Library Code of Conduct
Library Code of Conduct
The Livonia Public Library welcomes all members of the community to enjoy its facilities, collections, programs, and services. In keeping with the Library’s commitment to exceptional service and providing a safe, welcoming atmosphere, this Code of Conduct outlines the behavior expected from all patrons. Library staff will enforce these guidelines fairly, consistently, and impartially.
Library patrons are expected to:
The complete Patron Rules of Behavior are available here, offering detailed guidelines on the expectations for library visitors.
Library patrons are expected to:
- Treat fellow patrons and staff with courtesy and respect.
- Treat library property, equipment, and materials with care.
- Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.
- Follow instructions and requests from Library staff.
The complete Patron Rules of Behavior are available here, offering detailed guidelines on the expectations for library visitors.
UCL
Unattended Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy
The Livonia Public Library is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. This policy outlines the responsibilities of parents, caregivers, and staff to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults using library services.
Responsibilities of Parents/Caregivers:
Responsibilities of Parents/Caregivers:
- Children under 9 must be accompanied by a caregiver (13 or older) at all times.
- Parents or caregivers are responsible for their children’s behavior and supervision.
- Library staff are not responsible for supervising unattended children.
- Children 9 and older may use the library without a caregiver, as long as they follow the rules.
- If a child’s safety is at risk, staff will try to contact the parent/caregiver. If unsuccessful, or if the library is closing, local law enforcement or child services will be contacted.
- Children must be picked up at least 10 minutes before closing.
- If a child is left after closing and the caregiver cannot be reached within 15 minutes, staff will contact law enforcement.
- All children must follow the library’s code of conduct. Disruptive behavior will result in the child being asked to leave.
- Staff will not transport minors to other locations.
- Children must be picked up promptly after programs.
- Caregivers of children under 9 must stay in the library during programs unless otherwise stated.
- This policy also applies to vulnerable adults (ages 18+), who need supervision or care due to disability or similar reasons.
Circ
Circulation Policy
See our Library Card page for the full Library card and materials circulation policy.Computer and Internet Use Policy
Computer and Internet Use Policy
The Livonia Public Library provides computer and internet access to expand information services. This policy applies to both Library-owned computers and wireless access.
- General Internet Use
- The internet offers diverse information, but not all sources are accurate or reliable.
- The Library does not endorse internet content. Users access the internet at their own risk.
- Parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring their children’s internet use.
- Library Setting
- Be respectful of others’ values when using Library computers.
- Avoid entering sensitive information, as online security cannot be guaranteed.
- Internet Filtering
- All Library computers and wireless access are filtered to comply with federal and state laws.
- Adults (18+) may request filters be disabled for lawful purposes on Library computers.
- Parents are encouraged to supervise internet use.
- Computer Use Procedures
- Sign in with your library card or stop at the Reference Desk to get a guest pass to use public computers.
- Sessions are two hours; extensions are available if no one is waiting.
- Computers shut down fifteen minutes before closing.
- Printing costs: $0.15/page (black and white), $0.25/page (color).
- Acceptable Use
- Computers must be used lawfully and respectfully. Prohibited activities include accessing obscene materials, hacking, and violating copyright laws.
- Modifying Library systems or attaching personal devices is not allowed.
- Users are responsible for any damage caused to Library equipment.
- Violations
Violating this policy may result in restricted access to Library computers, dismissal from the premises, or suspension of Library privileges. - Staff Assistance
Staff can assist with basic internet use but may not always be available. For detailed help, staff from the Technology Department may be able to assist.
Donation
Library Donation Policy
The Livonia Public Library welcomes donations that enhance its collection and services. This policy outlines guidelines for accepting, evaluating, and managing donations to align with the library’s mission.Accepted Donations
- Books and Media: New or gently used books, DVDs, and CDs.
- Monetary Contributions: Cash, checks, or online donations for specific purposes or general support.
- Special Collections: Rare books, manuscripts, or culturally significant items.
- Equipment and Furnishings: Items supporting library operations, subject to prior approval.
- Condition: Items must be in good condition, free from mold, mildew, or damage.
- Relevance: Materials should align with the library’s mission; outdated or irrelevant items may not be accepted.
- Ownership: Donors must have ownership rights, as all gifts become library property.
- Evaluation: The library determines the suitability of all donations.
- Approval: Equipment, furnishings, or special collections require approval from the Library Director. Monetary donations are reviewed by the Library Commission.
- Disposition: Donated items may be added to the collection, sold, or recycled at the library’s discretion.
- Acknowledgment: Written acknowledgments are provided upon request. The library does not appraise items for tax purposes.
