Library Policies

Welcome to the Edison Public Library. In order to ensure fairness, efficient operation and the best possible service certain rules must be administered. Below you will find a quick list of library policies established to ensure the most pleasant experience and efficient service.

Library Rules of Conduct for Library Visitors:

Purpose:
The Edison Township Free Public Library is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all Library patrons and staff. We have established this Behavior Policy/Code of Conduct to ensure that our patrons can use the library’s facilities, resources, materials, programs and services without being disturbed or impeded and to provide our patrons and staff can conduct business efficiently, in a secure and comfortable environment. These Rules of Conduct apply to all Library property, including outside areas and parking lots.
Overview:
No individual may engage in inappropriate conduct on the premises of the Edison Township Free Public Library. Patrons shall be engaged in the normal activities associated with the use of a public library while on the premises at all times. Depending upon the circumstances / nature of the inappropriate conduct, individuals may suffer a loss or suspension of Library privileges and/or face civil/ criminal prosecution.
Definition of Inappropriate Conduct:
Inappropriate conduct includes any individual or group actions in the library or on library premises that interfere with the use of Library facilities, collections, services, or programs by others or disrupts the ability of library staff to perform their duties. Inappropriate conduct is not permitted at any time and any patron engaging in same shall cease such activity immediately upon request of Library staff.

Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Engaging in any activity that constitutes violation of Federal, State or municipal criminal statutes or ordinances;
Displaying or using any dangerous weapon on Library property or using or threatening the use of any object in such a manner that it may be considered a weapon (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4 et. seq.);
Engaging in or threatening to engage in any fighting, striking, kicking, shoving or other physically intimidating or assaultive behavior (N.J.S.A. 2C: 33-4 et. seq.);
Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or illegal drug or controlled substance (N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-24 et. seq.);
Trespassing by entering or remaining on Library property after having been notified by an authorized individual not to do so, including entering or remaining on Library property after having been suspended;
Refusing to follow the directions of Library staff regarding rules and regulations;
Leaving children or adults who are in need of supervision unattended;
Engaging in any behavior that is disruptive, harassing or threatening to Library users or staff annoys or disturbs other patrons (N.J.S.A. 2C: 33-4 et. seq.);
Creating disruptive noise levels including loud talking, shouting, loud or repeated cell phone ringing or cell phone conversations (silent mode and texting are permitted) or using other personal electronic equipment at a volume that is disturbing to other patrons;
Blocking the entrance to the Library or using skateboards, rollerblades, skate shoes, scooters, bicycles, or hoverboards within the library or Library property in a manner that is disruptive to others;
Using loud, offensive, obscene or abusive language (N.J.S.A. 2C: 20-12 et. seq.);
Engaging in any lewd or sexual contact, activity or conduct; (N.J.S.A. 2C: 33-4 et. seq.);
Smoking or using other tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or vaping;
No outside food is allowed in the Library. Food and drinks purchased from the vending machines is allowed to be eaten in specific areas only;
Prolonged sleeping that interferes with the use and enjoyment of the Library by others;
Appropriate attire, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times;
Monopolizing Library resources or staff time;
Theft of Library materials, furniture, equipment or services; (N.J.S.A. 2C: 20-12 et. seq.);
Damaging or vandalizing Library property, including, but not limited to, restrooms, computers, electronic equipment, hardware or software, furniture and walls; defacing or removing pages from books; or, destroying landscaping or other fixtures; (N.J.S.A. 2C: 17-3 et. seq.);
Moving furniture without the express consent of Library staff or using furniture in any manner that may damage the furniture, including placing feet on same;
Bringing any animal into the Library except service animals and animals brought into the Library in connection with Library programs;
Entering non-public areas of the Library without permission;
Taking Library materials into restrooms (N.J.S.A. 2C: 20-12et. seq.);
Vandalizing cars or other property/items in the Library parking lot or anywhere else on Library property(N.J.S.A. 2C: 17-3 et. seq.);;
Violating the Library’s rules for acceptable use of computers and the internet. A user accepts these rules before accessing the Internet through a Library computer. Copies of these rules will be made available by staff upon request;

The Library staff has the authority to maintain order to ensure the safety of patrons and staff. All patrons must follow the directions of the staff regarding policies. Conduct may be deemed inappropriate regardless of whether it rises to the level of criminal activity.
Violation of these rules may result in a temporary or permanent loss of the use of Library facilities. Continued inappropriate behavior will lead to expulsion from the Library, parental notification if a minor, and possible police notification, or prosecution as warranted.

