Policies

Unless otherwise noted, Board of Trustee Meetings will take place on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Library. Members of the public are welcome to attend. A listing of upcoming meetings and additional information can be found here.

The Lititz Public Library does not charge overdue late fines for children’s materials.

The Library does assess some fees for lost or damaged materials. Patrons are responsible for returning or renewing items they check out before the due date. Items are billed to the patron’s account once it is 28 days past its due date. Borrowing privileges may be suspended for patrons until a replacement fee has been paid, or the overdue material/s have been returned.

Please see the chart below for further information about fines:

Lititz Library Bylaws
2026 Budget

Conflict of Interest Policy
(Approved November 3, 2008 – Supersedes September 10, 2001 Conflict of Interest Policy)

I. Application of Policy
This applies to members of the Board of Trustees, staff and certain volunteers of the Lititz Public Library. A volunteer is covered under this policy if that person has been granted significant independent decision making authority with respect to financial or other resources of the organization. Persons covered under this policy are hereinafter referred to as “interested parties”.

II. Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest may exist when the interests or concerns of an interested party may be seen as competing with the interests or concerns of the Lititz Public Library. There are a variety of situations that raise conflict of interest concerns including, but not limited to, the following.

Financial Interests – A conflict may exist where an interested party, or a relative or business associate of an interested party, directly or indirectly benefits or profits as a result of a decision made or transaction entered into by the Lititz Public Library. Examples include situations where:
● The Lititz Public Library contracts to purchase or lease goods, services, or properties from an interested party, or a relative, or business associate of an interested party;
● The Lititz Public Library purchases an ownership interest in or invests in a business entity owned by an interested party, or by a relative or business associate of an interested party;
● The Lititz Public library offers employment to an interested party, or a relative, or business associate of an interested party, other than a person who is already employed by the Lititz Public Library.
● An interested party, or a relative or business associate of an interested party, is provided with a gift, gratuity or favor, of a substantial nature, from a person or entity that does business, or seeks to do business, with the Lititz Public Library;
● An interested party, or a relative or business associate of an interested party, is gratuitously provided use of the facilities, property, or services of the Lititz Public Library.

Other Interests – A conflict may also exist where an interested party, or a relative or business associate of an interested party, obtains a non-financial benefit or advantage that he or she would not have obtained absent his or her relationship with the Lititz Public Library or where his/her duty or responsibility owed to the Lititz Public Library conflicts with a duty or responsibility owed to some other organization. Examples include where:
● An interested party seeks to obtain preferential treatment by the Lititz Public Library for himself or herself, for a relative, or for a business associate;
● An interested party seeks to make use of confidential information obtained from the Lititz Public Library for his or her own benefit, or for the benefit of a relative, business associate, or other organization;
● An interested party seeks to take advantage of an opportunity, or enable a relative, business associate or other organization to take advantage of an opportunity, which he or she has reason to believe would be of interest to the Lititz Public Library.

III. Disclosure of Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest
An interested party is under continuing obligation to disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest as soon as it is known, or reasonably should be known.
An interested party shall complete a questionnaire, in the form attached hereto, to fully and completely disclose the material facts about any actual or potential conflicts of interest. The disclosure statement shall be completed upon his or her association with the Lititz Public Library and shall be updated annually thereafter. An additional disclosure statement shall be filed at such time as an actual or potential conflict arises.
For Board members, the disclosure statements shall be provided to the President of the Board, or in the case of the Presidents’ disclosure, statement shall be provided to the Secretary of the Board. Copies shall also be provided to the Director of the Lititz Public Library.
In the case of staff or volunteers with significant decision-making authority, the disclosure statements shall be provided to the Director of the Lititz Public Library, or in the case of the Director’s disclosure, the statement should be provided to the President of the Board.
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees shall file copies of all disclosure statements with the official corporate records of the Lititz Public Library.

