Policies
INTRODUCTION
In an effort to meet the reading and information needs of the public and to ensure the safety of library patrons and staff, the Cranston Public Library has adopted the following list of behavior guidelines. To maintain an atmosphere conducive to library use, we ask that library patrons abide by these guidelines, and all state and local laws, while in the library and on library premises.
This list of guidelines is by no means exhaustive or all-inclusive and may be amended from time to time. Patrons violating any one or more of these guidelines will be asked to cease and desist from engaging in such violations and may be asked to leave the premises and/or be barred from all branches of the Cranston Public Library.
CODE OF CONDUCT
- Proper dress is required (shoes and shirts are required)
- Eating, and drinking from uncovered containers inside the library is prohibited
- Use of personal electronic equipment may be limited to certain areas of the library and must not interfere with other library users or staff
- Stealing, abusing, defacing or destroying any library property is prohibited
- Carrying on sustained conversations above acceptable noise levels is prohibited
- Using profane or obscene language and gestures on library premises is prohibited
- Any form of harassment of library staff, vendors, or patrons is prohibited. Harassment includes, without limitation, physical harassment, verbal harassment, visual harassment, and innuendo
- Disrupting or interfering with the use of the library by other patrons is prohibited; offensive personal hygiene that disturbs others is not permitted
- Physically assaulting library staff, vendors or patrons is prohibited
- Carrying, possessing or displaying weapons is prohibited with the exception of library security personnel or police officers carrying service weapons
- Using tobacco or vapor products inside the library is prohibited
- Using, selling or trading alcohol and illegal substances or possessing the same for purposes of using, selling or trading on library premises is prohibited
- Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs on library premises is prohibited
- Sleeping in the library or on library grounds is prohibited
- Loitering in the library or on library grounds is prohibited
- Sitting or lying down on the floor is not permitted
- Moving library furniture from an existing location is prohibited
- Bathing or excessive grooming in public restrooms is prohibited
- Running or using sporting equipment inside the library and on outside areas where said use may endanger the safety of other patrons is prohibited
- Engaging in sexual acts on library premises is prohibited
- Entering into non-public areas of the library or using library equipment or facilities without authorization is prohibited
- Soliciting patrons and library personnel is prohibited
- Parents or legal guardians are ultimately responsible for the behavior of their children in the library and on library premises
- Animals are not permitted inside the library, except service animals assisting patrons
- Patrons are not permitted to bring any oversized bags, bags with wheels, or shopping carts into the library. Unattended bags are not allowed.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 4/12/2017.
The Collection Development Policy offers guidance to Library staff in the selection and retention of materials for the Cranston Public Library and serves to inform the public of the Library’s philosophy for selection and collection maintenance.
The Collection Development Policy is based on the Library’s Mission and the long-established principles of the Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement and Access to Library Resources and Services to Minors, as adopted by the American Library Association.
Collection Objectives
The Cranston Public Library provides a contemporary, relevant collection of resources in a wide range of formats to meet the informational, educational and recreational needs of its community. The Library strives to meet these needs within the limitations of space, staffing and budget. The Library endeavors to make use of new technologies and formats to offer library users the greatest access to information and ideas.
The Library maintains a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction materials with added depth in the area of local Rhode Island history. Materials and formats are not maintained past their relevance. This ensures a collection of current interest to our patrons. Textbooks and materials of a highly technical or specialized nature more appropriate for research or special libraries are generally excluded from the collection.
The Library recognizes that there are ideas, opinions, viewpoints and philosophies which are subject for discussion and debate and that any community will be made up of citizens with divergent viewpoints. The Library endeavors to provide equal access to all points of view within the limits of financial resources and physical space. When judging the merit of materials for purchase, Library staff refer to professional review publications, news media, recommended lists by professional organizations, patron requests, literary awards, and the popularity of similar items. Cultural diversity will be considered in the selection of materials.