Library Cards

Library cards are issued free of charge to residents who live or own property in Edison
Proof of residence, employment in Edison or school enrollment in Edison is required to obtain a library card. Cards must be renewed in person only (no phone renewals) every 3 years except for those who work or are enrolled in Edison schools and do not live in the township. These 2 types of cards must be renewed annually.
Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately. The replacement fee for a lost card is $5 after the first loss, effective March 15, 2021.
Library cards are issued when a child enters kindergarten. A parent’s signature is required for children up to the age of 18.
An Edison Township Library Card may be used at the Main Library, North Edison Branch, the Clara Barton Branch, and the Bookmobile. A valid Library Card enables one to borrow the following: Books, Magazines, Pamphlets, Books on Tape, Music CDs, Videos, DVDs and computer software.
Our library participates in reciprocal borrowing with many libraries in the area. Residents with a valid Library Card are entitled to borrow materials from these libraries. Certain restrictions may apply. Ask at the Circulation Desk for the latest list of participating libraries
IDENTIFICATION ACCEPTED FOR LIBRARY CARD REGISTRATION: Only one form of identification is required. All forms of ID must show name, address and expiration date. Bills must be dated within three months:
1. Driver’s License/Driver’s Permit
2. Edison Township Tax Bill
3. Lease/Rental
4. Motor Vehicle Identification or Car Insurance Bill
5. Senior Citizen ID Card
6. Temporary INS Visa Status Card
7. Utility Bill/Credit Card Bill
NOT ACCEPTED IDENTIFICATION:
1. Social Security Card
2. Personal Mail
3. Bank Statement
4. Checkbook
5. P.O. Box

Loan Periods

Material	Item Limit	Loan Period	Renewable
New Books	None	2 weeks	Yes
Books	None	4 weeks	Yes
Summer Reading Books/holidays	None	2 weeks	Yes
Children’s Computer Games	5	2 weeks	Yes
Magazines	5	2 weeks	Yes
Music CDs	5	4 weeks	Yes
Playaway Launchpad	1	1 week	Yes
Audio Books	5	4 weeks	Yes
New DVDs	2	2 days	No
DVDs	5	1 week	Yes
Wonderbooks	None	2 weeks	No

Fines and Fees Effective January 10, 2022

Fees and Replacement Costs are Non-Refundable.

Category	Current
Fines, print and other AV	no fines
Fines, DVDs	no fines
Fines, Playaways/Launchpads	no fines
Material Replacement fee (+cost)	$5/item
Library card replacement fee	$5 after first loss
Collection fee	$10.00
Magazine articles	no charge
InterLibrary Loans	no charge
65 years of age and over (show driver’s license, passport, or similar document for our records)	no fines

