Policies

• Materials on reserve may not be renewed.
• Use of the meeting room must be reserved in advance. Meetings must be over by library closing time unless previous arrangements have been made. An application and check must be submitted to reserve the room. The meeting room fees are set by the Board of Trustees.
• Use of display cases is determined by the library director or their designee. Requests may be made in writing or over the phone.
• All art exhibits are determined by the library director or their designee. Those wishing to exhibit work must submit a written request to the library director.
• Materials selections are made by librarians and staff under the general direction of the library director. Purchase requests are welcomed and can be submitted in a variety of written, verbal, and electronic means.

Updated by the Cyrenius H. Booth Library Board of Trustees November 9, 2021

Updated and Approved by the C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, December 13, 2022
Background and General Information
The collections of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library are available for use by residents of Newtown and others. Library cards are issued to identify users of library materials and to provide a means of recovering materials that have not been returned. Loan periods are designed both to allow adequate time for borrowers to use materials and to provide timely loans of materials that are in high demand. Borrowers assume responsibility for payment of fees or fines for materials not returned on time or those that are lost or damaged.
Library Cards: Eligibility and Registration
Categories of Eligibility:
Newtown Residents: Any person who shows proof of identity and residence within the Town of Newtown may obtain a
C. H. Booth Library card which will be valid for three years.

• Adult: 16 to 59
• Child: 4 to 15
• Senior: 60 years of age and over

Non-Newtown residents:
Connecticut: The C. H. Booth Library honors valid library cards from all Connecticut public libraries in accordance with the statewide Connecticut reciprocal borrowing policy.

Temporary Residents: Short-term residents (such as exchange students and nannies) may be issued a library card upon proof of Newtown residence and acceptable identification. The card will be valid for one year.

Restricted Cards: A restricted use library card may be issued to non-resident patrons who work in Newtown. This card must be marked ‘Newtown only’ in any integrated library system as well as on the physical card. Restricted use cards will be valid for a period of one year.

Forms of Acceptable Identification:
Adult and Senior applicants for a C. H. Booth Library card must prove identity and current residential address. These are the most common types of this proof:

• A valid Connecticut driver’s license or identification card issued by the Connecticut DMV with photo and current residential address.
• A current property tax statement for residential property with the name of the applicant.
• An official photo identification card from a school or government agency, along with another piece of identification with a current Newtown residential address, such as a utility bill or canceled mail postmarked within the last week. A residential property tax statement may be requested for applicants who live in Newtown but supply only a post office box number as an address.

Child (ages 4-15):
A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the application for a child under the age of 16. The parent or guardian’s acceptable identification as outlined above should be provided. Parents or guardians are responsible for all items checked out by children under the age of 16.

Renewal of Library Cards:
Cards may be renewed at the C. H. Booth Library. At the time of renewal, applicants will be asked to verify address and other pertinent information on the patron record.

Responsibility:
Library patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their card and the cards of children for whom they have assumed responsibility. If patrons allow others to borrow materials using their card, those materials are the responsibility of the card owner. Lost cards should be reported immediately. Library patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their card up to the date the card is reported lost to the library. A replacement fee for a lost card may be charged.

Loan Periods:
Loan periods are subject to the discretion of the C. H. Booth Library and consortial standards.
Exceptions to Standard Loan Periods:

• Interlibrary loan materials borrowed from other libraries: The borrowing and renewal periods are determined by the lending library
• Interlibrary loan materials loaned to other libraries: The borrowing and renewal periods are determined by the C. H. Booth Library

Renewal of Materials Checked Out:
Two renewals are permitted for most items if they are not on hold for another library patron.

Return of Materials:
Borrowers are responsible for all materials until they have been returned to the C. H. Booth Library or another Connecticut library. Materials which must be returned inside the library are marked as such and are also indicated at point of checkout.

Use of the Book Return:
Museum passes must be returned to the C.H. Booth Library’s Children’s Department. Most other items may be returned in either of the book drops located at the C.H. Booth Library. Materials which must be returned inside the library are marked as such and are also indicated at point of checkout.

Use of deliverITCT:
The library accepts materials for other public libraries that are served by the statewide deliverITCT service. Patrons are responsible for any fees or fines that are charged by the owning libraries.

Overdue Notices/Bills:
Library patrons are responsible for keeping a record of the due dates of their library materials. Overdue notices sent by the library are a courtesy. Failure to receive a notice is not considered grounds for waiving fines or lost material fees.

Fees and Fines:
Overdue fines may be assessed for items returned past their due date. If an overdue item is renewed, the accrued fine will be posted on the patron’s record. Fine rates are determined by the C.H Booth Library and are posted at all public service desks.

Maximum Fine: There is a maximum fine for all C. H. Booth Library-owned items returned past the due date, exclusive of damage to materials.

Missing Items: Patrons will be notified of parts missing from materials they have returned (for example, if a book on CD is returned with disc(s) missing). The items will remain checked out to the patron and kept out of general circulation until the missing part is returned or paid for. If the missing part is not returned, the item will be declared lost and the full replacement cost of the item added to the patron’s record.