Guidelines for Materials Selection
Collection development is based on these specific criteria:
- Community needs, interests and demands
- The importance of subject matter to the collection
- Price and availability for purchase
Responsibility for Selection
The ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Library Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Director delegates the responsibility for materials selection to library staff.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 1/13/2016
The Cranston Public Library provides our patrons with free use of computers, free access to the Internet, and free wireless access. By using a public computer at the Cranston Public Library the patron agrees to abide by the following policies and terms, as well as the Public Code of Conduct. Violation of these rules may result in the loss of computer access, library privileges or expulsion from the library. Library staff has full authority to enforce these policies and procedures as well as policies related to general behavior in the library.
Rules Governing computer and Internet and wireless access & use
- An Ocean State Libraries card is required for Rhode Island residents to use library computers. Guest passes are available for limited access for out-of-state visitors.
- Library cards are not transferable for computer use. The result of using another patron’s library card is loss of computer access privileges.
- Violations of any local, state or federal statutes are prohibited.
- Patrons who owe $50 or more in fines and fees to Ocean State Libraries will not be able to use Cranston Public Library’s computers.
- Users are responsible for compliance with all copyright notices and restrictions attached to web content as well as applicable state and federal laws.
- Library users may bring their own headphones to plug into library computers or purchase earbuds from library staff. Otherwise, the sound on the computers must be turned off.
- Files can be temporarily saved to public computers, but will be deleted upon reboot. Flash drives for data storage are available for purchase at all locations.
- Library users who bring their own devices may connect to the wireless network and plug in their devices to designated outlets. However, they may not use outlets designated for library equipment or in staff-only areas, and they must make sure cords and other peripherals are not in walkways. Personal electronic equipment should be silenced unless headphones are attached.
- Computer users agree to take proper care of all equipment that is the property of the library. Users and/or their parent or legal guardian agree to pay replacement cost of any equipment or materials lost or damaged by the user.
Computer users may not:
- Make any attempt to bypass software on Public Access Catalog computers to gain full computer access. Make any attempt to bypass time management software on library computers to gain additional time and access on library computers.
- Use library computers to view or disseminate material considered inappropriate for a public environment such as sexually explicit or suggestive (obscene/pornographic) images or videos.
- Invade the privacy of others or engage in any activity that is harassing, bullying, defamatory, or threatening. These behaviors are a violation of RI state law §11-52-4.2 (Cyberstalking and Cyberharassing).
Disclaimers
- Patrons use library computers at their own risk.
- The library makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, with respect to any technology, equipment, software or other library materials.
- The Cranston Public Library does not monitor Internet use and cannot be held responsible for its content.
- Monitoring a child’s use and access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. The State of Rhode Island offers guidelines for discussing online safety with children at http://www.ccu.ri.gov/childsafety/adviceforparents.php
Privacy and Security
- Patrons should not have an expectation of privacy, as all public computers are in view of other patrons and library staff.
- Every effort will be made to maintain a secure environment on library networks; however, Internet transactions, communications and activities are potentially vulnerable to unauthorized access.
- For more information about the confidentiality of computer records see the Cranston Public Library Statement on Confidentiality and Privacy.
Children’s & Teen Computers
- Computers in children’s areas of the library are for children’s use only. No adults may use these computers for any purpose unless they are a parent/legal guardian/caregiver accompanying a child.
- Libraries with designated teen areas may restrict the use of computers in those areas to people who are under 20 years old at any time when school is not in session (i.e., weekends, holidays, and after 2 p.m. on weekdays during the school year).
Computer Use Information
- Maximum daily computer use time is 4 hours (1 hour at the Arlington Branch). Time limits are subject to change and may be altered at the discretion of library staff.
- Public computers automatically shut down 15 minutes before closing.
- Because library computers are a shared resource available to the public, it is important to log out of all personal accounts before ending your computer session.
- Supported software applications installed on all public computers include, but are not limited to: Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint, and Internet browsers Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Typical plug-ins such as Adobe Flash and Adobe Acrobat Reader are included.
- The library does not offer email accounts.
Assistance
- Library staff have limited availability to assist users who do not have basic computer skills. The library offers a variety of computer instruction courses and one-on-one training sessions and we encourage library users who wish to improve their computer skills to take advantage of these sessions.
- Library staff are unable to process financial and personal transactions on behalf of library patrons.
