Section 3. Public Services.
This is a summary of Section 3 of the Springfield Town Library Policy Manual. For the full approved version, please see the printed version at the library. A screen-reader accessible version of this part of the full approved policy manual is being planned.
The Library offers many services for everyone to use. All people are welcome and have the right to use the Library safely and without discrimination. The Library is a “limited public forum,” which means it can set some rules to make sure everyone can enjoy the space. For example, it may limit speech that is disruptive or goes against the Library’s mission. The Library can still hold open events, like talks with political candidates, where people are free to share their opinions. Speech is only limited if it becomes hate speech (see Section 3.3).
Definitions.
Patron – Someone who has a Library card.
Library Service Area – Includes Springfield and North Springfield, Vermont.
Resident – A person who lives in or pays taxes in the Town of Springfield, including North Springfield, even if they have a different zip code.
Nondiscrimination Policy.
The Springfield Town Library promises to treat everyone fairly and equally. It supports the Declaration of Inclusion adopted by the Town in 2022 (see Appendix R).
The Library welcomes all people, no matter their race, background, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or ability. This includes fair access to Library services, jobs, and decision-making roles. The Library does not allow any kind of discrimination.
Hate Speech.
The Library is a safe place where people can enjoy their free speech rights. But hate speech—words meant to insult, humiliate, or stir up hate against a group—is not allowed if it becomes harmful behavior.
If hate speech targets someone and makes it hard for them to use the Library, it breaks the rules. This applies in person, in the Library building, and on the Library’s social media. Such actions will be handled according to the Library’s Behavior Guidelines (see Section 3.9).
Confidentiality.
Library Records.
The Library keeps personal information about Library users private. This includes things like who has a Library card, what items they borrow, what they read, or what help they ask for. These records are protected by state law (22 VSA §171–172) and will not be shared unless:
The Library needs to act to protect safety or security.
The patron gives written permission.
The request is from a parent or legal guardian of a child under age 12.
It’s needed for regular Library work.
There is a legal court order or warrant.
Only the Library Director (or Acting Director when the Director is away) can respond to legal requests, and they will first talk to the Library’s lawyer. If needed, they will inform the Town Attorney and Board of Trustees, unless the law says they can’t.
Any personal information collected by the Library is kept private. It will never be sold or shared without permission, except for legal or Library operations. Statistics are collected for reports, but any identifying details are removed. Parents asking for their child’s records may need to show proof they are the legal guardian and that the child is under 12.
If someone feels their privacy has been violated, they can write to the Library Director, who will respond within 15 business days. State law (22 VSA §173) allows patrons to take legal action if their confidentiality rights are violated.
Patron Privacy.
The Library wants everyone to feel safe and free to read and learn without worrying about their privacy. Staff will never share information about who is in the Library. If someone calls to ask if a person is at the Library, staff will ask them to come in and look for themselves.
Library staff or approved people may take photos or videos to promote Library events. If someone doesn’t want to be recorded, they can tell the staff. The public is not allowed to take photos or videos in the Library without getting permission from the Library Director.
Borrowing.
The Springfield Town Library lets people who are signed up (registered) borrow many kinds of things. This includes books, movies, electronics, museum passes, and other special items. These special items are part of the “Library of Things.”
Some items, like electronics or museum passes, may need a signed agreement before you can borrow them. (See Appendix S and Section 3.5.1 for more details.) The Library is not responsible if something goes wrong, if someone gets hurt, or if extra costs happen while using a borrowed item.
You can reserve (place a hold on) some things you want to borrow. The Library has rules about how many items you can borrow at one time, how long you can keep them, and what fees you might have to pay.
If you borrow something, you are fully responsible for it. This means you must pay if it gets lost, stolen, or damaged—including any parts or pieces that come with it.
Passes to area destinations.
The Springfield Town Library offers free passes to local museums and attractions, thanks to support from the Friends of the Library. To make sure everyone gets a fair chance to use them, the Library has set some rules:
You must be 18 or older and have no overdue items or fees on your Library account.
