Policy and Patron’s Rights
Patron Rights and Responsibilities
Extended Loan Policy for Disabled Patrons
- to be a welcoming community center for human interaction, intellectual stimulation and cultural enrichment for people of all ages;
- to provide, through books and other informational, educational and cultural materials, including non-print resources, events and programs, a place where the experience of the past can meet the needs of the present and future;
- to provide access to its own materials and to sources beyond its collections for people on-site and in other locations; and
- to work with institutions, organizations and individuals within the community in the pursuit of these goals.
Library Cards
All adults and children who live, work, attend school or own property in the Chappaqua School District are eligible for a free Westchester Library System (WLS) card from the Chappaqua Library. With a Chappaqua Library card, you may borrow materials from all 38 WLS Libraries and Westchester County Community College.
Responsibility of Cardholder
You are responsible for all material borrowed on your or your child’s library card. Report lost cards immediately. The replacement cost is $1.00. Library privileges will be suspended until financial obligations are met by the borrower. If your items are more than 60 days overdue, your borrowing privileges will be blocked. You are financially accountable for all unreturned items charged to your library barcode number. Please advise the circulation desk of any changes in your name, address, or phone!
Forgotten Cards
In order to check out library materials, you must present some form of ID with current name and address.
Searching the Library Collection
The library collection, online resources, and Internet access are available in the library, or from home through the "Online Resources" choice on our web site. To access some databases from outside the library, you will need to enter your library barcode number.
Reserves
You may reserve items electronically in the library, at home through our web site, or by calling the Reference Desk at 238-4779, ext. 2. TeleCirc has started calling library users to inform them of reserved materials being held at the library. Items will be held for 8 days.
Renewals
All items except Rapid Read books may be renewed once as long as the item is not on reserve. You may renew by calling TeleCirc at 674-4169, using our web site, or calling 238-4779 ext. 4 during business hours.
TeleCirc
Patrons may call TeleCirc at 674-4169 to renew materials, list fines, or cancel a hold. You will need your library card barcode to choose any of the following options.
To renew items press 1
To list titles press 2
To list or cancel holds press 3
To state current fines press 4
To list overdues press 5
To record your own name press 6
To repeat options press #
To exit press *
Interlibrary Loans
Materials not available in this or any WLS library can often be borrowed from another library. Please request assistance from the Reference Desk. These items MUST be returned to the Chappaqua Library.
Return Policy
Items other than the interlibrary loans mentioned above, may be returned to any public library in Westchester County.
Book/AV Drops
For your convenience, the outdoor drops are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a separate A-V drop located to the right of the front door.
"Lost" Items
Items returned (in hand) are charged the maximum fine for that item:
Rapid Read: $5.00
DVD, CD-ROM, VHS: $10.00
Children’s Books: $3.00
Other: $5.00
Items not returned are charged the actual price listed in the WLS database UNLESS a default price is listed. To check any default price take:
Adult/YA collection to Reference
Children’s collection to Children’s Room
If "LOST" item is paid for and then found within 30 days (payment info is on the patron’s record), money can be refunded. After 30 days, see Children’s Room or
Reference Desk.
LOST ITEMS BELONGING TO OTHER LIBRARIES MUST BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE OWNING LIBRARY.
Public IBM-Compatible Computers
The library has computers for public use with word processing, internet, and spreadsheet functions. With a valid WLS library card, you may reserve time on computers or register for free lessons by calling the library 238-4779 ext.4 or by visiting the circulation desk.
Children’s Services
The children’s librarians offer a variety of story times for children of all ages. The story time schedule is available at the children’s room desk and on our web site. Computers with educational and recreational software are available for children to use in the library. Many special programs are offered for children throughout the year. Consult the library calendar of events or our web site for special art, entertainment, and story telling events.
Calendar of Events
There are many events held at the library. The calendar is available in the library, on our web page, and mailed to all Chappaqua School District residents. All library-sponsored programs are FREE!
Home Delivery
Volunteers will deliver library items to homebound residents. Call the Reference Desk at 238-4779, ext. 2.
E-Mail Reference
You may submit a question electronically on our web page and receive a response within 24 hours.
Computer and Internet Lessons
The library offers free computer and Internet lessons. Call 238-4779 ext. 4 to schedule a time.
