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.

Material Selection Policy

Purpose

The Cape May County Library provides free library service to the residents of Cape May County regardless of age, sex, religion, race, educational level, physical disability, or ethnic background. The Library attempts to fill the informational, recreational, cultural and educational needs of the residents of the county as allowed by budgetary and space restrictions. Materials will be selected by the library staff with input from the community.

Community

The population of Cape May County was 97,265 in the 2010 census. This population included people of all races, economic, and educational levels.

Intellectual Freedom

In a free society, it is essential for all citizens to have access to all Library materials; therefore, the Cape May County Library sup[ports the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association, as well as, the People's Library Bill of Rights of the New Jersey Library Association. Selection of Library materials will not be determined by fear of censorship or coercion.

Responsibility

Responsibility for the development of the collection rests with the Library Director and the Professional staff of the Cape May County Library. This responsibility is given to the Director and staff by the Cape May County Library Commission and is authorized by the statutes of the State of New Jersey.

General Selection Principles

Factors to be considered in the selection of materials are:

• Content
• Authority of author (background, sources utilized, reputation, etc.)
• Relative value in the field covered by the materials
• Value of the material in relation to the collection for which it is being considered
• Duplication of materials already in the collection
• Reviewed recommendations
• Demand
• Price
• Gift Books
• Gift materials will be accepted under the provision of the Deed of Gift Form - see Forms

Internet Use and the Cape May County Library

The Cape May County Library provides public access to the Internet as a way of enhancing its existing collections with electronic resources from national and international information networks. While the Internet provides many valuable sources of information, patrons are reminded that some information on the Internet may not be accurate, current, or confidential. The Library has no control over the information on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. It is not within the scope of the Cape May County Library to monitor access to any resource for any segment of the population we serve, as is made clear in the General Statement of this policy.

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.