Library Policies

Administration and Governance Personnel Access, Services, and Programs Collections, Computers, Technology Relationships, Rights and Responsibilities

The library board has established these policies to govern the library. These policies serve as a blue print for effective library operation, underscore the library's service philosophy and ensure that customers receive consistent service. The policies are reviewed regularly to help guarantee that they remain timely.

Belle Plaine Community Library

Local Library Ordinance

Chapter 11:

An ordinance confirming the establishment of a public library, to provide for the appointment and the powers and duties of a board of library trustees.

Section 11.1 Purpose: The purpose of this ordinance is to readopt the applicable sections of the former city Ordinance No. 500, Establishing a City Library and Board of Trustees, and to adopt as ordinances all applicable state statutes repealed by 64GA, Chapter 1088.

Section 11.2 Public Library: There is hereby confirmed the establishment of a free public library for the City of Belle Plaine to be known as the Hart Memorial Library and from and after July 1, 1990, to be known as " Belle Plaine Community Library". (Ord. 90-1, 1990).

Section 11.3 Library Trustees: The Board of Trustees of the Belle Plaine Community Library, hereinafter referred to as the Board, shall consist of nine members. All Board members are to be appointed by Mayor with the approval of the Council.

Section 11.4 Qualifications of Trustees: All members of the Board of Trustees shall be over the age of eighteen (18) years. Eight of the members of said Board shall be residents of the City of Belle Plaine, and one member shall be a resident of Benton County, Iowa, who resides outside of the corporate limits of the City of Belle Plaine.

Section 11.5 Orgainzation of the Board:

Terms of office: All appointments to the Board shall be for six (6) years, except to fill vacancies. Each term shall commence on July first. Appointments shall be made every two (2) years of one-third the total number, as near as possible, to stagger the terms. The present incumbents are confirmed in their appointments and terms.
Vacancies: The positions of any trustees shall be vacant if he moves permanently from the city or if he is absent from six (6) consecutive regular meetings of the Board, except in the case of sickness or temporary absence from the city. Vacancies in the Baord shall be filled by appointment of the Mayor, with approval of the Council, and the new truestee shall fill out the unexpired term for which the appointment is made.
Compensation: Trustees shall receive no compensation for their services.

Section 11.6 Powers and Duties: The Board shall have and exercise the following powers and duties:

To meet and elect fromm its members a president, a secretary, and such other officers as it deems necessary.
To have charge, control, and supervision of the public library, its appurtenances, fixtures, and rooms containing the same.
To direct and control the affairs of the library.
To employ a librarian and authorize the librarian to employ such assistants and employees as may be necessary for the proper management of the library, and fix their compensation: provided however, that prior to such employment, the compensation of the librarian, assistants, and employees shall have been fixed and approved by a majority of the members of the board voting in favor thereof.
To remove by two-thirds vote of the Board the Librarian and provide procedures for the removal of assistants or employees for misdemeanor, incompentency or inattention to duty, subject, however, to the provisions of Chapter 70, Code of Iowa.
To select, or authorize the librarian to select and make purchases of books, pamphlets, magazines, periodicals, papers, maps, journals, other library materials, furniture, fixtures, stationary and supplies for the library withn the budgetary limits set by the Board.
To authorize the use of the library by nonresidents of the city and to fix charges therefore.
To make and adopt, amend, modify or repeal rules and regulations, not inconsistent with ordinances, and the law, for the care, use, government and management of the library and the business of the Board, fixing and enforcing penalties for violations.
To have exclusive control of the expenditure of all funds allocated for library purposes by the council, and of all moneys available by gift or otherwise for the erection of library buildings, and of all other moneys belonging to the library including fines and rentals collected, under the rules of the Board.
To accept gives of real property, personal property, or mixed property, and devises and bequests, including trust funds; to take title to said property in the name of the library; to execute deeds and bills of sale for the coneyance of said property; and to expend the funds received by them from such gifts, for the improvement of the library.
To keep a record of its proceedings.
To enforce the performance of conditions on gifts, donations, devises and bequests accepted by the City by action against the City Council.
To have authority ot make agreements with the local county historical associations, where such exist, and to set apart the necessary room to care for such articles as may come into the possession of the association. The trustees are further authorized to purchase necessary receptacles and materials for the preservation and protection of such articles as are in their judgement of a historical and educational nature and pay for the same out of funds allocated for library purposes.