Passes are given out in person and on a first-come, first-served basis—no reservations allowed.
You can borrow up to two passes at a time.
Passes can be checked out for three (3) days.
You may borrow a pass for the same place only once per month.
Passes cannot be renewed, and you must return any borrowed passes before getting new ones.
If you return a pass late, it’s a $5.00 per day fee. There may also be fees if the pass needs repairs.
If a pass is more than 14 days overdue, it's considered lost, and you’ll have to pay the full replacement cost.
The rules for each pass are set by the place it’s for, not the Library. It’s a good idea to check their website or call ahead before going.
Most passes don’t cover special exhibits or events.
The Library is not responsible for anything that happens while using a pass
Issuance of Library Cards.
To borrow anything from the Springfield Town Library, you need a valid library card. Anyone with a card can let someone else use it or pick up items for them.
Library cards are free for anyone who lives in Springfield or pays property taxes there. Some people have a Springfield or North Springfield zip code but actually live in a different town. What matters is where you (or your landlord) pay property taxes. If you rent, ask your landlord where the property taxes go.
Children under 12 need a parent or guardian to sign for their card. This means the adult is responsible for anything borrowed with the child’s card. Kids can borrow any items the rules allow. Librarians can help children choose what to borrow, but they are not in charge of what kids take home.
People who don’t live in Springfield can still get a library card, but they have to pay a yearly fee. The Library Director can also charge a smaller (prorated) fee if someone only needs a card for part of the year. The fee won’t be more than what Springfield spends per person on the library. If a non-resident pays that amount in Springfield property taxes, the card will be free (waived). The Library Director will let the Library Board of Trustees know if the fee should change. If it does, the Library Director will ask the Selectboard to approve it.
Some non-residents can get a free card without paying the fee. Someone who gives a program at the library can get a free card, if the Library Director agrees. Other non-residents may get a free card if they work for the Town of Springfield or a Springfield School, or are students in a Springfield School.
The Springfield Town Library gives temporary cards to people who don’t have the ID or proof of address needed for a regular library card. These "New Patron" cards let you borrow a small number of items at one time. The card lasts for 30 days. You can renew it (get another 30 days) if you return all the items you borrowed.
The Springfield Town Library gives special library cards to local nonprofits, schools, and businesses. These are called Organization Cards. They are only for work-related use—not for personal borrowing. To get an Organization Card, the business owner or group leader must fill out an application. It must be renewed every year. By signing the form, the organization agrees to pay for anything that is borrowed and not returned. The owner or leader must also give the Library a list of people who are allowed to use the card. This list can be changed at any time. Anyone using the card must show the Organization Card or another ID, like a driver’s license or work ID, when checking out items.
Interlibrary loan:
If the Springfield Town Library doesn’t have something you need, we can try to borrow it from another library. This is called Interlibrary Loan. This service is free if the other library does not charge a fee. If the other library does charge a fee, you will have to pay it. To use this service, you must have a valid Springfield library card.
Restriction of borrowing privileges:
If you don’t return your items within two weeks after they’re due, you won’t be able to borrow anything else until you bring them back. If you lose or damage something, you will have to pay to replace it. Some items, like rare or special ones, may cost more to replace. If the item came from another library (through Interlibrary Loan), that library decides the replacement cost. In some cases, the Library Director can lower or cancel the fees.
If you owe $500 or more and don’t pay, there may be legal penalties under Springfield Town rules. The Library will try to work things out before taking legal action.
Fees:
As of July 1, 2023, the Springfield Town Library no longer charges late fees for overdue items. Even though there are no late fees on most items there are exceptions. In some special cases, the Library Director can remove fees. The Library accepts donations to help cover costs.
All library programs and services are free for everyone, except:
Library cards for people who don’t live in Springfield
Special services like copying, printing, faxing, laminating
Replacing lost or damaged items.
