Library Policies

All policies below are subject to change.

Circulation

Circulating Materials

The Taylorville Public Library circulates all books, periodicals, and audiovisual items in its collection with the exception of reference and genealogical materials. Periodicals are circulated with the exception of the current issue of each title.

Loan Periods

The usual circulation time for an item is two weeks. Materials may be renewed once only. If another patron is waiting on an item, it may not be renewed.

Late Fees

A fine will be levied on each item, for each day that it is late.

Current late fees are as follows:
Books: $0.20 per day late
DVDs: $1.00 per day late
*late fees will not exceed the cost to replace the item

Overdue Accounts

Patrons with fines in excess of $5.00 are prohibited from borrowing additional materials from the library. If items are 60 days overdue and the total is $50.00 or more, patrons will be turned over to the Credit Bureau of Taylorville for collection.

Item Replacement

Items that are lost or damaged by a patron must be paid for. Payment will include the replacement value of the item and a $5.00 processing fee.

Per library policy, if an item is charged to a patron's account, they are deemed responsible. Simply claiming that an item is returned will not absolve the patron from having to pay the replacement cost. If the patron claims that the item has been returned to the library, the library will make every effort to locate the item. If after a reasonable period of time the item cannot be found in the library through both periodic checks and scheduled shelf-readings, the patron will be responsible for replacement.

Interlibrary Loan

Requests to borrow titles not owned by the Taylorville Public Library can be made at the circulation desk, or by using the Online Library Catalog. Please note that loan periods and renewals for interlibrary loan materials are at the discretion of the lending library and cannot be altered by the TPL staff.

Reserve Materials

Reserve materials will be held at the circulation desk for 10 days after the patron has been notified of its receipt. If the item(s) are not picked up within this time period, they will be returned to the lending library without further notification to the patron.

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Computer Acceptable Use

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Computer Acceptable Use Policy
TAYLORVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Taylorville Public Library has computers available to serve the educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community

Utilization of the computers and network connections (including wireless connectivity) for any purpose constitutes acceptance of the terms of this Computer Acceptable Use Policy. Users are personally responsible for their acts or omissions in connection with this policy.

Violation of this policy may result in revocation of utilization privileges and/or immediate termination of the violator’s relationship with the Taylorville Public Library and could lead to civil or criminal prosecution.

The Taylorville Public Library is authorized by anyone using the computers to cooperate with any governmental and/or civil authorities in prosecutions of any criminal and/or civil matter against any person who violates this policy. This may include any records, information, data, images, communications, recordings, or other evidence in the custody of, or accessible by, the Taylorville Public Library which are requested by governmental or civil authorities through subpoena, court order, or process.

All users of the computers or the internet agree to hold the Taylorville Public Library harmless from any and all claims, losses and damages, obligations and liabilities, directly or indirectly relating from the use of computer equipment, peripherals, and network connections, caused thereby or there from arising. In no event shall the Taylorville Public Library have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the Taylorville Public Library is advised of the possibility of such damages.

Information accessible from the internet is not generated by the Taylorville Public Library and is not necessarily accurate, authoritative, complete, or current. Material on the internet is not pre-screened, monitored, censored, endorsed or ratified by the Taylorville Public Library. The Taylorville Public Library waives any responsibility for content accessible from the internet.

Due to the right and need for the Taylorville Public Library to monitor compliance with this policy, utilization of the computers that requires privacy of any kind for any purpose is not supported and is prohibited.

Any person utilizing the computers understands and agrees that they are specifically waiving any expectation or right to privacy in their communications, data, programs or other personal information stored, displayed, accessed, communicated, published or transmitted on computers.

The following rules and regulations will govern use of all computers:

ACCESS

The Taylorville Public Library has two (2) designated computer areas, one (1) for adults, and one (1) for youth.
Adult computers can only be used by patrons who are eighteen (18) years of age or older.
1. The only exception to this is when a parent or guardian needs their child to sit with them while they use the computer. The child must sit directly next to their parent or guardian, and the parent or guardian must monitor their computer use at all times.
Youth computers can only be used by patrons who are seventeen (17) years old or younger.
1. Youth between the ages of sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years old need no permission to use the youth computers
2. Youth between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) years old must have a signed waiver from a legal parent or guardian on file at the Taylorville Public Library before computer use will be granted.
3. Youth eleven (11) years old and under must be accompanied by, and monitored by an adult while using a computer.
The Taylorville Public Library recognizes that the internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their children’s use of the internet. Library staff is unable to monitor children’s computer use. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic information safety.
Under no circumstances may an adult use a youth computer or a youth use an adult computer. See SCHEDULING for more information.

