Facilities Use Policies

Glen Ellyn Public Library is committed to providing technology necessary to meet visitor expectations with respect to its primary mission and functions. In this regard the library’s strongest priority is to support and maintain the library website, the online catalog, and access to all other electronic reference databases and software available on its computers.

In fulfilling its primary mission, the Glen Ellyn Public Library also maintains and makes available Internet access which visitors may utilize to access other Internet sites not directly related to the library’s primary mission. While the library and its staff are committed to making such access available, the library cannot guarantee visitor satisfaction in accessing these other sites with the same commitment and support provided to the delivery of its primary services.

Free wireless Internet access is provided to library visitors inside the library building and in the library parking lot. Visitors are responsible for configuring their own wireless equipment.

Visitors’ experiences with websites may vary and may be beyond the control of the Glen Ellyn Public Library and its staff.

Glen Ellyn Public Library is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet Filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by CIPA, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults age 17 or over upon proof of age or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Acceptable Use

1. The following uses of the Internet and equipment at the library are prohibited: illegal purposes, and displaying graphics, which may be reasonably construed as obscene.
2. Users of the public computers and equipment are responsible for their own choices.
   Parents and guardians are responsible for the use of these resources by their own minor children.
3. Users of the public computers and equipment shall not: misrepresent themselves as another person; attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; seek unauthorized access to any computer system; damage or alter software components of any network or database; upload information to a library computer’s hard drive or equipment without authorization by staff; or modify any library screens or programs.
4. The sending of any information, including name, address, and credit card numbers, via the Internet is at the sole risk of the user. The library accepts no responsibility for unauthorized access or modification of accounts or materials accessed through the library’s equipment or networks.
5. The library reserves the right to charge for printing or use of consumables.
6. Makerspace users may bring their own consumable materials or use library-supplied materials. Makerspace-user supplied materials are subject to the approval of staff. Library supplied materials may be supplied at a cost to the user.
7. Use of a public computer is on a first-come basis. Makerspace equipment will require a reservation.
8. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the reproduction of copyrighted material. The user of the public computer or tablet is liable for any infringement.
9. Users may bring their own storage devices and media for the purposes of uploading, downloading or storing data. Documents saved to library computers’ hard drives are erased on a regular basis. The library is not responsible for damage to visitor-supplied storage devices or computers, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from use of the library’s equipment.
10. The library reserves the right to end a session at any time.
11. Library staff assistance with equipment and technology is available as staff time permits.
12. Misuse of the library’s computers and/or equipment may result in loss of library privileges.

Animals are not allowed in the library, with the exception of seeing-eye dogs or other assistive animals used by persons with disabilities, or in conjunction with library-sponsored programs.

Glen Ellyn Public Library makes its facilities available to the public to provide an environment in which persons may conveniently locate and borrow materials, access special informational resources, request informational assistance from staff, read and study quietly, and use the library’s meeting rooms.

Activities and behaviors that interfere with these public uses are prohibited.

Persons who are noisy or otherwise disruptive to use of the library, or who interfere with the work of library staff may be asked to leave the library.

The library reserves its statutory right to prohibit access to library property for improper behavior as it deems appropriate, up to and including permanent expulsion.

The library will inform all affected persons of the library’s established procedures for review of disciplinary actions (Appendix O: Patron Discipline Procedures and Guidelines). Please also see the Code of Conduct (Appendix U).

Glen Ellyn Public Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services. However, parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are on library premises, whether or not the parents are present.

Children Under Seven (7) Years of Age

Children under seven years of age (or who have not completed the first grade) must be attended and adequately supervised by an adult (18 years or older.) All children under seven years of age (or who have not completed the first grade) attending a library program must be brought into the building by a parent or responsible adult who must remain in the building until the conclusion of the program, when they again must resume supervision of the child.

Children Seven (7) Years of Age and Older

Children seven years of age or older (or who have completed first grade) are free to utilize the library’s resources provided their behavior is not disruptive to others. All children must be picked up by closing time. The library staff will attempt to contact parents of children whose safety is in doubt. If parents or caregivers are unavailable, the staff will contact the Glen Ellyn Police Department to provide custody.

Adults in the Youth Department

To provide an appropriate and safe atmosphere for children, adults (18 and over) who are not accompanied by children are to use the Youth Department only for the purposes of retrieving children’s materials or speaking with library staff.

General

Except in the case of emergency closures as stated below, the library Board of Trustees solely determines library closures.

Holiday

The library is closed on the following holidays

• New Year’s Day
• Easter Sunday
• Memorial Day (observed)
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Eve, 5 pm
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Eve, 1 pm
• In-Service Staff Training

In order to provide time for the entire staff to participate in continuing education activities, the library will close for in-service training programs two days each year, on a date approved by the Board of Trustees.

Emergency

The library may be closed as a result of severe weather, loss of electricity, or other emergencies.

The staff member in charge will make recommendations about closure if the Library Director is not available.

The library Board President, other officer or member of the Board, if available, must approve the decision.

