A. PATRONS
  1. User Privileges.
    1. The use of all library materials is free to anyone. In order to check out materials from the library, current identification (such as driver’s license) must be presented, or the individual must be a registered student at St. Paul Public Schools. A computer identification number will be issued.
    2. Non-discrimination. Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status.
  2. Rules of Conduct.
    1. Food and beverages cannot be brought in to the library.
    2. Soliciting in the Library building or on its grounds is prohibited.
    3. Disruptive behavior and offensive language is prohibited.
    4. Damaging, defacing or misusing library resources, equipment, or facilities is prohibited.
    5. Parents are encouraged to use the Library with their children. Children under the age of five may not be left unattended in the library.
    6. Patrons in violation of the above rules may be asked to leave the Library and/or have their library privileges suspended.
  3. Holidays. The Library will be closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve at 2:00 p.m.; Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve at 2:00 p.m.
  4. Closing. The decision to close due to weather, or any other reason, will be made by the Library Director and may follow District #1 school closings.
B. CIRCULATION
  1. Library materials may be checked out for three weeks. This includes books, magazines, audio books, and books on CD. Reference books may be checked out at the librarian’s discretion.
  2. Periodicals. Current issue periodicals may not be checked out.
  3. Videos may be checked out for one week. Videos must be checked out under family identification numbers only, not student numbers.
  4. Fines.
    1. A fine of $.10 (ten cents) a day will be charged on each overdue item. The maximum fine assessed will not exceed the cost of the item.
    2. Lost books and materials must be paid for by the borrower at the replacement cost.
C. COPYING
  1. Photocopying is available at the library for $.10 per copy.
  2. Computer printing is available at $.10 per copy.
D. INTERLIBRARY LOAN
  1. There is no charge for interlibrary loan requests.
  2. The patron must pay for any lost or damaged item on interlibrary loan to the satisfaction of the lending library.
E. REFERENCE SERVICES
  1. The Library staff assists patrons in obtaining the information that they need.
F. CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS
  1. The Library’s recognizes its circulation records identifying the names of library users with specific material are to be confidential in nature.
  2. All Librarians and employees are advised that such records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or pursuant to federal, state or local laws relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative power.
  3. The Library shall resist the issuance or enforcement of any such process, order, or subpoena until such time as proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.
G. SELECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF LIBRARY COLLECTION
  1. The Library gathers materials, both print and non-print, on all subjects of interest to the community. In collecting these materials, the Library adheres to the principles embodied in the Library Bill of Rights and this policy statement.
  2. Selection of materials follows standard guidelines.
    1. At least one of the following criteria will be used in material selection.
      1. Needs and interests of the Library’s users and anticipated users,
      2. Accuracy and responsibility of the author,
      3. Effective expression,
      4. Significance of the subject,
      5. The item’s relationship to the rest of the collection,
      6. The interests of the community.
    2. Standard book review and selection tools, such as, but not limited to, book reviews from professional journals, best seller lists, and other professional library publications, are used to determine usefulness of all print and non-print material.
    3. The Library Director shall consider Patron’s request when the material suggested will be of use in the collection.
  3. The Library collection presents opposing views on controversial topics.
    1. The Library holds the philosophy of intellectual freedom.
    2. Care will be taken so that no one patron or group determines the selection or withdrawal of materials because of individual opinions.
  4. The Library’s basic collections hold only those items that have frequent and/or lasting usage.
    1. The library secures the best discount possible.
    2. Orders for library materials are placed at regular intervals throughout the year to insure a constant flow of acquisitions.
  5. Weeding is an important part of collection development.
    1. The collection is systematically weeded.
    2. Weeding criteria includes obsolete, inaccurate, or outdated information; little or no circulation; damaged or dirty conditions, and duplicates no longer needed.
    3. Weeded material is sold to the public or disposed of.
    4. Books or items of local interest, irreplaceable titles, local authors, or other special value will be retained.
H. REQUEST FOR MATERIAL REVIEW
  1. The Library adopts the position statement of the American Library Association, the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statement on book selection and controversial materials. Copies of these are reprinted in the appendix.
  2. The responsibility for children’s reading selections rests with their parents and legal guardians. Selection of materials for the adult collection is not restricted by the possibility that children may obtain materials that their parents may consider inappropriate.
  3. The Library will reconsider any item selected for the Library collection at the formal request of a patron.
    1. A formal request shall be made by filling out “A Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources” form (see appendix) by the patron.
    2. The Library Director and the Library Board shall review the item in question.
    3. The Library Director shall inform the patron requesting the review of the decision of the Board.
I. COMMUNITY ROOM.
  1. The library community room may be used for cultural, educational, or community groups. Review of all applications to use the room and permission to use the community room will be given by the Library Director.
