Mission Statement
The Holliston Public Library is the heart of our community, where curiosity thrives and everyone belongs. We strive to enhance lives through services and programs that create opportunities for meaningful interaction, cultural enrichment, lifelong learning, recreation, and a shared love of reading.
This policy provides a guideline for requirements for requesting use of Library facilities outside of normal operating hours.
- The library will be available to any person or group only with the approval the Board of Library trustees.
- The person requesting usage of the library must:
a. Be over 18 years of age.
b. Be in attendance for the entire duration of the proposed event.
c. Accept responsibility for the conduct of the group and the protection of library property with regards to the event.
d. Promptly reimburse the library for any expense or damage resulting from their use of the facilities. - Persons requesting the use of facilities will be responsible for any cleaning and trash removal at the end of their event. Failure to do so may result in penalties.
- No person or group may charge an admission type fee for any event or program using library facilities. See Meeting Room Use Policy dated 1/10/24 linked here.
- Alcohol is not permitted within the library except with the permission of the Board of Trustees and the Select Board.
- It is understood that any party making use of the library facilities is not endorsed by the Board of Trustees. Any views and positions held by the requesting parties is not endorsed by the Board of Trustees.
The Holliston Public Library accepts notices for display on the bulletin boards and information racks on the first and second floors of the library. These are limited to events and programs sponsored by local non-profit organizations. The only exceptions are local events sponsored by for-profit organizations to directly benefit a local non-profit group. The Director and Trustees reserve the right to refused postings deemed not in keeping with the library’s policy.
Notices must be authorized by the Director and the library will display them until either the event has transpired or one month has passed from the date the notice is displayed, whichever comes first. All notices will be disposed of at that time unless prior arrangements are made for the group to retrieve them from the library. Notices posted without authorization will be discarded. Notices from Holliston groups are given priority for the bulletin boards and those of excessive size may be rejected due to space limitations. The glass doors of the entrances to the library are reserved exclusively for library notices.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, November 14, 2000
LIBRARY MISSION
The Holliston Public Library is the heart of our community, where curiosity thrives and everyone belongs. We strive to enhance lives through services and programs that create opportunities for meaningful interaction, cultural enrichment, lifelong learning, recreation, and a shared love of reading.
SUPPORT FOR INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
In support of its mission, the HPL fully endorses the principles documented in the Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to View Statement and Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association (ALA).
HPL supports the right of individuals to access information, even if the content is controversial, unconventional, or disagreed upon by others. A well-rounded collection aims to cover all perspectives on contentious issues, within the constraints of material availability, space, and budget. Selection is guided by the criteria outlined in this policy. The materials offered by HPL aim to present a range of viewpoints, allowing patrons to make informed decisions in a democratic society. Public libraries include materials that some may find objectionable, and might also exclude materials deemed important by others. In either case, HPL provides processes for patrons to reconsider or suggest library materials.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR MATERIALS SELECTION
Ultimate responsibility for materials selection lies with the Board of Trustees. The Board delegates the selection of materials and the development of the collection to the Library Director and the professional staff.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
Standard selection tools, including respected professional journals will be used in the selection process. Patron requests will be carefully considered and supplied wherever it is reasonable and financially possible to do so. Gifts will be accepted solely on the basis that the ultimate disposal of the gift will be at the discretion of the Librarian. Donated materials not added to our collections may be put out for sale or given away to other organizations or individuals.
Selection, ultimately, will be founded in the needs, interests and demands of the community. The library’s goal is for all residents to have access to a diverse and inclusive collection that reflects the character and identity of the town and the wider community. Criteria for considering inclusion in the collection include:
- Contemporary and potential relevance to community needs
- Popular demand and potential user appeal
- Authority and competence of the author
- Need within the collection
- Availability of the materials elsewhere in the area
- High standard of quality in format, content and binding
- Suitability of physical form for library use
- Suitability of subject and style for intended audience
- Attention by critics and reviewers
- Representation of diverse points of view
- Condition and availability of materials
Special Considerations for Electronic Information Sources:
- Ease of use of the product
- Availability of the information to multiple simultaneous users
- Equipment needed to provide access to the information
- Technical support and training
- Availability of the physical space needed to house and store the information or equipment
- Available in full text
An item need not meet all of these criteria in order to be acceptable.
