Library Policies

Library staff receive, review, approve, and print requests for patrons. The printing fee noted in the Fines and Fees Schedule is based on the recovery cost of the printing material. Designs can be downloaded or created at library classes or on library computers. Patrons will not be permitted to print objects that are:

Prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
In violation of another’s intellectual property rights; for example, material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or that may pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others; for example, guns, knives or other possibly lethal, harmful or threatening items.
Pornographic or otherwise inappropriate items for the public library environment.

The repeated attempt to print prohibited items will result in the suspension of this service for the offending patron for three (3) months.

Procedure

Before submitting a request through the website, patrons must agree to the following statement:

I hereby confirm I have read, understood, and accept the above Policy. I acknowledge that should I break any of the above Policy in any way, or submit harmful, inappropriate, or illegal projects similar, but not limited to, those listed above, my project will not be printed, and I shall be solely responsible and legally liable for any claims, liabilities, losses and causes of actions resulting therefrom.

By submitting this project, I hereby accept responsibility for, and shall hold Martin County harmless in, all matters related to patented, trademarked, or copyrighted materials. Library shall bear no responsibility for making a determination as to the patent, trademark or copyright status of any project.

Submit a 3D print request

Any prints that are not retrieved within 30 days will be added to the Library Lost and Found.

Art in Public Libraries

Effective 9/21/2022

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the acceptance and use of donated art for library facilities.

Policy

In keeping with the cultural and educational roles of the public library, the Martin County Library System may integrate donated art into its facilities and grounds.

AUTHORITY

Library Board of Trustees/ Library Director

Procedure

Any art or art-related items to be placed in or become part of the library facilities, architecture, or grounds must satisfy the following selection criteria, in keeping with the library's goals and objectives:
- Art works accepted by the Martin County Library System should be of sufficient artistic merit to warrant inclusion in the library collection. This usually requires that the art work pieces must be unique, created by an artist of established reputation, or of recognized potential.
- Art works should be compatible with the character of the library and appropriate for a public library setting.
- Art works should not detract from, or conflict with, the permanent public art projects installed by the County's Public Art Program.
- Art works should support a unified vision for the library's public art collection.
- Art works should be durable, sound, non-hazardous, and maintainable in terms of the nature of the materials.
Ongoing funding for maintenance and conservation of donated art works must be sufficient. Prior to acceptance, funding must be identified for the installation and long-term maintenance of all art works.
As with all other library items, the proposed location of any art must be in the best interest of overall library function and purposes.
Art on loan or owned by the library will be protected with the same measure of security and insurance as the library's other collections.
An exception to the criteria listed above can be made in the case of art works which are specifically time-based or of a temporary nature when it is understood that their installation would be of a limited duration.
Potential art donations will be accepted at the discretion of the Library Director under the advisement of the Library Board of Trustees.
All donations of art must be accompanied by a completed Deed of Gift document.

Children Services Policy

Effective 11/20/2024

Purpose

The purpose of the policy is to establish the Martin County Library System's scope of services for children and to define conduct and behavior expectations for children, parents, and guardians. Please see the Teen Services Policy for specific objectives for young adults, tweens, and teens.

Policy

Martin County Library System's goal in providing services to youth is to promote and encourage the joy of reading. It is our intent to provide positive library experiences to foster a lifelong pattern of library usage. We rely on parents to decide on the appropriate access of materials and resources for their family. All library divisions will be engaged in supporting the objectives of the Library System regarding services to children.

Authority

Library Board of Trustees

Objectives

Provide and maintain a collection that consists of a wide range of juvenile materials in a variety of formats for children, parents, guardians and adults.
Provide professional guidance to children, parents, guardians and adults charged with the care of children.
Provide the full range of library services in an age-appropriate context.
Cultivate the enjoyment of reading for educational and entertainment purposes.
Encourage lifelong learning using public library resources.
Provide programming that enriches the lives of children, parents and guardians and highlights the library's diverse resources.
Collaborate with Martin County schools, both public and private, in support of school children's educational needs.
Provide outreach to area childcare centers by providing quality reading materials for the many young children unable to visit the library.
Provide technology access in support of educational and recreational needs of children, as well as opportunities for parent and child to explore technology resources together. Martin County Library System's Public Equipment and Internet Use Policy (which includes Rules of Use)applies to all patrons, regardless of age.

Regarding Social Media Access

We strive to protect the privacy of our patrons and the decisions of parents and guardians. Effective January 1, 2025, it is the responsibility of the social media platform to prohibit a minor who is under the age of 14 from having an account. This is in accordance with CS/CS/HB 3: Online Protections for Minors.

Conduct and Behavior

The Martin County Library System welcomes youth into its facilities and wants to provide a safe and secure environment for children and families that use the library. We ask each parent to join us in protecting all children. The library is not responsible for the care and safety of children, especially when they are left unattended on library premises.

For purposes of this policy, a responsible adult is defined as a parent, guardian, teacher, or child-caregiver who is 16 years old or older. The Patron Responsibility/Inappropriate Behavior Policy applies to all ages.

The responsible adult who has transported minor children onto library premises or has otherwise directed or allowed minor children onto library premises, shall always be responsible for the care and safety of those children. This policy affirms that library staff cannot assume responsibility for unattended children. The responsible adult must be aware of library hours.
Children judged by staff to be too young to be without supervision must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If a library staff member becomes aware of an unattended child in the library, reasonable measures will be taken to locate the responsible adult.
A disruptive child might be asked to leave the library premises for the remainder of the day. However, if a child has consistently demonstrated particularly disruptive behavior, library staff can require contact with the child's parent before the child may return to the library.

