Policies

Policies | Volusia County Public Library

Volusia County Public Library Policies

• ADA Service Animal Policy
• Bulletin Board and Brochure Rack Policy
• Circulation Policy
• Confidentiality of Library Records Policy
• Display/Exhibit Space Policy
• Fee Policy
• Public Internet and WiFi Use Policy
• Library Code of Conduct for Patrons
• Library Property Policy
• Patron Property Policy
• Meeting Room Policy
• Unattended Child Policy

ADA Service Animal Policy

No animals are permitted in the Volusia County Public Library with the exception of trained dogs to assist the disabled as defined by the Florida Statutes and the Americans with Disabilities Act, or animals used for educational purposes as part of pre-approved library programs.

Bulletin Board and Brochure Rack Policy

Volusia County Public Library offers bulletin boards and brochure racks to promote local non-profit organizations, educational institutions and government agencies and the activities or events they sponsor.

Circulation Policy

Volusia County Public Library retains ownership of all library cards. The use of a Volusia County Library card is a privilege. By applying for a library card and by borrowing library items, patrons agree to be responsible for the following:

· Returning materials on or before the due date and in the same condition as when they were checked out.

• Assuring their card is used only by the authorized card holder or by any other person at the discretion of the card holder or their designee. The card holder is responsible for actions incurred by others using their assigned card.
• Reporting lost or stolen cards. Patrons are responsible for all items checked out on their assigned card until they report that card was lost or stolen.
• Reporting any change of name, address, email address, or phone number.
• Paying all applicable fees due to damage, loss of items, or for other specified reasons.

Volusia County Public Library loans items to patrons if they have a valid Volusia County Public Library card account in good standing. An account is in good standing if:

• The account balance is under $15.00.
• All pending problems have been resolved and cleared up.
• The account has not expired.

Volusia County Public Library sets loan periods that vary depending on the format of the item. Loan periods are as follows:

• SEVEN (7) DAYS (one week)

o All DVDs

o All circulating magazines

o All Music CDs

• FOURTEEN (14) DAYS (two weeks)

o Express books

o Launchpads

• TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS (three weeks)

o HotSpots

o All other physical materials

Volusia County Public Library limits first-time library card holders to five (5) items during the initial check-out session. Loan limitations are a maximum of 100 items. There are additional limitations on the following items:

• Launchpads - 1 item on library card at any time
• HotSpots - 1 item on library card at any time
• Express Books 2 items on library card at any time
• Additional limitations on loans include: All children, under the age of 17, will be restricted from checking out adult fiction DVDs without the consent of parent/legal guardian.

Volusia County Public Library utilizes each branch as an access point to the system’s collection. Most items may be reserved. Items will be held for five [5] days after notification. An extension can be granted if the patron requests it unless there is a reservation queue.

Volusia County Public Library permits the renewal of most circulating items up to five (5) times, unless one or more of the following conditions apply:

• A reservation has been placed on the item.
• The item is ordinarily non-circulating; for which an exception has been made.
• The item is on loan from outside the Volusia County Public Library (ILL).
• The patron has been charged for the item they are trying to renew.
• The item is not available for reservation.

All remaining circulating items, that are eligible for renewal, may be renewed at any branch within Volusia County Public Library, online, or by telephone.

Volusia County Public Library expects the return of all borrowed library items. The Volusia County Public Library provides book-drops, at every branch location, for patron convenience in returning borrowed items. Most materials may be returned to any branch of the Volusia County Public Library. All items returned before closing will be checked in. Items returning after closing will not be checked in until the next day when the book-drop is emptied.

Volusia County Public Library makes every effort to retrieve overdue items. The library circulates materials for a specified loan period. An itemized printed receipt with due dates is given to each patron at the end of check-out transactions. The patron account is delinquent the first day after the item’s due date. The delinquency may be overridden for checkout purposes if the account balance is less than fifteen dollars ($15.00). E-mail notification, telephone calls, invoices, and use of a ‘materials recovery’ service will also be utilized to notify patrons of overdue items to recover library items. Failure to receive an invoice does not absolve the patron of the obligation to return library property nor to pay any fees incurred.

