Click here to view the Harrison County Public Library Card Policy

Internet Access Rules

The library provides free access to the internet as a tool for staff and customers.

1. A Harrison County Public Library Card in good standing or a valid guest pass is required to access the internet. Use is restricted to the individual cardholder.
2. Library cardholders log in with their card number at available computers.
3. To obtain a guest pass, users should present a photo ID such as a driver’s license to library staff.
4. Internet and library computer use is allowed for children under 10 years of age with direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
5. Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. There is a one-hour time limit. If no one is waiting, users may continue to use that computer until someone else requests use.
7. If you wish to download files, you may use your own media (flash drive/external hard drive/CD or DVD).
8. If you wish to play sound files, headphones are required and available for your use.
9. Adherence to all copyright laws is required. Library patrons may not copy or distribute materials (e.g. with the use of file-sharing software) without the permission of the owner. Patrons who do so may be subject to criminal and civil liability.
10. Online gambling services including but not limited to online casinos, sports betting, and other forms of internet wagering are prohibited.
11. Accessing, uploading, downloading, distributing, displaying or transmitting PORNOGRAPHIC, OBSCENE, ABUSIVE OR SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL at a library workstation is prohibited.

The computers are available until 15 minutes before closing. Complete all printing and saving before that time.

You may be asked to leave the library and/or denied computer privileges if you are unable to follow these rules.

Harrison County Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of Internet services.

 

Approved by the Harrison County Public Library Board of Trustees 29 December 2011; updated 30 November 2017; updated 17 November 2022; updated 20 March 2025

Rules of Conduct

 

Library Patrons are expected to respect both the rules of the Harrison County Public Library and other patrons. Failure to follow these rules and all other policies of the library will result in loss of user privileges.

The following behavior is not permitted:

• Loud talking & laughing
• Obscene language and cursing
• Running, rough-housing, or throwing things
• Placing feet on tables or chairs
• Sleeping
• Fighting, real or pretended
• Smoking
• Eating & drinking outside of designated areas
• Inappropriate display of affections
• Threats to others
• Vandalism or damage to library property

Appropriate attire is required while in any HCPL branch. It is the policy of the library that all patrons, staff, and other persons on library premises shall be appropriately dressed. Appropriate dress, for the purposes of this policy, includes adherence to local requirements, as well as the wearing of some sort of shirt or top, and wearing of shoes, sandals, or some other form of foot covering. Anyone on library premises who is inappropriately dressed shall be asked to leave the library premises until they are dressed appropriately.

Soliciting is not permitted except in support of the Library and sanctioned Library activities. Soliciting includes:

• Selling items
• Begging
• Panhandling
• Circulating petitions
• Distributing printed material
• Conducting surveys

Patrons may not bring any animals, except those trained to aid the disabled.

Weapons of any kind are prohibited in the Library.

For their safety and security, children under 6 years of age must be directly supervised by a caregiver 14 years of age or older. Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a caregiver 14 years of age or older that remains in the Library building.

The Library staff will notify Child Protection Services or the Police if a parent or guardian cannot be reached at closing time or at any time a child is injured or causes harm to another child.

Computer Usage

Educational game computers are available for children in the Youth Services department.

Internet use and Microsoft Office are available on our adult public computers. Please refer to the Internet Use Policy for details.

Click here to view the Harrison County Public Library Community Room policy.

Click here to view the Harrison County Public Library Collection Development policy.

Click here to view the HCPL Interlibrary Loan Policy.

Public Posting on Library Sponsored Social 

Harrison County Public Library permits individuals to comment on library posts and they are invited to share opinions about library-related subjects, resources and programs. Public postings do not indicate library endorsement of the ideas, issues, or opinions expressed on its social media sites. 

The purpose of HCPL’s social media sites is to inform library users about educational opportunities, library programs, events (including those co-sponsored with other organizations) and materials, and to encourage dialogue and the exchange of information and knowledge between users and staff about these programs, events and materials. HCPL reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that is deemed to be in violation of this policy or any applicable law. Content shall not be allowed that is deemed not suitable for posting because it is not relevant, or is deemed prohibited based on the criteria defined below:

• Obscenity, pornography or illegal content
• 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 ability, sexual orientation, ancestry or any other protected category
• Slanderous, libelous, threatening or defamatory statements
• Copyrighted or trademarked material
• Spam
• Content not related to library business, programs, events, resources and materials
• Advertising or sale of merchandise or services
• Charitable solicitations or political campaigning

Individual Participation

By joining, utilizing and/or posting on Harrison County Public Library’s social media sites, an individual agrees to comply with this policy, and the library’s policy on internet and computer use. The Social Media Policy applies whether or not an individual chooses to post comments using a computer at the library or when posting from any other device to any HCPL social media site. While HCPL encourages dialogue, it respectfully requests that commenters be mindful that its social media sites are open to the public and that commenters be courteous and civil toward one another. 

Individuals are personally responsible for their commentary and should be aware that they may be held personally liable for commentary that is defamatory, obscene, proprietary or libelous by any offended party, not just the library. Harrison County Public Library, its employees, agents and officials assume no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from participation in library-sponsored social media.

If the Library Director decides to suspend a person’s Library privileges, the patron will be informed in person if in the library, and/or the person will be informed by letter. A copy of the letter will be kept on file at an appropriate location. If the person has a Harrison County Public Library card, he/she will be blocked from the Library for the duration of the suspension.