Rules & Procedures

Checkouts, Fines, and Returns 

The library does not charge overdue fees. If an item is not returned within 45 days the library will put a restriction on that account until the item is returned or the replacement cost is paid in full. If an item is returned damaged the library will put a restriction on the account until the replacement cost is paid in full.

All library transactions requiring access to a patron’s account requires the presentation of a valid Raymond Village Library card for that account. Library cards are issued to those aged 5 and above. Applicants under the age of 13 require the in-person signature of a parent or legal guardian, assuming financial responsibility for the library account. Use of the library services – including computer use and borrowing privileges – may be denied for due cause, such as loss of materials, excessive fees, destruction of library property, and/or conduct in violation of library rules and procedures. Unless cancelled for any other reason, a Raymond Village Library card is valid for one year.  Library accounts may be renewed annually for as long as the account is in good standing and the user maintains eligibility. Lost or damaged library cards may be replaced at a cost of $1.00

Library Card Eligibility

Adult Raymond Residents: A Raymond resident who has proper identification authenticating their Raymond residency is eligible for a library card, at no cost. Proper identification for the issuing of a library card is:

• A valid, Maine state-issued photo identification showing current Raymond residence
• OR a state or federal issued photo identification in conjunction with any of the following, showing current Raymond residency and issued in the same name as the identification provided:
  • Utility bill dated within the last 60 days
  • A Raymond issued tax bill/tax receipt dated within the past three months
  • Current lease, mortgage papers, or rent receipts that officially state the property address
  • Current vehicle registration, in the name of the applicant, showing a current Raymond address.
• Anyone without a government issues ID can provide alternative documentation on a case-by-case basis.

Adult Non-Residents: The Raymond Village Library offers the following options for a non-resident library card:

• All-access Card:
  • An employee of the Town of Raymond or RSU 14
  • A non-resident Raymond taxpayer with a valid tax receipt for authentication (property holders, business proprietors, and/or boat owners).
  • A non-resident student at a public or private school in Raymond. A signed note from a school administrator or current student identification is required. The library card is for this student’s use only.
  • Military service personnel stationed in Raymond.
• Out-Of-Town Library Card: Any non-resident, who does not fall into one of the categories above, wishing to receive a library card from the Raymond Village Library will able to obtain an Out-Of-Town library card. These cards will not provide access to certain resources, such as Hoopla. Applicants for a non-resident card must provide valid, state-issued, photo identification.

Children (ages 5-12) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to get a card. The parent must present either their own Raymond Village Library card or the same identification listed under the adult section of this policy. Parents are responsible for all materials borrowed on a child’s card.

Teens (13-18) may get their own library card using a variety of documents such as school ID, school schedule, or other documents to prove identification.

The Raymond Village Library is committed to being a safe and welcoming place. In order to ensure safety, we ask that visitors follow these rules of conduct. Failure to follow these rules or reasonable requests from library staff my result in removal or temporary restriction from the library.

No library user shall:

• Engage in conduct that interferes with another’s use or enjoyment of the library
• Damage, deface, or misuse library materials, property, or facilities
• Remove library materials or equipment from the building without permission
• Engage in physical intimacy, disruptive conduct, or loud conversations
• Conduct cell phone conversations that distract other patrons
• Bring animals into the library, except those required for service animals or those required for library programming
• Eat or drink in non-designated public areas, except that food and beverages are permitted during authorized functions
• Smoke in the library or on library property
• Possess knives or other unlawful weapons on library property
• Be noticeably under the influence of alcohol or drugs or engage in any substance abuse while on library property
• Use abusive or harassing language with or engage in abusive or harassing behavior toward other library patrons or staff
• Solicit, sell, campaign, or petition for any reason except as permitted.
• Photograph, audio-record, or video-record any private third party lawfully entering into, using, or occupying library property without the express consent of such third party.
• Photograph, audio-record, or video-record any staff areas.

Introduction 

It is the policy of Raymond Village Library to: (a) prevent user access over its computer  network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms  of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online  activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification  information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106- 554 and 47 USC 254(h)]. 

Definitions 

Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Access to Inappropriate Material 

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to  block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate  information. 

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual  depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful  to minors. 

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the  case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. 

Inappropriate Network Usage 

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the  Raymond Village Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant  messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. 

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate  network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful  activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification  information regarding minors.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring 

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Raymond Village Library staff to educate,  supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the  Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood  Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act. 

Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be  the responsibility of library staff or designated representatives. 

