Policies

Rules of Conduct

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
  • Inappropriate display of affections
  • Threats to others

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.

Library business phones may not be used by patrons, excepting for brief calls of an emergency nature.

Internet Use

  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 are 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. You may call ahead and speak to library staff to reserve a computer station for work or school.
  6. There is a one-hour time limit. If no one is waiting or scheduled to use the workstation, 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 drives/external hard drive/CD or DVD).
  8. 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.
  9. Accessing, uploading, downloading, distributing, displaying, or transmitting PORNOGRAPHIC, OBSCENE, ABUSIVE, OR SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL at a library workstation is prohibited.
    • Failure to follow this policy may result in eviction from the library and may include a trespass order or arrest. Violation of state and federal laws will be referred to the proper authorities for legal action.
  10. Please remember you are in a library. If you wish to play sound files, headphones are available for your use at the desk.

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 Internet 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.

Youth Services

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.

Suspension of Library Use Privileges

If the Library Director decides to suspend a person’s Library use 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 Library use for the duration of the suspension.

 

 

 

Collection Development

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

Community Room

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