Library Policies

Collection Policy

Purpose

This plan guides the development, maintenance, and evaluation of the library’s collections to ensure they meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community, in accordance with SLNC standards.

Mission Alignment

The library’s collection supports its mission to foster lifelong learning, equitable access, and community engagement by providing materials for all patrons.

Guiding Principles

• Intellectual Freedom: Materials are selected without regard to personal, political, religious, or ideological viewpoints
• Responsiveness to Community: Collection decisions are based on user needs, demographic data, usage patterns, and direct feedback (SLNC Public Library Standards).

Collection Scope

The library collects a broad range of materials including:

• Formats: Books, audiobooks, DVDs, periodicals, digital media (eBooks, eAudio), streaming content, and non-traditional items.
• Languages: Primarily English, with materials in other languages (especially Spanish) based on community needs.
• Reading Levels: Ranges from early literacy to adult advanced readers.

Selection Criteria

Materials are selected using the following criteria:

• Relevance to community interests and needs
• Accuracy and currency of information
• Literary or artistic merit
• Reputation of author/publisher
• Cost and budget availability
• Demand (holds ratios, usage statistics)
• Professional reviews (e.g., Library Journal, Booklist)

The Library Director and/ or designated staff members oversee selection, with input from trained staff and patron suggestions.

Collection Maintenance

• Weeding: Materials are removed based on condition, use, accuracy, and relevance, using the CREW method (Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding).
• Replacements: Popular, damaged, or missing items may be replaced depending on demand and availability.
• Preservation: Valuable or historical items may be preserved or digitized to ensure long-term access.

Computer & Internet Policy

Purpose:

In keeping with its mission to provide access to information and support lifelong learning, Yancey County Public Library offers public access to computers and the internet. 

Access:

• Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• Users must sign in using their library card or a guest pass. 
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 
• Parents/guardians are responsible for their child’s internet use. 

Time Limits:

• Sessions are limited to [30–60] minutes when others are waiting. 
• Users may have up to [2] hours of total computer time per day. 

Acceptable Use:

• Users must comply with local, state, and federal laws, including copyright and obscenity laws. 
• Viewing of obscene or sexually explicit material, or engaging in illegal activity is strictly prohibited. 
• Users may not tamper with computer hardware or software, install programs, or change system settings.
• Users may not use library computers for unauthorized access or hacking. 

Filtering: 

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the library uses content filtering software on all public internet access terminals. 

Privacy: 

• The library respects user privacy but cannot guarantee complete confidentiality. 
• Users should log out of all accounts and clear browsing history after use. Printing: 
• Printing is available at a cost of [$0.10 per black-and-white page / $0.25 per color page]. 
• Users are responsible for verifying print jobs before submitting. 

Violation of Policy:

Failure to follow this policy may result in loss of computer privileges, suspension of library use, or legal action. 

Disclaimer:

The library is not responsible for the accuracy, content, or availability of external internet sites. The library assumes no responsibility for damage to personal devices or data due to library computer use.

Fines & Fees Policy

Overdue Items

The library does not charge daily fines for overdue materials. We believe in promoting equitable access and removing barriers to library use. However, patrons are still responsible for returning items on time to ensure availability for others. 

Lost or Damaged Items

Patrons will be charged for items that are lost or returned damaged beyond repair. Charges include: 

• Replacement cost of the item at the time of purchase 
• A $5.00 processing fee per item 

Return Guidelines

• Each branch has a 24-hour book drop for the return of books and periodicals. 
• To prevent damage, DVDs, video tapes, and audio books must be returned inside at the circulation desk during regular library hours. 

Borrowing Privileges

Accounts with outstanding charges for lost or damaged materials must be resolved before new materials can be checked out.

