AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE 

ADA COMPLIANCE STATEMENT 

The Person County Public Library complies with of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “ADA”) and offers alternative reasonable compliance to meet its requirements. The library will take appropriate steps to ensure that library communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with ADA disabilities are as effective as communications with others; will make reasonable accommodations in library policies, practices and procedures whenever necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless a fundamental alteration in a library program would result; and operate its services, programs and activities so that when viewed in their entirety, they are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. 

Implementing this policy is the responsibility of all library staff.

METHOD OF NOTIFICATION: A copy of this policy shall be included with the library’s other policies and shall be posted in the library. 

If a person with visual impairment or other disability inquiries about this policy or about the library’s ADA services, staff shall offer to read the policy and to provide appropriate ADA services. 

PROGRAMMING 
Any person needing an accommodation for a disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to access library meetings, services, programs, or activities of should contact a member of the library staff by telephone at 336-597-7881 or in writing five (5) working days prior to the meeting. 

ACCOMMODATIONS TO PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY 
All library staff are available to provide ADA assistance and to assist a member in the communication of an ADA request, if needed. 

Staff will assist a member with a disability in any reasonable way needed, including opening doors, carrying, retrieving library materials, completing library forms, etc. 

Despite the library’s best efforts, not all library materials may be available in accessible formats, not all areas of the library are available to individuals with disabilities, and not every library program, service and activity can be made accessible to every disabled person without fundamentally altering the nature of the service, activity or program. However, the library does make every reasonable effort to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities upon request. 



MEETING ROOM USERS: 
Groups using the program room and presenters are required to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The library offers the facility as a service to community groups, but has no responsibility for the groups using the room. 

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:
Persons who believe they have been discriminated against based on their disability should file a complaint with the Library Director. An ADA complaint should be submitted to the Library Director in writing and should contain information about the alleged discrimination, including the name, address and telephone number of the individual filing the claim, and also the location, date and description of the problem. The ADA complaint should be submitted to the Library Director as soon as possible, but not later than 60 calendar days after the alleged ADA violation. 

ADA complaints will be brought to the attention of the County Manager and the County Attorney to ensure timely review of complaint, follow-up with the individual who has filed complaint, and to seek possible resolution of complaint. 

Individuals may also file an administrative complaint with the U.S. Equal Opportunities Commission (EEOC) within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination, or may file a lawsuit for injunctive relief and damages. 

Any and all of these methods may be pursued at the same time.
Individuals are protected from retaliation or coercion when pursuing their rights or responsibilities under the ADA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: 
In accordance with Section 35.106 of the ADA’s Title II Regulations, all applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons are advised that further information may be obtained from the Library Director and / or from the Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20035-6118. Telephone: (202) 514-0301 (Voice) or (202) 514-0381 (TDD). 

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SERVICE ANIMALS 

The Person County Public Library recognizes that service animals assist people with disabilities; therefore, all service animals (including those in training) are welcome at the library. In conformance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), library employees may only ask two questions: 

(1) Is this service animal required because of a disability?
(2) What work or tasks is the animal trained to perform? 

Animals, other than service animals, are not permitted in the Library, unless as a part of a program authorized by the Library Director. 

Per U.S. Department of Justice, a service animal is defined as follows: “Service animal means any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler’s disability.” 

The library will require service animals to meet reasonable behavior rules, and will require service animals to be licensed and vaccinated. Dogs must wear current rabies vaccination tags. The patron is responsible for the care and supervision of the service animal at all times. 

The patron will be asked to remove the service animal if: 

• The animal is unruly, disruptive, or exhibits aggressive behavior 
• The animal does not meet the definition of a valid service animal as defined above 
• The animal is not harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the handler is unable to do so because of  a disability 
• The animal is not bathroom trained 
• The animal is unclean 
• The animal is ill 
• The animal’s owner does not clean up after the animal
If the service animal is removed, the handler shall be allowed to return to the library without the      service animal
If a patron is allergic to animals, then staff should make every effort to keep the animal and the allergic person separated, as much as possible. 

