Library Policies

Internet Policy

The Chicopee Public Library provides public Internet access to all patrons as part of its mission to provide the community with equal opportunity to access information resources that will satisfy their personal, educational and professional needs. The information that is retrieved from the Internet, cannot be verified or authenticated by the Chicopee Public Library and is to be evaluated by the user as to its currency, validity or appropriateness.

The Chicopee Public Library uses filtering software on its Internet computers. The filtering software being used is not a replacement for parental guidance. The Chicopee Public Library cannot insure the appropriateness of websites being accessed. It is a parent's responsibility to be aware of safety guidelines and to instruct their children accordingly.

Visit our Internet Safety Website for Parents and Children.

Users should be aware that copyright protection is not only associated with print materials but also governs the use of audio, video, images and text on the Internet. Using library resources to copy and distribute copyright protected materials may be an infringement of copyright law. It is the intent of the Chicopee Public Library to adhere to the provisions of the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S. Code). For further information, please refer to a librarian or the U.S. Copyright Office at:  http://www.copyright.gov/.

 

Guidelines for Usage

Patrons may reserve time on the Internet by signing in at an available computer with their own library card. Library cards are not transferable. The time allotment is restricted to one session per day. Reservations (when all computers are occupied), may be made through the library's PC reservation software. Please see a staff member for assistance.

Computer usage is limited to one individual at each computer workstation.

E-mail is allowed via free, web-based e-mail services. The library does not offer e-mail accounts to patrons. Sending e-mail from computer to computer within the building is not acceptable use and will result in termination of the session.

Files may be saved through e-mail accounts, disks, CDs or USB drives. Disks and CD-Rs are available at the circulation and reference desks for a charge of $1.00 each. Please be aware that downloaded files may contain viruses. The Chicopee Public Library is not responsible for any damage incurred to a patron's disk, home computer, or for any loss of data, and advises patrons to have virus-checking software on their home computers.

Printing is available at a cost of 10 cents per page for black & white and 50 cents per page for color.

Failure to follow these guidelines, and to comply with the rules of conduct, may result in termination of the session, or loss of computer privileges, depending on the nature and the repetitiveness of the offense.

Rules of Conduct

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, October 16, 2006

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Wireless Internet Policy

Wireless Limitations and Disclaimers:

The Main branch of the Chicopee Public Library provides its users with free Internet access points or "hot spots" for use with portable computers or devices that are capable of receiving wireless signals. Wireless users agree to abide by the Library's Internet Policy while using the Library's wireless network.

Users are responsible for making sure their computer has the correct settings and necessary hardware to access this service. Library staff cannot assist users in configuring their equipment or troubleshooting problems. Most WiFi® equipment will be compatible, however the Library cannot guarantee that your hardware will work with their wireless connection.

Use of this wireless connection is entirely at the risk of the user. The Chicopee Public Library will not be held responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, occurring as a result of this service. Users should be forewarned that any information transmitted or received through this network is unsecured. Cautious wireless users should not transmit their credit card information, passwords or any other sensitive information while using the wireless connection. The Library is not liable for any loss of privacy or data resulting from the use of their wireless network and/or hardware or software issues that might result from electrical surges.

Users should be aware that copyright protection is not only associated with print materials but also governs the use of audio, video, images and text on the Internet. Using library resources to copy and distribute copyright protected materials may be an infringement of copyright law. It is the intent of the Chicopee Public Library to adhere to the provisions of the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S. Code). For further information, please refer to a librarian or the U.S. Copyright Office at:  http://www.copyright.gov/.

Printers are not available via the wireless connection. If users need to print, they can either email files to themselves or save their work to a portable format (floppy disk or usb drive) and sign up for a session at one of the Library's public computers.

Patrons should refer to the following list before accessing the Library's wireless connection:

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, June 9, 2008

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Patron Behavior Policy

To better serve all library patrons, the Library Board of Trustees has established certain standards of acceptable behavior to maintain an atmosphere which promotes the use and enjoyment of the resources and services of the library and which protects the safety of the general public, the library staff and the equipment and materials of the library.

Any activity which interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the library, which could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others, or could result in damage to the facilities, equipment or materials is considered disruptive and unacceptable. The library reserves the right to require anyone who violates these rules of conduct to leave the premises and to restrict library privileges for a specified period of time. Unlawful activities will be reported to the police and when appropriate, violators will be subject to arrest.

