Policies

The Bangor Public Library’s facility must be a safe space where people show respect for one another and share the space civilly. Library users must follow the rules of conduct below. The Library addresses rules violations and reserves the right to have violators removed.

Be safe.
Library users are not permitted to:

• engage in any illegal activity

• smoke any substance, or use tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol, or illegal substances on Library property

• block entrances, aisles, or access to library materials

• use sports equipment on Library property

• possess knives or other weapons on Library property

• sleep in the library

• be in the library without shoes or shirt

• perform medical procedures, handle medical equipment, or manage their own body in a way which may put other people at risk of infectious disease or other harm

Show respect for other library users.
Library users are not permitted to:

• create a public disturbance

• use obscene and/or abusive language or gestures

• engage in harassment or threatening behavior

• engage in sexual acts

• solicit or gather signatures on Library property

• engage in bathing or public nudity

• engage in cell phone use that disrupts other patrons or use cell phones in areas designated as quiet zones

• photograph, audio-record, or video-record any private third party lawfully entering into, using, or occupying library property without the express consent of such third party.

Show respect for staff.
Library users are not permitted to:

• impede staff from performing their duties

• engage in harassment or threatening behavior

• touch library staff

• inquire into the personal lives of staff

Show respect for the facility.
Library users are not permitted to:

• mutilate, damage, or deface any library materials or tamper with, displace, or unplug furniture or equipment

• bring pets into the building, other than service animals or animals used for library programs; all animals must be under control at all times

• have food outside of the atrium

• have uncovered drinks

• put feet on tables and chairs

Manage your personal property.
Library users may not:

• leave personal property unattended, inside or outside the facility, though bicycles may be left outside on bicycle racks.

• bring in personal property that exceeds a total volume of 24” wide x 32” deep x 36” high

• place personal property where it will block entrances, aisles, or access to Library materials

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 5, 2009; last amended by the Board November 2, 2021.

The Bangor Public Library strives to provide its patrons with quality collections, resources and services. As part of this effort, the Library offers its users access to information available on the Internet and through other publicly accessible information systems. It is the policy of the Bangor Public Library to afford patrons the same free and unrestricted access to the Internet as it does to print material. The Library does not select the content of materials found on the Internet. Patrons have the responsibility of evaluating the validity and the appropriateness of all online sources. All Library computers are equipped with a content filter designed to follow the mandate of the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Any adult (i.e. a person 18 or older) may turn off the filter while using one of the Library’s public-access computers. The intervention of a staff member is not necessary for a user to turn off the filter. The filter is restored by default when the user logs off. For instructions on how to disable the filter, click here.

The Library reserves the right to and does monitor the use of its computers.  As set forth below, the illegal or inappropriate use of Library computers, is not permitted.

All computers in the Youth Services Department are for the exclusive use of those 17 and younger and those assisting them. Youth Services Department computers with Internet access are filtered in compliance with The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and users cannot turn off the filters on these computers.  The Library cannot assure that these filters will block every item that may be a concern to every parent and the Library and its staff cannot be responsible for material selected or accessed by children. Parents may obtain a “No Internet Access” Library card that will allow their child to use only those Library computers having no Internet access.

Throughout the year the Library provides free programs for both adults and children on using the Internet safely, about appropriate online behavior including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and about cyber-bullying awareness and response.

The proper legal authorities will be notified if a user is using Library computers or Library communication networks illegally.  Illegal activity includes, but is not limited to, sending or receiving, printing or displaying child pornography; harassment of others (here or at any other location), unauthorized access to accounts of others; libel or slander of others; identity theft, solicitation of minors; hacking; spamming; and violation of computer security or software license agreements.

The Library reserves the right to terminate the session, evict the patron, and/or suspend or terminate the Library privileges of anyone who engages in illegal use or in inappropriate use including but not limited to a use that disrupts Library service, violates Library policies or procedures, jeopardizes the security of access of the computer network or other networks on the Internet; discloses or shares the user’s password with others; impersonates another user; uses one’s own software programs on the Library’s computers; alters the Library’s computer settings; or damages or modifies computer equipment or software.

The Library is not responsible for damage to users’ disks or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the Library’s computers or wifi network.

Because computers are located in public areas, the privacy of viewing screens cannot be assured; furthermore, because these are public access computers, the confidentiality of files and printouts also cannot be assured.

The Policy on Internet Access, like all Library policies will be reviewed periodically and revised as necessary. Comments are invited from the public on any policy or practice at the Bangor Public Library.

Internet Use Policy Updated 2/2/16

The Youth Services Department is reserved for use by children, their parents or guardians, and adults interested in children’s literature.

The Bangor Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment that encourages children to visit the Library. Library staff is available to assist and support children with their use of Library resources.  However, the Library is NOT responsible for children who are left unattended on Library premises. Unattended children are children of any age who are apparently unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, and/or responsible caregiver in the Library.

