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 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://risp.ri.gov/safety/internet/parents.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 3 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

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

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

The Cranston Public Library’s mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and strengthen the community. Programming and displays are an integral component of library service that:

• Expands the Library’s role as a community resource
• Introduces patrons and non-users to Library resources
• Provides opportunities for lifelong learning
• Expands the visibility of the library

Ultimate responsibility for programming and displays at the Library rests with the Library Director, under the designated authority of the Board of Trustees.

The Library’s staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program and display topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:

• Support of the Library’s mission
• Community needs and interests
• Availability of program space
• Presentation quality
• Presenter background/qualifications in content area
• Budget
• Relevance to community interests and issues
• Historical, educational or artistic significance
• Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
• Relation to Library collections, resources, exhibits and programs
• Diversity and inclusivity in our community

The Cranston Public Library believes that socially excluded, marginalized and underrepresented people should be able to see themselves reflected in the resources and programs that the library offers. The Library is a safe space for all members of our community and all programs will reflect that.

In addition, the Library draws upon other resources in developing programs and actively partners with other community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be hired for Library programs; performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their national or ethnic origin, background, or views. Library staff who present programs do so as part of their regular job duties and are not hired as outside contractors for programming.

All Library programs are free and open to the public. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants.

Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited. Programs may be held on site at any Library location, off site, or virtually. Some programs may only be offered for specific ages or at specific times or places. However, library staff strive to make programs accessible to all and welcome requests for reasonable accommodations.

Any sales of products at Library programs must be approved by the Library Director. Programs and displays are not used for commercial, religious, or partisan purposes.

The Library reserves the right to cancel a program for any reason at any time. Programs may be cancelled for a number of reasons beyond the Library’s control such as severe weather, building emergencies, absence of the presenter, or low registration. Every effort will be made to contact individuals who have pre-registered. Cancelled programs are not automatically rescheduled.

External organizations or individuals partnering with the Library on programs must coordinate marketing efforts with the Library’s Communications Department.

The Cranston Public Library also rents space to outside groups for programs and meetings. These are outside room rentals with no implicit or explicit collaboration between the group and Cranston Public Library. See our Meeting Room policy for more details.

If a patron has a question about a particular library program; they should first address the concern with a library staff member. Patrons may request a review of a library program and should submit the Request for Reconsideration form. Requests for review of programs will be considered in the same manner as requests for reconsideration of library materials as outlined in the library policy “Reconsideration of Library Materials.”

Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 9/10/2020

*This Policy uses information and language from The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Library Programs Policy and the American Library Association Library-Initiated Programs and Displays as a Resource: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.

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

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

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.

Download the Request for Reconsideration of Materials Form here

Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees 9/9/2015

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. Social media is broadly defined as any web application, site or account created and maintained by the library which allows users to share or obtain information. The intended audience for the Library’s social media accounts is the general public, including residents of communities that are members of the Ocean State Libraries Consortium, visitors to the library, and other interested parties.

The Library invites comments, posts and messages, while recognizing and respecting differences of opinion and upholding the standards of ethics and conduct delineated in the Cranston Public Library Code of Conduct. Comments expressed on the Library’s social media accounts do not reflect the views or positions of the library, its officers, or its employees. Social media users should exercise their own judgement about the quality and accuracy of any information presented through social media. Cranston Public Library will not be held responsible or liable for the content posted to any Library-affiliated websites. The Library further reserves the right to reproduce comments, posts and messages in other public venues, without further permission from subscribers.

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, insults, or harassment

• 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 may block them from posting any further information to the library’s social media sites, but only after said person has received one warning that they are violating the policies contained herein. Any social media user who has been banned or had a message/content deleted may appeal this decision, in writing or email, to the Library Director.

• Email reconsideration requests should be sent to: director@cranstonlibrary.org

• Mailed reconsideration requests should be addressed to:

Cranston Public Library

Library Director

140 Sockanosset Cross Rd.

Cranston, RI 02920

Upon receipt, the Library Director will respond to the reconsideration request within ten business days. A final appeal may be made to the Library Board of Trustees.

The Library will not collect, sell, or knowingly transfer to any third parties any personally identifiable information related to social media engagement with the library. Users must understand that social media is permanent, retrievable, and public. Messages can potentially be read by anyone once posted, regardless of status on friends, follower, or subscriber lists. The Library recommends that users do not post their personal information or contact information on social media sites.

Interaction (posting, commenting, or messaging) with any Library-affiliated 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-affiliated social networking website.

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