Policies

Mission Statement

   The purpose of the McCook City Library is to meet the informational needs of the citizens of the community by providing resources to assist in their pursuit of lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, recreation and solutions to everyday problems.

Reviewed: 9/14/22

General Library Services

Microfilm collection

Microfilm may be checked out and viewed on one of the two microfilm readers available. Machine will be checked out to current and fine clear library card holders.

Collection includes:

McCook Tribune(Weekly) 

June 8, 1881-May 21, 1914

May 22, 1916-September 27, 1996

May 2, 1932-June 18, 1936

Missing: May 22, 1914-May 21, 1916

September 28, 1926-May 1, 1932

McCook Daily Gazette

January 1943-present

McCook Daily Gazette Centennial Edition

February 5, 1982-May 28, 1982

Red Willow County Gazette

July 6, 1911-July 1914

April 3, 1917-June 29, 1925

McCook Gazette Rancher Farmer Weekly

February 16,1954-January 22, 1958

Searches

The staff at the McCook City Library will do searches on the microfilm machine for the public at a fee of $5.00 a search per reel, plus .10 per page for photocopy charge and a self-addressed stamped envelope. In addition if doing a search for out of town patrons, a self-addressed stamped envelope is requested to return information.

Microfilm Reader

A microfilm reader is available for Library patron use.

Scanner

A large scanner is available for Library patrons to scan documents, photographs, and papers, etc.

Telephone Usage

Patrons are not allowed to use the Library telephone except in emergency situations or for patrons to call their families.

Copy Machine

The McCook City Library furnishes a copy machine for the use of patrons. With the following rules applied:

Patrons must use the paper furnished by the library. They are not allowed to furnish their own copy paper.

Patrons are responsible to make their own copies. Library personnel will not make copies for patrons. Current copyright laws apply to all copies or printouts printed in the library.

All copies must be paid for before the copies are taken from the building.

Copy prices are:

8 1/2 x 11

Single side               .10               color          .50

Both sides                .20              color         1.00

8 1/2 x 14

Single side               .20              color           .75

Both sides                .40             color          1.50

11 x 17

Single side               .30             color            1.00

Both sides                .60             color            2.00

Public Bulletin Board

A large bulletin board is provided in the foyer(s) where the public can post meetings, announcements, sales, services etc. with permission of the Library Director.

Exhibits and Displays

1. No poster, display, exhibit, pamphlet, brochure, booklet
etc., shall be placed in the library for distribution without permission. Staff under direction of the Library Director will be responsible for placement of any article left in the library for display purposes. accepted displays include:
a. Non-profit or reading related sponsors, community audience, local connection
b. No political materials
c. Activity must be tied to area
2. Books or materials from the library’s collection shall be incorporated whenever possible in display or exhibit.
3. The library assumes no responsibility for the damage or theft of any display or exhibit. all items are placed in the library at the owner’s risk.
4. Displays, exhibits or posters which are dated may be placed in the library no more than 30 days before the event. all undated material displayed will be removed after 30 days.

Cell Phone Usage

The McCook City Library requests that cell phones be shut off when entering the library so as not to disturb other patrons from ringing or phone conversations.

Internet

Free internet access is available to patrons, and all other library guidelines including copy charges apply. Personal devices may directly access the library’s internet connection only if current requirements for technology protection are satisfied. Free wireless is also provided.

Typewriter

A typewriter is available for use only in the library.

Restrooms

Public restrooms are available on the main floor and in the basement.

Tax Forms

Tax forms that are received from the IRS or the Nebraska Department of Revenue will be made available free to the public. If photocopies of forms or publications are requested the patron must pay the current charge per copy. Printable forms are also available on the internet at the current charge per page printed.

Animals

No animals, other than service animals as defined by federal and state law, shall be allowed in the library building.

Library Hours

The Library is open to the public a minimum of 60 hours per week.

Labor Day to Memorial Day                                           Memorial Day to Labor Day

Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.                           Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Friday-8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.                                                   Friday- 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday-10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.                                       Saturday-10 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Sunday-Closed                                                                Sunday-Closed

The decision to close the library for special events, weather or other problems will be made by the Library Director and the City Manager.