The same criteria will be used in weeding materials from the collection as are used in their acquisition. In order to maintain the collection in its most attractive and useful condition, the Librarian will use her/his judgment in removing materials which are no longer accurate or suitable, no longer in demand or not in a condition suitable for circulation. The Librarian will refurbish by repair or rebinding where appropriate. This policy will be subject to periodic review as determined by the Trustees.
Statement of Concern
Choosing of library materials by patrons is an individual matter. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for the materials their children borrow. While a person may reject materials for themselves or their children, he or she cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to library materials by others. The library does not label controversial material or restrict its use in any way. Movies are labeled with ratings for informational purposes only. No other rating labels are applied to library materials.
Items purchased, or accepted as gifts, using the Collection Development Policy and selection criteria, will not be automatically removed on request. A concerned patron who is dissatisfied with certain library materials will be offered a copy of the Collection Development Policy that includes HPL’s Mission Statement and Statement of Concern form. Materials must be reviewed in their entirety and not have selected portions taken out of context. The patron must be a Holliston resident, have a Minuteman Library Card in good standing (i.e. card is not blocked or expired) and is the primary card holder in order to submit a Statement of Concern. If the patron desires a material to be re-examined, they must complete and submit a signed Statement of Concern to the Library Director. The Statement of Concern must be completed in its entirety. Patrons are allowed up to three Statement of Concern submissions each calendar year.
Upon receipt, the Library Director will notify the concerned patron that the Statement of Concern has been received. The Library Director will review the Statement of Concern and materials in question to contemplate whether the selection follows the criteria stated in the Collection Development Policy. The Library Director will make a decision within 30 days and send a response to the concerned patron, explaining the reasons for their conclusion. If more than one title is submitted, the Library Director may assign materials to Professional Librarians (Masters in Library and Information Sciences degree) and notify concerned parties of an extended decision schedule. The decision to extend the schedule beyond 30 days is at the discretion of the Library Director.
If the patron is not satisfied with the result, a communication appeal may be submitted within ten days and addressed to the Library Director. The Library Director will relay this information to the Library Board of Trustees. If the Library Board of Trustees intends to address the appeal at their meeting, the concerned patron will be notified of when/where the meeting is held. A group of Trustees selected by the Board Chair will consume the material in question in its entirety. In addition, the Trustees will review the Collection Development policy and reviews from professional journals and critics. The decision from the Library Board of Trustees will be reflected in the Trustees’ meeting minutes. The petitioner must be present for the scheduled meeting with the Library Board of Trustees. Failure to appear at the meeting shall result in the withdrawal of the complaint. From the date a decision is made, the material in question may not be challenged for one calendar year.
Items borrowed from other libraries or contained in electronic collections or databases such as Gale, Hoopla, Libby or Kanopy are not subject to the Holliston Collection Development Policy. However, complaints can be forwarded to the owning library or to the electronic subscription service itself.
Library Initiated Displays
In keeping with the mission and vision of the Holliston Library, the director and staff will strive to make the Holliston Library an inviting space with engaging displays and decorations to celebrate literature, shine a spotlight on library events, and highlight resources available in the community.
Community Initiated Displays
The Holliston Public Library has areas available for exhibits at the discretion of the director of the library. Local residents, nonprofit organizations, and Holliston municipal departments may apply to place an exhibit, a display, or a painting in the library when space is available. They must submit an application downloaded from our website to the Library Director for approval. The content of the display must be consistent with the mission and vision of the library.
