Policies

The Dunstable Free Public Library (DPL)  provides access to technology to support learning, communication, employment, and personal enrichment. Use of library computers, laptops, and internet access is a privilege that carries responsibility. By using library technology, patrons agree to the following terms:

Library technology may be used for lawful purposes, including but not limited to:

• Educational activities and research
• Job searching, applications, and resumes
• Communication and personal use
• Accessing government, health, and community resources

Library technology may not be used for:

• Any activity that violates local, state, or federal law
• Harassment, threats, or intimidation of others
• Viewing, downloading, or transmitting material that is illegal or obscene
• Hacking, attempting to bypass security, or altering system settings
• Copyright infringement, including illegal downloading or sharing of media
• Installing or attempting to install software applications on library technology.
• Activities that compromise the security or functionality of the device or network

• Patrons are responsible for their own online activity and the information they access, create, or transmit.  
• Users must respect the rights, privacy, and safety of others.
• Food and drink should be kept away from devices.
• Laptops should be handled with care and used in a manner that prevents damage.

• While the library takes steps to protect patron privacy, internet use is not guaranteed to be secure.
• Patrons are encouraged to:
• Log out of all personal accounts
• Save files to personal storage
• Close browser sessions before returning the device
• The library is not responsible for the loss of data or damage to personal files.

The library does not monitor internet activity. Filters may be used where required by law; however, no filter is perfect, and some inappropriate content may still be accessible.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

• Immediate termination of the session
• Suspension of technology privileges
• Library account restrictions
• Additional consequences as permitted by library policy or law

The Dunstable Public Library is not responsible for:

• The accuracy or content of information accessed online
• Any consequences resulting from the use of library technology
• Damage to personal devices or storage media used with library equipment       

     Approved by Board of Trustees  1.26
This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

The Trustees of the Dunstable Free Public Library appreciate the community’s support and recognize that donations of artwork, artifacts, or archives can enhance the Library’s cultural role. To ensure that each gift aligns with the Library’s mission and best interests, all proposed donations are reviewed prior to acceptance.

The Trustees reserve the right to accept or decline any donation of art, artifacts, archives, or other items not anticipated. A gift may be declined if it is not relevant to the Library’s programs, does not support the Library’s role as a symbol of free speech and independent thought, or is otherwise not in the Library’s best interest.

Art objects, antiques, and archives will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Library is under no obligation to accept, display, or maintain donated items. Once accepted, the Library becomes the sole owner and may display, store, or deaccession the item at its sole discretion, without notice to or permission from the donor. Final decisions on acceptance are made by the Board of Library Trustees, based on the recommendation of the Library Director.

• Because display space is limited, careful consideration is given to long-term loans and gifts. Criteria may include:
• Appropriateness of the artwork’s scale, materials, form, and content for a public library setting.
• Durability and suitability of the item; extremely fragile or high-risk pieces will not be considered.
• Security requirements, installation needs, and long-term maintenance or conservation costs.
• Works will not be selected or accepted that create unsafe conditions or contain other factors that may bear on public liability.

• All gifts must be unconditional, transferring ownership and all rights of ownership to the Dunstable Free Public Library.
• Gifts are accepted only with the understanding that the Board of Library Trustees has the right to determine retention, location and other considerations relating to the use or removal of the donated gift.
• The Board of Library Trustees may choose to display the gift or not.
• The Board of Library Trustees may choose to sell the item and use the proceeds for any purpose appropriate to the library’s mission and/or transfer ownership of the item as it deems appropriate. 
• The Board of Library Trustees will not appraise the value of any gift for income tax deductions.
• Approved by the Dunstable Free Public Library Board of Trustees November 19, 2025.

This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

The Dunstable Library provides equal access to information and ideas through a wide variety of materials and programs for community members of all ages.

The purpose of the collection development policy is to guide acquisition and withdrawal decisions, resources allocation, and strategic planning in accordance with the library’s mission statement.

The Dunstable Free Public Library seeks to provide a welcoming environment, a qualified staff, a variety of materials in all formats, programs for patrons of all ages, and access to current technology.  The library subscribes to the principles in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association, and the Freedom to Read Statement and the Freedom to View Statement of the American Library Association (see appendices).

Ensure Dunstable Free Public Library collection fulfills the evolving informational, educational, and recreational needs of all demographics of the Dunstable population.  