The Library will be closed on holidays that are observed by the City of McCook. If December 24 and December 31 fall on weekdays, the library will close at the time decided by the Library Director and the City Manager.

Additional Services Provided

Library staff will provide guidance and assistance to patrons in obtaining information they seek.

Staff will provide a balance in delivering its services to all patrons.

Automated card catalog

Computers for youth and children

Computers for adults

Public internet computers

Wireless Internet access for personal laptop computers

Public access to Microfilm reader/printer

Access to color/black & white copy machine

Word processing software

Internet and basic computer classes

Nebraskard

Free public information materials (flyers, pamphlets, newsletters)

Research services(microfilm)

Provide “large print” books to other area libraries(through contact with Central Plains Library System)

Provide federal tax forms

Supply applications for free materials for the visually impaired

Interlibrary loans from libraries across the United States

Current Nebraska Library Commission free databases such as NebraskaAccess and others

Downloadable books from Overdrive via the libraries website using your library card

Community/meeting room is available with a large screen TV and VCR/DVD player

Programs for Youth

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Reviewed: 9/14/22

Circulation Policy

The purpose of the McCook City Library is to meet the informatio needs of citizens of the community by providing resources to assist in their pursuit of lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, recreation and solutions to everyday problems. Members of the public who are interested and agree to the policies of the McCook City Library listed below may borrow the resources for use outside of the library. Members of the public are welcome to use resources in the library.

Library Cards

Patrons living within the city limits of McCook will receive a free library card, upon completion of application.

Patrons living outside of McCook pay a yearly fee of $10.00 per family.

We do require you to show your photo ID and current piece of mail to verify your identity and residential location when applying for a library card. Below is a list of identification that can be used:

Photographic Identification Documents(to prove ID)

Driver’s license

State-issued ID card

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration  Services Permanent Resident Card(Green Card)

U.S. Passport

Student ID

Employee ID

Any other photographic identification

Non-Photographic Documents(to prove current address)

Current Nebraska property tax bill

Current automobile registration

Utility bill dates within the past 30 days

Current lease, mortgage papers, or rent receipt that states the property address

Personal or payroll check

Any other document deemed credible by library staff

Library cards are issued to children 7 years of age and older. We require a parent or legal guardian to come to the Library and fill out the application card, agreeing to be held responsible for items checked out by the child.

If your child is under the age of 7, items are checked out on the parent or legal guardian’s  card.

Patrons 14 years of age or older will be given an adult card and will be responsible for what is checked out on their card.

NebrasKard is a statewide program that encourages Nebraska Libraries to participate in reciprocal borrowing arrangements for the benefit of libraries and library users.

Patrons from libraries who paritcipate in NebrasKard may apply for a free McCook City library card upon showing their current library card with a dated NebrasKard sticker. NerbasKard patrons are to follow policies of the McCook City Library. Nebraskard accounts may not have access to all online databases of the library.

McCook City Library patrons, in good standing, may request a NebrasKard sticker for their library card for use at participating libraries in the state of Nebraska. Non-residents(living outside of McCook city limits) must pay an additional $5.00 for the sticker per the NebrasKard guidelines.

Applications for library cards require patrons to give their name, mailing address(and residence, if different), phone, employment and/or school. A signature indicates that the patroon agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of the McCook City Library.

All library cards must be renewed annually.

Check-outs

Patrons with current cards clear of fines and over dues will beable to check out the following:

5 books (only 2 new, 2 by the same author, same subject or same series).

5 books-on-CD or Juvenile books with cassettes or CD’s (limited to 2 new).

5 magazines

2 DVDs (limit of 2 per household and must be checked out on an adult card).

New adult titles and all DVDs are checked out for a period of 1 week until they are owned by the library for a period of 3 months. At that time they may then by checked out for a period of 3 weeks.

Items which are not circulated because of inability to be replaced include: reference materials, genealogical materials, newspapers, newspapers on microfilm, the current issue of periodicals or other items as determined by the Library Director.

