Acceptable Use Policy
Public Computers and the Internet
I. Overview. Internet access is available on selected public computers for all patrons of the Library. The Internet is a resource to be utilized in the fulfillment of the Library’s mission of free and unrestricted access to information of all types in a wide range of formats. The Internet allows users to connect to networks of information outside the Library, including those supplied by the Library through paid subscription services.
II. Responsibility. The Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet, which may be inaccurate, incomplete, or offensive. All patrons use the Internet at their discretion.
III. Minors. Some Internet content may be inappropriate for viewing by children, and parents and/or guardians must monitor and supervise their children’s use of the Internet. The Library does not use content-filtering software nor monitor computer use by patrons. Children under the age of eight must use the internet with their accompanying adult.
IV. Security. Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. However, the Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.
V. Rules. These rules will be applied to all use of Library computers:
- Patrons must sign up at the circulation desk. This allows one hour of use. If no one is waiting for a computer, the patron may stay indefinitely or until another patron requests the machine. Computers are available from the time the Library opens until ten minutes before closing.
- Anyone owing the Library money or materials is not allowed to use the public computers.
- One, or a maximum of two persons, may sit at, view, or use one computer. If the behavior of the twosome becomes disruptive, the person not signed up will be asked to leave.
- Internet users must not disturb any other patrons in any way.
- This is a public place with others present, including children. Child pornography is NOT protected by free speech. If we see someone looking at child pornography in the library, we will call the police.
- Users violating these guidelines will be subject to loss of computer privileges at the discretion of the Library Director.
VI. Responsibility of the Library: The Library strives to maintain internet access via library computers, networks, and wireless access at all times the library is open. Short downtimes do occur and will be announced ahead of time whenever possible. Library staff assists users with library computers, printers, library software, and general internet use and can also verify that the library’s wireless network is functional. Library staff may be able to assist users with laptops, phones, e-readers, or other wireless devices or answer software questions. Library staff also may direct users to library resources, internet resources, or training classes that can help users explore software or wireless devices.
Chromebook Policy
Chromebook Policy
Seabrook Library Chromebooks – Borrow a Chromebook for 3 hours inside the library.
A Chromebook connects to our wireless network so you can go online and browse the web. Chromebooks can not have applications installed on them. So programs you might usually find on a computer are not available such as Microsoft Word and Excel. If you have a Google account you can use Google Docs and Google Drive. You can print from the Chromebook through our Princh system.
All of your data is completely erased from the Chromebook when it is returned to us.
Seabrook Library Chromebook Usage Policy
Seabrook Library provides Chromebooks to Library cardholders in good standing. The borrower will be required to leave one of the following:
Unexpired photo ID
Cell Phone
Car Keys
Unexpired Credit Card
This will be kept in a secure location and returned to the patron once the Chromebook is returned to the Circulation Desk.
Chromebooks may only be used inside the library and have a three-hour time limit.
Chromebooks may only be checked out once per day, and cannot be checked out 30 minutes before closing.
Chromebooks should never leave the building or be left unattended. Removal of the device constitutes theft for which the library may prosecute. Patrons are responsible for any damage that occurs to the Chromebook while it is checked out to them, including theft from inside the library if left unattended.
Borrowers:
Borrower’s cards are issued at no charge to residents of Seabrook, taxpayers of Seabrook, Town of Seabrook employees, employees of a Seabrook business, and teachers in the Seabrook school system and Winnacunnet High School. Others may purchase a non-resident card at an annual cost to be determined by the Board of Trustees. All cards issued to juveniles must be signed by a legal guardian.
Borrowing Limits:
There is no limit on the number of books, audiobooks, magazines, and the like that can be borrowed. DVDs and CDs have a limit of three at a time. If a person has materials more than 1 month overdue, no new materials may be checked out unless the items are returned or replaced.
Circulation Period:
All material is loaned out for 2 weeks at a time, except DVDs which circulate for 1 week. Reference materials do not circulate except under exceptional circumstances.
Fines:
The Library does not charge overdue fines. However, library materials have been purchased with taxpayer’s money and are expected to be returned on time for all patrons to use.
Overdues:
New Hampshire RSA 202-A:25 Detaining Books, states that it is a violation of law to detain a book or other library material after being notified in writing to return it. When an item is checked out, the patron is given a due date slip with the name of the item and the date it must be returned.
- First Overdue Notice: An initial overdue notice will be issued via email or sent by United States Mail when an item is 14 days past its due date.
- Second Overdue Notice: A second overdue notice will be sent by United States Mail when an item is 21 days past its due date.