If no Board member can be reached, the decision is solely the responsibility of the staff member in charge of the building.

The Board of Trustees will be notified promptly in the event of an emergency closure.

Bulletin boards are available for announcements of community events and programs of cultural or educational interest. They are not available for the purpose of advertising solely commercial endeavors.

Use of the bulletin board, display case or other display areas is scheduled through the Adult and Youth departments on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those who use the display cases or other display areas will be required to sign the Display and Exhibit Area User Agreement (Appendix X)

Youth department display cases are available to be used by children fourteen years and under to display personal collections. Content of the display must be suitable for all children and is subject to the approval of the Youth Department Director.

Posters announcing events or programs sponsored by nonprofit organizations may be displayed, given available space and staff review and approval.

Glen Ellyn Public Library provides information resources to its staff and members through the internet. The library also provides a limited selection of software on public desktop computers and laptops. We make these services available as part of our mission to serve the community as a vibrant center for accurate information, robust learning, and personal discovery.

The internet poses significant challenges as an information resource. The library cannot monitor or control the content of the internet. Library members and guests use services at their own discretion and the library is not responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, including but not limited to loss of data or any violation of privacy, arising from a library member’s use of electronic resources.

Members and guests using the library’s internet connection are required to abide by the current Glen Ellyn Public Library Code of Conduct and Internet Use Policy.

Guidelines

Library staff reserve the right to monitor usage and set time limits on public computers in order to meet demand and provide access to all users.

Library staff will assist users with internet use and other software packages as time permits but cannot offer extended personal instruction. Staff is always available to locate books, periodicals and other sources describing the internet and its uses and the functionality of publicly provided software.

The library is not responsible for any commercial transactions conducted by users on library equipment.

The library does not provide email accounts for library users.

Users are not permitted to save work on library computers. All user work will be erased upon logging off.

Users are not permitted to load personal software on, or attach equipment to, library equipment.

To ensure adequate resources for all, users may only access one computer at a time.

Use of the internet at the library is a privilege, not a right; verified inappropriate use will result in loss or suspension of computer privileges. Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Unauthorized tampering with computer hardware or software
• Harassment, libel or slander of other persons
• Accessing sites containing illegal material such as child pornography and obscenity
• Violation of computer system integrity, or hacking
• Violation of software license agreements and copyright laws
• Violation of another user’s privacy
• Use of internet workstations for purposes other than internet access and specific functions authorized and promoted by the library
• Viewing of pictorial sexually explicit web sites that create a harassing, hostile, and/or uncomfortable atmosphere for fellow library users
• Illegal acts involving library computing resources are subject to prosecution by local, State or Federal authorities

Children and the Internet

As with all other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Parents should supervise their children’s internet sessions if they wish to assure protection from materials they consider harmful.

While reasonable attempts are made to prevent teens and youth from viewing inappropriate content on computers in the library, no filter or other method is fail-safe. Parents are advised to have a discussion about safe and appropriate internet use with their children, which would include guidance about use of electronic mail, chat, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Parents should stress that no child should share personal identifying information over the internet.

The library is not responsible for content viewed by minors on computers or mobile devices in the library.

Library staff reserve the right to limit computer access for minors to those computers located on the first floor.

Monday through Thursday 9 am – 9 pm
Friday and Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday 1-5 pm

The makerspace is available for use by Glen Ellyn Public Library cardholders during its posted hours. It is an open, collaborative environment to facilitate learning, creativity, and connection.

Makerspace equipment may only be used for lawful purposes in accordance with copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code), patent law (Title 35, U.S. Code), and library policies, and with respect for the health and safety of others.

Please Note

• Certain equipment may have proficiency or reservation requirements.
• There may be fees associated with supplies.
• Staff must approve any outside materials used on equipment and may deny use of certain materials or tools.
• The library cannot guarantee project quality, satisfaction, equipment availability or stability, confidentiality of designs, or specific delivery times.
• Users are responsible for the storage of their digital files and providing their own storage devices as needed.
• Food is not permitted. Covered drinks are allowed.
• The makerspace is not available to outside groups as a meeting space.
• The library is not responsible for any damage, loss, or security of data arising from the use of its computers or network, nor for the functionality or quality of content produced in the makerspace.
• Library staff may deny use of library equipment and tools to individuals who do not take proper care of, recklessly use, or do not complete required training for their use.
• Users may be held financially responsible for willful misuse of or damage to library equipment or space beyond normal wear.

Using The Workshop at Glen Ellyn Public Library

To use The Workshop at Glen Ellyn Public Library (“makerspace facilities and equipment”) and participate in Makerspace Activities (defined in the Makerspace Use Agreement and Waiver and Release of Liability), visitors must

1. have a valid Glen Ellyn Public Library card
2. be at least high-school age, and
3. complete, sign, and date the Makerspace Use Agreement and Waiver and Release of Liability (the “Agreement”). Visitors under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Agreement on their behalf.

Please read the Agreement carefully, sign it, and deliver the Agreement to staff in The Workshop.

