Borrowing Materials
In order to check out library materials, a patron must present a valid library card at the circulation desk. In the absence of a library card, a valid photo ID and proof of address may be used instead. Library cardholders will be blocked from checking out additional materials and using online resources when overdue fees reach a total of $10 or more.
Loan Periods
- Audio Books — 14 days
- Books — 14 days
- DVDs — 7 days
- Magazines — 14 days
- Museum Passes — 3 days
Overdue Fees
- Audio Books — $0.05 per day
- Books — $0.05 per day
- DVDs — $1.00 per day
- Museum Passes — $10.00 per day
ORIGINAL DATE: 6/14/2023
REVISED DATE:
RESOLUTION #: R061423-1502
DEPTFORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
SUBJECT: RULES OF CONDUCT
The Deptford Free Public Library is committed to preserving a safe and welcoming environment for reading, learning, exploring ideas, creating, participating in programs, and enjoying other Library activities.
Rules of Conduct
1. For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, staff and the protection of Library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not permitted on library property:
- The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts Library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library’s policies; see Internet Use Policy.
- Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in the library. This includes, but is not limited to, creating loud noises, loud talking, screaming or banging on computer keyboards, running, throwing items, loitering, exhibiting lewd or inappropriate behavior.
- Interfering with another person’s right to use the library or with library staff’s performance of duties.
- Threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior, including but not limited to violence, threats of violence, possession of weapons and indecent or obscene conduct towards staff or patrons.
- Photography and/or other types of recording of individuals or groups without consent is prohibited.
- Entering without a shirt or shoes or removing these items while in the library.
- Being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. Possession or use of alcohol.
- Selling, using, or possessing controlled substances.
- Smoking, chewing, vaping or the use of any tobacco product on library property.
- Eating is not allowed in the library, except as part of a library sponsored program. Drinks are allowed as long as they are in a closed container with a sealed lid, and as long as they are not in the computer lab or near the library computers.
- Lying down in the Library; having feet on furniture; or blocking aisles, exits or entrances.
- Disturbing others while using electronic devices. Please use headphones & not public speakers.
- Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a person with a disability or animals that are part of a library sponsored program.
- Using restrooms for bathing, doing laundry, or changing clothes.
- Soliciting of any kind – including petitioning, canvassing, conducting surveys, and distributing written materials for political, charitable, commercial or religious purposes – is not permitted within the library, within 10 feet of all entrances, or in any way that interferes with the ability of library customers to enter and exit the premises. Exceptions may be made by the Library Director when such activity is to be undertaken for purposes of the benefit of the library.
- Selling or engaging in other commercial activities are prohibited in the library.
- Entering areas posted “Staff Only” without permission.
- Leaving a child under the age of 12 unattended in the library.
Patrons engaged in any of the above behaviors will be warned once. If the behavior is repeated on the same day, the patron will be asked to leave. Failure to comply will result in a call to the police to escort the patron off library premises. Repeated and/or serious offenses may result in revocation of library privileges including being banned from the library.
2. Failure to return library material, pay replacement costs or willfully failing to return out-of-print or valuable items will result in termination of library privileges and may result in prosecution.
3. Damaging or defacing library materials or property, theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person’s library card may result in prosecution.
4. Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their young children. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. If the young child is attending a library program, the responsible adult must remain in the immediate vicinity where the program is being conducted.
5. The library may restrict adult use of the children’s area in order to ensure the adequate protection of library facilities and of person and property therein.
6. Using wheeled devices inside the library such as bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, carts, motorized or non-motorized scooters is not permitted. These restrictions do not apply to ADA assistive devices or baby strollers. Wheeled devices are not to be left in the lobby area or walkways.
7. Patrons must keep belongs with them at all times. The library will not be held liable for any lost, stolen, or unattended items or personal property.
8. As per New Jersey law, library staff have the right to inspect all book bags, briefcases, handbags, and packages of person who enter the library.
9. The violation of any federal or state statutes or local ordinances will also be regarded as a violation of the Library’s Rules of Conduct Policy. Library staff are authorized to enforce the Rules of Conduct Policy so that the facility can be used to the fullest by all persons.
Regulations and Procedures:
- Anyone holding a LOGIN library card in good standing may use the public computers.
- Patrons who do not hold a LOGIN library card may use the computers as a guest if they show a current photo ID.
- Patrons must sign-in at the circulation desk before using the public computers.
- Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. If all computers are in use, patrons’ names will be added to a waiting list.
- During periods of high-usage, computer use time may be limited to one hour.
- Patrons requiring longer than one hour to complete their work (such as writing a paper or resume, filling an online form, etc.) may ask a circulation staff member for an extension. Extensions are granted at the sole discretion of the library staff, based on the demand for the public computers. Time extensions will not be granted for patrons playing online games, using social networking sites, watching videos, etc.
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent while using the computers.
- Patrons who wish to hear audio content on library computers must use headphones. Headphones are not provided by the library.