1.The following activities are not allowed in the library:

2. Those who damage or deface library materials or property will be prosecuted. Parents can be liable for damage done by a child under 18.

3. Theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person's library card without his/her permission are against state law and will be prosecuted.

4. Parents are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their young children age 10 and under.

5. Bicycles, roller blades, scooters and skateboards are not allowed in the library.

6. Persons without shoes will not be allowed in the library.

7. Patrons may be required to leave athletic equipment, large parcels or other belongings deemed inappropriate with library staff until ready to leave the building.

Disruptive behavior is not necessarily limited to the above

Approved and reinforced with shorter version handout at the March 3, 2003 Board of Library Trustees Meeting

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Unattended Children Policy

The staff of the Chicopee Public Library strives to create a warm, inviting, and fun environment for children. We offer many programs and services that encourage children to develop a fondness for reading and learning. 

In order to ensure the well-being of children at the library, and to maintain a pleasant environment for all our customers, please be aware of the following guidelines:

  1. Children ten years of age or younger must be continually accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
  2. Caregivers are responsible for the behavior of the child in the library and may be asked to leave the building if the situation becomes disruptive.
  3. Caregivers may use a computer in the children’s room with a child.  Computer sessions in the children’s room and all other locations in the library will be terminated if the staff determines that the caregiver is not attending to the child.
  4. Caregivers should be familiar with the Library’s hours of operation and close attention should be paid to unexpected closings (i.e. inclement weather).  Prior arrangements and contingency plans for immediate pick-up should be discussed with the child.
  5. Library staff members will not transport children from the library to any other location.
  6. The police department will be notified of any circumstances where the safety of a child is in question.

Approved Board of Library Trustees 1/12/09

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Internet Safety Policy

It is the intention of the Chicopee Public Library to restrict access by minors to material that may be harmful to minors and to material that is inappropriate for minors by providing filtered Internet access on all public Internet access computer terminals.

While it is impossible to guarantee the safety and security of minors using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications, the Chicopee Public Library does post warnings to all customers that for their safety they should not release their name, address or telephone number while using electronic mail, chat rooms and other Internet services.

Unauthorized access including "hacking" and other unlawful activities are prohibited to all library customers and violators of this policy will be turned over to the Legal Authorities for prosecution.

The Chicopee Public Library takes a proactive role in the protection of minors on the Internet by providing materials such as "The Parents Guide to Protecting Your Children in Cyberspace" by Parry Aftab, McGraw-Hill, 2000, and posting the addresses or World Wide Web sites that provide accurate information about Internet Safety, such as: http://www.safekids.com.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, June 3, 2002

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Book Borrowing/Fine Policy

Once an item is overdue, fines are charged for each day that the library is open. Print, audio materials, and VHS tapes will accrue a 10 cents per day fine with no grace period with a maximum fine of $3.00 per item. DVD fines will accrue at $1.00 a day with a maximum fine of $5.00 per item. Museum passes will also accrue fines at a rate of $5.00 per day with a maximum fine of $10.00 per pass.

After an item is 2 weeks overdue a reminder is sent to the borrower. A bill for replacement cost is sent when an item is 4 weeks overdue. In order to maintain a current, circulating collection of materials, overdue items held beyond 30 days of the date on the bill notice, will be subject to a charge for the full replacement cost of that item, even if the item is eventually returned.

For a lost or damaged item, the charge is the actual cost of the item. Payment can be made by cash or check and is non-refundable. Checks should be made out to the Chicopee Public Library. Exact new copies will be accepted in place of lost or damaged items. Patrons receiving notification that an item was returned with missing part(s) have 30 days to return the item(s) before the full cost of its replacement is charged to the patron's record. After this 30 day grace period, the requested item(s) will no longer be accepted in lieu of the replacement charge. Payments can also be made online through the online catalog; minimum payment is $5.00 and is charged to a credit or debit card.

 

The following fees are charged for replacement of lost articles:

Borrowing and privileges will be suspended at all C/W MARS libraries if a patron's fines reach $10 or any item is four weeks overdue (billed).

The Chicopee Public Library assumes no responsibility for any possible damage to the patron’s audio or video equipment that might be related to using audio-visual materials borrowed from the Library.

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Cell Phone Policy

Cells phones are not allowed in the library. Please silence or put your cell phone on vibrate when in the building. If you have to make a call, please step out the library doors.

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