Policies A-Z

​Access & soliciting: Blocking access to the building or its materials is prohibited. The library does not allow soliciting, campaigning, or petitioning for any purpose. Signs or flyers for community organizations or events may be posted only with the approval of the librarian. 

​

Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is prohibited on library grounds except with prior board approval. Moderation is expected. All applicable federal, state and local laws must be obeyed. 

​

Animals: The library welcomes certified service animals. With staff permission, well-behaved pets on a short leash may be allowed for brief visits. 

​​

Behavior: Anyone engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with operation of the library will be directed to leave the building and grounds, whether temporarily or for a longer term. Disruptive conduct that inhibits the use of the library by others is prohibited and possible grounds for removal. This includes

• Filming or photographing patrons or staff without advance permission;
• Using threatening, aggressive, lewd, or abusive language, or exhibiting such behavior;
• Carrying any weapons apart from those used by on-duty law enforcement; 

• Drug use including smoking or vaping;

• Damaging or misusing library property;

• Activity in violation of applicable laws or library policies.

​​

The library encourages people of all ages to visit the library. Regardless of age, all visitors are expected to adhere to the same standards of conduct, including children and young people. Parents, guardians, and caregivers — not library staff — are responsible for the appropriate supervision, safety, and behavior of minors.

​​​​

Collection: The collection contains popular adult, teen, and children’s fiction and nonfiction and books about Maine. Materials are selected to support the varied interests of members. Materials remain part of the active collection depending on available space, condition, currency of information, and frequency of use. Members are advised that not all materials will appeal to everyone. Responsibility for a child’s reading selections rests solely with the parent or guardian.

​​

Should a member formally object to the presence or absence of any library material, the library will address the complaint. Any complainant will be supplied with the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form and offered the opportunity to have their concerns heard. The library director will convene a committee to examine the item in question in line with ALA best practices. Materials subject to complaint shall not be removed pending final action. All challenges/complaints will be handled confidentially.

​

Donations and gifts: The library welcomes donations of materials and financial support. Gifts of books and all tangible items are accepted with the understanding that the library may add them to the collection at its discretion. Materials not added to library collections may be used for programs or sold to support the library. 

 

Electricity access: Members may use outlets provided to power their personal devices. provided no tripping hazards are created. 

​

Food: Drinks and snacks are welcome in most areas of the library. Members are asked to clean up after themselves. ​ 

​

Home delivery: If a need arises for home delivery, please contact the library. Deliveries may be made depending on volunteer availability. 

​

Interlibrary loan: Items may be requested if available. Contact the library for more information. 

​

Internet and computer use: All patrons are asked to meet the following expectations for using the library’s resources. 
• Use library computer resources and network for lawful purposes only.
• Do not tamper with library computers, systems or settings in any way.
• Exercise safety measures when using email, chat rooms, social media, or other electronic communications. The library is a public space and privacy is not guaranteed. 
• Respect intellectual property rights when accessing copyrighted materials. 

 

Library Association: The Somesville Library Association is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) association that operates as a library open to the public. It is governed by a board of trustees which meets bimonthly and has an annual meeting in September. The library’s operations are funded by gifts, a yearly book sale, grants, and a modest annual appropriation from the town of Mount Desert. We receive no federal funds. The library observes applicable standards and policies of the American library Association such as the ALA Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read Statement. 

​

Meeting room use: Meetings are permitted pending approval of a Meeting Room Group Use form. Library sponsorship of, or permission to hold, any meeting, presentation or other use of any facility does not mean that the library supports, endorses, or advocates any view expressed by participants. The library will not allow the premises to be used for revenue-generating activities hosted by for-profit entities. While there is no fee for use of the library, the library does incur additional expenses. If groups who use the library’s meeting rooms are able, we ask that they please consider a tax-deductible donation to help defray these costs. A lost key will result in a charge of $25. Cleaning, if required, will be billed at $45/hour.

​

Membership: People who live or work on Mount Desert Island and surrounding towns are welcome to become members of the library. The rights and obligations of a library member include respectful use of library materials and courteous interactions with other members and staff. 

 

The circulation period for materials is two weeks. Extensions can be granted by contacting the library. Members may be contacted by library staff and board members to publicize library programs and solicit donations. Members may opt out by contacting the library. Only library staff will contact members about material use, i.e. notifying members that materials are overdue or available for borrowing. 

​

Fines on overdue materials are not collected. If an item is missing, damaged, or overdue by more than 4 weeks, the responsible member is expected to replace the item at full retail value. Meanwhile, all lending privileges will be suspended until the matter is resolved. 

​

Parents and guardians are legally and financially responsible for their children until the age of 18. Regardless of age, an individual’s library account and records will be treated in a confidential manner in accordance with state law. ​

​​

Non-profit status: The Somesville Library Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that owns the land / property on which the library sits. We offer public access to the property and to our collection and services at our discretion, not because we are bound by municipal or federal statutes. Library staff are not public employees; they are employed by the Association.

​

Personal property: Members are responsible for their property. The library staff cannot guarantee the security of valuables.​

​

Telecommunications, audio, and photography: Headphones are required for members listening to audio on electronic devices. Filming or photographing someone without their permission is not permitted inside the building; and outside filming and photography of people is permitted only from the road, not on library grounds. Library staff and volunteers will take photos at events and during normal business. Permission to share these photos is assumed; people who prefer not to have their likeness used may contact library staff. It is library policy to honor such requests. 

​

Technology assistance: Staff members are not authorized to make purchases for or act as an intermediary between members and the marketplace (i.e. online shopping). Staff may not be given a member’s personal credentials such as user name, password or credit card information. Guidance about the use of a member’s personal device will be limited to basic programs. Staff are not liable for any damage caused to a member’s computer or similar device when advising about its use. 

​

Trespassing: If you are in the Library outside of opening hours, and without staff permission, or your behavior during opening hours causes the staff concern and you refuse to leave when asked, you are trespassing, and law enforcement will be called.

​

Unattended children: The library is not responsible for children who are left unattended on library premises. Children aged 12 and older may be unsupervised provided that: they are able to behave appropriately, and the length of time they are left alone does not exceed the child’s comfort level. Children must be collected or authorized to walk home before the closing of the library. Children are the legal responsibility of their parent /legal guardian. They must have an emergency contact available who can collect them on short notice. 

​

Videography and photography: Filming, audio-recording, and photographing inside the building or on Library property requires advance permission from library staff. Also, members or visitors are not permitted to photograph, audio-record, or video-record any private third party lawfully entering into, using, or occupying library property without that third party's (or those third parties') express consent.

 

Volunteering: There are short- and long-term opportunities to volunteer at the library. Please contact the director to find out more.