Circulation Services Policy

Effective 11/20/2024

Purpose

To establish a circulation services policy that will guide library staff in fairly and equitably reserving, lending, renewing, and receiving library materials.

Policy

Once library cards are issued in accordance with the Registration Policy, books, media (CD, DVD, Playaway, CD-Book, etc.), technology (Take Home Tech), passes, and kits are lent with up to five(5) opportunities for renewal as long as the item has not been requested by another patron. While the standard loan period is two (2) weeks, some items like kits are lent for longer periods and others like DVD materials are lent for shorter periods.

For equitable services, staff may make loan period and renewal exceptions depending upon patron needs and the demand for the item(s), as in the case of extended loans of up to four ( 4) weeks for vacations. Since not all patrons use the library catalog, the expiration of the loan period allows materials to return to the library for browsing patrons to discover them on the shelf.

Patrons may request items to be purchased for addition to the collection. Also, patrons may request, reserve, or hold an item from any Martin County Library location. These requests are not guarantees; still, library staff will endeavor to provide fair and impartial access to requested materials. Items borrowed from one branch may be returned to any other branch in Martin County.

Patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of lost parts or damaged items in accordance with the Fines and Fees Schedule and Equipment Borrowing Agreement.

Authority

The Library Vision and Mission, Florida Statute 257.261, American Library Association Code of Ethics, Guidelines for Collection Development, The Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, Martin County Library System Library Board of Trustees.

Collection Development Policy

Effective 4/18/2002

Purpose

The primary goal of this policy is to present an official statement of the Martin County Library System's commitment to a collection that attempts to meet the needs of the public it serves. By doing so, it informs our users about the principles upon which selections are made. Identifying the customer's needs and expectations and finding the means to meet or exceed them is a fundamental principle of public library service, and thus, of collection development as well. The Library's commitment to the continued improvement of the quality of service and of the processes of delivering that service is the core principle of the Martin County Library System Collection Development Policy.

This collection development policy also serves to guide the staff in the selection of materials, including what subject areas and material types to consider buying and how much emphasis each should receive. As such, it presents in one document the policies that determine the selection of materials and the maintenance of the collection of the Martin County Library System. The MCLS Collection Development Policy presents materials selection policies that determine the selection of materials and the maintenance procedures as they are currently being implemented, but collection management policies and procedures are constantly evolving and will undergo change as priorities are re-evaluated and re-assigned. For this reason the policy will be reviewed and updated every two years.

Policy

See document attached

Procedure

See document attached

Distribution of Free Publications

Effective 4/19/2023

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the distribution of free publications such as brochures, flyers, and other materials from the library.

Policy

As part of our mission to connect with people to create learning experiences that improve individuals and communities, the Library provides free distribution and display space to community organizations, agencies, and citizens. Free community publications, such as brochures, flyers, and newsletters may be distributed and displayed as space permits on Library bulletin boards, literature racks, and other display spaces.

The Library Director has the authority and responsibility to interpret the policy and assign library staff to place and remove materials appearing in Martin County Library System locations. The branch supervisor at each location will determine which spaces are available for the display and distribution of materials. The branch supervisor will review each item and has the authority to determine its appropriateness for display. Library-created materials and displays will have priority placement in the Library.

Materials of public interest are posted on an equitable basis regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the sponsoring organizations or individuals. These displays will be reviewed several times per week to remove prohibited materials.

Advertisements, commercial, or fee-based announcements are prohibited.
Materials must be legibly printed and not exceed 8 ½” x 11” in size.
Materials will be posted for up to one month.

The opinions expressed in the free publications are those of the provider and do not reflect that of the Library or County. Materials are placed in the library or on library grounds at the risk of the supplier.

Procedure

An organization or individual wishing to display items or disseminate large quantities of materials from a library must have advance permission from the branch supervisor.

Exhibit Policy

Effective 9/25/2019

Purpose

To assure adherence to the display of exhibit pieces.

Authority

Library Board of Trustees, Library Director

Policy

The Martin County Library System agrees to display selected exhibit pieces in designated common areas of the library with the following guidelines.

The exhibit pieces chosen and the location for the display will be approved by the branch manager or his/her representative.
- Exhibit pieces should be of sufficient artistic merit to warrant inclusion in the library. This usually requires that the pieces must be unique, created by an artist of established reputation, or recognized potential.
- Exhibit pieces should be compatible with the character of the library and appropriate for a public library setting.
- Exhibit pieces will not detract from or conflict with the permanent installations.
- Exhibit pieces must be durable, sound, non-hazardous, and maintainable in terms of the nature of the materials.
The library, its guests, employees, volunteers, and patrons will not be held responsible for the loss, damage, or wear and tear, of any item on display.

The library agrees to be responsible for coordinating the display of selected exhibit pieces within the following guidelines.

A list will be provided to the library, listing each piece, its location in the library, the artist and/ or owner, and the date of its installation and removal.
The exhibit piece or pieces are on loan to the library.
A copy of the Exhibit Policy agreement must be signed by the exhibitor and be in the possession of the library representative or the branch manager prior to the installation of the exhibit.
The Exhibit piece must be signed for at the time of pick up by the exhibitor or designee.
Sale of tangible goods is permitted at co-sponsored events or displays when all the following conditions are met:
- The materials sold are related directly to the program.
- The sale is determined by the library to contribute to the Library’s mission and goals.