1. Exhibits can be reserved no more than six months in advance and for a duration of three weeks in length.
2. The exhibitor is responsible for the setup and removal of the display. The library staff is not available to assist. Nothing may be glued, taped, or fastened directly to the walls or building.
3. The library is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
4. The exhibit must be suitable for all segments of the community and all age groups that use the library.
5. Presentation of an exhibit does not imply an endorsement of said exhibit by the Holliston Library, its Trustees, or staff, or the Town of Holliston.
Approved March 4, 2026, by the Board of Trustees
Holliston Library Electronic Devices Lending Policy
Any Massachusetts resident is eligible to borrow a Hotspot, Kindle, Roku, or FireStick (“electronic device”). Borrowers must be 18 years old and have a valid Minuteman Library Network card. Electronic devices will not be sent through the statewide delivery system.
One type of electronic device is allowed per household. Patrons may borrow multiple devices, but not two of a kind.
Electronic devices may be borrowed for 3 weeks with one renewal of an additional 3 weeks if no other patrons are waiting.
Any attempt to alter the configuration of an electronic device is strictly prohibited and may result in loss of borrowing privileges.
All electronic devices must be returned to a library service desk. Do NOT place it in the outside book drop or return it to another library.
If the electronic device is not returned within 3 days after the due date, service will be turned off, and it will become unusable. If the electronic device is damaged or not working, report the damage to a staff person.
The Library is not responsible for any files, data or personal information accessed or transmitted using the electronic devices. The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of the electronic devices, including loss of data or privacy invasions. Those who use the electronic devices do so at their own risk and assume full liability for their actions. Illegal acts involving library equipment or services may also be subject to prosecution.
Hotspots: Each hotspot will support up to 10 connected devices. Hotspots are filtered by default using T‐Mobile’s content filtering for education. Borrowers may request that hotspot filtering be disabled. The library will not ask for a stated reason. Hotspot users are accessing the internet through the T‐Mobile network, not the library’s network. Problems? Direct borrower technical support is provided by T‐Mobile to library hotspot borrowers at (844) 341‐4834.
Inclement Weather Policy
In order to fulfill its mission of public service the Holliston Public Library (the library) will make every reasonable effort to open to the public as scheduled consistent with safe access for the public and staff.
Inclement weather can cause transportation problems and locally hazardous conditions with possible power outages. The library will close, delay opening or close ahead of schedule when the weather becomes hazardous to the health and/or safety of the public and/or library staff. Emergency inclement weather closings will be authorized by the director and/or the Board of Library Trustees.
The Director, in consultation with the Chair of the Library Trustees and the Town of Holliston administration, will determine whether to close, delay opening, or close early due to adverse weather. If the Director is not available, the Assistant Director will make the decision in consultation with the Chair of the Library Trustees and the Town of Holliston Administration. Key factors in this decision include weather service advisories from the National or Massachusetts weather service regarding travel during storms, as well as road conditions, safe access to the building, and whether the parking lot and sidewalks are properly cleared.
If severe weather and/or emergency conditions arise during the day and the library is to close early, library patrons already in the building will be notified immediately.
The public will be notified of closing or changes in hours of operation through the library’s website and the library’s social media. Additionally staff and patrons will be updated via the Town of Holliston’s Blackboard system and its website.
When the Library is closed patrons can manage their accounts online, access library databases / streaming media, and use the Libby mobile app to check out e-materials.
Accepted 3/5/2025
The mission of the Holliston Public Library is to “endeavor to enrich the community by connecting people to the world of ideas, information, and imagination to support their work, education, personal growth, and enjoyment.” To do so, the Library provides resources in a variety of formats to ensure access to information. The Internet is one of those resources. The Holliston Public Library does not select the material on the Internet and is not responsible for the accuracy, content, nature or quality of information obtained. The library does not endorse viewpoints presented. As with other library materials, the responsibility of determining what is valuable or appropriate lies with the library patron or, in the case of minors, with their parents or guardians.