Approved by Board of Trustees 12/14/21

PROGRAMS

Registration Guidelines for Children’s Programs

For programs that require registration, you can register online at www.edisonpubliclibrary.org. You may also register over the phone by calling the Edison Public Library or by visiting the library itself.
If an age or grade is specified for the program, your child must be of that age or grade when registering. Any children registered with the incorrect age will be canceled.
Drop-in programs are for all-ages.
When registering for a program you must select only one location, and one time and date. Do Not register for multiple times of the same program title, since this will cause all of your registrations to be canceled. (If you need help correcting a mistake call the library immediately.)
Programs are open to Edison residents with a valid Edison library card.
Children Kindergarten level and above must use their own library card to register for programs. Preschoolers only may use parents card and simply change the name to the child’s name.
Non-residents may only register the day before the program and only by phone with the help of the staff.
Waiting lists are only taken in-house ½ hour before the program and is no guarantee that you will be admitted. Bring your library card. You must be present to get on the list and may not call into the library to be added.
Children registered will have until 5 minutes from the start of the program to arrive. If they are not present at that time their spot will be given to someone on the waiting list.
Anyone arriving once the program is at the halfway mark may not be permitted entry into the program. It is disruptive to the people already enjoying the program.
If a child cannot attend a program the parent must call the library prior to the start of the program to cancel so another child may attend.
If a registrant does not show for 2 programs they have registered for without canceling, the following guideline will apply: The registrant will be told to refrain from registering for programs for a two week period once notified by the librarian. Any existing registrations for programs within that two week period will be canceled.
Family Time programs are simply that (for families to enjoy together). Please do not place your child in the program and leave since he or she may need your help.
Programs for 3 – 6 yrs of age may require the parents to remain in the building but not be in the program. Ask about this before registering. These are usually 2-week series.
After careful consideration, the Library Board has decided to have a “No Sibling” policy. In other words, only the children registered for the program will be permitted in the program room with the parents. This “No Sibling” policy offers you and your child quality time without distraction. We hope that parents will work together to assist each other with childcare during our Library Programs.
In order for all attending the programs to have an enjoyable time we ask each parent to be sure your child does not become to loud or run around the program room and disrupt the flow of the program. If your child becomes too excitable you may be asked to step out of the room to quiet him down, but are certainly welcome to re-enter the program when he is quieter. Thank you for your consideration to your fellow parents.

Please honor our age designations. We design our programs for specific age groups and learning levels. We offer programs for specific ages as well as all-ages. We select ages and learning levels so that children will get the most enjoyment based on their abilities. We understand there are families with children in different age ranges, but we offer all-ages programs so that siblings can attend together.

Programs are publicized by:

Newspapers
Signs in the library’s children’s department
Monthly calendars available the last Monday of each month
Our Web Page WWW.EDISONPUBLICLIBRARY.ORG
Or calling and asking our children’s department staff

INTERNET AND GAME COMPUTER POLICIES

Children’s Internet Computers:

Children’s internet computers are available to children 12 years of age and under.
Since filtering software is not used on public library computers parents must be responsible for supervising the content their children research on these computers.
Parents of children second grade and younger must physically be seated at the computer with their children at all times.
Adults are not permitted to use internet computers in the children’s department but are invited to make use of the computers in the adult department.
Internet use is limited to two half hour periods in a single day.
Access to the internet can only be obtained with the use of your Edison Library card. Staff is not permitted to look up your card number.

Game Computers:

Educational activity computers are available to children by reservation ending 1/2 hour before the library closes.
Children are permitted a single 1/2 hour reservation at a time.
Reservations may be made in advance by phone.
Each child must present a valid Edison Township Library card.
A variety of computer software is available to borrow and use at home and may also be reserved. See our Computer Selection book available at the circulation desk.

RULES OF CONDUCT

The following Activities are not allowed in the Library:

Playing of audio equipment so that others can hear it.
Smoking, chewing tobacco, or the use of any other tobacco products.
Carrying a weapon into the library unless authorized by law. Any patron authorized to carry a weapon must notify the library staff that he/she is carrying a weapon in the library.
Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a person with a disability.
Talking loudly, making noises, or engaging in other disruptive conduct.
Interfering with another person’s use of the library or with the library personnel’s performance of their duties.
Rollerblading, skateboarding or other recreational activities in the libraries’ parking lots.
Shoes and shirts must be worn.

Library privileges may be limited for the following reasons:

Damaging library property
Stealing library materials
Threatening or physically harming staff or patrons

Disciplinary Action:

If these rules of conduct are not followed, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. If it becomes necessary to ask a patron under the age of 18 to leave the library, the emergency contact listed on his or her library card application will be called. If that person cannot be reached, the police will be called.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY FOR LIBRARY PATRONS

The Edison Township Free Public Library welcomes and encourages children to visit the Library, use resources and services, and attend library programs. Staff members are available to help children, however, the Library is not able to provide short or long-term childcare, or be responsible for unattended children.