Printing
- Printing is available from all public computers for a fee. Black & white printing costs .20 cents a page and color printing costs .50 cents a page. CPL will only issue refunds for printing if the machine produced a blurred, black or otherwise unreadable copy or if the paper leaves the machine torn or wrinkled. Users should always use the Print Preview function before sending a print job to make sure the number of pages is correct, that no blank pages are included, and that the text on the page is complete.
Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
- The Cranston Public Library complies with the federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) which requires the use of filtering software on public computers to limit children's access to material that is (a) obscene; (b) child pornography; or (c) harmful to minors. For more information on CIPA please visit https://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cipa.pdf
- Filtering software may not block all material users might find offensive.
- Adults, defined by the law as over 17, may choose to use unfiltered computers for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. An authorized library staff member may disable the filtering software if the above criteria are met.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 6/10/2015
Revised 7/11/2018
GUIDELINES FOR BORROWING AND USE
- Tools/devices from the collection can only be checked out and returned to the Circulation Desk at the Cranston Public Library, Central Library. Do not use the book drop. Do not return to a Cranston Public Library branch location or a public library in another community.
- Tools/devices may be borrowed for one week and may not be renewed.
- Checkout is limited to one tool/device per household.
- At this time, holds may not be placed on tools/devices.
- Borrowers must be 18 years or older.
- Borrowers must be in good standing with the Library, have a valid Ocean State Libraries library card with a current address on file and no outstanding fines over $5.00.
- The library reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who abuse the equipment or who are repeatedly late in returning tools/devices.
- The library is not responsible for any liability, damages or expense resulting from misuse of the tool/device, connection of the device to other electronic devices, or data loss from use of the device.
- The library cannot provide additional instruction on the operation of tools/devices.
- The overdue fine is $5.00 a day. (Maximum fine $25.00.)
- The borrower is responsible for costs associated with damage or loss of the tool/device and/or peripherals due to neglect or abuse.
PROPER CARE AND USE
- As with any device, use care when handling.
- If any technical problems are encountered, patrons should return the tool/device immediately to the Circulation Desk at the Cranston Public Library.
I. PURPOSE
The Distribution of Free Publications Policy sets forth criteria for distribution of free publications by area organizations and publishers within the confines of Cranston Public Library buildings.
II. POLICY STATEMENT
In its role as a center of community information, the Cranston Public Library supports the free flow of information and exchange of ideas. The Library, therefore, serves as a point of distribution for certain free publications, within the limitations of space and according to the following criteria. Publications accepted for distribution will:
a) be of general interest, contain significant editorial content, and provide information of wide appeal.
b) focus on local interest/events in Cranston and Providence County
Publications that meet these criteria will be added as space permits on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Distributors must:
a) deliver publications regularly
b) place publications in approved locations
c) discard out-of-date issues by removing them from library premise. Out-of-date issues must be removed by delivery operative. They cannot be discarded in interior or outdoor library trash cans.
d) Receive written permission for each publication to be delivered and complete library free publications application
e) Deliver publications during library business hours
f) Placement of unapproved publications will result in the rescinding of ALL publications previously approved for the offending publisher or distributor.
Failure to meet the criteria will result in loss of privilege of distribution at Cranston Public Library
facilities.
III. APPLICABILITY
This policy applies to distribution of publications throughout the library system.
IV. RESPONSIBILITY
The Library Director is the final authority concerning the acceptance or rejection of publications.
Publications and distributors that disagree with the Director’s decision may appeal that decision to the
Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees.
Download the Application for Free Publication Distribution here.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees September 10, 2014
The Cranston Public Library will only accept donations of materials consistent with the following policy.
- All donations are accepted by the library without condition.
- All donations become the property of the library and cannot be returned.
- Donations may be added to our collection following the criteria of the library collection development policy. Donations not added to the collection will be sold in the library book sale or discarded. Donations added to the collection may be subsequently withdrawn when they are worn or when their content is no longer current.