IV. General Procedures for the Review of Actual or Potential Conflicts
Whenever there is a reason to believe that an actual or potential conflict of interest exists between the Lititz Public Library and an interested party, the Board of Trustees shall determine the appropriate organizational response. This shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, invoking the procedures described in Section V, below, with respect to a specific proposed action or transaction.
Where the actual or potential conflict involves an employee of the Lititz Public Library other than the Director, the Director shall, in the first instance, be responsible for reviewing the matter and may take appropriate action as necessary to protect the interests of the Lititz Public Library. The Director shall report to the President the results of any review and the action taken. The President, in consultation with the Executive Committee, shall determine if any further Board review or action is required.

V. Procedures for Addressing Conflicts of Interest – Specific Transactions
Where an actual or potential conflict exists between the interests of the Lititz Public Library and an interested party with respect to a specific proposed action or transaction, the Lititz Public Library shall refrain from the proposed action or transaction until such time as the proposed action or transaction has been approved by the disinterested members of the Board of Trustees of the organization. The following procedures shall apply:
● An interested party who has an actual or potential conflict of interest with respect to a proposed action or transaction of the corporation shall not participate in any way in, or be present during, the deliberations and decision making of the Lititz Public Library with respect to such action or transaction. The interested party may, upon request, be available to answer questions or provide material factual information about the proposed action or transaction.
● The disinterested member of the board of trustees may approve the proposed action or transaction upon finding that it is in the best interests of the corporation. The Board shall consider whether the terms of the proposed transaction are fair and reasonable to the Lititz Public Library and whether it would be possible, with reasonable effort, to find a more advantageous arrangement with a party or entity that is not an interested party.
● Approval by the disinterested members of the Board of Trustees shall be by vote of a majority of directors in attendance at a meeting at which a quorum is present. An interested party shall neither be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present nor for purposes of determining what constitutes a majority vote of trustees in attendance.
● The minutes of the meeting shall reflect that the conflict disclosure was made, the vote taken and, where applicable, the abstention from voting and participation by the interested party.

VI. Violations of Conflict of Interest Policy
If the Board of Trustees has reason to believe that an interested party has failed to disclose an actual or potential conflict of interest, it shall inform the person of the basis for such belief and afford the person an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
If, after hearing the response of the interested party and making such further investigation as may be warranted in the circumstances, the Board determines that the interested party has in fact failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

Donations Policy
(Approved December 3, 2007)

The Lititz Public Library is grateful to the community for its generosity and continuing support of the Friends of the Library annual book sales. The proceeds from the sales are important and assist the Friends with their work to improve the Library for the Lititz Community.

The Lititz Public Library welcomes book donations but accepts them with the understanding that library staff has the right to handle or dispose of them in the best interest of the library. Such material may be added to the collection provided it meets the standards of selection, although most will benefit the library through proceeds from annual book sales. Donations must be unqualified and once given to the library cannot be returned to the donor. Donations should not be left for staff to preview with the condition that donors will be contacted if materials are not added to the collection.

Following these guidelines for donations will assist the Friends of the Library with the sorting and preparation for the sale.

These items are accepted for the book sale:
1. Books for adults or children in hardback or paperback form. Donated items should be in good, readable condition without mold, mildew, broken spines, torn covers or missing pages.
2. Audio cassettes, CDs, DVDs, scripts, manuscripts and videocassettes in good condition.

These items are not accepted:
1. Encyclopedias, textbooks, National Geographic magazines.

Items may be dropped off inside the library during regular business hours. Due to space constraints, volunteers request that donations be suspended the week prior to and during book sales, generally two weeks in September and two weeks in April. Carts are available for patrons to transport items from cars to the library. The library does not provide pick-up service.

Although the library acknowledges donations for tax purposes, staff cannot be responsible for assessing the monetary value of gifts.

Guidelines for Bequests and Other Donations

Honor Books and Memorial Books

A special book plaque will be placed inside the cover of a book selected for the library collection as a tribute to a special occasion or memorial recognition. A letter with the names of the donor and person to be honored as well as a check for $25 or more, made payable to the Lititz Public Library should be submitted to the library. Donors are asked not to provide books to be added to the collection. Library staff will select and purchase appropriate titles to be designated as nor or memorial books.

