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Patrons 17 years of age or under need to have applications signed by a parent/guardian.
Patrons age 16 years or older must present their Library card or a photo I.D. each time Library material is borrowed.
Library users should notify the Library promptly of any change of address or loss of Library card.
Patrons age 15 years or younger who are visiting the Library without a parent or guardian may use Library services without a card by providing identification such as a birth date.
Patrons age 15 years or younger having a Bookmobile card kept at school may use Library services without their card in hand by providing identification such as a birth date.
Patrons age 16 years or older must possess a Library card in order to use an Internet computer. Photo I.D. may be presented if the users do not have their Library card with them.
A guest pass may be granted to visitors age 18 years and older who need to use an Internet computer and to visitors age 17 years and younger with a parent present. Anyone still using a guest pass after 30 days will be expected to apply for a Library card.
Replacement cards are $5.00.
Charges for some items, depending on title, may be changed. For example, some nonfiction titles cost more than $20.00. This will be determined by the division head.
A $5.00 processing fee will be added to the replacement price. The fee will be used to pay staff and materials expenses.
If a customer pays for lost material and later returns the material, the cost of the material less the $5.00 processing fee will be refunded to them, if no more than six months have passed. However, the maximum fine will be assessed.
The Library will accept cash, checks, credit cards or debit cards for lost materials. Replacement items will not be accepted. The Library reserves the right to use the payment for lost materials in whatever manner it deems most suitable.
Parents/guardians must be seated with children age 6 years and under while using the computers.
We urge users to follow the guidelines for online safety suggested by the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. Parents are strongly urged to read and discuss with their children brochures on internet safety available at the Youth Services Desk.
Adults using the internet workstations should continue to supervise all children accompanying them to the Library.
All Internet traffic from Library computers is filtered to block access to material that is obscene, or is harmful to minors. Even with filters, please be aware that the Library cannot guarantee that Patrons will not encounter information or images that are offensive or disturbing to them. The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library sanctions or endorses the content users encounter.
The Internet computers are located in public areas used by Library patrons of all ages, backgrounds, sensitivities and values. Patrons are expected to consider this when accessing potentially controversial information and images.
Patrons may not use the Library workstations for viewing, sending, or receiving materials that may be determined to be harmful to minors as defined by State of Nebraska Statutes 28-807(6).
Patrons may not use Library workstations for viewing, sending, or receiving materials that may be determined to be obscene as defined by State of Nebraska Statutes 28-807(10).
Patrons found to be viewing Internet sites that are obscene or harmful to a minor will face the following penalties. First infraction will result in a warning that loss of Internet privileges may result. Second infraction will result in loss of Internet privileges for one week. Third infraction will result in loss of Internet privileges for four weeks. Fourth infraction, and every infraction thereafter, will result in loss of Internet privileges for six months. Police will be notified of any Child Pornography accessed. Acceptability of screen display will be left to the discretion of the supervising Library staff.
Patrons found to be using another patron’s card to access the Internet will face the same penalties found in the paragraph above.
Patrons and/or the parent/guardian are liable for any damage done to an Internet workstation’s hardware or software and for any illegal acts performed through the Library’s system. This is not limited to physical damage or vandalism. Tampering with local or remote computer files and/or committing illegal violations will result in permanent loss of Internet privileges at the Library and may also result in financial liability and/or criminal charges.
Patrons may not violate licensing agreements and copyright laws (Title 17, United States Code).
Information available through the Internet is not warranted by the Library to be accurate, authoritative, factual or complete. Patrons must be responsible for verifying the accuracy of any material.
Any information, including software, downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus. The Library is not responsible for damage to an individual’s property, or loss of data or liability that may occur from that individual’s use of any of the Library’s technology or services.
Computers are available on a first come first serve basis, unless previously reserved.
Computers in the Youth Services area are for use by patrons age 17 years and younger with a signed consent form.
Parents/guardians must be seated with children age 6 years and younger while using a computer.
