Library Policy

Patron Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct has been developed to minimize situations in which any library patron interferes with the legitimate library business of other patrons and/or staff, to protect the safety of all library patrons and staff, and to protect library property. Patrons are expected to follow the Code of Conduct.

Purpose

• Library entrance areas, aisles, and passageways will be kept clear and unobstructed
• Bicycles will be kept in the bike racks
• Patrons will wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts
• Library patrons will use their own library cards
• Rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, and Heelys will not be used in the library
• No food or drink permitted next to library computers and other library technology. Enclosed beverages and snack foods can be brought into the library. Some libraries have designated areas where foods more substantial than snacks are permitted.
• Cell phones kept on vibrate are permitted in the library
• Patrons will refrain from using profanity
• Patrons will not engage in noisy or disruptive behavior, including running, throwing, loud talking, fighting, pushing, shoving, and will not create an intimidating or hostile environment for library staff and patrons
• Patrons will comply with the library's Internet Use Policy
• The library and its grounds are a no-soliciting zone
• Library furniture, equipment, and contents will be treated responsibly
• Volume on audio equipment will be kept low so that the sound will not bother others
• Library visitors will maintain a reasonable level of hygiene
• Alcohol is not to be brought into or consumed in the library
• Illegal activity is prohibited, including, but not limited to: vandalism, drug possession or use, public drunkenness, verbal, physical and sexual harassment

Anyone refusing to follow the Code of Conduct will be asked to leave. Depending on the severity of the rule breaking, a patron may be asked to stay away from the library for a period of time, to be determined by the library administration.

Library Card Eligibility

Accepted Forms of ID to Obtain a Library Card

ID must be valid and must have your current address listed. Examples of accepted ID include: Driver's License, State Issued ID, Military ID for the Coast Guard Base, Lease, Utility Bill, and Tax Records. Personal mail cannot be accepted as valid ID.

Residents of Cape May County

(except Avalon & Ocean City)

To obtain a free Resident Card, please bring ID showing proof of residency to any library location. Residents include: Anyone who lives in or owns property in Cape May County (except Avalon and Ocean City), Military and civilians stationed at the Coast Guard Base, Campground residents who own their site or stay there 6 months or more out of the year, State workers whose job is primarily based in Cape May County, and Avalon and Ocean City residents who are county employees.

Reciprocal Borrowers

A free Reciprocal Borrower Card can be obtained by residents of Atlantic County. Atlantic County Residents need only to bring a form of valid ID showing your name and current address in Atlantic County.

Non-Residents

Those who do not live in the county but wish to use library resources regularly, as well as those who reside in Avalon and Ocean City, can obtain a Non-Resident Card by showing valid ID with their current address and paying a $90 annual fee.

Visitors

Those visiting the county, except for those visiting Avalon and Ocean City, for any time less than 6 months are eligible for a free Visitor Card. In order to obtain this library card, visitors must bring proof of address for where they are staying within the county as well as valid ID for their home address. Additionally, residents of Cumberland County are eligible for a free Visitor Card. Cumberland County Residents need only to bring a form of valid ID showing your name and current address in Cumberland County.

Unattended Child Policy

Purpose

The Cape May County Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for children of all ages. However, Library staff cannot assume responsibility for the care or supervision of children using the Library's facilities. As the Library is a public space, a parent or caregiver must provide continuous supervision for children to ensure their safety.

Policy

Children 5 and under

A parent or responsible caregiver (age 13 or over) must remain with the child at all times. The child should be able to see the responsible caregiver and the caregiver should be able to see and promptly reach the child.

Children 6-10

A parent or responsible caregiver (age 13 or over) must remain in the library during the child's visit and the child should be able to find the caregiver at all times.

Children 11 and over

A child in this age range may use the library alone. If problems arise, the child may be asked to leave or parents may be contacted (See also Code of Conduct).

Children and vulnerable adults of any age with mental, physical, or emotional challenges that cause them to require supervision in order to be safe and/or not disruptive

A patron who falls into one of these categories must be accompanied at all times by a parent or responsible caregiver able to aid the patron.

Conduct

Parents are responsible for the actions and well-being of their children. Patrons, including children, are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct, and may be asked to leave the library if engaging in inappropriate behavior. Children being disruptive will be:

• Given a warning that they are being disruptive and must stop the behavior, or they will be asked to leave the Library.
• Given a second warning, and told if Library staff has to speak with them again, they will be asked to leave the Library for the day.
• Asked to leave the Library. Children may call a parent or caregiver to pick them up. If the parents or caregivers cannot be contacted, local law enforcement may be called to ensure the safe removal of the child.

