Policies

The Eustis Memorial Library provides free public access to the Internet, a medium that offers a wealth of educational, recreational, and cultural information for Library users. Because the Internet is a vast, unregulated medium, the Library cannot control and is not responsible for the content or accuracy of information accessed over the Internet, including information contained in electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communication.

The Library uses filtering software to block access to some Internet sites. Since no filtering system is completely effective or efficient, further restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Users in all areas of the Library may not use Internet sessions in a manner that is deliberately offensive or creates a hostile or intimidating environment.

To address issues of safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communication, parents and legal guardians should urge minors to follow basic safety guidelines: never give out personal information (name, address, phone number etc.), never arrange via a computer to meet someone and never respond to messages that are threatening or suggestive, remembering that people online may not be who they say they are.

While accessing the Internet at the Library, users must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Users may not attempt in any way to alter, damage, or sabotage computer hardware or software (practices known as hacking) and will be financially responsible for any malicious damage to hardware or software. The Library is not liable for any damage to a customer’s disk or computer that may occur from use of the Internet at the Library; nor is the Library responsible for any liability that may occur as a result of the disclosure of financial or other personal information while accessing the Internet at the Library.

The Library does not release information on the use of the Internet by Library users except as required by law. The Library may limit the amount of time of individual user sessions on the Internet. The current limit is three sessions per day and up to 60 minutes per session. Charges for printing from the Internet are displayed at the time a printing option is selected and before release of the printed material.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in loss of access. Illegal acts may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Approved by the Eustis Memorial Library Board of Trustees — 2/28/2012

Permanent residents of the incorporated areas of Eustis may obtain a library membership card without charge. Non-Resident cards are available through selection from a fee schedule. Library cards are required to borrow materials. Cards are considered permanent but are replaced without charge if found to be unusable through natural wear. There is a $2.00 fee for replacing lost, stolen or discarded cards.

Library cardholders are responsible for all material borrowed with their card identification. This responsibility includes knowing when borrowed items are due, paying all overdue fines and replacement fees for lost or damaged materials. Overdue notices are sent as courtesy reminders of what is owed to the library. Library management reserves the right to suspend borrowing privileges for improper use of membership cards and for excessive fines and bills.

Library membership is not required to attend programs. All programs are free and open to the public.

Loan Periods

• Books, audio media and magazines: 3 weeks
• Puzzles: 1 month
• New books (best sellers): 2 weeks
• Video/media: 7 days

Fines and Fees: Subject to Change

The maximum daily overdue fine per item is as follows:

• Books, audio media, magazines and puzzles: $0.10
• DVDs: $0.10 per day. 
• Replacement fee for membership card: $2.00

Non-Resident Fee Schedule: Individual Membership

• 3 month card: $ 9.00
• 6 month card: $18.00
• 9 month card: $27.00
• 12 month card: ($ 4.00 savings) $32.00

Family Membership

• Each membership (regardless of monthly level): $3.00
• Family members may be added to individual rate up to a maximum addition of $12.00.

The Eustis Memorial Library is committed to providing a secure and supportive environment for use of its resources and services.

To achieve this, the Library has established standards of behavior. To consistently enforce these standards of behavior, the Eustis Memorial Library has developed policies outlining specific violations and consequences for inappropriate behavior on Library premises. Standards of Library Behavior are designed to:

• Protect the rights and safety of Library patrons
• Protect the rights and safety of Library employees
• Protect and preserve the resources, facility and property of the Library.

Out of consideration for others, please adhere to behavior that does not interfere with others’ use and enjoyment of the Library. Individuals unwilling to comply with acceptable behavior will be asked to leave. If necessary, the authorities will be called and trespass remedies in accordance with Florida law will be enforced.

The following is prohibited:

1. Abandonment or leaving young children unattended.
2. Verbal or physical abuse, or sexual harassment of Library patrons or staff.
3. Theft, abuse or vandalism of Library materials, equipment or property.
4. Smoking, tobacco use, or related activities including vaping or use of smokeless products (i.e. electronic cigarettes) inside the Library.
5. Bare feet and/or being shirtless or in a swimsuit.
6. Patron conduct, dress, or personal hygiene that does not conform to community standards for public places.
7. Bathing, shaving, washing clothes or other misuse of restrooms.
8. Sleeping.
9. Bringing animals into the Library (except service animals).
10. Consuming refreshments in the Library, other than beverages in lidded containers.
11. Disruptive use of telephones, radios or other electronic devices.
12. Loud talking, yelling, whistling or other disruptive noises.
13. Unruly, disruptive behavior; horseplay.
14. Bringing in large containers or items that occupy floor space.
15. Non-compliance with the Library Internet Use/ Safety Policy which includes inappropriate use of library computers such as:
    1. Damaging or altering computer equipment or software.
    2. Downloading or installing any programs or files onto the computer.
    3. Sending, displaying or printing obscene material.
16. Promoting or operating a commercial enterprise.
17. Petitioning and distributing non-library approved materials on Library premises. See Full Policy.
18. Interfering with the access, egress, or use of the Library facility including, but not limited to, equipment, pathways, etc., by placing objects in a manner to obstruct any of the above. Please note that motorized vehicles may not be left on the front overhang or porch areas.
19. Recreational use of bicycles, skateboards, inline skating, or any similar activity on Library property.
20. Refusing to leave the Library at closing, or similar failure to comply with policies.
21. Any conduct that interferes with the use and enjoyment of the Library by others.