Patrons may check out on their library card, for in library use-public access computers, microfilm readers or the media center.

Temporary patrons visiting for one day or passing through town will be able to use public access computers, microfilm reader or media center checked out on a Temporary Patron card. Temporary patrons cannot check items that will leave the library.

Educators, daycare and pre-school providers can check out 10 items, but only 5 on the same subject or by the same author. Two DVDs can be checked out. All items may be checked out for 3 weeks and renewed once. The person checking out the items will be responsible for them. Fines will be charged if items are overdue.

Items Available for Check-out:

Books                                          DVDs

Bilingual Books                       Juvenile/Youth-Books with CDs

Books on CD                            Braille Books

Large Print Books                  Language Tapes

Magazines

Renewals

Items may be renewed once.

Renewal of an item must be made before the item becomes overdue. Renewals can be made by telephone if the request is made before the due date.

If an item has a hold on it by another patron, it cannot be renewed.

Holds

Holds may be put on items that have been owned by the library for 3 months.

Patrons may have holds on no more that 2 items at a time.

Fines

Fines are not calculated until the overdue item is checked in. Fines for late DVDs, books on CD, books with Cds, books with cassettes, box kits and backpacks are .50 a day per item with a maximum of $5.00 per item. All other items are .10 a day per item, with a maximum of $5.00 per item.

Interlibrary loan fines are $1.00 per day with a maximum of $100.00. The patron will owe the replacement cost of the item (s) and be fined up to $100.00 if the item(s) are not returned within 1 week of the return due date.

Lost and Damaged Items

The full cost will be charged for lost or damaged items. However, a replacement can be made at the discretion of the Library Director.

Any overdue items  that have not been returned within 6 months will be considered lost. When a lost item is paid for, it becomes the patron’s property; there will be no refunds.

Magazine issues are valued at $7.50 each.

Replacement of lost material is the same as for damaged material.

Cases for audio/visual materials are valued at $2.50 each.

No donated item or money will be returned, even if the original item is found.

Interlibrary Loans

Patrons must have a library card and be in good standing at the library to request materials from other libraries across the United States. Items are loaned for a period of 2 weeks to a month depending on the loaning library’s policy.

Patrons can order 2 items at a time.

Patrons must pay the cost of the return postage for each item requested.

Patrons must pay any fees that the lending library requires.

Patrons are held liable for lost or damaged materials.

Most libraries will not loan magazines, videos, DVDs, tapes, reference books or “new”books. Some will send photocopied articles.

The McCook City Library will loan books via phone, electronic mail, through the mail and OCLC system.

The circulation period will be for 3 weeks with one renewal, unless the item is on hold.

Borrowers will be expected to pay the full cost of the item is it is not returned within one month of the due date.)Fines will be assessed.)

All circulation policies apply to interlibrary loans.

Microfilm

Microfilm reel, owned by us or borrowed from a lending institution, must be used in the library.

Most libraries or institutions charge a fee that varies from state to state for the loaned micfrofilm reel(s). The patron will be responsible to pay the borrowing fees plus shipping and handling charges to return the reel(s) requested to be borrowed. Insurance must be purchased when returning to lending library.

   No one will be allowed to check out any materials or equipment if they have fines or overdue materials.

Reviewed: 9/14/22

Abuse of Library Policy

1. Use of library and services may be denied temporarily for due cause. Such cause may include failure to return materials, damage to Library property or any disturbance on Library premises.

2. Library accounts will be restricted for fines owed.

3. Patrons who refuse to follow Library Policies may be restricted from the Library. Those refusing to leave in a timely manner will be subject to prevailing laws.

4. Computer use may be denied because of unacceptable use.

Approved: 9/14/22

Patron Behavior

The McCook City Library Board, along with the McCook City Library , has approved these guidelines to set acceptable behavior for appropriate Library use.

1. Library patrons shall respect the rights of all staff and other patrons. Patrons will not interfere with employee’s duties or other patron’s right to use the Library. Unacceptable behavior includes but not limited to: noisy or uncontrolled activities, loud singing or talking, making threats of any kind or damaging property.

2. Talking should be kept at a conversational level. audio equipment shall not interfere with other patrons. Cell phone ringers should be shut off. Cell phones are to be used outside or in the foyer.

3. Children under the age of seven must be supervised by a person thirteen years or older.

4. Sleeping in the Library is not allowed.

5. Any type of weapon is not allowed.

6. Use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs is prohibited. Patrons showing signs of such use will be asked to leave the Library.

7. Food or beverages are not allowed.

8. All patrons of the Library must wear shirts and shoes while in the Library.

9. Pets are prohibited except for service animals.

10. Public internet and computer use policy is mandatory.

11. Any patron not abiding with these rules or with local or state law shall be asked to leave the Library.

12. Patrons may be temporarily or permanently banned from the Library by The Library Director. An appeal may be made by contacting the Library Director at least one week before the regular meeting of the McCook City Library Board. The McCook City Library Board meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m.

Approved: 9/14/22

Unattended Children Policy

The McCook City Library welcomes children and families to use its facilities and services. The responsibility for children is with the parent, guardian or assigned chaperone, not with library staff.

Children under the age of 6 shall at all times be attended and supervised by a responsible person(parent or guardian or person okayed by parent). The responsible person should remain in line of sight of the child, they are responsible for the behavior of the child.

Children 7 and older, visiting the library on their own, are subject to library rules. The Library reserves the right to contact parents, guardians or proper authorities if unattended children require supervision.

Children may be left unattended during scheduled library programs and the responsible person may choose to leave the building, but should plan to be at the library when the program is scheduled ro conclude. Parents may leave a contact number while they are away. Persons responsible for children who have special needs shall remain with their children at all times.

Parent, guardians or other responsible for picking up children prior to closing time. In the event that a minor 16 or younger is left after the Library hours and no one can be contacted to provide transportation, the staff will call the McCook Police Department for assistance within 15 minutes after closing time. Staff will not transport children home or to any other destination under any circumstances.

The Library staff is not responsible for the safety, card or supervision of minors of any age at any time whether in the Library or on Library property.

Reviewed: 9/14/22

Internet Usage Guidelines

The McCook City Library encourages our community to pursue lifelong c learning, cultural enrichment, recreation, and solutions to everyday problems.

The Internet is a global entity with a highly varied user population. Those who use it do so at their own risk. Many sources on the Internet provide inaccurate, unauthoritative, false or incomplete information. It provides access to information which my be personally offensive, including sexually explicit materials and materials which may be illegal. Users are encouraged to be good informed consumers and question the validity of information found on the Internet.

Computer Usage

Individual users are responsible to observe Federal, State and local laws including, but not limited to, copyright, damage to equipment and software, and illegal content.

Parents and/or legal guardians may restrict only their children form access to Internet resources.

Parents and/or legal guardians: are responsible for their children. They are required to sign a consent form for minor children under the age of 18 acknowledging their responsibility for their child using the Internet  workstation computers.

Parents and/or legal guardians, are responsible for monitoring Internet information accessed by their children. If parents are concerned about what is accessible on the Internet, they are encouraged to supervise in person their child’s session. Parents may choose to deny their child access to the Internet. If child is denied by parents they are not allowed back on the computer for 3 months.

The Library staff will not supervise Internet sessions of any person regardless of age.

Individuals using the library Internet access workstations must check a computer out on his/her library card. The Library does not maintain records about the identity of individuals using the library’s Internet resources except patrons under the age of 18 needing parental, guardian permission to use the Internet access.

The Library Director may establish rules, time limitations, usage schedules for use of the libraries computer workstations to better serve the public.

Not following the policies will result in loss of Internet privileges for one year.

Patrons are allowed to use their own discs and USB/flash drive to save their information.

Library staff cannot be responsible for in-depth training on the Internet and other computer programs and answer simple questions. Patrons may request one-on-0ne with staff for more instruction at a designated time. Help will be available at certain times by the staff; please inquire at the front desk.

Computer Conduct

Library patrons in good standing may check out a public access computer on their library card. Guests may be allowed to use library computers using a temporary card. Patrons are allotted a 45 minute time slot with a maximum of 3 time slots per day. The computers are shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.