Fines and Fees Schedule

Effective 10/2/2024

The Purpose of this schedule is to list all fees charged for library services.

To help ensure that materials are available for all residents, the Library charges fees for overdue, damaged, and lost materials. Overdue fees are charged with the intention of encouraging the timely return of library materials. For lost or damaged items, fees may be assessed to cover the material and labor costs of repairing or replacing the items. Fees may also be assessed for special services that result in additional costs for the Library.

The Library Director will maintain a fee schedule for all Library fees and charges.

Materials including Sales Tax

3D Printing: 10 cents/ gram
Button Maker Kit: $1.50 for 10 buttons
CD-RW: $1.25 each
Computer Printing B&W: 10 cents/page, Color: $1.00 /page
DVD-RW: $1.50 each
Earbuds: $1.50 each
Flash Drives: $5.00 each

Glowforge consumables

Basswood Plywood, Light (12" x 20") $22
Maple Plywood, Medium (12" x 20") $22
Maple Hardwood, Medium (6" x 12") $18
Cherry Hardwood, Medium (6" x 12") $18
Clear Acrylic, Medium (12" x 20") $20
Draftboard, Medium (12" x 20") $10
Natural Leather, Thin (5" x 10") $15

Lost or damaged materials

Users who fail to return materials or return materials in unusable condition will be billed for the loss. The value of each item is recorded in our inventory system. In cases where no price exists in the record, users will be billed the actual value of the individual item or the price below:

APBK $8.00
AV Case Replacement $2.00
Book on CD $30.00
Book on MP3 $20.00
Chapter Book $15.00
DVD's $20.00
Hardback $25.00
JPBK $8.00
Music CD $15.00
Picture Book $20.00
Playaway $60.00
Replacement Disc $10.00 (pending availability)
Trade Paperback $15.00

Meeting Room Rates and Charges

Meeting rooms use: Auditorium, John F. and Rita M. Armstrong Room

$100.00/hour + sales tax (for profits)
$50.00/hour (non-profit)

Meeting rooms use: Community Library Rooms

$50.00/hour + sales tax (for profit)
$25.00 (non-profit)Meeting Rooms use

Conference Rooms

$20.00/hour + sales tax (for profit)
$10.00/hour (non-profit)

Fees for serving food/drink in meeting rooms (excludes bottled water)

Auditorium & Community $100 (catered) $50 (self) Conference $50 (catered) $25 (self)

Registration, Overdoes, and Copies

Nonresident library cards (Adults)

1 year: $50.00
6 months: $30.00
3 months: $20.00

Nonresident library cards (Juvenile and Teens): 1 year: $20.00

Overdue fines Interlibrary Loans: $1.00/day per item to a maximum of $10.00 per item

Overdue Fines Take Home Tech $10.00/day

Overdue fees (Adults): 25 cents/item per day to a maximum of $10.00 per item

Copies B&W: 10 cents/page, Color: $1.00 /page

Friends Policy

Effective 5/25/2018

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to describe the role of the Friends of the Martin County Library System, Inc. (“Friends”) and establish guidelines for their interaction with and as representatives of the public for the Martin County Library System.

Authority

Library Board of Trustees

Policy

The Martin County Library System shall have a Friends group to establish and maintain an association of persons interested in supporting the Martin County Library System to:

Focus public attention on and support for the resources, services, and needs of the Library System in alignment with the Library’s Long Range Services Plan.
Receive and encourage gifts, donations, grants, and bequests.
Manage, operate, and maintain book sales to generate revenue.
Provide funds through an annual funding request developed by the Library for enhanced services and facilities that are not met by traditional tax base funding of the Library System.
Provide mechanisms to receive, manage, and distribute monies, donations, trusts, estates, grants, and other real and personal property.

Guidelines

It is expected that the Friends will adhere to all local, state and federal regulations that apply to nonprofit organizations and to the provisions of the organization’s bylaws and articles of incorporation.

It is requested the Friends submit annually an update that details the organization’s mission, programs, board members, and financial condition. This annual report shall be submitted to the Library Board of Trustees by the end of the calendar year.

The Martin County Library System will in turn provide necessary and useful information about Library services and activities, funding priorities, professional staff to participate in Friends activities when possible and funding and/or grant leads when appropriate. The Library System will also provide reasonable office space and, when possible, meeting room space for special meetings and events.

The purpose of the following guidelines is to clarify the procedures for the maintenance of the Library System’s requests for funds used to enhance or supplement the budget adopted for the Library System by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners.

Ethics Statement

Friends Board members must observe a high ethical standard.• Maintain a cooperative relationship with the Library staff.
Promote the Martin County Library System.• No paid employee of the Martin County Library System may serve on the Board of Directors as a voting member.
Conflicts of interest shall be governed by Section 617.0832 Florida Statutes. A Board member must disqualify himself/herself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists and he or she may not be counted as quorum for the matter under discussion.
Friends Board members must distinguish clearly by their actions and statements between their personal philosophies and attitudes, and those of the Library System.

Organizational Relationships

With the Library Director

The relationship between the Library Director and the Friends should be characterized by mutual respect and by an understanding of Library goals and the Friends’ potential for sharing in the achievement of these goals. There should be a clear understanding of how the Friends fit into the legal and organizational structure of the Library System. The Library Director or a designated liaison should be at Friends meetings, whether they are executive committee, board, or membership gatherings. The Director should encourage board-based and varied Friends activities.

With the Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees must serve as a liaison between the Library and the public. A broad base of support can be strengthened through coordinated activities of the Friends.

