Policies

Borrowing Policy

General Collection:
 3 week borrowing period
3 renewals by phone/in person/online*
$0.10 fine per day for children’s materials
$0.25 fine per day for adult and young adult collections

Magazines:
 3 week borrowing period
3 renewals by phone/in person/online*
$0.10 fine per day for children’s materials
$0.25 fine per day for adult collections
Must be returned to a DCLS Library

Music CD’s/Books on CD/Playaways :
 3 week borrowing period
3 renewals by phone/in person/online*
$0.10 fine per day for children’s materials
$0.25 fine per day for adult collections
Must be returned to a DCLS Library

DVD’s:
New Acquisitions: 3-day borrowing period
All others: 7-day borrowing period; 3 renewals
Must be checked out on an adult account
$1.00 per day overdue fine

* PLEASE NOTE:
 Items may not be renewed if on reserve for another patron.
$3.00 library card replacement fee.
All fines and borrowing periods are subject to change.
Lost materials must be paid for. No replacement books or materials are accepted.

Code of Behavior

The Memorial Library of Radnor Township is committed to serving the public.  In order to fulfill this mission and to ensure that the Library is a pleasant and orderly place for all members of the public, the Library requires its users to behave in a manner that is respectful of other users and staff, and of the Library’s materials, resources and facilities.

Behavior that interferes with the functioning of the Library, with the staff’s ability to perform their duties or that disturbs others will not be allowed.

Some examples of behaviors that are unacceptable at the Library are:

  • Staining, marking, defacing or destroying Library materials or property
  • Loud, boisterous or aggressive behavior
  • Harassing or intimidating behavior towards other Library users or Library staff
  • Photographing or recording another without consent
  • Smoking or vaping within the Library building or on the grounds
  • Careless use of food or drink in the Library or on Library grounds (including the front terrace), uncovered drinks, snacks eaten outside of the designated areas, or full meals being delivered to or eaten at the Library
  • Campaigning, soliciting, selling or petitioning within the building or on the grounds
  • Loud use of cell phones within the building
  • Improper dress (for example, not wearing shirts or shoes; wearing athletic shoes with cleats or other types of shoes that can damage the floor or contribute to disruptive noise)
  • Any illegal activities
  • Rearranging library furniture or materials, or misuse of Library furniture, restrooms, materials, or equipment
  • Entering staff areas without permission
  • Use of Library space by groups or individuals for meetings without prior permission
  • Using athletic equipment in the Library
  • Bringing any animal, such as a pet or therapy animal, into the Library unless it is a service animal, service animal trainee, or featured in a Library sponsored program
  • Failure to accompany a child under the age of 11. Failure to supervise children under the age of five. (See Children at the Library Policy for more details.)
  • Failure to comply with specific Library policies, such as those regarding the use of the Winsor Meeting Room, the public internet the public WiFi, and public access computers (See DCL Electronic Information Network and Internet Safety Policy)
  • Viewing sexually explicit material on any device in the Library
  • Using the Library parking lot or grounds for unapproved activities including skateboarding and rollerblading
  • Using the Library for non-customary purposes such as sleeping
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages on the property except at pre-approved Library sponsored events
  • Removing materials from the Library without a proper checkout

The above examples do not constitute a complete list of behaviors that might be considered disruptive.  Library staff on duty have the authority to interpret and enforce this code of behavior. They may warn users when behavior is unacceptable and ask those who fail to comply with the warning to leave the premises including the Library parking lot and grounds.  Violators may have Library privileges suspended or forfeited. Staff may contact legal authorities when a user’s behavior is illegal or when a user refuses to cease an unacceptable behavior.

Rev. 08/2011; 03/2022

DCL Electronic Information Network (EIN) and Internet Safety Policy

DELAWARE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
ELECTRONIC INFORMATION
NETWORK AND INTERNET SAFETY POLICY

Approved by the Delaware County Library System (DCLS) Board of Library Directors
2/6/97, Rev. 8/7/97, Rev. 11/4/1999
Revisions to include CIPA and County requirements approved by the Board on February 7, 2002
Revisions approved by Board on May 4, 2006 after public hearing on 3/2/06, Rev. 5/1/2008

In formulating our policy with regard to the Electronic Information Network (EIN) access, we have been guided by the following: The idea of free and unrestricted access to information is a fundamental principle of the public library tradition, and the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States. A library, as a public facility, must maintain an atmosphere conducive to enjoyment by all members of the public. Individuals afforded the freedom to use the library have a responsibility not to engage in offensive or disruptive conduct. The duty and obligation to guide the development of children and the discretion to restrict their access to information lies with the parents/legal guardians. A public library should be receptive to parental concerns, and seek means to cooperate with parents exercising their responsibility, consistent with the overall mission of the library. In compliance with County of Delaware network requirements and the Federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), technology protection measures have been placed on all computers in libraries.

GENERAL POLICIES

As specified by the County of Delaware and in the CIPA, the technology protection measure (filter) is intended to block access to adult materials and to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornographic or harmful to minors*. If you feel a web site was blocked or permitted incorrectly, please notify the library staff with the complete URL (web address) of the site.