If other patrons complain, staff should state that “the library is in compliance with the ADA.” 

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CODE OF CONDUCT & PATRON RESPONSIBILITY 

The Person County Public Library offers library service to all residents of Person County, regardless of sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs, ethnicity or economic status. The library staff is committed to providing a welcoming, quiet, safe environment in which to study, browse, and utilize library resources and services. 

Staff and library users have a right to assume that their time spent in the library will be safe, free from physical or psychological harassment, stress or discomfort. In order to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all concerned, the following rules of conduct and courtesy must be maintained. These rules and guidelines are for the protection of all who use the Library. The library staff may require a patron to leave the premises, call the police or ultimately bar a patron from the library for noncompliance with this code of conduct. If you observe patron behavior which does not meet this code of conduct, please contact a staff member. 

The following are actionable items: 

ALCOHOL/DRUGS: Alcohol or illegal drugs may not be brought into the library. 
ANIMALS: Only animals trained to assist disabled individuals or certified therapy animals are permitted in the library. 
BEVERAGES: Beverages in covered capped containers are allowed in the library. Food, unless part of a library sponsored event, should not be consumed in the library. 
COMPUTERS: Violating the terms of the library’s Computer and Internet Use Agreement. 
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY: Committing a crime, as defined by Federal, State, and Local laws. 
DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS: Harassment, disorderly conduct or other behavior that disrupts library use is not acceptable.

Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to: 
(1) brawling or fighting; 
(2) disturbing an assembly; 
(3) engaging in offensive, obscene, lewd, abusive, boisterous, harassing, or noisy actions or using offensive, obscene, lewd, or abusive language, or spitting, which may harass or arouse alarm, anger, or resentment in others; 
(4) refusing to comply with reasonable request from library employees, or 
(5) failing to monitor and supervise children and teenagers (Parents and legal guardians are expected to supervise children and teens when visiting the library. Library staff do not act in loco parentis). 

Inappropriate behaviors include, but are not limited to: 
(1) Running inside the library; 
(2) Climbing on furniture and equipment; 
(3) Sleeping in the library; 
(4) Using public bathrooms for bathing. 

FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES: Attempting to use another individual’s library card without permission; or, presenting fraudulent identification in an attempt to acquire a library card. 
FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT: Rearranging furniture and equipment without permission is not allowed. 
GANG ACTIVITY: No gang activity is allowed in the library. 
LANGUAGE: Offensive, abusive or intimidating language is not acceptable. 
LOITERING: Entrances, doorways and stairs must be kept clear at all times. 
NOISE: The library is a quiet environment. Loud talking or other loud sources of noise are not allowed. Audible use of radios, CD players, or other electronic devices is not allowed in the library. Cell phone usage should be kept to a minimum at all computer/viewing stations and the quiet study room. Please make and receive cell phone calls in the front entrance area (between the doors) or on the back-patio area. Cell phones should be set to silent or vibrate mode when turned on inside the library.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Filming and photography is allowed if it does not interfere with the delivery of library services. Persons filming or taking photographs on library premises are responsible for gaining all necessary permissions to use the photos. 
SKATEBOARDS AND IN-LINE SKATES: Carry skateboards and remove skates while in the library. 
SMOKING: Smoking is not allowed in the library. 
SOLICITATION: Solicitation is not allowed in library public areas or on the library sidewalks. This includes posting notices or distributing leaflets with authorization. 
STAFF AREAS: The public is not permitted behind the public service desks or in other non-public areas. 

STEALING, DEFACING, OR DESTORYING LIBRARY MATERIALS OR PROPERTY. 
THREATENING BEHAVIORS: 
This includes: 
1. threatening the safety or rights of an individual, including but not limited to, abusive language, violent or discourteous behavior, or threats of violence. 
2. Impeding or any way interfering with the free movement of any individual or group. 
3. Attempting to intimidate library employees and / or other library users including, but not limited to staring at or following individuals around the building. 