We will accept the following materials in MINT condition only:
- Adult hardcover and paperback books
- Children’s hardcover and paperback books
- Young adult hardcover and paperback books
- Compact discs in original cases
- DVDs in original cases
- Unabridged books on CD in original packaging
We will not accept the following:
- Any materials that have mold, odors or stains
- Textbooks
- Encyclopedias
- Readers Digest condensed books
- Magazines or newspapers of any kind
- Vinyl record albums
- Audiocassettes
- Computer games and software
- Computers, eReaders and other electronic items
- Puzzles, games, and toys, including stuffed animals
- Video cassettes
- Books on tape
- Artwork
If you need a receipt for tax purposes, the library will provide one. Federal regulations prohibit the library from giving estimates of value for donated materials.
The library cannot pick up donations. Donations are accepted at library locations during normal business hours. Do not leave donations in the library book drop.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 9/13/2017
Cranston Public Library deeply values equity of access to information and resources and the pursuit of intellectual freedom for all patrons. In support of these principles, we welcome all members of the community and seek to provide a safe and inclusive space for all visitors, regardless of race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, actual or perceived gender identity or expression, disability, age, national or ethnic origin, or socio-economic status.
As such, Cranston Public Library upholds the rights of all individuals to use its facilities without fear of harassment or intimidation, and supports an individual’s right to use the public restroom that corresponds with their gender identity or expression.
Approved by Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees on May 9, 2018
INFORMATIONAL DISPLAYS
The Cranston Public Library permits the distribution and posting of free, printed materials by nonprofit and community groups, educational institutions, and government agencies as display and bulletin board space allows. The library provides this space to meet the community’s recreational, cultural, civic and educational needs.
Such information may be in the form of brochures, flyers, posters, and similar items. The library does not endorse the content of posted materials.
Library postings take precedence over other materials.
Materials for posting must be approved by the director, assistant director or the branch librarians prior to display.
EXHIBITS
Cranston Public Library’s exhibit areas at the Central Library and William Hall Library are available for use by individuals or organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities.
Art exhibitors must meet the “Cranston Public Library Guidelines for Exhibits & Displays” requirements. An Exhibit & Display Release Form must be completed prior to the exhibiting of materials.
The library will take reasonable care to ensure the safety and security of any items but assumes no responsibility in the event of loss or damage of displayed items.
Displaying or exhibiting materials in Cranston Public Library facilities does not indicate endorsement of the content of displayed collections.
Library displays and exhibits take precedence over other exhibits.
The library director may reject any exhibit or display that does not meet with the mission of the library.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 7/8/2015
The Cranston Public Library is not responsible for the security of personal items brought into any library facility. Unclaimed items are managed in accordance with the following guidelines:
- If the owner of a lost and found item satisfactorily identifies the lost item, the item will be returned.
- Perishable items such as food, baby bottles, beverage containers and personal care items will be disposed of immediately.
- Lost and Found items will be dated and stored for a period of fourteen (14) days. Reasonable attempts will be made to contact the owners (to the extent ownership is known) to reclaim their lost items. Items not claimed within fourteen (14) days become Library property. Unclaimed items will then be donated to charity or discarded.
- Certain types of property including unclaimed identification documents, driver’s licenses, credit cards, wallets, laptops and cell phones will be forwarded to the Cranston Police.
- Flash drives left in the library will be held for 14 days. Due to patron privacy library staff will not access data saved on flash drives to determine ownership. After 14 days, flash drives will be wiped and discarded.
- Documents left in library copy machines and scanners will be kept for 7 days then shredded.
- After fourteen (14) days unclaimed books will be given to the Cranston Public Library Association for use in the annual book sale.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 10/12/2016
MEETING ROOM POLICY
- Meeting rooms at all locations are available to civic, cultural, and educational organizations during library hours of opening. Meeting rooms are available regardless of the beliefs and affiliations of their members. Meeting rooms are not available for social gatherings, the benefit of private individuals, commercial purposes or fund-raising purposes.
- Use of a meeting room does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group's policies or beliefs by the Cranston Public Library.
- Groups applying to use meeting rooms must fill out a Meeting Room Request Form.