Art Work and Furniture

Works of art or furniture donated to the Library will be accepted and exhibited with appropriate attribution for up to one month in a setting selected by the Director. Following that period of time, the item will become part of a rotating collection displayed throughout the Library or will be sold to benefit the Library. The Director with the Board of Directors will make these discretionary decisions.

Garden/Landscape

The Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Board of Directors will accept monetary donations to augment the outdoor accoutrements of the Library. The Building and Grounds Committee reserves the right to select the type and style of the items purchased. Memorial plaques will be affixed to projects that are in excess of $500. Donations of lesser amounts will be added to the building and grounds fund to support general maintenance of the garden. The Building and Grounds Committee further reserves the right to move, replace or relocate items as required or necessary. Indoor plants will be accommodated at the Director’s discretion.

Periodical Subscriptions

Periodical subscriptions may be accepted in the best interest of the collection, provided they meet standards of selection and are approved by the Director. The Director reserves the right to display or discard unsolicited subscriptions at his/her discretion.

Computer Equipment

Used computer equipment and software are not accepted by the Library. Free Geek-Penn, a non-profit organization that recycles used technology and provides computers and education to those in need, is located at 400 W. Main Street in Ephrata (717-721-2492).

Gift Acceptance Policy
(Approved by the Board of Trustees December 5, 2011)

A. Gift Solicitation:

1. The Board of Trustees is charged with the responsibility of reviewing all gifts made to the Lititz Public Library. Although the Board may delegate gift acceptance activities to the Director or committees, the Board retains final responsibility for all fundraising activities and acceptance of all philanthropy to the library.

B. Gift Eligibility:

1. The Lititz Public Library welcomes gifts that support the pursuit of its mission. Indicators that a gift is acceptable include:
   • The library has a use or need for the gift
   • The gift and its accompanying terms are legal
   • The purpose of the gift is compatible with the work and priorities of the library
   • The cost required to support or sustain the gift does not diminish the value of the gift to a negligible sum
   • There does not appear to be a physical hazard and/or liability concern associated with the gift.
2. The Lititz Public Library deems the following types of gifts eligible for acceptance:
   • Outright gifts of cash, checks or marketable securities
   • Gifts-in-kind
   • Life insurance (whole life policy beneficiary or fully paid/vested term policy)
   • Trust agreements
   • Bequests
   • Other gifts as mutually agreed upon.
3. The Lititz Public Library has the right to decline any gift that is not consistent with its mission. Gifts will not be accepted by the library that, in the judgment of the members of the Board of Trustees:

• Violate any federal, state or municipal law
• Create any fund with restrictive clauses that reserve to the donor or his/her designee the right to designate the recipient
• Compromise the library’s integrity or interfere with the library’s institutional judgment
• As a condition thereof, require any action on the part of the library which is unacceptable to the library or violates policies and regulations
• Require or stipulate the future employment at the Lititz Public Library of any specified person or doing business with any specified company or person
• Contain unreasonable conditions
• Are gifts of partial interest in property, unless the Lititz Public Library agrees otherwise
• Are financially unsound or that would expose the Lititz Public Library to liability or to diminishment of its reputation
• Rely on an appraisal or evaluation, provided to the donor by third parties, that is perceived to be inaccurate or unreliable.

4. The Lititz Public Library will seek the advice of the legal counsel in matters relating to acceptance of gifts when appropriate.

C. Gift Acceptance:

1. The Lititz Public Library reserves the right to accept or decline any gift. Members of the Board of Trustees will decide upon and accept or reject in advance of execution any Lititz Public Library-administered gift that is an exception to the standard criteria for acceptance.
2. Ownership of all gifts directed to the Lititz Public Library vests in the library, whether said gifts are for the benefit of the library generally or for some specific purpose in it.
3. Gifts accepted by the Lititz Public Library will be used solely for the purpose specified by the donor.
4. Undesignated gifts will be used for such purposes as the Lititz Public Library judges will best advance its mission and priorities.