The Library’s computers and/or Internet connection may not be used for illegal activity or to access illegal materials.

Computer users will follow copyright laws and licensing agreements.

Patrons will not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to local or remote restricted files or networks or to damage or modify computer equipment or software. Deliberate attempts to circumvent data protection, or other security measures are not allowed.

Prompt payment is asked when charges for printing or other fees incurred.

Reasons for termination of computer session include, but not limited to, behavior, disturbing library patrons or staff, misuse of computer, improper disabling of security or other software damaging library property, illegal activity, etc.

Patrons must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by authorized library staff, even if they have not completed their session.

Patrons will respect the privacy of others wand will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.

Only one user at a time per computer station, unless permission is granted from Library staff.

All library policies relating to behavior in the Library apply to computer users. Patrons must comply will all applicable city, state and federal laws. Examples of laws include: libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, computer fraud, spamming and child pornography.

The McCook City Library upholds the right of confidentiality and privacy for all library users, in order to protect privacy of the user and the interests of other library patrons. In doing this the Library will manage access to the Internet by the use of workstations, placement of terminals and/or other means.

Termination or Prohibition of Use

Library staff has the authority to ban a computer user from the current or subsequent sessions if they have failed to comply with Internet policy. After confronting the user, the staff member will write an incident report on  he details and turn it in to the Library Director.

Internet users whose access has been terminated or prohibited may protest the action and/ or request that computer access privileges be reinstated using the library’s regular complaint form.

Acceptance of Use

The McCook City Library considers use of any public access computer in its facilities to constitute and acceptance of its Internet Policy, including Computer Usage and Conduct as posted in policies and on the public access screen.

Reviewed: 9/14/22

Confidentiality of Library Records

Nebraska state law regarding confidentiality of library records, Law 84-712.05′ states “Records which may be withheld from the public,” states “The following records, unless publicly disclosed in an open court, open administrative proceeding or open meeting or disclosed by a public entity pursuant to its duties, may be withheld from the public by lawful custodian of the records:…(10) Records or portions of records kept by a publicly funded library which, when examined with or without other records, revealed the identity of any library patron using the library materials or services.’

It is the policy of the McCook City Library to maintain complete confidentiality of all library circulation records.

Approved: 9/14/22

Collection Development Policy

The McCook City Council, Library Director, Library Advisory Board and Library staff agree that no group has the right to take the law into its own hands and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. As a responsibility of library service, books and other library materials selected should be chosen for values of interest, information and enlightenment  of all the people in the community. In no case should library materials be excluded because of race or nationality or the social, political or religious views of the author. If anyone finds any material offensive, the Request of Reconsideration of Library Materials is available to fill out.

The library will select from the mass of available materials and organize for easy access those books and material, which best meet the needs of the community. The library subscribes to the Freedom to Read Statement and the Library Bill of Rights  prepared by the American Library Association. The responsibility for book selection rests with the Library Director with recommendations from the Library Advisory Board, Library staff and public requests.

The library maintains a vigorous program on behalf of intellectual freedom.

Care will be taken that no one patron or group unduly influences the selection or withdrawal of library materials.

Library Collection

The library collection is kept relevant by adding purchased or donated items that enhance the collection.

Collection includes:

Items referring to McCook or surrounding area are added whenever possible.

Popular fiction and non-fiction titles for all patrons are a major part of the library’s collection. Titles with lasting interest will be added to the library’s collection.

A paperback exchange is available for all patrons. Any patron is able to take as many as he/she likes in equal trade. These books are not checked out: therefore, a library card is not needed.

Periodical titles available cover current issues, popular culture, hobbies, local news, sports, recreation, home decor, regional news and children’s interests.

DVDs including instructional, documentaries, entertainment and children’s subjects are available.

Selection of materials to be added to the library collection is decided by the Library Director.

Material selected must fit the needs and interests of library patrons and future users. Importance of subject matter, dependability of author and subject, and how the item will fit in with the rest of the collection is also used in the decision to add to the collection.

