The Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights strives to provide the highest level of service to all library users. The following rules of behavior have been adopted by the Library Board of Trustees to protect and to assist with the use of information and cultural resources in a safe and pleasant environment, conducive to reading and learning.
PARTICIPATING IN ANY ILLEGAL ACTIVITY, OR IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES, IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE LIBRARY.
To maintain personal safety,
PLEASE DO NOT
- Leave any child who is under the age of seven or any other person who needs care unattended in the Library without adult supervision.
- Request staff to protect or monitor children, adults needing care, or personal belongings.
- Film, photograph, or interview patrons within the Library, unless approved by Library Director.
- Smoke, use alcohol, narcotics, or hallucinogens on Library property or come intoxicated or display behavior of being under the influence of in the Library.
- Bring animals into the Library, except service animals to assist patrons with disabilities.
- Fail to wear proper attire, including shoes and shirt.
- Skateboard, rollerblade, or the like.
- Harass Library users or staff, verbally, physically, or sexually.
- Carry a weapon into the Library, unless authorized by law.
- Use computers to display sexually explicit graphics or materials that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors.
- Engage in disruptive behavior that include, but not limited to: speaking above a normal tone, use of strong language, disrespect staff, running, pushing, and fighting or fail to respect designated quiet study area.
- Interfere with another person’s use of the Library, materials or services or interfere with the Library Personnel’s performance of their duties.
- Play any electronic device, including but not limited to any cell phones, audio equipment, handheld games or the like, unless the same are inaudible to others in the Library.
- Solicit or attempt to obtain signatures to a petition, conduct surveys or distribute printed materials without the authorization of the Library Director.
To protect our facility and holdings,
PLEASE DO NOT
- Steal, damage or deface Library materials, premises or equipment.
- Misuse the restrooms, e.g. as a laundry or bathing facility.
- Use fire exits, except in emergency.
- Move or misuse furniture, e.g. sitting on work surfaces or putting feet on chairs or tables.
- Enter non-public areas without permission.
- Consume food. Beverages are allowed but not in proximity to the computer centers.
- Place bicycles anywhere on Library property other than the bicycle rack.
For the purpose of enforcing these rules, the Library reserves
THE RIGHT TO
- Inspect all Library materials, backpacks, over-sized handbags, overcoats, luggage, shopping bags & packages.
- Report repeated disruptive behavior to parents, in the case of children, or to the police.
- Require anyone who engages in disruptive behavior to leave the premises. Anyone asked to leave the Library is NOT allowed to loiter in the vestibule, on the stairs, on the first floor of the Municipal Building and must leave the building and its grounds.
- Restrict library phone use by patrons unless a member of the staff determines there exists an emergency situation.
LIBRARY USERS WHO FAIL TO OBSERVE LIBRARY RULES AND REGULATIONS MAY LOSE LIBRARY PRIVILEGES AND/OR BE SUBJECT TO POLICE INTERVENTION, INCLUDING ARREST.
ANY USER WHOSE PRIVILEGES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED MAY REQUEST IN WRITING TO HAVE THE DECISION REVIEWED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
Loan Periods, Renewals, Overdue Fines & Charges
Materials can be returned in the Library itself, in the book boxes outside the Library in the Central Avenue parking lot entrance at any time, or to other BCCLS libraries.
| MATERIAL TYPE | LOAN PERIOD | RENEWALS* | OVERDUE FINE (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW Books | 14 days | 1 Renewal | $0.25 |
| Books & Paperbacks | 28 days | 2 Renewals | $0.25 |
| Summer Reading List Titles | 14 days | No Renewals | $0.25 |
| Audiobooks (Books on CDs) | 14 days | 2 Renewals | $0.25 |
| Blu-rays | 14 days | 2 Renewals | $1.00 |
| Music CDs | 14 days | 2 Renewals | $0.25 |
| DVDs | 14 days | 2 Renewals | $1.00 |
| DVDs – High Demand | 5 days | No Renewals | $2.00 |
| DVDs – TV Series | 14 days | 2 Renewals | $1.00 |
| Video Games | 14 days | 2 Renewals | $1.00 |
| Magazines | 14 days | 2 Renewals | $0.25 |
* Materials cannot be renewed if there are reserves for another patron.
Lending Regulations for Blu-Rays & DVDs
Borrower must be 18 years or older to borrow Blu-Rays and DVDs.
