Policies

Our Mission Statement
The library’s mission is to provide resources and services that inspire people to explore, learn, and connect.

Our Core Values
Access
Community
Customer Service
Lifelong Learning

Our Core Goals
• Be the center of community life in the Bloomer area
• Provide warm and welcoming customer service to everyone of all ages
• Provide free and open access to resources and services that will help people learn and cultivate their imagination throughout their lives
• Maintain a current popular materials collection that anticipates and meets the needs and interests of the community
• Strive consistently to discover new methods and improvements for better service

The G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library provides access to information and entertainment to all residents and visitors of the Bloomer community through our resources and programs.

The library strives to provide excellent and welcoming customer service to all library users. Library staff seek to give everyone attentive service, treating each person with equal respect and each request with equal importance.

Borrowing Services
The library provides library cards that are free to all newly registered patrons and can be used to check out materials. See our Borrowing Policy for complete guidelines.

Technology Services
The library provides public computers that are available for patrons. See our Internet Policy for complete guidelines.

The library provides a copy machine that is available for patrons. Copy machine users are advised that there are restrictions on copyrighted materials. Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the user.

Patrons may use the copy machine to print, copy, or scan documents on their own; staff are also available to help patrons with these tasks.

Black and white prints and copies are $.15 per side. Color copies are $.50 per side. Scanning documents is free.

Faxing should be completed by staff. Outgoing faxes are $.50 per side. Cover sheets will be provided by the library at no charge. The library does not receive incoming faxes.

Information Services
The library provides free reference and reader’s advisory services to help people find information and use library and other information resources. Library staff uses library collections and online resources as well as sources beyond the library to fulfill patrons’ informational needs.

Reference and reader’s advisory questions are considered confidential. Staff will handle inquiries with a focus on privacy, professionalism, and courtesy.

Staff may assist as they are able in helping patrons with computer resources and applications. When assisting patrons on the computer, staff will not enter personal information for patrons.

Staff are unable to provide the following kinds of assistance, which are deemed to be beyond the scope of the library’s service responsibilities:
• Interpretation, advice, or personal recommendations in any area other than the use of library resources. This includes legal, medical, financial, or tax advice.
• Critiquing or editing patron documents, including resumes for job seekers.
• Completing forms, including online forms, for patrons.
• Competing online purchases or contracts for patrons.

One-on-one assistance may be available to work with staff on individual information needs. Staff instructional sessions may include instruction on using the internet, databases, and specific electronic devices.

Staff reserve the right to schedule appointments as time permits. The library reserves the right to limit the number of questions or amount of time a staff member can spend helping individual patrons.

Programming Services
The library supports its mission to provide resources and services that inspire people to explore, learn, and connect by developing and presenting programs that provide opportunities for learning and entertainment.
Programming is an important component of library service that:
• Expands the library’s role as a community resource
• Introduces library users and non-users to library resources
• Provides entertainment to the community
• Provides opportunities for lifelong learning

All library programs are free and open to the public. Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited. Programs may be held on site at the library or off site. The library does not deny access to library programs if a person owes fines or fees or does not have a library card.

Planning and coordination of programming is done by library staff based on interests and needs of library users and the community. Library users and local community members may recommend topics or speakers for consideration.

The library may partner with other community agencies, organizations, institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be hired for library programs.

Programs sponsored by the library within the library or at off-site library sponsored events may be photographed or video-recorded by the library staff or its representatives. Attendance at a library sponsored program constitutes the consent of all attendees and the consent of the parents or legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication, or other use of photographs or videos at the sole discretion of the library. The library may utilize photos and videos from public programs and events at the library and at off-site library sponsored events on its website, social media and in library publications. To ensure the privacy of all individuals, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without the written approval from the photographed individual, parent, or legal guardian. Participants may request in writing that their image not be used by the library.

Sales of products at library programs must be approved by the library director. Programs are not used for commercial, religious, or partisan purposes or the solicitation of business. While commercial sales are not allowed on library property, exempt from this are musicians, authors, film makers, and performers who perform or present. Before or after the presentation they may sell their work and related merchandise unobtrusively. The library supports the rights of authors and other creators of literary, musical and artistic works to sell their works as part of a program to the public.

Objectives

The purpose of the Bloomer Public/G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time.

The Library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs which is reflective of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space.

The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection.

The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the Bloomer Public/G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy.

The materials selection/collection development policy will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises.

Responsibility for Selection

The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the library director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Bloomer Public/G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library Board of Trustees. This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library staff; however, because the director must be available to answer to the library board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.

Criteria for Selection

The main points considered in the selection of materials are:

• Individual merit of each item
• Popular appeal/demand
• Suitability of material for the clientele
• Existing library holdings (both locally and regionally)
• Budget allocations
• Reviews are a major source of information when considering new materials. Several sources of professional reviews will be used when considering new materials.
• The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title which is in demand. Consideration is, therefore, given to requests from library patrons and books discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.

Interlibary Loan

The library cannot provide all materials that are requested due to space availability and budget.  Therefore, interlibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of this library’s collection.

In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Bloomer Public/G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network, and to make an effort to have its current holdings listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.

Copyright Compliance

The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyright material.  The person using the material is liable for any infringement.

Gifts and Donations

The library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, condition, or dated information the director can dispose of them as he/she sees fit.

The same criteria of selection which are applied to purchased materials are applied to gifts.  Memorial gifts of books or money are also accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book when specified by the donor.  Specific memorial books can be ordered for the library on request of a patron if the request meets the criteria established by the Library Board.  It is desirable for specific titles to be received as gifts after consultation with the library director.  The director will make book selection if no specific book is requested.  The Bloomer Public/G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations. 

By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor.

Receipts will be given to all donors of monetary gifts.

