Policies

                              

    Collection                 Program                   Room Use

 Development               Policy                       Policy

 

A printable PDF of the Stokes Brown Public Library Policies can be found HERE.

A pritable PDF of the Policies in Spanish can be found HERE.

 

Circulation Policies

Using Your Library Card

Your library card is good at Stokes Brown Public Library.  With it, you have access to more than 50,000 books, audio books, and movies – with new titles arriving daily.  You will also have access to thousands of electronic resources such as books, audio, and video.
 

Library cards are FREE to all residents of Robertson County and adjacent counties.  If your current residence is outside of this area, exceptions may be made for those who work in Robertson County as determined by library administration.  To obtain a library card with full privileges, you must present an I.D. with your current address.  In order for individuals under the age of 18 to obtain a card, a parent or legal guardian must have a card (or apply for one) as well as be present to sign the registration card.  Parents/Legal Guardians are responsible for their children’s cards.
 

Visitors with temporary addresses including homeless shelters or hotels, from out-of-state or abroad are welcome to use the Library’s resources on-site, many of which do not require the issuance of a library card for access to collections and Internet services.  However, visitors may be issued a free 90-day temporary library card with proper identification.  Temporary cards have limited borrowing privileges.  See “Temporary Card Policies” for more information.
 

Please treat your card with the same care you would a credit card.  You are responsible for everything checked out on it.  Damaged or lost items will be billed according to the Library’s Replacement Policy.  If your card is lost or stolen, contact the Library immediately.  For the most convenient, hassle-free service, always bring your card to check out materials.  There is a $2.00 fee for replacement cards.

 

Library cards expire every two (2) years.  In order to update your card after it has expired, you will need to visit the library, provide a current photo ID and proof of residence.  You will also need to pay any outstanding balances (fines/fees/charges) on your account.

 

Obtaining a Library Card

When applying for a Stokes Brown Public Library card, an applicant must show proof that he/she lives, works, attends school, or pays property taxes in Robertson County or any bordering county.

Adults may provide only one piece of identification if it is 1 of the following valid Tennessee or Kentucky State IDs:

  • CURRENT driver's license
  • CURRENT photo learner's permit
  • CURRENT non-driver's identification
  • CURRENT Voter's Registration card

A valid United States Passport may also suffice if it contains current information.

If the above documentation is not available, any 2 of the following forms of identification are acceptable for adults, one from LIST A AND one from LIST B:

LIST A (photo ID)

  • Out of State Driver's License
  • CURRENT Highland Crest ID card with FULL NAME
  • CURRENT local business photo ID card with FULL NAME
  • Current Armed Services ID card with FULL NAME
  • Alien Registration photo ID card with FULL NAME
  • Matricula Consular (Mexican CID) *MUST HAVE CURRENT LOCAL ADDRESS 
  • U.S. Employment Authorization Card
  • Work Visa

LIST B (Proof of Residence)

  • Vehicle Registration
  • Current Rent bill or Lease Agreement* (Must be dated in the last 3 months)
  • Tax Bill or Receipt* (Must be dated in the last 3 months)
  • Cable, phone, or utility bill
  • Any piece of official mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service postmarked in the last 30 days with FULL NAME of applicant.  *handwritten postcards are not accepted

*PLEASE NOTE:  A Post Office Box is allowable as a mailing address.  However, proof of physical address (as noted in List B above) is also required to establish residency.

*Passports issued through other countries are not acceptable forms of ID except for temporary cards.

*We cannot accept mail with a forwarding label (yellow) as acceptable proof of residence.