Unattended children are children of any age who are apparently unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver. Children who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the Library and must have adequate supervision while in the Library. Parents/caregivers of pre-school children are reminded that their children must be in their direct sight at all times while in the Library. Parents/caregivers of pre-school children attending programs must remain in the building, if not in the room, until the conclusion of library programs.

The Library is not responsible if children leave the Library without an adult.

Children “unable to care for themselves” can include, but are not limited to:

Children who need constant supervision or assistance outside the normal duties of the Library staff
Children who have no provision for contacting a family member
Children who, if the Library were to close in an emergency, would require the intervention of the Library staff

Parents/caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior and supervision of their children at all times in the Library and are the best judges of their children’s ability to care for themselves.

Parents/caregivers will be contacted if:

An unattended child is engaging in behavior that is disruptive to other Library users, staff, or the normal operations of the Library
An unattended child is involved in a situation that is potentially harmful to the health or safety of the child or others
The unattended child is left at the Library at closing time. If an unattended child is left at the library at closing time and the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, the Edison police will be called.

Adult Internet Access Computers

Public access to the Internet is available to all users with a valid Edison library card or LMxAC Library card as a resource in support of our role as the community’s information and learning center. Our Internet use policy is posted in each library. Visitor passes are available for people without a library card for Internet access only.
Individuals may sign up to use the Internet for a 60 minute period and your library card number is required to enter the new Internet security system.
The Internet in the children’s department may only be used by children under the age of 13.
Printing is available at a cost of $.15 per page.
Please note that KidsClick! and other bookmarked sites on the children’s department computers are not internet filters. They do not prevent children from using alternate browsers to surf for other internet addresses. These sites are intended to guide users to good sites; not block them from “bad” sites.
Parents have the ultimate responsibility to supervise their children’s use of our internet computers.

Children’s Computers

Children’s internet computers are available to children 12 years of age and under.
Since filtering software is not used on public library computers parents must be responsible for supervising the content their children research on these computers.
Parents of children second grade and younger must physically be seated at the computer with their children at all times.
Adults are not permitted to use internet computers in the children’s department but are invited to make use of the computers in the adult department.
Internet use is limited to two half hour periods in a single day.
Access to the internet can only be obtained with the use of your Edison Library card.
Staff is not permitted to look up your card number.

Library Catalog Computers

Introduction

The mission of the Edison Public Library is to provide excellent library services and resources in a welcoming and respectful environment to best serve the entire Edison community. The Library seeks to provide friendly and welcoming service to all; access to a balanced diverse collection of resources to meet the needs of our community; and excellence in customer service that reaches beyond the Library to meet and anticipate the needs of the community and improve the quality of life in Edison.

In support of its mission and integral to this policy, the Edison Public Library endorses the principles of intellectual freedom adopted by the American Library Association.

Library Bill of Rights
Freedom to Read Statement
Freedom to View
Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights

Statement of Purpose

The Library’s goal is to develop a balanced collection of materials to meet the community’s diverse and ever-changing needs for information, research, learning and recreation. The collection development policy provides guidelines and is used by the professional librarians for material selection and withdrawal decisions; allocation of resources; long-range planning; and guidance against censorship in accordance with the library’s mission. It also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection and provide a better understanding of selection decisions made by professional librarians.

Scope of Collection

The primary goal of collection development is to provide the best possible collection with the financial resources available. The decision to select any item for the collection is based on demand, anticipated need,cost, historical significance,and the strengths and weaknesses of the existing collection in orderto maintain a wide and balanced collection, representing all sides of an issue. Materials will represent a variety of viewpoints on current and historical issues and will be selected to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs and interests of the community. The variety of formats of materials collected include print, audiovisual media, electronic media as well as access to the internet.

The inclusion of an item in the library collection in no way represents an endorsement of its contents. Only individuals can determine what is most appropriate for their needs and can define what material or information is consistent with their personal or family values. Parents and legal guardians have the responsibility for their children’s use of library materials.