Library Board of Trustees and Committees

Effective 8/17/2022

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to describe the role of the library boards and establish guidelines for their operation in accordance with Chapters 119 and 286 of the Florida Statutes and Chapter I07 Article 2 of the Martin County Code of Ordinances.

Policy

The Martin County Library System shall have citizen boards and committees to, "claim the benefit of accurate, comprehensive information, advice and counsel concerning all matters relating to the public library and related cultural facilities and programs" (Martin County Code I 07.32.C).

Definitions

Attendance: Members shall be required to attend two-thirds of the regularly scheduled meetings in any 12-month period or they shall be dropped from membership.

Fiscal year: The Martin County Library Board's year shall begin on October I and end on September 30 each year.

Quorum: Five members shall constitute a quorum.

Procedure

The Martin County Library Board of Trustees shall consist of nine members who are residents of the County, appointed at large by a Board of County Commissioners for staggered terms of three years each. Practice has been to appoint a member from each commissioner's district to provide countywide representation. However, members may also be appointed because of a special skill they might bring to the Library Board. Each October, the Library Board of Trustees elects by a majority vote a Chair and Vice Chair. Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Laws in Chapter 286 of the Florida Statutes and public record laws in Chapter 119 are observed.

The Library Board and committees listen carefully to the citizens, encouraging them to attend and speak out at the meeting.
The Library Board functions as a coordinator or "umbrella" body for all other library related groups.
The Library Director or a senior staff member is in frequent contact with the Library Board. General questions are handled through the Library Executive Aide.
Reports of library activity are provided at each meeting by Library Administration. Minutes are taken by the Library Executive Aide, approved by the Board, and forwarded to Commission Records.
The Library Board members are encouraged to attend State Library workshops on topics of importance to library advisory bodies.
The Library Board develops library policy with the advice and counsel of the Library Director, especially concerning library hours, book selection, use of meeting rooms, etc.
The Library Board reviews and revises library policy.
The Library Board makes continuing studies of all existing and future needs of the County in respect to public facilities and services.
The Library Board keeps constantly aware of public library standards, trends, regulations, and legislation.
The Library Board formulates or recommends actions to raise the quality of service and utilization of financial assistance from State, national and other sources.
The Library Board follows any applicable State statutes and bases its decision on good library professional practice as outlined by the American Library Association.

Library Foundation Policy

Effective 5/25/2018

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to describe the role of The Library Foundation of Martin County Inc. (“Foundation”) and establish guidelines for operations in relation to the Library System.

Authority

Library Board of Trustees

Policy

The Martin County Library System shall have a Library Foundation to:•

Benefit from and provide support to the Library System, its branches, and its successors by providing goods and services which include but are not limited to: books and other library materials, equipment, monies, endowment funds, and other real and personal property, or grants for any such purposes.
Provide funds through an annual funding request developed by the Library for enhanced services and facilities that are not met by traditional tax base funding of the Library System.
Provide mechanisms to receive, manage, and distribute monies, endowments, trusts, estates, grants, and other real and personal property.

Guidelines

It is expected that The Library Foundation of Martin County, Inc. will adhere to all local state and federal regulations that apply to nonprofit organizations and to the provisions of the organization’s bylaws and articles of incorporation.

It is requested the Library Foundation submit annually an update that details the organization’s mission, programs, board members, and financial condition. This annual report shall be submitted to the Library Board of Trustees by the end of the calendar year.

The Martin County Library System will in turn provide necessary and useful information about Library services and activities, funding priorities, professional staff to participate in Library Foundation activities when possible and funding and/or grant leads when appropriate. The Library System will also provide reasonable office space and, when possible, meeting room space for special meetings and events.

The Martin County Board of County Commissioners has agreed to support The Library Foundation’s fundraising efforts by providing permission to use the naming of Library buildings and areas therein as an incentive for raising private funds.

Ethics Statement

Foundation Board members must observe a high ethical standard.
Maintain a cooperative relationship with the Library staff.• Promote the Martin County Library System.
No paid employee of the Martin County Library System may serve on the Board of Directors as a voting member.
Conflicts of interest shall be governed by Section 617.0832 Florida Statutes. A Board member must disqualify himself/herself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists, and he or she may not be counted as quorum for the matter under discussion.
Foundation Board members must distinguish clearly by their actions and statements between their personal philosophies and attitudes, and those of the Library System.

Organizational Relationships

With the Library Director

The relationship between the Library Director and the Foundation should be characterized by mutual respect and by an understanding of library goals and the Foundation’s potential for sharing in the achievement of these goals. There should be a clear understanding of how the Foundation fits into the legal and organizational structure of the Library System. The Library Director or a designated liaison should be at Foundation meetings, whether they are executive committee, board, or membership gatherings. The Director should encourage board-based and varied Foundation activities.

With the Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees must serve as a liaison between the Library and the public. A broad base of support can be strengthened through coordinated activities of the Foundation.

Lost and Found Procedures

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide exit procedures for handling of lost and found items in accordance with Florida Statutes.

Policy

It shall be the policy of Martin County that the following procedures be followed when items are lost and found at Library branch locations.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Policy, Library staff shall be those employees of Martin County who work at any library branch of the Martin County Library System. Library staff are agents of Martin County and are designated to receive lost or abandoned property found at their respective library branch pursuant to Section 705.104(2), Florida Statutes.

Applicable Regulations

Chapter 705, Florida Statutes and Florida General Records Schedule GS1-SL Item 354.

