Mask Wearing Policy
At the Library, masks to protect against COVID are OPTIONAL. If you have COVID symptoms or are otherwise sick, please stay home. This policy will be revisited regularly, in response to COVID data.
Approved by the Tilton Board of Trustees, May 3, 2023, June 7, 2023
Tilton Pandemic & Public Health Crisis Policy
- The Tilton Library will close due to a pandemic or public health crisis in the event that there is a mandate or recommendation for closure issued by public health or government officials on the local, county, or state level.
- At the discretion of the Library Director or the Library Board of Trustees, the Tilton Library may close, reduce its operating hours, or limit services temporarily (e.g. programming) in the event that there is not sufficient staff to maintain basic library service levels. In the event of a closure, items will be checked in in amnesty mode to waive late charges once the library reopens.
- In the event that the Tilton Library reopens to patrons coming inside the library during a time when specific health and safety protocols must be observed, all children under the age of 10 entering the library must be accompanied by a parent, caregiver, or responsible adult. During this time, non-circulating children’s materials will be removed from public areas to minimize spread through surfaces frequently touched by children. Kits will be placed into storage and temporarily unavailable for circulation. Disinfecting and/or cleaning procedures issued by public health officials will be followed as possible.
- In the event of closure necessitated by pandemic, effective communication about any reduction in services or open hours is of the utmost importance. Library staff should immediately post information about closures on the library website, social media, outside the library (if possible), and notify the Town Administrator’s office.
- Library staff will be provided with disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, surface disinfectants, and masks and/or face shields if mandated.
- In the event the library is closed to the public, the Library Director, in consultation with the Chair of the Board of Trustees, will decide if staff still report to the library. The Library Director will maintain a list of tasks to be performed when the library is closed. If the staff are directed not to report to work for any of the reasons outlined, all staff (benefitted and non-benefitted) will be paid regular time.
- If, for any reason, the Library Director is unable or unavailable to perform the responsibilities and decisions outlined in this policy, administrative authority for this policy and all library operations shall follow the Continuity of Library Operations Plan.
- If the State Department of Public Health or the local Board of Health mandate the wearing of masks (or any other safety gear) by the public, use will be mandatory in the library. Patrons in violation of this policy, as with any other policy approved by the Board of Trustees, will be asked to leave the library. Non-compliance, as with any other policy, will be reported to the local police and trespass orders issued. Any mandates requiring mask usage will be posted in the library.
- The Library may close for a brief period if a staff member tests positive and other library staff were then exposed, OR if the library is short-staffed due to COVID-related staff absence.
- The Library will close if the Deerfield Board of Health determines it should, based on local conditions.
- The Library Director, or senior staff, may quarantine inbound items, whether owned by the Tilton or another library, delivery or book drop/patron returns at his/her discretion.
- When the library is open during the pandemic, visits by children and teens after school will be encouraged to take place outside in one of our many seating areas. When inside they can browse, use a computer, and sit and read, but at a safe distance from children outside their household. Indoor visits are encouraged to be under 30 minutes. Playing on the stairs and/or playing hide and seek will not be allowed. Masks are strongly encouraged.
Adopted by the Tilton Library Board of Trustees on May 27, 2020, Amended September 1, 2021, November 3, 2021
Loan Policy
Tilton Library is the public library for the town of Deerfield Massachusetts. Under the Massachusetts Regulations for Minimum Public Library Service (chapter 78, section 19B), all residents of Massachusetts are eligible for a free borrower’s card from the Library. Persons not residing in Massachusetts may, for a fee, be eligible for library privileges.
Photo identification and proof of current mailing address are required at the time of registration. Please let us know if you already have a card in the CWMARS system.
Acceptable forms of ID:
If address is not on photo i.d. then a piece of mail or a check with current address is also needed.- Drivers License – with current address (handwritten new address on back of license is only acceptable proof of residence if you already have a card in the CWMARS system)
- Valid state ID with picture.
- Passport
- Student ID
- Work ID
Students and guest faculty of local colleges may apply for a card entitling them to borrowing privileges. Their college ID serves as proof of local residence, which will serve as their mailing (or primary) address, and their permanent address will be needed as a physical (or secondary) address.