Other Fees

• Copies & Print-Outs: Black & white – $0.10 per page | Color – $0.30 per page 
• Faxing (where available): $1.00 per page (sending or receiving) 

*fees subject to change as material cost increases 

Fine-Free Technology Lending Policy

The library is a fine-free institution for all materials, including technology. However, patrons are financially responsible for lost or damaged items. High-value items such as hotspots, laptops, and tablets are considered lost if not returned within 7 days of the due date and will incur a replacement charge. Charges will be removed if the item is returned in good condition.

Library Card Requirements Policy

Library Card Requirements

Library cards are free for those who fit the criteria below. A $10 fee is issued to a non resident applicant. To obtain a free library card, individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

1. Residency- Library cards are available at no cost to individuals who reside, own property, attend school, or work within Yancey County. 

2. Proof of Identity and Address- Applicants must provide a valid form of photo identification and proof of current residential address. Acceptable forms of identification may include:

• State-issued driver’s license or ID card
• Passport
• Student or employee identification card 

3. Proof of address may include-

• Utility bill dated within the past 30 days
• Lease or rental agreement
• Official mail from a government agency

4. Age Requirements-

• Individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present to co-sign the application and assume responsibility for materials checked out on the account.
• Children may be issued a juvenile library card, which may have borrowing limits or access restrictions, depending on library policy. 

Loan Periods

• Books, Audiobooks, and Music CDs: 3 weeks 
• New Books: 2 weeks 
• DVDs and Blu-rays: 1 week 
• Digital Materials: Loan periods vary; patrons can select their preferred duration when downloading items 

Renewals

Most items are eligible for up to 2 automatic renewals unless another patron has placed a hold on the item. 

Holds

Patrons may place holds on items currently checked out. Once available, the item will be held for 7 days.

Lost or Damaged Items

• Items not returned within 60 days of the due date are considered lost. Patrons will be charged the replacement cost plus a processing fee. 
• Damaged items will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and applicable fees will be determined accordingly by director or designee. 
• Replacement library cards at $2.00 

Borrowing Limits

• Books: Up to 50 items 
• DVDs/Blu-rays: Up to 10 items 

Account Blocks

Borrowing privileges may be suspended if a patron has unpaid fees for lost or damaged items. 

Privacy and Confidentiality

In accordance with the ALA Code of Ethics and North Carolina General Statute §125-19, all patron borrowing records are confidential and will not be disclosed except as required by law. 

Accessibility and Family Services

• The library offers materials and services suitable for all ages and abilities, including large print books, audiobooks, and multilingual resources. 
• Parents and guardians are encouraged to guide their children’s reading choices.

Library Display Policy

Purpose

Library displays promote resources of the library as well as educate the public. 

Guiding Values

This policy is based on: 

• NC Public Library Standards 
• The library’s commitment to intellectual exploration 
• A dedication to fostering community spirit, lifelong learning, and family engagement 

Display Objectives

Library displays aim to: 

• Encourage exploration of the library’s collection 
• Highlight topics of broad interest, including literacy, wellness, history, the arts, science, and seasonal themes 
• Provide age-appropriate, family-friendly content in public areas 

Professional

In order to maintain continuity and professionalism, library staff will curate displays based on library standards, resources and programs. 

Concerns & Feedback

Patrons with concerns about a display may submit a Display Feedback Form to the Library Director. Feedback will be reviewed in relation to library values, this policy, and professional standards.

Meeting Room Policy

The meeting room at Yancey County Public Library is available to support library programs and services, promote community engagement, and provide space for public meetings and events. 

Eligibility:

• Library-sponsored programs have first priority. 
• The room may be reserved by non-profit groups, civic organizations, educational institutions, and government entities with prior approval. 
• Private events are booked based on the discretion of the staff. 

Reservation Guidelines:

• Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance and no more than 3 months in advance. 
• Meeting Room is available during library hours only. 
• A designated adult (18+) must complete the reservation form and be present for the entire meeting. 
• Groups may use the meeting room up to 2 times per month. 