Procedure

The following procedures apply to handling all lost or abandoned property found by or turned over to library staff during the course of their official duties at their respective library branch.

All items found and/or reported lost at a library branch will be recorded on the Lost and Found Log for that branch. The record will include date, lost/found location, description, estimated value (less than $100 or over $100), contact information, and follow-up action.
Found items and/or cash with an estimated value over $100, such as debit/credit cards, driver’s licenses, checks, keys, passports, or other various similar items, will be held for approximately four (4) business days, as space allows, before being handed over to law enforcement having jurisdiction where the library branch is located. Call the non-emergency number to have them pick it up.
- If law enforcement does not accept lost cash, document this and send to the Executive Aide for deposit;
- If law enforcement does not accept lost property, document this; hold for 90 days, then dispose of;
- Electronics should be either reset to factory settings and donated or sent to Tech at Blake to be destroyed.
Found items excluding cash with an estimated value under $100 will be held for 90 days and
- Each branch will post a weekly list of found items with an estimated value under $100 on their public bulletin board;
- The notice must generally describe the items; and
- Items must be posted for a minimum of two (2) weeks before being discarded or donated; and
- After being held for 90 days, found items with an estimated value under $100 will be discarded or donated to a local thrift store. Lost documents not turned over to Law Enforcement can be shredded and documented in the Lost and Found Log for that branch;
- After being held for 90 days, portable storage items, such as USB drives and portable hard drives, should be sent to the PC Support Technician via interoffice envelope for proper wiping of its information. These can then be used by staff for customer service purposes.
Found cash under $100 will be held for four (4) business days before being sent to the Executive Aide for deposit.
- Any cash over $1 that is found should be maintained in the same manner as found (rolled, folded, in a rubber band, etc.) and sealed in a separate envelope marked with the date and approximate location of where it was found (children’s section, lobby, etc.) which may assist in identification by the claimant; and
- Loose change that is found equaling less than $1 can be placed in the Friend’s bag/drawer for donation. This action should be noted on the Lost and Found Log; and
- Please see number 2 above for instructions for handling cash at or above $100.
Staff will make a reasonable attempt to notify owners of debit/credit cards, driver’s licenses, checks, keys, passports, or other similar items which are found. Please see number 2 for directions on how to proceed after the attempt has been made.
Anyone attempting to claim a lost item must provide a detailed description of the item in order to claim it.
The Deputy Library Director or designee will complete a records disposition form and receive approval prior to deleting lost and found records that are over three (3) years old.

Meeting Room Policy

Effective 9/18/2024

Purpose

To establish guidelines for the use of meeting rooms in library facilities.

Policy

The meeting rooms of the Martin County Library System are for Library sponsored or co-sponsored programs and as such will be given preference for their use. When meeting rooms are not being used by the Library, they will be available to the public for activities of civic, cultural, educational, social or business nature and the discussion of current issues. Granting permission to use the Library rooms does not imply Library endorsement of the aims, policies, or activities of any group using the room. Groups using Library meeting rooms must not use publicity to imply that their programs are sponsored, co-sponsored or approved by the Library unless written permission to do so has been previously granted. The supplemental use of the meeting rooms is available for profit, non-profit organizations, and private individuals for a rental fee. Only Martin County Board of County Commissioners departments, intergovernmental agencies, Library collaborations, and Library sponsored events will be exempt from rental fees and start time.

Authority

Library Board of Trustees, County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners.

Naming Library Facilities

Effective 7/19/2023

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish responsibility and criteria for naming opportunities of library facilities and rooms therein.

Policy

Martin County Library System continues to improve library services to its residents through the renovating, expanding, and addition of new library facilities. The library system is fortunate to have a number of supportive citizens groups working within the community to supplement county tax monies. The Library Foundation of Martin County, Inc. was established February 15, 1992 as the primary private sector fund-raiser for the library system as a whole. When the Library System (Master Construction) Plan was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in October 1995, the Library Foundation pledged to take sole responsibility for fund-raising effort for the citizen construction contributions outlined in the plan. The Foundation identified naming opportunities for buildings and areas therein as an effective tool for raising funds for the construction or expansion of libraries within our system. This policy confirms the Library Foundation's pledge for raising private sector funds for each library construction project as well as the privilege for naming buildings and the rooms within.

Authority

Martin County Board of County Commissioners

Procedure

For each library construction project, renovation, or for future buildings or additions, the naming opportunities and their costs will be determined and agreed upon by the Library Director, Library Board of Trustees, and the Library Foundation of Martin County. The criteria used will be:

Percentage of fund-raising goal,
Square footage,
Room or area location, and
Current fund-raising environment.

In accordance with the Board Directed Establish Naming of County Sites and Facilities Policy, the naming of the facility must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

Patron Responsibility / Inappropriate Behavior

Effective 6/19/2024

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to help staff respond to disruptive or unsafe behavior in libraries.

Policy

It is the policy of the Martin County Library System to have all persons occupying library facilities or grounds to conduct themselves in a manner that is safe, lawful, and conducive to the equitable sharing of library resources. All staff members will receive coaching and briefing by police and other professionals as needed.

Authority

Library Board of Trustees

Procedure

The sign entitled "Code of Conduct" will be posted at the front entrance of each library location:
- A function of this library is to assure all patrons the ability to peacefully and orderly receive the information contained in this library. No person may intentionally disrupt or interfere with the administration or function of the library or with the rights and ability of other patrons to receive the information contained herein. Violations of this rule may result in expulsion from the library.
A Patron Responsibilities and Staff Guidelines document, which describes the types of disruptive or unsafe behaviors that occur in libraries, along with the appropriate staff responses, is maintained, available to the public, and provided to all staff.
As each incident occurs, the Library Incident Report must be completed within 24 hours.

