About the Library

• Home
• Hours & Location
• Contact Us
• Policies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Friends of the Library
• Staff & Trustees
• History of the Library

Policies

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Raynham Public Library is to offer materials, programs, and services that provide opportunities for personal growth and development, enrichment, and enjoyment for all ages in a pleasant and welcoming environment.
Approved Library Board of Trustees March 2011

POLICY ON ACCEPTED BEHAVIOR
In order that library service to the community can be performed in the most effective and efficient manner possible, the Trustees of the Raynham Public Library set the following policy regarding appropriate behavior on library property. Those who fail to comply will be required to leave the premises.
Food and/or beverages are not allowed in the library, except at designated times or in designated -rooms as approved by the Library Director and or Board of Library Trustees.
The following activities are not allowed in the library:
Smoking. (Massachusetts General Laws MGL Ch 270, Sec 21-2) and the use of tobacco products.
Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, or other conduct disruptive to library patrons, staff or general library service. (MGL, Ch. 272, Sec 41)
Interfering with another person's right to use the library or with the library staff's performance of their duties.
Failing to follow reasonable directions by the library staff.
Threatening behavior, including, but not limited to, violence, threats of violence, and possession of weapons.
Playing audio equipment so that others can hear it.
Misusing the rest rooms (i.e. using them as a laundry or washing facility).
Solicitation by means of personal contact with library patrons. Posting political notices or lobbying for a political initiative.
Entering "staff only" areas without express permission of a staff member.
Leaving a child unattended in the building (See "Policy on Unattended Children" for further information and clarification).
Running and jumping.
Sleeping, except for young children under parents' supervision.
Theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person's library card without his/her permission Is against state law and may be prosecuted (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec 99)
The use of bicycles, skateboards, and roller blades is prohibited on library property.
Persons without shoes or shirts will not be allowed in the library.
A patron may be required to leave athletic equipment, large parcels and bags, or other belongings deemed inappropriate, with the library staff until they are ready to leave the building.
Those who damage or deface library materials or property may be prosecuted [MGL, Ch. 266, See 100]. Parents can be liable for damage done by a child under 18 (MGL, Ch. 231, Sec 85).
Approved Library Board of Trustees March 2003
Amended, March 2011

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Mission Statement: The Raynham Public Library is a focal point for community learning. We are dedicated to providing free, easy, equal and confidential access to all forms of human expression. Our staff is responsive to cultural diversity and standards of excellence.
Purpose of the Collection Development Policy: This document provides the public with an understanding of the purpose and nature of the library's collection. It explains the criteria staff use for making decisions to add or withdraw items in the collection.
Responsibility: The Board of Library Trustees has the ultimate legal responsibility for the library's collection. Collection development and management activities are administered by the Library Director and implemented by staff in various departments.

PRINCIPLES
We are dedicated to the free and open distribution of ideas. The First Amendment of the Constitution insures that ideas, even ideas that some find offensive, cannot be restricted by a public library. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the library to provide a wide range of ideas, opinions and information necessary for the functioning of a democratic society.
We are dedicated to free and open use for all. No restriction is placed on the use of the library's collection based on age, race, sex, nationality, educational background, physical limitations, or any other criteria that may be the source of discrimination.
We are dedicated to protecting the individual's right to decide for themselves and for their own children what library materials to use. We will not restrict what we ad_ to the collection, or base decisions on what to remove from the collection, based upon protecting potential users from the contents of the material. We strongly encourage all parents to establish guidelines for their own children's use of library materials.
The inclusion of any item in the Library's collection does not constitute an endorsement by the Library of the item's contents.
The Board of Library Trustees upholds the principles of intellectual freedom as stated in the American Library Association's "Library Bill of Rights" and the Freedom to Read Statement (see appendices).
Approved Library Board of Trustees March 2003