Professional and special materials, such as legal, medical, and religious works, are purchased only if they are of general interest.

The Library does not support educational curriculums through the purchase of textbooks. Textbooks may be added to the collection if they provide the best or only source of information on a subject, or to complement an existing area with another perspective.

Selection Criteria

Library materials are selected on the basis of informational, educational, cultural, and recreational value. Professional librarians will select materials in a variety of formats using published reviews, professional and trade publications, and consider patron requests and recommendations. These materials are selected in compliance with the mission and goals of the library. The following general criteria are also used in selecting materials for addition to the collection:

Importance and value to the collection and library users.
Significance of the subject matter.
Current demand and anticipated need
Local interest.
Cost, availability and Library materials budget.
Authority, accuracy, and timeliness
Suitability of the format for library use.
Date of publication
Space available for materials

Responsibility for Selection

Final authority for the determination of policy in the acquisition of books and other materials is vested in the Library Board of Trustees. Responsibility for material selection within this policy and control of expenditure for materials rests with the Director. Selection decisions may be delegated to professional librarians by the Director.

Suggestions for Additions to the Collection

Edison Public Library welcomes suggestions from the community regarding possible purchases of materials for the collection. All suggestions for purchase are subject to the same selection criteria as other materials and are not automatically added to the collection. When possible and available, requested materials may be borrowed from other libraries through our membership in Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMxAC) and the state supported interlibrary loan system in lieu of purchase.

Gifts and Donations

The Edison Public Library may accept gifts and donations with the explicit understanding that the Library, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to display, store, sell, or otherwise dispose of all gifts and contributions of tangible property. Those which do not meet the library’s objectives and materials selection criteria may be refused. Bookplates may be provided for memorials and gifts. The library does not provide an appraisal of donated items. The library will, upon request of the donor, provide a written receipt for gifts, indicating the number and general description of materials. No conditions may be imposed relating to any gift, donation, or memorial either before or after its acceptance by the library.

Withdrawal of Materials

The collection is reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis to remain up-to-date and useful. Collections are current and popular, not archival, and materials are not needlessly duplicated. Materials that are worn, damaged, outdated, duplicated, no longer accurate, and/or no longer used may be removed from the collection in a process commonly known as weeding. The C.R.E.W. (Continuous Review Evaluation and Weeding) method of systematic evaluation and weeding of collections is used in order to keep the collections responsive to patrons’ needs, to ensure its vitality and usefulness to the community, and to make room for newer materials. Professional librarians, under the general direction and supervision of the Library Director, will be solely responsible for the withdrawal of materials.

Reconsideration of Materials

Although materials are carefully selected, there can be differences of opinion regarding suitable materials. Patrons who wish to request the withdrawal or reclassification of materials owned by the Edison Township library must complete the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form. In order for a request to be considered, the patron writing the request must have read the material completely to demonstrate that they have made an informed decision. Upon receipt of a formal written request, the Director will discuss the matter with the appropriate professional librarian in a timely manner. The completed form will be given to the Library Director for a written response. A decision will be made regarding the material within a reasonable amount of time, with written reasons for the decision conveyed to the patron. Appeals from the Library Director’s decision may be directed only to the Board of Trustees for their final decision. While material is under review, it will remain in circulation. Once material has been reviewed and approved, it will not be brought up for reconsideration again for at least 3 years.

Adopted by the Edison Public Library Board of Trustees
April 12, 2022

The Edison Township Free Public Library adheres to Article VI of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS adopted by the American Library Association Council, and endorsed by the New Jersey Library Association. Article VI. states “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 or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.” An interpretation of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS is stated in the NJLA Intellectual Freedom Manual as follows: If meeting rooms in libraries supported by public funds are made available to the general public for non-library sponsored events, the library may not exclude any group based on the subject matter to be discussed or based on the ideas that the group advocates. Therefore, use of the meeting room does not constitute Library or Township endorsement of the viewpoints, beliefs, ideas, or policies expressed by the organizations or individuals using the space.

