Policies

Lending Periods and Late Fees:

• The library is a fine-free library, so no charges will be accrued for late items; however, we do ask patrons to be  responsible for items and return them when they are due.  If you need an extended due date, please call us to see if an extension can be made.
• The library will not refund money for items that are lost and paid. After the lost fine is paid, the item belongs to the patron.

The Coraopolis Memorial Library’s policy for children 12 years of age or younger who visit the library states:  “Children age 12 or younger who visit the library MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian of at least 16 years of age in order to stay beyond a normal transaction time of picking up materials or choosing books for check-out.  Children are not permitted to use the computers without a parent or guardian of at least 16 years of age and are not permitted to loiter.  It is not reasonable for parents or guardians to assume that library staff will be responsible for their child’s safety and care throughout the course of a day when left unattended; therefore, in an instance of a child being dropped off without adult supervision, the parent/guardian will be contacted and will be told that the child must be returned to their care.”  This policy will be strictly enforced to help keep children safe while on the premises.

In an effort to ensure that the use of Internet is consistent with the mission of the Coraopolis Memorial  Library, the following regulations shall apply:

• Users are no longer required to use a library card to access the computer.
• The library reserves the right to establish procedures that make the workstations available on a first come first served sign-in basis.
• All patron computers shut down one half hour before closing time.
• Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the library’s policy on acceptable use: Workstations must be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of other users. Users may not make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software. Computer and Internet settings may not be changed. Users may not use the network to make unauthorized entry into other computational, informational or communications services or resources. Users may not invade the privacy of others or engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.
• Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties that may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities on the Internet. Access, use of dissemination or information via the Internet in the library, is the responsibility of the user. In the case of minors, it is the join responsibility of the user and the parent or legal guardian.
• Coraopolis Memorial Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the library.

• Internet access at the Coraopolis Memorial Library enhances our existing print collection and helps us to meet our community’s information needs.
• The Internet is a global resource with a highly diverse user population and information content. Library patrons use at their own risk or own discretion. We cannot and do not accept any responsibility for its content, online breakdowns by providers, or virus downloaded by any user. We are not responsible for any direct or indirect damage related to use of information from the Internet. In choosing sources to link to through our pages, we follow generally accepted library practices.
• Parents or guardians are responsible for the information and materials accessed by minors as no filtering system is completely effective.
• Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities on the Internet. The Coraopolis Memorial Library will not release information on the use of Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the library.

The goal of the Coraopolis Memorial Library is to ensure that all patrons who visit have free and open access to ideas and information necessary to a democracy. The library seeks to promote literacy, provide access for educational research, and encourage lifelong learning by providing library materials and information services, including those accessed through the Internet.

The library reserves the right to end an Internet session, to designate computers for specific purposes, to set time limits and to require registration. In an effort to ensure that the use of the Internet will be consistent with the Library’s goals, the following regulations will apply:

• Internet stations will be placed where they can be monitored by the staff.
• The library reserves the right to establish procedures that make the Internet stations available on a first come, first serve sign-in basis.
• Children’s computers may be used for 30 minutes. Adult computers may be used for 2 hours. A patron may request more time if there is a legitimate reason for the additional time.
• Only one person will be allowed at each computer at one time.
• Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library’s policy on acceptable use: the Internet workstation must be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of other users. Users may not make any attempt to damage computer equipment, change settings, make unauthorized entry into any other computer service or computer resource, invade the privacy of others or engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.
• The library does not allow the use of any personal software or any discs from outside the library.
• The Internet workstations cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including any activities prohibited under any applicable federal, Pennsylvania or local laws.
• The Coraopolis Memorial Library prohibits minors from accessing Internet and on-line sites that contain or make reference to explicit sexual materials as defined by 18 PA, C.S., Section 5903. Parents or guardians are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet. The library staff will tell minors to stop if they are observed accessing Internet and on-line sites that contain or make reference to explicit sexual materials.
• It is the user’s responsibility to be aware of the display of any notices concerning the copyright of information on the Internet and to respect the copyright laws of the United States.
• The Coraopolis Memorial Library is committed to providing an employment environment free from sexual harassment. Users may not display on screens and/or printers materials that may be unlawful or prohibited under any applicable federal, Pennsylvania, or local laws.
• Copies made from the Internet are $.15 per page for black and white and $.50 per page for color. Patrons are responsible for paying for ALL pages printed.

• Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the library’s Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources.
• Any illegal activity involving the library’s Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
• The library reserves the right to take appropriate action to insure compliance with this policy.
• This policy may be revised periodically.

In this application and interpretation of this policy, the Coraopolis Memorial Library will use as reference the American Library Associations’ Code of Ethics, Freedom to Read Statement, Library Bill of Rights, and interpretations as they apply to electronic resources.

The Library Board meetings are open to the public.  If there is inclement weather or other pressing reason for postponement, the meeting will be rescheduled; call for details.