Rules for Use:

• No admission fees or sales may occur without prior approval. 
• The room must be left clean and in its original condition. 
• Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted with prior approval. 
• Users are responsible for any damage or additional cleaning costs.

Cancellations:

• Please notify the library at least 24 hours in advance if canceling. 
• Repeated cancellations or no-shows may result in loss of room privileges. 

Disclaimer:

Use of the meeting room does not imply library endorsement of the group or its activities. 

For Further Guidelines regarding YC policy on meeting rooms:

Refer to Facilities Use agreement 

Contact: 

To reserve the room or for more information, please visit the Yancey County Library main page.

Library Social Media Policy

Purpose

The library uses social media to inform, engage, and connect with the community in alignment with our mission to provide equitable access to information and services. Social media is an extension of the library’s public presence, reflecting our values of intellectual freedom, inclusion, respect, and transparency. 

Scope

This policy applies to all official library social media accounts managed by staff, including but not limited to Facebook and its webpage. 

Guiding Principles

The library’s use of social media is governed by: 

• NC Public Library Standards 
• The Code of Ethics of the American Library Association 
• The library’s internal communication and conduct policies 
• Federal and state laws regarding public records, privacy, and accessibility 

Goals of Social Media Use

The library’s social media presence aims to: 

• Share news, events, and resources in a timely and accessible manner 
• Promote library collections, services, and programming for all age groups 
• Support digital literacy and community engagement

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The library is committed to ensuring that social media content is accessible to all users. Whenever possible: 

• Images will include alt-text or image descriptions
• Videos will include captions or transcripts 
• Posts will use plain language and avoid jargon 
• Content will reflect the diversity and needs of the community, including materials for children, families, multilingual audiences, and individuals with disabilities 

Content Standards

Library staff will maintain a consistent and professional voice. Social media content must: 

• Be factual, respectful, and inclusive 
• Avoid political endorsements or religious proselytizing 
• Use age-appropriate language and imagery 
• Reflect the full range of library services and collections, including materials for children, teens, and adults 
• Respect patron as well as staff privacy 

Public Interaction and Moderation

The library encourages respectful public interaction. Comments on posts will be turned off to encourage community knowledge and neutrality. 

Users who repeatedly violate these guidelines may be blocked or reported as appropriate.

Staff Guidelines

Only authorized staff may post on official library accounts. All social media activity must: 

• Be consistent with library messaging and branding 
• Coordinate library events and programs with the director or designee 
• Uphold the library’s professional standards Personal social media accounts of staff are not covered under this policy unless they represent the library or use official credentials. 

Feedback and Review

Community members may provide feedback on the library’s social media through emailing the Library Director. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure alignment with best practices and evolving technology.

Overarching Yancey County Policy

Purpose

The library operates as a public institution within a government building and is subject to local governance, North Carolina statutes, and Yancey County policies. This policy ensures compliance with applicable laws while maintaining a safe and accessible environment for all patrons.

Legal Authority & Compliance

• The library and its patrons are subject to North Carolina General Statutes governing public facilities, including regulations on conduct, accessibility, and public records.
• Yancey County policies regarding government buildings apply to all individuals on library premises, including safety protocols, emergency procedures, and facility use guidelines.

Patron Responsibilities

While in the library, patrons must:

• Follow all posted rules and regulations governing behavior and facility use.
• Comply with directives from library staff regarding safety, conduct, and policy enforcement.

Photo Policy

Purpose:

The library occasionally takes photographs and videos to document events, promote programs, and showcase community engagement. This policy outlines how photography will be conducted and how patrons can opt out if they prefer not to be included.

Implicit Consent:

By entering the library premises, patrons acknowledge and consent to being photographed or recorded in public spaces. These images may be used in promotional materials, including social media, brochures, newsletters, and local media.

Opt-Out Procedure:

Patrons who do not wish to be photographed or recorded may:

• Notify a library staff member upon arrival.
• Request a visible **"No Photo" sticker** at the circulation desk (optional).

