Library Policies

Akron Carnegie Public Library

Access/Circulation Policy

The Akron Carnegie Public Library will issue borrowers' identification cards to library users who are residents of Henry Township in Fulton County. Cards will be updated every three years.

Library card applications are available at the library circulation desk. Children under the age of 14 must have a parent or guardian with them to sign the application. Materials may be checked out the day the card is issued.

Cards will be honored from the Fulton County Public Library and its branches, the Kewanna Public Library, and the Bell Memorial Public Library through a reciprocal borrowing agreement with these libraries. Other users must purchase a PLAC card, the cost of which changes yearly, or a non-resident card if not a resident of a library district. The cost of a non-resident family card is currently $50.00.

Patrons are responsible for the care and return of all items checked out on their library number. Patrons should notify the library if there is a change of name, address, or phone number. The library card will be updated at no charge for those changes. Expired cards will also be updated free of charge.

The library should be notified as soon as possible if the card is lost or stolen. The cost of a replacement card is $1.00 for the first card, and $5.00 for each additional card.

All books (with the exception of holiday books) and magazines are loaned out for a time period of two weeks. Holiday books, videos and audio cassettes are due back in 7 days, and DVDs are loaned out for a two-day time period. Overdue notices are mailed out as necessary for late materials.

Patrons will be charged for items that are lost or damaged. The library director or staff will determine the charge according to usage, age, and damage.

The Akron Carnegie Public Library offers interlibrary loan services through the Indiana State Library's Share Program. Patrons in good standing and with an established borrowing record may borrow materials from other libraries through the Akron Carnegie Public Library. In order to request an interlibrary loan, the desired item must NOT be owned by the Akron Carnegie Public Library. Interlibrary loans are not available to reciprocal borrowers. (They must make requests of interlibrary loan items from their home library.)

Akron Carnegie Public Library

Rules of Behavior for Library Patrons

The Akron Carnegie Public Library strives to provide, on equal terms, free library services to all patrons. The Library abides by the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights, which states, "A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views."

However to ensure the comfort and the protection of all Library patrons and to prevent a few persons from making the use of the Library inconvenient and disruptive to the majority of users, the Library has adopted the following policy:

• The Akron Public Library is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited in the library on any library property.
• No one who is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs/chemicals is allowed on library premises.
• Eating or drinking beverages inside of the library is prohibited. Exceptions will be made for those using the basement facilities for a scheduled meeting or activity and for staff in designated areas.
• Sleeping on library premises is prohibited.
• Disruptive and/or disorderly conduct is prohibited. Disruptive conduct is any behavior that interferes with the normal functioning of the library. This includes, but is not limited to: loud talking or laughing, the use of cell phones or other electronic devices, fighting, throwing objects, boisterous behavior, skateboarding, and scooters.
• Mutilating, destroying, and/or defacing library materials, equipment, or property is forbidden.
• Misuse of the restrooms, such as shaving, washing clothing or person, smoking, stealing paper, etc. is prohibited.
• Harassment of other patrons or staff is forbidden.
• Language, clothing, body odor, etc. that is offensive to other patrons or staff is prohibited, as is the use of obscene language, behavior or gestures. The definition of obscene is: offensive to modesty or decency; lewd; disgusting; filthy; and or repulsive. Obscene can be defined as language, behavior, dress, or gestures which convey a sexually explicit message or describe intimate bodily function in a coarse or crude manner. Any form of sexual misconduct, including exposure, offensive touching or sexual harassment of patrons or staff is strictly prohibited.
• Solicitation of library patrons is prohibited unless authorized by the library in advance. This includes the selling of anything either for personal gain or for a charity. Begging, panhandling, or circulating petitions is also prohibited.
• Loitering is prohibited. Loitering is defined as remaining or wandering in a public place without any discernible legitimate reason. A patron who wanders about and does not use library materials may be considered loitering.
• Running and playing (with the exception of playing quietly with blocks and toys in the children's area) is not allowed in the library. Parents or caregivers are expected to monitor and control the behavior of children in their care at all times.
• Animals of any kind are not allowed in the library unless part of a library sponsored activity. Aide animals for persons with disabilities are the exception to the rule.
• Leaving young children unattended is not allowed unless they are taking part in a library activity and the person in charge has accepted responsibility for the children. If parents or caregivers cannot be located on library premises, Law Enforcement will be called. In the event of a second such incident, both Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services will be contacted.
• Patrons must be clothed, including shirt and shoes, or they will be asked to leave.
• Weapons are prohibited.
• The library reserves the right to inspect any parcels, bookbags, bags, etc., that are carried into or from the library.
• Any illegal behavior is prohibited. The staff is directed to call Law Enforcement to handle the situation.
• Repeat offenders may experience lengthy banning from the premises. Returning without prior permission opens up offenders to prosecution for trespassing. Patrons banned may appeal to the Library Board.