library cannot provide audio/video or other equipment.
7.2.Users are requested to bring their own easels, office equipment, laptops, and supplies.
7.3.Users of the meeting room must supply their audio/visual, or any other specialized equipment.
7.4.Furniture and/or equipment from the main area of the Library may not be brought into meeting rooms.
7.5.The Library will not accept the responsibility for storing materials owned by the booking organizations between meetings.
7.6.The presenter, not the Library, is responsible for obtaining all rights regarding copying, performance, display, or distribution of materials for the event.

8.      Parking 

8.1.On street parking is available where all municipal parking rules and regulations apply.

9.      Publicity 

9.1.No group shall in any of its advertising, claim or suggest that the Kings County Library, any agency of Kings County or the library staff sponsors or endorses the meeting, the group or any particular set of ideas.

9.2.Groups may identify the Library and provide its address in their publicity as the meeting location, but may not give out the library’s telephone or fax number, or email address or invite potential attendees to contact the Library for further information.

10.      Liability 

10.1. Group or individual sponsors of events on Library property are responsible for liability of the participants, both active participants, and the audience, not Library staff, nor Kings County.

10.2. Groups sponsoring events are responsible for payment for all cleaning and repairs which must be made as a result of any damages to the facility or equipment.

10.3. Accidents or damages which occur during the use of a Library space must be reported to library staff upon the conclusion of the scheduled event.

10.4. The Kings County Library, its Staff or Kings County are not responsible for the loss or damage of a group’s or individual’s property.

 

 Reviewed by the Kings County Library Advisory Board on July20, 2017

 

 

To ensure that all people who use and work at the Kings County Library can do so in a comfortable and safe environment, the Kings County Library reserves the right to determine what it considers to be disruptive or inappropriate behavior by the patrons in the Library.  In order to ensure that every patron has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the Library, patrons visiting or using the Library’s facilities or services must comply with the Kings County Library Policy, Behavior in the Library – Patrons while on the Library’s premises. 

Dangerous, destructive or illegal conduct, including but not limited to the following, will not be tolerated:

• Physical abuse or assault, including fighting or challenging others to fight;
• Engaging in intimidating or harassing behaviors, including following or stalking other patrons or Library staff, staring fixedly or leering at others, or attempting to peer under another patron’s or staff member’s clothing;
• Making violent or threatening statements to others; and
• Damaging, destroying, stealing, or otherwise vandalizing Library property.

Any patron engaging in one or more of the above behaviors will be instructed to leave the Library immediately and may have his or her Library privileges suspended for a period of up to one (1) year depending on the severity of the violation.  In addition, law enforcement may be called and appropriate legal action may follow.

The following behaviors are also prohibited:

• Using harassing, obscene, abusive, or insulting language or gestures.
• Leaving children under the age of ten (10) unattended by a parent, guardian, or caregiver.
• Annoying other patrons by talking, gesturing, or otherwise interfering with their ability to read, study, contemplate, or otherwise use the Library.
• Interfering with Library staff’s performance of their duties.
• Entering the Library with animals other than service animals authorized by law.
• Entering the Library with bicycles, shopping carts, or other bulky items excluding items necessary to assist individuals with disabilities.
• Using roller skates, scooters, skateboards, or other similar devices on Library property.
• Eating or drinking in the Library except for bottled water with a secure top.  However, bottled water is prohibited in the computer room.
• Smoking inside the Library or within 20 feet of any Library entrance or window, as prohibited under Government Code sections 7596 and 7597.
• Possessing, consuming, exchanging, selling, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs inside or outside the library building.
• Lying on the floor or sleeping. Sleeping in chairs for more than 15 minutes.
• Using the public restrooms in any manner that is not usual or customary, including laundering or bathing.
• Failing to wear a shirt, top, pants, skirt, or shoes.
• Making loud or unreasonable noise, including but not limited to the use of electronic equipment or mobile telephones at a volume that disturbs others. Patrons talking on cell phones in the library at any volume will be asked hang up their phone or  to leave the building immediately. Ringer volumes should be set to silent or vibrate. 
• Carrying weapons of any type.
• Petitioning, soliciting, or selling merchandise or services including the distribution of handbills or flyers without the written permission of the Library Director.
• Loitering outside the library, as prohibited by the Hanford Police Department under Municipal Code 9.04.20.
• Adults loitering in the children's room/area without a child.
• Refusal to follow reasonable direction from Library staff, including but not limited to leaving the Library during normal closing procedures or following a suspension of Library privileges or refusing to evacuate during an emergency.

Engaging in any of the above behaviors may result in one or more of the following consequences, depending on the severity of the violation:

• Initial warning, given copy of Behavior in the Library – Patrons.  
• Library privileges suspended for one day.
• Library privileges suspended for seven days.
• Library privileges suspended for up to one year.
• Depending on the severity, time may be determined at the discretion of the Library Director or Library Manager

Patrons who are suspended from the Library for a period exceeding one day may petition to have their suspension reviewed by the Director.

Please inform Library staff if you observe anyone behaving in a suspicious or inappropriate manner. Thank you.

Adopted by the Kings County Board of Supervisors on: February 14. 2012.

 

Patron Complaint Policy

1.2.  PURPOSE:  The purpose of this policy is to establish a Kings County Library procedure for filing, processing and resolving a formal or informal complaint filed by any patron with regard to any Kings County Library Staff, service or other concern/request.