Establish and maintain a collection that is current, balanced, and comprehensive. The collection should be of adequate size, quality, format, and diversity to meet the needs of patrons. 

Utilize collection usage statistics to optimize budget allocation and cooperate with the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) to ensure that our collections meet our consortium responsibilities.

The Board of Library Trustees delegates the authority and responsibility for selection and management of print, non-print, and electronic materials to the Library Director. The Director allocates the materials budget, and ensures that the collection conforms with the Collection Development Policy. Library materials are selected by the Director after consulting with staff members, professional review media, and well as various online websites. Additionally, the Director is responsible for deselection, replacement, and augmentation of the collection.

Materials will be selected to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs and interests of the community. Materials will represent a variety of viewpoints on current and historical issues. The Director will select materials in a variety of formats using published reviews, professional and trade publications, and patron requests and recommendations. General selection criteria for all materials includes: 

• anticipated and popular demand 
• accuracy and currency of information 
• relevance to the present needs of the community
• cost and durability of format for library use
• space and processing requirements
• representation of trends, subjects, or genres of local, national, or international interest
• literary, visual, or aural merit
• reviews and inclusion in reputable print or online resources 
• availability of materials through current collection, other libraries, or electronic/digital resources  

An item need not meet all of these criteria to be selected. Local authors, self-published materials, and patron requests will be evaluated based on the above selection criteria as well as the availability of materials in the libraries of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC). 

Materials published or released in new formats will be considered for the collection when there is evidence that a significant portion of the local population has the required equipment to make use of the format.  Availability of items in the format, the cost per item, and the library’s ability to obtain and circulate the items will also be factors in determining when a new format will be acquired.

Children are not limited to children’s collections, which are kept separate from other library collections to facilitate use. There is wide variation in criteria used by parents in determining what is suitable for their children to read or view. The library selects materials to meet a broad range of interests and needs across the community, relying upon parents and guardians to monitor their child’s access.

For patrons with needs beyond the local library and MVLC, interlibrary loan allows access to materials in libraries throughout the Commonwealth and the rest of the United States through cooperative interlibrary loan agreements. The library does not have control over the content of certain electronic collections, including those administered by MVLC or the state, or over materials that may be available through interlibrary loan from other libraries. 

A strong collection requires ongoing evaluation and maintenance. Materials will regularly be weeded from the collection based on the following criteria: 

• currency and relevance 
• infrequent use
• physical condition

Replacements and updated editions are purchased when warranted.  Discarded materials may be sold, donated, or recycled as the Library determines.  Standards for materials withdrawal are detailed in the CREW Manual (see appendices).

The library welcomes gifts of funds and materials to enrich the collection. New or used donated materials are subject to the same criteria as purchased materials. Gifts of materials are accepted with the understanding that they may be utilized or disposed of at the library's discretion.  Monetary gifts will be applied to the selection of materials by the director in consultation with library staff and the donor as appropriate. The Library reserves the right to determine the use and disposition of all gifts unconditionally.

Anyone who wishes the Library to reconsider the acquisition or removal of an item must fill out a “Request for Reconsideration of Material” form. These forms are available at the circulation desk. The request is reviewed by the Director. The Director will issue a response.  If the complainant is not satisfied, they may appeal to the Board of Trustees. The decision of the Board is final. Above all, the Board of Trustees has as its concern the fairness of such a hearing so as to protect the rights of all who are involved.

• Materials will remain available until the review process is complete.
• This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees.
• Adopted by the Board of Trustees: 3.2025
• This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

*Parts of this policy were adapted from Massachusetts Library System Collection Development Policies

• The First Amendment:
  • https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/censorship
• Library Bill of Rights:
  • http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill
• Freedom to Read Statement:
  • https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement
• Freedom to View Statement:
  • https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomviewstatement
• CREW Manual:
  • https://yln.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=72690387

The Community Room Policies and Guidelines have been formulated to ensure residents have the greatest possible access to educational and cultural opportunities. Priority for the meeting room use is as follows: 

1. Library Use 
   1. Group sponsored or co-sponsored by the Trustees, the Dunstable Free Public Library, or the Town of Dunstable
2. Town of Dunstable Departments, Committees, and Boards
3. Non-Profit groups

The community room is available during library hours; exceptions by permission of the Library Director.

The community room cannot be reserved for private events. 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 without advanced permission from the Board of Library Trustees or the Library Director. 