Although the technology protection measure (filter) is in place, it is not infallible and parents/legal guardians should continue to guide their child’s use of the Internet. Parents/legal guardians should be aware that the Internet includes online sites that contain or make reference to explicit sexual materials as defined in 18Pa.C.S. 5903 (relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances.) Parents/legal guardians are expected to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. Legal documents are available on the web site of Commonwealth Libraries:http://www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/libraries/cwp/view.asp?a=15&Q=50578

The appropriateness of materials viewed by minors that is not covered by the technology protection measure (filter) should be determined by the parents/legal guardians.

* As defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act
Parents are expected to guide their child’s use of the Internet. DCLS and this library have information available on such guidance.
DCLS and this library cannot be held responsible for the Internet’s content, or for any misuse of copyright or any other violation.
The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population, and library patrons use it at their own risk.
Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information you find.
DCLS and library staff are not obligated to provide computer training.
DLCS and this library do not provide e-mail accounts.
DCLS and this library shall not be a party to any purchases of services or merchandise between any in-library Internet user and any other Internet user, and shall not be liable for any costs or damages arising out of such a transaction.
DCLS and this library are not responsible for any liability or expense users may incur in connection with the use of the Internet.
DCLS and this library strongly caution minors that they should not disclose personal identification information either in e-mail, chat rooms, or other direct electronic communication.
DCLS and this library advise adults to use extreme caution when disclosing personal identification information.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES

To insure that the user has agreed to library policies, a user must have a current Delaware County library card. All other adult non-card holders must agree in writing on behalf of themselves or their children to follow Electronic Information Network policies. Users must also follow the local library’s behavior policies.
Use of the Electronic Information Network computers is on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make the EIN service available to as many people as possible, library users share access to the EIN.
Users are provided a minimum of 40 minutes uninterrupted use, up to two hours each day.
Use beyond one hour may be granted at the discretion of the library staff based on demand. Users agree to make the computer available immediately if asked by staff.
Maximum of two people allowed at a computer at one time.
Users may not use their own software programs on the Electronic Information Network computers. This will help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers.
Users must not download to the computer’s hard disk. Files downloaded from the Internet may not be opened on library Internet only computers.

WARNING: Although DCLS uses a virus-scanner on the Electronic Information Network computers, this will not completely protect users from the chance of getting a virus. Software and other data downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus, and users need to have virus scanning software on their home computer. Neither DCLS nor the local library is responsible for damage to a patron’s disk or personal computer or other electronic device, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from use of the library’s computers.

Users will be charged $.25 per page printed in color, $.15 for black and white.
Computers must not be used to gain access to the library’s administrative networks or computer system.
Users must not make any attempt to damage the library’s computer equipment or software.
Users must not make any attempt to alter software or hardware configurations.
Users must not make any attempt to cause degradation of system performance.
Users shall be considerate of others and use this service in a non-disruptive manner.
Users must not consume large amounts of system resources or deliberately crash any library system computer.
Users must at all times comply with the local library code of behavior.
Users of the Electronic Information Network must be mindful that they are in a public building and must respect the presence of others.
Users must not view inappropriate images or materials as defined by the Federal Children’s Internet Protection Act, including visual depictions that are obscene, child pornographic or harmful to minors.
DCLS has procedures for implementing this policy for use in libraries.
Users must not use any library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose. Users must not violate copyright laws or licensing agreements in their use of library computers.
Violators may be prosecuted under Pennsylvania Law (24 P.S. Section 4427, P.L. 324, Art. IV Section 427, June 14, 1961 – Damaging Library Property). Violation will result in loss of access. Unlawful acts will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner, including, but not limited to, all costs to restore equipment and the Electronic Information Network to their proper operating condition. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for minors who violate this policy.
Conduct in violation of this policy, or the library’s behavior policy, will result in loss of access to the Electronic Information Network.
Users may not always be able to access the Internet sites they want to visit due to conditions on the Internet or the host site which are beyond the control of DCLS and this library.

The policy is subject to periodic review and revision as needed.

Children at the Library

The Radnor Memorial Library works to create a safe and welcoming environment for children.  In the interest of every child’s safety, the Library will not assume responsibility for care taking or supervision of children.  The Library is a public facility and is frequented by many people every day. The Library is not a child care provider but a public institution where all users have an equal right to quality services in a safe and relaxed environment.

The following policies are designed to guide the use of the Library by parents and their children.

  • Children and young people who are disruptive in the Library or on Library grounds interfere with Library service to all users and can be asked to leave.

An incident report should be completed by any staff member asks a child to leave the library due to behavior.

