Policies

Photo Policy

The Pottsboro Area Library often takes photos of its programs, activities and their participants. Please be aware that these photos may be used in future brochures, flyers, web pages, news releases or other promotional materials. Those wishing not to be photographed or recorded should inform the photographer.

Pottsboro Library Child Safety & Vulnerable Adults Policy

• Children 10 years of age or younger must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or adult of at least 18 years of age who acknowledges responsibility for the child, during their visit to the library. These parents and/or adults are responsible for their children’s behavior while in the building and may not leave them unattended
• Children 11 years of age may utilize the materials and services of the library if they observe technology sharing rules, take turns fairly, and adhere to guidance from the library staff

Pottsboro Library Internet Acceptable Use Policy 

• Patrons must be responsible when consuming food and drinks in the library and be mindful of litter and potential damage to library property 
• Users may not disrupt or disturb other computer users 
• It is a criminal offense to display obscene materials; distribute, exhibit, or display sexually explicit material, which is unsuitable for minors; or have or promote materials that show child pornography (Texas Penal Code:43.22, 43.24, 43.26). Staff may report violations to proper legal authorities. Filtering software is employed to block such websites but any user may ask the staff member on duty for a reappraisal of a block 
• User may not disrupt or interfere with network services 
• Users may not use the Internet for any illegal activity 
• The library has received funding from the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to purchase computers, tablets and other devices. Any ECF supported equipment and services can only be provided to patrons who declare they do not have access to the equipment or services sufficient to access the Internet 

Pottsboro Library Conduct Policy

Policy Statement:

The Pottsboro Area Public Library is designed to be a safe and comfortable place for all members of the public to use. Guests are expected to observe the rights of other guests and staff members. The Pottsboro Area Public Library’s Conduct Policy is intended to protect the rights and safety of library guests, to protect the rights and safety of staff members, and to preserve and protect the library’s materials, facilities, and property.

Definition and Scope:

Guests who exhibit disruptive behavior in the library will be asked to follow the rules listed in the behavior policy. Guests who continue to cause disruptive behavior will be asked to leave the library premises.

Disruptive Behavior is generally defined as “any patron behavior that interferes with the normal operation of the library or which interferes with another guests ‘ability to use the library.”

The Library Director and other staff members to whom the Director delegates the authority (and whom are on duty at the time) shall have the responsibility for enforcing the Conduct Policy and determining when behavior in the library is inappropriate.

Regulations:

• Children under the age of ten must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or adult of at least 18 years of age
• Personal items are not be stored on library property and must be kept with the library guest at all times
• Solicitations, petitions, flyers, and marketing surveys are not permitted. Animals, including comfort animals, that are not service animals, or part of a library sponsored program or event, are prohibited from entering the library
• Library guests should act in a manner that does not interfere with others in their use and enjoyment of the library, or the library staff’s ability to provide services

Unsuitable behaviors include:

• Violation of any local, state, or federal law
• Any behavior that endangers the safety or health of others
• Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library materials
• Theft of library materials or the personal property of other patrons or staff
• Taking library materials into restrooms
• Use of abusive or intimidating language or gestures
• Behavior that is willfully annoying, harassing, or threatening to another person
• Soliciting of any kind and/or asking for signatures on petitions
• Monopolizing library resources or staff time
• Use of the library telephone for personal business, unless in an emergency or a request for transportation
• Inappropriate dress, such bathing suits and wet clothing or not wearing a shirt or shoes in the library
• The use of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco products (including vaping) or illegal substances in the library
• Eating or drinking beverages in the computer or gaming areas
• Poor hygiene that constitutes a nuisance
• Using the library facility for reasons other than its intended purposes including loitering, sleeping, bathing (except washing hands), shampooing, shaving, personal grooming, changing clothes, washing clothes or utensils
• Other kinds of behavior deemed inappropriate in the opinion of the Director or designated staff members

The library staff reserves the right to ask a guest to leave the library for any of the reasons listed above.

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