Any verbal or physical harassment of Library Staff or other patrons will result in immediate expulsion.

Meeting Room Policy

Defines the rules and regulations governing the use of Cape May County Library Meeting Rooms.

Purpose

The Cape May County Library's meeting rooms are primarily available for the Library's own programs or those library programs co-sponsored with other groups. Additionally, the meeting rooms can be used by individuals and not-for-profit groups or organizations. There will be no commercial use of a meeting room; however, a commercial or for-profit organization may have a program if it offers to the public timely information presented by knowledgeable or skilled professionals, but no fees can be charged and no solicitations can be made.

The Cape May County Library does not limit use of its meeting rooms based on the subject matter or content of the meeting or on the beliefs or affiliations of the meeting's sponsors. Use of the meeting room does not imply endorsement by the Cape May County Library of the policies or purpose of that group.

Applying for Use of a Meeting Room

All outside groups or individuals who wish to use a Cape May County Meeting Room must complete and submit the following forms for approval before using the facility

• Cape May County Meeting Room Application
• Use of County Facility Application
• Proof of insurance, as described in the application

The Cape May County Library has first priority in the use of a meeting room. All other use of a meeting room will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The Cape May County Library will always determine if a meeting room is available.

• Reservations can be made up to 12 weeks in advance from the date of application.
• Regular use of a meeting room by a group will be granted at the discretion of the Cape May County Library and will be based upon the availability of a meeting room.
• A copy of the Meeting Room Policy will be given out to the individual or group who receives permission to use a meeting room.
• Granting of the use of a meeting room will be done by a designated employee (e.g. Branch Manager) and will be based upon compliance with the Meeting Room Policy.
• Outside groups applying for meeting room use must fill out the Use of County Facility Application. The Use of County Facility Application and proof of insurance, as described in the application, must be submitted and approved before the group may use the meeting room.

Guidelines

• All non-County meetings and programs must be open to the public and the Cape May County Library. An employee of the Cape May County Library may be present during the meeting or the program.
• The size and location of meeting rooms vary and therefore, may influence or restrict the use of them.
• Groups, organizations, and individuals failing to comply with any part of the Meeting Room Policy may be denied future use of a meeting room.
• The Cape May County Library has first priority of the use of a meeting room.
• Non-library meetings can only be held during library hours and availability may differ from branch to branch. No meeting may start after the library closes, or if the library is closed, but the meeting may extend after hours with the permission of the library.
• Non-library programs and meetings must end 15 minutes prior to the library's closing hour.
• No commercial use of a meeting room and no fees may be charged to attend a program or meeting. Only fundraising events sponsored by the Cape May County Library are permitted.
• Light refreshments may be served.
• The individual or group sponsoring the meeting is responsible for the condition of the meeting room and is responsible for any damage to the meeting room or its equipment or furniture or floor covering incurred during the program. The meeting room must be left in the same condition it was found in. Preparation of the room (e.g. chair setup) is the responsibility of the organization or group.
• Publicity for non-library meetings must be coordinated with the library.
• The library cannot be named as a sponsor for non-library meetings.
• Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
• Maximum attendance will be based upon the capacity of each meeting room and fire code regulations.
• The Cape May County Library reserves the right to cancel at any time any meeting or program if necessary.
• The Cape May County Library assumes no liability or responsibility for any accident or loss of personal property that might occur as a result of the use of a meeting room.
• Literature may be distributed if it is available without charge and contains no solicitation of fees.
• A member from the organization must attend the meeting.
• Meetings must comply with any Federal, State, or local law.

Collection Development Policy

Library Mission

Connecting our communities to knowledge, spaces, experiences, and one another.

Policy Statement

The Collection Development Policy supports the library’s mission, ensures that collections meet community needs, and aligns with New Jersey’s Freedom to Read Act. The purpose of the policy is to provide standards for the curation of library material; establish criteria for removal of existing library material selected for inclusion in the public library; and provide protection against attempts to censor library material.

Freedom to Read Act

New Jersey’s Freedom to Read Act prohibits censorship of library materials and provides certain protections to library workers in collection development and maintenance. It supports the right of individuals to free inquiry and the right to form their own opinions. It acknowledges the training and education that librarians receive to develop and curate collections.

This policy recognizes and acknowledges that:

• Public libraries serve as centers for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas;
• Prohibiting censorship of library materials promotes free expression and free access to ideas by residents;
• Library materials shall not be removed from a public library because of the origin, background, or views of the library materials or those contributing to its creation.
• Library materials should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people and should present diverse points of view in the collection as a whole;
• Librarians are professionally trained to curate and develop collections that provide residents with access to the widest array of library material available to the public; and,
• The library has a procedure for a librarian to review library materials on an ongoing basis.