Programming.
The Springfield Town Library offers programs for all ages. These can happen at the library, online, or in the community.
The Library follows the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, which means it thinks about the environment, money, and community needs when planning programs.
The Library Director is in charge of programs and how they are paid for. The Youth Services Librarian and Adult Services Coordinator also help plan and run programs. You can share program ideas with them.
Programs are chosen based on things like:
How they match the Library’s mission
What the community needs
Available space and money
Copyright rules
If someone wants to use the library’s space for a non-library event, they must follow the Meeting Room and Exhibit Policies.
All library programs are free. No sales or ads are allowed, unless:
It helps raise money for the Library, or
Items are being sold that are part of the program
The Library doesn’t officially support or agree with every topic in its programs. Parents are responsible for deciding which programs are right for their kids. Some programs may include difficult or sensitive topics.
Request for Reconsideration of Library Programs or Resources.
Purpose: This process allows people to formally request that the Library reconsider a program or resource.
Policy Statement: The Springfield Town Library understands that people may not agree with all the materials or programs we offer. The Library follows policies about what we collect and how we offer programs. We also support the ALA Bill of Rights, the ALA Core Values of Librarianship, and the Freedom to Read Statement (see Appendices A-C).
This policy makes sure that requests are handled fairly and consistently. The Library will not remove any materials or cancel any programs until the request process is finished. Each patron or resident can submit up to three requests per year.
The Library will not remove materials or cancel programs for the following reasons:
Personal or political opinions.
The author’s race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, political views, or religion.
Discomfort caused by elected officials or the public's personal beliefs.
The author’s views on current issues (local, national, or global).
The race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, political views, or religion of characters.
Content about sexual health, including puberty, sex, and relationships, that discusses physical, mental, emotional, or social aspects of human sexuality.
Procedure for Addressing Requests for Reconsideration.
If someone in the Springfield Town Library service area is unhappy with a library book, material, or program, they can ask the Library to take another look at it.
Step-by-Step Process:
Talk to Staff First: If someone has a concern, library staff will show them the library’s policies.
Speak with the Director: If the person still wants something removed or canceled, they’ll be directed to speak with the Library Director.
Informal Discussion: The Director will try to solve the issue by talking with the person.
Formal Request: If the person is still not satisfied, they can fill out a "Request for Reconsideration" form.
Review by Director: The Director will check if the material or program follows library policy. The Director will also check if the same issue has already been reviewed in the past 3 years.
Quick Timeline for Events:
If the event is happening soon (in 15 business days or less), the Director will respond within 2 business days. For other requests, the Director will respond in 10 business days.
No Removal Until Review is Done: Materials stay on the shelves and programs stay scheduled while the request is being reviewed.
Appeal Process:
If the person is unhappy with the Director’s decision, they can send a written appeal within 5 business days.
The Library Board will decide how to review the appeal — either right away or at a later meeting.
For fast reviews, a small Review Subcommittee will meet before the event.
What the Review Includes:
The original request form.
Library policies.
A description or copy of the material or program.
Reviews, staff input, and other helpful info.
Final Decision:
The Review Subcommittee will hold an open meeting, listen to the person’s concerns, and make a decision.
Their decision will be shared in writing within 5 days.
The decision is final. If they decide to remove or cancel something, it happens right away.
Reporting: The complaint (without names) will be reported to the American Library Association (ALA).
Guidelines for Library Behavior.
Be Kind, Be Respectful - Kindness matters.
Please be respectful to others in the library. These rules help make sure everyone feels safe, comfortable, and welcome at the Springfield Town Library.
Respect people’s privacy. You may not take pictures or make recordings (video or audio) unless a staff member says it’s okay, and the people being recorded agree. (See Patron Privacy Policy)
Don’t disturb others or act in a disrespectful way. This includes:
Making loud or unnecessary noise
Going into staff-only areas without permission
Rough or wild behavior
Using rude, threatening, or inappropriate language or gestures (See Hate Speech Policy)
Take care of library items and space. Check out everything before leaving. Please clean up after yourself.
