Free Access to Library Collection
The Library Board of Trustees has adopted a policy of free access for all people who are issued Floral Park Public Library borrower cards.
- A Floral Park adult borrower card may be used to borrow materials from the Adult, Young Adult and Children’s Services Departments. A children’s borrower card may be used for any items in the Children’s Services Department.
- The Floral Park Public Library, in accordance with the Nassau Library System’s Plan of Compliance to the Commissioner’s Regulation 90.3, will allow cardholders in good standing from other member libraries and those who hold a state < mandated access card, the use of and borrowing privileges of its collection. One exception is the video collection.
- The Library does not attempt to censor juvenile materials borrowed by a juvenile borrower. The Library Board believes it is the right of the parent or guardian, not the Library, to place limitations on materials their child may borrow.
Eligibility for Floral Park Public Library Borrower’s Card
- An adult borrower’s card is issued free of charge to all residents of the Incorporated Village of Floral Park, who are 12 years or older by showing proper proof of residency.
- A children’s borrower card is issued free of charge to all residents of the Incorporated Village, who are 11 years old or younger. A child needs to be able to print his/her name to apply for a card. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application. Any parent or guardian who signs the child’s application is responsible for the fines or damages incurred by the child. Any lost or damaged item must be paid for or replaced. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of borrowing privileges for both parent/guardian and child.
Non-Resident Taxpayer
A free borrower’s card shall be issued in the name of the non-resident taxpayer and immediate family who reside with the taxpayer.
- In order to be granted this privilege, the taxpayer must show a tax receipt bearing his/her name as identification.
Courtesy Card
A courtesy card is issued to a person working in the Incorporated Village of Floral Park who does not have a public library card from any public library in Nassau County. A courtesy card may only be used to borrow 28 day books.
- In order to be granted this privilege, the person must bring in a letter on company letterhead from his/her supervisor stating that the person is employed by the company. The card is valid for one year.
Caregiver Card
A patron must designate in writing a particular caregiver to use patron’s library card on behalf of that patron.
Material Charges
| Library Material | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Adult and YA:Books, Magazines, Audiobooks, and Music | $.10 per day | $5.00* |
| Children: Books, Magazines, Audiobooks and Music | $.05 per day | $5.00* |
| Videos | $1.00 per day | $25.00 |
Other Charges
| Photocopy Machine | $. 10 per page |
| Computer Printout | $.10 per page for B&W ink |
| Computer Printout | $. 25 per page for color ink |
| Lost Library Card | $1.00 replacement fee |
The Board of Trustees adopts the following as its policy regarding the selection of books and other library materials:
It is the objective of the Floral Park Public Library to select, to organize, and to make freely and easily accessible to all the people of the community printed and other materials which will aid them in the pursuit of education, information, recreation, and the creative use of leisure time. The Library actively seeks to stimulate and to expand the reading and cultural interests of both children and adults. It serves as a resource for the continuing education of all members of our community.
It is the responsibility of the Library to satisfy diverse needs and interests of our community within the limitations of space and budget. The Library recognizes its obligation to provide materials, as far as possible, which reflect ail points of view.
In its selection of books and other materials, the Floral Park Public Library ■* subscribes fully to the principles adopted by the American Library Association in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement. The Floral Park Public Library, therefore, incorporates these two documents as part of its selection policy.
Responsibility for the selection of materials is that of the Library Director and the Director’s designated staff in Youth and Adult Services.
The following general selection criteria are suggested by the American Library Association:
- Present and potential relevance to community needs
- Suitability of format
- Cost, within limits of budgets for materials
- Reputation and significance of the author
- Accuracy of content
- Popularity with library patrons
- Literary and artistic merit
- Author or illustrator is local
- Representation of diverse points of view
- Representation of important movements, genres or trends
The following are the top five recommended reviewing sources as suggested by the American Library Association:
- Booklist
- Goodreads
- NY Times Book Review
- Publishers Weekly
- Shelf Awareness
Museum passes may be borrowed, free of charge, by Floral Park Library cardholders in good standing, 18 years of age and over who have signed the Museum Pass Agreement. The Library will not provide additional funds for admission beyond the issuance of the family museum pass.
Only one pass per institution may be borrowed per family at a time. The Library reserves the right to monitor usage to ensure fair access to the greatest number of patrons. Per household, there may not be overlapping reservations and each individual’s museum pass may be booked ONCE in a 28 day period. The Floral Park Library reserves the right to limit the use of passes for individual families in the event of abuse of the passes.
Borrowers are responsible for contacting the museum for hours of operation, parking fees, and directions. The museums reserve the right to determine the rules and regulations governing the use of the museum pass which may change at their discretion. The museum pass may not provide admission to all exhibits at the museum. Borrowers are advised to have a back-up plan in the event the museum is unexpectedly closed. The Library is not responsible if those situations occur.
