Library

Mission

To inspire a love of life-long learning by providing engaging, entertaining and informative materials, programs and services.

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Policies and Procedures

Below is a summary of our policies and procedures. A full list and downloadable copies can be found in our Document Center under the Library category.

 

MakerSpace Policy:

Click here to view information on our MakerSpace and services.

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Library Card Policy:

• Patrons must show proof of correct name and current address (preferably a current driver’s license) to obtain a card.

• A parent’s or guardian’s signature is required for children under 16 years of age.

• Lost or stolen cards must be reported immediately to prevent unauthorized use.

• Patrons are responsible for all items checked out on his/her library card (and the cards of their minor children).

• Persons living within neighboring counties or a 50 mile radius are eligible to get a library card free of charge.

• Replacement Cards – $2.00 each

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Click here to download the Library Card Application

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Loan Period:

• Please note there is a 25 item limit on each card.

• Books 21 days (Local History & Reference materials do not circulate)

• Magazines 8 for 21 days (Current issues do not circulate)

• Audios 8 for 21 days

• DVDs 3 per person for 7 days (DVDs may only be checked out on an adult’s card)

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Book Drop:

• The book drop is located in the parking area behind the library.

• To prevent damage, there is a separate compartment for books and media (DVDs and Audios).

• Items returned after close of business day will be checked in the following day.

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DVD Policy:

• Must be 16 years of age or older.

• Only 3 per person

• 7 day loan period; no renewals

• Overdue charges are $2.00 per day per item with a limit of $5.00 per item.

• The library is not responsible for any damage incurred to patron’s equipment.

• It is a violation of copyright laws to copy DVDs.

• Only DVDs marked “Public Performance” may be shown in schools or other groups (except for classroom setting).

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Fines & Fees:

Click here to view a complete list of our fines and fees.

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Overdue Items Policy:

• Patrons are responsible for returning library materials in a timely manner. Library staff can activate automatic text reminders for upcoming materials due. Computer generated notices are sent to patrons as a courtesy.

• Patrons with overdue items or fines are unable to check out library materials until account is cleared.

• Fines and fees will be applied to overdue items.

• Once an item has been overdue for 60 days, the computer system automatically changes the status to lost and charges the patron’s account the replacement cost of the item, plus two dollars processing fee.

• Once a lost item has been paid for, there is no refund. Once an item is lost and payment has been made, library staff evaluates replacing the item or updating the item for the collection.

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Renewal Policy:

• Items (except DVDs) may be renewed twice unless someone else has requested the item.

• Books belonging to Caswell County can be renewed in person, by phone, or by Internet. You will need a password to access your account online.

• Renewals for ILLs are subject to lending library policies and approval.

• Items cannot be renewed online if they are overdue or if patron registration has expired.

• Patrons with outstanding fines or fees cannot renew online.

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Reserves Policy:

Library materials may be placed on reserve (with the exception of DVDs) in person, by phone (336) 694-6241, or online using your library card and the supplied password. DVDs cannot be placed on reserve.

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Meeting Room Policy:

Click here to view information on our meeting rooms.

 

Cell Phone Policy:

• All cell phone usage in the Library should be kept to a minimum.

• Please notify the front desk if you need to make a phone call within the library.

• Acceptable phone uses include: 

  • Homework/schoolwork help at the computer

  • Brief business conversations

  • Calling for a ride

  • Confirming fax information

• Please put your cell phone on vibrate.

• Please respect others by keeping conversations at low levels (do not use speaker).

• Staff will ask anyone disturbing others by talking loudly or excessively on their phone to turn off their phone.

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Disruptive Behavior Policy:

IT IS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR FOR ANY LIBRARY PATRON. Click here to view our Disruptive Behavior Policy.

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Safe Child Policy:

Caswell County Public Library welcomes children of all ages. We ask you to help us keep the library a safe and pleasant place by adhering to the following policies.

 

A parent or caretaker must accompany children 12 years of age and under. They are responsible for the child’s behavior, while they are at the library. Library staff have multiple duties, and in order to serve all citizens, they cannot monitor the behavior of each child.

 

Unattended Children

It is inappropriate for children under 12 years of age to be at the Library unaccompanied by an adult or guardian. Library staff and administration are not responsible for unsupervised or unaccompanied children. If the library staff are aware of an unattended child, they will try to contact a parent or legal guardian. If unable to locate parent or guardian, staff will contact appropriate authorities. During special library programs for children, parents or guardians should remain on the premises (in the main library where the parent/guardian is accessible to the child) until the program has ended, in case an emergency should arise.

 

Disruptive Children

Children should be encouraged to use the library appropriately. Appropriate library activities include choosing materials, sitting at tables to read or work on projects, and working on appropriate computers. Because disruptive children can detract from other patrons’ enjoyment of the library, talking should be kept at an appropriate level. Your child must be accompanied while they are using the Internet work station. Children 12 years of age and under are not allowed to use the Internet work station without adult supervision.

 

In addition, if you are using an Internet workstation, it is not appropriate to leave your child unattended in the Children’s area. Your cooperation and adherence to these policies will help us maintain a pleasant and safe environment in your public library.

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Collection Development:

Funding and space limitations require the Library staff to be very careful when considering new materials. Materials will be selected with the informational, recreational, educational, and interest needs of the patron community in mind.

 

All acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, are evaluated by the following standards:

• Present and potential relevance to community needs

• Suitability of subject, style, and reading level for the intended audience

• Importance of keeping non-fiction current

• Reputation, credentials, and/or significance of author, publisher, or producer

• Positive reviews

• Relationships to existing material in the collection

• Within limits of budgets for materials

• Insufficient materials available on a subject

• Author or illustrator is from the local community

• Format is appropriate to Library use and is durable

• Enhances a specific collection within the Library

• Literary and artistic merit  Popularity with library patrons

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Weeding:

Library staff weed the collection based on the following criteria:

• Outdated information

• Physical condition

• Value to the collection

• Space limitations

• Infrequent use unless material makes a special contribution to the collection or is of local interest

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Donations and Gifts:

The Caswell County Public Library appreciates donations from patrons.

 

Donated items in good condition will be added to the collection provided they meet the established collection development criteria. Items not selected to add to the collection may be sold by the Friends of the Library, placed in one of the Free Little Libraries, donated to other agencies, or discarded.

 

Book and Materials Donation Forms are available to patrons for charitable donations. The library does not assign values to materials donated.

 

The Caswell County Public Library accepts all donations without regard to political, religious, or item origin. Exceptions include items affiliated with hate groups or those deemed obscene/pornographic.

 

Interlibrary Loan Policy:

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) borrowing is a courtesy extended to library patrons to have access to resources that are not in our collection or in the NC Cardinal system. The Library will work diligently to locate, and acquire the materials that you need.

• Books and materials not available in the NC Cardinal system are requested through Interlibrary Loan.

• ILL items require a $1.00 postage fee per item to be collected at the time of the request.

• If we are not able to fulfill your request, you will be refunded the $1.00 per item fee.

• Limit of 3 ILLs per person per request.

• The loan policies and charges for overdue materials and lost or damaged books are set by the lending libraries.

• The Interlibrary loan borrower will be responsible for paying any charges accrued.

• ILL privileges will not be extended to patrons with overdue items and/or fines.

• Renewal requests must be made one week before items are due. Renewal availability is determined by lending libraries.

• All ILLs not picked up within 7 days of notification will be returned to lending library and ILL privileges may be suspended.

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Internet/Computer Use Policy and Fees:

Click here to view complete policy.

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2019 Audit:

Click here to view audit.

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