Selection is helped by book reviews from professional journals to which the library subscribes, best seller lists, public demand, and requests.

Additions to the McCook City Library collection are dependent on financial factors including: City of McCook budget, donations of money to purchase and donations of items themselves.

Collection additions are added monthly to ensure a regular flow of new materials.

The McCook City Library cannot purchase all items that are requested by patrons. Therefore, they are augmented with inter-library loan to access material beyond our library. The patron’s card must be in good standing to use the inter-library loan service. See inter-library loan under Circulation Policy.

Weeding

The McCook City Library supports the american Library association suggestions that libraries weed up to 3% of their collection a year, so that the collection will be attractive, usable and accurate. Materials which no longer meet the stated objective of the library will be discarded. The CREW method (Continuous Review, Evaluation and Weeding) is used for weeding.

The City Manager may authorize the Library Director to sell, exchange or dispose of any surplus, damaged, defective, obsolete or duplicate books in the library.

Records shall be kept of any such surplus damages, defective, obsolete or duplicate books.

Weeded books are sold to the public by the McCook Library Foundation.

Request for Reconsideration of Materials

If a patron of the McCook City Library believes an item is inappropriate for the collection, he/she may file a written Request for Reconsideration of Materials.

The Library Director will review the Request for Reconsideration of Materials and will respond in writing within 7 working days.

If response from the Library Director does not satisfy the patron, he/she may schedule an appointment with the City Manager at the city office to discuss the matter.

Approved: 9/14/22

Gifts, Memorials and Donations

Our community support is vital to the McCook City Library. Gifts and donations to the library are always welcome.

Donations may be made to the McCook City Library or the McCook Public Library Foundation which is a 501 (c) organization.

1. Donations

a. The Library accepts gifts of books, pamphlets, magazines, DVDs and the like with the understanding that they will be added to the collection is needed, traded out with an already owned copy or sold on the the McCook Library Foundation’s book sale.

b. The Library will not affix a value for tax purposes to gifts. This i the donor’s responsibility. However, if asked, the Library will acknowledge the donations with a receipt or letter specifying the quantiy and condition of the the donation for the donor’s record.

c. The same selection to purchase is applied to donations. Some may not be used for these reasons:

1. Poor condition

2. May not add value to the collection

3. Library may have enough items on topic

2. Major gifts

a. Unrestricted gifts of money will be gratefully accepted.

b. Restricted cash gifts, land, etc will be reviewed by the Library Director, Library Advisory Board and the City of McCook before being accepted.

3. Memorial gifts

All memorial gifts and books added to the collection will include and appropriate book plate identifying donor and purpose, if requested by the donor.

Approved: 9/14/22

Patron Complaints

The McCook City Library strives to provide the best possible service. We will receive and respond to patron concerns, complaints and suggestions. The feedback helps the Library improve its’ service and build customer support.

Patrons holding a valid library card are welcome to express their complaints by filling out and signing the complaint form.

If the patron does not fill our and sign the form, the complaint will not be taken into consideration. Petitions are not accepted.

Each individual must complete a form.  Forms may be obtained at the front desk.

Reviewed: 9/14/22

Program Policy

The McCook City Library provides various programs for different age groups. Programs are a vital part of the library’s operation and service to the community. Programs involve: staff assisted, speakers, presentations and group activities. Suggestions are welcome with the final responsibility for program selection with the Library Director within the policies set by the City of McCook.

Children’s programs are free to all children with current McCook City Library cards.

Story Time

Story time is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, who meet on Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:00 a.m. Stories are read and interaction is encouraged.

Daycare Visits

The children’s librarian visits day care facilities monthly on Friday mornings and pre-schools monthly throughout the week. Stories are read and interaction is encouraged.

Summer Reading Program

The Library offers a summer reading program for Pre-K-6th graders. The program includes: reading, crafts, games and activities based on a theme and carried throughout the summer. Registration is required.

Terrific Tuesdays

This group is for children 1st-5th grade. Different activities are done each week including: Legos, board games, card games, puzzles, crafts and a surprise on the 5th Tuesday of a month. The group meets from 4-5 p.m. and registration is required.

