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.

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.

A core service of the library is the loan of materials. Our library does this by giving those who have library cards access to our collections as well as the collections of the libraries of the MORE consortium and Wiscat (Wisconsin’s Resource Sharing Platform).

 Library Cards

Free library cards will be provided to anyone of any age. To receive a library card, applicants must present identification and proof of address. Proper identification includes a driver’s license, state ID card, student ID card, or any other official ID. Any non-personal piece of mail may be used for proof of address if current address is not listed on the ID.  

Temporary cards may be issued to patrons who do not have proof of address and may be used to check out a maximum of three locally owned items per visit.

Children under the age of 18 need their parent or legal guardian to sign their card registration and provide ID and proof of address. Parents and guardians are responsible for the items checked out on their child’s card and any fees that may accrue.

Patrons should bring their library cards with them if they intend to check out items. Patrons without their card will be asked to show ID. If they have no ID, they will be asked to verify their birthdate to ensure the correct account.

 Lost and Replacement Cards

Lost or stolen cards should be reported to the library. Unless a card has been reported lost or stolen, library staff will assume that possession of a library card by an individual implies that the cardholder authorizes that individual to borrow items on the card.

 Stolen or worn cards will be replaced for free. Lost cards will be replaced for a $1 fee. Staff may also choose to waive the fee at their discretion. Parental signatures are not required for children who are renewing or replacing lost or damaged cards.

Confidentiality of Library Records

As described in Wisconsin State Statute §43.30, public library records that identify the names of library users, especially as they connect users with materials or services used, are confidential. Library records for individual users are for the sole purpose of protecting public property. No library records shall be made available to the public, press, or a governmental agency, except by such process, order, or subpoena authorized by federal, state, or local law.

Rights of Minor Patrons  

The library does not restrict any library patrons under the age of 18 to certain collections or areas of the library and library staff cannot serve in place of the parent. In accordance with the American Library Association’s statement, “Free Access to Libraries for Minors” the library maintains that parents and/or legal guardians have the right and responsibility to restrict access of their children – and only their children – to library resources. Parents or guardians who wish their children not have access to certain materials should accompany or otherwise advise their children.

 Item Loan Periods

• Three week items: books, CDs, video games, magazines, and puppets
• Two week items: high demand books, DVD TV series, and hotspots
• One week items: DVD movies

Items from any MORE library may be renewed twice if there is not a waiting list for them. Local items may be renewed by staff more than twice if there is not a waiting list.

Items on Hold

Patrons need to either pick up their own holds, give their library card to the person they want to pick up their hold items, or designate who has permission to pick up their hold items by filling out the Holds Pickup Permission Form that is available at the Checkout Desk. Anyone listed on the form who is picking up hold items may be required to show ID.

 Overdue Items  

Late fines are not charged for items checked out at our library. Other MORE libraries may charge late fines on items checked out at their libraries, depending on their policies.

If an item is not returned within the designated loan period, overdue notices will be sent at 7 and 14 days, followed by a bill at 28 days for the replacement cost of the item.

If a hotspot is not returned within the designated loan period, overdue notices will be sent at 2 and 5 days, followed by a bill at 7 days for the replacement cost of the item.

Items will not be checked out to any patron with replacement charges on their account.

 Damaged Items

Patrons are responsible for all items checked out on their card, and are liable for any losses or damages that may occur to library items. The library will notify the patron of payment due for the replacement or repair of the lost or damaged item.

 Library items are considered damaged beyond use if the item is returned with obvious signs of damage such as, but not limited to: liquid damage, torn or marked covers or pages, and missing or damaged parts.

The G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library makes the internet available to its patrons to meet the personal, professional, and educational needs of the community.

The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content or accuracy.

Internet resources may only be used for legal purposes by the public and library staff. Examples of illegal or unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to:
• Display of sexually explicit or pornographic materials
• Harassment or privacy violations of other users
• Destruction or damage to equipment, software, or data
• Unauthorized copying of copyrighted materials

The library does not act in place of the parent and is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a child’s use of this resource.

Failure to comply with this policy or with library staff directions will result in restriction or termination of the user’s internet and/or library privileges and may result in prosecution under local, state, or federal laws.

Public Computers
Computers with internet access are available for an hour per day on a first-come, first-served basis.

A library card is needed to access computers. If a registered patron does not have their card with them, the library will accept an alternative form of ID to look up their card number. Guest passes may be issued for nonresidents or at staff discretion. Passes will not be issued to anyone under age 16 without parent or guardian permission.

Wireless Internet
Patrons using their own devices to access the internet through the library’s wireless connection or accessing the internet in the building through any other means are subject to this policy.

The library’s wireless network is not secure. Virus, security, and privacy protection are not provided by the library. Responsibility for the safety and security of a user’s data files or personal devices rests with the user.

1. The meeting room is available to individuals, organizations, or businesses in the library’s service area for non-profit activities. Only Library sponsored or co-sponsored meetings or programs may involve the sale of items, fundraising activities, or solicitation of donations. Activities involving the sale of commercial products or services are prohibited.  All events must be free and open to the public.  Library staff may attend or observe any meeting or any program at any time.
2. Events that are strictly social in nature such as parties, reunions, etc. are not permitted except for use by city employees. Meetings or activities should be civic or educational in nature.
3. Available space limits group size to 50 people. If the attendees are under the age of 18, at least 1 responsible adult must be present for every 25 children.
4. Use of the meeting room does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group/individual’s activities, viewpoints, policies or beliefs by the G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Bloomer Public Library.
5. The room is reserved on a first-come basis at least 24 hours before use and no more than 90 days in advance. The library will have priority in the use of the room and reserves the right to cancel a scheduled reservation in case of an emergency, library closure or by giving at least 7 days’ notice.
6. Fees shall not be charged for admission or any other meeting costs (e.g., speakers, materials, membership fees or refreshments.)
7. Only non-alcoholic beverages and food may be served and shall be provided by the group. Exceptions may be allowed for library events in compliance with city ordinances regarding alcoholic beverages. Smoking, vaping, use of illegal substances, and open flames are not allowed within the library’s buildings or on its grounds.
8. Each group is responsible for arranging the meeting room for their use and returning it clean and to its original configuration. Violations may result in the room no longer being available for their use.
9. The G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Bloomer Public Library is not liable for any equipment, supplies, materials, clothing, or other items brought to the library by any group or individual attending an activity.
10. The G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Bloomer Public Library does not assume any liability for groups or individuals attending any activity within the library’s building or on its grounds. Unlawful purposes or groups advocating for, or inciting violence are prohibited.
11. The group/individual using the room is responsible for turning off all utilities and securing the building during hours of non-operation.
12. The group/individual using the room must sign the attached Public Meeting Room Use Agreement Form annually or if a new person is designated as the responsible party for the group.
13. The group/individual using the room will agree to abide by all Library policies, and state and federal laws and regulations.

The agreement form can be seen below

Meeting Room Policy revised May 2023