- A library-sponsored program has priority over other uses of the meeting rooms. In the event of a scheduling conflict, if possible, groups will be given one month's notice. Groups are allowed to book rooms up to 3 months in advance.
- Meeting rooms should not be used in any way that interferes with the operation of the library or which threatens the safety of library patrons. Meeting room attendees must adhere to the library’s Code of Conduct.
- The Cranston Public Library assumes no liability for organizations or their meeting attendees using the library facilities, or for theft or damage to vehicles or personal property while on the premises. The library is not responsible for equipment, clothing, or other items left on its premises at the close of a meeting.
- Library management reserves the right to cancel or postpone any meeting or performance at any time in the event of inclement weather or other building emergency.
- Groups are responsible for paying for any breakage, damage to library property, or any inordinate amount of cleaning resulting from the use of the rooms.
- Extended and exclusive use of the library's meeting rooms for cultural and/or educational purposes, for example, a theatre engagement or art exhibit may be arranged under a separate agreement with the library director.
- The director, in consultation with the group's liaison, will determine the necessity of police presence. The group will cover any costs incurred by the use of police details.
- All publicity shall carry the name of the organization sponsoring the program. Cranston Public Library shall not be identified or implied as a sponsor without the consent of the library director. All press releases & flyers bearing the library name must be sent to the library for approval prior to release.
- Fees may be charged for the use of our meeting rooms. All fees are payable one week in advance of the event. Checks should be made payable to: Cranston Public Library. Please refer to the Meeting Room Request Form for fee schedule.
- Groups requesting the use of the meeting rooms will designate on the request form a contact person who shall be its formal representative while the room is being used. It is understood that inquiries concerning the meeting in question may be referred to the contact person.
- Simple refreshments may be served in meeting rooms, with prior approval, provided groups use their own supplies and equipment and leave the area in a clean and orderly condition. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. No food in the Central Library Seminar Room; covered drinks allowed. Open flames and candles are prohibited.
- Room capacity, as determined by the fire marshal, will be observed at all times.
- Groups are required to vacate meeting rooms fifteen minutes prior to library closing.
- Library-related or municipal-support groups may be exempted from some of the regulations at the discretion of the library director.
Central Library Criteria
- Due to the numerous requests for meeting space, continuing and repetitious use of the meeting rooms by a single group or organization must be limited. Generally, the maximum allowable usage will be once per quarter for the Meeting Room and once per month for the Seminar Room.
- The Seminar Room may be booked by groups of 2-12 people for up to 2 hours at a time.
- Use of the main meeting room on Saturdays and Sundays is generally not permitted due to exhibit use of the facility and the lack of staff to service the facility. The main meeting room is generally not available in June, July, and August.
- Either the library director or the assistant library director must approve the use of one of the Central Library's meeting rooms.
- The Cranston Public Library requests that groups using the Central Library's meeting rooms park in the library's upper parking lot.
William Hall Library Criteria
- Generally, the maximum allowable usage of William Hall Library meeting spaces is limited to once per month. More frequent use of a meeting space must be approved on a case-by case basis by the Branch Librarian.
- Admission fees for performances and events may be charged. These fees shall not limit access to individuals who may be unable to pay but who wish to attend.
- Theater companies or other groups shall not attach scenery or stage sets to walls or floors. They shall not remove lights, stage draperies or other equipment without written permission. Any stage sets should be covered to protect floors.
- Any removal of the piano from the stage area must be done by professional piano movers. Organizations using William Hall Library meeting space are required to pay for removal and return of the piano to the stage.
- Performances, events and meetings are limited to hours when the library is open unless prior permission is given. Meeting spaces may be used for theater or performance rehearsals during the hours when the library is open.
- Organizations using William Hall Library meeting space and their participants/audience members are not allowed access to other parts of the building unless prior permission is given.
Updated by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 1/10/2018
Parking at all Cranston Public Library locations is for library use only. The Cranston Public Library reserves the right to have vehicles removed from library parking lots for non-compliance. Parking at Cranston Public Library locations is regulated by the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances as follows:
10.28.210 Cranston Public Library Parking Lots
- It shall be unlawful to park any vehicle overnight in any of the parking areas associated with all Cranston Public Library locations.