678 Club

The 678 Club is a reading group for 6th, 7th and 8th graders who meet the second Monday of the month from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Reading activities, games, social time and snacks are a part of this program.

High Schoolers

This reading group meets when it can. For more information contact the children’s librarian.

Outreach for the Home Bound

The McCook City Library will deliver books to people who are home bound and cannot get to the Library. Books will be checked out on their patron card and delivered. When books are due, the patron will be contacted and the books will be retrieved and new books left. For this service call the McCook City Library at 308-345-1906.

Computer Classes

Computer classes are offered to McCook City Library patrons. Classes are very basic and are designed to help with basic computer skills. Contact the library if interested.

Volunteer Programs

Delivering books to and from the home bound is a service for which volunteers are needed. Contact the library if interested.

“Adopt-a-Section” of your library is a program to keep clean certain areas clean and tidy on a regular basis. Volunteers need to check with the Library Director for times and section of the library that is available.

Evaluation Program

All programs are evaluated by attendance and comments from attendees. Some programs’ attendees may be asked to complete an evaluation. Attendance at programs at the McCook City Library may be restricted based on room capacity, resources available, staff or age appropriateness. Programs held in the meeting room will abide by the meeting room policies.

If interested in any of the programs, please call the library at (308) 345-1906.

Reviewed: 9/14/22

Meeting Roomy Policy

As a service to the community the McCook City Library provides a meeting room for public use during regular business hours. Those using the room are expected to help maintain the upkeep. groups or individuals who abuse this policy will be subject to restriction from future use.

*Library activities have preference for meeting room use.

*Groups must not exceed the legal capacity posted.

*Use of the meeting room by a group shall not imply endorsement by the McCook City Library, McCook Library Foundation. McCook Library Advisory Board or the City of McCook.

*Rooms will be left in the same condition as found. This includes returning tables and chairs to their proper places.

*Library staff should be notified immediately if there are any problems with the room.

*No alcoholic beverages, gambling, illegal substances or activities are permitted. No smoking or open flames are permitted anywhere in the building.

*Restrooms are located on upper and lower level. Handicap restrooms are located on both floors.

*There will be no permanent storage of any materials or equipment in the meeting room.

*The McCook City Library is not responsible for accidents, injury, loss, theft or damage of individual property that occurs while the meeting room is in use. McCook City Library is not responsible for personal items.

*No activity will interfere with the everyday activities of the library including: loud music, unsupervised children etc.

*All children’s activities must be supervised by an adult.

*The McCook City Library staff is not responsible for the supervision of children while parents are attending a program in meeting room.

*The Library reserves the right to top any program for violation of rules, or if users behave in a disruptive way.

*The Library reserves the right to deny the use of the rooms to any person or group.

*Prospective users of the room must contact the Library to set date and time of meeting.

*Large groups should use the parking lot north of the library.

*A large TV with DVD or Video player, wireless internet and a white marker board are available for use.

*The McCook City Library reserves the right to cancel any meeting due to weather closings, power outages or other unforeseen events. If circumstances arise not covered above, the decision of the Library Director is final.

Approved: 9/14/22

Physical Facilities Policy

The McCook City Library accepts responsibility to see that the Library’s facilities are maintained to adequately meet the physical requirements of a public library. The building should offer to the community a welcoming feeling to enter, read, look, listen and learn while they are here.

Approved: 9/14/22

Emergency and Safety Policy

The McCook City Library attempts to provide a safe environment for all who use the facility. In the event of a major disaster involving a larger part of the community, the library will adhere to the City of McCook-Local Emergency Operating Plan (LEOP).

I. Weather Emergencies

A. Tornado

1. Patrons must either leave the building or take shelter int he library’s lower level when notified by library staff that a tornado warning is in effect. Children attending a library program at the time must head to the lower level or be released to an adult. When the main floor is evacuated, all doors will be locked except those heading to the lower level.

2. If a tornado hits with little or no warning and there is no time to evacuate to lower level, patrons and staff should take shelter away from windows and exterior walls by taking refuge under furniture.