 

Checkout

  • Your initial checkout is limited to one (1) item per family member present at the time.  Of these item(s), one (1) may be a visual item (Blu-ray, DVD or VHS tape – NO SERIES).  Once these item(s) have been returned (no earlier than the next business day), regular checkout limits below will apply.
  • You may have up to 50 items per household.  Of that 50, four (4) may be visual items (only 1 Series DVD allowed), and twelve (12) may be audio items.  Non-fiction is limited to three (3) per call number/topic, graphic novels are limited to five (5), and “NEW” fiction is limited to five (5).  Regular fiction, junior/young adult, and children’s books do not have specific limits.
  • Checkout period is two (2) weeks for books and audio books.
  • Checkout period is seven (7) days for Blu-rays, DVDs, VHS tapes, Series DVDs, and Mobile HotSpots. 
  • Special items: checkout period is thirty (30) days for Book Club Kits and five (5) days for Overhead Projector ($10.00 rental fee).
  • Proper Identification that matches account information will be needed to check out materials if you forget your library card.  The identification must have full name and address information.
  • Items borrowed through TN Reads or Recorded Books do not count towards your 50 item limit and are not visible in your library account.
  • Blu-rays, DVDs, and/or VHS tapes may only be checked out with an adult card. Under no circumstances will movies with “R” ratings be checked out to anyone under the age of 18, regardless of whether a parent has given the minor permission to use the adult card.  All other materials available for checkout have no age restrictions.  Parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding what is appropriate for their children, within the confines of the law, and should monitor what their children are checking out.

 

​ILLs

  • While it is not possible for the library to have every book published or movie produced, it is possible to check with other libraries across the state of Tennessee to see if they have particular items through Inter-Library Loans (ILLs).  In order to submit a request through ILL, the person making the request must have had a library card with a loan history for a minimum of three months and a minimum of four (4) separate checkouts.  The account must also be in good standing (no fines or fees).
  • ILL materials are assigned due dates by the lending library.  Stokes Brown Public Library may be able to request a renewal; however, this is not guaranteed and will be at the discretion of the lending library.  ILL materials returned after their assigned due dates will be charged a $0.25 per item, per day overdue fee. 
  • ILL requests are limited to three (3) requests per patron at any given time.

 

Renewals

  • You may renew most items two (2) times if there are no holds on them.  “New” items may only be renewed one (1) time.  Due to high demand, mobile HotSpots may not be renewed. 
  • You may renew your materials at the library, from a computer with Internet access, or by telephone at 615-384-5123.  You will need your library card number and the items that you wish to renew available.
  • To renew online, you will need to access our website: www.youseemore.com/SpringfieldPL. Click on My Account, enter your entire library card number as your ID, and as of February 1, 2023 your PIN # is your birth month and day.  You have the option of changing this information once logged in.
  • Items cannot be renewed when your card is not active (cards expire every two years), when there is a hold on the item, or when the computer system is down.
  • Please double-check that the items you wished to renew were in fact renewed by re-entering your account to check due dates.  You are responsible for any late charges that incur due to an item not renewing.

 

Overdues

Please return your borrowed items on time so that everyone has a chance to enjoy them.  Overdue fines are:

  • Books and audio books are $0.10 per item, per day.  $3.00 maximum per item.
  • Blu-rays, DVDs, VHS Cassettes, Series DVDs are $1.00 per item, per day.  $10.00 maximum per item.
  • Special Items:

           o Book Club Kits are $0.50 per kit, per day.  $5.00 maximum per item.
           o Mobile Hotspots are $3.00 per day, no maximum.  Service will be deactivated after 48 hours, and the item will be charged to your account after a minimum of thirty (30) days.
           o Overhead projectors are $2.00 per day. $24.00 maximum. 

  • Mobile HotSpots and other electronic devices have differing fines.  Please refer to the individual policy for those devices upon checkout. 

The Library reserves the right to refuse further service until overdue materials are returned and account balances are paid.

  • Account balances must be below $5.00 in order to restore library privileges.  This applies to parent-child accounts as well: if a child has an account balance of $5.00 or more, the parent’s privileges will be suspended until accounts are paid.
  • Any balance over one year in age must also be paid in order to restore library privileges.
  • Accounts that have been suspended due to failure to return items in thirty (30) days must be paid in full with either cash or credit/debit card before privileges are restored.
     

 

Picking up Holds

Held items must be borrowed with the same card they were placed on hold with.  Others may not checkout held items without your card unless written permission by the patron is on file.  Holds are not transferrable to other library cards (unless a parent is picking up a child's holds).  Holds are limited to five (5) items.