- It shall be unlawful to use any of the parking areas associated with all Cranston Public Library locations for residential parking at any time.
- Any vehicle violating this section will be subject to towing.
- Temporary parking at a library may be granted by the Library Director.
PHOTOGRAPHY & RECORDING POLICY
Attendance at Cranston Public Library programs, events and facilities constitutes consent to be photographed and/or recorded for use in print and/or electronic publicity for Cranston Public Library (the Library). Such outlets include, but are not limited to, publications, productions, presentations, displays and the Internet, including Library-sponsored social media websites. Once published, content may be shared or repurposed with or without the consent of the Library. The Library takes no responsibility for the sharing and/or republishing of photograph(s), video(s) and/or recording(s) by third parties, or for the management of content beyond its own publications and websites.
Photograph(s), video(s) and/or recording(s) will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the subject, parent or legal guardian.
If you wish to withhold your consent, please notify library staff.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees January 14, 2015
Cranston Public Library 3-D Printer Use Policy
The library maintains 3-D Printers for use by the public in the Central library C-Lab. Patrons must sign a copy of this agreement. Copies are available at the Reference Desk.
Policy:
- Use of the 3-D Printer is at the discretion of library staff. The library reserves the right to deny use of the equipment.
- The 3-D printer may only be used by library cardholders.
- It is expressly prohibited:
- To print any guns, gun parts, knives, weapons or objects that are intended to physically harm, or attempt to harm, a person or animal in any way.
- To print obscene or inappropriate materials.
- To print any object that violates or infringes upon a patent, trademark, or other proprietary right. Use of the 3-D Printer and associated equipment shall follow all legal guidelines. U.S. Copyright Law governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.
- The library prohibits any use of the 3D printer that violates local, state and federal law; including the Undetectable Firearms Act.
- The library does not guarantee a successful print. Unless the print fails to finish, the cost of the completed print, regardless of quality, will still be charged.
- Items that are not picked up after a month will become property of the Cranston Public Library. Items must be picked up by the individual who printed them.
- A charge in the amount of the print’s cost will be added to the patron’s record for any unclaimed items.
- Only designated library staff and trained patrons will have access to the 3-D printer.
- The library is not responsible for the subsequent safety of any item made with the 3-D printer.
- If a 0-2 hour print fails, it may be attempted only one more time without charge. If a 3-5 hour print fails, any additional attempts will be charged.
For more detailed information on 3D printing at the library please see our 3D printing page.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 11/12/2014.
Revised on September 12, 2018
PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST GUIDELINES
The Cranston Public Library adheres to the Access to Public Records Act, R.I. Gen. Laws §38-2-1, et. seq., and has instituted the following procedures for the public to obtain public records.
1. In order to document compliance with the Access to Public Records Act, we request that you complete the Public Records Access Request Form. Completed forms may be mailed to:
Cranston Public Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, Rhode Island 02920 Attn: Library Administration/Public Records Request
or hand-delivered to the Library Administration Office, Cranston Public Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, Rhode Island 02920 during regular business hours.
Regular business hours of the library administration office are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm.
2. Please be advised that the Access to Public Records Act allows a public body ten (10) business days to respond, which can be extended an additional twenty (20) business days for “good cause.” We appreciate your understanding and patience.
3. Pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 38-2-4, the Cranston Public Library may charge a fee of fifteen cents ($.15) per page and an hourly rate of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour of time spent searching, retrieving and copying documents; however, no fee will be charged for the first sixty minutes of such time. Copies on paper larger than standard legal size, or made available on media different than that on which the information is stored, will be charged at the actual production and/or reproduction cost.
4. You are not required to provide identification or the reason you seek the information, and your right to access public records will not depend upon providing identification or reasons.
5. These guidelines are not exhaustive and the Library reserves any and all other rights that may apply to it under the Access to Public Records Act.
REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
The choice of library materials by patrons is an individual matter. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for the materials that their children borrow. While a person may reject materials for himself or for his children, he cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to library materials by others.