D. Valuation of Gifts:

1. Due to Federal tax regulations, the Lititz Public Library does not provide appraisals for donations received. A qualified appraisal to be used for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor.
2. Except as required by law, all information obtained from or about donors or prospects will be held in strictest confidence by the Lititz Public Library, unless otherwise agreed.

E. Designated Funds:

1. Designated funds are gifts for current operating purposes but restricted to a particular project or purpose by donors or other outside agencies. In order to be considered a gift for tax purposes, a gift cannot be restricted to the benefit of particular individuals and the donor must relinquish complete control over the use of the funds.
2. The Lititz Public Library must decide, when accepting any gift, that the purpose of the donation is acceptable. In general, the Lititz Public Library must ensure that there is a clearly stated purpose to any special funds received and that the expenditures involved conform to policy. Due care must be exercised to avoid engaging the Lititz Public Library in contractual relationships outside of its functional authority.
3. Designated funds should only be given in support of Board of Trustee-approved programs (for the purpose of budget relief) and should not represent intent on behalf of the donor to exercise his/her own desires for initiation or management of a particular program or activity.
4. In the event that the Lititz Public Library sees fit to terminate the restrictions of a gift, it will seek to use such funds for a purpose that reflects as near as possible the original restriction. Restrictions shall be deemed unable to be fulfilled due to circumstances, including, but not limited to: the termination of a Lititz Public Library program; the insufficiency of the restricted funds to fulfill the designated purpose where no funds from other sources are available to supplement the restricted funds; and the designated purpose is no longer consistent with the mission of the Lititz Public Library and its individual programs.
5. Reports on gift use will only be made available upon request.

F. Endowments:

1. An endowment gift augments or creates a special fund whose distributions from earnings generated can be used for the ongoing operational expenses of the Lititz Public Library or for a stipulated use.
2. Endowment gifts may be made at any time, by bequest, outright gift, cash or through a planned income gift.
3. The Board of Trustees will set a minimum amount to establish a new restricted endowment fund. The Board of Trustees has approved the minimum stipulated amount of $25,000 in order to commence with administration of the gift. The library, unless otherwise agreed, will not be responsible for the solicitation of gifts necessary to reach the minimum balance. The donor(s) will have no more than three (3) years to reach the endowment level. If it is not reached at that time, the monies will be redirected toward general funds use and/or priorities identified by the Board of Trustees and Library Director, unless otherwise agreed.
4. It is the Board’s objective to establish a payout rate from endowment accounts that provides a stable, predictable level of spending for the endowed purposes and that provides for a rate of growth in the endowment that meets or exceeds the rate of inflation. The annual amount of endowment funds available for distribution in any one fiscal year shall be determined by an amount equal to no more than five percent of the principal amount of the endowment fund measured at the beginning of the period, reduced by fiscal year expenditures to manage and maintain the fund. The resulting funds calculated as available for distribution shall not total more than a five year average of net realized income of the fund.
5. Gifts of less than $25,000 to endowment funds will be placed in the unrestricted operating or book endowment accounts or an existing restricted endowment fund. Donors will be recognized at a level appropriate with their gift.

• Operating Endowment account: dedicated to building a reserve to be used for capital improvements and expenditures relating to the costs of building maintenance, collection enhancement and maintaining access to library resources.
• Book Endowment account: dedicated to providing income for the purchase of books and other library resources.
• Other existing endowment accounts.

6. Endowed gifts will be added to the library’s endowment accounts and administered by an outside manager as selected and guided by the Board Finance Committee and Library Director in consultation with the Board of Trustees.
7. Earning for gift accounts will be maximized to the extent possible in keeping with sound financial management practices. The Board Finance Committee will meet with the bank team that manages the library’s investment accounts at least twice per year to review performance and make adjustments as needed.
8. Endowment funds may be augmented by gifts from other individuals with similar interests once established.

• There is no minimum stipulated gift for the Lititz Public Library’s Book Endowment account. Individual Book Endowment-stipulated gifts of less than $1,000 are deposited into general operating accounts and transferred to the Book Endowment fund annually as a consolidated amount.
• The minimum stipulated gift for an existing named endowment account is $500. Contributions of lesser amounts will be allocated to the library’s general operating account.