Two Types of Passes Offered:
Print on Demand Pass: Passes may be reserved up to two weeks in advance and can be printed from home or at the library. This pass will be valid for the DATE OF VISIT written on the confirmation page.
Pick up/Return Pass: Passes may be reserved online up to two weeks in advance and can be picked up at the Circulation Desk in the library on the day the pass has been reserved. These passes MUST be returned two days after check out to avoid a fine.
Fines for Pick up/Return Passes: Passes returned late are $5.00 a day.Pick Up/Return Passes are only available for pick up at the library when the library is OPEN. The library is NOT responsible for reservations made for Pickup/Return passes when the library is CLOSED.
Library Behavior
Every user of the Floral Park Public Library is expected to act in accordance with Library rules.
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Library Rules of Behavior
- In accordance with NY’s new prohibition on smoking effective June 19, 2019, the Library building and grounds are now smoke free areas. Smoking of cigarettes electronic cigarettes and vaping is strictly, prohibited on Library property.
- No eating, uncovered drinks (except water).
- Appropriate apparel must be worn. No bare feet or bare chests.
- No noise disturbing to others, including but not limited to loud talking, cursing, or playing of radios, TVs. cellular phones, and personal entertainment devices. ’
- No display of aggression or hostile behavior.
- No making threatening remarks.
- No possession of a weapon, except by a duly licensed law enforcement officer.
- Laptops may be used without the volume.
- No sleeping, loitering, panhandling or gambling.
- No destroying or defacing of Library property.
- Children under the age of 7 must be in the company of an adult at all times. Adults must remain in the Library during any program for children under the age
A person who violates these rules of behavior will be warned at once. If the behavior does not cease, he/she will be asked to leave the building. If the person refuses to leave when asked, the persbn is subject to arrest under the criminal trespass section of the New York Penal Code.
Incident Report
An incident report is to be filed whenever there is an accident or other incident on Library property. A staff member needs to fill out the form completely and forward immediately to the director.
POLICY
No one under the age of 7 shall be permitted to remain in the library unless accompanied by a responsible person over the age of 12 years. If a child under 7 years is attending a library program, the parent or a responsible person over the age of 12 must remain in the building during the entire program.
PROCEDURE
If an unaccompanied child under 7 years is found in the library, the following procedure is to be followed;
During library hours:
Ask the child if a parent or responsible person over 12 years is with him/her in the library.
If the child responds yes, take the child through the library to locate the person, and explain the policy to the parent or responsible person.
If the child responds no, then:
- Call the parent and ask him/her to pick the child up immediately.
- If parent cannot be reached, call responsible person named by the child (relative or friend) and ask the responsible person to pick up the child immediately.
- If no responsible adult can be reached, call the Floral Park Police Department to come pick up the child.
If a child under 12 is left in the library at closing, follow the above procedure. Under no circumstances should any staff member drive or offer to drive a child home. The children’s librarian or librarian in charge should stay with the child until the child is picked up. When the parent or responsible person comes to pick up the child after closing, explain the policy to them. Repeat offenders may be required to come to the library with their child.
ADOPTED BY THE FLORAL PARK LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 15,1989.
The Floral Park Public Library recognizes the benefit to the students and parents of the Floral Park community permitting tutoring within the library.
The following procedures are intended to provide a balance between the use of the library by tutors and their students, and the use of the library by other members of the Floral Park community.
In order to assure that tutoring within the library is in agreement with the Floral Park Library’s service to the community, the following guidelines must be observed:
- The library is not to be used as office space or a place whereby a tutor may operate a private business.
- Tutors may work with only one student at a time. Group sessions are strictly forbidden.
- Tutors and their students are required to follow all library policies and regulations. Tutoring activity may not disturb staff or other library users. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to, engaging in loud or disruptive conversation or conduct, using cell phones, monopolizing work areas.
- Children under the age of 18 who are tutored in the library are the responsibility of the tutors while on library property,
- Tutors may not solicit library patrons in the library and may not publish or distribute advertisements or letters indicating the Floral Park Library as their place of doing business or otherwise imply library sponsorship of their activities.
- The library is to be used as a safe and quiet workspace for students to receive educational instruction. The exchange of money for tutoring services on library property is strictly prohibited.
- Tutors and students must bring their own supplies, such as paper, pens, pencils, etc. Tutors may use Library materials (i.e. library books) in accordance with library policies.
Noncompliance with the above guidelines will result in tutors and students being asked to leave the library.
Library staff reserve the right to ask tutoring to cease if it unduly interferes with the use of the library by other community members.