Section 11.7 Power to Contract with Others for the Use of the Library:

Contracting: The Board may contract with any other boards of trustees of free public libraries, any other city, school corporation, private, or semi-private organization, institution of higher learning, township, or county, or with the trustees of any county library district for the use of the library by their residents.
Termination: Such a contract may be terminated at any time by mutual consent of the contracting parties. It also may be terminated by a majority vote of the electors represented by either of the contracting parties.Such a termination propositions shall be submitted to the electors by the governing body of a contracting party on a written petition of not less than five (5) percent in number of the electors who voted for governor in that territory of the party at the last general election. The proposition may be submitted at any election provided by law that is held in the territory of the party who is seeking to terminate the contract.

Section 11.8 Nonresident Use of the Library: The Board may authorize the use of the library by nonresidents in any one or more of the following ways:

By lending the books or other materials of the library to nonresidents on the same terms and coditions as to residents of the city, or upon payment of a special nonresident library fee.
By establishing depositories of library books or other materials to be loaned to nonresidents.
By establishing bookmobiles or a traveling library so that books or other library materials may be loaned to nonresidents.
By establishing branch libraries for lending books or other library materials.

Section 11.9 Library Account: All money appropriated by the City from the General Fund for operation and maintenance of the library shall be set aside in an account for the library. Expenditures shall be paid for only on order of the Board, signed by its president and secretary.

Section 11.10 Annual Report: The board shall make a report to the City Council immediately after the close of the municiapl fiscal year. This report shall contain statements of the condition of the library, the number of books added thereto, the number circulated, the amount of fines collected, and the amount of money expended in the maintenance of the library during the year, together with such further information required by the Council.

Board of Trustees Bylaws

Article I: Library Board
    Section 1. In accordance with Chapter 11 of the City Code of Belle Plaine, Iowa, the Library Board of the Belle Plaine Community Library shall consist of nine members, including one rural resident, three to be appointed every two years by the mayor with the approval of the City Council.

    Section 2. The general powers and duties of the Belle Plaine Community Library Board are outlined in Chapter 378 of the Code of Iowa.

    Section 3. The Board shall exercise its power and duties by

a.) employing a competent and qualified librarian
b.) determining and adopting written policies to govern the operation of library programs including personnel policies, and policies governing the selection of library materials, supplies, and equipment.
c.) reporting to and cooperating with other public officials, boards, and the community as a whole to support a public relations program for the Library.
d.) assisting in the preparation of and seeking adequate support for the annual budget.
e.) developing long-range goals for the library and working toward their achievement.

Article II: Officers
    Section 1. The officers of the Board shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers shall be elected at the annual meeting and shall hold office until their successors have been elected and installed. Their term of office shall be two years with unlimited terms.

Article III: Meetings
    Section 1. At least 10 regular meetings shall be held yearly in the Library, the date and hour to be determined by the Board in accordance with the Open Meetings Law.

    Section 2. The annual meeting shall be held each year in August.

    Section 3. Special meetings may be held any time at the call of the president or a majority of the Board, provided that notice thereof is given to all trustees and the public at least 24 hours in advance of the special meeting.

    Section 4. A quorum at any meeting shall consist of 5 or more members.

    Section 5. Order of Business for regular meetings shall include, but not be limited to, the following items:

roll call
reading and approval of minutes of previous meeting
communications and public comment
director's report
financial report and approval of expenditures
committee reports
old business
new business
adjournment

Section 6. An agenda for the board meetings shall be prepared by the Librarian in cooperation with the Board President.

    Section 7. All meetings of the Board are open to members of the public. Non-board members who wish to address the Board should request a place on the agenda not later than 24 hours before the time established for the meeting. The request should be directed to the Librarian, President or Secretary.