- Recognition: Significant donations may receive plaques, naming opportunities, or other recognition.
- Allocation: Funds are used as designated by the donor or for the library’s greatest need if no designation is made.
- Library Rights: The library may refuse donations that do not meet its needs or guidelines.
- Donor Responsibilities: Donors must arrange delivery of their donations.
- Library Responsibilities: The library adheres to City of Livonia financial auditing standards.
Library Violations and Appeals Policy
Library Violations and Appeals Policy
Purpose
This policy outlines the procedures for addressing violations of library policies and the process for appeals. It applies to violations of policies such as Patron Behavior, Meeting Room, Internet Use, and Children and Vulnerable Adults in the Library.
Suspension of Privileges
The Library Director or designee may restrict access to library facilities immediately in response to policy violations, including dismissal from the premises, temporary suspension of access, or denial of specific services. Police intervention may be requested if necessary.
Incident Reports
Staff will document violations resulting in verbal warnings or suspensions in an Incident Report by the end of the day. Reports should include patron descriptions and, if applicable, copies of suspension notices.
Policy Violations and Consequences
Suspended patrons must meet with the Library Director or designee to review policies before privileges are reinstated. Conditions for reinstatement may be applied.
Appeals
Patrons may appeal suspensions or reinstatement conditions by submitting a written appeal to the Library Commission President within 10 business days of the decision. The Library Commission’s decision is final.
This policy outlines the procedures for addressing violations of library policies and the process for appeals. It applies to violations of policies such as Patron Behavior, Meeting Room, Internet Use, and Children and Vulnerable Adults in the Library.
Suspension of Privileges
The Library Director or designee may restrict access to library facilities immediately in response to policy violations, including dismissal from the premises, temporary suspension of access, or denial of specific services. Police intervention may be requested if necessary.
Incident Reports
Staff will document violations resulting in verbal warnings or suspensions in an Incident Report by the end of the day. Reports should include patron descriptions and, if applicable, copies of suspension notices.
Policy Violations and Consequences
- General Violations
- First Violation: Verbal warning; if unheeded, the patron may be asked to leave for the day. Police may be called if the patron refuses.
- Repeat Violations: Further suspensions of increasing length may be imposed, with written notice specifying the violation.
- Safety and Security Violations
- First Violation: Police will be contacted if conduct violates the law. A minimum two-week suspension will be imposed, pending investigation, with possible extensions.
- Repeat Violations: Additional suspensions of increasing length will apply, with written notice.
Suspended patrons must meet with the Library Director or designee to review policies before privileges are reinstated. Conditions for reinstatement may be applied.
Appeals
Patrons may appeal suspensions or reinstatement conditions by submitting a written appeal to the Library Commission President within 10 business days of the decision. The Library Commission’s decision is final.
Materials
Materials Selection Policy Overview
Purpose:
The Materials Selection Policy establishes guidelines for building, maintaining, and promoting a diverse and balanced collection of library materials. It informs the public about the principles guiding the selection of these materials to meet the Library’s goals of serving the community’s informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs.
Definitions:
The Library Director oversees material selection, assisted by professional staff and public recommendations, guided by this Policy and the Library Commission. Budget allocation and collection placement decisions align with community needs and goals.
General Principles:
Collection Maintenance: The collection is regularly reviewed to remove outdated, damaged, or unnecessary materials and to repair or replace items as needed.
Challenges to Materials:
This Policy is reviewed periodically to reflect the Library’s evolving objectives. For questions or further details, please contact the Livonia Public Library.
The Materials Selection Policy establishes guidelines for building, maintaining, and promoting a diverse and balanced collection of library materials. It informs the public about the principles guiding the selection of these materials to meet the Library’s goals of serving the community’s informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs.
Definitions:
- Library Materials: Includes books, magazines, e-books, e-audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, programs, Library of Things items, and more. The policy does not cover Internet content; see the Internet Use Policy for details.
- Selection: Refers to decisions to add, retain, or remove materials from the collection, excluding display or reader guidance decisions.
- Provide information, reference, and research materials.
- Support lifelong learning and cultural growth.
- Offer resources for community education and democratic engagement.
- Assist with occupational and practical pursuits.
- Provide diverse recreational materials.
- Support educational institutions.
- Preserve Michigan and local history.
The Library Director oversees material selection, assisted by professional staff and public recommendations, guided by this Policy and the Library Commission. Budget allocation and collection placement decisions align with community needs and goals.
General Principles:
- Materials are selected based on community needs and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Intellectual Freedom Statement.
- Responsibility for children’s reading lies with parents/guardians, not the Library.