The Cranston Public Library supports freedom and endorses the American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, the Library Bill of Rights and all relevant Library Bill of Rights Interpretations. Patrons wishing reconsideration of library materials must complete the Cranston Public Library Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources Form (below) in its entirety. Only signed forms will be considered. The Library Director will acknowledge receipt of the form within two weeks.
The relevant Library Staff will review the library material to ascertain whether it meets the standards set forth in the library’s Collection Development Policy, and will make a written recommendation to the Library Director as to the validity of the request.
The Library Director, after reviewing the recommendation, will decide whether the library material remains on the shelf or is removed and will notify the patron of said decision. A final appeal may be made to the Library Board of Trustees.
A copy of the request form without identifying patron information will be mailed to the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee.
Download the Request for Reconsideration of Materials Form here
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 9/9/2015
SAFE CHILD POLICY
- Parents and caregivers, not the library staff, are responsible for children’s safety and behavior in the library.
- Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied and adequately supervised by a responsible caregiver, and children under the age of 6 must be in the immediate vicinity of that caregiver at all times. Library staff may supervise children for the duration of certain programs, but caregivers should remain in the building.
- Young people age 10 and older may visit the library independently, but they are still the legal responsibility of their parents. Young people who visit the library by themselves must know how to reach a responsible caregiver in case of emergencies, health and safety issues, inappropriate behavior, or early closure.
- If a young person’s behavior is unduly disruptive, he or she may not be allowed to remain in the library or to visit again unaccompanied.
- If any young person remains at the library 15 minutes after closing, staff may call the proper authorities.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees on 4/10/14
The Cranston Public Library is a member of the Ocean State Libraries consortium which means a library card issued from any OSL library will allow you to borrow materials from any OSL member library. In compliance with state law, the Cranston Public Library extends full access and borrowing privileges without charge to all Rhode Island residents. Information about library services, including hours and locations, are available on the library’s website.
Rhode Island library users are able to borrow materials from non-OSL Rhode Island libraries and out of state libraries using the Interlibrary Loan service. The Interlibrary Loan service (ILL) is governed by the Library of Rhode Island standards. You can request materials through ILL at any Cranston Public Library location by contacting a library staff member. There is no guarantee that the materials requested will be available from another institution. There is no charge for placing an ILL request but the patron is required to pay one-way shipping costs and is subject to normal fines and fees for overdue and lost materials. Interlibrary loan requests are limited to 5 items per week per patron.
The Cranston Public Library participates in complete resource sharing of all circulating materials with the exception of those materials classified as equipment and those materials classified as special loan.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 7/8/2015
Revised 5/11/2016
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Cranston Public Library (the Library) welcomes interaction with members of the community on various social networking websites, platforms and media. The Library invites comments, posts and messages, while recognizing and respecting differences of opinion and upholding the standards of ethics and conduct delineated for staff and patrons in the Cranston Public Library Code of Conduct and Policy Manual. The Library seeks to provide social media users with environments free from discrimination and obscenities. Therefore, all comments, posts and messages are subject to review by the Library. The Library reserves the right to remove any comment, post or message that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of intellectual property rights, or otherwise inappropriate. Content containing the following will be removed:
- Disrespectful, inflammatory or off-topic comments
- Obscene, racist or otherwise threatening comments
- Personal attacks or insults
- Plagiarized material (quotations without credit lines)
- Information that is likely to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems
- Private or personal information published without consent
- Commercial promotions, spam or organized political activity
- Hyperlinks and images which meet any of the above criteria
If it happens that any individual repeatedly and/or habitually provides content to Library-sponsored websites that meets the criteria above, the Library reserves the right to permanently withhold that individual’s ability to post to Library-sponsored websites via the security options available for the website in question.
The Library further reserves the right to reproduce comments, posts and messages in other public venues, without further permission from subscribers. Cranston Public Library will not be held responsible or liable for the content posted by any subscriber to any Library-sponsored website.