Patrons using the Internet are expected to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using library resources and facilities. The library will not tolerate the use of its computers for illegal or unethical activities or to access illegal materials. Patrons are reminded that the computers are located in public areas that are shared by library users and staff of all ages. The viewing of websites that display pornographic or sexually explicit graphics is not appropriate in a public library setting and is prohibited. Staff is authorized to intercede when this policy is violated.
In the interest of making the Internet as safe as possible for children, the library uses filtering software in the Children’s Room. No filtering device is completely effective or efficient. It may allow access to some sites that could be deemed objectionable and restrict access to sites with legitimate research value. The library urges parents to monitor their child’s Internet use. A parent who would like their child to use an unfiltered workstation in the adult section may do so as long as they accompany the child at all times. The library and the Minuteman Library Network are constantly developing links to recommended sites that are current, authoritative, and useful. The staff is available to provide assistance.
Misuse of the library computers may result in the loss of privileges and possibly prosecution. This includes, but is not limited to, attempts to damage the library’s equipment or software, to interfere with security software or to violate copyright or software licenses. The library cannot assume any responsibility for damages arising directly or indirectly from the use of its Internet workstations. Patrons must obey the rules for using the Internet below.
RULES FOR USING THE INTERNET
You must confine your use of the Internet to the posted time limits. Conclude your use 10 minutes before the library closes. You must end your session and leave the computer when asked to do so by a staff member.
The viewing of web sites that display pornographic or sexually explicit graphics is not appropriate in a public library setting and is prohibited.
If you experience problems with a computer or printer, report it immediately to the front desk. Do not attempt to fix it yourself.
A limit of two patrons per computer is allowed.
The saving of or downloading of files to the hard drive is not permitted. You may purchase a floppy disc at the desk for this purpose. The library does not issue individual e-mail accounts, and chat rooms are not permitted. Software from outside the library cannot be installed or used.
All printing must be paid for at the front desk before leaving the building. The staff is available to provide general instruction and help.
Voted by the Holliston Library Trustees on November 14, 2001
| Item | Loan Period | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|
| Most books, DVDs, audio, magazines | 3 weeks | 3x |
| Read it Now books | 3 weeks | No |
| Telescope* | 2 weeks | No |
| Kindle/Roku* | 3 weeks | 1x |
*Circulated to Holliston residents 18 years old and over only
Accounts owing more than $100 in fees or in which replacement costs for items that are lost or
destroyed will be blocked and cannot be used to check out additional materials.
Adopted by the Holliston Library Board of Trustees April 3, 2025
Library of Things Policy
Consistent with our current circulation policy, a valid Minuteman Library Network card in good standing with no outstanding fines above $100 is required to borrow an item from the LoT.
- Patrons must be 18 years of age or older to borrow an item from the LoT.
- Items lent by the Holliston Public Library must be checked out from, and returned to, the Holliston Public Library at a circulation desk during hours of operation. Items may not be returned in the outside book drop or to any other library.
- Patrons may only check out 2 Library of Things items per card at a given time.
- By checking out an item from the LoT, the patron expressly agrees to the rules and requirements stated herein.
Loan Periods
Items from the Library of Things may be borrowed for three weeks and cannot be renewed.
Proper Use and Liability
The borrower is solely responsible for the item and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss of the item and/or peripherals due to neglect or abuse. All tools and equipment are to be returned in the same (or better) condition as they were borrowed, barring normal wear and tear. All tools and bakeware must be returned clean. Holliston Public Library has sole discretion in assessing the condition and value of an item. There will be a $10 fee for any bakeware item that has to be cleaned by Library staff.
Holliston Public Library is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to persons or property that may occur from the use of an item. The Holliston Public Library staff claims no expertise and makes no representation concerning the fitness of any tool for any particular use. By checking out an item from the LoT, the patron expressly acknowledges and agrees that some items may pose risk of damage or loss to persons and property. The patron, by checking out an item from the LoT, expressly releases and agrees to hold the library and the Town of Holliston, and their respective agents and employees harmless from any and all damages, losses or liability of any kind that may arise from use of the LoT.