Chappaqua Library Patron Rights and Responsibilities
The Board of Trustees of the Chappaqua Central School District Public Library, in order that the library may operate and be administered in the best interests of the community it serves, publishes and posts these regulations.
No person shall destroy, damage or deface any property and/or materials belonging to the library.
Any person abusing or threatening to abuse other patrons or members of the staff may be expelled from the premises at once.
No person while on the premises of the library shall conduct him/herself in a violent or disorderly manner, use abusive or profane language, engage in lewd conduct, disturb any public meeting or assembly, or be found under the influence of alcohol or drugs in such a condition as to threaten the safety and rights of others. The library premises include not only the building, but all associated property, such as sidewalks, parking lots and yards.
No person may smoke anywhere in the building or consume food or drink in the public areas of the building. Exception may be made for specific library programs, when refreshments may be permitted.
No person while on the library premises shall engage in disruptive conversation or conduct or unruly behavior which inhibits the use of the library by others, nor shall any person refuse to obey the reasonable requests of an employee of the library, including a request to present identification.
No person may play any audio equipment on library premises without using headphones or earphones which make the sound inaudible to others. If sound is heard, despite the use of earphones or headphones, the patron must turn the audio device off. Persons receiving or making calls on cellular phones may do so only outside or in the library’s entrance lobby.
No person while on the premises of the library shall obtain or attempt to obtain signatures to a petition or conduct surveys or investigations or distribute printed material. No posters or flyers and other forms of material may be posted without the express permission of the Library Director or his representative. Solicitations for charitable, religious or other purposes, selling of tickets, magazines or merchandise of any kind are prohibited on library premises. The only exceptions to this rule are the on-going book sales and other fund-raising events sponsored by the Library or the Friends of the Library, or by similar groups authorized by the Director to use the library theater.
No person shall bring animals into the building, except for those needed to assist a patron with a disability, or any animals used in library programs.
A responsible parent or adult guardian must accompany any child under the age of ten who is using the library. For a child under eight, the responsible parent or adult guardian must always be in the same vicinity as the child. The responsible parent or adult guardian must stay with any child under six while the child uses a computer in the children’s computer room.
Roller skates, in-line skates and skateboards are not permitted in the library or on library premises. Bicycles must be walked between the street and the bike rack provided.
Bicycles may not be brought into the library; they must be parked in the bicycle racks by the entrance to the library.
The parking lot is for the exclusive use of the staff and patrons of the library.
Members of the public who violate these regulations may be expelled from the library premises and/or have library privileges withdrawn by the Library Director for a specific or indefinite period of time. Persons from whom these privileges have been withdrawn have the right to appeal in writing to the Library Board of Trustees.
Materials Lending Policy
The Chappaqua Library is in compliance with the Westchester Library System’s policy for the circulation of library materials. The patron will receive a receipt that reflects the items due dates. Below are the library’s loan periods and overdue fine schedules, which are identical for adult, young adult, and children’s materials, effective February 2008.
| MATERIAL | LOAN PERIOD | LIMITS | FINES | RENEWABLE |
| Book/ppb’s | 3 weeks | none | .10/day $5.00 Max | Yes |
| New Adult Books | 2 weeks | none | .10/day $5.00 Max | Yes |
| Rapid Read | 1 week | 1 book per card | .20/day $5.00 Max | No |
| Magazines | 1 week | 5 items per title | .10/day $5.00 Max | Yes |
| Audiobooks - Adult | 3 weeks | 5 titles | .10/day $5.00 Max | Yes |
| Audiobooks - Juv | 3 weeks | 10 titles | .10/day $5.00 Max | Yes |
| DVDs/VHS | 1 week | 10 titles | $2.00/day $10.00 Max | Yes |
Music CDs | 3 weeks | 10 titles | .10/day | Yes |
| CD-ROMs | 2 weeks | Adult - 3 titles Child - 5 titles | $2.00/day $10.00/Max | Yes |
Chappaqua Library’s policy is a 50 item maximum per card. Maximum of 3 items in any one subject (fewer if a school assignment).
In order to maintain the integrity of the blog and its content, all comments made to the Chappaqua Library blogs are moderated.
Full names and email addresses will be required to post. First names will be published but last names and email addresses will not be published.