    Section 8. Robert's Rules of Order shall govern in the parliamentary procedure of the Board.

Article IV: Committees
    Section 1. The Board may appoint such special committees as may be needed from time to time.

Article V: Librarian
     Section 1. The Librarian shall be the executive director of the policies adopted by the Board. Among his/her responsibilities shall be

a.) to select the library materials: books, magazines, pamphlets, records, microforms, etc.
b.) to maintain and operate the physical plant
c.) to recruit, train, and assign members of the Library staff.
d.) to inform the board continually and completely regarding the finances, public services, physical plant, personnel, collection, and other developments, changes, and problems of the Library.

Section 2. The librarian shall be in attendance at all meetings of the Board except those at which his/her tenure or salary is to be discussed or decided.

Article VI: Amendments to Bylaws
Section 1. Amendments to these bylaws may be adopted at any regular meeting of the board, provided that notice of proposed amendments be given to all members of the Board in advance of the meeting.

Adopted by the board of Trustees:
July 7, 1982
Last reviewed,
August 30, 2005
September 2008

Mission Statement
The Belle Plaine Community Library Serves its constituency as an information and resource center for patrons of all ages with varied needs and interests.

Adopted by the board of Trustees"
November 1996
Last reviewed August 2005.
September 2008

Board of Trustees Duties and Responsibilities

Position:
Member, Board of Trustees

General Description of Duties and Responsibilities:
In volunteer capacity, a Library Board of Trustee works as a team member to help set direction for the municipal service provided by the library. A Trustee governs the expenditures of the library and is responsible for library assets.

Essential Duties:

Governs the expenditures of the library
Is responsible for library assets
Advocates for the library in the community and advocate for the community as a member of the library board.
Reports to and cooperates with other public officials, boards
Plans for the future of the library
Assists in the preparation of and seeking adequate support for the annual budget
Monitors and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the library.
Sets policies
HIres and evaluates the director

Performance Expectatins:

Expends time and effort to learn and do the job
Faithfully attends library board meetings
Attends board development workshops
Attends appropriate regional, state conferences
Reads pertinent literature about library services and fovernance of the library
Defends intellectual freedom

For More Information, see also:

Belle Plaine City Code: Chapter 11
Board of Trustees Bylaws
Iowa Library Trustee's Handbook, 1998

ALA Document:
Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

3.Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Access, Services and Programs

by webmaster — last modified Aug 31, 2015 05:39 PM — History

These policies cover policies on loan periods, borrowing privileges, library programs and more.

Belle Plaine Community Library

Availability of Hours and Services

Regular Hours

The Belle Plaine Community Library's Regular Hours will be as follows:

Monday 10:00 A.M. - 6 P.M.

Tuesday 10:00 A.M. - 6 P.M.

Wednesday 10:00 A.M. - 6 P.M.

Thursday 10:00 A.M. - 6 P.M.

Friday 10 A.M - 4:00 P.M.

Saturday 9 A.M.- Noon.

Emergency Closings

1. The Library may be closed at the Library Director's discretion.

2. Reasons for closing include but are not limited to the following:

snow accumulation
storms
floods
loss of utilities
acts of God
other emergencies

3. Guidelines for closing are as follows:

other businessess/ offices close
safety of the staff traveling is in question
a "no travel" advisory is issues

Operations Policy
Circulation Services
Eligibility
All Iowa citizens with identification and current address verification (this can include drivers license, or mail with the citizens name and street address shown), may register for a Belle Plaine Community Library card. Registration is for one year and is renewable if there are no outstanding fines and fees.

Application for children's library cards (under age 14) must be signed by parent or legal guardian. Parents must show proper ID or have a valid Belle Plaine Community Library card before a child's card will be issued. Those 14 and over must show an ID, such as a school ID or driver's license.
Library staff may ask to see some identification before checkout of materials to a person if that person is not personally known.
Change of address / phone number should be reported to library.
Borrowing privileges / renewals / computer use are suspended if the patron accumulates $3.00 or more in fines or fees.