Please be advised that the Library is not responsible for securing the personal property or valuables of Library patrons. All personal items are subject to search. Any bags, backpacks, packages/containers will be discarded if left on premises.

The Eustis Memorial Library is a department of the City of Eustis, www.eustis.org. This site is intended to serve as a mechanism for communication between the public and Eustis Memorial Library on specifically listed topics. Following or “friending” persons or organizations is not an endorsement by the City or Library and is only intended as a means of communication.

All content of this site and all comments submitted through our social media tools are public and are subject to disclosure at Public information requests. Social software, in this instance, is any Web application, site or account created and maintained by Eustis Memorial Library which facilitates an environment for library staff and library users to share opinions and information about library related subjects/issues.

Eustis Memorial Library recognizes and respects differences in opinion. Comments, posts and messages are welcome and will be reviewed before publishing. The following will be removed before publishing:

• Obscene or racist content
• Personal attacks, insults or threatening language
• Potentially libelous statements
• Plagiarized material
• Private, personal information published without consent
• Comments totally unrelated to the content of the forum
• Hyperlinks to material not directly related to the discussion
• Commercial promotions or spam

By posting content, the user agrees to make compensation to Eustis Memorial Library, its Boards and employees for and against all liabilities, judgments, damages and costs incurred by any of them which arise out of or are related to the posted content. Forums and messaging may not be used for commercial purposes or for organized political activity.

Eustis Memorial Library reserves the right to monitor content before it is posted on all EML social software web sites and accounts, and to modify or remove messages or postings that it deems to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of the copyright, trademark right, or other intellectual property right of any third party, or otherwise inappropriate for the service.

Eustis Memorial Library reserves the right to edit or modify any submissions in response to requests for feedback or other commentary.

Eustis Memorial Library is not obligated to take any actions, and will not be responsible or liable for content posted by any subscriber in any forum, message board or other area within the service.

If any user does not agree to these terms, they are not to use the service as violation of the terms can lead to legal liability.

The Eustis Memorial Library staff hopes that the children who use our library will perceive our facility as a warm, inviting and fun place to be. Many programs are offered to help children to enjoy their library visits and develop a love of books, reading and libraries. But when children are left unattended, they often become bored and disruptive. Young children are not safe when left unattended in the library. Library staff cannot know or be held responsible if children are leaving the building with parents or with strangers. For the protection and well-being of children who enjoy our library, the following policy has been established.

POLICY

Parents/guardians* are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the library and cannot leave children under the age of 7 (0-6 years of age) unattended.

*or responsible minor, age 12 or older

Children are considered “unattended” if:

• Parents/guardians are not in the library.
• Parent/guardians are in different areas of the library than their children (i.e. main computers while the children are in the Children’s area, etc.)
• Parents/guardians are not supervising their children.

Are you struggling to work on a computer while also supervising your children?

We are happy to provide Busy Bags in the Children’s area for this exact purpose. Simply grab a fun, educational Busy Bag (or several) and bring it back when your child has finished playing. Our Busy Bag activities are great for a variety of ages and are an ideal quiet playtime option.

Disruptive Children

Disruptive Attended Children

1. Staff will advise children who are being disruptive to behave. Staff may suggest alternative activities for the children.
2. If the disruptive behavior continues, staff shall inform the parents that their children are disturbing others.
3. The family will be asked to leave if parents refuse or are unable to control their children.

Disruptive Unattended Children

1. Staff will advise children who are being disruptive to behave. Staff may also suggest alternative activities for the children.
2. If disruptive behavior persists, the children shall be asked to sit quietly while their parents are located.
3. Staff members shall attempt to contact parents by phone who cannot be located within the building. Parents shall be asked to pick up their children immediately.
4. If the staff member is unable to locate the parent, the child will be asked to sit quietly near the Children’s Desk until the parent arrives, at which time the parent will be informed of the disruptive behavior.

Staff will notify parents of the Library’s policy when children are consistently left unattended for long periods of time. If children are consistently left unattended, the authorities may be called at the discretion of the staff.

Lost Children

1. Library staff should comfort frightened or crying unattended children.
2. Lost or frightened children should be brought to the Librarian’s desk in the Children’s area, or to the main service desk. The staff should try to locate the parents.
3. Library staff will walk through the library with the child, looking for his/her parents.
4. If the parent cannot be located in the building, a library staff member shall stay with the child until the parent is located.
5. If the parent has not been located within the hour, the police may be called at the discretion of staff.
6. If parents cannot be located by closing time, the police will be called by library staff.
7. Under no circumstances shall a staff member take a child out of the building or transport the child to another location.

Unattended Children at Closing Time

1. Thirty minutes before closing, the staff shall urge all children to call their parents.
2. If parents cannot be located by closing time, the police will be called by library staff.
3. Staff members will stay with children until the police arrive.
4. Upon arrival of the police, a staff member will provide the officer with a copy of the Policy for SAFETY OF CHILDREN in the library to give to the parent(s).

Staff will notify parents of the Library’s policy when children are consistently left unattended for long periods of time. If children are consistently left unattended, the authorities may be called at the discretion of the staff.

Library Program Policies

• Children 8 years of age and older may be left unattended for a maximum of two hours in addition to attending a scheduled library program.
• Children attending programs that are supervised by the library staff and for the purposes of the policy are considered attended. Children 7 years of age and under must be met promptly by parents at the conclusion of library programs.
• Parents are strongly encouraged to come into the library with their child to confirm that the scheduled program is available for their child. Some library programs require preregistration due to demand and other constraints.