2.1.  POLICY:  Kings County Library staff will accept, investigate and attempt to resolve all complaints received.  In the event an issue cannot be resolved, the patron shall be notified by the appropriate Kings County Library Staff as to why resolution cannot occur and what decision has been made regarding the complaint.

3.1.  PROCEDURES:  The following procedures shall be followed by all Kings County Library Staff upon receipt of a patron complaint:

3.2.  If the complaint cannot be immediately resolved in person by the Library Staff and/or the Supervisor/Lead in charge, the complainant should be encouraged to file his or her complaint by completing the Patron Complaint Form, including the patron’s signature or sending an email to askus@kingscountylibrary.org.

3.3.  If a complaint is received verbally, over the telephone or in any other form (e.g., mail, email), the Patron Complaint Form should be completed by the Library Staff receiving the complaint.

3.4  The Patron Complaint Form must be completed with the following information:

a. Date complaint was received.

b. (Referral): The department that will address the concern.

c. (Referred by): The name of the person who received the complaint.

d. Name of patron.

e. Address of patron.

f. Telephone/e-mail of patron.

g. Nature of complaint, concern or request, providing as much detail as possible to assist the department that will work to resolve the issue.

3.5.  Library Staff taking the complaint will confirm next steps with the patron. 

a. The Patron Complaint Form will be forwarded to the appropriate Lead, Supervisor or Library Manager for resolution.  

b. Assigned Library Staff will notify the patron that they have received the complaint. 

c. Library staff will investigate or review the identified concern and take appropriate action.

3.6.  The Library Staff person who resolves the concern should indicate the resolution on the Patron Complaint Form, and obtain approval and signature from the Library Manager or Library Director. 

a. If applicable, a follow-up letter, email, or telephone call informing the patron of the action taken regarding their request or concern will be done by the appropriate Library Staff.

b. A copy of the letter, if applicable and completed Paton Complaint Form will be kept on file.

Reviewed by the Kings County Library Advisory Board on October 18, 2018

 

Public Internet Policy

Our Purpose
The mission of the Kings County Library is to support lifelong learning by providing books, information and other important resources to meet the educational, cultural and recreational needs of the public we serve.  In support of this mission, the Kings County Library offers free public access to the Internet.

Public Access to the Internet
To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats, the Library provides access to Internet resources for all patrons. This access is filtered in compliance with our participation in the federally funded “E-Rate” program. The E-Rate program provides affordable Internet access to schools and libraries. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires E-Rate participants to follow the 2001 Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), a federal law.  The Kings County Library will continue to filter Internet access until such time as we no longer participate in E-Rate or the federal law is changed. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that adults 18 years and older may request Library staff to disable the filter for legitimate use that does not violate the CIPA Law or compromise the Library network. The disabling of the filter would be for a specific period of time on a specific workstation. Parents or guardians obtaining a library card for a minor in their custody are required to read our Internet safety policy entitled Internet Safety and Minors at the Library regarding the safety of minors using public access computers with Internet while in the Library and more details regarding filtering. Ask staff for a copy of this document if you are not given one at the time of library card registration.

Choosing and Evaluating Sources
The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly diverse array of information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk. The Library does not monitor or control information accessible through the Internet and is not responsible for its content, for changes in content of the sources to which the Library home pages link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links. Patrons are responsible for using good judgment with regard to evaluating web site content and accuracy.

Public Users' Security
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users' activities. However, the Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law. Additionally, all Kings County public computers with access to the Internet do not save history or cookies. The Library assumes no responsibility for items purchased on the Internet or any transactions involving the use of an individual’s credit card or any other personal information. Please read our separate section regarding Confidentiality of Library Records.

Adopted by the Kings County Board of Supervisors on: November 4, 2008.

The Kings County Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming, safe environment to patrons of all ages; and wholeheartedly encourages children to use its facilities and services. However, the Kings County Library facilities are comprised of public buildings open to all members of the public and therefore the Library cannot be considered a safe place for unattended children.  Parent, guardians, or caregivers are solely responsible for the supervision, welfare, and behavior of children in the Library.  

The purpose of this policy is to inform parents, guardians, and caregivers that the Library cannot ensure their children’s safety if left unattended and to provide guidelines in the event a child is left unattended in the library.

• Library staff will not assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of any child.
• Children up to the age of 10 may not be left unattended anywhere in the Library or on the Library’s premises, including areas designated for children. 
• Children up to the age of 10 should always be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or assigned caregiver who is in the immediate vicinity and within line of sight of the child. 
• Children 10 years old or older may use the Library on their own in accordance with the Patron Behavior in the Library policy, in order to select materials, complete school assignments or attend a Library program. 
• Library facilities are not designed or licensed to provide basic childcare needs or emergency care.
• Library staff may not drive children to any location, even at the request of the parent, guardian, or caregiver.
• Library staff is not responsible for the safety and well-being of children left at the Library at closing time.

Any child left unaccompanied for an extended period of time may be approached for information concerning his/her parent, guardian, or assigned caregiver’s availability and informed of the Library’s policy.  If the situation continues, the appropriate law enforcement agency will be notified.  If a child is left unattended at the time of closing, and attempts to reach the parent, guardian, or assigned caregiver have failed, the appropriate law enforcement agency will be called.

Adopted by the Kings County Board of Supervisors on: February 14, 2012.