Temporary Registration
People who are visiting in the Belle Plaine Community Library area and would like to use the facilities (including checking out materials) may sign up for a temporary card. People desiring a temporary card number must present identification with current address and fill out an application form.

Borrowing Privileges
The library has a policy of open borrowing privileges which allows anyone, regardless of age, to select from any part of the library collection. It must be the responsibility of those parents/ guardians who wish to do so to monitor their children's use of library materials.
We limit the number of materials a patron may have checked out at any given time to 10. Exceptions can be made by the director or other library staff if deemed necessary.

Confidentiality of Records
All patron records are confidential.

Borrowers' Responsibilities
Patrons are expected to abide by the policy's of the library. Cardholders are responsible for all items checked out on their cards. They are expected to return materials in the stated times and in the same condition.

Materials/Loan Periods/Fines*/Renewals**
Books                                2 week loan          .25/day         one renewal
Book and Music CD's        2 week loan      .25/day         one renewal
Magazines                       2 week loan      .25/day         one renewal
DVD's                  2 week loan   $ .50 /day       one renewal
Reference                     1 week loan        .25 / day          no renewal
Interlibrary loan           3 week loan                    no renewal

No loans on the following: Newspapers or Archive Materials.

* Excludes Sundays and holidays. (Note: Maximum fine is the current cost of an item).

** Renewals can be made over the phone, by email or in person but will not be accepted if the material has been requested/reserved by another patron.

Notices of Overdue Materials / Bills

A courtesy phone call (or written reminder) about overdue materials will be made after materials are two weeks past the due date.
When materials are six weeks overdue, a bill for the cost of the materials and processing may be sent.
A patron's borrowing privileges will be temporarily suspended when the fines reach $3.00.

Damaged / Lost Materials

If materials are not returned in same condition, patrons are expected to pay an individually assessed fee based on the repair that needs to be done.
If materials are lost or not returned at all, patrons are expected to pay for replacement cost.

Reserves
Any item that can be checked out can also be placed on reserve.

Equipment may be reserved in advance for meetings. In the case of multiple requests to reserve the same item, reserves will be made on a first-serve basis.
When reserved items become available, the patron will be notified and material(s) will be held at the Circulation Desk for 3 days after notice is given.

Interlibrary Loan Services

Participation / Protocol / Fees / Fines
If a library does not own the item needed, the patron may request that it be borrowed from another library through the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) system. Request forms can be obtained at the Circulation Desk.

There is a charge of $2.50 per item to help with postage costs. This must be paid at the time request is made. If we are unable to get the material, the patron will be refunded the amount paid.
Patrons who order materials through ILL and do Not pick up the materials when they arrive, will be charged $2.50.
Overdue Interlibrary Loans will accure fines of $1.25/ day.

Reference Services

Reference Questions
Requests for information made by the general public will be accepted by the library staff.

Requests may be made in writing, in person, over the phone, via e-mail, or FAX.
As time and knowledge allow, the library staff will attempt to hind the requested information for the general public or give guidance in how to find the desired information.

Homework Assignments
The library staff will provide general guidance (as time and knowledge of the assignment allows) in helping students find needed information to complete homework assignments.

Equipment Services
The library provides a FAX machine, copier, and computers for patron use.

Staff will either provide direct services in the use of the equipment or (as time allows) will provide basic instruction in the use of equipments.
A fee for use of supplies is charged to the patron.

Adopted by Board of Trustees
Sept. 28, 1999
Revised Sept. 2005
Revised Sept. 2008

Revised July 2012

Revised Aug. 2015

Collections, Computers, Technology

by webmaster — last modified Aug 31, 2015 05:03 PM — History

These policies govern what materials are available in the library, and how computers are to be used in the library.

Goals for Materials Selection:

The Belle Plaine Community Library intends to maintain a well-balanced and broad collection of current and historical materials in various formats. The collection will support the informational, occupational, educational, and recreational needs of citizens in our service area regardless of their age, social and physical condition, or level of intellectual achievement.