The Raymond Village Library is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment that encourages children to visit the library, use our collections and services, and attend programs. Please note the following policies:

1. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
2. Library staff are available to assist and support children with their use of library resources. 
3. Parents, guardians, and/or the responsible caregiver—not the library—are responsible for children in their care. 
4. Disruptive children, attended or unattended, may be asked to leave.
5. Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for noting scheduled library closing times and should be aware that a library facility sometimes may have to close unexpectedly due to emergencies or safety issues. 
6. The library is not responsible if children leave the library unattended. It is the responsibility of parents, guardians, and/or caregivers to let their children know what they should do if they must leave the library. 
7. Library staff may call appropriate town agencies if an individual appears to be truant, is left unattended when a library facility closes, or otherwise appears to be unwilling or unable to care for themselves.
8. When a child is not picked up by closing time, the person responsible for closing the library must deal with the situation:
   1. Staff will try to contact the child’s parent/guardian. If after 1/2 hour the child is still awaiting a parent/guardian, staff will call the Raymond Fire & Rescue or Cumberland County Sherriff who will take temporary custody of the child.
   2. A note will be left on the library door for the parent/guardian to go to the appropriate address.
   3. No one on the staff should ever take a child home or to the police station or anywhere A police officer will come to the library to assist.
   4. Staff member will remain in the building with the child until the parent/guardian or police officer

The library believes that the right to read is an important part of the intellectual freedom and, as such, has reviewed and endorsed the Library Bill of Rights as well as the Freedom to Read statement adopted by the American Library Association.

The library has a responsibility to protect and promote the patron’s right to read, view, or listen to materials and resources protected by the First Amendment, no matter the viewpoint of the author, creator, or selector. The library provides free access to materials in a variety of formats (print, electronic, and other media).

In order to provide informational and educational support to a diverse population, the Raymond Village Library strives to be inclusive rather than exclusive in developing its collections. The library has a responsibility to assure that all users have access to legally obtainable materials. Library users make their own choices as to what they will use based on individual interests and concerns. Selection policies should not unjustly exclude materials on the grounds that they may offend library users or library staff, or that they may be inappropriate for children. Selection of materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that they may come into the possession of children. Children are not limited to the children’s collection. Responsibility for a child’s reading must rest with the parent or guardian, not the library.

Responsibility for Selection

Adult Collection: Library Director, Head of Circulation and Adult Services

Children’s Collection: Library Director, Children’s Librarian

Young Adult Collection: Library Director, Children’s Librarian

Selection Criteria

When selecting and maintaining materials, library staff will use reputable professional resources, metrics, judgment, knowledge, and experience. The following criteria inform selection decisions:

• Public appeal and/or demand
• Accuracy and timeliness
• Format durability and ease of use
• Relevance to the needs and interests of the community
• Cultural significance, including literary or artistic merit, potential for lasting value, or vitality and originality of thought
• Role in maintaining a diverse collection representing many points of view
• Limitations of budget and space
• Availability, format, and price

Not all criteria need to be met for consideration.

Collection Evaluation and Withdrawals

To provide the best materials to the community, the collection is regularly evaluated. Staff use industry-standard resources to assist with determining material relevancy as well as the following criteria for withdrawal from the collection:

• Items are worn, stained, or damaged beyond repair
• Items are out of date, contain inaccurate information, or are not historically significant
• New, more current, or more comprehensive resources are available
• Duplication
• Low circulation
• Space considerations

Self-published titles

RVL does not typically add self-published books to the collection except in cases of high local interest. Library staff are not available to professionally review self-published works.

Requests for Reconsideration of Materials

The public library, at times, may reflect differing points of view on controversial or debatable subjects within its collections. The Raymond Village Library does not promote particular beliefs or views, nor does the selection of an item express or imply endorsement of the viewpoint of the author. Library materials shall not be marked or labeled to indicate approval or disapproval of the contents, nor will items be sequestered, except for the purpose of protecting them from damage or theft.

Raymond Village Library welcomes the expression of opinion by patrons and community members, but will be governed by this material selection policy in making additions to, or deletions from, its collections. A patron who requests the reconsideration of library materials will be asked to put the petition in writing. Challenges will only be considered if the patron is a resident of the Town of Raymond or an active patron of the Raymond Village Library. Patrons may only challenge one item at a time. If an item is challenged and retained, that item cannot be challenged for five years.

If all of these criteria are met the staff will provide, or the patron can obtain from our website (see below), a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form that the patron will be required to complete and sign. Upon receipt of this written request, the Library Director will appoint a committee from professional staff including, but not limited to, the selector for the subject area of the item in question. The committee will make a written recommendation to the Library Director, who will then decide the disposition of the material. Reconsideration may take the form of reclassification (e.g., moving from young adult to adult collection), removal, or no change in classification. The Library Director will respond in writing to the person who initiated the request for reconsideration within 30 days, and will make a decision regarding the challenge within 60 days. If the Director’s response is unsatisfactory to the complainant, an appeal may be lodged with the Town Manager. The Library Director will inform the Town Manager of all requests for reconsideration of library materials, and their disposition.

Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources