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 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

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.

Approved by Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees on May 9, 2018

Revised 2/9/22

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 Giles Community 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 Giles Community 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 Giles Community 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. Use of meeting space on Saturdays is generally not permitted due to lack of staff to service the facility.
• 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 POLICY

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.  The library is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles, bicycles or personal property while on the premises.  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.

Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees on June 12, 2019

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.

Click here to download the Public Records Request Form

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

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

• 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