  • Parents may not leave children under 10 years old alone in the Library or on library property and are responsible for their children’s behavior while in the library. For children 4 and under, the parent must remain in the Children’s Department and be visible to the child.
  • A parent or caregiver must be present at library programs with children 4 and under. Children aged 5 – 10 can independently attend library programs but caregivers must remain on library property during the program in case the child experiences separation anxiety, becomes ill, or displays inappropriate behavior during the program.
  • Children aged 10 and older may visit the library and attend programs independently. Children must abide by the rules stated in the Radnor Memorial Library Code of Conduct.
  • If a child under 10 years old is left unattended in the library or on library property, the staff will attempt to contact his/her parents or caregiver by phone. If no parent or caregiver arrives within 20 minutes, the Radnor Police Department will be called. The library reserves the right to contact the Radnor police at any time if the situation warrants.

An incident report should be completed by any staff member who calls the police or a parent/caregiver about an unattended child.

  • All Children must be picked up by a parent or caregiver by the time the Library closes. When the library closes, all users must exit the building. No child under the age of 14, unless accompanied by a sibling 14 or over, will be left alone on the patio or standing on the sidewalk to wait for a ride.  At least two (2) library staff will wait with the child for 15 minutes and provide the child with assistance in attempting to contact the person in charge of picking him/her up.   After waiting at least 15 minutes, the Radnor Township Police will be called to pick up and safeguard the child in their custody.  Under no circumstances should staff take the child home or transport them to another location.

An incident report should be completed by any staff member who must wait with a child after closing.

  • Children under 18 may not use public internet computers (owned by RML or by DCLS) without a parent or caregiver present unless they have a library card registered in the DCLS system. Children under 18 who do not have a DCLS-registered library card will not be issued a guest pass and Information Services and Children’s Department staff may ask to see a library card of any individual thought to be under 18 who is using a public internet computer.  As the Early Childhood Learning PCs are not internet enabled, they are reserved for children under 18 years of age.
  • No adult may use the DCLS-owned internet computer in the Children’s area unless accompanied by a child unless specifically given permission by a children’s librarian or the information services/reference librarian on duty.

Elements of this policy approved by the Radnor Memorial Library Board of Trustees
in 2002, 2007, 2008, 2011. Additions, changes and reaffirmed policies approved October 16, 2014

Inter-Library Loan Policy

The Delaware County Library system Reference and Information Services Division shall provide primary interlibrary loan service to member public libraries within Delaware County. Secondary service shall be provided to other libraries in accordance with the Minimum Standards for District Library Centers and the Pennsylvania Interlibrary Loan Code. The System fully endorses the Pennsylvania ILL Code, as do its member libraries.

All types of materials may be requested through ILL. However, the patron should be made aware it is not always possible to fulfill the request for such items as best sellers, reference, genealogy, rare titles, and special formats. Recently published books may be requested through ILL, but it is at the discretion of the lending library to lend it or not.

A patron is limited to a maximum of (4) interlibrary loan requests pending at one time (a transaction must be complete before another can be made). Member libraries will accept all Delaware County interlibrary loan requests regardless of a patron’s member library affiliation.

As of October 7, 1993, the Delaware County Library System will accept requests for paperback books that are still in print at the discretion of the Head, Reference and Information Services Division.

Social Media Policy

The Radnor Memorial Library uses social media to disseminate information about Library events, news, programs and services, and to create a welcoming online space where library users can interact with both the library staff and other library users.  Social media includes but is not limited to Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) and may include instant messaging, text-based posts, discussion lists, websites and social networking pages.  Comments and postings by participants other than Library staff moderators do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Library or its staff. 

While the Radnor Memorial Library encourages an open forum, posts are moderated by Library staff.  The Library reserves the right to either not post or to remove comments. 

The Library is not responsible for enforcing restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor’s use of social media.  The Library does not endorse or review the contents of third-party sites. 

Content containing any of the following will be removed from any Library social media forum: 

  • Content that is unlawful, harassing, stalking, abusive, libelous or threatening to staff, patrons, or other commenters.  Authorities may be contacted as appropriate
  • Obscene or sexually explicit content or links to such content
  • Posts used for campaigns, political, religious or commercial purposes, or for soliciting funds 
  • Private or personal information or requests for personal information.  The Library encourages users to protect their privacy. 
  • Any content that the user does not have the right to post.  The Library follows a notice-and-takedown procedure for complaints of copyright violation under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. 
  • Posts containing hate speech or obscenities
    • Hate speech is defined as speech that is intended to offend, insult, intimidate, or threaten an individual or group based on a trait or attribute, such as sexual orientation, religion, color, gender, age, or disability. (https://legaldictionary.net/hate-speech/) 

Users may report concerns to Library staff.  Moderators will review those concerns as soon as possible and take action as appropriate. 

Non-Compliance 

  1. Failure to comply will result in a warning as well as removal of the offending content from the Library’s social media pages.  The offender may also be banned from posting on the Library’s social media outlets for a specified period of time or permanently.
  2. Communication of threats, physical violence or illegal activity will result in a permanent ban from all the library’s social media outlets and/or legal action as appropriate. 
  3. The Library reserves the right to hide or remove comments without warning to the person posting.

Approved by the Radnor Memorial Board of Trustees January 18, 2024