Selection Criteria

The library maintains a diverse and inclusive collection that reflects the interests and needs of the communities the library serves, emphasizing popular materials and general information on a comprehensive range of subjects and genres. Collections serve all ages and reading levels.

The primary goal of collection development is to provide the best possible collection with the financial resources available. Library materials are chosen based on selection criteria such as predicated demand and interest, reputation of the publisher and author, historical significance, and cost. The item’s contribution to the diversity or depth of a collection, such as providing differing viewpoints is also considered.

Materials are selected by trained staff and take into consideration:

• Relevance: Materials align with the library’s mission, as well as community needs and interests.
• Quality: Materials have merit, as established by technical quality, the authority of the author, publisher or production company, reviews in legitimate and established sources, and industry honors and awards.
• Audience Appropriateness: Materials are appropriate for the intended age groups and reading levels.
• Format: Materials are purchased in the most accessible and cost-effective formats.
• Cost: Materials are purchased with consideration to quality and cost, adhering to the confines of the library’s budget.
• Timeliness & Accuracy: Materials contain content that is current, with consideration given to whether there are more recent materials available on the same subject.
• Availability: Materials are available for purchase in a desired format.
• Community Needs: Materials are purchased to address the current and anticipated community needs.
• Space Constraints: Available space may impact the scope and depth of the collection.

Additional criteria for digital resources:

• Ease of use
• Assessment of content quality and cost as compared to other available formats
• Accessibility

Individual titles or content offered in digital media services may not reflect or represent the mission and selection criteria of the Cape May County Library System.

Patron recommendations

Patron suggestions for purchase are subject to the same selection criteria as all other materials and are not automatically added to the collection.

Gifts and Donations

The library may accept gifts and donations with the explicit understanding that the library, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to display, store, sell, or otherwise dispose of all gifts and contributions of tangible property. Those materials which do not meet the library’s objectives and materials selection criteria may be refused.

Excluded materials

The library does not collect the following:

• Academic, scholarly, or specialized resources
• Obsolete formats
• Advance copies
• Textbooks
• Self-published materials (except in cases demonstrating signficant local interest)
• Rare books

Disposition of Materials

Librarians must review library material within a public library on an ongoing basis. Criteria for ongoing review must include, but is not limited to, the:

• Library material's relevance
• Condition of the library material
• Availability of more recent material
• Continued demand for the library material
• Physical condition
• Number of copies available
• Accuracy and currency of information
• Enduring value
• Local interest
• Availability in other formats or libraries
• Space limitations

Definitions

Censorship. Means to block, suppress, or remove library material based on disagreement with a viewpoint, idea, or concept, or solely because an individual finds certain content offensive, but does not include limiting or restricting access to any library material deemed developmentally inappropriate for certain age groups.

Diverse and inclusive material. Means material that reflects any protected class as enumerated in the “Law Against Discrimination,” P.L. 1945, c 169 (c.10:5-1 et seq); material produced by an author who is a member of a protected class as enumerated in the “Law Against Discrimination,” P.L. 1945, c 169 (c.10:5-1 et seq); and material that contains the author’s points of view concerning contemporary problems and issues, whether international, national, or local.

Governing Body. Means the county library commission of a public library.

Individual with a vested interest. Any resident who is served by the public library or residents in a county or municipality where the library is situated.

Library material. Means any material, including, but not limited to, nonfiction and fiction books; magazines; reference books; supplementary titles; multimedia and digital material; software and instructional material, belonging to, on loan to, or otherwise in the custody of a public library.

Responsibilities

Library Commission — Serves as the governing body and reviews, updates, and approves policy.

Library Director — Recommends and coordinates implementation of policy.

Request for Reconsideration Review Committee — Reviews challenged materials, deliberates, and makes recommendation(s) to the governing body.

Librarians — Selects materials for the library collection that help to achieve the library’s mission and follows the collection development policy criteria. Manages the withdrawal of materials from the collection according to the collection development policy criteria.

Date adopted: 9/16/26

Reconsideration of Library Materials Policy

Library Mission

Connecting our communities to knowledge, spaces, experiences, and one another.

Policy Statement

The Cape May County Library System subscribes to the “Library Bill of Rights” of the American Library Association and the “Freedom to Read Statement” of the American Book Publishers Council and the American Library Association. Books and other materials selected are chosen for values of interest, information and enlightenment of all the people. As far as possible, the Library attempts to have available books and other materials presenting all points of view concerning the problems and issues of our time.

