library policies

Here are some of the policies adopted by Trinidad's Carnegie Public Library. Below are brief summaries, with links by which you can view the entire policy decision in either Word or .pfd format. Topics covered include:

BOARD MEETINGS
MEETING ROOMS
HISTORY ROOM
INTERNET USE
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
CHALLENGE TO THE LIBRARY COLLECTION
UNATTENDED CHILDREN

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Board Meetings

The Carnegie Library board of trustees meets at 4:30 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Board meetings are open to the public.

Meeting Rooms

The Library meeting room is not available for commercial purposes. Such commercial use includes but is not limited to bazaars, special benefit sales, and programs designed to promote the purchase of products or services. The Library's Director or other designee will review all requests for the meeting room’s use and determine eligibility prior to granting approval. In the event that a question may arise as to the eligibility of any organization, group, or individual requesting the use of the meeting room, the Library Director will be consulted, and if necessary, the Library Board. The Library Board shall be the final authority in granting or refusing permission to use the Library's meeting room. Appeals for exceptions to these policies must be made in writing to the Library Board. The Library Board may only approve exceptions to the policies stated in this document. Click to view the entire policy in Word or .pfd format.

History Room

During library hours, the History Room is available to the public, be they residents of Las Animas county or visitors from any other location, who come in person. We are unable to take research requests by phone or mail as we do not have the staff needed for such requests. Library staff will be more than happy to help visitors get started and, if time permits, will endeavor to assist when needed. Nothing other than paper and pencils may be taken into the History Room.  Public lockers are available to secure personal items. For copies made from the microfilm unit, there is 20 cent per page charge, with a limit of fifty copies. No items may be removed from the room, even for the purpose of making copies. So that visitors may someday have the opportunity to purchase copies of materials not on microfilm, the Library Foundation is in the process of providing a special book copier for this room.  (Donations are gratefully accepted.) Of course, only materials deemed to be in condition suitable to being safely copied will be available for this service. Click to view the entire policy in Word or .pfd format.

Internet Use

It is the intent of the Carnegie Public Library, Trinidad, Colorado to provide free, and equitable organized public access to Internet resources. This access honors the fundamental library principle of intellectual freedom, an abiding respect for the dignity and privacy of individual inquiry. To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats, The Carnegie Public Library, Trinidad, Colorado provides access to Internet resources. The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information. However, some information found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. A good information consumer must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found.

The Internet is accessible to those under age 18 only with a signed permission slip on file.  Parents or legal guardians must visit the library to sign an Internet Use Waiver for any child under age 18.  Children under 10 are , of course, required to be in the company of someone over the age of 16. Caretakers, other than the parent, who are under the age of 18 may not access the Internet with the child(ren) in their care unless the Internet Waiver signed by the child(ren)'s parent or legal guardian is on file. The filter will not be removed for Internet users under the age of 18 under any circumstances unless the parent or legal guardian sits with and supervises the child for the duration of the Internet session. Click to view the entire policy in Word or .pfd format.

Intellectual Freedom

Libraries strive to serve the interests of the entire community. If your library is unable to purchase the material you want, it may be able to obtain it for you on interlibrary loan. Your library is there to help you find the information you need or want. The presence of any particular materials in a library collection does not imply endorsement of the ideas expressed in those materials. The library is simply doing its job as a neutral provider of information from all points of view—if the library “endorses” anything, it is your right to have access to a broad selection of materials. If you don’t find materials to your liking, ask your librarian to help you! Click to view the entire policy in Word or .pfd format.

Challenge to the Library Collection

The Library has a clearly defined method in writing, for dealing with complaints. The Library Director and Board are an important part of this policy consisting of formal review procedures for challenged material. A form should be used to identify the complainant's specific concerns; the Board will review challenged materials; and no restrictions should be placed on the use of the materials until the review process has been completed. The Board will review the library Acquisitions Statement and consult with the Director. Click to view the entire policy in Word or .pfd format.

Unattended Children

Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of their children at all times in the Library and on Library property. Children, like all library users, are required to respect Library property and to act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the Library.Children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver age 16 or older at all times and in all areas of the Library and its property except when participating in a Library sponsored program, such as Story Time. Older children and adolescents who come to the Library without a parent, guardian, or caregiver are welcome for appropriate use of the Library, such as homework or reading. Vandalism and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may serve as grounds for removal from Library property. Children of any age with mental, physical or emotional problems which render necessary supervision, shall be accompanied by a parent or other caregiver at all times. Parents, guardians, and caregivers should be aware of Library opening and closing times and make suitable arrangements to meet and/or transport their children. In the event that a minor 17 or younger is left after Library hours and a parent or guardian can not be contacted to provide transportation, The Library will call the City of Trinidad Police for assistance. The Librarian on duty and a staff member will remain with the child inside the Library until a parent, guardian, or the police arrive. Staff will not transport children home or to any other destination under any circumstances. Click to view the entire policy in Word or .pfd format.