Volusia County Public Library charges patrons for overdue, damaged, or lost items. Patrons who have reached the system threshold of a $15.00 balance on their library account lose the privilege to borrow library items and use of a library computer until their account balance is under $15.00. The Volusia County Public Library accepts partial payment. Staff make every attempt to contact a patron when items are 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days overdue. Invoices are mailed after 28 days to the address associated with the library card. Delinquent accounts with a balance of over $25.00 will be turned over to a materials recovery service after 42 days. Payment of Fees: The library accepts payment in cash, checks, traveler's checks, money orders, certified checks, or foreign checks if the preprinted wording “payable in U.S. Funds” is on the check. The library accepts debit or credit card payments only online. Volusia County does not accept non-US currency. Volusia County Public Library does not issue refunds for lost items that have been found after an account has been settled, unless staff determines the item was lost due to our mistake.

Confidentiality of Library Records Policy

Volusia County Public Library adheres to the laws of the State of Florida in all aspects of confidentiality of records. Library staff will not provide information on circulation or registration over the telephone; with the exception stated in section 3 (b) of the statute below. Staff may provide such information to patrons in person when they present their library cards. If the identity of the patron is in question, staff will request additional identification before checking records and providing the information.

Statute Title XVIII, PUBLIC LANDS AND PROPERTY, Chapter 257, Public Libraries and State Archives; 257.261

(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 Article 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. (c) Any person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

Display/Exhibit Space Policy

Volusia County Public Library provides areas for display to artists, collectors, hobbyists, civic groups, clubs and other organizations who want to share their works, collections, or information about themselves. Displays are selected based on the values and interests of the local community. All displays must have prior approval from the Head Librarian. Regulations concerning the use of display areas are given below:

1. As availability of wall space and cases varies between Branch Libraries each Branch must be contacted individually for reservation and approved use of space.

2. Persons making application for use of display areas should do so in person at the library by completing required application form (VCPLpolicy-20240311.pdf). The reservation will be confirmed when approved by the Head Librarian.

3. In providing for displays, the library does not necessarily endorse the purpose and policies of the group using the display.

4. Displays must be set up and taken down only during regular library hours, and be set up and taken down according to the dates specified on the application.

5. The applicant is responsible for the transportation of display materials and for their care while on display at the library. The applicant will be responsible for damage to display cases, shelves, walls, etc. while materials are being set up, taken out, and are on display.

6. The display period will be one month, unless at Head Librarian’s discretion, other arrangements are made.

7. Applicants are required to provide backdrops, props, stands, hooks, tape, etc. as needed to prepare the display area. Use of such items as they affect the permanent structure should be cleared through the Head Librarian.

8. Items on display openly on floor stands may be in areas where patrons may be able to touch them. There will be no member of the library staff in constant attendance to safeguard such work placed on exhibit.

9. The library reserves the right to cancel any display, in writing, one month before the exhibit. Groups holding reservations are requested to notify the Head Librarian of cancellation at the earliest possible date in order to free the display area for others.

10. The library reserves the right to refuse and display for reasons of appropriateness, safety, health, or other potential hazards, including, but not limited to weapons, live animals, food.

11. Commercial use of display cases or exhibit areas is not permitted.

Fee Policy

The Volusia County Public Library charges patrons for overdue, damaged, lost items, merchandise, and for varying services. All fees have been set and approved by the Volusia County Council.

• Processing fee for replacement items: before Invoicing: $5.00 or after Invoicing: $10.00
• Collection fee for accounts sent to materials recovery service: $10.00

• Nonresident
  Eligibility: Non-Volusia County resident
  Cost: $30.00 (3-month membership) or $60.00 (6-month membership), $100.00 (12-month membership)

• Small Meeting Room Fee: $20.00 (for-profit organizations)

• Medium Meeting Room Fee: $40.00 (for-profit organizations)

• Large Meeting Room Fee: $60.00 (for-profit organizations)

• PC Printing Fee (black & white): $.15/page
• PC Printing Fee (color): $.25/page
• Faxing Fee: Varies per number of pages sent
• Copier Fee: $.10 black and white/$.25 color

Public Internet & Public WiFi Use Policy

Volusia County Public Library provides patrons with access to the Internet to enhance the library’s collections and to provide access to information available only on the Internet.

Volusia County Public Library acknowledges that the Internet is an unregulated medium that provides access to a variety of ideas, images, information, and commentary. Some of the information may be considered offensive, inaccurate, or controversial. Provision of this electronic information does not constitute an endorsement of the content by the Volusia County Public Library.

Volusia County Public Library cannot guarantee that information found through the Internet is accurate, authoritative, or factual.

Volusia County Public Library receives E-rate and/or federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding. As a result, Volusia County Public Library is required by federal law, specifically the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), to block and filter Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors. However, filters are inconsistent and may allow access to sites that should be blocked.