Damaged Items: The library will attempt to repair slightly damaged items. However, if the material is determined to be beyond repair, the library will charge fees to replace the damaged items.

Replacement Costs: If an item is lost or so severely damaged that it requires replacement, the library patron will be charged the replacement cost of the item as listed in the library’s catalog.

Denial of Borrowing Privileges: Borrowing privileges can be blocked for the following reasons:

• The total amount of fees and fines owed to C. H. Booth Library exceeds $10.00 on the patron’s record.
• The patron has a lost item on their library record.

Service Without a Card:
Service will be provided to borrowers who have forgotten their library cards if their registration information is available within the consortium’s system and if outstanding fees or fines on their registration records do not exceed $10.00. Proof of identity will be required.

Adopted by the Cyrenius H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, July 14, 2015

For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on library property.

• Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or library policy.
• Engaging in any activity which the staff determines to be a danger or disruptive to other patrons, the library environment and/or library property.
• Carrying dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers).
• Being under the influence of illegal drugs or selling, using, or possessing illegal drugs.
• Being under the influence of alcohol or selling, using, or possessing alcohol.
• Specific to library related functions, certain exceptions to the alcohol policy may be made by the library director or Board of Trustees.
• Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff.
• Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children. Children under the age of 12 must be under adult supervision at all times.
• Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of library property.
• Trespassing in nonpublic areas, being in the library without permission of an authorized library employee before or after library operating hours.
• Soliciting or conducting surveys not authorized by the library.
• Smoking, chewing, or other tobacco use on library premises, other than the outside designated area.
• Entering the library without proper attire, e.g. barefooted or without a shirt.
• Animals are prohibited, other than service animals necessary for disabilities, except as authorized by the library director.
• Eating meals or bringing in food or drink into the library that is potentially damaging to the library or disruptive to other patrons. All beverages must be in a covered container and kept safely away from library equipment.

Library users who do not comply with this policy may be asked to leave the library, have their library privileges suspended (or permanently revoked), and in extreme cases, conduct may be reported to the police. The level of action will be determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of library staff. The Cyrenius H. Booth Library Board of Trustees is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds. (Approved 11/12/2014)

The C. H. Booth Library’s Internet access is intended as an information resource. Library patrons use the Internet at their own discretion. The C.H. Booth Library cannot censor access to materials or protect users from information they may find offensive. The library staff does not monitor or control information accessible through the Internet and does not accept responsibility for its content.

• Staff may in their discretion limit the length of patron’s computer session in order to ensure equitable access.
• Children’s use of the Internet is not monitored or supervised by the library staff. As with other library materials, restriction of access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.
• Internet and wireless users are subject to applicable local, state and federal statutes. Any unlawful or malicious activity that causes harm to another person, the library or the computer equipment is prohibited. U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials. All responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the library disclaims any liability of responsibility resulting from such use.
• Library users in violation of Federal, state, local or other applicable law, or library policy may be asked to leave the library, have their library privileges suspended, permanently revoked and in extreme cases, conduct may be reported to the police. The level of action will be determined on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the library staff.
• Note: Internet sources may not prove to be accurate, appropriate or current. Wireless users must understand that the library’s wireless network provides no data encryption between the access points and your device. Someone in the library vicinity can potentially capture information sent to or from your device. It is your responsibility to protect your laptop or other wireless device. The library recommends that credit card information and passwords not be transmitted while using the wireless network. The library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the library’s network or the Internet, nor liability for any damages to hardware, software or data, howsoever caused.

Adopted by the Cyrenius H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, 5/18/2016
Updated November 9, 2021

Updated and approved, Cyrenius H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, July 12, 2022

Use of the meeting or Gathering Room is encouraged for public gatherings of a cultural, civic, or educational nature. However, library programs always take precedence over all others. The use of the meeting room (not Gathering Room) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings will be reserved for library programs. If there is no library event scheduled, the Program Coordinator may at their discretion schedule another group. To inquire regarding the scheduling of meeting space in the library please email the Program Coordinator at programs@chboothlibrary.org or call the library’s main number 203-426-4533 to contact or leave a message for the Program Coordinator.

Scheduling priority will be given to groups whose membership is open to all. Rooms are not available for institutional or corporate social events, or for private parties. The Program Coordinator is designated by the library director and Board as the arbiter on the allocation of the use of the rooms.