B. Snow Storm

1. The McCook City Library may open or close early when winter weather presents a danger to patrons and staff. The Library Director shall be authorized to close the library due to weather.

2. If the Library is closed due to bad weather, staff will post notices on entrances and notify radio stations. The Library Director will notify the City Manager of the closing as soon as possible.

3. Programs for all ages may be cancelled whenever the McCook School District calls off school because of inclement weather, regardless of whether or not the library closes.

II. Facility Emergencies

A. Fire

1. At first indication of smoke or flame or if the fire alarm is activated by a patron or staff- CALL 911.

2. Do not use the elevator to evacuate the lower level.

3. Staff should be aware of alarm locations and operation of fire extinguishers in the building.

4. Library staff will wait for emergency personnel at both entrances to notify them of the location of the fire and then meet with staff at a pre-determined location of safety.

B. Loss of Utilities

1. If electrical power is lost for at least 2 hours or if the loss makes the temperature or the lighting in the library difficult, the Library Director may choose to close until the problem is resolved.

2. If the water is shutoff to the library all restrooms will be closed immediately.

3. If the natural gas supply to the library is interrupted during the winter months and the temperature drops enough to make working in or using the library uncomfortable, the library will close until the problem is resolved.

4. If a plumbing problem is limited to a certain area, the area will be closed off and professional help will be called. The Library Director may choose to close the library if the plumbing problem affects major parts of the library. Professional help will be called immediately.

C. Bomb Threat

1. If the Library receives a bomb threat, staff will try to keep the caller on the line as long as possible, noting detail about the caller’s voice, background noises, etc.

2. After caller hangs up or when a bomb threat is received in other ways besides the phone, police will be called immediately to make them aware of the situation as well as the location of the library staff person involved. If a personal cell phone is available, police should be called when the threat is being made. Other staff should get everyone out and at least 600 feet away from the building.

3. Staff will provide the authorities with the information taken on the phone.

4. If bomb threat is near the library, emergency personnel will decide if evacuation is necessary on staff involved in case of more questions.

III. Personal Safety

A, Health Emergencies or Accidents

1. Staff will make the effected person comfortable and call for emergency personnel (911). Staff should not provide first aid unless certified.

2. At no time should staff ever dispense medication including aspirin to the public.

3. Following the incident, staff should complete the City’s accident report form and submit a copy to the Library Director and/or City Manager.

IV. Reporting Emergencies

A. All emergency situations should be reported to the Library Director as soon as possible. The Library Director will contact the City Manager.

B. No information will be given out to the public without permission of the Library Director and/or City Manager. Information about non-emergency situations that may affect the public will be approved by the Library Director and/or City Manager before being released.

Advocacy Policy

Policy statement-

The purpose of this policy is to determine McCook City Library’s Board’s role in advocacy for the McCook City Library.

The McCook City Library is under the management of the City of McCook with the McCook Library Advisory Board as an advisory board. The Board has powers and duty to advise and recommend to the City of McCook including the City Council and City Manager. The policies are used to achieve the Library’s purpose and mission.

The Board’s role in advocacy:

1. The community is aware of the importance of the Library.

2. The City Council and City Manager understand the importance of the library in the community.

3. The city, state and federal legislatures respond to the needs of the city library, community, and supporters.

Advocacy targets:

1. Community

The McCook City Advisory Library Board will work together with staff to maintain and build good relationships with individuals and community organizations, therefore, continuing support for the Library.

2. City, state, and federal administration

The board will make awareness of issues relating to public libraries at all levels of government and support of the library a priority.

3. City Administration

The board shall work with the City Council and city staff on a continuing basis to ensure ongoing support for the Library.

Approved: 9/14/22

Intellectual Freedom Policy

The American Library Association states “Intellectual Freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expression of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may be explore.” The McCook City Library’s goal is to make its collection and services open to a wide variety of choices.

Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs of affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 19, 1939.

Amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; and January 23,1980; inclusion of “age’ reaffirmed January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council.

Approved: 3/12/2014

Reviewed: 9/16/2016, 7/10/2019, 9/14/2022

 


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