The CIPA allows the Volusia County Public Library to disable the Internet filter for adults (age 18 and over) for only two reasons: to enable access for bona fide research, or to enable access for another lawful purpose. If a library patron wants the Volusia County Public Library to disable the filter, or access a filtered website, the patron must complete the “disable filter request form” and submit it to library staff. Staff will review the request and decide within 72 business hours. Users in the children’s or teen areas of any library are not permitted access to filtered sites.

It is the policy of Volusia County Public Library to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to the appropriate use of library services and facilities for all users. Patrons using the Internet are subject to the Library Code of Conduct posted in the library and on the library system’s website. Failure to comply could result in law enforcement contact and a citation for “trespass after warning.”

Library users are responsible for their use of the Internet. Parents and guardians are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet. Since no filtering system is perfect, further restriction and monitoring of a minor’s use of library Internet access is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Parents or guardians may wish to review the resources available on NetSmartz.org/home, a web site that addresses rules for the safety and security of minors using the Internet to access web sites, e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communications.

Volusia County Public Library provides free, unsecured, unencrypted wireless access at all locations. Volusia County Public Library does not allow patrons unfiltered access to the wireless network. By connecting to this wireless network, all users agree to accept this service with no guarantee and no warranty. It is the user’s responsibility to protect his/her information from all risks associated with the use of the library’s unsecured, unencrypted wireless access. Users are responsible for their configuration to access the wireless network. The library is not responsible for the loss of any information on personal equipment, the loss of personal laptops or other computer equipment due to theft or other illegal activity.

Library Code of Conduct for Patrons

Volusia County Library Services Division has established this Patron Code of Conduct to ensure that library facilities are safe, welcoming and provide equitable access to materials and services for all library patrons. Appropriate library conduct includes without limitation activities such as reading, studying, properly using library materials or computers and other similar conduct normally associated with a public library.

In general, behavior that violates the law, behavior that interferes with the use and enjoyment of the library by others, and behavior that interferes with Library employees in the performance of their duties, is prohibited.

When possible, staff will first educate individuals about the applicable policies before taking stronger measures to enforce those policies. Library staff are authorized to contact local law enforcement to respond to unlawful conduct.

• Inappropriate conduct shall include without limitation the following:
• Entering nonpublic areas of the Library Premises without permission.
• Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would constitute a crime or a violation of federal, state, or local law.
• Possessing, selling, distributing, displaying or using any dangerous weapon upon the Library Premises or using or threatening the use of any other object in such a manner that it may be considered a weapon.
• Engaging in any physically intimidating or assaultive behavior; making any threats of violence or unlawful activities toward library staff or other library patrons; using threatening, abusive or obscene language. The library has a policy of zero tolerance for threats and acts of violence. Any person engaging in such behavior will be immediately trespassed from the Library Premises.
• Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of intoxicating beverage or controlled substance.
• Refusing to follow the directions of staff to include failing to take shelter in an emergency as directed by staff.
• Engaging in behavior that is disruptive, harassing, or threatening in nature to library patrons or staff including without limitation stalking, prolonged staring at or
• following another with the intent to annoy, or intentionally behaving in a manner that could reasonably annoy or disturb other patrons.
• Engaging in any sexual contact, activities or conduct including without limitation the physical manipulation or touching of a person’s sex organs through a person’s clothing in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification. Excessive displays of affection in the library or on library premises.
• Selling, soliciting, surveying, distributing written materials, panhandling or canvassing for any political, charitable or religious purposes inside a library building.
• Food and drink in undesignated areas of the library proper. Bottled beverages are permitted, provided they are tightly capped, and they are not actively consumed. Eating and drinking may be permitted in the library meeting rooms in accordance with the meeting room use policy.
• The act of smoking or other use of tobacco products including electronic cigarettes and chewing tobacco inside a library building. The act of smoking is permitted more than 50 feet from library buildings. It is not permitted anywhere on the Deltona Regional Library/LEC campus.
• Public health codes must be observed. Library users must be fully clothed and wear shoes; bare feet are not permitted.
• Emitting strong pervasive odors, including body odors, odors caused by perfume or cologne that unreasonably interferes with library user or staff comfort, safety, use or peaceful enjoyment of the library without limitation.
• Loitering “the act of entering and remaining in any area of the library with no apparent purpose and without the apparent intent to use or examine library facilities located in that area.”
• Sleeping or giving the appearance of sleeping, lying down, napping or dozing in or on any floor, couch, table, or seat on Library Premises.
• No one may threaten, harm, endanger, bully, or harass staff, volunteers, or patrons in any manner. Harassment may include inappropriate touching or comments, or questions of a personal nature, which may be deemed offensive.
• Running, fighting, roughhousing and other disruptive behaviors.
• Use of non-motorized conveyances such as roller-skates and skateboards.
• Talking on cellular telephones is only permitted in designated areas. Patrons using cell phones will be asked to step in the library lobby, other designated area, or outside to avoid disturbing other patrons. Sound equipment, laptops, technological devices or anything that transmits excessive or disruptive sound is not permitted without earphones.
• No animals are permitted in the library except for trained dogs to assist the disabled as defined by the Florida Statutes and the Americans with Disabilities Act, or animals used for educational purposes as part of pre-approved library programs.
• Using library restrooms or facilities improperly for purposes such as bathing, shaving, washing hair or washing or changing clothes.
• Solicitation of any kind, including panhandling and that for charitable organizations. The distribution of unauthorized materials is not permitted in the library. Materials must be submitted for review and approval for posting and/or distribution. Space is limited and not guaranteed for the distribution of free publication.
  