The following policies govern the use of the library meeting rooms:

• Meeting rooms are available during library open hours. Groups may extend their meetings beyond closing time with prior permission and with the understanding that an additional fee of $20 per hour or any part thereof will be charged for custodial services.
• In the case of inclement weather, it is the responsibility of the group using the meeting room to check the library website for closing information. The library will not be able to notify the group of any such closings.
• Applying organizations will agree to hold the library harmless from any loss, damage, liability, costs and/or expenses that may arise during or be caused in any way by such use of library facilities. The applicant will be responsible for loss or damage resulting from room use. Compensation for such loss or damage must be made promptly upon billing. The library director and the Board may require a certificate of insurance for groups meeting at the library.
• Alcohol is prohibited unless special permission is applied for and granted. Beer and wine may be served in library meeting rooms only if the Sponsoring Organization, Sponsoring Individual or a licensed caterer/serving vendor obtains liquor liability or host liquor liability insurance coverage satisfactory to the library. Such insurance shall provide coverage in an amount of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and statutory workers’ compensation coverage for the Sponsoring Organization and/or catering/serving vendors. Any Sponsoring Organization or Sponsoring Individual that elects to serve beer or wine shall be solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws.
• An application for room use shall be submitted prior to the event. Payment is requested prior to the event. Groups that meet on an ongoing basis are encouraged to pay with one check for the year. Alternate payment arrangements may be made with the Program Coordinator. Checks shall be made out to “C. H. Booth Library.”
• Outside organizations shall be limited to one meeting per month unless special permission is obtained.
• A maximum of two tentative reservations may be made. These reservations will be held for five days only, after which the times become available to other organizations.
• No admission fee may be charged for programs open to the public that are held in the meeting rooms. The library and the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library are exempt from this rule. The library meeting space may not be used for commercial purposes. Names and addresses of program attendees may not be gathered.
• Groups using the room are responsible for: 

• • Setting up the chairs and tables
  • Returning the room to condition as found
  • Placing litter in proper containers
  • Removing all personal property (no storage)

• The meeting room kitchen facilities may be used with prior permission. Outside groups are responsible for providing their own paper goods, utensils, dishes etc. and for cleanup and removal of all items
• Applying organizations are held responsible for the preservation of order by those in attendance. Police supervision, when deemed necessary by the Program Coordinator or library staff, will be provided and paid for by the applying organization.
• Groups must adhere to the posted fire codes regarding the number of persons allowed in the room.
• Smoking is not permitted.
• Juvenile or young adult (aged under eighteen) groups may use the rooms only when adult supervision is provided.
• Groups providing public programs must acknowledge their sponsorship in any advertisement (flyers, posters, press, and radio releases etc.). The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the library staff or Board. Library staff will display publicity regarding meetings at their discretion. No flyers or posters can be posted on the library doors, stairwells, pillars, or other places within the library, nor on the outside of the building. Groups meeting in the library cannot store supplies or equipment on the premises. Library equipment cannot be removed from the building unless written permission has been given.
• Non-library groups and individuals are not to use the library address and phone numbers as their own.
• If there is a conflict with a library or library-related program, the library program takes precedence and reservation by any group may be canceled, relocated, or rescheduled with two weeks’ notice.
• Applications may be rejected, and previously- granted permission may be withdrawn for violation of library rules or conduct inconsistent with room policies and library rules.

Meeting Room Fees (Please Note – Prices are Subject to Change)

For library-sponsored programs and town meetings, the use of meeting space is free. Others will be charged a fee to cover the costs of operation. These fees will be reviewed annually by the Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees.

SERVICE &/or NOT-FOR-PROFIT* ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS:

GATHERING ROOM: free
MEETING ROOM: $15.00 per hour

FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:

GATHERING ROOM: $20.00 per hour
MEETING ROOM: $40.00 per hour

*Proof of Not-For-Profit status may be required

NOTE: as stated, an additional fee of $20 per hour, or any part thereof, will be added to the above hourly rates for any meetings that are scheduled outside of the library’s normal hours of operation. This charge applies to both the Gathering Room & meeting room. This charge applies to all groups, regardless of status.

Meeting Room Equipment Usage Policy

A representative from all groups meeting at the library must meet with a library staff member to discuss equipment needs and receive usage instructions at least 48 hours prior to the day of the scheduled meeting. Library staff will not be able to set-up equipment without proper notice. Day of meeting requests will not be met.

Available Equipment:

Mobile Computers: A laptop is available for groups that need internet access for demonstration purposes and are not bringing their own laptop. This laptop connects to the LCD projector. This computer has Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Power Point. The group must let the library know in advance that the computer is needed. A member of the group must understand the proper use of the equipment and follow all written instructions. At the time of the pre-meeting training computer use instructions will be made available.

Updated and Adopted by the Cyrenius H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, October 10, 2023

Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library Collection Development Policy is to provide guidelines for day-to-day acquisition and withdrawal decisions, resource allocation and long-range planning of collection needs in accordance with the library’s mission.

Mission Statement
The Cyrenius H. Booth Library supports an informed community, lifelong learning and the love of reading by promoting access for all town residents to the universe of ideas and information.

Access to Materials
The library assures free access to its holdings for all patrons, who are free to select or reject for themselves anything in the collection. The library is a forum for all points of view on current and historical issues and adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and contained within the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View principles adopted by the American Library Association. The C. H. Booth Library offers a broadly based and diverse collection of resources in support of its mission and to promote the joy of lifelong learning, stimulate curiosity, support the exchange of ideas, and provide a welcoming gathering place for our community.