One meeting room is located in each of the following locations

Main Library
340 Plainfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08817
Phone:(732)287-2298

North Edison Branch
777 Grove Avenue
Edison, NJ 08817
Phone:(732)548-3045

Clara Barton Branch
141 Hoover Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837
Phone:(732)738-0096

Capacity

	Main Library	North Edison	Clara Barton
Standing Room Only	163	149	100
Chairs Only	116	107	71
Tables & Chairs	54	49	33

Rules & Regulations for Use of Library Meeting Room

Organizations who desire to use the meeting room are required to complete the application form. Application forms are available online or at the Main Library, North Edison Branch, and Clara Barton Branch. Please note that proof of liability insurance is required.
The Librarian will notify the organization that authorization for the use of the building has been granted. Applicable restrictions will be noted.
Applications must be submitted at least two weeks in advance for the desired date and time to be granted. (Bookings may be limited). Meeting rooms are in constant demand and priority is established in the order the applications are received. Since the meeting rooms need to be used for library programs, outside groups are limited to booking no more than twice a month.
Library staff will notify the organization that authorization for the use of the building has been granted. Applicable restrictions will be noted.
In all publicity or announcements relating to a meeting room event, the Edison Public Library may only be mentioned as a location, not as a sponsor of an event or as the headquarters of the organization.
Library staff retains the right to attend any scheduled meeting or event at the Library to ensure compliance of the room usage.
Meeting Rooms may not be used for the purpose of religious worship or instruction.
Meeting rooms are not available for social gatherings.
With the exception of library sponsored events, no sponsored events, no admission fees or service fees may be charged, no donations solicited, nor items sold.
A representative of the sponsoring organization must report to the librarian in charge when the meeting has ended, and report the number of event attendees.
Organizations shall establish necessary measures to conform with the following regulations of the library:

ROOM SET-UP & CLEAN-UP – Groups are responsible for their own set-up of chairs, tables, etc. and must return the room to the condition in which it was found before leaving. Organizations shall be responsible for cleaning up any trash, litter, or refuse left as a direct result of their activities. This includes dishes, garbage, paper, tidiness of meeting room and bathrooms, etc. Groups must reimburse the Library for any damage that occurs to library furniture, equipment, facility or grounds.
AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT – The Edison Public Library has built-in AV equipment and free wireless internet available for presentations. Presenters must use their own laptop to connect to the Library’s equipment. Arrangements may be made in advance for an introductory session on using the Library’s AV equipment since Library staff may not be available for technical support at the time of the program.
SUPERVISION – Buildings shall be made available only to responsible adult groups that will provide supervision of all participants and activities. Adult sponsors are responsible for the behavior of the group as well as for the protection of the building and its contents. Meetings held at the Main Library, North Edison Branch or Clara Barton Branch must end 15 minutes prior to closing. Groups must adhere to the Library Code of Conduct that includes the supervision of children and not interfere with normal Library operation. Policies are available at the desk or online if clarification is needed.
SMOKING, VAPING, CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, USE OF CANDLES OR INCENDIARY DEVICES AND COOKING IS PROHIBITED IN THE LIBRARY OR MEETING ROOM – Organizations shall inform all members of their staff and all members of their audiences of this prohibition, and take necessary steps to insure compliance.
CLEAN-UP – Organizations shall be responsible for cleaning up any litter or refuse left as a direct result of their activities. This includes dishes, garbage, paper, tidiness of rooms, etc. No paints or messy craft work will be allowed.
VEHICLES – Vehicles must be legally parked.
COMPLIANCE FAILURE – Failure to comply with the rules and regulations of the library will result in the denial of the use of the building for future occasions.
FEES – The following fees will be charged for the use of the library meeting rooms and must be paid before using the rooms. Fees may be waived for library affiliated organizations at the discretion of the Director:

Non-Profit Organizations(1):	Suggested Donation: $35.00 per use
Profit-Making Organizations(2):	Suggested Donation: $75.00 per use

(1) Nonprofit organizations are defined as those organizations with proof of incorporation as a nonprofit or charitable entity; any organization recognized as a service organization; or any local group meeting for a specific not-for-profit purpose.