Children age 12 or under may use their parent’s identification and must have a parent or guardian signature to obtain a card. Library staff does not restrict materials in any format used. It is the parent/guardian responsibility to monitor children’s use of materials and the internet.
Books, audio books and compact discs circulate for three weeks and may be renewed one time for an additional three week period unless there is a request for the item by another patron.
Videos, dvds and magazines circulate for one week and may be renewed for an additional one week period unless there is a request for the item by another patron.
Internet computers are available for thirty (30) minute periods and use may continue if no one is waiting. Users must sign in for each period and may be asked to leave a valid library card in good standing. Persons with outstanding library debt may be denied Internet use at the discretion of Library staff.
If material is supplied to you by another CWMARS library, their loan policy may differ and overdue fines may accrue. If material is overdue, the overdue notices will come from the library that owns the material. Although Tilton Library does not charge for overdue materials we will send bills for replacement costs on items due longer than four weeks. Fines and replacement costs can be avoided by renewing items before they are overdue.
In order to have staff renew your library card, you may come in to the Tilton Library, call us at 413-665-4683, or email us at tiltonlibrary@cwmars.org.
Items from other libraries may be requested at the circulation desk or online for delivery to Deerfield/Tilton Library. Patrons will be contacted when the items arrive.
*NONRESIDENT FEE: Borrowers not residing in Massachusetts must pay a $25 non-resident fee per year unless documentation is provided which demonstrates ownership of a vacation home or property in Massachusetts; rental lodging in Massachusetts for at least thirty days or residence in Massachusetts while attending school, a training program or summer camp lasting at least thirty days.
Approved by the Board of Trustees August 2006. Revised February 2016, April 2019, March 3, 2021, and May 1, 2024
Internet Use
Tilton Library endeavors through its collections, programs and services to help meet the informational, cultural and recreational needs of Deerfield residents. It is within this context that the Library provides Internet access to its patrons.
The Internet and its resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions from varied points of view. It is one tool of many which the Library provides for finding information and should not be considered a substitute for other Library materials. Patrons who access the Internet are advised to use discretion in evaluating the validity and accuracy of any website information. Users should seek assistance from Library staff when doing research to help find the best sources of information.
USAGE
The Library does not attempt to restrict access to Internet sites. The Library subscribes to the principles of intellectual freedom expressed in the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights (appended). While constitutionally protected speech and information is available for access to all library patrons, users are reminded that the Library’s Internet terminals are located in public areas which are shared with library users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images.
As a member of the C/W MARS network, the Library follows the policies of the network and of its Internet provider. The following activities are expressly prohibited:
Using the Internet for illegal purposes
Using the Internet in violation of the Massachusetts General Law 272 Section 31, the Harmful to Minors statute
Violating copyright law or software licenses
Transmission of chain mail, broadcast letters, or junk mail of any type
Transmission of threatening, harassing, defamatory or obscene materials
Unauthorized access to remote computer systems
USE OF THE INTERNET BY MINORS
As with other library materials, parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for guiding their children in the use of the Internet. Parents and guardians, not Library staff, are responsible for information accessed by their children and for deciding whether material accessed by their children is appropriate. Computer users 12 and under must have a library card in order to use the Internet.
ACCESS
Users must sign in and may be asked to leave identification, preferably a valid library card in good standing. Persons with outstanding library debt may be denied Internet use at the discretion of Library Director.
COMPUTER AVAILABILITY
Computer time is on a first come, first serve basis
EMAIL
The Library does not establish, maintain or actively facilitate use of email accounts, news groups, listserves or chatrooms for its users
PRINTING
Suggested donations are 15 cents for black and white and 25 cents for color.
TIME ALLOWED
Internet computers are available for thirty (30) minutes at a time. If no one is waiting use may continue
SHUT DOWN
To facilitate lock-up procedures, computers will be shut down fifteen (15) minutes before the Library closes
USER LIMITS
Users may be accompanied by only one other person at the computer. Small groups may use a computer with the permission of the staff person in charge.
MISUSE PENALTIES
Violators of the Library’s policies, including the Internet Use and Safety Policy, may lose library privileges. Anyone discovered attempting to damage the Library’s equipment or software, attempting to change files or reset configurations, or otherwise violating this Internet Use and Safety Policy, will immediately lose the right to use these resources. Illegal acts involving the Library’s computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities. Users are responsible for any damage to hardware or software.
WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY
Tilton Library does not actively monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content, authority, reliability, currency or use. Neither the Board of Trustees of Tilton Library, the Library staff, nor the Town of Deerfield is liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of using the Library’s Internet connection.
Approved Board of Trustees June 7, 2006 revised February 3, 2010, March 2, 2016, April 7, 2021, and March 6, 2024
WIRELESS INTERNET POLICY
The Library provides free Internet access points for users with portable computers or devices capable of receiving wireless signals. These access points allow users to access the Internet from their laptop computers or other devices when sitting within range of the access points. Signal strength may vary in the building, and no guarantee can be provided that users will be able to make a wireless connection.
Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance with patron equipment, and the library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment, laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s wireless network. All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their laptop computer or wireless device.
Patron laptop computers must be already equipped with a wireless network card (NIC) as well as a charged battery to use the library’s access points.
Patrons listening to audio files without headsets will be asked to mute the volume on their devices.
The Library’s wireless connection is not secure. Any information being sent or received could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user. For your own protection, you should not transmit credit card information, passwords, or any other sensitive, personal information while using the Library’s wireless connection.
No printing services are available.
Use of the Library’s wireless network is governed by the Library’s Internet Policy. By using the wireless network, patrons are agreeing to abide by the policy as stated above.
Approved Board of Trustees June 7, 2006 revised February 3, 2010, March 2, 2016, and April 7, 2021
Unattended Child Policy
The staff at Tilton Library hopes that children using the library will find it an inviting place to develop a love of books and reading, as well as a place to find materials which serve their informational, educational and recreational needs. Children are encouraged to visit the library, and to take advantage of its resources.
The Board of Trustees recognizes its obligation to consider the safety and welfare of children while they are in the Library. This policy is designed to address the Board’s concern for the welfare of children, and is not intended to restrict, discourage or frustrate appropriate use of the library.
Children of all ages are welcome in the library. However, it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their appropriate behavior. The Library staff is not responsible for the supervision of children left unattended by their parents or caregivers.
For the purposes of this policy, an unattended child refers to a child in the library alone, or a child whose parent or caregiver is in the library but is not adequately supervising that child. The latter situation may occur when the adult and child are in separate areas of the building, or when the adult is using library materials or equipment and is not supervising their child.
Responsibility for the welfare and behavior of children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or an assigned chaperone. Young children should be attended and adequately supervised by a parent, guardian or caregiver who is a responsible person of at least twelve years of age. Older children may use the library unattended provided they are able to maintain proper library behavior.
Tilton Library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended in the library.
This statement of policy will be revised as times and circumstances require.
Approved Board of Trustees November 1, 2006 and May 5, 2021
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION POLICY
The Tilton Library, Deerfield’s Public Library, is committed to supporting and celebrating the diversity of our community and workforce to include people of different races, nationalities, creeds, religions, socioeconomic statuses, immigration statuses, ages, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, physical and mental abilities, or any other attributes. The Tilton Library demonstrates its support by:
- Providing an environment that is welcoming to all.
- Recognizing the evolving needs of our community and working to remove potential barriers that limit access to the library and its services, materials, and programs (physical, economic, and digital).
- Creating and supporting programs and services that represent the diversity of our community.
- Partnering with community organizations to better understand how different groups define themselves and their needs so that the library can respond appropriately with collections and services to meet those needs.
- Ensuring patrons can enjoy the library free from attempts from others to impose their beliefs, values, or customs.
- Creating a work environment where all staff feel valued, respected, and that their voice is heard.
- Engaging library staff and inviting the Board of Library Trustees in ongoing training and conversations on topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Exploring means to increase diversity of the library’s workforce and leadership.
Approved by the Tilton Library Board of Trustees on January 3, 2024
- Providing an environment that is welcoming to all.
Materials Selection Policy
LIBRARY OBJECTIVES
Tilton Library endeavors through its collections, programs and services to help meet the informational, cultural, and recreational needs of Deerfield residents. A top priority of the Library is to provide popular materials to library patrons who are composed primarily of working and retired adults, students, and preschoolers. A secondary role is to provide support for the educational endeavors of children from preschool through high school by offering a carefully selected collection of books and skilled personal guidance.