The library has a responsibility to serve the public, and with that comes the responsibility to try to serve as many needs and interests as possible. All materials are chosen according to this Policy, which is guided by the aforementioned Library Bill of Rights as developed by the American Library Association.

Donations and Gifts
Materials donated to the library are accepted only with the understanding that they are subject to the same selection, evaluation, and withdrawal criteria as material acquired through purchase. Donated material not added to the collection will not be returned to the donor. Donations that are not added to the collection may be recycled or given to the library for sale, the proceeds of which benefit the library.

Philosophy of Selection and Maintenance
The library strives to support an informed community by providing access to the world of ideas and information for the residents of Newtown. The library’s collection is developed and managed to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community. The library’s responsibility is to provide circulating and reference material for the general public. Special collections are maintained only when indicated by the demonstrated need of the community and if funding is available. The library recognizes the need to balance its budget, staffing and building concerns when making its decisions. The library acquires or provides access to materials and information in a variety of formats.

The library places priority on meeting current needs rather than building historical rare book collections, except for the acquisition of materials of both past and current significance to the Newtown area. This includes genealogy and local history resources.

Collection decisions are based solely on the merit of the work as it relates to the library’s mission and its ability to meet the expressed or anticipated needs and interests of the community. It is the library’s responsibility to acquire, as available, material presenting a wide variety of views and opinions on current and historical issues. The library will neither promote nor censor any views or opinions of the works or authors in the collection. The inclusion of an item in the collection does not represent an endorsement of its contents.

The library recognizes that many materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some. Only individuals can determine what is most appropriate for their needs. The library will not label materials to indicate appropriateness or acceptability of contents. The library will retain labeling provided by the publisher or manufacturer. These labels include the ratings of the Motion Picture Association of America and the advisory labels music publishers place on musical recordings. The library does recognize the need to be sensitive to the collection placement decisions of material that may be deemed inappropriate for some ages of children. Patrons may request reconsideration of library materials using the process and form contained within this policy.

Maintenance
Maintenance of the collection is a fundamental responsibility. The staff continuously evaluates materials, replacing or repairing those which are worn or damaged, and removes items no longer current or in demand. Depending upon their condition, books and other materials withdrawn from the collection as part of the evaluation process may be offered for sale by the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library.

General Criteria Used in Materials Selection
These guidelines are applicable to most selection decisions. Other factors may be taken into consideration, and the importance or weight of a particular guideline will vary from one acquisition to another.

Selection tools include, but are not limited to:

• Reviews in professional library journals or periodicals that specialize in a particular subject.
• Individual subject expertise of staff or community members
• Suggestions from patrons
• Publishers’ catalogs
• Standard bibliographies

General Criteria:

• Reputation and qualifications of the creators, publisher, or producer
• Community needs, interests, and requests
• Importance as a document of the times
• Literary, artistic, and technical values
• Relationship to the existing collection
• Availability in other area libraries
• Suitability of physical form for library use
• Recommendations of reviews
• Durability
• Price
• Suitability of subject and style for intended audience.
• Judgment of work as a whole.
• Availability of equipment required for examination and use.

Adult Collection
The adult fiction collection is a resource of recreational reading for the community. The library is unable to acquire all of the many fiction titles published each year, but an attempt is made to purchase books representing a wide variety of fiction categories. Although all of the selection guidelines listed above apply to fiction, two are particularly relevant. The library is very aware of public demand and will often purchase fiction titles that are not notable for literary quality or artistic merit but have substantial popular appeal. Popular titles are also duplicated as necessary to meet demand. Because of the abundance of fiction titles, the library staff makes extensive use of book reviews.

The adult non-fiction collection includes material on almost any topic that might be of interest or concern to the library’s users. Popular items and subjects are sometimes duplicated. Unusually expensive materials and those with an extremely narrow or limited focus are not normally acquired. Although accuracy of content and authority of a work’s creators are important criteria in the selection of non-fiction materials, the library does not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or errors in the works included in its collections.

Juvenile Collection
Parents and legal guardians are responsible for their children’s use of library materials and are encouraged to define what material or information is consistent with their personal and family beliefs; only they can apply those values for themselves and their children.

Material for children is selected to provide a balanced collection that encourages love of reading and provides information in all areas of knowledge. The library supplements the school curriculum when possible. Material may be selected in a wide range of formats. Selection criteria include suitability and durability of a particular format to the age of the target audience: infancy through age twelve.

The Parent’s Corner is a separate collection housed in the Children’s Department. Books in this section focus on child development and parenting. Duplicate titles may be found in the adult non-fiction section.

Young Adult Collection
The Young Adult Collection consists of material considered of particular interest to adolescents in grades 6 to 12. Because of the wide range of maturity and reading levels among individuals in these grades, the suitability of any particular item must be determined on an individual basis by the parent/legal guardian.

Interlibrary Loan
Patrons may request that items not included in the library’s collection be borrowed from another library through interlibrary loan.