(2) For-profit organizations are defined as a group or organization whose purpose is to conduct operations to realize a financial profit.

CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE EDISON PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION AND SUBMITTED WITH THE APPLICATION

CANCELLATIONS – Any cancellation of a meeting room reservation must be made five business days before the scheduled meeting date. If the organization cancels a room reservation less than five business days prior to their scheduled date, the meeting room fee shall revert to the library.
LIBRARY CLOSINGS – In the event that the library must close due to equipment failure or inclement weather, all efforts will be made to notify the contact person listed on the meeting room application. During adverse weather conditions, the group should call the library or check the Library’s website or Facebook page for updates. Organizations scheduled to use a meeting room when there is an emergency closing may choose to have their fee returned or applied to another date.

Application Form (including Insurance and Liability Form)

The Library Study Room is intended for individual or small groups and is not for commercial use.

The Edison Public Library has first priority for use of the Study Room and has access to the room at all times.

Study Room must be checked out from the Library’s Information Desk.
Individuals that are using the Study Room without checking the room out will be removed.
Study Rooms are available to the public on a “first come, first served” basis.
Study Rooms may be checked out for up to 2 hours per day.
Study Rooms will be closed 15 minutes prior to the library closing.
If no other group is waiting, the individual or group who is presently using the Study Room may stay until another group or individual is scheduled.
An individual must present an Edison Public Library card (in good standing) to check-out a Study Room.
The maximum occupancy is four people in a quiet room.
If you leave the room for more than 15 minutes your reservation will be terminated.
The Edison Public Library is not responsible for accidents, injury, loss or damage to the private property of the individual or organization using the room.

The Study Room is intended for quiet use:

Laptops, personal computers, cell phones and other electronic devices may be used in the Study Room, provided the volume controls on such devices are adjusted so as not to disturb others in the Library.
Individuals or groups who are noisy or unruly will be asked to leave.
The Library’s Code of Conduct Policy applies to the Study Room except where amended by this Policy.

The responsible user will be held financially responsible for any damage to the group study room or furniture:

The room must be left in the condition that it was found.
Persons who leave study rooms untidy may lose future study room privileges.
Tables and chairs may not be moved into or removed from study rooms without explicit permissions of the Library staff.
Doors may not be blocked.
Windows, doors and venetian blinds in study rooms may not be covered at any time.
No items shall be tapes or tacked to the walls, windows or doors.

Children under the age of 14 are not permitted use of study rooms without an adult in the room with them.

Adopted by the Edison Public Library Board of Trustees
April 12, 2022

The Edison Township Public Library enriches our community by providing unlimited opportunities for information, education, inspiration and imagination. To complete this mission, the Library must offer a welcoming, open atmosphere and provide a quiet, comfortable, and safe environment where people can use library facilities and collections for intended purposes to the maximum extent possible.

Purpose of Security Cameras

The purpose of the security system is to enhance the safety and security of library users, staff, and property. This policy is in force to deter public endangerment, vandalism, and mischief in unsupervised areas and to identify those individuals involved in such activity for law enforcement purposes, while adhering to the applicable federal, state and local law concerning the confidentially of library records, the disclosure of public records, and the protection of individual privacy.

The library’s security camera system will be used only for the protection and safety of library visitors, employees, assets, and property, and to identify persons breaking the law or violating the library’s Code of Conduct. Staff and visitor safety is the first priority in any threatening situation. The protection of Library property is of secondary importance.

Public Notice: Signage

Signage will posted at the Library entrance at all times, informing the public that security cameras are in use.

Security Camera Locations

Cameras may be installed in locations where individuals lack a reasonable expectation of privacy. Examples include common areas of the Library such as entrances, near book and media collections, public seating areas, public computers, and areas prone to theft or misconduct.

Cameras will not be installed in areas of the Library where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms or private offices. Nor are they positioned to identify a person’s reading, viewing, or listening activities in the Library.

Security

The Library has no obligation to monitor the cameras in real time. As the cameras are not constantly monitored, Library staff and the public should continue to take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the safety of their personal property. The Library is not responsible for the loss of property or personal injury.