Use of the community room does not imply endorsement by the Board of Trustees or staff. No group may call the library “home.”

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

Equipment, supplies, or personal belongings cannot be stored or left in the Library before or after use of the community room. The Library and the Town of Dunstable will not be held responsible for the loss of or damage to personal property of group members while on the premises.  

Applicants are responsible for room set-up and are expected to leave the room in the condition it was found. The Library provides a vacuum and carpet sweeper. A minimum $50.00 clean-up fee will be assessed and more will be charged in cases of unusual wear and tear.

All events happening during library hours must conclude 15 minutes before the Library’s closing (including cleanup). A $50.00 fee per staff will be assessed if staff is detained beyond closing. 

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

No smoking or alcohol consumption on the premises.

All events are canceled if the Library is closed due to emergency or inclement weather. It is the group’s responsibility to notify attendees. The Library/Town is not liable for any losses resulting therefrom. 

If a meeting is canceled, the Library Director must be notified as soon as possible.

Any exception to the policies and guidelines must be approved by the Library Director or the Board of Library Trustees who have the final authority regarding all meeting room use requests.  Exceptions are limited to the Meeting room and restrooms only.

Approved by Board of Trustees 12.2024; Amended 1.2026
This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

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
This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 7, records that reveal the identity or intellectual pursuits of individuals using public library services are not considered public records.

The Dunstable Free Public Library, a member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC), follows the MVLC Privacy Policy adopted by all member libraries.

We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all library users. This principle is rooted in the American Library Association's Code of Ethics, which we uphold fully. We treat as confidential all information related to a patron’s use of the library and its resources—regardless of the user’s age.

Confidential information includes:

• Materials consulted, borrowed, or requested
• Information sought or reviewed
• Database search records
• Reference interviews
• Circulation records
• Interlibrary loan transactions
• Registration records
• Any other personally identifiable use of library materials, facilities, or services

Circulation, registration, or other personally identifiable information may only be disclosed in the following circumstances:

1. To library staff acting within the scope of their duties.
2. To individuals authorized by the cardholder to access their records, including designated borrowers.
3. To government officials (local, state, or federal) presenting a valid subpoena or search warrant. Upon receiving such legal documentation, the Library Director will notify the Board of Trustees and consult with the Town Administrator and legal counsel to confirm its validity and legal sufficiency. If the documentation is found to be flawed or lacking good cause, necessary corrections must be made before compliance.

All formal requests for access to user records must be referred directly to the Library Director.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees: 5.2025
This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

• Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 7
  • https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter78/Section7
• American Library Association’s Code of Ethics
  • https://www.ala.org/tools/ethics

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 esthetics, 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
This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

The Dunstable Public Library (DPL) Laptop Lending Program supports digital access, education, employment, and personal needs by providing laptops for short-term use to library patrons.

• Borrower must be 16 years or older
• Must hold a DPL library card in good standing
• Library card must be registered to a local resident
• Limit one laptop per household at a time

• Available for use within the library only
• Loan period: up to 4 hours or same-day use
• Laptops must be returned to the circulation desk before closing

• Loan period: 7 days (one renewal)

• Laptops must be returned by the due date and time listed at checkout

Availability of loan types may vary based on demand.

• Laptops must be checked out and returned at the circulation desk
• Laptops may not be transferred to another user
• Borrowers are responsible for the laptop and accessories (charger, case) for the entire loan period
• Laptops must be returned in the same condition as issued, allowing for normal wear

• There are no daily overdue fines
• A replacement fee will be charged if:
• The laptop is not returned within 14 days of the due date
• The laptop or accessories are lost or damaged beyond normal wear
• Borrowers are responsible for the full replacement cost of lost or damaged equipment

The library is not responsible for:

• Files saved or lost
• Personal information stored on the device
• Any damage caused by misuse

Acceptable Use

• Borrowers must comply with the library’s Acceptable Use Policy. Laptops may not be used for illegal activities or to violate copyright, privacy, or other applicable laws.

Laptops are configured to protect patron privacy; however, borrowers are strongly encouraged to log out of all accounts and save personal files to external storage. The library cannot guarantee complete data security.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

• Suspension of laptop borrowing privileges
• Library account restrictions

Approved by: Board of Trustees 1.26
This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the acquisition, preservation, access, and use of materials housed in the Dunstable Free Public Library’s Special Collections Room. These collections preserve materials of historical, cultural, and community significance for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Dunstable Free Public Library collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to research materials that document the history, cultural heritage, and other distinctive aspects of Dunstable. The Special Collections Room may also contain rare, unique, or irreplaceable books and artifacts.