The Library provides services to all, within the context of the above objectives, regardless of race, creed, color, occupation or financial position.RESPONSIBILITY FOR MATERIALS SELECTION
Ultimate responsibility for the materials selection policy lies with the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees delegates to the Director the selection of library materials and the development of the collection.SELECTION CRITERIA
The objective of selection is to collect those books and other Library materials that will inform, entertain and contribute to the enrichment of the mind and spirit. Selection decisions are made on the basis of staff judgment and expertise, patron requests and by evaluating reviews in library reviewing journals and other library selection tools. Materials are evaluated on the significance of the entire work rather than individual parts. The following principles will guide selection:- current usefulness or permanent value
- authority and accuracy
- importance as a record of the times
- relation to the existing collection
- relative importance in comparison to other works on the subject
- high standards of quality in content, format and binding
- price, availability and demand
- availability of materials in other libraries within the consortium
The Library Director and Trustees will review decisions regarding specific materials upon written request. A form for this purpose is available at the circulation desk.
MATERIALS SELECTION FOR CHILDREN
The principles stated above in the adult materials selection criteria are applicable to the selection of materials for children. The Library cooperates with the school libraries so that the services of the two agencies may complement each other. The major function of the school library is to provide curriculum related materials. Tilton Library seeks to provide a more comprehensive collection. The children’s collection is carefully selected for children of all ages, with emphasis on materials which stimulate imagination, entertain, develop reading ability and that provide sound information and understanding of the world they live in.USE OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
The collection of Tilton Library is available to all community residents and registered borrowers during regular Library hours. Library materials are not marked to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and no book or other item is sequestered except for the purpose of protecting it from injury or theft. The use of rare or scholarly items of value is controlled to the extent required to protect them from harm.
Responsibility for the use of materials by children and young adults rests with their parents or legal guardians. The selection of materials for the adult collection and access to it is not restricted by the fact that children may obtain materials their parents consider objectionable.SCOPE OF THE COLLECTION
The Library recognizes that it is impossible for a small library to provide a balanced and comprehensive collection that is strong enough to meet all community needs. As a member of C/WMARS, an automated resource sharing network, and MLS, a state supported library system, Tilton Library supplements its resources with materials borrowed from other libraries through these larger entities. Textbooks are not ordinarily purchased by the Library unless material in another form is not conveniently available. The Library acknowledges a particular interest in works of local authors and for this reason will endeavor to collect materials by authors from Deerfield and neighboring towns.GIFTS
The Library welcomes gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that it will evaluate them in accordance with the criteria applied to purchased materials. The Library cannot appraise gift materials for tax purposes. The Library will, upon request, provide receipts which indicate the number and condition of items received. When the Library receives a cash gift for the purchase of memorial books or collections, the selection will be made by the Library. The name of the donor or person memorialized will be designated on a special bookplate.COLLECTION MAINTENANCE
In order to maintain a collection which is current, reliable, in good condition, well used, and which relates to the needs and interests of the residents of Deerfield, materials are withdrawn on a systematic and continuing basis. Materials are discarded when they are judged to be dated, inaccurate, seldom used, in poor condition or otherwise no longer appropriate. The criteria used in selection also apply to the process of withdrawing material from the collection. Replacement materials will be considered using the same criteria for the selection of new materials.
Materials withdrawn from Tilton Library will be disposed of in a manner consistent with their quality and condition. Materials no longer useful to the Library may be given to other libraries or sold for the benefit of the Library. Materials removed because of dated content or poor condition will be discarded.INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
Tilton Library endorses the principles of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the American Library Association which are appended.REVISION STATEMENT
This statement of policy will be revised as times and circumstances require.ADDENDA
Library Bill of Rights – Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019. Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.
Freedom to Read Statement – adopted June 25, 1953; revised January 28, 1972, January 16, 1991, July 12, 2000; June 30, 2004 by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read CommitteeRequest for Reconsideration Form
Approved Board of Trustees October 4, 2006, revised November 5, 2008, December 3, 2008, April 4, 2012, March 2, 2016, June 2, 2021, December 7, 2022.