The Cape May County Library System provides a method for library users to request reconsideration of library materials in accordance with New Jersey’s Freedom to Read Act.

Reason for Policy

The purpose of the policy is to provide standards for the curation of library material; establish criteria for removal of existing library material or library material selected for inclusion in the public library; and provide protection against attempts to censor library material.

Definitions

Censorship. Means to block, suppress, or remove library material based on disagreement with a viewpoint, idea, or concept, or solely because an individual finds certain content offensive, but does not include limiting or restricting access to any library material deemed developmentally inappropriate for certain age groups.

Governing Body. The Cape May County Library Commission.

Individual with a vested interest. Any resident who is served by the public library or residents in a county or municipality where the library is situated.

Library material. Means any material, including, but not limited to, nonfiction and fiction books; magazines; reference books; supplementary titles; multimedia and digital material; software and instructional material, belonging to, on loan to, or otherwise in the custody of a public library.

Review committee. The governing body will appoint a review committee consisting of:

• At least one member of the governing body;
• A librarian employed by the library;
• A non-librarian staff member familiar with the library materials;
• A representative selected by the governing body;
• A resident serviced by the public library, provided the resident selected is not the individual who submitted the form;
• Any additional members the governing body deems necessary.

Resposibilities

Individuals with a vested interest may submit the request for removal form to the governing body of the public library in which the library material is challenged with the purpose of initiating a review of the material. A separate form must be submitted for each request.

Individuals with a vested interest must use the library’s Request form, list their name, telephone number, and address on the form, and must specify which sections of the library material the individual objects to and an explanation of the reasons for the objection.

The public library governing body must create a request for removal form based on the model removal form established by the State Librarian; and

• Appoint a review committee as defined in this policy.
• Review the committee’s report and make a final determination on whether the material is to be removed from the public library or limited in use. The governing body shall provide a written statement of reasons for:
• Removal, limitation, or non-removal of a library material; and
• Any final determination that is contrary to the recommendations of the review committee; and
• Provide that the library material that has been challenged shall not be subject to a subsequent challenge for at least one year.

The review committee must:

• Review the challenged materials.
• Report in writing its recommendations to the governing body on whether to remove the library material within 30 business days from the date of receiving the form.
• Provide a copy of the report to the individual with the vested interest who filed the form.

Response

The Governing body’s recommendation(s) must discuss the reasons for:

• Removal, limitation, or non-removal of a library material; and
• Any final determination that is contrary to the recommendations of the review committee, and;
• Provide that the library material that has been challenged shall not be subject to a subsequent challenge for at least one year.

Contact

A Reconsideration of Library Materials form may be requested and dropped off in person at any Cape May County Library location, addressed to the Library Director. The Reconsideration of Library Materials form may also be mailed to:

Cape May County Library Commission
DN 2030 4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Date adopted: 9/16/26

Study Room Policy

Purpose

The Cape May County Library System (CMCLS) makes available study rooms at the Cape May Court House Library, the Lower Cape Library, The Wildwood Crest Library, and the Cape May City Library.

Rules & Enforcement

• These rooms are for private or small group study, interviews, private and small group meetings, or video/phone calls only; and are available for use by library patrons aged 14 and older. Library patrons under 14 can accompany a registered adult for tutoring purposes.
• Sound in the rooms is muted but the rooms are not soundproof and are visible from the outside; complete privacy cannot be assumed.
• Study rooms are not to be used as one's place of business, for fee-based services, or for the solicitation of paid services.
• Rooms may be reserved for up to two hours per day. Usage may be extended up to one hour if no reservation is pending. Reservations are available up to three days in advance. Users must check in at the service desk prior to using the study rooms. Walk-in requests will be accepted as usage allows. Rooms will be held for 15 minutes after the reservation time, and if not occupied, will be released to any other patrons requesting a room.
• Patrons can make a maximum of 8 reservations in a calendar month.
• Only covered beverages are permitted in the study room.
• Food is not permitted in the study room.
• Groups must limit attendees to the posted room capacity, and furniture may not be added to a study room.

Library staff will have free access to rooms at all times. CMCLS retains the right to monitor all usage to ensure compliance with library policies, including the Standards of Patron Code of Conduct. Quiet Study Room use may be denied in the future if patrons fail to comply with any of the library's policies, or fail to show up for three consecutive reservations.

Permission to use the study rooms does not, in any way, constitute an endorsement or advocacy by CMCLS of the group, its members, or their beliefs.