- Blocking of Privileges: Library privileges will be suspended when an item is 21 days overdue. Before blocking privileges, a good-faith effort will be made to locate the overdue item within the library’s collections and other designated areas.
- Final Notice: A final notice will be sent via United States Mail when an item is 30 days overdue.
- Replacement Cost Bill: A bill for the replacement cost of the overdue item will be sent via United States Mail when the item is 45 days overdue.
- Certified Letters: Certified letters will be sent to patrons for items valued at $50.00 or more that are overdue.
Adopted 10/2022
Seabrook Library Trustees
Purpose: The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service extends the library’s mission by providing access to materials not available in our collection and sharing our materials with other libraries.
Eligibility: ILL is available to all patrons in good standing—those with no overdue materials or outstanding fines. Patrons must return borrowed items by the due date. Chronic lateness may result in denial of service at the Director’s discretion.
Request Limitations: An item cannot be requested again until one month after its return. The library does not borrow items it owns unless they are missing, lost, overdue, or requested for a book group. Due to the number of ILL requests that the Seabrook Library processes, patrons are limited to five requests at any one time.
Processing Time: ILL requests typically take one to two weeks. Due to varying availability, there is no guaranteed arrival time. Staff will monitor requests regularly.
Renewals: To request a renewal, call the library at 603-474-2044. Staff will seek renewal approval from the lending library and notify patrons of any new due date.
Recalls: Borrowed items may be recalled by the lending library. If this occurs, ILL staff will inform patrons of their options promptly.
Charges for Loss or Damage: Patrons will be charged for replacing lost or damaged items. ILL staff will provide the replacement cost and update the patron’s account. Payments can be made at the library by cash or check. Items lost or damaged in transit are not charged to patrons.
For Borrowing Libraries:
Seabrook Library offers ILL services exclusively between libraries. In-person pickups are not allowed unless authorized by ILL staff.
We loan circulating books, books on CD, and DVDs. Requests for new or high-demand items may be denied. Reference and non-circulating items are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Seabrook Library does not charge overdue fees but does charge replacement fees for lost or damaged items.
Adopted 8/13/2024
Seabrook Library Board of Trustees
Reference Collection: The New Hampshire State Standards are used as a guideline in maintaining the reference collection. The reference collection aims to provide users with information and/or access to information. Access to information includes the development and maintenance of a reference collection, including electronic sources. The goal is to satisfy both present and future users’ information needs through constant evaluation of both the collection and the available sources of information. “Information” is herein interpreted in its broadest sense regardless of format or source.
Children’s and Young Adult Collection: The Seabrook Library makes the same effort to provide for a diversity of interest in the children’s and YA collections as it does in the adult collection. The Library provides separate children’s and YA collections tailored to the needs and interests of those age groups (children being from birth to grade 5, and YAs from grade 6 through high school). Materials for parents, teachers, and other childcare providers are housed in a designated area of the children’s room.
New Hampshire Room: The Library collects and maintains a room for New Hampshire laws, histories, genealogies, current town and school reports and information, and fictional works that contribute to an understanding of local life and times. Preservation of archival materials is however not an objective of the Library, as Seabrook has a Historical Society headquartered in the old Brown Library, attached to the newer library building.
Brown Library: Because the Brown Library building is leased to the Historical Society of Seabrook for the Society’s exclusive use, the Seabrook Library will not be responsible for allowing or disallowing access to the Brown Library as long as the lease is in force. No one will be admitted to the Brown Library by any of the Seabrook Library staff, nor will any of the Seabrook Library staff enter the Brown Library unless accompanied by a member of the Historical Society. All requests for entry to the “Old Building” will be redirected to the Historical Society unless the requestor possesses a key to the Brown Library, in which case he may enter and leave at will while the Seabrook Library is open. No one may enter the Brown Library when the Seabrook Library is closed. While the lease is in force and due to security concerns, the Seabrook Library will not use the Brown Library for any functions or purpose. This policy does not pertain to the two study rooms or Tutor Rooms, housed in the connector building, which are the responsibility of the Seabrook Library.
Collection Limitations: Because Seabrook Library is a small public library, the collection must be broad in scope. Space limitations and practicality require the Library to confine its collections within the boundaries defined by this policy. The Library encourages patrons to consider using our Interlibrary Loan service or a research library such as the University of New Hampshire for more specialized research. Similarly, the children’s and YA collections are not intended to directly support the school curricula, but to offer alternatives and supplementary materials in addition to recreational needs.