Replacement Charges For Lost Or Damaged Material
In the case of lost or damaged materials, borrowers are responsible for the following replacement charges:
(checks for replacement should be made out to Tilton Fund, Inc.)Hardcover
Adult and YA material: $25
Juvenile material: $18Large Print (hard & soft cover): $35
Paperback
Adult & YA Trade: $15
Adult & YA Mass Market: $8
Juvenile: $8Audio Books on Tape: maximum $40 each
Audio Books on CD: varies by title purchase price
individual CD, if applicable, (see director) $10
Videos (VHS & DVD): $25
Compact Discs (music): $20
Audio, Video & CD packaging: $4
Magazines: $2Bulletin Board Policy and Procedures
Tilton Library strives to provide as much information to the community as possible. As a means to achieve this, the Library maintains a bulletin board in the Library foyer for the purpose of advertising non-profit, educational, cultural and intellectual events and services. A separate board, located in the Children’s Library, is maintained for babysitting services. Municipal notices and materials are kept on the community information shelves in the reference area of the adult room or displayed at the circulation desk(s). A notebook for business cards is shelved in the community information area. The Library maintains the right to accept or deny material.
All items for posting must be delivered to a Tilton Library staff member.
With the exception of business cards, all items must have the date of submittal on the front of the material.
Items will be posted by Tilton Library staff members.
Old items will be periodically removed from the bulletin boards.Behavior Policy
Tilton Library is committed to promoting an enjoyable and safe environment where patrons and staff can fully benefit from and utilize Tilton Library’s resources and services. We expect patrons to behave responsibly, respectfully and with consideration for others. The following guidelines must be honored. If they are not honored, the library staff reserves the right to ask any patron to leave the library immediately. Repeat violations may result in additional restrictions.
- Disruptive behavior is not allowed. Disruptive behavior may include but is not limited to: running, playing audio equipment so others can hear, inappropriate cell phone use, talking loudly, threatening or harassing behavior, public intoxication, viewing pornographic images on library public computers, or engaging in any other behavior which library staff may interpret as disturbing.
- Appropriate attire including shoes and shirts must be worn.
- Destruction of property, whether belonging to staff, patrons or Tilton Library, is not allowed.
- Pets are not allowed, with exceptions made for service animals. SEE ANIMALS IN THE LIBRARY POLICY.
- Sleeping in Tilton Library is not allowed. If staff members are unable to wake up or determine the health of a patron, an ambulance may be called.
- Older children are allowed to use Tilton Library unattended as long as they are able to maintain proper library behavior
- Snacking is limited to specific areas designated by library staff and beverages are not allowed near electronics or library items.
Approved Tilton Library Board of Trustees, April 2, 2014, April 6, 2022, and April 3, 2024
Emergency Closing
In the event of inclement weather or other conditions, the Library Director will decide when to close or delay opening. The Trustees Chair and all staff will be notified. A notice will be sent to local radio and television stations and if conditions permit, a message will be put on the Library answering machine and at the door.
When weather conditions are severe the Library will not open. When there is a delay, all scheduled staff will come to the Library in the time needed to get there. No staff will be penalized for the time it takes to reach the Library.
All staff members are paid their regularly scheduled hours for any day (or part of a day) where weather conditions prevent them from working.
If a person has requested a vacation day and the Library is closed due to inclement weather, that day is still considered as a vacation day.
Approved Board of Trustees December 6, 2006, revised March 2, 2016.
Social Media Policy
Definition and Purpose of Library Social Media
The Tilton Library maintains accounts on a variety of social media sites to further the Library’s mission of enhancing educational, cultural, social, and intellectual opportunities for the community, primarily by providing information about library and community programs, resources, and events, as well as other information that may be relevant to the community.
“Social media,” as the term is used in this policy, is an expansive term that means any content created using publishing technologies through and on the Internet. Library social media sites may include any online forum/site, web application, or account created and/or maintained by the Tilton Library and its staff, such as but not limited to Facebook and Instagram.
General Standards for Library Social Media Sites
Library social media sites shall be archived in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts Public Records Law, including any content edited or removed by the library pursuant to this policy. Individuals’ responses to the library’s posts may also be archived.