The Chappaqua CSD Public Library reserves the right to monitor content before it is posted on all blogs, and to modify or remove any messages or postings that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of the copyright, trademark right, or other intellectual property right of any third party, or otherwise inappropriate for this service. The Chappaqua CSD Public Library also reserves the right to edit or modify any submission in response to requests for feedback or other commentary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chappaqua CSD Public Library is not obligated to take any such actions, and will not be responsible or liable for content posted by any subscriber in any forum, message board, or other area within the service.
Comments will not be accepted if they appear to be indecent or offensive, or contain negative content of a personal, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, or religious character. We will not post comments that appear to be libelous or otherwise legally problematic.
Comments which may also be refused are those that are:
- irrelevant to the article;
- trivial;
- appear to be advertising or "spam";
- a repetition of comments posted elsewhere on the Chappaqua Library website;
- badly written or incomprehensible; or
- hyperlinks to material that is not directly related to the discussion.
By posting a comment you agree to indemnify the Chappaqua CSD Public Library and its officers and employees from and against all liabilities, judgments, damages, and costs (including attorney’s fees) incurred by any of them which arise out of or are related to the content that you post. Forums and messaging may not be used for commercial purposes or for organized political activity.
If you do not agree to these terms, do not use the service as violation of the terms can lead to legal liability.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees – February 2008
Chappaqua Public Library
Extended Loan Policy for Disabled Patrons
For patrons with a disability who are approved by the Director following submission of the attached application, the three week loan period for books will be extended to five weeks. Those books borrowed with an extended loan may be renewed for an additional three weeks (as long as there are no pending reserves).
A maximum of three books may be borrowed, at any one time, for an extended loan period.
Items not included under this policy are DVD’s, items from other libraries, items on reserve for other patrons, and materials received through Interlibrary Loan from colleges and libraries outside of Westchester.
The extended loan service is available to disabled patrons only and not to other members of the disabled patron’s household, family members or friends. In the event that the patron ceases to be under disability, the patron must notify the Library and the extended loan service will no longer be available to the patron.
To qualify for this service, applicants must already have a valid Chappaqua Library card and meet the regular registration requirements of the Chappaqua Library.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees – November 18, 2008
Chappaqua Library Long Range Plan 2008-2012
INTRODUCTION
In July 2007, the Board of Trustees of the Chappaqua Library authorized the formation of a Long Range Planning Committee to recommend to the Board specific ways to implement the Library’s long-range plan that was adopted in August, 2006 and to update that plan. The Long Range Planning Committee was comprised of two Board members, the Library Director, a Library staff member, the president of the Friends of the Chappaqua Library, and a former Library Trustee. The Long Range Planning Committee met on a number of occasions during the summer and fall of 2007 to discuss the long-range strategic plan of the Library and short-term recommendations for implementing the plan.
In addition to discussing in detail the long-range plan previously adopted by the Board of Trustees, the Committee considered written materials addressing the future of libraries, conclusions from the OCLC report on Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources , (Tab A) prepared and considered the results of a survey of Library patrons (Tab B), received and considered suggestions from Library department heads, and met with Carol Birch, head Children’s Librarian, who submitted a report and recommendations (Tab C). As a result of the Committee’s work, the Committee identified a number of overriding needs of the Library, which are addressed in more detail below, along, where possible, with specific recommendations and ideas for addressing these needs. The Committee unanimously agrees to this plan.
A number of the Library’s main needs arise from space limitations. In the past few years, the Library has seen a substantial increase in, inter alia, the number of patron visits, circulation of reading and electronic materials and children’s programs. Space limitations most significantly affect the children’s room, which has not been renovated or expanded since the addition of the Children’s Program Room in 1986, and by most accounts from staff and patrons, has a cramped feel. The children’s room has no space for additional books or additional computers for children’s educational games and online access, which has made it difficult for the children’s librarians to, inter alia, increase subject-specific areas of the collection, and provide new resources for school assignments and popular reading. In short, the children’s room is not the kind of inviting, comfortable space that can enhance the library experience for children and accompanying adults.