  2. Non-profit organizations will not be charged for using the community room.
  3. All organizations except non-profit will be charged a per day fee of $20.00.
  4. Refreshments may be served. No smoking or alcoholic beverages permitted.
  5. The group booking the room is responsible for any damage to furnishings, carpet or equipment.
J. PROGRAMS
  1. Children’s programs offered at the Library are free of charge to all children.
  2. Adult programs are offered at the Library as interest warrants.
  3. The Library will coordinate book delivery and return with area senior citizens.
K. EXHIBITS AND DISPLAYS
  1. No posters, displays, pamphlets, brochures, etc., shall be placed in the Library for distribution without permission. Staff will be responsible for placement of any article left in the Library for display purposes.
  2. The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the Library are done so at the owner’s risk.
L. COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE POLICY
  1. Each individual user must take responsibility for his or her own activities on the Internet and for the activities of his or her children. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
  2. The Library reserves the right to terminate the Internet access privileges of any person damaging the equipment or software, changing computer settings, or printing without paying.
  3. Use of the Library’s computers shall be on a first-come, first-served basis. The Library shall ask users to sign in before using the computers and to limit time if there are people waiting.
  4. The library staff will assist users with computer questions to the best of their ability. However, the staff is not responsible for the training of patrons in computer use.
M. COMMUNITY RELATIONS
  1. Publicity concerning the Library shall be under the direction of the Library Director who shall inform the public of the services and activities that the Library performs. Full advantage will be taken of all news media.
  2. The board recognizes public relations as involving every person who has any connection with the Library. The board urges its own members and every staff member to realize that he or she represents the Library in every public contact. Good service supports good public relations. Friendliness and helpfulness to patrons reflect the image we want to project.
  3. Special events to promote the Library will be held.
N. VOLUNTEERS
  1. The Library recognizes that volunteers are integral part of a well-functioning library. Cooperation and support of a volunteer staff are vital.
  2. Scheduled hours are requested of library volunteers to facilitate work distribution.
  3. Volunteers shall be under the supervision and direction of the Library Director.
  4. Library staff shall train volunteers.
  5. Recruitment and selection of volunteers shall be an ongoing process.
O. PHYSICAL FACILITY
  1. The Library shall comply with the American Disabilities Act of 1990.
P. GIFTS, BEQUESTS, AND MEMORIALS
  1. The Library accepts gifts of suitable materials with the understanding that such gifts will be added to the library collection only if and when needed, and disposed of at the discretion of the Library Director.
  2. The Board will gratefully accept unrestricted gifts of money, lands, or property. The Board, before acceptance or rejection, will review restricted gifts or bequests.
  3. The St. Paul Library Foundation, on behalf of the Library, is available to handle gifts or bequests made to the Library.
Q. PERSONNEL
  1. Employment.
    1. Selection of staff member is based solely upon merit, with due consideration of personal, educational, and physical qualifications and aptitudes for the positions regardless of race, color, or sex.
    2. Job applications shall be made to the Library Director.
    3. All appointments are made for a probationary period of three months during which time the employee’s performance is subject to close examination as to his/her competency to carry out the responsibilities and assignments of the position. An employee may be released at any time during this probationary period, after being given two weeks notice, if his/her services are unsatisfactory or if he/she proved to be unqualified for the position to which he/she was appointed. This three-month period is a prerequisite for permanent appointment.
    4. City-hired employees will be directly responsible to the Library Director.
    5. The Library Director is responsible to the Library Board for his/her work requirements and conduct.
    6. The above items may be subject to the Inter-local Agreement between the City of St. Paul, Nebraska, St. Paul School District #1, and City personnel policy.
  2. Salaries.
    1. All salaries paid by the City of St. Paul shall be set by the Library Board and sent to the City Council for approval.
    2. All salaries paid by St. Paul School District #1 shall be set by District #1 and follow District #1 salary schedule.
  3. Dismissal.
    1. The Library Director has the right and the authority to recommend to the Board dismissal of a staff member. Employees may be dismissed by the library board for the following reasons: inefficiency, incompetence, fraud, negligence, failure to work harmoniously with the public or other employees, conviction of a felony, repeated tardiness or absence without leave. In every case, the employee shall have the right to present his/her case both to the Library Director and to the Board. No staff member under permanent appointment shall have his/her services terminated without cause.
    2. The above items are subject to City and District #1 personnel policy.
  4. Staff Benefits.
    1. Emergency leave of absence, vacation, and sick leave for an employee paid by the City of St. Paul shall be governed by City policy.
    2. Emergency leaves of absence, vacation, and sick leave for an employee paid by St. Paul School District #1 shall be governed by District #1 policy.