Deselection: The criteria for deselection (formerly known as “weeding” and “discarding”) of materials from the collection are the same as those for inclusion. Materials containing outdated information are discarded regularly, while those deemed to be of long-term or permanent value or interest are retained on the shelves. Other criteria for discarding of materials include duplication of titles no longer in demand; inaccurate information; worn or damaged materials not considered worth repairing or rebinding.
Conservation: The Library staff repairs damaged items worth the cost of staff time and effort to keep in the collection, using appropriate repair methods and materials. Books that cannot be properly mended and are out of print and valuable to the collection may be candidates for rebinding.
Duplication: The Library considers the multiplicity of reserves as a guide for duplication of items.
Replacement: The Library does not attempt to replace every copy withdrawn due to loss, damage, or wear. Community interest and the availability of newer and/or other format items will be the primary considerations. A replacement title is subject to standard selection criteria.
Accepting gifts and donations is an important way for the Seabrook Library to benefit from the generosity of the community it serves. Gifts and donations of materials are reviewed using the same criteria as purchases.
The Seabrook Library welcomes gifts of new and used books, audio recordings, videos, and similar materials. Items will be added to the collection following the selection policy of the library. Once donated, items become the property of Seabrook Library, and may be given to other libraries and non-profit agencies, sold, traded, or discarded if they are not added to the collection. Donated items will not be returned to the donor and the library will not accept any item that is not an outright gift. The library will acknowledge receipt of donated items but is unable to set fair market or appraisal values. It is recommended that the donor make a list of items donated. If items are being donated to obtain a tax benefit, it is the donor’s responsibility to establish reasonable value or obtain expert assistance in establishing any value. The library also reserves the right to decide when a gift added to the collection must be withdrawn.
Monetary gifts, bequests, and memorial or honorary contributions are particularly welcome. Funds donated will be used to purchase items following the selection policy of the library. If requested, notification of memorial or honorary contributions will be sent to the family of the person being recognized. Suggestions for subject areas or other areas of interest are welcome and will be followed to the extent possible. Individuals with donations totaling $50.00 or more will have their name added to the Supporters of Your Library Giving Tree.
Acceptance of donations of equipment, real estate, stock, artifacts, works of art, collections, etc., will be determined by the library board based on their suitability to the purposes and needs of the library, laws, and regulations that govern the ownership of the gift, and the library’s ability to cover insurance and maintenance costs associated with the donation.
Adopted 7/11/2022
Seabrook Library Trustees
The primary purpose of the Seabrook Library’s meeting rooms is to further the Library’s public service mission through Library-sponsored activities. When not being utilized for this purpose, the meeting rooms of the Library are available for public use, subject to the provisions in this policy.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Library will not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, disability (mental or physical), political viewpoint, marital status, socio-economic status, gender, citizenship status, sexual orientation, belief(s), affiliation(s) or the age of the booking agent or the group represented or of the program presenter(s), or based on the subject of the program to be presented.
WHO MAY USE THE FACILITIES
The Library’s meeting rooms are available for educational, cultural, intellectual, charitable, recreational, or other non-commercial activities, services, or purposes, to all Seabrook individual residents, to non-profit groups and non-profit organizations based in the Town of Seabrook, and to other non-profit groups and non-profit organizations containing at least one Seabrook member/resident who will take responsibility for the group, and, to those non-resident non-profit organizations providing services to residents of the Town of Seabrook.
All meetings must be booked by and attended by at least one Seabrook resident who will assume responsibility for the facility, or an authorized representative of the non-resident service organization. That individual will be held responsible for the actions of the group that is represented and will be responsible for payment of any charges (such as late fees, damage restitution, or cleaning costs) and the protection of Library property in connection with the meeting. Restitution for any damage beyond normal wear and tear will be the responsibility of the person who signs the application.
FEES
There is no charge for the use of the room.
BOOKING PROCEDURES
Meeting rooms are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis and must be booked in advance. Except for the two Tutorial Rooms, Library space may not be booked by any one group or individual more often than once per week.
Booking is accomplished by an individual filling out a Facility Request Form. No meetings will be allowed without an appropriate form on file at the Library. Space availability may be checked by telephone, but no meeting is to be considered scheduled until the proper form is on file at the Library and approved by Library staff. Forms may be faxed to the Library or delivered in person.
Failure to give the Library advance notice of a meeting’s cancellation may prevent future use of rooms by that individual/group. The individual/group’s booking agent shall be responsible for notifying all potential attendees of the cancellation.