Individuals interested in tape recording, photographing, filming, etc. on library premises for non-commercial purposes must obtain permission from the library, in the form of a signed Media Production Agreement (Appendix W: Media Production Agreement)

Specific permission for the audio recording or filming of any person in the library must be granted by that individual.

No identifying personal information may be included in any media produced at the library without express written permission of the subjects.

No person may make commercial use of media generated on library property without specific written authorization by the library.

Purpose

The North and South Meeting Rooms are designed primarily to meet the operational needs of the library and offer accommodations for educational, informational, cultural, and civic functions of the Glen Ellyn Community.

The meeting rooms may not be used for private social functions, programs which are not suitable for the library’s physical facilities, or which would interfere with the library’s normal operation, or programs or gatherings which present a clear and present danger to the welfare of the participants, attendees, library staff and visitors, and/or the community.

The library does not discriminate based on political or religious beliefs or on any other constitutionally or statutorily prohibited basis. The library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints expressed during meetings or by meeting room users. Events taking place in the meeting room may not be closed to any person due to age, gender, race, religion, national origin, disabling condition, or any other legally protected category.

Use and Care of Facility

Access to meeting rooms is not permitted outside of normal library hours. Preparation and clean up time must be included in the reservation request.

State law prohibits smoking or use of alcohol or illegal substances in public buildings. Glen Ellyn Public Library is a smoke free campus; in accordance with the Library Policy smoking is also prohibited on library grounds.

Minors may use the meeting rooms only under direct and constant supervision of adults, who will assume full responsibility for activities and condition of the rooms.

Nothing may be attached to the walls, ceiling, floor, furniture, equipment, or doors of the meeting room.

Additional costs will be assessed if the room is left excessively littered or for any breakage, damage, or theft of library property.

The library is not responsible for the loss of or damage to any equipment or material owned or rented by a group/organization meeting in the library.

Due to liability and insurance regulations, all meetings must conclude no less than 15 minutes prior to library closing; all attendees must exit by library closing, or an additional charge of $25 will be assessed. Multiple violations of this shall result in revocation of library meeting room privileges.

The library retains the right to monitor all meetings, programs, and events conducted on the premises.

The library may relocate any scheduled meeting if circumstances warrant, and staff must always have free access to meeting rooms.

All meetings must be open to the public.

Cancellations

The library reserves the right to cancel any meeting due to attendance in excess of fire code regulations or in the event of a building or weather emergency.

Groups may cancel their reservation; however, refunds will not be given for cancellations made within 24 hours of the meeting date.

Publicity and Sales

In accordance with the Library Policy, no admission fees, sales, solicitations or fundraising is permitted within the library except for library-sponsored events.

In accordance with the Library Policy, no signs or flyers may be posted or distributed on library property except for library-sponsored events.

The name and contact information of the library may not be used in any publicity except as a designation of location.

Priority

Priority for use of the meeting rooms will be given in the following order:

• Glen Ellyn Public Library sponsored meetings or programs
• Meetings whose membership includes a Glen Ellyn library cardholder
• Meetings of groups whose membership does not have a Glen Ellyn Public Library card

Violations of Policy

If any policy violations have occurred, the Meeting Room Coordinator, the Library Services Director, or Library Director will notify the person who reserved the room.

Appeals Process

If a group or organization has been denied permission to use the meeting room, they may appeal the denial to the library Board of Trustees at the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting. However, written notice of said appeal and all written documentation supporting the appeal are to be delivered to the Library Director at least five business days before such Board meeting.

Review of Policy

The Board of Trustees of Glen Ellyn Public Library will review the Meeting Room policy periodically and reserves the right to amend them at any time.

The use of tobacco products is not permitted in the library. Glen Ellyn Public library is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited within the building and on library grounds.

Nonalcoholic beverages in enclosed containers and light meals are permitted in public areas of the library. Please dispose of trash and clean up after yourself. Food and beverages in open containers are allowed in the meeting room as a part of a previously scheduled event.

Solicitation within the library or on library property is not permitted.

Receptacles

No organization or individual shall be permitted to place in the library any receptacle that solicits donations.

Tickets

No organization or individual shall be permitted to sell tickets of any kind or ask library staff to sell tickets of any kind within the library.

Direct Contact

No organization, business, or individual shall be permitted to distribute advertising material or to solicit donations directly from visitors or staff in the library.

Exceptions

Fundraising within the library is permitted for

• Library-sponsored sales or solicitations
• Friends of the Library sales or solicitations that have been approved by the library Board

Enclosed study rooms are available in both the Youth and Adult departments. In the Adult Department, these rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis for high school students, adults, or younger children who are accompanied by an adult. Library staff will impose a two hour time limit when others are waiting. Users must check in at the 2nd Floor Information Desk.

In the Youth Department, these rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis for children up to grade eight. Youth Study rooms are intended to be used primarily by groups that include children or for activities with children. Library staff will impose a one hour limit when others are waiting. Users must check in at the Youth Desk.