  Library Property Policy
  Criminal mischief is prohibited, for example, defacement of the interior of the library, including but not limited to walls, furniture, windows, defacement of the exterior of the library including but not limited to walls, windows, plantings and shrubs and surrounding property. (Florida Statute 806.13).
  
  All library materials must be checked out at a designated public service desk or a self-service kiosk. Theft, defacement and mutilation of library materials are criminal offenses. (Florida Statute 806.13).
   
• Patrons must check out materials prior to taking them into restrooms.
• Materials must be kept clean and in good condition. Replacement charges are assessed for damaged library materials.
• Each borrower assumes responsibility for materials checked out on his/her card unless the library has been notified previously that the card has been lost or stolen.
• Inappropriate use of library computers, such as the following, is prohibited:
• Damaging or altering computer equipment, systems or software
• Downloading or installing any program or files on the hard drive of any computer
• Violating copyright or trademark laws, software license agreements or intellectual freedom rights.
• Using library materials, equipment, furniture, or buildings inconsistent with the customary use thereof; or in a destructive, abusive or potentially damaging manner; or in a manner likely to cause personal injury to themselves or others.

If the security gate in any library building sounds like an alarm as a patron exits, the patron must return to the public service desk to verify that the materials were handled properly by library staff. All briefcases, handbags, backpacks, duffle bags, overcoats, shopping bags, luggage, and other packages may be subject to inspection.

Patron Property Policy

Bringing in items that occupy floor space more than 24” wide by 16” high by 10” deep is prohibited. Items are measured in totality and must fit easily into a measuring box of the above dimensions, except for necessary human conveyances such as wheelchairs or strollers used for human transport.

Bags left unattended anywhere on Library Premises will be discarded. Interfering with the free and safe passage of library staff, patrons, or volunteers on Library Premises, including without limitation the placement of objects in hallways, aisles, flooring or elsewhere in a manner that impedes the free passage of such people anywhere inside or outside the Library Premises.

Personal belongings cannot be left unattended in the library.

The library is not responsible for personal belongings left on library property or personal property left in library materials. If a personal loss occurs, a staff member will assist the person in notifying the police of the loss.

Personal property will not be held at the Public Service Desks.

Lost and found items should be marked with the date and time and when items were found.

Bicycles are not allowed in the library, the lobby or entranceways to the library, nor can they be tethered to sign posts or landscaping. Electric bicycles and scooters that are too large to fit in the bike rack must be parked in the public parking lot spaces.

Animals may not be left tethered outside on the Library Premises.

Meeting Room Policy and Application (click link below)

Meeting-Room-Application-and-Polices-11-26-24.pdf

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meeting-room-matrix-B-11-26-24.pdf

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Unattended Child Policy

Volusia County Public Library welcomes children and teens to use its facilities and services.

Parents, guardians, or caregivers are responsible for the behavior and well-being of their child(ren)/teen(s) while using the library. If a child is not able to function in the library on their own, they should not be in the library without supervision. A child must be nine years of age AND be able to function independently if left unattended, i.e. out of eyesight, in any area of the library for any length of time.

Library staff are not responsible for the behavior and well-being of an unattended child/teen. A child/teen must have the telephone numbers of their parent, guardian, or caregiver so that they can contact them in case of an emergency or unexpected library closure. The library is not responsible for an unattended child/teen left at the library after closing. Library staff cannot remain alone with an unattended child/teen after closing unless no other staff are onsite. Library staff cannot drive an unattended child/teen home. The library is unattended by staff after closing.