The Library collects materials in various formats, including print, audiovisual, digital, and physical artifacts, according to the following priorities:

1. Materials related to the Town of Dunstable;
2. Materials related to communities in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts;
3. Materials that enhance understanding of the region’s geography, social, civic, religious, economic, architectural, and cultural life, both past and present.

Unique or rare materials of cultural or historical value may be acquired at the discretion of the Library Director and Board of Trustees.Special Collections materials are non-circulating and may only be consulted in the Special Collections Room.

The Special Collections Room remains locked and is accessible to patrons upon request. Access to certain materials may be limited or restricted at the discretion of the Library Director due to their condition, rarity, or preservation requirements. Each request will be evaluated individually. All researchers must abide by this policy and complete the agreement form at the end of this policy. 

1. Researchers will provide a list of requested resources. Library staff will gather items; visitors are not to remove or replace items themselves. 
2. The Special Collections room is monitored by library staff. 
3. No archival materials are allowed outside of the Special Collections room. All materials are checked upon issue and return. 
4. The Library reserves the right to deny or restrict access to materials or the Special Collections Room at any time.
5. Theft or mutilation of materials is a crime and will be prosecuted.

1. Coats, briefcases, laptop cases, backpacks, handbags, folders, and other non-essential personal items are not permitted in the Special Collections Room. 
2. Patrons are responsible for securing their belongings. 
3. Personal belongings may be inspected by staff on leaving the library. 

1. Cell phone conversations, food, beverages, and tobacco are not permitted.
2. Pens, markers, and other ink-based writing instruments are not permitted in the room. Pencils and paper are provided for note-taking. 
3. Hands must be clean and dry. 
4. Materials must be handled with care and may not be leaned upon, written on, marked, altered, folded, torn, or otherwise damaged. No marks may be added to or erased from materials. Tracing or rubbing is not permitted without prior approval.
5. Photographic materials may only be handled by the corners; image surfaces should not be touched. 
6. Materials must remain on the table during use and may not be placed in the lap or propped against furniture.
7. The original order and arrangement of unbound materials must be preserved. Any irregularities should be reported to staff.

• Patrons who handle materials carelessly or whose behavior reflects negligence or intentional harm will have their access revoked.

1. All reproductions must be made by or under the direction of library staff. 
2. Reproduction may be limited by the condition of the materials, copyright restrictions, or preservation concerns.
3. Copies of images and documents may only be used for personal research or study. Any form of publication requires written permission from the Dunstable Free Public Library. 

The Library Director is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring adherence to its provisions. The Board of Trustees will review this policy every five years or as needed to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.

*Parts of this policy were adapted from State Library of Massachusetts Special Collection Policy

Effective Date: October 2025 | Review Date: September 2026

This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

The Dunstable Public Library (DPL) Board of Trustees encourages and welcomes public participation at their meetings. To that end, all meetings are open to the public, and the written minutes from those meetings are posted on the Dunstable town web page. In addition, members of the public are also provided with the opportunity to make public comments at the Board of Trustees at their regular meetings.

1. Public comments are only permitted during the time designated on the meeting agenda.
2. A maximum of five speakers will be heard and each speaker will have two minutes to speak.
3. Each speaker is allowed to comment only once.
4. Before the meeting, a sign-up form will be made available for audience members who wish to speak. A link will be included with the meeting Agenda. 
1. The form will request name, address, group affiliation (if any), and topic/issue to be addressed.
2. Anyone refusing to identify themselves will not be permitted to speak.
3. Members of the public wishing to speak must sign up before the meeting begins.
4. When multiple parties or groups wish to speak on the same matter, groups may be asked to designate one representative to present their views.
5. Speakers acknowledge that their comments may be recorded as part of the virtual meeting transcription.