Interaction (posting, commenting, or messaging) with any Library-sponsored page, constitutes the indemnification of Cranston Public Library, its employees, its affiliates and the City of Cranston from and against any and all liabilities, judgments, damages and costs incurred by any of them which arise out of or are related to content you post. The Library assumes no liability regarding any event or interaction that takes place by any participant on any Library-sponsored social networking website.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees January 14, 2015
SOLICITATION POLICY
The Cranston Public Library has an obligation to both protect the safety of library users and to ensure that all users can freely access and quietly enjoy the library’s services. Free and unimpeded access to the library building is a necessary precondition for meeting this obligation.
Active solicitation within the library building and the areas of egress to the library and the library parking lot is not permitted unless it is a library function or an activity related to fund raising for the library and under the general supervision of the library staff. Active solicitation refers to any person-to-person communication for the purposes of (1) obtaining contributions and donations, (2) selling merchandise, coupons, or tickets, (3) collecting signatures, (4) distributing educational or promotional materials, (5) recruiting members or clients and (6) financial solicitations/transactions.
The passive solicitation and collection of donations by community-based, non-profit organizations is permitted. Notices may be posted to a public bulletin board and bins placed in approved areas to collect items for this purpose. Use of these resources is subject to the approval of the library director or branch manager. The library assumes no responsibility for contents collected or donated. The library does not permit any exchange of monies or funds for this purpose.
Signs and banners, including lawn signs are prohibited on library property unless it is for a library function or an activity related to fund raising for the library and are approved by the Library Director.
Handbills, flyers, leaflets, pamphlets, or other written material that advertises, promotes, or informs persons about a person, business, company, or food service establishment are prohibited from being distributed on library property or being placed on vehicles in library parking lots.
Candidates with nomination papers may solicit signatures outside of the library building as long as it is done in a reasonable and unobtrusive manner.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed as preventing the sale of publications, artwork, or recordings by writers, artists or performers who have been engaged by the library for a presentation or performance.
The library director shall make the final determination as to whether a solicitation is active or passive, and if the activity is permitted under this policy.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees June 11, 2014
Updated by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees September 13 , 2017
Pursuant to RI General Laws § 11-18-32, § 11-49.3, and § 38-2-2 sub-§ 4(U), and as part of our commitment to intellectual freedom, it is the policy of Cranston Public Library to protect the confidentiality of patron records and the privacy of patron interest and inquiry. Privacy is essential to free speech, free thought, and free association. Confidentiality extends to all records with identifying information about patrons, including their borrowing records, requests for information, materials, and their loan transactions. It also includes their use of library computers, all electronic and print resources they access, all items printed on library 3D printers, and items related to library programs and services. Cranston Public Library will keep patron records confidential and will not disclose this information except as necessary to library staff and vendors for the proper operation of the library, upon consent of the user, pursuant to a subpoena or court order, or as otherwise required by law.
The only exception to this policy is for minors. Parents or legal guardians of children under age 13 may have access to information on their child's library card. Parents or guardians of 13 to 17 year olds may have access to their child’s library record only as necessary to settle their child’s financial obligation to the library.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees May 13, 2015
Approved by the members of Ocean State Libraries May 4, 2017
Revised by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees September 12, 2018
- The Cranston Public Library will provide designated areas for tutoring as space permits. Tutoring areas are on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved ahead of time.
- Several tutors may be using the same space at one time.
- Tutoring is to be conducted on a one-on-one basis.
- Tutoring will be limited to one hour per student; tutors may meet with a maximum of 2 students per day.
- Individual study carrels in the library are reserved exclusively for individual reading and study.
- No tutoring is allowed in designated quiet or silent areas.
- Appropriate noise levels will be observed at all times.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees May 13, 2015
The Cranston Public Library employs video surveillance camera systems at the Central Library, Arlington Branch, Auburn Branch, and the Oaklawn Branch. These cameras are in use to enhance the physical security of the library, its property, staff and patrons.
We strive to protect the privacy of our patrons and therefore use this equipment in accordance with state laws and retention policies. Images on this system are removed in the shortest amount of time allowed by law. We reserve the right to disclose surveillance camera images to law enforcement personnel voluntarily or upon request. The library will not allow patrons to view surveillance footage; requests must be made by law enforcement.
Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees March 14, 2018