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GENERAL GUIDELINES 

CLOSING TIME: Please leave the library, including vestibule, promptly at closing time. It is strongly recommended that all children are accompanied by someone who can take responsibility for them outside the building at closing time. 
DRESS: Shoes or sandals and shirts should be worn in the library.
EMERGENCIES: When the alarm sounds, please follow staff directions promptly. 
FURNISHINGS: Furnishings should be used only for their intended purposes.
RUNNING: For the safety of all patrons, please do not run in the library. 

CONSEQUENCES OF UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR
 
Inappropriate behavior as outlined above or the commission of any crime on library property will have consequences. Patrons may be asked to leave the library premises immediately. In addition, a patron may be barred from library premises temporarily or permanently depending on the severity of the offense. To enforce these policies, library staff are authorized to call for police assistance or to take any other measures reasonably appropriate and necessary. 

Criminal behavior will be prosecuted under the law. 

North Carolina Statutes pertaining to the Code of Conduct & Patron Responsibility Policy include, but may not be limited to: 

G. S. 14-33: Misdemeanor assaults, batteries and affrays. 
G. S. 14-76: Larceny, mutilation, or destruction of public records and papers. 
G. S. 14-127: Willful and wanton injury to real property. 
G. S. 14-132: Disorderly conduct in and injuries to public buildings and facilities. 
G. S. 14-159.12: First- and second-degree trespass. 
G. S. 14-159.13 
G. S. 14-190.9: Indecent exposure. 
G. S. 14-204.1: Loitering for the purpose of prostitution offense. 
G. S. 14-269: Carrying concealed weapons. 
G. S. 14-277.1: Communicating threats. 
G. S. 14-398: Theft or destruction of property of public libraries, museums. 
G. S. 153A-266: Powers and duties of trustees. 

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LIBRARY CARD POLICY 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

• All residents and property owners of Person, as well as residents of Caswell and Orange Counties are eligible a full-privilege library card at the Person County Public Library. 
• Non-residents who are employed in Person County are eligible for a library card. 
• Employees of Person County government (including teachers in the local public schools) may receive a card for free regardless of their county of residence upon presentation of proof of employment (e.g. county ID). 
• North Carolina resident who live outside of Person, Caswell, or Orange County may purchase a library card for an annual fee of $25 and out-of-state residents may purchase a library card for an annual fee of $75. These cards will be valid for one year from the date of payment. 
• All persons who wish to register for a library card must be present to do so. 
• Adults must provide proof of identification and current residency. A photo ID is mandatory. Examples of acceptable photo IDs are: a state issued driver’s license or ID; military ID, or a U.S. Passport. For individuals who are non-residents employed in Person County, current proof of employment is required, in addition to the photo identification requirement. 
• For Person County Residents: If the photo identification does not bear the current local address, a piece of mail postmarked within the last 30 days (e.g. utility bill), an electronic statement, or an official document must also be shown to verify county residency. Junk mail or mail sent to “current resident” does not meet this requirement. 
• A parent or legal guardian may register their children (0-17 years) for a library card; however, the child must be present. Proof of residency is established through the parent or legal guardian which requires a photo ID and proof of residency. Young adults age 16 and up, with a valid photo ID and proof of address, may register for a library card without a parent or legal guardian. However, parents and legal guardians are responsible for all materials borrowed by minor children. 
Once the application is completed and all requirements are met, then a library card will be issued. Library cards must be signed before use. The library cardholder’s signature indicates that the patron has agreed to be responsible for materials borrowed and to notify the library of a lost or stolen library card. The patron agrees to inform the library of any change of address or phone number. 

BORROWER’S RESPONSIBILITIES 

A library cardholder may borrow circulating material, including books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and magazines. The Person County Public Library is not responsible for any damage caused to personal equipment used to playback items. 

The individual to who the card is issued: 
• Return, in good condition, of all borrowed materials;
• Payment of fines incurred for overdue, damaged, or lost materials; 
• Reporting a lost or stolen library card, immediately; 
• Reporting name, address, phone number, and email address changes; 
• All charges incurred as a result of the borrow lending the card or library materials to another individual. 
Parents and legal guardians of a minor library cardholder agree to be responsible for the above and to teach their child the rules and guidelines of using a library card. 