No alcohol, drugs, smoking, or vaping are allowed on library property.
Only service animals are allowed inside the library. No pets. (See Animals in the Library Policy)
Wear shoes and a shirt in the library. (Children may take off shoes in the children’s area.)
Children 8 years old and older may use the library alone. Parents or guardians are responsible for their child’s safety. (See Unattended Children Policy)
Library computers and technology must be used according to the Technology Policy.
Library staff may create temporary rules if needed to keep everyone safe. These rules will be reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees.
By using the library, you agree to follow these guidelines. If someone doesn’t follow them, staff may ask the person to leave. Serious or repeated problems may lead to a time-limited ban or other actions to restore a safe and respectful space for everyone.
Unattended Children.
The Springfield Town Library welcomes children and encourages them to enjoy our books, programs, and spaces. However, the Library is a public place, and all children are expected to follow the Library Behavior Guidelines. Library staff do not act as babysitters or take the place of a parent or guardian. The Library should not be used as a substitute for childcare.
Children Under Age 8.
Children under 8 years old must be with a parent or responsible caregiver at all times. This adult is fully responsible for the child’s safety and behavior while in the Library.
“Directly supervised” means the adult must always be able to see the child (and vice versa), unless the child is taking part in a Library program.
During a program, the caregiver must stay in the Library building and be ready to pick up the child right after the program ends.
If a child under 8 appears to be alone or not properly supervised:
Library staff will try to find the parent or caregiver.
If this happens more than once, staff may contact the police or the Vermont Department for Children & Families.
Children Age 8 and Older.
Children 8 years and older are welcome to use the Library without an adult, as long as they behave appropriately. If they don’t follow the rules, they may be asked to leave.
Library staff are not responsible for the behavior or safety of any child, including those over 8. If a child is left at the Library after closing time, the police may be called for the child’s safety.
Use of the Children’s Room.
The Children’s Room is for:
Children
Parents or caregivers with children
Adults looking for children’s books or materials
Adults without children may be asked to move to another part of the Library after they have made their selections. Computers in the Children’s Room are only for use by children.
Animals in the Library.
The Springfield Town Library allows service animals in the building, following the law. We want to support people with disabilities while also keeping everyone safe and comfortable.
What is a Service Animal? A service animal is a dog or miniature horse that is specially trained to help someone with a disability. They are trained to do tasks like:
Helping people who are blind or deaf
Pulling a wheelchair
Helping during a seizure
Reminding someone to take medicine
Calming someone during an anxiety attack
Service animals are not pets. They are not emotional support animals. Animals that only offer comfort or company do not count as service animals under the law. Service animals do not need special vests or tags.
Other Types of Animals.
Emotional support animals offer comfort but are not trained to do specific tasks.
Pets are regular animals that are not trained to help with a disability.
Who Is a Handler? A handler is the person who brings the animal into the Library.
Library Rules for Service Animals
Library staff may ask two questions:
Is this animal a service animal needed because of a disability?
What task has the animal been trained to do?
If the answer shows the animal is not a service animal, the handler will be asked to remove the animal, but they can still use Library services without the animal.
Handlers must:
Keep the animal under control (with a leash, voice, or hand signals)
Make sure the animal does not disturb other people or programs
Stop the animal from barking, growling, sniffing people or food areas, or doing other disruptive things
If a service animal misbehaves and the handler does not fix it, they may be asked to leave—but the Library will still offer services in other ways if needed.
Other people being afraid or annoyed by animals is not a good reason to remove a service animal.
Animals at Library Events: The Library may allow animals for special programs, like story times or visits from animal experts, with the Director’s approval.