General Principles of Selection:
The library subscribes to the general principles embodied in the Library Bill of Rights statements prepared by the American Library Association as a guideline only.

The library encourages suggestions and comments about the collection. Because the library follows accepted principles of intellectual freedom, it will not remove specific titles soley because individuals or groups may find them objectionable.

In order to provide access to materials beyond the financial limitations and storage capacity of the Belle Plaine Community Library, the library participates in the interlibrary loan program.

Responsibility:
The responsibility for selection lies with the Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board of Trustees. (The Director may delegate specific selection duties to other staff members.) The general public may make recommendations for consideration though the ultimate responsibility lies with the Director.

Criteria for Selection of Materials:
Materials are judged in their entirety, balancing the time under consideration with the library's present collection, budget, community needs and interests, and space. Works are viewed with regard to their literary, educational, informational value, authority, and effectiveness of presentation.

Weeding:

Weeded items may include those which are unnecessary, outdated, no longer of interest or in demand, and worn or mutilated copies. Frequency of circulation, community interest, or in availability of newer and more valid materials are of prime consideration. Local history and material on local industry are an exception to this. Fiction, once popular but no longer in demand, may be discarded as well as non-fiction books which were purchased to meet demands no longer existing. Indexed magazines are discarded after three years. Newspapers are retained for two months. The local newspaper is kept until it is microfilmed.

Gifts:
Gifts of books, periodicals, and other materials are encouraged with the understanding that they will be included in the collection only if they are in formats currently in use for the public and if they meet the criteria for selection outlined in this policy. Such gifts become property of the Belle Plaine Community Library. The library is under no obligation to replace these gifts if they are lost, damaged or worn, or to keep them after they have become obsolete or of no further value to the library. Special interest materials representing particular organizations or points of view may be accepted and displayed as space permits. The library reserves the right to use and dispose of gift materials as seems appropriate for current needed. they may be added to the collection if needed, exchanged with or given to other libraries and non-profit institutions, sold at library books sales with proceeds used to buy new materials or equipment, or discarded if not useable for any of the preceding purposes.

Memorials:
Memorials are welcomed. If cash donations are made for materials in a person's name, it is helpful if a subject is also named. Otherwise the Director and/or staff will make selections based on the general guidelines of this policy.

Requests for Reconsideration:
Specific titles will not be removed from the collection solely because individuals or groups may find them objectionable. The patron will be requested to complete the appropriate form for reconsideration of material, availabe at the Circulation Desk. The written objection will be taken to the Board for further consideration. Items the board deems appropriate for the collection will not be removed except by court order.

Amended by the Board of Trustees
Oct. 25,2005

Internet Policy

The Internet offers unlimited global access to information. However not all sources on the Internet provide information hat is accurate, complete, current or legal. The library is unable to monitor or control the content of the materials on the Internet, which changes rapidly and unpredictably. The library and its trustees and employees shall not be liable for any damages (direct or inconsequential) from any information obtained or provided on the Internet. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Given the public setting, individuals are asked to consider this and to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing
potentially offensive information and images.

All patrons, including children, who are library card holders, in good standing (no fines more than $3.00), are free to use all resources and facilities in the Belle Plaine Community Library. As with other materials found in the library it is the parents and/or legal guardians of the children who are responsible for any information accessed by either children or adults. Users under the age of 18 must have a signed parental permission slip on file. The permission slip must be signed in front of library staff, and patrons under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian.

Patrons must check in with the staff at the front desk each time he/she used the Internet. Basic assistance in using the Internet is given as staff time/ knowledge permits.

The Belle Plaine Community LIbrary reserves the right to end any Internet session.

The Belle Plaine Community Library does not offer e-mail accounts, access to Internet chat, talk utilities, file transfer, or any other communication based Internet services. Printing is available. Black and white copies are .20 for school assignments, and .25 for all others. Color prints are $1.00 per page.

There is a 60 minute time limit, per day. Any additional use is at the sole discretion of the librarian on duty.