SELECTION PROCESS
Materials (both print and non-print) are selected by members of the Raynham Public Library staff using a variety of reviewing media. Responsibility for the Children’s and Young Adult selections lies with the Youth Services Department and responsibility for the Adult collection lies with the Library Director. Library staff also participates in the selection of popular materials.
When selecting non-fiction materials for the collection, the staff considers:
the author's competency
overall excellence of the material (artistic, literary, etc.)
superiority in treatment of controversial issues
ability to stimulate further intellectual and social development
appropriateness to the level of user
and potential usefulness to the library's collection.
The same criteria are used for spoken word media with the additional requirement of clarity of sound and performance.
First, the library staff attempts to meet patrons' demands. Second, material is purchased that is both pertinent and timely. The Mission Statement of the Library, library programs and services and community needs are all factors in selecting materials for the collection.
Because of limited resources and because the library has access to other libraries' collections through Interlibrary Loan, the relevance of material to our collection is especially considered. Material that receives positive reviews might not be purchased if it duplicates material already owned.
The library attempts to purchase a wide variety of fiction titles to satisfy the needs of all our borrowers. The library staff chooses titles based on reviews that consider, among other things, the appeal of a book for a specific audience, the artistic skill evident in its rendering, and the literary reputation of the author.
The following bibliographies and review media are consulted in the selection of materials, but selection is not limited to these sources:
Fiction Catalog
Standard Public Catalog
Booklist Ingram iPage
Library Journal Book Letters
New York Times Book Review
Publishers' Weekly
School Library Journal
Children's Catalog
The library purchases audio-visual materials as part of its collection development. Selection of audio-visual materials will be based on the same criteria used throughout the selection process.
The library welcomes requests for purchase of materials for the library. However, such requests will be subject to the same criteria for selection as other considered materials.
Selection of materials for the library collection is an ongoing process which includes the removal of materials no longer appropriate and the replacement of lost and worn materials that are still of value for informational or recreational needs.
Subject Areas: Fiction, Philosophy, History, Audiovisual, Cookery, Religion, Sociology, literature, Art and Architecture, Games, Gardening and Biography collections offer broad chronological coverage. The Library collects classic materials in these areas as well as current materials. (Classic materials being defined as older titles which are listed in the Fiction Catalog, Public Library Catalog or other professional bibliographies.)
The library collects only current materials in the areas of Health, Medicine, Science, Travel Guides, Technology, Law, Business, Computer Science, Language, and Sports. The only exception to these would be historical works on these subjects. "Current" is defined as information that is pertinent and timely, or materials that have significance "today".
Periodicals: The Raynham Public Library collects a variety of Periodicals. Selection of these periodicals is based primarily on public demand and use. The library retains 1 year of current periodicals. Many periodicals purchased by the library, and others that are not, are available online at the library.
Format: Collection decisions are based first on the needs of the community, and then attention is focused on the content required to meet the need. Only after the content need has been determined should the actual package or format be considered. The best format to fit the nature of the content and uses to which it will be put determines the format of the information that is purchased. Does the user just want a piece 9f the content? Does the user need to spend considerable time with the content? It is the library's responsibility to weave all aspects of use-need and purpose for the content, content itself, the medium of the content- into the purchase of the format that best meets the users need. Other considerations in selecting a format include cost and available space for storage and display. New formats purchased by the Raynham Public Library are based on these user needs. Therefore periodical online databases, CD-ROMS, or print materials may be determined as the best format to provide certain information to library users.
The Raynham Public Library collects a variety of formats including but not limited to books, periodicals, CD-ROMs, audiocassettes, videocassettes, video DVD disks and electronic diskettes. The library also provides access to a number of online databases. As demand for new technologies or formats increase the library may begin collecting other formats.
As the cost of books continues to rise, paperback materials become a cost effective alternative to hardcover books. Trade paperbacks and some mass-market paperbacks are purchased to meet heavy demand for hardcover materials or as duplicates for titles on school reading lists. Titles only available in paperback may be purchased to meet a specific need.
The library does not ordinarily purchase textbooks, except in those subject areas where materials in another form are not conveniently available.
Approved Library Board of Trustees March 2003