The responsibility to protect against loss/damage is the borrower’s. Library staff will inspect items prior to borrowing and again upon return. Return the item with all parts and components in the original library container.
Approved by Holliston Public Library Board of Trustees Oct. 1, 2025
Holliston Public Library Meeting Room Use Policy
The Holliston Public Library meeting rooms are available to non-library groups and individuals at the discretion of the Board of Library Trustees. The Library makes meeting space available in order to provide an affordable (or free) venue for the presentation of programs of community value and interest, while ensuring that such programs do not unduly tax library resources and its staff. All programs presented at the Holliston Public Library will be free admission and open to the public.
To provide guidance for the use of the meeting rooms for non-library functions, the Trustees have adopted the following policy for use:
- The meeting rooms are available to any group upon receipt, and approval of, a completed application and payment of any applicable fees. A copy of this policy will be attached to and made part of all applications.
- The applicant:
- Must be a Holliston resident
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be in attendance when the meeting room is in use
- In all cases, priority will be given to library programs first, non-profit programs next and any for-profit programs last.
- Meeting rooms are only available during open library hours, except for library-sponsored events.
- No custodial services are provided. The library staff provides no furniture moving or hospitality services. The applicant will restore the meeting room to its original condition at the conclusion of the program, including topical cleaning as needed and will remove all trash.
- Admission fees are forbidden, however program participants may be asked to cover the cost of materials used during the course of the program (for example, art supplies). Any non-commercial program host may accept voluntary donations during the course of a program, but may not solicit donations in a manner that is the equivalent of an admission fee.
- Alcohol is not permitted in the Library without the approval of both the Board of Trustees and the Select Board.
- It is understood that the Board of Trustees does not endorse any views or positions held by those permitted to use the meeting rooms.
- The number of attendees will be limited to the maximum capacity as determined by the Fire Chief.
- Fees for meeting room use are as follows:
- Non-profit end user: no charge
- For-profit end user: $250 per hour, 3 hour maximum in a single day
Voted by the Board of Library Trustees 1/10/24
Holliston Public Library Museum Pass Policy
Funds for museum passes are generously donated by Friends of the Holliston Public Library and the Holliston Newcomers & Neighbors. The library’s museum pass program provides free or reduced admission to Massachusetts museums and parks.
Physical Passes to be Picked Up 3 Business Days in Advance
Paper Pass – Does not get returned after use
| American Heritage Museum | Ecotarium |
Physical Passes to be Picked Up 1 Business Day in Advance
Pouch Pass – Must be returned after use
| Davis Farmland Mary Baker Eddy Museum Hall at Patriot Place | Mass State Parks New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill U.S.S. Constitution Museum |
| Online Passes |
|---|
| Boston Children’s Museum Museum of Science Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum New England Aquarium Museum of Fine Arts |
Types of Passes
- Dated or undated paper passes are those that are not returned to the library and
are to be used on the day of the reservation. - Reusable passes in plastic pouches must be returned to the library after use.
- Digital passes are those where patrons use the online reservation system and
receive an email or a promo code for them to print as their ticket for admission.
Rules & Reminders
- Patrons who live in Holliston may reserve passes in advance. All other patrons
- may use the passes, if available.
- Patrons who work in Holliston or hold Holliston barcodes but do not live in
Holliston are not residents. - Passes may be reserved online, in person, or by phone.
- The patron’s library card must be in good standing in order to reserve passes.
- One pass per family at a time.
- A valid library card must be presented to pick up museum passes.
- Depending on the pass, it may be picked up no more than 3 days or 1 business
day in advance. See above tables. - Passes not picked up by 11am the day of use may be offered to other patrons.