Library social media content shall pertain only to library-related services, resources, and events. Library social media sites that provide for public input, comment, or discussion, shall be limited public forums for discussing library-related services, resources, and events. The library reserves the right to edit or remove the content of or terminate any library social media site or account at any time without notice, subject to retention requirements under the Public Records Law.
The library respects diverse viewpoints and encourages thoughtful discussion but does not expressly or impliedly endorse or approve of the content in users’ posts on library social media.
The descriptions or user profiles for library social media sites and accounts shall state that each site or account is the “official social media site/account for the Tilton Library.” The library will maintain a list of all of its official social media sites and accounts on its website.
User Responsibilities
All persons using library social media (“Users”) are subject to and must comply with the following responsibilities in addition to the General Standards set forth above. Where authorized by the library or allowed by a specific social media provider, individuals may comment on, reply to, and otherwise interact with library social media sites and accounts, and may engage with the library on social media both through publicly visible posts and comments and through “direct messaging” or “private messaging” functions that may be provided by individual sites.
No user should have any expectation of privacy when interacting with library social media. The library and Town reserve the right to access, view, and act upon any information on their social media sites and accounts, computers, systems, or other technology without notice. With the exception of direct or private messaging, content posted to these sites is usually publicly accessible by anyone on the Internet.
Moreover, even “direct” or “private” messaging as may be described or offered by specific social media providers constitutes a public record and is therefore subject to disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Law with no expectation of privacy. In general, users of library social media are expected to interact with the library and each other in a civil, respectful, and constructive manner. Users shall not post or share any of the following on library social media:
- Content that constitutes or encourages illegal activity
- Obscenity or child pornography
- Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, age, gender, marital status, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, ancestry, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws
- Threats against the library, library staff, other users posting to library social media, or any other individual or organization
- Personal attacks or profanity
- Sexual content or links to sexual content
- Spam
- Commercial or charitable solicitations, or advertising or sale of merchandise or services unrelated to library or Town business.
- Private information about an individual, except with that individual’s consent
- Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public
- Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other person
The library may occasionally share information about events in the community that are not library-sponsored. To ensure that the library’s social media remains manageable and appropriately focused, users are requested not to post or share advertisements for non-library events without the prior permission of the Library Director.
In the interests of supporting free expression and exchange of ideas, the library will generally refrain from deleting or hiding content posted or shared by members of the public. However, the library reserves the right to restrict or remove content that is deemed to be in violation of this policy or any applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or policy. A copy of any content that is removed or hidden shall be retained by the library along with a description of the reason(s) the specific content was deleted. The library may, but is not required to, notify the individual who posted the content of its removal and the rationale for its deletion. The Library reserves the right to monitor posted content on any of its social media accounts before the content becomes publicly visible, and to remove any messages which violate this policy without approving them to appear publicly. Individuals who have concerns about their posted content having been removed from library social media may contact the Library Director.
Individuals may express concerns about content that other members of the public have posted on library social media by contacting the Library Director. The library will investigate those concerns and take any action it deems appropriate in response, but is not obligated to remove users’ posts or comments solely on the basis of complaints by, or feelings of personal offense on the part of, other users if the content is not in violation of this or other library policies.
The library reserves the right to ban or restrict users from library social media, either temporarily or permanently. A decision to ban or restrict a user shall be made only with the approval of the Library Director. Upon request, that decision may be reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees during a regular meeting of that Board. All decisions by the Board of Trustees will be final and not subject to further review or appeal. Whenever possible, the library will inform a banned or restricted user of the library’s decision.
Users may be banned for repeatedly or significantly inappropriate interactions with library social media, including but not limited to:
- Repeatedly violating this policy, or committing a serious one-time violation of this policy (e.g. seriously threatening others)
- Refusing to follow library staff instructions or requests
- Sockpuppeting, or the use of multiple accounts or fake accounts to circumvent bans or manufacture disagreements or controversy
- Repeatedly spamming or posting content that is not related to topics under discussion and not relevant to the library, particularly in the absence of other, appropriate contributions
- Inappropriate behavior on social media that constitutes a continuation of offline behavior the user has previously been told to cease by library staff or that has resulted in the user having been removed or banned from library premises
Limits of Library Responsibility
Social media sites or account providers may have their own policies covering terms of service, privacy, and user behavior, which users may be additionally subject to when using library accounts on these sites. The library is not responsible for the independent actions of any social media site or account provider to restrict or ban a user, restrict or remove content, or otherwise manage the site in accordance with its own internal policies.