YOUNG ADULT COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Purpose
The Young Adult (YA) collection is comprised of titles to meet the recreational reading, general interest, and personal information needs of young adults, primarily grades 7-12. The fiction and non-fiction collections are shelved in the YA section of the library.
Selection Criteria
In selecting materials, special attention will be paid to:
a. Reputation and popularity of the author
b. Reading level and presentation that appeals to young adults
c. Materials on recommended or curriculum-related reading lists
Selection
Materials selected for the Young Adult collection shall help address issues, topics, and concepts that YA confront on a daily basis and will help to contribute to their overall development as young adults, in addition to providing materials of popular interest. Additionally, titles may be purchased to fulfill specific school project needs, as they are assigned, such as current Autobiography/Biography.
We will attempt to purchase award winning and nominated titles whenever available. These titles are most easily accessible on the YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) website, and include, but are not limited to:
ALEX Award
William C. Morris Award
Michael L. Printz Award
Resources that may be used in evaluating and selecting materials, include, but are not limited to:
American Library Association “Best” lists
School Library Journal
Booklist
VOYA online
iPage (Ingram Library Services)
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Additionally, every effort is made to obtain materials having received “Starred Reviews.”
A continuous effort is made to purchase all new titles in series’ currently maintained in the collection, while also making an effort to replace/purchase older volumes, in the event that a series is incomplete.
We will only maintain multiple copies of those fiction titles that are required for school reading lists and will favor paperback formats, as they tend to have better circulation statistics among young adults, when compared to hardback. Whenever possible we will order the paperback version of a title; new releases and those titles only available in hardback are the exceptions.
Requests from patrons to purchase specific YA titles are welcome and will be evaluated according to the YA collection policy.
Weeding
In keeping with the overall weeding policy of the Raynham Public Library, the Young Adult collection shall follow similar guidelines to those approved by the Library Board of Trustees, in that it shall be performed regularly in order to ensure an accurate and up-to-date collection, while allowing space for newly acquired materials. Items weeded from the YA collection shall include those that are damaged, worn, or outdated. Additionally, titles that have duplicate copies that are no longer needed shall be reduced to a single copy, preferably in paperback format. Materials that have not circulated in three or more years shall also be considered for weeding, unless they are a required resource for the area schools. Weeding of the YA collection shall be periodically.

GIFTS
All books or other items given as gifts will be received with the understanding that they are accepted subject to the approval of the Board of Library Trustees. The Raynham Public Library accepts gift books, or other items donated for the collection, with the understanding that the gift will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria by which purchased materials are judged. Donated materials are considered with the explicit understanding that such factors as duplication, lack of community interest, processing costs, or inadequate shelf space may prevent their addition to the collection or permanent retention on the shelves.
The library will not agree to separate treatment for gift materials. Donated materials will not be placed on special shelves, or separated from other similar materials already in the library collection.
Gifts are accepted with the understanding that the Library, if it cannot use them, may at any time discard them in any way it deems appropriate. Materials not of use in the library collection are frequently given to the Friends of the Library for their semi-annual book sale. The Library does not appraise donated books or other gifts.
Approved Library Board of Trustees March 2003