  5. Job Descriptions.
    1. Detailed descriptions for each position are listed in the appendix.
    2. Job descriptions and requirements may be reviewed and changed by a majority vote of the Library Board at any regularly scheduled Library Board meeting.
BY-LAWS OF ST. PAUL LIBRARY BOARD
ARTICLE I Name
​This organization shall be called the St. Paul Library Board (hereafter referred to as the “board”) as established through the Interlocal Agreement Between the City of St. Paul, Nebraska and the St. Paul School District # 1 (hereafter referred to as the “Agreement”.)
ARTICLE II Board of Directors
  1. Selection. Selection shall be as set forth in the Agreement item #5 with terms beginning at the first Board meeting of the calendar year.
  2. Termination. Any board member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings, unexcused shall have his position declared vacant.
  3. Resignation. Resignation shall be made by formal letter and presented to the Board.
  4. Vacancy. Vacancies due to resignation, termination, removal, or otherwise of a Board member appointed by the Mayor and the St. Paul City Council shall be filled by the Mayor and St. Paul City Council. Vacancies due to resignation, termination, removal, or otherwise of a Board member appointed by the St. Paul School District # 1 shall be filled by the St. Paul School District # 1. An appointment to fill an unexpired term is not considered a term.
ARTICLE III Meetings
  1. A. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held bi-monthly in the even numbered months at the Library, or at such other time and place as designated by the Board. Written notice of the time and place of the meeting shall be published in the local paper one week prior to the meeting or posted in three local public meeting places.
  2. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the President or by any two Board members for transaction of such business as stated in the call. Twenty-four hours notice shall be given to each Board member, Library Director, and posted in three local public places.
  3. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of four Board members, two representing the City and two representing the School.
  4. Order of Business. The order of business at the regular meeting shall be as follows:
    1. Call to Order
    2. Approval of Minutes of the Last Meeting
    3. Correspondence and Communications
    4. Approval of Financial Report
    5. Library Director’s Report
    6. Committee Reports
    7. Old Business
    8. New Business
    9. Adjournment
ARTICLE IV Officers
  1. Number of Officers. The officers of the Board shall consist of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Financial, and such other officers as may be deemed necessary and shall be elected from among the appointed Board members.
  2. President. The duties of the President shall be as follows:
    1. Preside at meetings,
    2. Appoint committees such as Financial, By- Law, Policy, Ad Hoc,
    3. Sign necessary documents,
    4. Call special meetings,
    5. Perform such other duties as imposed by these By-Laws or the Board.
  3. Vice-President. The duties of the Vice-President shall be as follows:
    1. Perform all duties of the President in the latter’s absence or disability,
    2. Handle all public relations including notices of meetings,
    3. Perform such other duties as imposed by these By-Laws or the Board.
  4. Secretary. The duties of the Secretary shall be as follows:
    1. Keep an accurate written record of all meetings and attendance of Board,
    2. Maintain an archival file of Board minutes in the Library.
    3. Perform such other duties as imposed by these By-Laws or the Board.
  5. Financial. The duties of the Financial officer shall by as follows:
    1. Monitor monies spent and received by the Library,
    2. Propose annual budget for review by Board members,
    3. Prepare monthly budget report for each meeting.
    4. Review and present to the Board the City/School cost appropriations,
    5. Perform such other duties as imposed by these By-Laws or the Board.
  6. Succession. In the event of the death, resignation, or disability of the President, the Vice-President shall assume the duties of the office of the President and a new Vice-President is elected.
  7. Pro Tempore Secretary. In the absence of the Secretary another Board member shall be appointed to act as Secretary pro tempore by the presiding officer.
  8. Terms of Office and Election. The officers shall be elected annually at the first regularly scheduled meeting of of the year. The newly elected officers shall assume the responsibilities of their offices effective immediately.
ARTICLE V Duties of the Board
  1. Assume all duties as stated in Agreement Item 5.
  2. Maintain accreditation by attending Nebraska Library Commission and affiliated organizations meetings and workshops. Reimbursement of meeting expenses will be paid upon approval of the Board.
  3. Maintain membership to the Nebraska Library Association. The Library will pay dues for Board members.
  4. Maintain the St. Paul School District # 1 accreditation standards according to Rule 10 of the Department of Education minimum standards.
ARTICLE VI. Amendment of the By-Laws
These By-Laws may be amended at any meeting of the Board by the affirmative vote of at least four members of the Board, provided notice of the proposed amendment has been given at a regular meeting previous to the meeting at which the proposed amendment is presented for consideration, and the amendment does not violate the Agreement.
Amendment: Article II, Section A: “Selection. Selection will be as set forth in the Agreement item #5 with terms beginning at the first meeting of the calendar year.”