 

Temporary Card Policies

Temporary cards are issued in the event that a patron is unable to provide a permanent address, are in temporary housing, or live outside the library’s service area but work in Robertson County.  These cards have limited borrowing privileges and are valid for 90 days.  A valid ID, temporary address, and a telephone number are required.  Local patrons who are not able to provide a current proof of address may also be issued a temporary card until such proof is provided.  Only one temporary card may be issued per adult per household.  Juveniles are not eligible for temporary cards.
 

A person using a temporary card has the following privileges:

  • Your initial checkout is limited to one (1) item per family member present at the time up to six (6) items.  Of these item(s), one (1) may be a visual item (Blu-ray, DVD or VHS tape – NO SERIES).  Once these item(s) have been returned (no earlier than the next business day), regular checkout limits below will apply.
  • Limit of six (6) items checked out at one time per card; only two (2) of these may be visual items – NO SERIES
  • Limit of two (2) items on hold at one time
  • Borrowing privileges will be suspended when one (1) item is overdue
  • Receives five (5) FREE black/white prints per day when using library computer lab

 

 

Issues

Bed Bugs

Over the last few years, incidents of bed bug infestations have become a growing problem for all public buildings including hotels, schools, hospitals, libraries, churches, and any other building where the public frequents in large numbers.  Because bed bugs can hide in items like jackets, back packs, and other soft materials, they can be brought into any location and create a new case of infestation.

As a responsible member of the community, the Stokes Brown Public Library is aware that bed bugs will remain an ongoing issue for all public spaces until science develops a way to eradicate them completely.

For this reason, the Stokes Brown Public Library has established new building maintenance programs and circulation procedures to minimize the risk of infestation, including regular inspection and treatment by a qualified pest control company, staff inspection of all returned materials, and the heat treatment of suspect materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  I have books from the library, should I be concerned? 

Bed bugs are a community-wide issue that affects almost all public-access buildings including schools, hospitals, libraries, office buildings, and more.  We each need to be diligent to minimize personal risk by being observant and not placing personal items such as jackets and book bags on the floor or soft-surface furniture in any public buildings.

Bringing library materials into your home that have previously been in other patrons' homes can never be completely without risk.  However, the Stokes Brown Public Library has implemented a proactive process to reduce that risk.  Procedures in place include inspection of materials, preventative heat treatment of materials, and chemical treatments as recommended by professional exterminators with whom we contract.  We will continue this vigilance to lessen the possibility of bed bugs being able to come into your home via library materials.

2.  How do I minimize my risk of exposure to bed bugs?

A library is not a conducive environment for bed bugs to thrive.  They require a sleeping human or animal host to feed from; and they will stay close to their food source.  Without nourishment, bed bugs will not populate and spread.

They are typically brought into a library on people's clothing or personal effects.  We recommend patrons not set personal belongings (jackets and bags) on the floor or on soft furniture.

If you are concerned about bed bugs hitching a ride into your home, keep your library materials sealed in a plastic zip-top bag when not in use and do not use them near soft surfaces such as bedding.

3.  Will the library notify me if my books may have been impacted?

Only in cases where the definitive source of the bed bug detection is clear and confirmed will the Stokes Brown Public Library notify the impacted patron of the findings.

4.  Will the library close if bed bugs are found?

The Stokes Brown Public Library will make every effort to not close unless recommended by a qualified pest control company.  Most treatments can be done for isolated areas without affecting services and can be performed during non-business hours.

5.  What if I find evidence that my library materials are affected by bed bugs?

Immediately seal all library materials in a zip-top plastic bag and notify the library of the incident.  You may return the materials to the library in zip-top bags and indicate upon return that you found evidence of bed bugs.  Do NOT put them in the book drops.  Rather, hand them to a staff member directly.

Do NOT attempt to treat library materials on your own by placing them in the microwave or oven.  The library owns a dry heat portable oven that will not damage the materials.  Do not spray library materials with pesticides.  You will be held responsible for any damages to library materials sustained during a self-treatment process.

6.  What if I return materials that are found to contain bed bugs or evidence of bed bugs (examples: live or dead bed bugs, larvae, or signs of waste)?