WEEDING
The term weeding is used to describe the activity of seeking out items that are no longer useful or appropriate for the Raynham Public Library Collection. These items are then discarded and may or may not be replaced.
Weeding the library collection is as much a routine as the acquisition of new books. The purpose of discarding materials from the collection is to maintain an accurate and up to date collection for library customers. Materials which are inaccurate, outdated, unused, or in poor condition detract from the usefulness and aesthetic appeal of the collection. These materials take up shelf space that could be occupied by needed and requested materials.
Weeding the collection is an ongoing process and is the responsibility of the Raynham Public Library staff. The goal of the Library is that each section of the collection is to be weeded on an annual basis to keep the collection accurate. Special attention is paid to Medical, Computer Science and Technology materials, as they become dated rapidly. Areas of the collection which occupy both the top and bottom shelf sections and where there is not 6 inches of space on a shelf, should be weeded immediately without waiting for the annual evaluation.
Materials are discarded from the collection using guidelines for weeding. Items that are weeded from the collection include ones that are: misleading or factually inaccurate; damaged, soiled or worn; outdated or superseded by a new edition or newer title on the same subject; trivial or have no discernible literary or scientific merit; irrelevant to the needs and interests of the community or contain information that may be obtained more easily elsewhere. Materials that have not circulated in two or more years, duplicate titles no longer needed, or damaged materials are also considered for discarding.
Encyclopedias with publication dates older than four years will be withdrawn from the collection.
Periodicals are retained for 1 year and then withdrawn from the collection. Exceptions to this are: Consumer Reports, National Geographic. These are retained for shorter or longer periods based on user demand and research need.
College Catalogs are retained for 1 year and then discarded.
Travel guides are retained for 3 years from date of publication and then discarded.
Compact Disks are discarded if damaged or if they have not circulated in 3 years.
Audiocassettes are discarded if they have not circulated in 3 years.
Videocassettes are discarded if they have not circulated in 2 years or if they have circulated more than 250 times.

PRESERVATION
The Raynham Public Library is committed to providing appropriate physical and environmental care to the materials in its current collection. Appropriate temperature and protection from the elements, as well as shelving, dusting, and storage of books will help protect the collection from deterioration.
A formal disaster plan, policies, and committees for dealing with emergencies will be written, placed on file, reviewed, and updated regularly.
Circulation and Technical Service staff responsible for the repair of damaged books will attend repair workshops offered by the Southeastern Region.
Approved Library Board of Trustees March 2006

COMPLAINTS
Anyone objecting to any item in the library collection may file a "Statement of Concern about Library Materials" with the Library Director. The Director, in consultation with the appropriate staff member(s) in the Adult or Youth Services Departments, will reexamine the item in question. A decision on the suitability of the item for inclusion in the Raynham) Public Library collection will be made based on the Library's Collection Development Policy.
Approved by the Board of Trustees March 2003

LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Children: The Children’s Room offers a variety of programming. Six-week sessions of storybook programs are offered four times per year for kids aged from birth through age five. Drop-in Story times are open to all on a drop in basis irregularly. Summer Reading Programs are featured during the summer months. Special Programming for all ages is also available on a regular basis and may consist of family movies, folk singers, musical, or multicultural programs. A display case is available for collections. Children's Librarians are available for outreach programs as well.
Adults: The Library also provides programming for adults on a regular basis. Programs offered have consisted of historical talks, poetry readings, and antique appraisals.
Meeting Room: The library makes available its meeting room to groups and organizations, if such use does not interfere with regular library services or programs.
Museum Passes: The Friends of the Raynham Public Library provide the library with museum passes which allow library users free or discounted museum admission. The Friends select which Museum passes the library will receive and particular passes are subject to change on an annual basis. Passes may be reserved in advance. The Friends also support a variety of programs for children and adults.
Interlibrary Loan: Interlibrary loan is not a substitute for the development of adequate collections based on the needs of a member library's service area and patrons. If a title is requested more than twice in a six month period (and is still in print), it is purchased. In addition, when areas in the collection are inadequate to meet regular patron demand, purchases are made to correct the situation rather than relying on Interlibrary Loan.
The Raynham Public Library cannot expect to fill every patron request from its own shelves. Libraries are being used more than ever before, and more is being printed and produced in other formats. The purpose of cooperative collection development is to assist the library in meeting patron demands for materials that lie outside the scope of the library’s collection.
Approved Library Board of Trustees March 2003

UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The Raynham Public Library exists to meet the current informational, recreational, intellectual and cultural needs of the community by providing information, materials and service which are timely, accurate and useful while fostering the next generation of library users through educational support and programs which stimulate children's interest in reading and learning. Once the pleasurable association with the library is established, it is one that will stay for life. The Staff and Trustees hope that children who use the Raynham Public Library will perceive the library as a warm, welcoming and fun place to visit. We hope that all families will take advantage of the tremendous resources the Raynham Public Library has to offer.
The happiness and safety of young children left alone at the library can, however, be a serious concern. The Staff seek to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Yet the library is a public building, and as such it could be a dangerous place for children alone. Each year in the United States, over 50,000 children are abducted and never found. Library staff cannot know if children are leaving the building with parents or with strangers. Young children unattended at library closing time could be left alone just a few feet from a busy road. For the protection and well being of children who enjoy the library, the following policy has been established.
The Raynham Public Library welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities and services. Responsibility for children using the library rests at all times with the parent(s) or assigned caregiver(s), not with Library personnel. Library staff are to assist in library usage, not as care givers! Parents must use their discretion in determining when their children are sufficiently mature and responsible to use the library unaccompanied by an adult. Caregivers must be appropriate for the age of their charge.
Unattended Child is any young person unable to care for self - using the public library unaccompanied by a responsible adult.
Vulnerable Child is any unattended child whose safety or well being would be endangered if he/she would be sent out of the building. Examples of endangerment include the child being too young to be on his/her own, the child being left alone in an unsafe area, being left alone in the dark, or being left alone outside the building after business hours.
Because children develop and mature at different rates, there is no magic age at which all children are ready to cope with the variety of circumstances they may face alone In the library. Library staff must Use their judgment and discretion in determining whether or not an unattended child is vulnerable or at-risk.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN - STAFF PROCEDURES
1) Children left unattended are often frightened and crying and should be comforted.
2) If it is determined that a child is lost or left unattended, a staff member should bring the child to the person on duty at the Children's Services Desk.
3) The Children's Librarian should try to identify and locate the parents or responsible child care provider: The staff will walk around the library with the child looking for the parent or caregiver. The staff will page the child's parent using parent's name if known, or the child's name if known. If no name is available, describe the child's physical appearance. When the parent is located, the staff will explain the library policy on unattended children. Parents will be provided with a written copy of the policy if requested.
4) If the parent or caregiver is not found in the building, the Children's Librarian should stay with the child until the parent can be located through searching the library's records, phone book, city directory, etc. When the parent or responsible childcare provider is located, they will be informed of the library's policy and asked to either join the child at the library or to pick the child up immediately. If they are unable to come immediately, they will be told their child may stay until they come this time, but they must adhere to the library's policy in the future. When the parent arrives, he or she will be provided with a written copy of the library's policy.
5) If the parents have not been located within one hour or if the library is closing the Librarian shall call the police, who will assume responsibility for the child. Librarian will wait inside the library entrance with the child until the parent caregiver or police arrive. If the parent or caregiver arrives before the police, library policy will be explained and a written copy of the policy will be provided. The Librarian should call the police to inform them that they need not come after all. If the police do take responsibility for the children, give the officer who responds a written copy of the policy for the police to provide to the parents.
6) Under no circumstances will library staff transport or take the child away from the library building.
7) In the case of medical emergency, the rescue squad will be notified and then the staff will attempt to contact the parents, in that order.
8) In the event that the Children's Services Department is unstaffed or is otherwise unable to administer this policy, the Adult Services Department will do so.
Approved Library Board of Trustees March 2003

CIRCULATION POLICY
Loan Periods:
4 weeks -- Most adult books, paperbacks, adult and children's audio music and
spoken cassettes, most children's books.
2 weeks - New "high demand" books, children's holiday books, craft and travel
materials, audio books on tape, and periodicals.
1 week -- videos,
1 day -- Museum passes.
Fines and Charges:
Fines are charged as follows for all library materials which are returned overdue:
Adult items -- $ .10/day ($3.00 maximum)
Children's items -- $ .10/day ($3.00 maximum)
Computer printouts -- $ .25/page
Copy machines - $ .10/page
DVDs -- $1.00/day ($5.OO maximum)
Lost/damaged items -- Replacement cost
Museum passes -- $5.00/day ($20.00 maximum)
Replace library card -- $2.00
Items should be returned at the Circulation Desk. Book drops are also located outside at the entrance for returns when the library is closed.
Renewals
Four week and two week books may be renewed once (some restrictions may apply). All audio items and videos, including DVD may be renewed once. All other items are not renewable. Renewals may be made in person, by computer (with a PIN) or by telephone, provided no one else has reserved them. All other items are non-renewable.
Museum Passes
Reservations may be made using TixKeeper on the library’s website. Each museum has its own policy for use of its pass and discounted price of admission.
Special Services
Reserves, interlibrary loans, used book sale, telephone reference service, children's and adult programs, and Internet access are provided when time and staffing allow.
Approved Library Board of Trustees March 2003
Revised June 2007