Approved by Board of Trustees February 3, 2021
Homebound Delivery Service Policy
The Tilton Library offers a homebound delivery service to Deerfield residents of any age who are unable to visit the library. ‘Homebound’ is defined as being generally confined to one’s residence either temporarily, due to illness or accident, or permanently due to disability, age, or other mobility issues.
An application for Homebound Service can be filled out either using the Online Registration Form, at the library, or over the phone. There is no fee for homebound delivery.
Patrons applying for homebound service must also apply for a Tilton Library card if they do not already have one.
- New patrons can be mailed a library card application by the library, and they mail it back filled out (no photo id verification needed).
- A family member, friend, or other volunteer can bring an application to a new patron and return it to Library filled out and with a copy of a valid photo id for the patron.
- If able, patrons could make a 1 time visit to the library to set up a new account.
- Accounts cannot be created over the phone. An application must be filled out by one of the methods stated previously.
- Additional names (of volunteers) may be added to individual accounts for delivery purposes
Patrons registered for homebound service may call or email the library to request titles, or they may request that a staff member or volunteer select materials based on the patron’s reading/viewing preferences as specified on the Homebound Delivery Items Order Form. Homebound patrons can borrow books, DVDs, magazines, audio books or any other circulating library item. All Tilton materials may be renewed by phone. Overdue fines will not be charged on items from the Tilton Library
Library materials will be delivered to a homebound patron’s residence by library staff members or volunteers. Delivery service will be scheduled at the mutual convenience of staff and/or volunteer and patron, generally once every 2-3 weeks. Patrons requesting these services must provide a safe and appropriate environment for staff members or volunteers who make deliveries to their homes. The patron’s items will be in a waterproof secure bag with the Tilton logo on it and left at the front door or other place as agreed upon by the patron and library. No staff member or volunteer of the library is to enter the home and all materials are to be returned in the RED DELIVERY BAG supplied by the library. Patrons must protect all library materials while in their custody.
Homebound delivery service will terminate when the eligibility or service requirements are no longer met or at the request of the patron, the patron’s parent or legal guardian, or an individual with power of attorney to act on behalf of the patron.
Policy approved by the Tilton Board of Trustees on January 5, 2022.
Animals in the Library Policy
The Tilton Library strives to be a welcoming place for diverse individuals, including patrons who may need the support of a service or assistance animal, and to comply with laws regarding the rights of disabled individuals to equitably access public spaces. The library also strives to provide a comfortable, undisrupted environment to ensure that patrons and staff who are uncomfortable around animals also feel welcome in the space.
- Pets are not allowed in the library.
- While the library occasionally presents educational programs that feature animals, members of the public may only enter the library with an animal if it is a service animal that requires accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) https://www.mass.gov/service-details/about-service-and-assistance-animals.
- Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog (or miniature horse) that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The animal must be trained to take a specific action to assist the person with a disability, and the task(s) performed must be directly related to the disability.
- Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals that have not been trained to perform a specific job or task do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
- If it is not known that a dog brought into the library is a service animal, a staff member may ask the following questions:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
- A staff member attempting to ascertain whether a dog is a service animal will never ask about the nature of a person’s disability.
- Service animals must be under the immediate control of their handlers at all times.
- Service animals that are not housebroken, bark excessively, are uncontrolled, or are otherwise disruptive will be required to leave the premises.
- Animals may never be left unattended on library grounds.
- Service animals are not allowed on library furniture or fixtures, or in library baskets or carts, and must remain on the floor or be carried (as appropriate) by their handler at all times.
- Misrepresenting a dog as a service animal is a violation of the library’s Behavior Policy, and may result in suspension of library privileges.
Observing the above helps make the library a safe, clean and friendly place for the entire community. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
For more information on the definition and guidelines for service animals from the ADA, please visit:
https://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet
Approved by the Tilton Board of Trustees on February 2, 2022