The first time such a situation occurs we would not know without a shadow of doubt that the materials had been infected in your household or if it had been infected elsewhere and bugs hatched on the materials while in your possession.  So you will not be charged for the materials, and your borrowing privileges will not be withdrawn.  However, restrictions will be applied.  Library staff will make note of your name, library card number, and note that the materials you check out in the future should be watched for bed bugs.

Patrons who return materials that show definitive evidence of bed bugs after the first episode will result in a patron's borrowing privileges being temporarily suspended.  This suspension will be lifted when the patron can present written proof that their residence has been successfully treated by a licensed pest control company.

Although we do not want to lose any of our valued patrons and will try all other solutions first, a pattern of returning infested materials or disregarding the safety instructions above may result in a permanent revocation of library privileges if continued borrowing threatens the health and safety of other patrons.

7.  Will I have to pay for the materials?

You will not pay for the first incident, provided you followed the protocol above in Question #5 for proper return of the materials and did not attempt any treatment of the materials yourself.  But if there are subsequent incidents of materials returned with bug-related damage, you may be charged the full cost of the materials if we must replace them, or for new packaging materials if we are able to simply put them in a new case. 

 

Unattended Children Policy

 

UNACCOMPANIED MINORS (AGE 17 AND UNDER)

The Stokes Brown Public Library welcomes and encourages children to visit the Library, use library resources and services, and attend library programs.  Staff members are available to help and support children; however, the Library is not able to provide short- or long-term child care, or be responsible for unattended children.

Unattended children are children of any age who are apparently unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, and/or responsible caregiver.  Children who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the Library and must have adequate supervision while in the Library.  The Library is not responsible if children leave the Library property unattended.

Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of children at all times in the Library and on library property.  Children are expected to respect library property and adhere to the rules outlined in the "Patron Rules of Conduct".

Library staff will attempt to contact a parent, guardian, and/or caregiver in circumstances such as the following:

  • An unattended child is engaging in behavior that is disruptive to other library users, staff, or the normal operation of library business.  The child will be given a verbal warning and a copy of the policy with any applicable rules of conduct highlighted prior to calling the parent(s)/guardian(s).
  • An unattended child is involved in a situation that is potentially harmful to the health or safety of the child and/or others.

Such situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  If parents, guardians, and/or caregivers cannot be reached, or are unresponsive, the Library will work with other city agencies as needed (including the local police department).

 

AFTER HOURS CHILDREN LEFT UNATTENDED

The following notice is posted at the main entrance of the Stokes Brown Public Library:

 

Lost or Damaged Items

Upon return to the library, materials are inspected for damages.  Items determined to have sustained damages above fair wear and tear are removed from the catalog, assessed, and fines (if applicable) are levied against the patron's account.  The determination of fair wear and tear and damage cost is the prerogative of knowledgeable library staff.

 

Repairable Damage to Items

Books and other loaned materials returned with damage judged to be above fair wear and tear will be removed from the collection and placed in repair status.  Damage fees cover the cost of manpower and the materials needed to repair the items.

Damaged or lost items are billed at full purchase price plus a processing fee.  A $5.00 non-refundable processing fee is charged for all lost, damaged, and not returned material.  Please talk with the Overdues Manage before attempting to purchase replacement materials.  The library will not accept books, visual, or audio items purchased by customers to replace damaged items.  The fee covers processing costs to prepare the item for return to the collection.

Damage to Spine Labels and Barcodes:

  • A charge of $3.00 per spine label will be assessed for every disfigured or removed label from a library item.
  • Replace Barcode:  Patrons who return any items with removed or damaged barcodes will be charged a $3.00 replacement fee.

Videos/Audio Material Damage Fees:

  • Replace Damaged Cover:  Replacement costs are $5.00 per cover (for artwork).
  • Missing CD/tapes.  If replaceable, the patron is charged for the replacement cost of the lost or damaged individual CD/Tape.  when tapes or discs cannot be purchased individually, the patron is charged a replacement cost for the entire set.

 

Lost and Non-Returnable Damage 

Patrons are charged a non-refundable fee that includes the cost of replacing the damaged or lost item and a $5.00 processing fee necessary to prepare an item for circulation in the collection.  Materials, once paid for, cannot be located and returned for a refund.