The Board of Trustees delegates responsibility for the library’s collection to the library director, who shall work with staff involved in acquisitions to select materials.

Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials

A patron who objects to the presence of any material in the C. H. Booth Library’s collection has the right to submit a written Request for Reconsideration of Materials Form included with this policy. This completed form should be submitted to a librarian on duty, who will direct it to the Library Director.

Once a title/material(s) has been judged, the decision is final. There will be no further consideration of that title/material(s). Should the title or material(s) be retained, there will be no subsequent reconsideration for two (2) years. If a challenge is made during that time the Library Director shall inform the challenger in writing of the previous decision and that the hold harmless period is still in force. While a request for reconsideration is being evaluated the contested title/ material(s)will remain on the shelves and available to the public.

Process for a formal challenge

1. Patrons challenging titles/ materials are required to submit a signed, dated and completed Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form to the library director. On said document they will be required to affirm that they have read or viewed the item that is being challenged. A copy of the completed form will be given to the Library Board of Trustees.
2. Only one challenge per patron per title can be active at a time. If a question is skipped, not fully answered, or the answer of “no” is given, the challenge is void. If the submission is anonymous it is void.
3. The Board of Trustees considers the professional staff to be most qualified to determine whether a contested item meets our philosophy of selection. Consequently, the library director, or his designee, with a committee consisting of professional library staff, will review the patron’s concerns as described on the form and determine whether the objectionable title/material(s) meets the criteria stated in the policy.
4. The final decision made by the library director and committee will be presented to the Library Board of Trustees for approval. All decisions are final.
5. Within sixty (60) business days of receipt, the library director will send a letter or email to the concerned person who requested the reconsideration, stating what the decision is and the reasons for the decision.

The Request for Reconsideration form can be found here.

Cyrenius H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, updated and approved, September 13, 2016

It is the policy of the C. H. Booth Library to create and retain only such circulation and other records as are necessary for the efficient operation of the library, and to assure its patrons of as much confidentiality as is consistent with federal and state law. The library does not maintain a record of materials checked out by patrons once the item(s) have been returned and (if applicable) any accrued fines have been cleared. Circulation records are hosted by the library’s consortium. Third party services provided through the library have other terms and policies that affect the privacy patrons’ personally identifiable information. The library maintains a list of website links to these policies that is available for review.

No library staff member shall release any information derived from any library record about any library patron, except (a) in response to a lawful subpoena or other court order (“Order”), (b) with the written permission of the library patron whose personal information is contained in the records, or (c) as otherwise permitted by law.

Any library staff member who receives an Order for the disclosure of information about any patron, derived from circulation or other library records, shall immediately contact the library director, who shall refer the Order to the Executive Committee of the Library Board of Trustees and to the library’s legal counsel.

The Executive Committee shall instruct the library director whether or not to comply with such Order, unless counsel advises that the Order is invalid, in which case the Executive Committee shall determine what further action is appropriate.

Law enforcement inquiries that do not involve either an Order, or the disclosure of confidential library records, shall be referred to the library director for such response as the library director deems appropriate.

No provision of this Policy shall prevent the library from publishing or making available to the public statistical reports regarding library registration.

Security Camera Notice Policy – printable PDF format
NOTICE TO PATRONS, VISITORS, AND STAFF REGARDING THE USE OF CAMERA SURVEILLANCE ON LIBRARY PROPERTY

For the safety of our patrons, staff, visitors, and general public, the library employs camera surveillance equipment. This equipment may or may not be monitored at any time, and staff and public should take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the security of personal property.

Surveillance cameras may be installed in public areas where staff and public would not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Examples include common areas of the library, such as entrances, near book and media collections, public seating, delivery areas and parking lots.

Library surveillance cameras will not be installed in areas where staff and public do have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms; nor are they positioned to identify a person’s reading, viewing or listening activities in the library. However, to the extent that any recorded images include identifiable persons requesting information or checking out an item, such record shall be treated as confidential, to the extent permissible by law, and under the confidentiality and privacy policies of the library.

Adopted by the Cyrenius H. Booth Library Board of Trustees November 9, 2021

The library will use social media to connect to the community, promote library events and collections, and provide information online.

It is the responsibility of the library director to:

• Approve and periodically review all library social media accounts
• Maintain a secured list of all library social media account usernames and passwords
• Determine access to library social media account usernames and passwords
• Assign responsibility for maintaining and posting to library social media accounts

Staff will neither post nor tolerate certain objectionable posts, including but not limited to:

• Items or comments that are obscene, racist, derogatory, or similarly objectionable in their content
• Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language
• Potentially libelous statements
• Plagiarized or copyrighted material
• Commercial promotions or spam
• Political endorsements or advertisements

Such posts will be removed from the library social media account. If staff responsible for monitoring library social media accounts question the appropriateness of a posting, it should be immediately brought to the library director’s attention for action. However, the library is committed to freedom of expression, including views that may be unfavorable to the library.

