Library Policies

Meeting Space & Use of Grounds Policy

Meeting Spaces:

The John L. Paul Meeting Room is available for use by the public. An additional meeting space in the Children’s Dept. is accessible by elevator and stairs. Both areas may be closed to library patrons when reserved by an outside party and are available for non-commercial purposes during normal operating hours. Usage outside normal operating hours must be requested at least one week in advance and approved by the director. All users of this space must abide by the library’s regular policies, as well as the following guidelines:

1. All library programs, meetings and events hold priority.
2. The meeting space can be reserved as early as three months or as late as 48 hours in advance, subject to availability.
3. Groups are responsible for setting up chairs and tables in the area and restoring it to its original condition before leaving the building, including trash removal.
4. No fee, admission charge, or donations are permitted for entrance to the event. A fee may be charged to cover the cost of materials/supplies used during the event. No products or services may be advertised, solicited, or sold in meeting space.
5. Meeting space users must provide a contact name and phone number when the reservation is made.
6. The library assumes no responsibility for personal belongings or for injuries incurred during non-library events.
7. The meeting space may not be used for any unlawful purposes.
8. An adult (18 years or older) must be in attendance when minors are present.
9. Use of the space does not constitute library endorsement of the viewpoints expressed by participants in the event.
10. Literature may only be distributed to people attending the event.
11. No group or organization using the space will discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or handicapped status.
12. Events in meeting space must not interfere with regular library operations or cause a disturbance in the library.
13. Persons attending events who bring children requiring supervision should not leave children unattended.
14. Library staff must have free access to the space at all times.
15. No display, banners, charts, etc. may be attached to the walls or ceilings.
16. Use of materials that have the potential to stain the area must be approved by library staff.
17. The library’s name and address may not be used as the official address or headquarters of the group or organization in meeting space.
18. Food or non-alcoholic beverages may be served, but no cooking or open flames are allowed on the premises. Food already prepared in slow cookers/roasters is allowed.
19. Organizers must bring their own supplies, such as tablecloths, refreshments, and paper goods.
20. All events must end 10 minutes before closing, or have prior approval by director.
21. Exceptions to these policies are permissible only by approval from the Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees.

Use of Grounds:

1. Use of the library grounds must be approved by the Library Director.
2. Library events hold priority.
3. Only pre-approved structures and vehicles will be allowed on the grounds.
4. Trimming or removal of trees/plants is not allowed without the consent of the Board of Trustees as given through the Library Director.
5. Any individual or organization will be held responsible for security, damage to the grounds or building, and for clearing trash/structures/vehicles within 24 hours of the event.

Internet Safety Policy

Introduction: Public access to the Internet and online services have become an integral part of the Johnston Public Library programs and services. The intent of this policy is to meet the provisions of the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act, as well as provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding online computer use of Internet accessible computers. The purpose of the Internet Safety Policy of JPL is to implement and enforce the technology protection measures to: ensure that no minor has access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene; and ensure that no person has access to visual depictions that are child pornography or obscene while using a public access computer. Developed under the direction of the Board of the Johnston Public Library, this Internet Safety Policy was discussed and adopted during an open meeting of the Library Board on June 12, 2017. This policy is an addenda to previous Internet Safety Policy statements of JPL and is effective on June 12, 2017. This policy document will be reviewed by the JPL Board at least every three years.

Legal requirements: The JPL Internet Safety Policy complies with the applicable requirements of subsection (b) and L. 2013, ch. 98, sec. 1, and amendments thereto, commonly known as the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act. JPL has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure that blocks or filters online access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene as defined in L. 2013, ch. 98, sec. 1.

