The policies outlined below are for the benefit of our patrons. Please make an effort to abide by them when visiting the Library, in an effort to create a pleasant experience and atmosphere for everyone.
Who May Use the Library : Internet Use : Internet Usage Policy : Loan Periods : Fines
Who May Use the Library
Anyone may use the Library free of charge. In order to borrow materials, you will need to acquire a Southworth Library Card; a photo ID with a current
address is required when applying for the card.
Children up to age 12 need to have a parent accompanying them when obtaining a library card.
You may not obtain a library card if you have a delinquent account at any other Finger Lakes Library.
Internet Use
The Internet, as an information resource, enables the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas,
information, and commentary from around the globe. It enhances the Library's existing collection in size and depth.
Currently, however, the Internet is an unregulated medium. While it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally
enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal. It is not possible to apply
the same selection criteria which are used for other materials. The Library cannot control or monitor the vast amount of material which may be accessible from Internet
sources. Individual users and/or parents must accept responsibility for determining the reliability, suitability, and appropriateness of Internet content.
Ensuring equal access to electronic resources to those who lack private access is part of the Library's strategic plan. Public access Internet work stations
at the Library are provided as a measure of the Library's commitment to ensuring equal access to all.
The Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of Library materials and resources. While the Library
will make every effort to ensure the use of the Internet is consistent with our Mission
Statement, parents are encouraged to work closely with their children
in selecting material that is consistent with family values and personal boundaries.
Internet Usage Policy
- Patrons with a valid Southworth Library card may use the Internet.
- Anyone 16 years old and under must have a parent sign a juvenile Internet permission form which will be kept on file in the Library.
- Users sign on to use the Internet station at the Circulation desk.
- New users are required to read and accept the Internet Policy prior to getting on the computer.
- There is a $.10 charge for each black and white page printed and a $.25 charge for each color page printed.
- Accessing pornography is strictly forbidden.
- There is a 30-minute time limit for Internet users, and all computers are turned off 15 minutes prior to closing.
- Patrons may not tamper with, edit, alter, damage, or change locations or documents on the computers.
- Patrons may not install, download, or save any software, programs, or files onto the hard drives.
- Items on a child's card: $.10 per day.
- Items on an adult's card: $.20 per day.
- Videos and DVDs: $1.00 per day.
- Reference materials: $.50 per day.
NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY WILL BE GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION OF INTERNET AND POSSIBLY SUSPENSION OF LIBRARY PRIVILEDGES.
Loan Periods
Books, audio books, and magazines are loaned for 3 weeks and are renewable in person, online, and, if need be, by telephone. Please do not leave renewal
messages on the answering machine or through email.
New adult books are limited to a 2-week loan period and are not renewable.
Videos and DVDs, only three per card, are limited to a 1-week loan period.
Circulating reference books are limited to a 1-week loan period.
As a member of the Finger Lakes Library System, we have access to inter-library loan for system-wide materials, rotating collections of books on tape, books on CD,
children's fiction and non-fiction, adult mysteries, and large-print collections, and selected videos and DVDs.
Patrons may place holds on any circulating item in our library and in the Finger Lakes Library System at no charge. Inter-library loan materials may not be
renewed over their designated period as set by the loaning library.
Fines for Overdue Materials
All library materials may be returned after the Library is closed in the outside book drop. They will be processed upon the next business day.
Southworth Library items may also be returned to any FLLS Library, and we accept returns from other libraries in the system as well.
Patrons who lose or badly damage our items will be charged for the replacement.
