Policies
Who may borrow?
Free library service is available to anyone with identification. New members under 17 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign the membership card in order to borrow books.
How many and how long?
A total of 50 items may be borrowed at one time. Most books, magazines, audio books, CDs, and videos may be checked out for 3 weeks.
- DVDs and new books are 1 week.
- There is a limit of 5 videos/5 CDs/5 DVDs per family.
- A large-print collection of books is available in the alcove opposite the desk.
- A book drop is available for use after library hours between the parking area along the street and the library.
Fines
Overdue books, magazines, CDs and audio books are ten cents each day. Videos and DVDs are fifty cents each day.
Special Services
Interlibrary Loan
If the item you want is checked out or is not in any library in the county, ask the librarian to reserve it for you or to request it through interlibrary loan. You will be notified when the library material you requested is ready for you. Large print books are available on interlibrary loan. Home bound delivery is available at no charge to the patron.
Computers
Computers are available for public use. The computers may be used to search the catalog, search library databases, search the Internet, and to creat Word, Excel or Powerpoint documents. Computer use is free. There is a ten cents per page fee for printing.
Photocopying / Fax
Computer printing and photocopying - 10 cents per page. Fax - $1.00 per page to send.
Storyhour
Preschool story hours are available by pre-registration.
Computer Use Policy
Computer users must register by entering the barcode number of their library card on the computer screen. If the user has over $10.00 in fines or the card has expired, access will be denied. Visitors will be given a guest card.
Free access to the Internet is available for all users. There is a charge of 10 cents for each printed sheet. Staff will assist any patron in signing on to the Internet and further instruction in Internet use will be given as current work conditions allow. There is a time limit of one hour per patron per day unless permission is obtained from the librarian for reference use. The librarian may ask any patron to cut short a session if deemed necessary. Only one patron may be at each computer. Do not change any settings. Discs may not be brought into the library but may be purchased at the circulation desk.
Anyone misusing or damaging the computer may have library privileges suspended, be prosecuted, and be financially liable for any damage to the equipment. Internet workstations cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including hacking, access by minors to inappropriate Internet matter, or other activities prohibited under any applicable federal, state, or local laws including activities in violation of 18PA.C.S. 5903 (PA Criminal Code). Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the computers.
All computer users should realize that the computers are located in an open and non-private are of the library. The screens may be viewed at any time by small children, any patron, or a librarian. Respect for the rights of small children and others make necessary certain limits on computer use. Please do not access: SEXUALLY EXPLICIT OR GRATUITOUSLY VIOLENT MATERIALS, i.e. GAMES, GAMING SITES; TELEPHONY; INSTANT MESSAGING; OR ANY OTHER FORMS OF CHAT ROOMS.
The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a federal law that requires all computers in a public library to be filtered by July 1, 2004 if that library accepts any federal funds for Internet access or computers used for Internet access.
Bridgeville Public Library is complying with this law as a participating library of the eiNetwork consortium. The eiNetwork receives a significant amount of federal funding to provide Internet access to over 85 library sites in Allegheny County.
All computers in the library are filtered. Please be aware that filters are not totally reliable. At times sites with legitimate information or educational value can be blocked or access to sites that are illegal, obscene or sexually explicit within the meaning of 18 Pa. Cons.Stat. Sec 5903 can be allowed.
Parents or legal guardians, and not the Library or its staff, are responsible for monitoring their children's use of the Internet and for the information selected and/or accessed by their children. The Library strongly encourages parents or legal guardians to supervise their children's Internet use and to provide them with guidelines about acceptable use.
Any adult (17 years of age or older) may request that the filter be disabled without significant delay by a Bridgeville Library staff member. An authorized staff member may override the filter for a minor (age 16 years or younger) in the event that the filter wrongly blocks or filters Internet access to a specific site with legitimate informational value. Computer users should be aware the the Internet is not a safe, secure medium and that others may obtain and use personal information. For your personal safety, please do not give information such as name, address, telephone, or age.
VIOLATION OF ANY PART OF THIS POLICY WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF COMPUTER PRIVILEGES.
Approved by the Library Board of Bridgeville Public Library May 11, 2004