Do Not Leave Animals Outside: The Library does not allow animals to be tied up or left outside in a way that could harm them or make people unsafe. If this happens, Library staff may call the police. If it keeps happening, the person may be banned from the Library.
More Information: This policy follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Technology.
Public Access:
The Springfield Town Library offers free use of computers and internet (both wired and Wi-Fi) to everyone as a public service. This gives people more ways to find information beyond just books and magazines.
Internet Safety and Security.
The Library does not control what you can see on the internet. You might come across things that are offensive, wrong, or even illegal.
The internet is not always safe. Be very careful when giving out personal or financial information online. Use trusted websites and look for secure connections.
If you do online banking, shopping, or legal forms at the Library, you are doing so at your own risk. The Library is not responsible if your personal information is stolen or your credit card is hacked.
Library Staff Help.
Library staff can help with basic technical questions.
However:
They cannot fill out forms for you.
They cannot give legal or financial advice.
Using Your Own Devices.
If you bring your own laptop, phone, or tablet:
You are responsible for connecting to the Library’s free Wi-Fi.
Keep your device safe and never leave it alone.
Use antivirus software and keep it updated.
The Library is not responsible if your device gets a virus or your things get stolen.
Who Can Use the Library’s Computers?
Anyone with a Library card or visiting guest in good standing can use the computers.
Children under age 12 need a parent or guardian’s permission to use Library computers.
Parents should help their children use the internet and decide what’s right for them.
Time Limits:
The Library Director decides how long people can use public computers.
There is no time limit for using Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi is not secure, so try to avoid doing anything private, like banking.
Wi-Fi shuts off when the Library closes. Be sure to finish up by then.
Internet Access May Not Always Work.
The Library works hard to offer fast and reliable internet.
Still, sometimes the internet or certain websites might not work.
Library Rules for Using Computers and Wi-Fi: When you use Library computers or Wi-Fi, you must follow the Internet and Computer Terms of Use.
This means:
Use the internet legally, ethically, and respectfully.
Don’t damage the computers or break the rules.
If someone misuses the internet or causes problems:
Their session can be ended.
They may lose computer privileges for a while—or for good.
They can ask the Library Board of Trustees to review the decision.
Using Wi-Fi Outside the Library
You can use the Library’s Wi-Fi from outside the building, but you must still follow the rules.
Also, don’t block doors or disturb other people coming in or out of the Library.
Social Media Policy.
The Springfield Town Library uses social media to connect with the community. Library staff manage these pages and make sure all content follows Library rules.
What is Social Media? Social media includes any online page or app that the Library runs to share news and connect with people. This might include sites like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and other sites.
Why the Library Uses Social Media The Library uses social media to:
Share news and information about Library events, services, and programs
Recommend books and other materials
Share updates from the Library’s Strategic Plan
Give the community a space to talk about Library topics
Occasionally share news from local nonprofits or government agencies
The goal is to help the Library stay connected with the Springfield community and support learning, discovery, and connection.
Rules for Using Library Social Media: The Library welcomes comments and messages and respects different opinions. However, the Library can review all posts and may delete anything that breaks the rules. The Library will remove any post or comment that contains:
Obscene or hateful language
Personal attacks, insults, or threats
Private or personal information
False or harmful claims about others
Fake identities
Copied or stolen material
Anything that breaks the law or Library rules
Off-topic comments
Duplicate posts from the same person
Spam or ads for products, politics, or religion
Important Notes:
Only Library staff speak for the Library.
Comments from other people are their own opinions, not the Library’s.
The Library is not responsible for what others post on social media.
Reference Services:
Anyone can ask the Library for help finding information, whether they visit in person or contact us from somewhere else. You don’t need a Library Card to use this service. If your question takes a lot of time—like detailed family history or big research projects—the Library may suggest other places or experts who can help you better.
The above is a summary of Section 4 of the Springfield Town Library Policy Manual. For the full approved version, please see the printed version at the library. A screen-reader accessible version of this part of the full approved policy manual is being planned.