Staff responsible for posting to library social media accounts should be mindful when “liking” posts or pages, as the library should not be seen as endorsing a particular political cause or stance.

Staff should be clear in their personal use of social media that they are not posting on behalf of the library. Staff should not use their library email accounts to establish personal social media accounts.

C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, approved 4-10-2018. Updated 5-9-2023.

The Cyrenius H. Booth Library Archives collections exist to provide access to unique, irreplaceable and culturally valuable materials that reflect the long and vibrant history of the library and its community.  Any eventuality or circumstance not addressed in the Cyrenius H. Booth Library Archives Historical Collections Management Policy will be informed by the principles of preservation and by an enduring commitment to retaining the historical heritage of the library, and of the Town of Newtown, Connecticut, through its archival records.

C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, approved 6-12-2018

The purpose of the bulletin boards are to provide the residents of Newtown and surrounding communities with information on cultural, educational and other activities of local interest.

All materials for the bulletin board must be stamped and dated by a staff member and approved by the library director. Anything that is not stamped and dated will be removed.

General Rules and Restrictions

1. Posters will be no larger than 11” x 17” in size. Smaller posters and flyers are accepted and encouraged.
2. With the exception of ongoing programs which benefit the community, materials (posters and handouts) may be left on the bulletin board or its shelf until the event has been completed or for no more than one month (whichever comes first).
3. Only nonprofit organization information will be accepted. Personal, commercial or profitmaking posters or handouts are not allowed.
4. No petitions.
5. Handouts will be no larger than 9 ½” x 5”. Handouts must also be stamped and dated by library staff. They will be distributed on the shelf attached and below the bulletin board for one month or longer if space allows.
6. Posters and announcements left at the library become the property of the library and cannot be returned.
7. Any and all questions and comments should be addressed to the library director.

The library will display information in the following order priority:

1. C. H. Booth Library-sponsored events.
2. Newtown town government announcements.
3. Newtown schools.
4. Newtown-based non-profit organizations.
5. Fairfield County-based nonprofit organizations.
6. All other nonprofit organizations.

The C. H. Booth Library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of the information posted on or near the bulletin board.

C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, approved 6-12-2018

Solicitation by third parties is not allowed inside the C. H. Booth Library building or on the property associated with it.   Solicitation includes, but is not limited to:

1. Solicitation of signatures on petitions;
2. Conducting surveys of any kind;
3. Distribution of leaflets, flyers, literature or other written material or samples or other items with the exception of library-sponsored programs;
4. Leaflets, flyers, literature or other materials left on vehicles in library parking areas;
5. Activity for the purpose of sales or promotion of goods or services for commercial purposes is not permitted.

The foregoing prohibition on solicitation does not prohibit the posting of materials on the library’s community bulletin boards in accordance with the library’s Bulletin Board policy.

 C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, approved 9-11-2018

If an item of furniture or equipment that is not included in the Archives collection is determined at the departmental level to be no longer functional or useful, the library director will be notified so an appropriate determination of disposition can be made.

When the library director determines an item of furniture or equipment no longer has value or usefulness to the library, it will be removed from inventory and disposed of in one of the following ways:

1. Computer equipment may be donated directly to another non-profit entity for use in educational programs or sold or donated to a technology recycling company.
2. Furniture may be donated to a non-profit or charitable organization, or sold with any proceeds from such sale being deposited to the unrestricted fund account of the library.
3. If an item is determined to have marginal or no resale value, or does not sell, it may be discarded in the best interest of the library.

Special Circumstances:

If an item of surplus inventory is believed by the library director or staff to have unusual, historic, or artistic value, such items shall be referred to the Art & History Committee for determination of value and disposition.

C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, approved, October 13, 2015

Purpose of the Policy

The C. H. Booth Library welcomes members of the community age 12 and up to volunteer their time and talents to enrich library services. The purpose of the library Volunteer Policy is to provide guidelines for the relationship between volunteers and the library in accordance with the library’s mission.

Mission Statement

The Cyrenius H. Booth Library’s mission is to promote the joy of lifelong learning, stimulate curiosity, support the exchange of ideas, and provide a welcoming gathering place for our community.

General Criteria

All volunteers are required to fill out a volunteer application. Individuals between the ages of twelve and seventeen must have written permission of a parent or legal guardian in order to volunteer. Volunteers are chosen according to their skills, the availability of supervision by library staff and the needs of the library. The library reserves the right to select and assign volunteers. The association between the volunteer and the library may be terminated by either party at any time. Volunteers do not receive payment and are not employees of the library.

When performing library duties, volunteers must act in accordance with library use policies and standards. Volunteers are ambassadors for the library and must present a positive image to the public. It is expected that each volunteer’s dress and grooming will be appropriate for a business environment and in keeping with their assignment.

The library director or supervising library staff will assign volunteers to tasks which they feel are suitable and may make available training as they deem appropriate for the task. Volunteer services include special events and projects, and other activities that assist staff and patrons. Services provided by volunteers will supplement, but not replace library staff services, and volunteers will not be used in place of library staff.

