Policies

Display and Signage Policy

The Dunstable Free Public Library believes that a diverse and pluralistic society is central to our community’s identity.  Libraries strive to deliver inclusive service. The Dunstable Free Public Library recognizes and energetically affirms the dignity of those it serves, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, income, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical or mental capabilities.

The Library is committed to fostering an environment of understanding and respect.

The Dunstable Free Public Library decorates, displays, designates and differentiates collections and genres using Graphical Signs, Posters, and other Decorative graphics to complement the informational, cultural, or recreational holdings of the Library’s collections and formats.  These items have been acquired under the aegis of the Trustees and administered by Library Director and Staff.  This décor and environment enhances the library’s programs and events. These graphical expressions may be permanent, semi-permanent or ephemeral. They may promote or enhance education, interest and aesthetics, and may reflect the ever-changing demographics and diversity of the community of Dunstable and the collections and library programs.

Patron suggestions for displays or graphical items should be directed to the Library Director and considered by the Library Trustees.  Library Trustees and Staff will continue to have the responsibility to contribute to a culture that recognizes diversity and fosters social inclusion.

Approved by Board of Trustees 2.2024

Library Conduct Policy

The Dunstable Free Public Library is committed to promoting an enjoyable and safe environment where patrons and staff can fully benefit from and utilize the Library’s resources and services. Use of the Library requires respect for others who are also enjoying the Library facilities and services. This policy is designed to promote the appropriate use of the Library. 

The following conduct is strictly prohibited on Library property:

1. Use of tobacco products, cannabis, and alcoholic beverages 

2. Possession or use of unlawful controlled substance

3. Interfering with the use of the library or its resources by library patrons or interfering with Library employees’ performance of their duties

4. Destruction of property, including but not limited to books, any part of the library facility, other patron’s property, etc. 

5.  Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly or engaging in disruptive conduct

6.  Willfully annoying, harassing, or threatening another person

7.  Bringing any animal into the library building other than a guide dog or service dog

8.  Leaving a vulnerable adult* or child under the age of 10 unattended

9.  Running, pushing, shoving or rambunctious activity

10. Eating and drinking at the computer workstations

11. Entering the Library without shoes or a shirt, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.

 *A vulnerable adult is an adult who should not be left alone in the Library or is unable to reasonably care for themself in an emergency situation. This includes adults who need staff help beyond assistance with normal library service.

Violation of the Library Conduct Policy is at the discretion of the Library Director (or library staff designation) and may result in financial restitution, expulsion from the library and/or forfeiture of library privilege

Approved by Board of Library Trustees, 2.7.05

Amended by the Board of Library Trustees, 3.27.24

Meeting Room Policy

The Library welcomes the use of the Meeting Room for cultural and civic activities. The meeting rooms are available on equal terms to all not-for-profit groups. Dunstable residents will have a priority over non-residents. A group's use of the Library's meeting room does not imply endorsement of the group's policies, beliefs, or programs by the Board of Library Trustees or staff.

Policies and Guidelines

Non-profit organizations, town departments, and town boards may schedule the meeting room once a month. Room requests should be sent to Karen Debreceni, [email protected]. No group may call the library "home." The Library should not be used as a mailing address for any group or organization.

One person, who is at least 18 years of age, must assume responsibility for any meeting, providing a name, email address, mailing address and phone number. As well as the organization and purpose for the meeting, time desired and number of persons expected.

All meetings are open to the public. No admission fee may be charged, no business or notations may be solicited, directly or indirectly, and no merchandise, food or beverages may be sold by any group with out permission in advance from the Board of Library Trustees or the Library Director. A written request must be submitted.

If a meeting is canceled, the library director must be notified as soon as possible.

The library reserves the right to cancel any meeting due to inclement weather or other emergencies.

Light refreshments, such as cookies and coffee, are permitted.

The group is responsible for set up of the room and is expected to leave the room in the condition it was found. 

Noise should be minimized in the Meeting Room. Meetings must not interfere with regular library services.

Alcohol and smoking are not permitted.