The Committee believes that the children’s room should be expanded. In addition, more space is needed for parking, which ranked first on the recently-conducted patron survey as a significant need for the Library. As reflected below, these conclusions led the Committee to recommend that an architect and/or engineer be hired as soon as feasible to advise the Library on whether its current space is being utilized to maximum effect and what options might exist with respect to (i) reconfiguring its current space and (ii) possibly expanding its current space to increase the size of the children’s room, as well as the number of parking spaces. Among the options that may be considered are the utilization of alternative service points for Library services, including conducting programs at other locations in New Castle and opening other permanent satellite locations. The Committee recommends that the Board explore these options in more detail.
The goals and recommendations for an updated long-range plan for 2008-2012, as set forth below, build upon many of the Library’s accomplishments over the past five years. These accomplishments include, among others, an expansion of the Library building in 2006, upgrading much of the building’s infrastructure, creating a new and improved website, subscribing to additional databases for use by patrons, offering a wider variety of library programs for children as well as for adults, and an improved and more efficient checkout system. This plan is consistent with and advances the Chappaqua Library’s mission, which is:
- to be a welcoming community center for human interaction, intellectual stimulation and cultural enrichment for people of all ages;
- to provide, through books and other informational, educational and cultural materials, including non-print resources, events and programs, a place where the experience of the past can meet the needs of the present and future;
- to provide access to its own materials and to sources beyond its collections for people on-site and in other locations.
Achieving the goals outlined in this plan will require considerable effort on the part of the Trustees and staff, support of the community and the availability of funds to finance projects that the Board approves. Each project included in the plan will be subject to a cost/benefit analysis and required approvals obtained prior to implementation.
GOALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Enlarge existing or construct new children’s library
- As stated above, the expansion and renovation of the children’s library is a primary need. To move toward implementing this goal, the Committee recommends that the Board immediately hire an architectural firm and, as needed, an engineering firm, to evaluate and provide cost estimates for alternatives to maximize the Library’s use of its existing space and specifically evaluate alternatives for enlarging the children’s library. The Committee has obtained a very preliminary, non-binding estimate of $7,500 from one architectural firm to provide the type of evaluation described herein.
Alternatives to be considered may include:
-
- Expand the existing children’s library in a southeasterly direction towards the parking lot;
- Use some or all of space in the outdoor courtyard off the gallery area for the children’s library or some other important purpose as part of the overall maximization of Library space;
- Expand the children’s library into staff work area and relocating the staff room.
- As an initial step in easing congestion in the existing children’s library, expand into an enclosed courtyard space adjacent to the children’s library.
- Move some children’s programming to temporary or permanent off-site locations.
- Improve the existing lighting in the children’s room.
2. Provide additional parking for Library patrons
Parking at the Library has long been and remains an area that should be addressed. Because there is limited space available at the Library’s current facilities, an expansion of the children’s room would likely limit the ability to add parking spaces. Accordingly, if the Board adopts the Committee’s recommendation and hires an architect/engineer to evaluate space usage and expansion options, parking options would either be a component of the architect’s/engineer’s evaluation or the Committee recommends that a separate analysis be immediately undertaken to address parking specifically. However, because the Committee believes that action should be taken now to address short-term solutions to the parking situation, the Committee recommends the following:
- Work with New Castle Town Board to obtain restricted permit-only parking for Library staff only on the east side of Greeley Avenue, adjacent to Library.
- Work with the Chappaqua Central School District Board of Education to authorize some parking by Library staff or patrons in the Bell School parking lot.
- Work with neighboring St. Mary the Virgin Church for possible staff parking on their property.
- Schedule Library events to minimize Library parking problems.
- Move some Library programs to off-site locations.
- Determine the feasibility of establishing satellite library operations in the community.
3. Form a Chappaqua Library Foundation that will raise funds to finance Library projects that enhance services to the Community
The Committee believes that part of the Library’s long-term plan should be the creation of a foundation that can help raise funds for large-scale projects. The Library cannot, as a general matter, fund such projects solely from its operating budget or donations from the Friends. Further, although a bond issue may be an option or necessary for certain large-scale Library projects, going through the process for a bond issue is time-consuming and the ultimate outcome of such a process is uncertain. We note that many libraries in Westchester County have used foundations successfully to raise funds for projects. The Committee therefore recommends that the Board of Trustees immediately appoint a committee to develop plans for the formation and operation of a Chappaqua Library Foundation over the next 6 to 12 months.