GENERAL RULES
- The Library will always have first preference for the use of the rooms and reserves the right to schedule Library programs at any time and to change a scheduled meeting date that conflicts with Library-sponsored programs. Should a conflict occur, the Library will contact the appropriate individual or officer of the organization as early as possible to arrange rescheduling. The Library also reserves the right to reassign meeting rooms, as necessary. The booking agent shall be responsible for notifying potential attendees of any schedule changes.
- No parents, guardians, etc. attending a meeting or a program in a meeting room may leave any child under the age of eight unattended in the Library. Any child over the age of eight who does not comply with Library rules while the parent or guardian is in a meeting will have to join the adult in the meeting.
- Maximum allowable meeting length is four hours.
- The use of a meeting room may not interfere with the normal operation of the Library.
- The Library accepts no responsibility for any meeting-related expenses.
- Smoking and drinking of alcohol or alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere within the Library or on Library grounds.
- All meetings held in the meeting rooms must be open to the public and free of charge to all attendees.
- No articles, food, or equipment belonging to groups or individuals may be stored at the Library.
- The Library is not responsible for the security/safekeeping of any materials, supplies, equipment, or any personal possessions belonging to any individual/group sponsoring or attending meetings held at the Library.
- Reasonable noise levels must be maintained at all times.
- Nothing may be attached to the walls or doors in any meeting room or anywhere in the Library.
- All meetings must be held in a lawful manner and in accordance with all applicable legal statutes. The Library is not responsible for the behaviors and activities, or the results of said behaviors and activities, of any group or those of any meeting attendee or presenter.
- Neither the Library nor the Town of Seabrook endorses or advocates the viewpoints presented in meetings or of meeting room users. No advertisements or announcements implying such endorsement will be permitted.
PUBLICITY
Publicity is the responsibility of the individual/group booking the room. Groups/individuals must produce and distribute their publicity and must be identified on the publicity as the sponsoring agent. Publicity may not imply that the Seabrook Library is an organization’s headquarters or is in any other manner connected with the meeting except for providing meeting space.
With the sole exception of the Friends of the Seabrook Library, organizations meeting in the Library may not use the Library as a mailing address or the Library telephone number to conduct their business.
SECURITY
Neither keys to the building nor alarm codes will be given out under any circumstance.
AVAILABILITY/HOURS
The rooms are available for use only during the times that the Library is open. Users must check in at the Circulation Desk. Meetings must end at least 15 minutes before the Library’s closing time. All post-meeting cleaning up and rearranging of equipment and/or furniture must be accomplished on or before the Library’s scheduled closing time.
EQUIPMENT
Equipment available for use by the public includes a projector and wall screen. All equipment must be reserved at the time of the room booking and must be operated by a qualified person. One hundred chairs and five large tables are also available. Any additional supplies and/or equipment must be provided by the individual/group booking the room.
CLOSINGS/CANCELLATIONS/INCLEMENT WEATHER
The Library reserves the right to cancel any meeting during inclement weather or for any other reason that would make the scheduled meeting room unavailable. In case of inclement weather, the Library may open late, close early, or not open at all. The Library will attempt to notify booking agents of any scheduled meetings as soon as a decision is made, but it is the responsibility of the meeting organizer to check the Library’s status and inform attendees.
ROOM SET-UP
The Library does not provide porter services or room setup/knock-down services. Groups must arrange their setup as needed. The room must be put back in the same condition in which it was found. Trash and any waste must be removed from the premises immediately after the meeting. Failure to comply may result in a cleaning fee (minimum charge: $20.00) and potential loss of room booking privileges.
KITCHEN
Use of the kitchen must be requested in advance at the time of booking and is only available with the large meeting room. The kitchen must be left in spotless condition.
AREAS AVAILABLE FOR USE
- Large Meeting Room (Program Room) – Seating capacity: 100. Food and drink allowed.
- Conference/Tutorial Rooms – Room #1: seating for 4, Room #2: seating for 6. Adult literacy tutoring has priority.
- Story Hour/Craft Room – Seating: 12 adults, 20 children. Food and drink allowed.
- Brown Library – Only available for meetings sponsored by the Library or Historical Society. No food or drink allowed. Seating: 25.
- Trustees’ Room – Seating: 8.
Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in loss of Library privileges and/or barring from use of meeting rooms. The Library Director may make exceptions as necessary.
BEHAVIOR POLICY
Goal: The Seabrook Library is committed to delivering exceptional service to all patrons within a welcoming atmosphere. Our behavior policy delineates expectations for patrons, ensuring a positive experience for all.
General Conduct:
- Running, Roughhousing, Pushing:
- Running, roughhousing, or pushing other patrons is strictly prohibited.