Parents, guardians and/or caregivers are solely responsible for the safety and behavior of their children. They are advised that children, like all Library users, are expected to comply with the Library’s Rules of Conduct Policy. Parents, guardians and/or caregivers must inform themselves as to scheduled Library closing times and be aware that a Library facility sometimes may have to close unexpectedly due to emergencies or safety issues. It is the responsibility of parents, guardians and/or caregivers to let their children know what they should do if they must leave the Library.

Library staff may call the police or other appropriate City agency if a child is left unattended when the Library facility closes or if a child otherwise appears to be at risk.

Library materials shall include all items in any format including print, non-print and online or electronically transmitted resources used by or for patrons of the Bangor Public Library.

The Bangor Public Library recognizes its duty to provide a wide range of materials on all levels of difficulty in various formats, diversity of appeal and points of view. To this end, the Bangor Public Library affirms the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement.

It is the responsibility of the professionally trained personnel employed by the library to select library materials for inclusion in the collection.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

Materials for purchase are considered on the following basis: timeliness, demand in the subject area, quality of the writing/production, popular appeal, authoritativeness, reputation of the publisher/producer, reputation and significance of the author/artist, composer/producer, etc., and the format and price of the material.

Government Documents and gift materials shall be judged by the same standards and be accepted or rejected by those standards.

Multiple copies of outstanding and/or much in demand materials are purchased as needed. Worn or missing items are replaced periodically. Out-of-date material or material no longer useful is withdrawn from the collection.

PROCEDURES FOR SELECTION

In selecting materials for purchase, library staff will place principle above personal opinion, and reason above prejudice, to select materials of the highest quality in order to assure a comprehensive collection. Library staff will evaluate the existing collection, and using reputable, unbiased, professionally prepared selection tools, select library material to meet the demands and/or needs of the population the library serves.

PROCEDURES FOR COMPLAINTS ON LIBRARY MATERIAL

Despite the care given to the selection of materials, occasional objections may be raised by a library patron.

In the event, a complaint about material in the library collection is made, the following procedure will be followed:

                1. The complaint will be heard by the Head of the Department responsible for selecting the material in question, i.e., the Children’s Department Head for children’s or young adult material; the Circulation Department Head for popular fiction; and the Reference Department Head for popular non-fiction, reference works, government documents, periodicals and other material in the general library. If the Head of the Department is not on duty at the time of the complaint, the complainant will be heard by the senior Reference staff member on duty. If the complainant is not satisfied with the response given, they may meet with the Department Head at the earliest time convenient to the complainant and the Department Head.

                2. If the complainant is not satisfied with the response given at the department level, they may fill out a “Request for Review of Library Materials” form (available upon request at the library). This will be given to the Director of the Library. The Director will respond to this request within four weeks of receiving it.

                3. If the complainant is not satisfied with the response from the Director, they may appeal, in writing, to the Board of Managers and the Trustees of the Bangor Public Library at its regularly scheduled meeting. The Board will have three months to respond. The decision of the Board of Managers and the Trustees of the Bangor Public Library is final.

                4. No materials shall be removed from public use during the complaint process.

As a way of supporting our mission and vision, the Library welcomes the use of its meeting rooms within the guidelines of this policy. Please note: First priority in the use of Library meeting rooms will always be given to Library sponsored and co-sponsored programs and to programs being held in cooperation or partnership with the Library.

Library meeting rooms may be reserved by a group of at least three Maine residents engaged in an educational, cultural, intellectual, or civic activity.  Study and Tutoring Rooms and Rooms in the Allen Business Center may be rented by individuals.  

Public gatherings must observe Library rules.  Activities in meeting rooms may not discriminate by race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or other class protected by law. The Library reserves the right to attend any event and meeting held in its facilities (except lawful executive sessions of government bodies) to verify that no illegal activities are taking place on the Library’s premises and to ensure that Library policies are being followed.

Businesses may use meeting space for cultural, informational and educational sessions for the public or for its own employees.  Non-profits running an event for profit (i.e. university classes) shall pay the For-Profit rate.  Non-Profit groups using meeting space for fundraising for groups other than the Library will pay For-Profit rates for the space.   

An additional fee, to be determined by the Library, may be added if Library staff or other resources are required during an event or for staff-time needed outside of Library operating hours. 

Rooms may be requested for use on a monthly or less frequent basis up to 12 months in advance of the meeting date. Use of a meeting room on consecutive days is permitted for a one-time special meeting. At this time, the Library cannot accommodate groups wanting to hold meetings held weekly or every-other week. Tutoring room reservations will be cancelled if the reservation holder does not arrive within 15 minutes of the reservation time.  

Refreshments may be served in Meeting Rooms.  Alcohol (Beer/Wine/Champagne) is allowed as long as approved by the Director or Library Board in advance and is served by an approved caterer with the proper insurance and licenses.

Use of any tobacco product is prohibited on Library premises.  Smoking is not permitted anywhere on library grounds.