In order to maximize each person’s volunteer experience, volunteers are encouraged to follow a regular schedule and notify their supervising staff of intended absences. Volunteers are asked to be alert at all times to safety hazards and to report unsafe acts or conditions or any injuries to the library director or staff member in charge.

Service Required by Outside Organizations

Oftentimes, people request the opportunity to volunteer at the library in order to fulfill requirements of student community service activities, student intern projects, alternative sentencing programs and other volunteer referral programs. In each of these cases the supervising organization must provide the details of the proposed volunteer placement at the library. While the library will consider such volunteer placement requests, the library is not responsible for the fulfillment of community service obligations assigned by outside organizations.

Friends of the C. H. Booth Library

The Friends of the C. H. Booth Library is a separate organization which supports the library in many ways. Anyone interested in volunteering with the Friends should contact them directly via email at boothbooksale@yahoo.com or by phone at 203.270.4537.

C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, updated and approved, June 9, 2015

Children and adults alike are welcomed and encouraged to use the C. H. Booth Library. In order to maintain a safe, orderly and proper environment for library use, all users must follow the library’s Appropriate Library Use Policy. In addition, the following guidelines regarding the supervision of children are in effect:

1. Parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct of their children at all times while children are on library premises.
2. No child under age 12 may be left alone in the library for any reason. All attempts will be made to contact the parents or guardians of any unaccompanied child under age 12. If the parent/caregiver cannot be reached, staff will call the Newtown Police.
3. Parents and guardians should be aware of library opening and closing times and make arrangements to meet and transport children ages 12 and up who have been left to work independently at the library.
   1. Children ages 12 and up, still at the library at closing time will be directed to call their parents from the library’s phone.
   2. The library and staff are not responsible for unaccompanied children inside or outside the building, including those children 12 and over who are awaiting transportation.

C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, updated and approved, June 9, 2015

The C. H. Booth Library offers a wide range of programs for children birth through age 11. We ask parents and caregivers to respect the age range for individual programs. Programs are generally limited to children within the designated age range.

If your child is registered for a program and cannot attend, please contact the Children’s Department in advance so we can offer the space to another child.

Parents and caregivers may be asked to remove their child if the child is disrupting others during a library program. Parents and caregivers must remain with their children throughout the duration of the program or remain in the Children’s Department during Story Time.

C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, updated and approved, November 10, 2015

The C. H. Booth Library shares its resources with other libraries within a consortial network and outside of that network through the statewide interlibrary loan service. This service allows C. H. Booth Library cardholders in good standing to request items that are not available. The library reserves the right to limit the number of items requested by an individual for out-of-network requests and expects anyone using this service to pick up and return interlibrary loan items in a timely manner. Any fees charged by the lending library will be passed on to the patron. The library reciprocates by lending our materials freely.

C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, approved March 8, 2016

In the chbMAKERS space, the Cyrenius H. Booth Library offers a wide range of equipment and tools for public use. chbMAKERS is a place for the Newtown community to collaborate and create. In addition to the existing Library Appropriate Use, Internet and Wireless Policies there are a few policies specific to chbMAKERS.

• Users must be trained on the use of equipment before scheduling time on the maker equipment.
• Users must comply with all applicable copyright laws.
• Library staff have discretion in determining what can be made with the chbMAKERS equipment.
• The library is not liable or responsible for loss, damage, or injury caused by chbMAKERS equipment.
• Users must sign the chbMAKERS User Agreement and understand the rules and regulations pertaining to Makers in the Cyrenius H. Booth Library.

C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, updated and approved January 12, 2016

The library accepts gifts without commitment to their final disposition. In determining whether a gift item is to be added to the collection, the same standards are applied as outlined in the Collection Development Policy, which is available at the library upon request. The library cannot give a dollar valuation for such gifts, but will provide the donor with a statement of the number and type of materials accepted, upon request.

The library encourages donations of money for the purchase of library materials. However, if conditions are attached, these conditions must be acceptable to the Library Board of Trustees. Non-monetary donations cannot be accepted unless approved by the Library Board of Trustees or its designees.

The donor hereby transfers and assigns irrevocably, without condition, restriction or encumbrance, all right, title and interest in the personal property listed:

Please list additional items on the back, if needed.

The undersigned agrees to these conditions and will make no attempt to regain ownership of such personal property.

NAME: _______________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________
PHONE: ______________________________
DATE: _______________________________
SIGNATURE: ___________________________

The C. H. Booth Library is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent allowable.

Purpose of the policy

The purpose of the Operating Reserve policy for C.H. Booth Library is to ensure the stability of the mission,
programs, employment, and ongoing operations of the organization. The Operating Reserve funds are
intended to provide an internal source of funds for situations such as a sudden increase in expenses, one-time
unbudgeted expenses, unanticipated loss in funding, or uninsured losses. Operating Reserve funds may also
be used for one-time, nonrecurring expenses that will build long-term capacities, such as staff development,
research, and development, or technology. Operating Reserve funds are not intended to replace a permanent
loss of funds or eliminate an ongoing budget gap. It is the intention of C.H. Booth Library for Operating
Reserve funds to be used within a reasonably short period of time. The Operating Reserve policy will be
implemented in concert with the other governance and financial policies of C.H. Booth Library and is intended
to support the goals and strategies contained in these related policies and strategic and operational plans.