The Library is not responsible for damage to any user’s storage device or computer, or any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the Library’s computers.
Users are expected to treat Library equipment with respect and care. The Kearney Public Library reserves the right to restrict or terminate use of the computers if computer use guidelines are not followed.
Library staff cannot provide in-depth training concerning the internet or computer programs. Staff will assist patrons with basic services. Due to the constantly changing and expanding nature of technology, Library staff will not be familiar with every aspect of computers and the internet. Computer training classes may be offered on occasion, if needed. Manuals and software for Library computers and programs are for in-Library use only.
Youth Computer Use Policy:Computers in the Youth Services Area are for use by youth age 17 and younger with signed consent form.
Youth computers may be reserved for one hour of use. Time may be added by staff if other patrons are not waiting. A maximum of three hours per user per day is allowed on computers in the Youth Services area depending on availability.
Computers are available on a first come first serve basis, unless previously reserved. Reservations may be made at the Youth Services desk. Reservations may be made two days in advance. Reservations will be cancelled ten minutes past the reserved time and the computer will become available for walk-in use.
Computer software in Youth Services that is available for checkout may not be used on hardware in the Library. The Library staff is unable to provide technical support for items checked out of the building.
In respect of the rights of others, patrons are expected to maintain low noise levels. Listening devices and cell phone conversations should be kept to a reasonably low level. Conversations with other patrons should be kept to a reasonably low level. Any noise that disturbs others as they work and use the Library may result in a request to leave the premises.
Alcohol and/or illegal drugs may not be brought into the Library or onto Library grounds, nor may persons under the influence of either or both use the Library.
For the safety of all patrons, weapons are prohibited in the library. This ban includes permitted concealed handguns, in accordance with Nebraska Revised State Statutes 69-2441.
Harassment or other disruptive behavior is not allowed. Harassing behavior is defined as behavior that creates a hostile or frightening environment. Examples of harassment include staring at or following another person, unwelcome physical contact, abusive language, and verbal propositions.
Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the building.
Please do not eat inside the building or bring in any uncovered drinks.
For safety and hygiene reasons, all customers must wear shoes and appropriate clothing.
Patrons with skateboards and roller blades are requested to carry them while in the Library.
Please respect the rights of others to quietly study, read or work without interference.
Patrons whose bodily hygiene causes other patrons to complain may be asked to leave the Library.
Customers who do not respect the rights of others may be asked to leave the Library.
Library staff will contact the police regarding customers who refuse to leave when asked, or who are exhibiting threatening or harassing behavior.
Failure to comply with the patron behavior policies will result in the following penalties: First infraction will result in a warning that loss of privileges may result. Second infraction will result in loss of Library privileges for one week. Third infraction will result in loss of Library privileges for four weeks. Fourth infraction will result in loss of Library privileges for six months. Loss of Library privileges includes not being allowed on the premises. Behavior leading to police involvement may lead to more severe penalties.
Any illegal activity, harassment, or abuse will be reported to the police.
If an individual wishes to appeal his/her loss of privileges, he/she may file a written appeal to the Library Director within 10 days of the notification of loss of privileges. The Library Director will meet with the claimant and will make a determination within five business days thereafter. The Library Director will respond to the individual in writing.
Parents and caregivers are responsible for the behavior, safety, and supervision of their children at all times in the Library and on Library premises. Youth 7 years and under must be kept with a parent/guardian or a caregiver 12 years or older at all times.
Incidents of youth 12 years and under who are left unattended at closing time will be reported to the police within 15 minutes of closing time.
When children or persons requiring supervision are unattended, staff will make an effort to locate the responsible parent, guardian, or caregiver. If necessary, appropriate law enforcement or child protective authorities will be notified to assume responsibility for the welfare of the child or person in need of attention.
Parents/guardians who repeatedly leave a child unattended will be reported to the police.
The Library staff is not responsible for the safety, care, or supervision of children of any age at any time whether in the Library or on Library premises.