- Physical passes must be returned immediately after use, before the library opens
on the following business day. There are no exceptions for these rules. - Passes may be returned in their plastic pouches in the book drop on the lower
level. - Patrons are asked to limit reservations to 2 passes per week in the spirit of
sharing.
The library is not responsible for lost passes or for passes used on the wrong dates. The library is not able to call and remind patrons of their reservations or take the names of patrons in the case of a possible cancellation. Patrons will be reminded via text or email according to their preferences indicated when reserving passes using the online system.
Fines & Charges
- No fine for overdue passes, but please return immediately after use.
- Patron will be charged the cost of the pass if lost.
- $3 for lost pouch.
Updated by Amy Porter 8/12/25
HOLLISTON PUBLIC LIBRARY USA PATRIOT ACT OF 2001 POLICY
The Holliston Public Library supports our nation’s efforts to preserve and protect the many freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Public libraries are facing the dilemma of having the responsibility of protecting the privacy of our patrons while responding to legitimate national security concerns. The library will do its utmost to uphold the privacy and confidentiality of patrons’ free access to information. It will rely on existing laws and library policies to control behavior that involves public safety or criminal behavior.
Library records, transactions, electronic mail and other information that could link users with specific materials or subject matter are considered by the library to be confidential and will not be divulged to anyone other than the user under the Massachusetts General Laws (Section 78, Section 7) except under presentation of a subpoena or search warrant. The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, also known as the Patriot Act, supersedes state law. It may provide law enforcement with broader boundaries when investigating information accessed and transmitted by patrons with regard to national security concerns. A search warrant or subpoena may or may not be included. Access may include, but not be limited to, records of database searches, circulation, computer use, interlibrary loan, telephone communication and reference interviews as well as email and chat. Some search warrants or subpoenas issued under the USA Patriot Act come with a “gag order” automatically attached, preventing staff from telling the patron or the public that information has been provided to the FBI. Local and state officials cannot administer search warrants generated under the Patriot Act.
The Holliston Public Library will retain only as much information as required to provide services. Personal information on patrons will be discarded as soon as it is no longer needed. This includes records of circulation, computer use, requests for purchase, interlibrary loan, notes on telephone communication and reference interviews as well as email. The library keeps no permanent record of Internet sites visited, electronic databases used or searches performed.
Procedures if Staff Are Approached
- A staff member approached by a law enforcement officer should immediately contact the Director or Assistant Director, or, in their absence, the person in charge. Do not disclose any information.
- The Director or any of the above named proxies will ask for the officer’s identification and the search warrant and immediately contact the Holliston Police Department to verify the identity of the officer. Photocopy the identification and contact Town Counsel. File a report to document the visit and any costs incurred.
- If presented with a valid search warrant, the staff will not interfere with the search and seizure. If a “gag order” is not in effect, alert the Minuteman Library Network and the American Library Association.
- If a “gag order” is in effect, the Director may be prevented from revealing that information has been provided to the FBI. The Patriot Act includes language to immunize librarians against civil suits in such cases.
(Approved by the Library Board of Trustees on May 26, 2004)
Picking up Reserves Policy
The Library makes great effort to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality afforded each patron by law. However, it is common practice for patrons of the library to ask family members or friends to pick up their reserves when they are unable to do so. In order for the library to accommodate this practice while protecting patron confidentiality, the library will not release holds to anyone other than the holder of the library card whose account the reserves are assigned to, unless that account includes a note specifying the name(s) of individual(s) who are permitted by the card holder to pick up reserves on their behalf. Patrons of any age have the right to update who is authorized on their account at any time.
In the interest of making the library convenient to use for families and individuals, items placed on hold will be checked out to the account of the patron who reserved it and given to designated family member(s) or friend(s) with or without the presence of the patron’s card. Permission must be noted in the account and the person(s) picking up materials must provide appropriate identification.