Definition and Goals

The Operating Reserve is defined as the designated funds set aside by the action of the Board of Trustees for
the purposes stated in this Policy. The minimum amount to be designated as Operating Reserve will be
established in an amount sufficient to maintain ongoing operations and programs for a set period of time,
measured in months. The Operating Reserve funds serve a dynamic role and will be reviewed and adjusted in
response to internal and external changes.

Accounting for Funds

The Operating Reserve funds will be recorded in the financial records as Operating Reserve. These funds will
be funded and available in cash. Operating Reserve will be maintained in a segregated bank account.

Funding of Operating Reserve

The Operating Reserve will be funded with surplus unrestricted operating funds. The Board of Trustees may
from time to time direct that a specific source of revenue be set aside for Operating Reserve. Examples may
include one-time gifts or bequests, special grants, or special appeals.

Use of Operating Reserve Funds

Use of the Operating Reserve funds requires three steps:

1. Identification of appropriate use of funds.
The Director and staff will identify the need for access to Operating Reserve funds and confirm that the use is
consistent with the purpose of the Operating Reserve funds as described in this Policy. This step requires
analysis of the reason for the shortfall, the availability of any other sources of funds before using, and
evaluation of the time period that the funds will be required.
2. Authority to use Operating Reserve funds.
The Director will consult with the Treasurer regarding expenditures from this fund.
3. Reporting and monitoring.
The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for assuring that the funds are maintained and used only as
described in this Policy. The Finance Committee will maintain records of the use of funds and plan for
replenishment, if required. The Treasurer will provide regular reports to the Library Board of Trustees

Relationship to Other Policies

C.H. Booth Library may maintain board-approved policies, which may contain provisions that affect the
creation, sufficiency, and management of the Operating Reserve funds.

Review of Policy

This Policy will be reviewed every other year, at minimum, by the Finance Committee, or sooner if warranted
by internal or external events or changes. Changes to the Policy will be recommended by the Finance
Committee to the Board of Trustees.

Purpose

The purpose of the Infrastructure Reserve policy for C.H. Booth Library is to ensure the stability of the mission, programs, employment, and ongoing operations of the organization and to provide a source of internal funds for organizational priorities such as building repair and improvement and program opportunities.

The Infrastructure Reserve policy will be implemented in concert with the other governance and financial polices of C.H. Booth Library and is intended to support the goals and strategies contained in these related policies and in strategic and operational plans.

Definitions and Goals

Infrastructure Reserve

The Infrastructure Reserve is intended to provide a ready source of funds for repair or acquisition of buildings, leaseholds, furniture, fixtures, and equipment necessary for the effective operation of the organization and programs.

Accounting for Infrastructure Reserve

The Infrastructure Reserve funds will be recorded in the financial records as Board Designated Infrastructure Reserve. The Infrastructure Reserve funds will be funded and available in cash or cash equivalent funds, and will be maintained in a segregated bank account or investment fund.

Funding of Infrastructure Reserve

The Infrastructure Reserve fund will be funded with surplus unrestricted operating funds. The Board of Trustees may from time to time direct that a specific source of revenue be set aside for Infrastructure Reserve. Examples could include one-time gifts or bequests, special grants, or special appeals.

The Infrastructure Reserve will also be funded by setting aside funds received from any Infrastructure campaigns or similar appeals and occasional special designations made by the Board of Trustees.

Use of Infrastructure Reserve

Use of the Infrastructure Reserve requires three steps:

1. Identification of appropriate use of Infrastructure Reserve funds.

The Director and staff will identify the need for access to Infrastructure Reserve funds and confirm that the use is consistent with the purpose of the Infrastructure Reserve as described in this Policy. This step requires analysis of the reason for the shortfall, the availability of any other sources of funds before using the Infrastructure Reserve, and evaluation of the time period that the funds will be needed.

2. Authority to use Infrastructure Reserve funds.

The Director will consult with the Treasurer regarding expenditures from this fund. Amounts in excess of $10,000 require the approval of the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees. 

3. Reporting and monitoring.

The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for assuring that the funds are used only as described in this policy. The Finance Committee will maintain records of the use of the funds. The Treasurer will provide regular reports to the Library Board of Trustees.

Relationship to Other Policies

C.H. Booth Library may maintain board-approved policies which may contain provisions that affect the creation, sufficiency, and management of the Infrastructure Reserve.

Review of Policy

This Policy will be reviewed every other year, at minimum, by the Finance Committee, or sooner if warranted by internal or external events or changes. Changes to the Policy will be recommended by the Finance Committee to the Board of Trustees.