INTERNET ACCESS POLICY AND GUIDELINES
Internet Access Policy
The Raynham Public Library welcomes the public to its Internet access. By providing access to the Internet, the library is making available a broader range of information than had been previously found in traditional library resources. Furthermore, the library, by offering this service, is acting as a neutral provider of information from all points of view. The Raynham Public library supports free and open access to the Internet for adults and believes that this is consistent with the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read, and the Freedom to View as stated by the American library Association and sanctioned by the Raynham Public library.
Information found on the Internet is not organized centrally by anyone agency or author. Librarians do not select or restrict the information on the Internet. The information may be current or dated, accurate or inaccurate, and sometimes completely unavailable. Some material accessed electronically on the Internet may not meet the standards set by the Raynham Public Library Materials Selection Policy. In some cases, the information sought will be more readily found in a book, magazine, or a CD ROM product. A librarian will be glad to direct the patron to the best source for his or her inquiry.
Internet Policy for Children
The Internet has many benefits for children; however, it can also be a source of potentially harmful and inappropriate materials. It is important to note that filters are not a perfect solution to this problem. Ultimately, it is the parents' responsibility to monitor the Internet activities of their children. It is highly recommended that parents not only familiarize themselves with the scope of the Internet, but also accompany their children to the library to ensure proper usage of this service. Children accompanied by their parents may access the Internet computers.
Staff Assistance
Librarians will help the patron get started in accessing the Internet, but cannot provide in-depth training. They may be able to offer searching tips and answer some questions; however, staff assistance may be limited to five minutes.
Rules for Using the Internet
I. The Internet is available to all Raynham Public Library patrons.
2. Only two people may use an Internet workstation at one time.
3. Patrons will be allowed to use the Internet on a first-come-first-served basis
for thirty-minute blocks.
4. Patrons may only use the Internet at workstations designated for Internet use.
5. Printing costs will be 25 cents per page, to be paid at the circulation desk.
6. Users of the Internet should recognize that the information gained through
the Internet is not confidential. Patrons are advised that using an Internet
workstation is done at their own risk. .
7. Internet resources are for legal and legitimate uses only.

Specific unacceptable uses are, but are not limited to:
a. tampering with icons, bookmarks, computer hardware or software
b. degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance
a. vandalizing the data of another user
b. gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities
c. invading the privacy of individuals
d. violating software license agreements and copyright laws
e. violating Federal, State or local laws
f. harassment of other users
g. libeling of other users
h. viewing of sexually explicit sites. Sites containing graphic nudity should not be viewed in a public place. Accessing such sites may result in the loss of an individual patron’s internet privileges. The termination of privileges will remain in effect for that patron, unless reinstated by the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Director of the Library.
Violation of the above rules may result in the cancellation of the individual's computer privileges and may also be subject to prosecution by local, state and federal authorities.
Amended:
Computers in the Children’s Room are for the use by children 12 years of age or younger and parent(s) accompanying a child. 9/15/2008
Amended: March 2011
Approved Board of Library Trustees March 2003
.......
MEETING ROOM USE POLICY
The Trustees of the Raynham Public library welcome community use of the library's meeting room. The meeting room has seating for 50+ people. The meeting room is primarily available to support library programs and functions that further the goals of the library. When not being used by the library, the room is available to established Raynham community groups. Applications for the use of the meeting room should be made to the Library Director as far in advance as possible. Fees, rules, and procedures for use of the meeting room are established by the Board of Library Trustees and are reviewed annually.