- Violent, Threatening, or Bullying Words or Deeds:
- Any form of violent, threatening, or bullying language or actions, including fighting or hitting, is not tolerated.
- Yelling or Any Other Excessive Noise:
- Loud yelling or creating excessive noise that disturbs others is not allowed.
- Unattended Children Under Age 8:
- Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
- All children are the responsibility of their parents.
- Soliciting:
- Soliciting, including political, religious, nonprofit, or commercial activities, is not allowed.
- Smoking, Chewing, or Other Tobacco Use:
- Smoking, chewing, or other forms of tobacco or electronic tobacco use are prohibited within the library.
- Ball Playing, Frisbee Tossing, or Other Sports Activities:
- Ball playing, frisbee tossing, or engaging in other sports activities is not allowed within the library.
- Defacing, Damaging, Vandalizing, or Theft:
- Defacing, damaging, vandalizing, or theft of library property is strictly forbidden.
- Illegal Drug Activity:
- Any form of illegal drug activity is strictly prohibited.
- Alcoholic Beverages or Being Under the Influence:
- The consumption of alcoholic beverages or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not allowed.
- Excessive Displays of Affection:
- Excessive displays of affection that may disturb others are not permitted.
- Sexual Misconduct, Harassment, Lewd, and Lascivious Behavior:
- Any form of sexual misconduct, harassment, or lewd and lascivious behavior is strictly prohibited.
- Urinating or Defecating:
- Using any area other than a toilet or urinal for urinating or defecating is not allowed.
- Threats of Suicide:
- Threats of suicide will be immediately reported to the Police for appropriate intervention.
- All Illegal Activities:
- Engagement in any illegal activities within the library premises is strictly forbidden.
- Personal Property:
- Persons in the Library are responsible for their personal property.
- Proper dress, including a shirt and shoes, is required at all times.
Failure to comply with these rules may lead to revocation of library privileges.
Adopted 5/14/2024
Seabrook Library Trustees
Unattended Children Policy
By its nature, the Library is a welcoming public place, and the safety of all patrons is a major concern. Young children left alone in the Library may be subject to threats, temptations, or even abuse at the hands of another patron, or they may wander out of the building unnoticed. The Library staff is deeply concerned about the wellbeing of its younger patrons but cannot be responsible for their safety.
Age Limit
All children under age eight must be always accompanied by a responsible adult while in the Seabrook Library. The responsible party will always remain with the child unless the child participates in an organized Library activity such as Story Time, in which case the adult must remain in the building during the activity and collect the child immediately after the event.
Responsibility
Children aged eight and over may use the Library unaccompanied unless their behavior dictates otherwise. They are expected to conform to the same rules of behavior that all other patrons do. Parents are legally responsible for their children’s behavior even when not present and should be aware that disruptive children will be asked to leave.
Children (or adults) of any age with such mental, physical, or emotional problems that they require constant professional or parental supervision shall be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver always.
Closing
Under-eight children left at the Library at closing time without a ride home will be directed to the Police Station next door to wait for a ride. The Library staff will allow one phone call to any child for the express purpose of notifying parents/guardians for an immediate ride home. Under no circumstances will any staff member give a child a ride or remain in the building with the child after closing. A minimum of two staff members will be in attendance whenever children are present.
In the event of dangerous weather, power outages, or other emergencies that might necessitate early or sudden closing of the Library, children needing rides or a place to stay will be directed to the Police Station.
Unattended children left in the Library in violation of this policy will be referred to the Police Department.
Volunteering at the Library is an opportunity to gain experience something new and help your community in a positive way. All interested adult (over 18) applicants will be subject to a criminal background check as well as a personal and professional background check, paid for by the Library.
Because volunteer positions are limited, volunteers are selected based on their experience and the needs of the Library. Qualified applicants for whom there is no open position will be put on a waiting list.
A volunteer position amounts to a job, and the Library relies on its volunteers to accomplish many important tasks. Failure to meet on-time and efficacy obligations might result in dismissal. Volunteers are required to uphold the same confidentiality, performance, and behavior standards as the paid staff. They are not covered under Workman’s Compensation laws and receive no other benefits.
Young adults over age 12 will fill out a junior volunteer application, which must be signed by a parent or guardian. Volunteering should not be seen to socialize with friends; applicants should be able to work quietly with minimal supervision to complete the assigned tasks.
Volunteers may be asked to perform any one of the following tasks: shelving materials, reading, and organizing the shelves, repairing books, working on the library grounds raking and cleaning up, conducting one-time projects, assisting in shifting books, photocopying, and other tasks that might be assigned.