Responsible Content Use Policy

Compliance & Enforcement:

Library staff ensure that materials comply with legal standards. If a book or item violates the law, it may be reviewed and removed if necessary. Legal counsel may be consulted to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. (NC Statute 14-190) See: G.S. 14-190.1 "North Carolina General Statute G.S. 14-190.1, which defines and regulates the dissemination of obscene materials, including literature, performances, and visual media, outlining legal restrictions and penalties."

Diversity of Viewpoints & Patron Requests:

The library aims to include a variety of perspectives. Patrons can suggest new materials, which will be considered based on selection criteria including budget considerations.

Reconsideration of Materials:

If a patron has concerns about a specific item, they may submit a formal request for review. The library will evaluate the material and make a fair decision based on policy guidelines. Please see the library director for this form.

Content Compliance:

The library does not knowingly include materials considered obscene under state law. Obscene content is defined based on legal standards, including its overall value and how it is perceived by community norms. Materials are evaluated in their entirety.

Selection & Review Process:

Books and materials are chosen based on relevance, accuracy, credibility, diversity, and quality. If a patron believes an item does not align with this policy, they may request a review. The library staff and/or boards will assess the material fairly and professionally.

Access & Responsibility:

The library does not restrict access to the library based on age or personal beliefs. Parents and guardians are responsible for guiding their children's use of library materials. A book’s presence in the collection does not mean the library endorses its content.

Trespass Policy

Definition of Trespassing:

Trespassing occurs when an individual enters or remains on library property without authorization or after being instructed to leave by library staff or law enforcement.

Prohibited Conduct:

Individuals may be considered trespassers if they:

• Enter restricted areas not open to the public.
• Remain on library property after closing hours.
• Refuse to leave after violating library policies and receiving a formal notice.
• Engage in disruptive or unlawful behavior that threatens public safety.

Enforcement & Consequences:

• Library staff may issue verbal warnings or written trespass notices.
• Repeat offenders or individuals engaging in criminal activity may be subject to legal action under **North Carolina General Statutes § 14-159.12** (First-Degree Trespass) and **§ 14-159.13** (Second-Degree Trespass).
• Law enforcement may be contacted to remove individuals who refuse to comply.

Unattended Minors Policy

Unattended Minors

To ensure the safety of all visitors and to maintain a welcoming and secure environment, the Yancey County Public Library requires that minors (under the age of 13) be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult caregiver at all times while on library property.

1. No Unattended Minors

• Minors under 13 years of age are not permitted to be in the library without supervision by a responsible adult
• A responsible adult must remain with the minor *under 13 years ) at all times, including during programs, browsing, or use of public computers.
• The library does not act in loco parentis (in place of a parent) and cannot assume responsibility for minors left unattended.

2. Supervision During Programs

• All programs for children and teens (under 13 years ) require the accompanying adult to remain in the library building. Drop-off is not permitted.
• If a minor arrives unaccompanied to a program or event, they will not be allowed to participate, and the adult will be contacted for pickup.

3. Library Closing and Emergencies

• If a minor is left unattended in the library or on library grounds at any time, including at closing, library staff will:
• Attempt to contact a parent or guardian immediately.
• If no responsible adult can be reached within 30 minutes, local law enforcement or child protective services will be contacted.
• Staff will remain with the minor until appropriate authorities arrive.

4. Behavioral Expectations

• Minors are expected to follow all library policies while accompanied by an adult.
• If a minor’s behavior becomes disruptive or unsafe, staff may request that the child and adult leave the premises. Repeated issues may result in a suspension of library privileges.

Policy Enforcement

YCPL reserves the right to take appropriate action, including the involvement of law enforcement or child protection authorities, in any situation where a minor is left unattended or at risk. This policy is in place to protect the safety and well-being of minors and to ensure a safe, productive environment for all patrons.