WIRELESS (WiFi)

Patrons wishing to access the library’s wireless network must follow the library’s established policies, guidelines, and regulation. The only exception being, there are no restrictions related to age for patrons who wish to access the library’s wireless network with their own personal devices. It is not possible for the library staff to monitor the use of personal devices both inside and outside the building, and therefore, it is once again the responsibility of parents to inform and monitor their child’s internet use.

FILTERING

The Taylorville Public Library supports the public’s right to a free and open use of the internet and does not use filtering software on any patron computers.

SCHEDULING

Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless designated as a reserved terminal. Computers are available in one (1) hour time slots. After one (1) hour, the patron who has been on for the longest duration of time may be asked by a staff member to finish what they are doing in a reasonable amount of time (no more than 5 minutes) so that the next patron in line can use the computer. Once a patron is removed from a computer, they must wait until there is both a spot open and there is no one on the waiting list, or, if after a period of one (1) hour there are still no open spots, the patron may write their name on the waiting list. There is no limit to the number of 1-hour time slots that a patron can use in a single day. Limitations may be subject to change without notice.

SOFTWARE

The Taylorville Public Library provides selected software and printers. The software shall be designed for informational, educational, or recreational uses. No other software may be installed, downloaded, used, or copied to the computers.
Saving user files on the computers is not permitted. User files may be saved to a storage device.
The library is not responsible for damage to the user’s disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may be incurred from the customer’s use of the library’s computers.
The software provided by the library for public use is protected under U.S. Copyright Law. Patrons are forbidden to make copies of software for any reason or purpose. (Title 17 U.S. Code)

PRINTING

Patrons are responsible for the prints they initiate and will be expected to pay for all printing, except for those that are incomplete, unreadable, or low quality.

SUSPENSION OF USE PRIVILEGES

Suspension of use privileges shall be at the sole discretion of the Taylorville Public Library staff. The supervisor in charge may use their judgment in denying the use of the computer to individuals or groups.
Any abuse or misuse of the computers, associated hardware, internet, or library software will result in suspension of use privileges. This includes, but is not limited to, copying library software; uploading, downloading, or installing any software to the computers; attempts to access or change set-up programs, resources, features, contents or controls of the computers; or utilization of any resource causing damage to or altering the operations, functions, or designs of the computers.
Use of computers is for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only. Any utilization which is illegal, criminal, or unethical or infringes on the rights or liberties of another is strictly prohibited.
Utilization of the computers to access, view, print, store, transmit, disseminate or sell any information protected by law or subject to privilege or an expectation of privacy is strictly prohibited.
Utilization of the computers involving communications, materials, information, data, or images that are obscene, pornographic, threatening, abusive, harassing, discriminatory, antisocial, or in violation of any other policy of the Taylorville Public Library is strictly prohibited.
Utilization of the computers involving communications, materials, information, data, or images that violate laws of child pornography is prohibited, and will promptly be turned over to the local police department.
Utilization of the computers which causes or permits materials protected by copyright, trademark, service mark, trade name, trade secret, confidential or proprietary data and information, or communications of another to be uploaded to a computer or information system, published, broadcasted, or in any way disseminated without authorization of the owner is strictly prohibited.
The library will actively seek to prohibit the use of internet resources by those individuals prohibited by law, court order, conditions of parole or pardon, or other legally binding restriction. This may include identification of users on parole, probation, or list of sexual predators.

Library Cards

Patron Registration

Library Cards are to be issued to all borrowers desiring full use of the library. Full use is defined as the privilege of using library materials within the library building, obtaining information with the help of the library staff, and checking library materials for use outside the building itself. A library patron must have a library card to check out materials, but anyone is permitted to use the library as a study space.

To obtain a library card from the Taylorville Public Library, prospective borrowers must fill out a written application. A card will then be issued allowing them to check materials out of the library.

The application should be filled out completely with correct information concerning the patron's name and residence. Two forms of proof of current address are required to obtain a library card. All applicants must also list a reference on their applications. This reference will serve as someone who can be contacted in the event that the library card holder moves or changes their phone number.