If a patron opts in to curbside pickup, then, notwithstanding the above policy, the material(s) is checked out to the patron and anyone can pick up their book. In the case of curbside pickup, the patron is waiving their right to privacy.
Adopted by the Holliston Library Board of Trustees July 2, 2025
The Holliston Public Library makes every effort to create and maintain a safe, comfortable, and peaceful environment in which all patrons and staff may use, share, and enjoy the library’s resources. To this end, the library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of library patrons, staff, and volunteers and to preserve the library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds. Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner, and library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behavior. Failure to comply with the library’s established rules and policies could result in removal from the building and/or restriction of library privileges by the Library Director or Director’s designee. Patrons whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees.
Examples of Conduct That Is Not Allowed
- Any activity in violation of federal or state law
- Carrying firearms or dangerous weapons of any type, except by law enforcement officials
- Being under the influence of or selling of alcohol or illegal drugs in the library
- Defacing or otherwise damaging library property
- Smoking, chewing, vaping and other tobacco or marijuana use
- Lying down or sleeping on any floor, table, or seat in the library
- Soliciting, campaigning, petitioning, picketing, or conducting surveys not authorized by the library. Posting flyers or notices without prior permission of the Library Director
- Making loud noise or playing audio so that others can hear (headphones must be used)
- Running, pushing, shoving, or throwing objects
- Using restrooms for bathing or shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes
- Verbally or physically threatening or harassing others, including stalking, staring, touching, or using offensive or inappropriate language (including all forms of electronic media)
- Interfering with staff members performing their job duties
- Using cell phones except with staff permission (audible ringers must be turned off)
- Entering the library barefooted, without a shirt, or with offensive body odor or hygiene disruptive to the environment
- Skateboarding, rollerblading, or similar activities inside the building or on library grounds (bicycles must be secured outside)
- Entering “staff only” areas without permission
- Use of drones or remote control devices not part of an approved library program
- Group activities that are disruptive to the library environment
- Bringing articles too large to fit under one library chair
- Loitering
- Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals, into the library
- Blocking entrances, aisles or pathways with bicycles, strollers, scooters, etc.
- Leaving a child not yet in the third grade unattended or improperly supervised (see Unattended Children Policy, 2/7/2024)
- Using false identification to obtain a card, or borrowing materials with another person’s card without permission
- Theft, damage or defacing of library materials [MGL Ch. 270 Sec 21-22]
- Stealing, damaging, altering, or misusing library property or facilities, including computers, telephones, printers, copiers, fax, etc.
- Littering
- Bringing a motorized vehicle into the library or charging it inside/outside without permission (including use of outside utilities)
Other Rules for the Comfort and Safety of Visitors, Staff, and Volunteers
- If a patron has a concern about a policy, procedure, or another person’s behavior, they must speak with a staff member rather than interact directly.
- Patrons must leave the library promptly at closing time.
- Library materials must be checked out before removal from the building.
- Securely covered beverages and neat food consumption are allowed in designated areas, with care to avoid damage.
- Staff is not responsible for unattended personal belongings. Bags and articles may be subject to inspection by staff or authorized personnel.
- The library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought inside.
Consequences for Violations
Violations may include verbal or written warnings, curtailment or loss of privileges, or a no-trespass order from the police department. An individual who has received a no-trespass order may, within 30 days, request an administrative review of the order in writing to the Board of Trustees.
Applicability
The Rules of Conduct apply to all. The enforcement aspects of this policy apply to all authorized library staff, contractors, and/or law enforcement officers.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: 2/5/2024
Children attending Third Grade, or above, may be in the Library unattended but must be picked up no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled closing time. Staff will attempt to contact the child’s parent or guardian during the remaining 15 minute window. In the event that a young, unattended child has not been collected by a parent or guardian by the Library’s closing time, the child will be turned over to the supervision of the Holliston Police Department.
Policy voted by Holliston Library Board of Trustees February 7, 2024