Borrower is financially responsible for all Blu-Rays or DVDs. $25.00 will be charged for a lost or damaged Blu-Ray or DVD; more expensive items will be charged accordingly.
Borrower agrees to abide by the copyright provision in Title 17, US Code, Section 501-506.
This institution will not be held financially responsible for any damage to a Blu-Ray or DVD player incurred while viewing our library Blu-Rays or DVDs.
Renewals
Automatic renew is now available on eligible items.
- Eligible items will renew automatically 3 days before their due date for the full loan period.
- You will receive a notification via email or text if an eligible items has been renewed.
- Notification is only via email or text, so be sure we have your current information in our system.
- You can still renew eligible items at any time through your account at this library and through out BCCLS.org.
An item is not eligible for Auto-Renew if:
- The item has reached its renewal limit.
- The item is on hold for another patron.
- Your card is expired.
- You owe $10 or more in fines.
- You have 10 or more items overdue.
Reserves
All library material except reading list books during the summer may be reserved either over the phone, on the computer, or in person.
Inter-Library Loans
The Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights can obtain materials from other libraries throughout the United States, through the State Library, for Hasbrouck Heights residents. These materials are subject to their home library’s rules and regulations.
Replacement Fines
Hardcover books: $30.00
Trade Paperback books: $20.00
Paperback books: $10.00
Blu-Rays: $25.00
DVDs: $25.00
Additional Charges
| Charge For: | Fee |
|---|---|
| Replacement Card/Key Tag | $5.00 |
| Paid Membership Library Card | $100/person** |
| Failure to pick up Loan Item | $0.50 |
** Annual Cost
The Trustees and Staff of the Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights recognize the need to protect library users’ right to privacy regarding the questions asked and the materials borrowed.
POLICY
We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted. The records of patron use of library resources, materials or services are confidential. Patron borrowing records are protected by New Jersey Statue. No staff member or trustee shall reveal the borrowing history of an individual except under the circumstances outlined by this procedure.
NEW JERSEY LAW
N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43.2. Confidentiality of library users’ records Library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the following circumstances:
a.) The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library;
b.) Disclosure is requested by the user; or
c.) Disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena issued by a court or court order.
PROCEDURE
A patron may request that staff identify items currently charged to his/her card. If a parent possesses their minor child’s library card, staff will honor requests for the disclosure of information related to that card. Children over the age of 12 years and having full possession of their library card will have their records protected.
Some records may require a special search of the transaction database maintained by the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS). In the unusual circumstance that a record of an item transaction needs to be documented, the Library Director will make a request to BCCLS.
LAWFUL REQUESTS
All records concerning library users, materials used or check out by users and computer use are confidential and will not be made available to any agency of the federal, state, county or local governments or to any other person unless a court order or search warrant requiring disclosure has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction or persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration of the library.
The Library is legally required to comply with information requests pursuant to the USA PATRIOT Act (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, P.L. 107-56, Oct 26, 2001) in providing information pursuant to this act or by other court order.
The Library shall follow the following procedures:
- Any requests for information regarding a library user are to be referred to the Library Director, or designee, who will explain the Library’s policy and the New Jersey Law.
- If the Library staff member is presented with a subpoena, he/she is to refer the presenter to the Library Director, or the Director’s designee, who is to contact the Library’s attorney to verify its validity and advise the Library of what action to take. The President of the Library Board shall also be notified of the request immediately.
- If the Library staff member is presented with a search warrant from a law enforcement officer, he/she is not to interfere with their search and seizure. The staff member is to contact the Library Director, or designee, as soon as possible, that a search warrant has been served. The Director can ask the officer to allow them arrival of counsel, the Library’s attorney shall be contacted. Library staff shall not interfere with a search conducted with a search warrant. A search warrant must be specific as to the information requested. Information outside of the scope of a search warrant cannot be released.
The USA Patriot Act requires a search warrant and not a subpoena. A search warrant can be executed immediately upon service. A subpoena, on the other hand, allows a party a period of time to respond.
Mission
The Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights provides excellent library service to its residents. We accomplish this, in part, by offering free access to the Internet.
Internet Access
The Internet, a worldwide network of computer networks, is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types. Therefore, public access to the Internet is extremely important to the mission of the Library to encourage life-long learning.
The Internet, however, is an unregulated medium. It also provides access to information that may be inaccurate, illegal, or that some may find offensive or disturbing. The Library has no control over the information found through the Internet and is not responsible for its content, timeliness, or accuracy.
Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users
Library staff will not monitor a user’s Internet use, except for length of use in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The user, or the parent or guardian of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times.
The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts Library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library’s policies.
The Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young adults under the age of 18 years.) Parents are responsible for their children’s use of the Library’s resources and facilities.
Disclaimers
While the Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, the Library specifically disclaims any liability as to the information’s accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose. The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damage related to the use of information accessed through the Library’s Internet service.
The Library will make every effort to maintain Internet access for all hours the Library is open to the public. The Library will have no liability, however, if the service becomes temporarily unavailable for technical reasons.
Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to utilize virus-checking software on their home computers. The Library is not responsible for damage to users’ flash drives or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the Library’s computers.
Use of Computers in the Children’s Department
Computers located in the Children’s Department are available to children and for the parents and caregivers supervising their children. The responsibility for and any restriction of a child’s use of the Internet rests solely with the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian.
Unacceptable Uses of Computers
All patrons are expected to comply with the Internet use guidelines described here. As with all library resources the Internet is to be used respectfully and appropriately. The public is prohibited from:
- Modifying any computer settings or equipment even for temporary use.
- Use of the Internet on library computers to send threatening, harassing, offensive messages or images via the Internet or deliberately transmitting computer viruses.
- Viewing offensive materials, such as pornography or vulgar images in any format.
- Jeopardizing the security access of computer network or other networks on the Internet.
- Misrepresenting themselves when using the Library’s Internet access.
Patrons who engage in any of the above such activities will be reported to the proper authorities. Failure to comply with the policies described here may result in the suspension of library privileges.
Filters
The Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights does not filter its computers.
Filters are known to block sites with legal information that library users may find helpful for school, job, work, health and other needs. Filters also do not fully protect children from objectionable materials such as hardcore pornography, hate speech and violence.
The Library strongly respects the right and responsibility of parents to guide their children’s library use, including the Internet. This Library encourages parents to learn about this important technology so they can guide their children.
A major purpose of libraries is to empower their users. User empowerment means having access to the broadest range of information.
The computers are placed in plain sight of both staff members and patrons.
Response to Violations
The user’s access to the Library’s computer network and Internet is a privilege, not a right. Failure to comply with this policy and its procedures will result in the forfeiture of the user’s right to access the public computers.
The Library reserves the right to modify the policies as necessary to ensure the fair and reasonable use of the Internet.
The Library maintains no record of individuals using the Internet. The Library may keep a record of patrons violating the Internet Use Policy.
Consistent with the library’s mission and with professional principles of public librarianship, this Internet Use Policy affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equity of access, confidentiality of information about users and their use of all library resources including electronic and individual responsibility. The Library affirms the following principles and user rights as delineated in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights in Cyberspace.
Guidelines for Groups using Rooms
The Library welcomes community groups, charitable and nonprofit organizations to apply for the use of selected Library rooms and areas, as available. No use of the Library, including meeting rooms, is permitted that will interfere with effective use of the Library by the general public or the regular operation of the library.
The meeting room is to be used for the purpose described with the application. Organizations may not advocate for, or promote, religious or political doctrine or beliefs. All groups must be supervised by a responsible adult and an adult will be required to complete the application.
All meetings and programs must be free of charge. Organizations may not make a collection or charge a fee to those attending the meeting/program.
Refreshments may be served, but food may not be prepared on-site. The room must be left clean and neat after the program ends. No material may be attached to the walls for display purposes.
All programs and meetings are cancelled if the Library closes due to weather or other emergencies. Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the renting organization.
The Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights is concerned for the safety and well-being of children left unattended in the library.
We urge parents to remember that the library is a public building and it is not in any child’s best interest to be left here unattended. The Library staff is not authorized to act in place of parents, guardians or caregivers. Staff members are responsible for assisting all Library customers and cannot adequately monitor unattended children.
Responsibility for the safety and behavior of minor children in the Library rests with the parent, guardian or caregiver, not with the staff. Parents or caregivers should not expect that staff can meet the specific needs of their child nor expect that staff will know if a child is leaving the building with parents or strangers.
NJSA 9:608.21 prohibits parents from endangering the welfare of their children.
NJSA 30:5B-1 prohibits the library from functioning as a child care center unless licensed by the State of New Jersey.
The library has implemented the following policy for the safety of all children visiting the library.
- Children under the age of nine years must be accompanied by an adult or responsible caregiver (age 13 or over) at all times while in the library.