Meeting Rooms must be left in a neat and orderly condition after use.  A clean-up fee will be charged for rooms left in a disorderly condition.  Nothing should be attached to walls without prior approval from the Library.  Groups will be responsible for any and all damage, breakage, loss or destruction caused to the Library’s facility, A/V equipment and other property, and for any personal injury caused by the Group.  The Group’s members, employees, agents, contractors, suppliers, or guests, shall reimburse the Library upon demand for any such damages.  The Library reserves the right to require the Group to carry, maintain and provide proof of general liability insurance coverage with limits of no less than $1 million per occurrence, naming the Library as additional insured, prior to an event.  

The Group will ensure that noise is kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing those using the Library or personnel working in adjacent areas.

Groups are responsible for their own publicity which should indicate that the event is not Library sponsored.  Groups are prohibited from making statements in their advertising or meeting announcements that suggest Library sponsorship or endorsement if that is not the case.

An announcement or notice to publicize an activity may not be posted or distributed on Library premises without advance approval from the librarian in charge. 

The Library reserves the right to cancel or change any meeting if circumstances at the Library so demand. If the Library must close due to emergency situations or inclement weather, all meetings scheduled during the closure will be cancelled.  The Library will attempt to notify the group as soon as possible.

In the event of an act of God, terrorist attack, government regulation, natural disaster or civil disturbance which prevents the Library or the Group from holding a scheduled event, the agreement to hold an event may be terminated by the affected party by giving actual notice to the other party within five days of the force majeure event.  

The person named in the Meeting Room Request Form will be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the group and for any loss or damage to Library property or equipment. 

Accidents must be reported to the staff member in charge who will report the incident in accordance with Library procedure.

Exceptions to the Meeting Room Policies may be made by the Library Director or Board of Managers and Trustees.  

All organizations or groups using the Library’s space shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Bangor Public Library and its officers, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, suits, actions of any kind, arising and resulting and accruing from any negligent act, omission or error of the organization or group resulting in or relating to personal injuries or property damage arising from the organization/group’s use of the Library meeting room.

To request a meeting room, please complete the Meeting Room Request Form and return it to the Library or request online on the Library’s website.

Meeting Room Fees:

Minsky Lecture Hall

• Non-profit rate: $50 for each 3 hour period
• For-Profit rate: $100/3hrs  

Crofutt Community Room

• Non-Profit: $50 for each 3 hour period
• For-Profit:  $100/3hrs

Board Room

• Non-Profit: $15 for each hour with a 2 hour minimum
• For-Profit: $30/2hrs 

2nd Floor Tutoring Room — Free with 2 hour maximum use per day  

Camden National Bank Meeting Room — $15 each hour (no non-profit discount is available)

Edward O. Darling Conference Room — $15 each hour (no non-profit discount is available)

Computer Lab

• Non-Profit: $20/hour
• For-Profit: $40/hour

Teen Study Rooms on the 3rd floor are for Teen use only and are free

Before or After Library Operating Hours Fee:  $45/hour

Tutoring and Study Rooms

• The Library has a Tutoring Room available for public use; it is located on the second floor. The room may be used by individuals or by groups (up to 4 people).  Literacy Volunteer Tutors have first priority.  For those using the Tutoring Room who are not Literacy Volunteers, use shall be limited to a maximum of two hours per day. Users of this room must check in at the Reference Desk with an ID or Library Card.
• At least one person using this room must be 17 or older.
• Covered drinks are allowed in the Tutoring Room, but food is not permitted.
• There are two Study Rooms in the Teen Area.  There is no charge to use them.  These rooms are reserved for teens and are on a first come, first served basis.  There is a two hour per day limit on the use of these rooms.

The following must also be agreed to for room rentals.

Agreement: In order to secure a room, full payment is due at time of confirmation. By submitting the booking form, the Group Representative authorizes and agrees that such payment will be paid to the Bangor Public Library. The parties agree to the terms of the Library’s Meeting Room Policy. The person signing this agreement on behalf of the group warrants that he is authorized to make this agreement. 

Attendees: Room assignment is based on the expected number of attendees and set-up specified in the room reservation request. It is understood that the room reserved has a capacity limit and that the numbers of attendees will not exceed that limit. The Library reserves the right to changes rooms if attendance is larger or smaller than anticipated. 

Cancellation: When Group signs the Facilities Use Agreement, the room reserved is removed from BPL’s available inventory and considered rented to Group.  BPL turns away others who want to rent the facilities.  It is impossible for BPL to know in advance whether, under what circumstances, or at what rates it would be able to re-rent the reserved room(s) if Group does not use it because of cancellation of the event.  Often, when a group does not use the facility as agreed, the space cannot be re-rented.  Additionally, BPL staff time is involved in set-up for each use.  For these reasons and others, Group agrees that, in the event of cancellation, the following refunds (which represent a reasonable effort by BPL to establish its loss prospectively) shall be offered:

6+  days prior to event:  100% refund (or credit to account)

3-5 days prior to event:    50% refund (or credit to account)

0-2 days prior to event:      0% refund