- Patrons may not use the library’s computers for any activity that is patently offensive, intrusive, disruptive, harassing, or that creates an intimidating or hostile environment to staff or to other patrons.
- Patrons may not utilize the library’s computers in violation of any local, state or federal ordinances, regulations or laws, including copyright laws. Users engaged in illegal activities involving the library’s computers may be subject to prosecution.
- Users may be liable for alterations or damage they cause to library hardware or software, including knowingly uploading or installing worms, viruses, or Trojan horses, or transmitting viruses that affect other users’ accounts or the library’s systems.
- Patrons should report any computer problems to library staff and must not attempt maintenance on library computers, including unplugging, disconnecting, powering on or off, and/or detaching any PC hardware or components.
- The public computers shut down ten minutes prior to closing — At 7:50 PM, Monday through Thursday; and at 3:50 PM, on Friday and Saturday.
- Library staff are unable to recover data once a computer sessions ends. To save a document, the patron must copy it to his/her media or online data storage during the computer session.
- The library is not responsible for any damage to disks, any loss of data, nor any damage or liability that may occur from a patron’s use of the library’s computers.
- The library is not responsible for any loss or liability that may occur as a result of the disclosure of financial or other personal information over the library’s public computer services, including Internet or email use. Users should be aware that use of public computers is not a private or secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding user’s activities.
- Patrons under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian give consent, on their application, for the minor to use the Internet on the library’s computers.
- There is a fee of $0.15 per page for black and white printing and a fee of $.50 per page for color printing. All print jobs must be completed and paid for before the library closes. Print jobs left in the library will be held at the circulation desk for 24 hours.
- Failure to abide by this policy may result in the loss of borrowing privileges. Borrowing privileges will be revoked on a case-by-case basis by the library staff.
The Deptford Free Public Library provides Wireless Internet Access to its patrons. The library is not responsible for any loss or liability that may occur as a result of the disclosure of financial or other personal information over the library’s public WiFi access. Users should be aware that public WiFi is not a private or secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding user’s activities. To obtain the WiFi password, please see a Circulation staff member.
By accessing the Deptford Free Public Library’s Wi-Fi Internet, you indicate that you have read and agree to be bound by and accept these terms and conditions. If you do not agree, please promptly stop your efforts to gain access to the Internet while at the Library.
- I acknowledge that access to the Internet is provided by the Deptford Free Public Library for patrons to use its resources and services and other Internet products so long as they are not illegal, do not violate local, state and federal laws or cause abuse or harm to other individuals using the Internet within and outside the Library.
- I am aware that the Internet can provide access to information and connect with people around the world and that use of any information obtained via the computer and Internet is at the user’s own risk.
- The Library complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) by addressing the five key requirements:
- Prohibiting access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web
- Protecting the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications
- Prohibiting unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online
- Prohibiting unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors
- Incorporating measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors.
- The Library has installed and configured technology protection measures to comply with CIPA state and federal guidelines to restrict access to inappropriate matter; such as visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors and other subject matter. I am aware that no filter is 100 percent effective and no attempt should be made to access inappropriate websites and/or by-pass the Library’s filters and/or software. Even with the protective filters in place it is the full responsibility of parents or guardians of minors to supervise the use of the Internet by children; it is NOT the responsibility of the Library.
- I am further aware that the Library specifically disclaims any responsibility for the appropriateness, timeliness and/or accuracy of information obtained through the computer and Internet. The Library also does not assure or guarantee that you will be able to make use of the Internet at any particular time or that you will be able to gain access to particular Internet websites or content.
- I understand and agree that unencrypted Internet communications and interactions can be subject to interception and reading by unintended recipients. I agree that the Library will have no responsibility or liability to any other person for any such interception or reading.
- Additionally, I am aware that the Library cannot be held responsible for a user’s personal computer equipment and is not liable for any damage to an individual’s computer arising from the use of the Internet or otherwise. The Library and its staff are also not responsible for personal computers and devices left unattended on Library property.
- I acknowledge and agree to abide by the generally accepted rules of Internet etiquette, the Policy on Library Conduct, and the Policy on Library Computer Use. I understand that any violation of these rules may result in cancellation of the Internet user’s privileges. These rules include, but are not limited to, the following: o Illegal activities of any kind are forbidden. o Adult entertainment sites or chat rooms will not be accessed. o The following activities are explicitly prohibited: accessing, posting, submitting, publishing or displaying harmful material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive or sexually explicit or that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based on their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or political beliefs.
- The Library may limit the ability to gain access to the Internet or specific Internet sites or content without notice.
- Federal copyright laws will be observed in the use and distribution of information retrieved from or sent over the Library’s Internet. Placement of copyrighted material on the system without the author’s permission is prohibited.
- The Library reserves the right to ask patrons to stop using or viewing content on their device if a patron is in violation of the Policy on Library Conduct, the Wi-Fi Policy listed above and/or the Library Policy on Computer Use. Misuse of Internet access can result in the loss of Library privileges or being banned from returning to the library.