- Materials are not marked for approval/disapproval and are protected from damage/theft.
- Relevance, accuracy, and diversity of perspectives.
- Popular demand balanced with merit and collection objectives.
- Considerations like cost, format, space, and availability through inter-library loan.
Collection Maintenance: The collection is regularly reviewed to remove outdated, damaged, or unnecessary materials and to repair or replace items as needed.
Challenges to Materials:
- Concerns about materials are addressed by the Library Director, with a formal review process available if unresolved.
- Decisions may be appealed to the Library Commission, which serves as the final authority.
This Policy is reviewed periodically to reflect the Library’s evolving objectives. For questions or further details, please contact the Livonia Public Library.
MHP
Mobile Hotspot Policy
Mobile HotspotsTo promote access to online resources, the Livonia Public Library offers Mobile WI-FI Hotspots as a part of its circulating collection. A Mobile Hotspot is a device that can be used almost anywhere to create a wireless network so patrons can connect to the internet via any Wi-Fi enabled mobile device, laptop, printer, digital camera, or gaming device. Each hotspot can accommodate up to 10 devices. Service is only available within the continental United States. If you use the device outside of the service area, you will be billed for all roaming charges and any other associated fees.
How do I check out a Hotspot?
A Mobile Hotspot checks out for two weeks with no renewals. There will be no grace period for loans of Mobile Hotspots. Any Livonia resident cardholder, 18 years or older, who has an account in good standing may place a hold on and check out a Hotspot. Reserved Hotspots will be held for 24 hours.
What checks out with a Hotspot?
- Case containing:
- Mobile Hotspot Unit (with battery and SIM card already installed)
- Power adapter
- Power Cord
- Instructions, Copy of the Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Policy, Copy of Internet Use Policy.
Hotspots must be returned to a staff member at the Circulation Desk. You will be charged $5.00 for returning the Hotspot in a book drop. You will also be responsible for any damage to the device if returned in a drop box. Hotspots may not be returned to another library.
What happens if the Hotspot is overdue, lost, or damaged?
- You are responsible for applicable costs if the device and/or its peripherals are lost or damaged.
- The Mobile Hotspot should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment. DO NOT leave it in your car.
- The overdue fine is $5.00 per day until it is returned.
| Mobile Hotspot Unit: $85.00 | Power Adapter: $15.00 |
| SIM Card: $20.00 | Case: $15.00 |
| Power Cord: 6.00 | Battery: $15.00 |
Adopted: September 19, 2024
MH
Mobile Hotspot Use
The Livonia Public Library, in an effort to harmonize the rights and interests of its patrons with the rights and interests of City of Livonia employees who service those patrons, sets forth the following policy:The Livonia Public Library Mobile Hotspots are intended for information gathering. Users are responsible for any personal data transmitted over the wireless internet. Users put themselves at risk of criminal or civil liability when they use the Internet illegally in violation of local, state and/or federal law. Use of the Mobile Hotspots contrary to this policy may subject a patron to loss of library privilege. These activities include, but are not restricted to:
Transmitting/accessing obscene materials.
Interfering with, disrupting, or destroying network users, services or equipment.
Computer fraud.
Distribution of unsolicited advertising or propaganda, or propagation of computer worms or viruses.
Hacking or spamming.
Infringement of copyright laws.
Mobile Hotspot access is intended for use with laptop computers, tablets and other wifi-enabled devices.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this policy may result in a loss of library privileges.
Hotspots are available for Livonia patrons only. Hotspots circulate for 2 weeks with no renewals. Livonia patrons may place a hold for the next available hotspot for pickup at the owning location (Carl Sandburg or Bennett Civic Center). Hotspots will remain on the holds pickup shelf for 24 hours before being released from “hold” status.
Display Case Use Policy
Display Case Use Policy
As an educational and cultural institution and as part of its public service, the Livonia Public Library provides exhibit space for non-commercial displays of interest, information and enlightenment to the community.The Library retains priority rights for use of display cases for library purposes but encourages non-profit organizations, community groups, individual or government agencies to provide displays whenever space is available.
Display cases provide a public forum in which to exhibit educational, cultural or charitable materials. Provision of space for a display does not indicate endorsement by the library.
The Library reserves the right to determine the acceptability of a display. Approval rests with a designated staff member or the Library Director.
The Library reserves the right to schedule displays and determine the frequency an individual or group may provide a display.
The Library assumes no liability in the event of damage, destruction or theft of a display.
Unless other arrangements are made, a display will be exhibited for one month.
Failure to dismantle a display by the agreed upon date may result in its removal by library staff.