 

Credit Card Use for Payments at Stokes Brown Public Library

The Stokes Brown Public Library allows the use of Master Card, Visa credit, American Express, Discover, or debit card (credit card) payments through the Square (squareup.com) payment system.  A minimum of $5.00 in charges is necessary to complete a credit or debit transaction.  The Library reserves the right to refuse service or cancel transactions at any time.  *Completion of a payment transaction is contingent upon both the authorization of payment by the applicable credit card company or financial institution and acceptance of payment by the Library.

Please allow two business days for processing online payments.

Payment receipts are available and can be emailed to the customer automatically in the Square (squareup.com) payment system.

The Stokes Brown Public Library prohibits certain credit card activities that include, but are not limited to:

  • Accepting payment cards for cash advances or cash back exceeding the total amount of fines and fees owed to the Library
  • Discounting fines or fees based on the method of payment

Privacy Statement

Credit card payment details collected electronically are encrypted using secure server technology provided by Square (squareup.com) payment system.  At no time does the Library store credit card information.  This information is only made accessible to authorized credit card vendors and financial institutions to complete your transaction.

 

Issues-Returned Check Fee

The Service fee for a returned check is $30.00.

 

 

Public Computer Policies


Internet Safety Policy

To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats, the Stokes Brown Public Library provides free access to Internet resources.  The Internet offers many sources of information.  The Library has no control over the information obtained through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content or accuracy.  It may contain materials which some find offensive or inappropriate.  Library users have the responsibility of evaluating the validity and appropriateness of any information found. 

In accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (Pub. L. 106-554), all library computers are equipped with filtering software.  The software is set to screen out sites which may reasonably be construed as obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code; or child pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or harmful to minors as defined in section 1703, Pub. L, 106-554.  Users 18 years of age and older may request that a staff member disable the filtering software for research purposes.  Under no circumstances will the software be disabled for users 17 and under.

As with other library resources, parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding what is appropriate for their children, within the confines of the law. 

Any patron under the age of 18 must abide by the following:

     Ages 0 – 11: must be accompanied in the computer room by a responsible adult.  The adult must be able to monitor the child’s screen while the child is on the computer.
     Ages 12 – 14: Must have an adult 18 years or older accompany them to the library and remain in the library while the child is on the Internet or using a computer.
     Ages 15 – 17: Must follow the rules for ages 12 – 14 OR have signed permission (located on the registration card) from a parent or legal guardian before using the computer lab.

Although the Library has anti-virus software, firewall protection, and content filtering, there is no guarantee that files downloaded from the Internet will not contain a virus.  The Library assumes no responsibility for damages, direct, or indirect, for the use of the Internet. 

Internet users should be aware that it is not a secure medium.  It is possible for third parties to obtain information regarding an individual user’s search activities.  Users should be very cautious about providing personal information over the Internet. 
 

Ethical Use

All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided.  It is unacceptable to use the Library’s computer system and Internet resources for any of the following:

  • For any purposes which violate applicable U.S. or state laws.  Users must respect all copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to software, files and other resources obtained via the Internet.
  • Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library.
  • Disruption or interference of network users or services.  Such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, harassment, libeling, or slandering of others; propagation of computer worms or viruses.
  • Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as either obscene or child pornography by community standards.

As with any other information the user chooses to access, Library staff will respect the patron’s confidentiality.  However, since computer screens are visible to others, they cannot be considered private.  Some material is inappropriate for display in a public setting.  Library staff reserves the right to monitor the use of computer workstations to ensure compliance with this policy.

 

Violations of the Internet Safety and Ethical Use Policies

Users violating these guidelines will be advised of the Library’s policy for ethical use and asked to comply.  Users who repeatedly violate these guidelines after previous warnings will be restricted from using the Library’s online services on that occasion.  The Library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access or use of the online services.  Illegal acts may subject violators to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.