Public Equipment and Internet Use Policy

Effective 6/19/2024

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for public use of equipment and the Internet at all Martin County Library System locations.

Policy

Martin County Library System provides access to computers, equipment, and the Internet as part of the Library's mission to create learning opportunities that improve communities. Equipment and Internet use is available to all visitors without charge. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the connection to the Internet because public computers are neither private nor secure.

The Library uses a filter to block content that is identified as pornography. This filter is active for every public computer session obtained through our PCReservation system. In accordance with federal law, Library card holders 18 years and older will obtain an unfiltered Internet access session by simply requesting it at the staff desk. Obtaining an unfiltered session does not relieve the patron from abiding the rules of use. Filtering software does not block all materials users might find offensive.

Library staff will not monitor, control, or restrict anyone's access to equipment or the range of information available. Parents or designated guardians who wish to limit or restrict the access of their own children should personally oversee their use of the Internet and other forms of electronic information. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet with their children in relation to their family values and boundaries and to monitor their children's use of the Internet at the Library. Minors who visit the Library without a parent or guardian are responsible for their own decisions and behaviors.

While using Library resources, users must comply with federal and state laws, Library rules and policies, and the terms of applicable contracts including software licenses. Examples of applicable laws and policies include the laws of libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity and child pornography, the Florida Computer Crimes Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act that prohibits hacking and similar activities. Users who engage in electronic communications with persons in other states or countries or on other systems or networks may also be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions and the rules and policies of those other systems and networks. In addition to this specific policy, the following general guidelines are applicable to the use of all public-access equipment. Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library's equipment and Internet resources may result in loss of the privilege to use these resources. Any illegal activity involving the Library's equipment or Internet resources will be reported and is subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

All users of the equipment, including access to the Internet are expected to use Library resources in a responsible and courteous manner. Users must follow all equipment and Internet-related rules, regulations, and procedures established for their use.

Responsible use of the Internet at the Library includes:

Using the Library's equipment or Internet resources for cultural, educational, recreational, and informational purposes.
Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed works, software, or data.
Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user, by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others.
Not seeking unauthorized access to local or remote computers nor impairing nor damaging the operations of Library equipment or networks. This behavior includes blocking communication lines and running, installing, or sharing virus programs.
Never damaging or altering the configuration of the Library equipment used to access the Internet.
Not willfully attempting to circumvent data protection or other security measures.

Authority

Library Board of Trustees, Library Director

Computer Rules of Use

MCLS enables a content filter to provide a technological solution to block materials that could be considered “harmful to minors” (including pornography). This filter is turned on for every public computer session obtained thru our PCReservation system. In accordance with federal law, Library card holders 18 years and older will obtain an unfiltered Internet access session by simply requesting it at the staff desk. Obtaining an unfiltered session does not relieve the patron from abiding the official rules of use. Filtering software does not block all materials users might find offensive.

Users agree to the following guidelines:

RESERVATIONS

All computer reservations will be made only with the users’ own library card. To reserve a computer, use your library card to sign in at the automated PC Reservation Station or directly at a PC marked “Available.” If you need assistance or have any questions, please ask a staff member.

Time Limited

Computer sessions are 45 minutes in most areas. Other areas may have longer or shorter use time depending on purpose. Additional time will be awarded automatically if no one is waiting.

Express PCs

Every branch of MCLS offers “Express PCs” intended for short-term use. These are available on a first come first serve basis, have a time limit of 15 minutes and do not require a library card to sign up.

Printing

Printing is available from all computers. Prices are defined in the schedule of fines, fees and other user charges. You can pay for and pick up your prints at the automated Print Station. If you need assistance or have any questions, please ask a staff member.

Conduct Code

You cannot receive, display, or print any illegal or harmful to minor materials, FL statute 847.001 reads: “Harmful to minors” means any reproduction, imitation, characterization, description, exhibition, presentation, or representation, of whatever kind or form, depicting nudity, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement when it: (a) Predominantly appeals to the prurient, shameful, or morbid interest of minors; (b) Is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material for minors; and (c) Taken as a whole, is without serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.

Illegal activities or actions intended to interfere with or disrupt computer users, services, or equipment is prohibited. These include, but are not limited to:

Attempting to alter or damage computer equipment, files, or software belonging to others;
Intentional propagation of computer viruses;
Violation of copyright or communication laws;
Committing fraud.

Martin County Library System reserves the right to terminate a computer session at any time. Computer use at the Martin County Library System may be denied to anyone violating library policy. Unlawful actions will be reported to law enforcement.

Reference Services Policy

Effective 5/21/2025

Policy

The Martin County Library System provides reference services through truthful, impartial, and polite responses to all requests.

Authority

Florida Statutes, Ch. 257.25, Free Library Service: Free library service shall constitute as a minimum the free lending of library materials that are made available for circulation and the free provision of reference and information services.

Library Board of Trustees, Library Director.

Related Staff Guidelines

Reference Interview and Response Guidelines

Registration Policy

Effective 5/18/2022

PURPOSE

To state the eligibility and conditions to obtain a library card.