- Users with valid Floral Park cards or valid cards from other public libraries in Nassau County will be given 3 hours or 3 log-in sessions per day. Users without a library card will be given one visitor’s pass per day. A visitor’s pass entitles the user to 1 hour or 1 log in session per day. The computers will automatically shut down 10 minutes before closing time. All decisions as to the use of the computers and related materials are at the sole discretion of the librarian-in- charge.
- Children who are under 16 years of age may use the public computers in the Children’s Room.
- Email and the Internet may be accessed from all public computers with the exception of the OPACs.
- Each computer user will use the Library’s programs only. Information can be downloaded to a flashdrive or printer.
- Computer users may not physically connect their personal computers, printers or other equipment to the Library’s computer equipment.
- Each computer user agrees to take proper care of all computer equipment of the Floral Park Public Library. When there is a fault with any equipment, the user will immediately report any difficulty or problem to the librarian at the Reference Desk.
- Each user agrees to pay replacement cost of any equipment or materials lost, or damages caused by negligence or abuse. Users are responsible for any charges incurred if they enter a fee-based service.
- Each computer user agrees to observe all copyright laws.
- Users are prohibited from accessing and/or dispensing information and images which violate New York State Law. Inappropriate behavior, including hacking, will result in the immediate loss of computer privileges. Illegal activity involving the Library’s Internet resources will be subject to the prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
- The Floral Park Public Library makes no guarantees either expressed or implied, with respect to any equipment or any other library materials regarding their quality, performance or fitness for any particular purpose. All materials and equipment are for use “as is”. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of computer equipment, programs, documentation is with the user. In no event shall the Floral Park Public Library be liable for actual, incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from use of any equipment, programs, or other materials.
- Library staff members cannot offer instruction in the use of the computer.
The Floral Park Public Library Board of Trustees affirms the American Library Association’s “Code of Ethics.”
The Internet is considered to be a logical extension of the traditional reference and information services offered by the Library. However, the Floral Park Public Library has no control over this computer network and assumes no responsibility for the content, quality, or accuracy of information transmitted.
New York State criminalizes the transmission of “indecent” materials to minors.
The Board of Trustees respects the responsibility of parents/guardians to monitor their child’s reading and access to information. It is not the obligation of either the Board or the Library staff to monitor or review a user’s utilization of databases or information sources accessed via terminals at the Library.
No materials may be posted or distributed within the library building without the approval Of the Library Director. The Director may delegate the approval of materials to other staff, retaining authority to review in any given case.
GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS:
- Materials may be no larger than 81/2 X11 inches.
- Preference may be given to free events open to the general public
- No political items, i.e. “vote for…”
- No petitions needing signatures, except for Board approved petitions involving library issues.
- No religious materials-except for announcements of secular events (concerts, bazaars, etc.) listing only date, time and locations.
- No private enterprise-house painters, car repair, lawn service, babysitting, etc.
- No sale notices of any kind.
- No lost pet notices.
- Items on display may not show prices; however, a list of prices may be kept at the front desk, available upon request.
All items from the Library of Things are to be checked out at the Circulation Desk.
A valid Floral Park library card MUST be presented at checkout.
Borrowers MUST be 18 years of age or older.
Borrowers MUST be in good standing with the Library, (no lost items or fines greater than $5.), with a current, valid address on file.
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- All items from the Library of Things may be borrowed for a 7 day loan period. Items are only renewable if there is no waiting list. All items MUST be returned to a staff member at the Circulation Desk. Items cannot be returned outside the Library at the book or video drop boxes.
- A late fee of $1.00 will be assessed for each day any THINGS are late.
- Borrowers may check out a maximum of one (1) Library of Things item at a time.
LIABILITY:
The borrower is responsible for all costs associated with damage or loss of the THING and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss. A list of replacement costs of THINGS is maintained by the Library and is available upon request.
The Library is not responsible for any injury, loss or damage that may occur from use of a THING.
I,, agree to abide by the Floral Park Library’s Library of Things borrowing procedure as stated above and to pay full costs should a THING be stolen, lost, not returned, or damaged. I agree that the THING is in working order at the time of check out. I have read the entire document and my signature below indicates my agreement with the above statement.
Please Download form below to sign and date agreement.
GUIDELINES FOR BORROWING AND USE:
Telescope (may be checked out at the Circulation Desk)
- A valid Floral Park Public Library card must be presented at checkout.
- Borrowers MUST be 18 years of age or older.
• Borrowers must be in good standing with the library (no lost items or fines greater
than $5.), with a current, valid address on file.
- Borrowers must accept and sign the agreement below each time the telescope is borrowed.