Guidelines for Public Computer Use

  1. Public computers are available to all Stokes Brown Public Library customers.
  2. To support access for all customers, the library will enforce time limits on public PCs.
  3. The customer must leave the public PC once his/her session has expired.
  4. Filters on public PC in the Children’s and YA areas will not be disabled for any reason.
  5. Problems with public PCs must be reported immediately to library staff.  Do not try to disconnect, reconnect, or remove any equipment or otherwise fix problems.
  6. Only software owned and installed by the library may be run on any of the public PCs.  Customers may not load software from any source or change any settings.
  7. Customer owned headphones may be used with public PCs.  Headphones are available at the Reference Desk.  Individual earbuds may be purchased for $2.00, or you may borrow a large pair of headphones (restrictions apply).
  8. Except for headphones and storage devices (flash/jump drives, etc.), only hardware owned and installed by the Library may be used with the public PCs.  You may not connect any other devices such as, but not limited to, modems, joysticks, mice, printers, or scanners.
  9. The library is not responsible for damage to or loss of data from power interruption, viruses, hard disk failure, faulty software, or any other cause.  The use of library computer equipment and the entering of personal information or data (e.g., credit card numbers, home address) are at your own risk.
  10. Material not saved to storage devices (floppy discs, flash/jump drives, etc.) before the end of the session will be lost.  Customers must supply their own disks for downloading and saving data.  The library PCs are equipped with software that wipes all data after each session.  There is no way to recover it.  Be sure to save often on your personal storage device!
  11. One person per computer.  Exceptions may be made by library staff.  Permission will not be granted to persons conducting for-profit computer instruction.
  12. The Library provides Catalog-Only PCs for patron use.  Catalog-Only PCs do not require a card or a ticket.  These PCs are not for accessing the Internet, Office applications, or other resources.
  13. Failure to comply with the above guidelines may result in suspension of library privileges. 

How to Use the Computer Lab

  1. The Computer Lab is self-serve.  If you have a library card, there is no need to stop at the Reference Desk.  Simply walk into the Lab, sit any computer that says “Available” and log in as a patron using the entire library card number on the back of your card.
  2. If you do not have a library card, you will need to stop at the checkout desk and present a photo ID to obtain a Guest Pass.  Find an “Available” computer, log in as a guest, and put in all of the information printed on the pass.
  3. Once you are finished using the computer, select “End Session” and then select “End Now”.  This will end your session.  Do not attempt to log off from the Start menu.
  4. Printing is $0.25 per page for black and white prints and $0.75 per page for color prints.  However, library card holders in good standing ($0 balance and no ‘blocked’ status) will receive the first five (5) black and white prints FREE per day when printing from a library computer.  You will be given a chance to preview your prints at the desk before the prints are released.   You will need to select how you want to print (B/W or color), and it will notify you of the amount you will be charged.  You must click ok to confirm before your prints are released.
  5. Go to the Reference Desk when you are ready to pick up your prints.  Staff will allow you a chance to preview your prints.  Fees for printing must be paid before the print job is released by staff to the printer.
  6. We have free WiFi.  To connect, access your device’s wireless settings. Look for the network ‘Stokes Brown Guest’.  Ask staff for the password if prompted.
  7. All public computers shut down 15 minutes before closing time.  Be sure to save or print all work prior to this time.  Failure to do so will result in lost information that cannot be recovered.
  8. The time limit for public computers is 2 hours per day.  Customers are initially given 1 hour and will be offered a 60 minute time extension at the end of their session if there are enough available computers.  Customers using the computers for timed tests or classes may ask library staff for time extensions beyond the 2 hour limit.  In this case, the customer should notify the library staff ahead of time, otherwise the extension may not be granted when there is a waiting list for computer usage.
  9. Once a customer’s session is over, the public computers will automatically end the session.  Any data not saved to customer’s storage device (floppy discs, flash/jump drives, etc.) will be lost.  All print jobs must be sent to the print release station before the customer’s reserved time has expired.
  10. Customers must provide their own storage devices for downloading and saving data.
  11. Customers must use library-supplied paper for printing.  Personal paper is not allowed.

 

Unattended Adult Policy

Adults are permitted in the Gorham-MacBane Children's Library or in the Young Adult Room at the Stokes Brown Public Library only when accompanied by a child or when the adult needs to retrieve materials from the youth services area collections.  If the adult is NOT accompanied by a child, he or she needs to locate the youth services material and then move to appropriate adult areas on the Library premises.  Circulation Staff will assist with retrieval of materials from the Children's Library when necessary.