- Children nine and over may be in the library without an adult for reasonable periods of time, but parents are responsible for their behavior and will be contacted if necessary. (A reasonable period of time is one to two hours shall be considered acceptable.)
- Should disciplinary problems arise; the library may ask the child to leave. In the event that such child does not comply, the Police Department will be requested to assist.
- Parents are required to be at the library no later than fifteen minutes before closing to pick up children. If, after 15 minutes, the child is still left unattended, the Police Department will be called to assist. Two staff members will remain with the child until the situation is resolved.
- Under no circumstances will the library assume custodial responsibility for any child.
- Parents and/or guardians, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children using the library and their respective parents and/or guardians will be held liable for any damage they cause.
General Policy
The Staff of the Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights can only accept unconditional gifts. Any gift to which the donor has attached conditions, terms, limits, purposes or restrictions (conditional gifts) will be considered by the Board of Trustees of the Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights Gift Committee. It is the prerogative of the Library Staff and/or the Board of Trustees Gift Committee to accept or reject any gift.
Books (Unrestricted Donations)
Unrestricted book donations in good condition will be accepted providing the donor understands that the Library will make use of these books however it sees fit. They may be included in the collection, discarded, sold in the Friends of the Library Book Sale or to a private dealer, among other options. Upon acceptance, the Library will give the donor a receipt for the books donated, however no dollar amount will be attached to this receipt. This includes unsolicited or donated sectarian material. For information on what types of donated materials we accept, visit our Friends of the Library page.
Money/Securities
Unless otherwise designated, gifts of money, stocks, or securities will be added to the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, and the donor will select the object(s) in the appropriate donor opportunity category, which they would like to have plated with the name of their designee. In the case of monies donated to name a room or area, the Board of Trustees Gift Committee will rule on the appropriateness of the name submitted. The only case in which the Gift Committee will not be involved in a conditional gift is when the monies are designated to purchase a book(s) in memory or in honor of an individual or organization; the donor may select the subject of interest for the purchase of the book(s), but not the title(s). Professional librarians will make the book selections.
Objects/Artwork/Landscaping Plants/Artifacts
All gifts in this category must be approved by the Donation Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Library. Upon acceptance the Library will give the donor a receipt for the items donated, however no dollar amount will be attached to this receipt.
Material Selection & Reconsideration Policy
A. PURPOSE
The Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights serves as a major resource for providing information, education, guidance, enjoyment and cultural interests of the citizens of the community. It has the responsibility to insure that the collections of print and non-print materials are responsive to the expressed public needs and demands and adjusts to change in order to retain a relevant role in society.
B. RESPONSIBILITY AND CRITERIA
All responsibility for a well-rounded collection rests with the Library Director and the professional staff. Materials chosen shall meet principles set by the First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution; the Library Bill of Rights, adopted by the American Library Association; the Freedom to Read Statement, adopted by the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council; and the People’s Right to Libraries Statement, adopted by the New Jersey Library Association.
The selection of materials is targeted to meeting the needs and interests of the community. The Library’s main function is to provide books and materials for all ages and reading levels and is able to draw on the resources of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System.
Professional staff will use recognized collection tools such as Library Journal, Booklist, New York Times Book Review, School Library Journal, and VOYA for purchasing new materials. Good judgment is the keystone for the ultimate addition of any new purchase.
Textbooks are not and will not be a part of usual purchases.
Requests for purchases of current materials may be made at the Library or online. Requests will be considered using professional selection standards.
Censorship is a matter of individual decisions. Every patron has the right to accept or reject material for personal use and does not have the right to restrict it for others. In the case of children, appropriate choices are solely the responsibility of the parents. Librarians cannot assume the private relationship role between parent and child.
C. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
Outdated, worn, damaged or lost materials will be assessed by appropriate staff members. Replacement will be determined by availability of current or updated content.
D. CONTROVERSIAL MATERIALS
The Hasbrouck Heights Public Library has the responsibility to provide its patrons with diverse sources of information and the widest possible range of ideas and viewpoints. Therefore, it attempts to provide materials of interest to all members of the community regardless of age, religion, national origin, social views, educational level, political view or cultural background. However, the Library recognizes that some materials acquired may be controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons and/or organizations because of perceived profanity, social, economic and political ideas, religious viewpoints, the background of the author, the kinds of information provided, or other reasons.