Patron Recommendations

The Bloomer Public/G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library welcomes and solicits from the patronage recommendations for purchase.  In this case also, the selection criteria stated above is applied to requested selections.  The library director is expected to give such requests a fair and proper amount of priority.

Weeding

An up-to-date, attractive and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process.  Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions.  This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the library director and is authorized by the Bloomer Public/G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library Board of Trustees.  Withdrawn materials will be sold, recycled, or disposed of by the library director under the same authority as donated materials.

Potential Problems or Challenges

The Bloomer Public/G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this policy.

Responsibility for the reading and viewing behaviors of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and library material will not be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft.

Challenged Materials

Although materials are carefully selected, there can arise differences of opinion regarding suitable materials. Patrons requesting that material be withdrawn from or restricted within the collection may complete a Statement of Concern About Library Resources form which is available in the library. The inquiry will be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Bloomer Public/G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library Board of Trustees.

The G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library welcomes all library users and requires all users and staff to respect each other, show kindness, and behave appropriately.

This policy has been established to promote the use of the library’s resources, protect the safety of patrons, staff, and property, and create a welcoming environment for all.

Be Safe:

• Threatening, harassing, abusive, or intimidating language or behavior will result in immediate expulsion from the library and possible legal action.
• Parents and caregivers are responsible for the behavior, safety, and supervision of their children at all times. Children under the age of eight must be supervised by a responsible caregiver at all times.
• Blocking the aisles, walkways, entryways, or a staircase is prohibited. Disruptive groups congregating inside or outside the library will be required to disperse.
• Bicycles may not interfere with entering or exiting the library, and they should be parked in the bicycle racks that are provided.
• Items carried into the library, such as backpacks or other personal belongings, must be stored out of pathways.
• Athletic equipment such as skateboards, balls, or in-line skates may be carried into the library & stored in the entryway. They may not be used in the library.
• Animals, other than service animals, are not permitted in the library, unless as a part of a program authorized by the library director.
• Patrons sleeping in the library may be awakened by library staff if there is concern for the patron’s health or well-being, or if the patron’s sleep is disturbing others. Sleeping in the library for extended periods is prohibited.
• Patrons shall not carry or possess a weapon in an open or concealed manner unless authorized by law. Weapon means a handgun, an electronic weapon as defined under Wis. Stats. §941.295, or a knife as defined under Wis. Stats. §941.24.

Be Respectful:

• Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, whistling, singing, using profanity, running, stalking, or engaging in other disruptive conduct is prohibited.
• Using personal electronic equipment in a manner that could reasonably be expected to annoy or disturb other patrons or staff is prohibited.
• Patrons should limit themselves to short, quiet phone calls whenever possible.
• Appropriate attire is required. Shirts and shoes must be worn in the library.

Be Responsible:

• Consumption of food is limited to pre-packaged snacks or wrapped items that are consumed by an individual and are not damaging to library collections or furnishings or distracting to others. Drinking of non-alcoholic beverages in covered containers is permitted. Patrons must discard trash in appropriate containers, report spills to staff, and leave all areas clean for use by others.
• Use of all tobacco, smoking, or vaping products, including e-cigarettes, are prohibited throughout the library building and on library property.
• Those who steal, damage, or deface library materials or property may be prosecuted. Parents are liable for damage done by a child under age eighteen.
• Patrons are required to comply with the library’s policies and procedures on computer and internet use. See our Internet Use Policy for complete guidelines.

Disruptive Behavior in the Library  

Everyone has the right to use library resources provided their behavior does not unreasonably interfere with the rights of others to do the same.

Any behavior which violates library policy, interferes with the use of the library by others, or interferes with staff in the conduct of their duties is not permitted. Patrons engaging in such behavior may be asked to stop the behavior and/or may be asked to leave the building. The library reserves the right to revoke or suspend library privileges. Unlawful activities will promptly be reported to the police.

Patrons shall cooperate with staff who must interpret and apply rules and policies. Upon request, patrons shall be required to provide their correct name or show their library card or other identification to library staff and leave the premises when so directed.

Unattended Children in the Library

The library encourages visits by children and families and it is our desire to make this important visit memorable and enjoyable for the child. The purpose of this section is to encourage parents and legal guardians to exercise responsible care and supervision over their minor children in order to prevent juvenile victimization, to protect the health, safety, and welfare of children, and to make the library a welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone.

• Children ages 8 and older may be in the library unattended for a period of time not to exceed 4 hours, provided that their behavior is not disruptive to other patrons or staff members.
• Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult or responsible person over the age of 12 at all times while they are in the library.
• Grade school children of all ages are welcome to ride the school bus to the library for sponsored programs and activities, provided their parent or guardian has arranged a ride for them following the conclusion of the program. Due to the busy and sometimes chaotic nature of these events, library staff are unable to manage how and with whom a child leaves the library.
• The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. However, children who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that they must correct the behavior or will be asked to leave the library. If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, they will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent or guardian, they may do so and then wait with a staff member until the parent or guardian arrives. The library reserves the right to suspend or revoke library privileges.
• In the event that a child is not picked up from the library after it has been closed for fifteen minutes, local law enforcement will be notified.

Adults in the Children or Teen Areas

There are valid reasons for adults to use the children and teen areas of the library, including selection of books, movies, and other materials. The use of children and teen area tables for discussion, reading, or Wi-Fi access is also acceptable when other areas of the library are unavailable.

Behavior that constitutes or appears to constitute lurking, stalking, staring, harassing, or intimidating youth will not be tolerated. The staff will request the individual leave the children or teen area or the library property. Behavior that demonstrates or appears to demonstrate enticement, luring, or other predatory acts will not be tolerated. The staff will require the person to leave the property, and law enforcement may be called to ensure this occurs. Staff judgment will be the determining factor in these situations.