Data Storage

Video records and still photographs may be used by authorized individuals to identify those responsible for library policy violations, criminal activity on library property or actions considered disruptive to normal library operations as delineated in the Library Code of Conduct.

Access to the archival footage in pursuit of documented incidents of injury, criminal activity or violation of the Library’s Code of Conduct is restricted to designated Library staff and the Edison Township Police Department. Cameras are not continuously monitored. However, circumstances including reports of policy violations, suspected criminal activity, and destruction or theft of library resources may require such monitoring to occur. Recorded data is confidential and secured in a controlled area. Recordings will typically be stored for no more than 20 days, unless required as part of an ongoing investigation. As new images are recorded, the oldest images are automatically deleted.

Access to Archived Footage

Access to the archived footage in pursuit of documented incidents of criminal activity or violation of the Library’s Code of Conduct is restricted to designated staff: Library Administration and the Edison Township Police Department.

For investigations initiated by law enforcement agencies, recorded data will be made available to law enforcement upon presentation of a valid court order or subpoena establishing probable cause to review the data.

However, in emergency situations that present imminent danger of physical harm, law enforcement may gain access without a court order. In such imminent danger emergencies where law enforcement calls for a waiver of the court order, the requesting officer is required to provide his/her name, agency, badge number, the nature of the emergency, and the extent of data requested.

In situations involving banned patrons, stored still images may be shared with library staff. Shared images may remain posted in restricted staff areas for the duration of the banning period.

General Public Requesting Access to Security Camera Footage

Confidentiality/privacy issues prohibit the general public from viewing camera footage that contains patron information. If the library receives a request from the general public to inspect security camera footage which contains patron information, they will be advised to submit their request to the Edison Township Police Department by filing a Police Report. The footage would then be reviewed by Officers of the Police Department.

Privacy

In all other respects, recorded data will be accorded the same level of confidentiality and protection provided to library users by New Jersey State law, Edison Public Library policies, and the American Library Association policies on confidentiality and

the Library disclaims any liability for use of the video data in accordance with the terms of this policy, given that the library is a public facility and the security cameras shall be limited to those areas where patrons and/or staff have no reasonable expectation of privacy.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, December 14, 2021

Introduction

As part of its mission to support lifelong learning, the Edison Public Library provides proctoring services for students enrolled in distance education courses and for testing required for career advancement.

Requirements

Exams may be on paper or online. The library will provide monitoring but cannot provide one-on-one proctoring or continuous, uninterrupted monitoring of exams.
Library staff will conduct the proctoring. Several staff members may be involved in proctoring, and the library cannot guarantee that the same staff member will be available during the entire test period. Students are responsible for determining whether the library’s level of supervision matches the requirements of his or her institution.
Exam proctoring must be scheduled and is subject to the availability of staff and appropriate space. Proctoring is available during regular library hours, Monday through Sunday. All proctoring will be scheduled to begin at least 30 minutes after the library opens and completed no later than 30 minutes prior to library closing.
The library will make every attempt to meet the needs of the student, but proctoring may be canceled if the library is closed due to inclement weather or other emergencies, including computer malfunctions or severe staffing shortages.
Exams must be mailed to the attention of the Library Director. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the exam has arrived in time.
The student is responsible for providing supplies, such as pencils, paper, Scantron forms, or blue books, which are not provided by the educational institution. The library cannot provide these items.
Photo identification, such as a driver’s license or school ID card, must be presented at the time that the exam is taken and must match the name on the exam materials.
The school or the student is responsible for providing a properly addressed envelope with sufficient postage for returning the exam to the school.
The library is unable to provide overnight delivery service. Testing materials will be handled in the same manner as all other library mail. Staff cannot make any special arrangements to or from the post office to pick-up or return the completed exam.
The library cannot assume responsibility for completed exams that are not received by the educational institution.
This service is available to Edison residents only with a valid Edison Public Library Card.

Adopted by the Edison Public Library, Board of Trustees, December 13, 2022