NO Cell Phone use is allowed while on the computer. This includes calls and texting, unless approved by library staff. Time away from the computer does count toward your total computer time, and if you are away from the computer for more than 5 minutes, your session may be terminated.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, Sept. 27, 2005

Reviewed August 2008

Revised August 2015

Relationships, Rights, Responsibilities

by webmaster — last modified Oct 02, 2008 11:15 AM — History

These polices include how the library relates to the city and the county, customer service, rights and responsibilities.

Disruptive Behavior Policy

Purpose:

It is the policy of the Belle Plaine Community Library to provide a safe, comfortable environment that is conducive to the use of library facilities, resources, and equipment either by individuals or small groups. The library is designed for the use of all members of the public. Patrons are expected to observe the rights of other patrons and staff members and to use the library for its intended purposes.

Behavior Not Allowed in the Library:

any behavior that endangers the safety or health of others
Violation of any local, state, or federal law
Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library properties

Note: Patrons will be financially responsible for any destruction of library property.

Theft of library materials or the personal property of others patrons or staff members
Deliberate disruption of library procedures (including the work of the staff)
Use of abusive language
Loud talking or laughing that disturbs or could disturb other patrons
Sleeping as well as smoking, eating or drinking in areas not designated for these activities
loitering in the building or on the grounds
Inappropriate dress (shirts and shoes must be worn at all times)
roller blades or skate boards (etc) in the building, courtyard, parking area
personal stereos (unless given specific permission by a staff person)
entry into PERSONNEL ONLY areas
Use of cell phones that is disruptive to other patrons

Consequences:

In most cases, patrons who are behaving inappropriately in the library will be given one warning by the library supervisor of the day and asked to behave in an appropriate manner. Patrons who refuse to behave more appropriately after one warning will be asked to leave the library.Serious violations, which include behaviors that are absolutely unacceptable, do not require a warning, but can result in the loss of library privileges for as long as the director deems necessary.

In the cases in which a patron poses a clear danger to her/himself or others, deliberately violates the law, or refuses to leave the library after being asked to leave by the supervisor of the day, the police will be called to handle the situation.

In extreme cases where a patron is consistently disruptive every time he/she visits the library, the Director will bring the matter to the attention of the Board of Trustees who shall decide on any further action.

Policy Reviews:

The Belle Plaine Community Library Director, Staff, and Board of Trustees will regularly review this policy. Public notice will be made of any policy changes and patrons will be expected to abide by the terms of any updated policy.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees
May 25, 1999
Last review Oct. 25, 2005
Reviewed March 2008

Unattended child Policy

Purpose:
The Belle Plaine community LIbrary encourages the active enjoyment of the library -- it facilities, resources, and equipment. However, for this to occur, guidelines must be established which will promote the intended purpose / use of the library.

Children who are left unattended or appear to be in the facilities without adult supervision can be a cause of concern to the library. Issues of safety, liability, and responsibility motivate the library to address this potentially serious problem.

Procedures Used if Child is Deemed "Unattended"

A staff person will notify the supervisor of the day that there is an unattended child in the building.
The supervisor will attempt to locate the child's parents in the building / grounds.
If the parent / guardian cannot be found in the building or on the grounds, a staff member will stay with the child while the supervisor of the day continues to attempt to locate the parents.
If the parents cannot be located within an hour, or if the library is closing, a staff member will be directed to notify the police. (Staff will wait 15 minutes after closing before this measure is taken.)
Under no circumstances shall a staff member take the child out of the building.

Policy Reviews:

The Belle Plaine Community LIbrary Director, Staff, and Board of Trustees will regularly review this policy. Public notice will be made of any policy changes and patrons will be expected to abide by the terms of any updated policy.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees
May 25, 1999
Last Reviewed Oct. 29, 2002

Volunteer Policy

Philosophy

The Board of Trustees recognizes that the service rendered by Volunteers is invaluable as they help the LIbrary accomplish its mission of service to the community. Volunteers provide special assistance to the Library Staff in the operation and programming of the Library by giving their time to short term projects or extended service. Though the Trustees encourage the staff to develop volunteer opportunities and to train volunteers in performing their duties, no work shift shall be soley dependent on volunteers for its daily operation. Volunteers are always under the supervision of paid Library Staff. (Because of their service to the community, the Board of Trustees seeks to publicly recognize the efforts of the Volunteers.