RENEWING A LIBRARY CARD 

Library cards are renewed every three years on the patron’s birthday. To update a library card, patrons may contact the library in person, by phone, or by email. Patrons may need to provide proof of current residency, in person, when deemed appropriate. 

LOST LIBRARY CARDS 

A patron who loses their library card should notify the library immediately. The cost to replace a library card is $2.00.

CARD-IN-HAND 

All patrons must have a card-in-hand or proper identification, as previously defined, to check out library materials. This is for the patron’s protection. 

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CIRCULATION POLICY 

In order to protect patron privacy and prevent the misuse of a patron’s account, the library requires that a library card, or a digital copy of the barcode, be presented to the library staff each time a patron visits the library to use a computer or check out materials. If patron forgets their card, a patron may provide another form of photo identification. 

If a library card is lost or stolen the patron is responsible for notifying the library immediately. Unless a card has been declared lost or stolen, the library assumes that any person presenting the card has the permission of the cardholder to access the account. Patrons with accounts in good standing can access library services with their library card. Information regarding the patron account for all patrons over the age of 13 will not be given to any person except the cardholder.  

MAXIMUM LOAN LIMITS 

There is a maximum loan of 25-items per card. Within this maximum loan limit are the following limits on materials: 

• Books: Unlimited (As long as the amount does not exceed the 25-item limit)
• Wi-Fi to Go: 1 per household 
• DVDs: 5 per library card 
• Activity Kits (STEAM / Early Learner / Games, etc.) 2 per family 

OVERDUE NOTICES AND REPLACEMENT BILLS 

Returning materials in a timely manner is the responsibility of each borrower. The Library encourages our borrowers to avoid fines and fees. We provide, auto-renewals, a due date receipt at time of check out, e-receipts, and/or email reminder notices to patrons who provide an email address. Patrons may also view and renew items online at any time. When necessary overdue notices and bills are sent out according to the following schedules. 

Overdue notices and replacement bills for library owned materials: 
First overdue notice: 7 days 
Second overdue notice: 14 days 
Replacement Bill: 28 days 

Notices for Interlibrary loan materials are sent as follows: 
First overdue notice: 1 day 
Second overdue notice: 2 days 
Replacement bill: 7 days 

PAYING FINES, FEES, AND OTHER CHARGES 

Once fines, fees, and other charges reach $5.00 or more, the patron’s library card is locked and borrowing privileges are suspended. This will not prohibit a patron from using the public access computers at the Person County Public Library. To restore borrowing privileges a patron must pay down the charges on their library card. On a case-by-case basis, the Library Director may work with patrons to develop a suitable payment plan, which will allow the patron reduced borrowing privileges. Payment plan options will only be available to patrons who have returned all materials in good condition and do not have any lost or damaged fees on their card. 

LOST AND DAMAGE MATERIALS 

A patron is required to pay for materials and equipment that is irretrievable, lost, or has been damaged beyond normal wear and tear while checked out and is no longer available for use by others. The library does not charge patrons for damage due to normal use. However, dropping a book into the bath tub, spilling coffee, soda, juice, etc., writing (including highlighting, underlining, annotating, drawing, etc.), or pet damage (chewed corners or other damage) are not considered normal use. Additionally, negligence that leads to mold and mildew in the material is not normal use. Bedbugs in library materials cause significant damage and can be quite costly to the library; therefore, materials returned with bedbugs will be charged as damaged. 

The library does not accept replacement copies of lost and damaged materials in lieu of charges unless arrangements have been made with the Library Director and have been approved by the Library Director prior to replacement materials being brought to the library. 

For lost and damaged items, the library charges the cardholder the full price listed in the library catalog or listed on a current Internet retail site. In addition to the cost of replacement, there will be $2.00 non-refundable, service charge. 

Upon payment for damaged material, the damaged item is to be returned to the patron; except for items that have mold, mildew, or bedbugs. These items will be disposed of immediately. Photos of the damaged items may be taken for evidence of the issues, if necessary. 