Children may obtain a library card for the first time at the end of kindergarten. Applications for children up to the age of eighteen (18) must be signed by a parent or guardian before a card will be issued.

All library patrons must present their cards to check materials out of the library. Patrons must always use their own cards for this purpose and are encouraged not to lend their cards to others for check out purposes.

A patron may not be issued a new card if there are outstanding fines on their account over the amount of $5.00.

Residents

Residents of the City of Taylorville may obtain a library card without charge. If the first card is lost, a $3.00 replacement fee is charged before a new card is issued.

A resident borrower is defined as any person living within the city limits of Taylorville, Illinois, as established by the municipal authority, or one who owns real estate within the city limits of Taylorville. Residents pay an annual library tax that will show up as “CITY LBRY TAYLORVILLE” on their property tax bill.

Resident cards will expire after 3 years.

Non-Residents

Non-residents of the library are those patrons not living within the corporate city limits of Taylorville, or otherwise contributing to the municipal tax base of the city. Non-resident patrons wishing to check out materials may obtain a family card by paying the annual fee established by the Board of Directors. The fee for such a card is currently $50.00 annually. If the first card is lost, a $3.00 replacement fee is charged before a new card is issued.

Non-resident cards will expire after 1 year.

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Meeting Room

Taylorville Public Library Meeting Room Policy

To examine the Taylorville Public Library's Meeting Room Policy document, or to request use of the library's meeting rooms, click below to view and print.

Meeting Room Policy – last modified – February 19, 2021

*Covid-19 – Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing must be practiced.

1. Genealogy Room (2 person capacity)

2. Community Room (10 person capacity)

To submit via email, this document must be printed, filled out, signed, and then scanned and attached to an email directed to staff@taylorvillelibrary.org, with "Attn. Library Director" written in the subject line. You are also welcome to fill one out in-person at the library's front desk.

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Patron Behavior

Patron Behavior

The Board of Directors of the Taylorville Public Library delegates to the librarian and library staff the responsibility for maintenance of acceptable behavior within the library building and on library property. The Taylorville Public Library encourages people of all ages to visit the library. Those using the library and its resources have the right to expect a safe, comfortable environment that supports appropriate library services.

The atmosphere of the library should be conducive to the use of the library materials and patron behavior should correspond to this purpose. Courtesy to other patrons of the library and the library staff should be practiced at all times. A reasonable amount of conversation and movement is acceptable, but activities interfering with others' proper use of the library will result in disciplinary measures by the staff. Adults and children demonstrating disruptive behavior will be required to leave the library after two warnings from the library staff. Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to: excessive noise; inappropriate behavior such as eating, smoking, running, use of roller blades and skateboards; misuse of library property; uncooperative attitude, or actions that deliberately annoy others or prevent the legitimate use of the library and its resources. Abusive language and behavior toward staff will not be tolerated. Staff members have the authority to request quiet behavior, or, if there is no response to this request, to ask the person to leave the library building.

Persons under the influence of drugs/alcohol or committing other criminal of inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave. If such persons react adversely, the police will be contacted.

Children over age nine (9) may be left unattended provided they are mature enough to stay alone and observe proper conduct. Children are subject to the same rules of conduct as other patrons, and the same consequences, and may be asked to leave if their behaviors are disruptive.

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Unattended Children

Unattended Children in the Library

The safety and welfare of children using the Taylorville Public Library is the primary concern for the policy outlined below:

-Children under nine (9) years of age must be under the direct supervision of a parent or caregiver while in the library. If the child is in a library program, it is suggested that the adult remain in the building for the duration of the program.

-Children ages nine (9) through twelve (12) may use the library unattended for approximately one hour; assuming their behavior is not disruptive. Children must be able to contact someone for transportation when they are ready to leave. Parents remain responsible for children even when the parent is not present in the building.

-Children between the ages of thirteen (13) and eighteen (18) are free to use the library unattended for as long as needed provided their behavior is not disruptive.

-Destruction of property will not be tolerated.

-If an unattended child is disruptive, is habitually left unattended for long periods of time, or is deemed to be a risk of harm, an effort will be made to locate the responsible parent, guardian, or caregiver.

-The library is not responsible for the care and safety of minor children traveling to and from library premises, or for children left at the library after closing.

-If children are left unattended in the library in violation of this policy, the matter may be referred to the police or other authorities.

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