(Exceptions to this policy may be made by library administration for programming sponsored by the library.  The days and times of adult inclusive programming will be posted at the entrances to the youth services area in advance.)

 

If the individual does not comply with staff direction or repeatedly violates this policy, the individual's library privileges may be revoked.  

  • Adults and teens are prohibited from using the children's area, unless accompanying a child twelve (12) years of age or younger, or needing access to the Library's children's materials.
  • Adults and children are prohibited from using the teen room unless accompanying a teen age thirteen (13) to nineteen (19).
  • Adults and teens are prohibited from using any restroom in the children's library.  Chilren's restrooms are for the sole use of children age twelve (12) years old or younger, and their caregivers.

*All policies have been adapted from the Nashville Public Library’s Policies: http://www.library.nashville.org/about/abt_policies.asp, 07/3/15)

 

Confidentiality

As with any other information the user chooses to access, Library Staff will respect the patron's confidentiality.  However, since computer screens are visible to others, they cannot be considered private.  Some material is inappropriate for display in a public setting.  Library Staff reserves the right to monitor the use of computer workstations to ensure compliance with this policy.

 

Laptop Policies/Facts/Rules/etc.

  • Laptops are for in-library use only.  They cannot be taken outside of the building.
  • A time limit of two hours is the maximum checkout time, just like using a Computer Lab PC.
  • An SBPL library card with 3 months activity is required to c heckout a laptop.
  • Laptops have the ability to print wirelessly.
  • You must be 21 years of age or older with valid photo ID to check out a laptop.
  • All laptops have the following software:  MS Office 2016 and web browsers.
  • If you are using a laptop at the end of the day, it must be returned to the Reference Desk 15 minutes before closing time.
  • All files and downloads will be deleted when your session is completed.  Nothing is saved.
  • All laptops are connected to the library's wifi.  Should you require an Ethernet cord, we can provide one for you.
  • Patron must leave ID at the Reference Desk when checking out a laptop.
  • No food or drink is allowed anywhere near the use of a laptop.
  • Laptops are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Staff will not take reservations or keep waiting lists.
  • Failure to return laptops to the Reference Desk will result in fines and loss of laptop checkout privileges.
  • Patrons cannot check out a laptop more than once a day.
  • You must have a library card, photo ID and fill out the laptop lending agreement EACH TIME you check out a laptop.
  • You will receive a fully charged laptop, enough to last the two full hours of checkout.
  • If a checked out laptop is found unattended, the patron will lose laptop check out borrowing privileges.
  • If a laptop is taken outside of the building, the Springfield Police Department will be notified and an investigation may be initiated.  The borrower will be denied future borrowing privileges.
  • It is the borrower's full responsibility and fiscal liability for all costs associated with damage to the laptop during the period it is checked out.
  • If patrons experience problems with the laptop, software, or internet connection, they should ask for assistance at the Reference Desk.
  • Laptops cannot be used by anyone other than the card holder who checked it out.  Failure to comply will result in loss of laptop checkout provileges.
  • A fine of 5.00 PER MINUTE is accrued for each minute the laptop is late being returned.

 