Acquisitions or use of any material does not imply approval or endorsement of the contents. Rather, it is a means of collection development to meet patron’s needs and does not necessarily reflect the opinion or values of the individual selector or of the Library Board of Trustees. Works are normally not excluded because of language, explicit text, or illustrations if they meet previously stated criteria.
Responsibility for the reading materials of juveniles rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of adult materials will not be limited by the possibility that personally unacceptable books may come into the possession of young people.
As expressed in the Freedom to Read statement, the Library supports the belief that “Ideas can be dangerous; but, that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.”
Persons or organizations seeking the removal of materials must fill out a Reconsideration Request Form below and discuss the matter with the Director. The Director will meet with the staff member responsible for selecting the item in question and the merit of the request will be considered. The Director will determine the retention or withdrawal of challenged materials. Requests for appeal must be made in writing to the President of the Board of Trustees. Final determination will be made by the full Board of Trustees.
At the current time, we only offer volunteer hours for teenagers, with exceptions for big events like our annual summer bash. We do not offer a regular volunteer schedule or volunteer hours for adults, and we do not offer reading to children, babies or shelving books as a volunteer opportunity.
- The schedule of volunteer work hours of any volunteer at the library is dependent upon the availability of supervisors. The number of volunteers accepted is based on the amount of work and supervisory time allocated and needed.
- Volunteers should notify the Youth Services Librarian within 24 hours if they know that they will be late or absent. Failure to give such notice will result in loss of volunteer hours. You can reach Maureen Herman at (201) 288-0485 or by email at hhlibraryvolunteers@gmail.com.
- Volunteers must sign in and sign out of the volunteer binder.
- Volunteers are ambassadors for the library and must present a positive image to the public. It is expected that each volunteer’s dress and grooming will be appropriate for a business environment and in keeping with his or her work assignment. If, in the sole discretion of a supervisor or the Library Director, a volunteer is dressed in an inappropriate manner, they may not be permitted to work their shift.
- Volunteers are responsible for updating personal data, such as change of address or telephone number, etc., with the Youth Services Librarian.
- Volunteers agree that the library may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the library, or to make changes in the nature of their volunteer assignment.
- To end a volunteer commitment, please notify the supervisor of that decision and the effective date.
The Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights is pleased to offer artists, collectors and organizations the opportunity to display their work to the community. Exhibit space is open to individuals and organizations. Organizations shall designate one person as a representative. Exhibit periods are arranged with the Adult Programs Coordinator or Youth Services Librarian. Final approval is given by the Library Director.
Application for exhibits is made on a first-come, first-served basis. The Library shall have the final decision on the content and arrangement of all exhibits and displays. The Library shall reject any display in whole or in part be inappropriate based upon local community standards.
The exhibitor may be required to show samples of the proposed exhibit.
Exhibits in the Library are seen by everyone during regular business hours, including children and adults. The materials of the exhibits and displays must therefore meet what is generally known as “the standard acceptable to the community.” Every item must meet the Library’s standard of value and quality, and the Library reserves the right to reject any part of an exhibit or display.
Because exhibits and displays are used to present fields of interest as varied as possible, the Library is not able to devote space to specific “weeks” and “days” year after year.
Partisan political and religious matters are strictly avoided in the exhibits and displays.
All drawings and paintings are to be matted and framed.
Whenever possible, the Library will incorporate books or materials from the Library’s collection which have a relevance to the subject of the display.
The areas available to the public for exhibits and displays are (2) locked glass exhibit cases located outside the Reference Wing and (2) locked small glass cases at the Youth Services Reference Desk.
The artist/collector is responsible for setting up and removing the display. All publicity related to exhibits and displays shall be submitted to the Library for approval and shall be distributed to the various media by the Library.
Exhibits and displays will normally be scheduled for a period of 4 weeks. If the exhibit/display is not set up by the assigned period, the exhibit/display may be canceled by the Library. If the exhibitor/collector must cancel a show, it is expected that he/she contact the Library as soon as possible to see if another date may be arranged.
Due to space limitations, the Library cannot provide storage for the property of groups or individuals displaying in the Library.
The Library shall not be held responsible and is expressly relieved from any and all liability by reason of injury, loss or damage to any person or property in or about the premises occurring during the exhibitors use of the premises.
No admission may be charged. Exhibitors must sign the “Agreement to Exhibit” form.
Approved by Board of Trustees of the Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights on 3/18/2014 / Revised 5/16/2023