AUTHORITY

Florida Statute 257.261 American Library Association (ALA) Council, ALA Library Bill of Rights, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Standards and Guidelines for Florida Public Library Services, Florida Library Association, Library Board of Trustees, Martin County Board of County Commissioners

POLICY

A person's right to use the library should not be denied or abridged because of sex, age, race, religion, disability, national origin, social, or political views. All applicants must present photo identification prior to being issued a physical card and/or granted borrowing privileges.

RESPONSIBILITY

Everyone obtaining or signing for a library card will be responsible for its use and the responsible care of borrowed items. This includes access to printed materials, audio, video, electronic media, downloadable materials, and the Internet. Physical possession of the card will be considered permission to use it, except when specifically forbidden by library policy. The Martin County Library System staff will not attempt to control or restrict use of a card once it has been issued. In the event the card is lost, users should report the loss to the library staff immediately. Lending periods and library services are detailed on the Martin County Library System’s website.

FREE CARDS

Martin County Library System will issue free cards to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Martin County. Applicants must have a photo ID and proof of eligibility. Proof of eligibility can be any ONE of the following:

A Martin County residential address on the registrant’s ID
A Martin County voter’s registration card
Registrant’s name and address in the Martin County Property Appraiser’s database
A lease, utility bill, checkbook, etc. in applicant’s name with a Martin County residential address
Registrant’s business license in Martin County
Registrant’s pay stub from a business with a Martin County address
A student ID from any Martin County school

Other exceptions may be granted at staff discretion.

JUVENILE CARDS

A resident of the County under the age of 13 may receive a juvenile library card. A parent, legal guardian, or other adult responsible for the young user must agree to be responsible for the appropriate use of library privileges. This signifies acceptance of financial and reading guidance responsibility as well as responsibility for access to any other resources. Children are assured access to all materials and resources when issued a juvenile library card, that grants the same access privileges as an adult card.

TEEN CARDS

A resident of the County aged 13 to 17 years old will receive a teen library card. If the user is younger than 16 years old, a parent, legal guardian, or other adult responsible for the young user must agree to be responsible for the appropriate use of library privileges. This signifies acceptance of financial and reading guidance responsibility as well as responsibility for access to any other resources. Teens are assured access to all materials and resources when issued a teen library card that grants the same access as an adult card.

EXCEPTIONS

Free cards may also be granted to the following individuals regardless of residence:

Adults and young adults who are Martin County Library System volunteers
Teachers in all schools in Martin County
Patrons presenting a SEFLIN (Southeast Florida Library Information Network) One Card from a participating institution
MC Property owners who don’t live in Martin County

GUEST CARDS

The Martin County Library System's policy is to issue guests a library card upon payment of the appropriate guest fee. The amount of the guest fee is set by the Library Board of Trustees and Library Administration. Guest fees are billed according to the length of time services will be available on the card. Fees for guest cards are defined in the Schedule of Fines, Fees and Other User Charges. One guest card is issued upon payment of this fee.

PC-ONLY CARDS

Visitors can obtain a free PC-ONLY card that allows use of the library’s computers and electronic resources. This card does not have borrowing privileges. Presenting identification is still required.

ONLINE CARDS

Patrons who meet Free Card criteria or any exception and register online using our website will be issued an ONLINE card. This card does not have borrowing privileges of physical materials. This library card allows access to the library’s digital services and online resources.

E-BUSINESS CARDS

To promote economic development, E-Business cards will be offered to any Treasure Coast business (Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and Indian River Counties). This library card allows access to the library’s digital services and online resources.

EDUCATOR CARDS

To promote the Library's outreach efforts, we offer access to library resources through our Educator Cards. This card is available to educators employed at schools in Martin County and intended to be used to supplement classroom materials, and not as a personal library card.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Special accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requiring an extended loan period for library materials or for other special needs at staff discretion.

The Library Director or staff may revoke any patron’s library privileges for violation of library policies, subject to appeal to the Library Board of Trustees.

Release of Information Policy

Effective 6/13/2016

PURPOSE

To establish guidelines for the administration of library records retention, access to public records, and confidentiality of patron records.

AUTHORITY

Library Board of Trustees, Florida Statute 257.261, Florida Statute 119.01, Florida Dept. of State General Schedule for State and Local Government Agencies GS1-SL and General Schedule for Public Libraries GS15, and Martin County Records Management Policy.

POLICY

It is the policy of the Martin County Library System to provide access to library records while protecting patron privacy.

Definition

Public record means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency (Florida Statute 119.011(12)).

Access to Public Records

Florida's Public Records Law provides for citizens to have a virtually unlimited access to the records of governments. Florida Statute 119.07(1)(a) states: Every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions,and under supervision by the custodian of the public records.

A public record would be defined as any document whether hard copy or electronic utilized in the transaction of official business by the Martin County Library System.

Confidentiality of Patron Records

Florida Statute 257.261 provides privacy protection for patron's registration and circulation records. It states:

(1) All registration and circulation records of every public library, except statistical reports of registration and circulation, are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and from s. 24(a) of Art. I of the State Constitution. (2) As used in this section, the term "registration records" includes any information that a library requires a patron to provide in order to become eligible to borrow books and other materials, and the term "circulation records" includes all information that identifies the patrons who borrow particular books and other materials. (3)(a) Except in accordance with a proper judicial order, a person may not make known in any manner any information contained in records made confidential and exempt by this section, except as otherwise provided in this section. (b)A library or any business operating jointly with the library may, only for the purpose of collecting fines or recovering overdue books, documents, films, or other items or materials owned or otherwise belonging to the library, disclose information made confidential and exempt by this section to the following: 1. The library patron named in the records; 2. In the case of a library patron less than 16 years of age, the parent or guardian of that patron named in the records; 3. Any entity that collects fines on behalf of a library, unless the patron is less than 16 years of age, in which case only information identifying the patron’s parent or guardian may be released; 4. Municipal or county law enforcement officials, unless the patron is 16 years of age, in which case only information identifying the patron’s parent or guardian may be released; or 5. Judicial officials. (4) Any person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

Records Retention

The Martin County Library System follows county directed policy for Records Management which indicates adherence to guidelines established by the State of Florida's schedule of document retention (GS1-SL and GS15).