- The telescope may be borrowed for a 7 day period and may be renewed, if there is no waiting list. The telescope must be returned inside the library to a staff member. It cannot be returned outside the library at the book drop box.
- A late fee of $1.00 will be assessed for each day the telescope is late.
LIABILITY:
The borrower is responsible for all costs associated with damage or loss of the telescope and/or accessories. A replacement fee will be charged for all missing items. There will be a $200. charge if the telescope is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repdir.
When you check out the telescope, you will receive: •Orion StarBlast Telescope
- Instruction Booklets
The Floral Park Public Library will NOT be held liable for any injuries incurred as a result of telescope use. SAFETY: NEVER look at the sun with any optical instrument or permanent eye damage could result.
I,, agree to abide by the Floral Park Public Library’s telescope borrowing procedure as stated above and to pay full costs should the telescope or any peripherals be stolen, lost, not returned, or damaged. I agree that the telescope is in working order at the time of check out. I have read the entire document and my signature below indicates my agreement with the above statement.
Adults (18+) and Young Adults (Grades 6-12) may borrow laptops in-house. To borrow a laptop, you must have a valid FPPL library card with acceptable identification. Adults are asked to show a current photo ID displaying home address and Young Adults are required to show a valid school ID. Library staff will hold the library card for the duration of the laptop loan session. Laptops must be used within the library for a maximum of 2 hours.
The Floral Park Public Library offers free wireless Internet access for use with your notebook, laptop or other wireless device.
- The wireless Internet access is free.
- The Library will provide a plug or outlet; a user can turn on his/her device,»Iog in and start surfing.
- A user will need a device with 802.11b or 801.11g wireless networking.
- The wireless access in the Library is widely available; however, a user may encounter some “dead” spots in the Library where wireless reception may be limited, if a user has trouble accessing the Internet or staying online, he/she can move to a different location within the library.
- Internet access via wireless connection is not filtered; however, as the use of your computer is in a public area, the Library asks that users follow the “Internet Use Policy” posted near the public PCs. This policy states the limitations of Internet access, responsibilities for using that access and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses.
- The Library’s wireless network is less secure than a wired network. Information sent to and from a user’s device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless and the appropriate software.
- Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be made that a user will be able to make a wireless connection.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for wireless device configurations, security or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s wireless access.
Policy for the selection of feature films for presentation at the Library (those shown by the Library, as opposed to films shown as part of a program presented by an outside individual or group) is as follows:
Children’s (Grades pre-school through 6*’’ grade)
- Only films rated G and PG will be shown. Ratings will be clearly indicated on the flyer.
- Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian of sibling, age 13 or over. No “drop-offs” permitted for children under 10 years of age.
- Adults without children are not permitted to attend children’s film programs.
- The program will be monitored by an adult staff member, page or Friend of the Library at all times.
Teens (Grades 7-12)
- Only films rated G, PG, or PG-13 will be shown. Ratings will be clearly indicated on the flyer.
- Adults without children are not permitted to attend teen film programs, unless they are billed as “family” programs.
- The program will be monitored by an adult staff member or page at intervals throughout the program.
Adults (age 17 and up)
Films rated G, PG, PG-13 and R will be shown. Ratings will be clearly indicated on the flyer.
Because the library may receive suggestions for future film presentations, all film selections will be made by either the department head or program coordinator on the basis of reviews.
FAX POLICY
The Floral Park Public Library will provide a fax machine for public use for outgoing faxes.
- Library patrons will be responsible for operating the fax machine, with assistance from Library staff when necessary.
- The Library accepts no responsibility for missing pages, bad transmissions or incomplete patron identification on outgoing faxes. »
- The patron is responsible for and must have the fax number ready,-including area codes for long-distance numbers.
- Rates for faxes;
- Domestic: $1.00 per page for outgoing faxes (this will include the cover page, if necessary)
- The Library will have preprinted cover sheets available at the fax machine.
ROKU streaming devices may be borrowed, free, of charge, by Floral Park Library cardholders in good standing who are over the age of 18 and who have signed the ROKU Lending Agreement.
ROKU devices are subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot reserve or renew a ROKU. You may call ahead for availability but the ROKU will not be held. ROKU devices are bar-coded and charged out like other circulating materials. The loan period for a ROKU is 7 days. ROKU devices must be returned to the Circulation Desk on the day it is due. NO BOOK OR MEDIA DROP.
ROKU borrowers may not add any channels or make any purchases using the ROKU.LATE FEES AND PENALTIES: A late fee of $1.00 per day will be charged to the borrower’s library account for ROKUs held beyond the loan period. A $50 replacement fee will be charged if ALL materials are not returned or are lost/damaged. These materials include: ROKU stick, remote, USN power cable, wall adaptor.