Definition of a Volunteer
One who performs a service of his or her own free will; one who contributes time, energy and talents directly or on behalf of the Belle Plaine Community Library and is not paid by Library funds. All Volunteers must e accepted by the library director prior to performances of assigned tasks.

Opportunities / General Information

The Library offers volunteers many different opportunities. The library is open morning, afternoon, and evening hours, and there are volunteer jobs available most of the hours the library is open. Scheduling is arranged so that the work is convenient for both the volunteer and the LIbrary. To best match people with jobs, Volunteers fill out an application form and talk with the volunteer Coordinator. For more information, stop in the library, or phone (319) 444-2902.

Guidelines for Volunteers:

The Library Director serves as Volunteer Coordinator for the library. The Director may designate a staff member to oversee volunteer assignments.
Each Volunteer's shift is 1.5-3 hours long.
Position begins immediately and is an ongoing position.
A three month commiitment is requested.
Volunteers will not be used to replace or reduce the number of paid staff.
Volunteers are recognized as contributors to the goals and services of the library
Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of All library information.
The library will, upon request, provide letter of reference for the volunteer, if deemed appropriate.
Procedures and requirements for the volunteer will vary with age of volunteer.
Volunteers will not be expected to do anything staff would not do.

Possible Jobs:

Checking in books and videos
Shelving and organizing shelf materials
Mending books, DVD's and other materials as needed
Working at special events
Decorating for holidays or other events
Helping with proramming
Organizing magazines and removing bar codes as needed.
Delivering materials with shut-ins
Helping with fund raising activities
Preparing materials for programs
Clerical duties

What are the age levels of volunteers? Who are the volunteers?

Adults
Young adults (grades 7-12)
Retirees
business and community leaders
students
community service
friend and foundation members
library users
special populations
current and former library staff members
people wanting to become involved

How Do I Apply?
Complete the volunteer application and send it to the Volunteer Coordinator at the the Belle Plaine Community library, or bring it in to the library during open hours.

Sex Offenders in the Library Policy

by admin — last modified Mar 31, 2016 03:00 PM — History

find out what the policy says...

816 Library Access for Sex Offenders Convicted Of Sex Offenses Against Minors

See also related policy Conduct in the Library (809), Iowa Code (692A)

816.1 The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Library is in compliance with Iowa State law that excludes sex offenders (defined as a person who is required to be registered in the Iowa Sex Offender Registry) convicted of sex offenses against minors from public libraries. This policy adopts the definitions of Iowa Code Chapter 692A, as amended.

816.2 The Library Director acts as “library administrator” for purposes of Iowa Chapter 692A. The Library Director will not give the written permission required by Iowa Code Section 692A.113(f) for sex offenders convicted of sex offenses against minors to be present on library property Issuance of a library card to a sex offender convicted of sex offenses against minors does not constitute written permission from the library administrator for that offender to be present on library property. Individuals may appeal this decision, as it relates to them, to the Library Board of Trustees.

816.3 Sex offenders convicted of sex offenses against minors may be eligible for library service, depending on their residence address. They may register for a card directly via telephone or online with the Circulation Services Coordinator, or designee, and make arrangements for a person of their choosing to select, check out, and return materials using that card. Under any of these circumstances, the sex offender convicted of sex offenses against minors will remain responsible for all activity on their card. They may access information resources via telephone or online. If eligible they may participate in the At Home program.

816.4 Sex offenders convicted of sex offenses against minors may not loiter, as defined under Iowa Code Section 692A.101(17), as amended, within three hundred (300) feet of library property.

816.5 Violations of this policy will be immediately reported to law enforcement, and violators will lose all library privileges.

Adopted 7/23/09

Revised 9/24/09