The Martin County Library System will not retain protected records beyond the time period for which it is necessary for proper operations. Disposition of records will be completed in accordance with the staff guidelines.

PROCEDURE

See Guidelines: Access to Public Records Guidelines for Public Services Staff, Records Retention Guidelines for Administrative Staff

Teen Services Policy

Effective 11/20/2024

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish the Martin County Library System's scope of services for young adults, define objectives, and to outline expected standards of behavior of young adults who use the library's spaces and resources. It is also the purpose of this policy to provide guidance to the staff on the best practices to follow when serving teens and tweens.

Definitions

These terms may be used interchangeably throughout this policy:

Young Adults: a broad term for tweens, teens, and adults between the ages of 11 and 20.
Tweens: young adults aged 11 and 12.
Teens: young adults aged 13 to 17.

For the purposes of this document, we define young adults as between the ages of 11 and 17. This could vary as it is often meant to include middle and high school students. The group can even include 18, 19, and 20 year-olds as their needs for education and employment support are often unique to early adulthood.

POLICY

Our intention is to provide positive experiences for teens and tweens at the library to foster a lifelong pattern of reading and learning. The primary goals are to promote and encourage curiosity, a love of reading, and engagement with library resources, staff and the community.

Objectives

Provide the full range of library services in an age-appropriate context.
Ensure tweens and teens have access to a young adult collection that consists of a wide range of young adult (YA) materials in a variety of formats.
Encourage the continued use of library spaces, materials, and resources by teens as they age from children to adults.
Educate adult patrons of this policy to foster a shared environment where teens feel welcome.
Provide age appropriate educational and/or recreational programming to young adults who will be encouraged to return to the library and inspired to connect with their communities.
Ensure staff respects and embraces cultural, gender, and economic diversity amongst young adults.
Provide staff with methods and guidelines to safeguard teen privacy while encouraging teens to pursue their own interests
Ensure tweens and teens have a forum for expressing their requests for materials, programming, and services.
Provide technology access in support of recreational and educational needs as well as a diverse array of technology resources to inspire and connect young adults to their communities. The Martin County Library System's Public Equipment and Internet Use Policy (which includes Rules of Use) applies to all patrons regardless of age.

PROCEDURE

Regarding Social Media Access

Conduct and Behavior

The Martin County Library System welcomes young adults into its facilities and provides a safe and secure environment for them to make use of the library's resources and spaces. Because of this, we ask that young adults behave in accordance with all policies. Above all, we expect young adult patrons to show respect and courtesy toward staff, each other, and other library users.

We expect staff to apply policies equitably to all patrons we serve.

As with all other patrons, staff members will kindly speak to the young adult and explain a policy violation, its consequences, and ask for a correction of behavior.
If the young adult continues to violate the policy, the teen will be asked to leave the library for the day.
If the young adult does not leave the library, staff should contact law enforcement.

User Suggestions and Complaints Policy

Effective 4/17/2024

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for handling suggestions and complaints from our patrons.

POLICY

The Martin County Library System will handle user comments and complaints in a professional and timely manner. Staff members are expected to be able to answer most questions and complaints to the patron's satisfaction. Staff members are also expected to defuse situations when needed in order to maintain a calm atmosphere in the Library. Staff members are also expected to escalate complaints to their supervisor when needed. Staff may contact another manager when their supervisor is unavailable. Suggestions and complaints will be kept on file for one (1) year.

AUTHORITY

Library Board of TrusteesLibrary Director

PROCEDURE

Library staff welcome feedback and receive it with courteous goodwill.

Volunteer Services Policy

Effective 6/21/2023

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for volunteer services within the Martin County Library System.

POLICY

The Martin County Library System provides equal opportunity to volunteers in order to utilize their strengths and talents in ways that are beneficial to the County, the Library System, and the individual volunteer. Volunteers provide a vital ingredient in the provision of quality library services. They participate as partners in carrying out the library's mission and satisfactorily completing all goals and objectives.

Volunteers perform tasks without wages, benefits, or compensation (including travel expenses) of any kind.
Volunteer's own auto coverage will cover auto claims.
Volunteers are recognized by the public as representatives of the library and shall be guided by the same standards of work and behavior codes as employees.
Volunteers will not replace or displace paid library staff.
Volunteers will not solely staff the library when library employees are not present.
The library system will endeavor to follow/abide by the American Library Association Guidelines for Using Volunteers in Libraries.
Volunteers will not accept personal gifts.

AUTHORITY

Martin County Board of County Commissioners, Library Board of Trustees

PROCEDURE

See attached Volunteer Services Guidelines

Learn more and apply to be a volunteer

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Glowforge consumables

Lost or damaged materials

Meeting Room Rates and Charges

Meeting rooms use: Auditorium, John F. and Rita M. Armstrong Room

Meeting rooms use: Community Library Rooms

Conference Rooms

Fees for serving food/drink in meeting rooms (excludes bottled water)

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