REQUESTING MATERIALS 

Patrons in good standing are limited to 3 reserve requests per visit. Holds may be placed on all circulating material except for Wi-Fi to Go items, Chromebooks, and Activity Kits. Patrons are limited to 15 active holds on their account. Patrons will be notified by phone or email when their hold is available and will have 7 days to pick up the requested item. 

INTERLIBRARY LOAN REQUESTS 

The Reference and Adult Services Librarian can arrange Interlibrary Loans for materials from libraries outside of Person County Public Library and that are not available through the Cardinal Consortium. 

• Fees for lost and damaged materials are determined by the lending library. Borrowers will be responsible for charges associated with lost or damaged ILL items. These charges cannot be waived. 
• Borrowers must make renewal requests at least one week (7 days) before the due date. An extension of the due date is determined by the lending library. 
• Fines for overdue ILL items will be $1.00 a day with a maximum fine of $5 per item.
• Overdue notices will be sent at 1 day and 3 days; a final replacement bill will be sent at 7 days. • Borrowers may request a limit of 3 items at one time. 
• If an ILL is not picked up, then ILL privileges may be suspended for up to six months, at the discretion of the Adult & Reference Services librarian, in consultation with the Library Director. 

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UNATTENDED CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS POLICY 

The Person County Public Library welcomes individuals of all ages. Everyone is encouraged to read, to explore various electronic formats, to attend programs, and to make full use of the Library’s resources. For the safety of minor children and the enjoyment of all patrons using the library, the Person County Public Library abides by the following policy regarding unattended children and vulnerable adults to ensure the safety of all. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please do not hesitate to ask staff to explain. 

1. Library personnel cannot be responsible for children or vulnerable adults left unattended at the library, and assumes no responsibility for unattended children and / or vulnerable adults. Under no circumstances does library staff act in loco parentis for children who visit the library. 
2. Parents and / or a responsible caregiver* as defined below, must accompany children 12 years of age and under. 
3. The library does not provide childcare or supervision for children or vulnerable adults, except to extent necessary to uphold the Library’s Code of Conduct. Parents, legal guardians, and / or other caregivers* are responsible for their child’s behavior at all times. 
4. Similarly, it is vital to the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults that they not be left alone in the library. A vulnerable adult is defined as “any adult who has a physical or mental condition that substantially impairs the individual’s ability to care for their own needs….” 
5. The library encourages parents/caregivers to bring children to age appropriate programs. The library expects parents/caregivers to remain on the premises (in the library where the parent/caregiver is accessible to the child) until the program has ended. 
6. Unattended children, under the age of 16, must be picked up at least 15 minutes before closing time, unless attending a library sponsored program with parental permission granted. 
7. The library expects parents/caregivers to supervise their children and ensure their behavior is not disturbing to other library users. Staff members may approach a child, parent, or caregiver to address disruptive behavior witnessed. If the disruptive behavior continues, the child/parent may be asked to leave the library. 
8. The library expects parents/caregivers to accompany their child/children while they are using any public computers. Children under 12 are not allowed to use a computer without adult supervision. 
9. The library expects parents/caregivers who are using a public computer to keep their children with them. Children are not to be left unattended in the Children’s area while their parent/caregiver is using a public computer. 
10. The library reserves the right to call the police or sheriff in cases of disruptive behavior of unattended children and / or vulnerable adults. If a child or vulnerable adult remains at the library after closing time, library staff will attempt to contact the parent, legal guardian, or caretaker by telephone. If the responsible party cannot be reached or cannot come immediately to the library, then the police or sheriff will be notified to pick up the child or vulnerable adult. 
11. Under no circumstances will a staff member drive a child or vulnerable adult home or to another destination. 
12. A Person County Public Library incident report is to be filed for issues related to unattended children and / or vulnerable adults, including those left at the library at closing time. 
*A responsible caregiver is defined in this policy as an adult who brings a child/children to the library whether it is a parent, caregiver, teacher, tutor, or other relative (at least 16 years of age)