HotSpot Policies

  • Patrons must be 21 years of age or older to be able to check out a HotSpot.
  • A valid Stokes Brown Public Library account ("Adult" only - NO teacher's card can be used) AND a current driver's license, passport, or military photo ID must be presented at the time of check out.
  • Patron MUST be a resident of Robertson County (no exceptions)
  • Patrons must be in good standing with the library, with a current address on file and no fines above $5.00.
  • Mobile HotSpots may only be check out from and returned to the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor of Stokes Brown Public Library.
  • Mobile HotSpots may be checked out for ONE WEEK with NO RENEWALS.
  • Overdue Mobile HotSpots will be deactivated after 48 hours of the due date.
  • A reactivation fee of $5.00 will be charged to your account if device is deactivated.
  • Three deactivations on an account will result in a 3 month suspension of Mobile HotSpot checkout privileges for that household.
  • A patron cannot be placed on hold for a Mobile HotSpot if they have one checked out to them.  As such, a patron in a household cannot be placed on hold for a Mobile HotSpot if another Mobile HotSpot is already checked out to another patron in that same household.
  • The Mobile HotSpot can provide Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices.
  • Note to Parents/Guardians:  Internet content filtering is NOT provided through the Stokes Brown Public Library (SBPL) Mobile HotSpot.  Parents/Guardians are responsible for monitoring what their children access via the SBPL Mobile HotSpot.
  • The overdue fine is $3.00 PER DAY until returned.
  • A reactivation fee of $5.00 will be charged to your account if device is deactivated.
  • Patrons will be charged $20.00 for Mobile HotSpots returned to a book drop (indoor or outdoor).  Two violations of this return policy will result in the loss of privilege of checking out Mobile HotSpots.
  • The Mobile HotSpot should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment; DO NOT leav it in your automobile.
  • The patron is responsible for costs associated with loss or damage of the Mobile HotSpot and/or peripherals.

 

 

Stokes Brown Public Library
Title VI Nondiscrimination Statement and Policy

I. Nondiscrimination Statement: The Stokes Brown Public Library ensures compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 49 CFR, Part 21; related statutes and regulations so that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from Stokes Brown Public Library on the grounds of race, color, or national origin.
 

II. Application. All employees of or applicants to Stokes Brown Public Library or any program administered by Stokes Brown Public Library; all members of the public seeking services offered by the Stokes Brown Public Library.
 

III. Policy: In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Stokes Brown Public Library will not, on the basis of race, color or national origin:
•Deny any person services, assistance, or any other benefit for which the person is qualified;
•Provide any person with a service different from that provided to others under the same program;
•Subject any person to separate treatment in any manner related to services, aid or other benefits;
•Limit any person in any way in the use of services, facilities, or any other advantages, privileges or benefits provided under any program;
•Treat any person differently from others in deciding whether the person meets requirements to receive aid, care, service or other benefit;
•Deny any person, or offer an opportunity different from that offered to others, in any program or service;
•Adopt methods that limit participation by any group of recipients or subject them to discrimination; or
•Refer any person to agencies that do not obey civil rights laws.
 

IV. Complaint Procedures. If you believe that you or others protected by Title VI have been discriminated against, you may file a written, signed and dated complaint with the Title VI Coordinator of Stokes Brown Public Library within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. A complaint form can be found on the Department of State’s website at www.sos.tn.gov. The complaint should be submitted to:
Stokes Brown Public Library
C/O Title VI Coordinator
405 White Street
Springfield, TN. 37172

If you disagree with the determination of the Title VI Coordinator, you may appeal to the federal agency that provides funds to Stokes Brown Public Library.
Tennessee Department of State
Attn: Rose Case, Title VI Coordinator
312 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
Nashville, Tennessee 37243

Adapted from the TN dept. of State
Adopted SBPL 09/11/20
 

 

Social Media Policy


Stokes Brown Public Library
“Approved by the Stokes Brown Library Board on 1/8/21”

Purpose

Maintaining a Social media presence allows the Stokes Brown Public Library to communicate information about library and community services to Robertson County quickly and effectively. Stokes Brown Public Library staff will operate its accounts in accord with its mission and its policies as adopted by the library board.

Usage

Designated library staff will manage Stokes Brown Public Library social media accounts.  Stokes Brown Public Library is not responsible for posts made by outside parties.  Posts to social media made by outside parties do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the library or its employees. The library reserves the right to remove content that it deems to be in conflict with its purpose and policies. Additionally, users of a social media platform should be aware of the policies established by that social media company.

Comments and posts containing any of the following are prohibited and will be removed from the library’s social media accounts:

--- personal information and requests for personal information (addresses, phone numbers)
--- copyrighted material
--- spam
--- pornographic content
--- obscene content
--- libelous statements
--- defamatory content
--- threats against the library, library staff, or the public

Removed posts will be documented and stored, with an explanation of the removal. Appeals can be made in writing to the library director.

In addition, the library reserves the right to block any social media user who violates this policy. Library management may work with local law enforcement if the content is deemed to violate the law or constitute a credible threat to safety.