4. Implement existing or emerging technologies that result in improved services to library patrons
The Library has made significant additions and improvements in the use of new technologies to improve services over the last few years, including installing additional computers for public use and most recently the creation of a new website. The Committee believes that technology will continue to play a large role in the Library’s delivery of services to the community. Accordingly, the Committee recommends the following technologies be purchased or considered further for possible purchase.
- Install self-checkout stations. Self-service checkout machines provide patrons with greater anonymity and allow management to reassign clerical circulation staff to other departments. The estimated cost is $6,000-10,000 per self-service checkout unit plus an annual maintenance fee, the amount of which would have to be determined.
- Expand access to online information databases to meet needs of the Community. Westchester Library System (WLS) had reduced their annual budget for online databases, which resulted in the elimination of several subscription titles regularly used by Library patrons. The Library tries to fill the gap between the demands of patrons and the information WLS is willing to fund for the general public. Databases unique to the Library have included Rosetta Stone, Gale Academic Journals, and Birds of America. The estimated cost of obtaining additional databases is $7,000-$10,000 annually.
- Improve wireless connectivity to enable greater use by the public of personal laptop computers within the library to provide a more stable connection and eliminate the daily line dropouts.
- Implement text messaging to alert patrons of reserves and overdues as well as communicate reference inquiries. This service is available for free at www.libraryelf.com.
- Install two networked color printers for use by public on a pay-per-use basis. Patrons have requested the ability to print color documents (maps, photos, etc.), which the Library’s current copiers cannot do. Using a networked color printer with the existing Envisionware print management system will provide this service. In addition a networked printer will only require using one Trac card reader instead of the five we currently maintain. The estimated cost to purchase one color printer is $600.
- Continue to investigate and implement, if warranted, RFID technology. The cost of the materials necessary to implement this project is currently well over $100,000, not including the staff time that would be necessary to place a tag in each circulating item.
- Investigate the use of a “Pay Pal” account to permit patrons to pay fines on-line using debit/credit cards.
5. Improvements to library facilities
In analyzing the Library’s long-range needs, it became clear to the Committee that ensuring that the Library is a physically comfortable, inviting space is critical. See, e.g., Tab A. There are a number of existing facilities at the Library that should be upgraded immediately and other projects that should be considered. These include:
- Upgrade lighting system in current children’s library.
- Refurbish an enclosed area of the Library for exclusive use by young adults.
- Renovate existing public restrooms. The Library’s building consultant, Dennis MacDougall, estimates the cost to be $100,000.
- Remodel main staff work area for greater efficiency
- Install a coffee bar, available to patrons and staff, in an appropriate location in the library.
- Construct two meeting rooms, using space in the main courtyard, that will be available to the public for small meetings and conferences.
6. Continue to enhance the Library’s presence in the Community and the services provided to the Community
One of the Library’s key functions is serving as a center for the community. The Committee believes that the Library should increase its presence in the community and recommends the following:
- Expand partnerships with Chappaqua schools, New Castle Historical Society and other community organizations.
- Hold periodic social functions in the Library to provide the public the opportunity to interact with Library staff, including the Director, and the Board of Trustees.
- Library Board of Trustees to meet at least annually, and more frequently if required, with the Chappaqua School District Board of Trustees to review and resolve common issues.
- The Library Director and Board members should be active participants in town ad-hoc committees to resolve local issues.
- Library personnel should continue and expand programs conducted for special groups at off-site locations.
- Consider the purchase of a Bokomaten machine for installation at a location in New Castle, such as in Millwood or at the Chappaqua train station. The current cost to purchase one machine is $71,000 (annual maintenance is unknown at this time). The cost to stock the machine with materials and the software license is approximately $38,000 per year.
- Continue to reach out and inform the community of library programs and services through NCC-TV and the local newspapers.
The Committee appreciates the opportunity to have prepared this plan and recommendations and looks forward to the Board’s consideration of these issues.
Respectfully submitted,
Long-Range Planning Committee
Martha Alcott (replaced Carolyn Reznick in November 2007)
Evelyn Bloom
Brian Socolow
John Sorice
Pamela Thornton
Shobha Vanchiswar
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees
January 2008