• Groups will be charged for the use of the facilities. The rental cost of the room is $25.00 per day. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws (MGL C93; S40A), a $25.00 fee will be assessed for returned checks.
• Eligible use of the meeting room is restricted to non-profit organizations not associated with any political movement, activity or affiliation.
• No admission charges, solicitation or money-raising activities, except those to benefit the library, are allowed.
• Groups using the meeting room are required to fill out a Set-Up Request Form, indicating the equipment needed for the meeting. Upon request, the library provides chairs and tables and kitchen facilities. The person signing the request form must be 18 or older and is responsible for the security, safety and behavior of the group.
• The Behavior Policy of the Raynham Public library is in effect during all meetings. Meetings may not extend beyond the closing time of the library. Food and drink must be consumed in the meeting room. Facilities must be left in the condition found including kitchen area (if utilized).
• Use of the meeting room does not imply endorsement, support, or co-sponsorship by the Raynham Public Library or the Town of Raynham of the activities that take place in the meeting room or of the beliefs of the group using the meeting room. Groups or individuals using the meeting room may not imply that the event or program is sponsored, co-sponsored, or endorsed by the library in any advertising or publicity.
• All uses must be open to the public except for legal governmental meetings that require an executive session.
• The meeting room may not be used for religious services or political rallies, caucuses, or campaigns for specific partisan political issues or candidates.
• 
  Groups failing to comply with any part of this policy or the established procedures will be denied future use of the meeting room. Further, the Director, through the Board of Trustees has the ability to refuse any application that does not meet the guidelines outlined in this document. Signing of the rental agreement constitutes understanding and support of this policy.
  Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: March 2003 Revised by the Library Board of Trustees: November 2008
  
  CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY RECORDS
  In accordance with Mass. General Laws Chapter 4 Section 26 and Chapter 78 Section 7, circulation and registration records identifying the names of library users, addresses, and telephone numbers and the materials borrowed are not part of the public record. The intellectual pursuits of individuals using library materials are considered confidential information regardless of the age of the borrower.
  Such records shall not be made available to any individual, or agency except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigative power.
  Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the Director will notify the Board of Trustees and consult with the Town Counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance. If the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, such defects must be corrected.
  Library staff should refer all formal requests for circulation or registration records to the Director.
  Approved by the Board of Trustees March 2003
  
  STATEMENT OF PROCEDURE FOR JUVENILE LIBRARY CARD
  Patrons under the age of eighteen are issued juvenile library cards. A child must be five years old to be eligible for a card.
  A juvenile patron must have a parent/legal guardian sign the registration card’s Statement of Responsibility:
  Supervision of a child/minor’s access to all books and media is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The Library does not restrict access to materials. A child or minor under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature before a card can be issued. The parent/legal guardian is responsible for overdue fines, fees, lost or damaged materials when they sign the application. A replacement fee is charged for a lost, damaged or stolen library card.
  Pre-school age children who come in as a school group may borrow materials only if the teacher of the group has been issued a SCHOOL CARD. Registration for this card is completed upon receipt of a letter from the school administration on a letterhead stating that responsibility for borrowed materials rests with the school and supervising teacher named in the letter.
  Approved Library Board of Trustees January 2007
  
  BULLETIN BOARD/ MATERIALS DISPLAY POLICY STATEMENTS:
  PUBLIC NOTICE BOARD
  The library encourages the display of bulletins, brochures and posters by nonprofit, civic and educational groups regarding activities of general interest. Excluded from display are personal ads and notices, notices of items for sale or rent and political advertising.
  Please check with the Circulation Desk before posting a notice. Thank you.
  COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
  The library encourages the display of bulletins, brochures and posters by nonprofit, civic, educational and community groups regarding activities of interest to the local community. Excluded from display are personal ads and notices, notices of items for sale or rent and political advertising.
  Please check with the Circulation Desk before posting a notice.
  Thank you.
  Approved by the Board of Trustees June 2007