1. Public comment period will typically occur at the start of the meeting, following approval of minutes. 
2. The Chairperson is the designated spokesperson for the Board.
3. As spokesperson, the Chairperson will call names from the sign-in sheet in the order they are listed.
4. The Chairperson and Board shall not engage in dialogue with the speakers; there will be no debate. 
5. It is the responsibility of the Chairperson to call time and to make any explanations to the speakers that are needed to move the business of the meeting forward.
6. Additional agenda items will not be added after public comment. The suggestions brought forth by the public during the comment session may or may not be addressed by the Board at a future meeting.
7. The Board may refer any matter of public comment to the Library Director, Library Staff, or the appropriate agency for review.
8. All public comments made at the meeting will become part of the meeting record and Board minutes will reflect the name of any speakers and the substance of any comments. Speakers acknowledge that meetings may be recorded for the purpose of generating minutes.
9. Any materials presented to the Board will be included in the DPL Trustee files rather than the published minutes.

Effective Date: September 2026 | Review Date: September 2026

This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

The library complies with the Town of Dunstable's social media policy.

Town of Dunstable Social Media Policy  Adopted by the Board of Trustees: 4.2025

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the acquisition, preservation, access, and use of materials housed in the Dunstable Free Public Library’s Special Collections Room. These collections preserve materials of historical, cultural, and community significance for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Dunstable Free Public Library collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to research materials that document the history, cultural heritage, and other distinctive aspects of Dunstable. The Special Collections Room may also contain rare, unique, or irreplaceable books and artifacts.

The Library collects materials in various formats, including print, audiovisual, digital, and physical artifacts, according to the following priorities:

1. Materials related to the Town of Dunstable;
2. Materials related to communities in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts;
3. Materials that enhance understanding of the region’s geography, social, civic, religious, economic, architectural, and cultural life, both past and present.

Unique or rare materials of cultural or historical value may be acquired at the discretion of the Library Director and Board of Trustees.Special Collections materials are non-circulating and may only be consulted in the Special Collections Room.

The Special Collections Room remains locked and is accessible to patrons upon request. Access to certain materials may be limited or restricted at the discretion of the Library Director due to their condition, rarity, or preservation requirements. Each request will be evaluated individually. All researchers must abide by this policy and complete the agreement form at the end of this policy. 

1. Visitors must sign the access log upon entering and exiting the Special Collections room. All visitors must present a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The ID will be held at the circulation desk for the duration of the research session and returned at sign out. 
2. Researchers will provide a list of requested resources. Library staff will gather items; visitors are not to remove or replace items themselves. 
3. The Special Collections room is monitored by library staff. 
4. No archival materials are allowed outside of the Special Collections room. All materials are checked upon issue and return. 
5. The Library reserves the right to deny or restrict access to materials or the Special Collections Room at any time.
6. Theft or mutilation of materials is a crime and will be prosecuted.

1. Coats, briefcases, laptop cases, backpacks, handbags, folders, and other non-essential personal items are not permitted in the Special Collections Room. 
2. Patrons are responsible for securing their belongings. 
3. Personal belongings may be inspected by staff on leaving the library. 

1. Cell phone conversations, food, beverages, and tobacco are not permitted.
2. Pens, markers, and other ink-based writing instruments are not permitted in the room. Pencils and paper are provided for note-taking. 
3. Hands must be clean and dry. 
4. Materials must be handled with care and may not be leaned upon, written on, marked, altered, folded, torn, or otherwise damaged. No marks may be added to or erased from materials. Tracing or rubbing is not permitted without prior approval.
5. Photographic materials may only be handled by the corners; image surfaces should not be touched. 
6. Materials must remain on the table during use and may not be placed in the lap or propped against furniture.
7. The original order and arrangement of unbound materials must be preserved. Any irregularities should be reported to staff.

• Patrons who handle materials carelessly or whose behavior reflects negligence or intentional harm will have their access revoked.

1. Requests for photocopies, digital images, or other reproductions will be considered by the Library Director on a case-by-case basis. 
2. All reproductions must be made by or under the direction of library staff. 
3. Reproduction may be limited by the condition of the materials, copyright restrictions, or preservation concerns.
4. Copies of images and documents may only be used for personal research or study. Any form of publication requires written permission from the Dunstable Free Public Library. 

The Library Director is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring adherence to its provisions. The Board of Trustees will review this policy every five years or as needed to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.

*Parts of this policy were adapted from State Library of Massachusetts Special Collection Policy

Effective Date: October 2025 | Review Date: September 2026

This policy is subject to review by the DPL Board of Trustees

If you require any specific accommodation to support your research, please let a staff member know.

I have read the Special Collections Policy and agree to its conditions.

Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ___________________