Supervision and Monitoring: Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled only for bona fide research or other lawful purpose. It shall be the responsibility of all members of the JPL staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act. Patrons who encounter websites which they believe should be blocked but which are not, or who are prevented from accessing websites which they believe should not be blocked may submit a complaint. This should be given in writing to the Library Director or Assistant Director in charge and include the URL of the site in question and whether the request is to block or unblock it. Staff shall examine the site and determine whether it should be blocked or unblocked. If the technology protection measure being used is a regional service, the information and recommendation shall be forwarded to the appropriate regional staff. Complaints about enforcement of this policy or observed patron behavior which violate this policy shall also be submitted in writing to the Library Director or Assistant Director in charge, providing as much detail as possible. The library shall inform patrons of the provisions of this policy, including the standards used and procedures for complaint, by making the policy available on the library’s web site and in print at the circulation desk.

Who May Use the Library/Library Code of Conduct

I. Who May Use the Library:

• JPL serves all residents within Baxter Springs and the Southeast Kansas Library System service area at no charge. Out-of-state residents must pay a fee of $25 per year. Service will not be denied due to race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, political association, physical limitations, or socioeconomic status.
• The use of the library may be denied to anyone who violates the code of conduct (See Policy II).
• Children age six and under must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. Library staff is not responsible for supervision of children. If caregivers refuse to stay in the same room as their children, they will be asked to leave the library.
• Children and adults with mental, physical, or emotional conditions which require supervision must be accompanied by a caregiver.
• If a child is left unattended inside the library at closing time and a caregiver cannot be reached, the police will be contacted.

II. Library Code of Conduct:

To ensure the safety and comfort of all, patrons must follow the code of conduct. Violators will be given a warning by library staff. Anyone not behaving within these guidelines after one warning will be asked to leave the premises. Refusal to leave will result in police involvement. Any individual who is considered a threat to staff or patrons will not receive a warning and be handled directly by the police.

• No running or disorderly conduct in the library.
• No yelling, loud conservations, or noise that is disturbing to others.
• No playing of audio equipment.
• Cell phones must be set on silent.
• No smoking, tobacco products, or e-cigarettes inside the building or within ten feet of the entrance.
• No harassment of patrons or employees.
• Passing undesirable, suggestive, profane, or objectionable material to patrons or employees is not allowed.
• No loitering without intent to use library services.
• Appropriate attire, including shoes and closed shirts must be worn.
• No consumption of food in the building, except for library functions. Drinks must have lids.
• Non-service animals are not allowed unless authorized by staff for a library program. Leaving an animal unattended on library property is not allowed.
• Patrons must leave the building at designated closing times.
• Patrons are not allowed to move furniture or electronic equipment.
• The library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
• Adults are permitted in the children’s department when accompanied by a child or when the adult needs to retrieve library items from the children’s department.
• Acting or attempting to act in violation of state, federal, local law, or library policy is prohibited.
• No possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances; nor shall patrons be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Possession of knives, firearms, or other weapons is prohibited unless authorized by state law.
• No solicitation, panhandling, harassment, or invasion of privacy patrons or employees.
• Sexual contact, exhibitionism, or abuse of any kind is not allowed.
• No theft, mutilation, or defacement of library property, including building, grounds, equipment, restrooms, or materials.
• Patrons who cause any kind of disturbance (auditory, visual, olfactory) that impedes others from using the library will be asked to leave and may not return until the matter is resolved.

Library Code of Conduct Addendum:

The following guidelines must be followed during the Covid-19 Pandemic or any other time the Board deems necessary.

Patrons who feel ill or have a fever are not allowed in the building. Curbside pickup available: 856-5591.

Patrons must wear a mask when in the library. Free masks are available at front desk.

Patrons must maintain a distance of six feet from other patrons and staff.

Assistance with computers is not available at this time.

Patrons are strongly encouraged to use hand sanitizer (provided by the library) upon entering the building and when needed.

Patrons may not enter roped off areas.

Patrons are asked to cover their faces when sneezing or coughing.

Patrons are allowed 30 minutes/day in the library.

Five patrons allowed in the building at one time. Families with children count as 1.

Director will follow state/county guidelines.

If patrons violate any of the above guidelines, they will be asked to leave. Refusal to leave will result in police involvement.