In order to provide a fair and equitable access to the materials and information in the Libraries' collection, the Board of Trustees, with input from the library director, sets policies for use of the library and library materials and approves the schedule for length of loan periods, renewals, reserves, fines, and other fees.
1. Eligibility and Registration
All Residents of Plainfield are invited to complete an application form to receive a free library card. School-age children are eligible to apply for library cards, completed applications must be signed by a parent. Parents assume the responsibility of all materials borrowed by their children under the age of 18.
Non-residents are eligible for library cards upon payment of an annual fee established by the Board of Trustees.
Use of the collection within the building is free and accessible to all.
2. Hours of Operation
The Library hours shall be set from time to time by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation of the Library Director.
3. Borrowing Library Materials.
The Board of Trustees, on advice of the library director, sets loan periods and limits. The patron is responsible for all library materials checked out on his/her card
3.1 Loan Periods and Limits
Library materials may be loaned to registered patrons for the designated length of time as outlined in the current fee schedule as approved by the Board of Trustees.
Reference, unique, or fragile items are restricted to use within the library building. The Library Director may grant exceptions on a case by case basis.
3.2 Reserve or Hold
Patrons can place a hold on an item either in person, by phone, email, or online.
3.3. Interlibrary Loan Requests
Library users may request that the library attempt to locate and borrow material from another library that is not in the current collection by requesting an interlibrary loan.
3.5 Renewals
Library materials may be renewed after the initial loan period, provided there are no reserves for them.
4. Fines and Fees
Overdue, lost, or damaged materials are subject to fines and fees in accordance with the current fee schedule. A current fee schedule is available at the circulation desk.
4.1 Lost or damaged items are assessed at their current, full replacement costs. The Library will accept a replacement copy of similar quality and condition in lieu of a fee.
4.2. The Circulation staff has the option of waving or reducing fees if they determine that there are extenuating circumstances.
4.3 Library staff, trustees, and volunteers are exempt from fines.
5. Denial/Suspension of Service
The use of the Library and/or its services may be denied for good cause. Such causes include, but are not limited to, failure to return books or to pay penalties, destruction of Library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other objectionable conduct on Library premises.
6. Confidentiality of Library User Records
6.1 Persuant to RSA 201-D: 11 All Library records that identify types of materials used by or personal information about individuals are confidential in nature. Under no circumstances shall library staff or library volunteers provide information of any kind about an individual library user.
6.2 No library records shall be made available to the public, press, or governmental agency, except by such process, order, or subpoena authorized by federal, state, or local law, or upon the written consent of the library user.
Only the Library Director is authorized to accept the court order or subpoena.
NH RSA 201-D:11 Library User Records; Confidentiality
I. Library records which contain the names or other personal identifying information regarding the users of public or other than public libraries shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except as provided in paragraph II. Such records include, but are not limited to, library, information system, and archival records related to the circulation and use of library materials or services.
II. Records described in paragraph I may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such libraries and shall be disclosed upon request by or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order, or where otherwise required by statute.
III. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any library from releasing statistical information and other data regarding the circulation of use of library materials provided; however, that the identity of the users of such library materials shall be considered confidential and shall not be disclosed to the general public except as provided in paragraph II.
Source. 1989, 184:3 eff. July 21, 1989