9. A total of up to 2% of the annual income generated from an endowment will be redirected toward costs associated with managing the endowment and administration of the program or activity, unless otherwise agreed upon.

G. Gift Receipting:

1. The Lititz Public Library will acknowledge the receipt of all gifts in writing and in a manner that satisfies the IRS’s substantiation requirements set for in IRS Section 170(f) for the deduction of charitable gifts by individual donors.
2. Charitable gifts to the Lititz Public Library in the form of cash, checks or electronic transfer will be directed to the Fundraising Data Controller along with related correspondence and any specific instructions on the day they are received. When the Fundraising Data Controller is not available, this information will be advanced to the Library Director.
3. The Fundraising Data Controller, Library Director and President of the Board are responsible for accepting, processing and acknowledging donations to the Lititz Public Library. The Fundraising Data Controller shall maintain appropriate records relating to the donation. The database is password protected and accessible by the Data Controller, Director and Board Treasurer. Additionally, reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of donors shall be undertaken, unless otherwise requested or agreed upon.
4. All eligible gifts will be acknowledged with an official charitable receipt accompanied by correspondence prepared by the President of the Board and/or the Library Director. This document is deemed to be the official acceptance of the gift and its related terms and conditions, as well as official certification of the donation for income tax purposes.
5. In certain circumstances, individuals may wish to donate consulting fees or Honoria earned in the course of Lititz Public Library presentations. Such amounts constitute taxable income in their hands. If the individual does choose to donate these to the Lititz Public Library, he/she would first be required to accept payment for services and proceed to make a donation in order to qualify for income tax deductions. Otherwise, forfeiture of payments or redirections of funds, while consulting a gift, would not qualify for tax deduction.

H. Gift Recognition:

1. Gifts received by the Lititz Public Library will be acknowledged through appropriate venues during the course of each year. Venues include buy are not limited to announcements in the Friends of the Library newsletter or local newspaper. The recognition year for general contributions includes contributions received from March 1 through February 28. The recognition year for business contributions includes contributions received from July 1 through June 30. This public recognition is meant to express the Lititz Public Library’s appreciation and gratitude for the generosity of those individuals and institutions that have committed themselves to supporting library services. (See Appendix A – Gift Acceptance Recognition Procedures.)
2. The Lititz Public Library will honor donor’s wishes as to how published credit should appear and will honor those who wish for their contributions to be credited anonymously.
3. Individuals whose gifts are matched by their employers will receive campaign recognition but will not receive individual credit for the amount matched.

I. Disposition of Gifts:

1. Gifts intended for the Lititz Public Library are accepted with the understanding that the library retains the right to handle or dispose of gift materials in the best interest of the institution. Donated materials will be accepted only if they meet current library needs.

J. Donor Bill of Rights:

In accordance with the standards established by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Library adheres to the following donor bill of rights.

The Donor Bill of Rights

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

i. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

ii. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

iii. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.

iv. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

v. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

vi. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

vii. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing
organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

viii. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.

ix. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

x. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

Public Libraries of Lancaster County Cooperative Internet and Computer Use Policy
(Approved by the Board of Trustees April 6, 2015)

The public libraries of Lancaster County strive to meet the cultural, informational and education needs of the communities we serve.

The Library System of Lancaster County (LSLC) is a consortia of libraries made up of independent public libraries in Lancaster County, their branches, a bookmobile and administrative offices. This policy serves all entities, employees and volunteers of LSLC and all services provided on location and remotely. This policy covers equally the physical locations and human representatives of LSLC.

Policy: LSLC (LSLC, the library, libraries or public libraries) will offer equal access to electronic resources for individuals (user, users) with library records in good standing. A library may amend this policy with additions to suit their situation and community.

Internet Access: Equal access to the resources of the Internet is an important option. The Internet is an unregulated medium and not all information is appropriate for all audiences. Some information is inaccurate, offensive, and/or illegal. Though the library does use filtering software in accordance with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA), it is not possible to filter/screen out all inappropriate, offensive or illegal material.

Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users: It is the responsibility of the person using electronic resources to monitor their own use and/or the use of their dependent minor. Users are responsible to handle electronic resources and equipment responsibly. Users are to save data to a remote drive or preserve their information in a personally relevant manner Library computers will not save data locally and the library will not be held responsible for lost data due to file-save failure, computer time-out, or any other reason.

PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED, AND MAY BE REQUIRED, TO COME TO THE LIBRARY WITH MINOR CHILDREN TO SUPERVISE INTERNET SESSIONS.

Disclaimers:

• Library staff may monitor an individual’s use of WiFi and public access computers.
• The user, and/or user’s parent/guardian, is responsible for his/her Internet session at all times.
• LSLC specifically disclaims any warrant as to the retrieved information’s accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness or usefulness for a particular purpose.
• LSLC, public library corporations and staff will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of its computing resources.
• Software and information from any source, including the Internet, may alter a host computer. The libraries are not responsible for damage to users’ disks, computers, or any other electronic device or for the loss of data that may occur from use of a library or Internet resource.
• Users are responsible for any equipment, software or network damages that occur while using the resources.
• Library computers will not save files and will log the user off after a short period of inactivity. The library will not be responsible for any lost data.
• Information transmitted across the Internet, regardless of the security protocol of the host agencies, may become public. Computer users are responsible to safeguard their personal information. The Library will not be held responsible for any security breach.

Unacceptable Computer Use

Unacceptable computer uses included and are not limited to:

• Uses that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law
• Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property
• Uses that jeopardize the security of the computer network or other computers via the Internet
• Uses that are deemed harmful or compromise the safety and security of minors. The term “harmful to minors” is defined by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 USC Section 254(h)(7))
• Displaying, downloading, or copying offensive or inappropriate messages, pictures or explicit sexual material as defined in 18 Pa.C.S.A § 5903.
• Violating US Copyright law. The law prohibits unauthorized use of copyrighted materials except when permitted by “fair use” principles. Do not copy or distribute electronic materials (including text, images, audio-material, programs, e-mail or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.
• Uses that violate confidentiality of information or put the identity of any person at risk.
• For safety reasons, minors may not disclose passwords; provide others with private information about themselves or others, including credit card and social security card numbers; and/or arrange face-to-face meetings with someone met via the Internet or computer network.

Procedures for Computer Use

To use a public internet computer or electronic device patrons must have a valid library card from LSLC in good standing. Member Libraries may choose to grant permission to a visitor on a limited basis if computers are available.

An “Internet Usage Agreement” must be signed. At the Lititz Public Library, if between the age of 12 and 18 (aged 13 through 17 years), a “Parental Permission Form” must be signed by the patron’s parent or legal guardian in the presence of library staff.
At the Lititz Public Library, an adult must sit beside a child age 12 and under using a public Internet workstation. No agreement should be signed in the name of the under-12 child. The adult must be approved for Internet use and use his/her card to sign on to the computer.

Computer users must be able to employ the computer on their own and may be asked to demonstrate their ability to use the computer without damaging it.

Patrons must leave a workstation immediately when asked by a staff member.

Patrons may not download materials onto the computer’s hard drive or attempt to add, modify or remove any system element.

Patrons may download only information which is legal to copy.

Patrons will refrain from using sounds or visuals which might be disruptive to others.

The Member Libraries do not offer email accounts. Patrons may use library computers to access email from outside providers such as MSN, Hotmail, Yaoo, Gmail, etc.

Patrons may not alter or attach equipment, other than a remote storage device, to the library’s hardware, or alter, add or attempt to alter programs or device settings.

Patrons are responsible for any damages they cause to the equipment or software.

Printing may be available from computer stations. Member Libraries will establish prices and methods for printing and other computer related services. These costs may vary from location to location.

Response to Violations

The patron’s access to the Library’s computer network and Internet is a privilege, not a right. A patron violates this policy by his or her own action. Failure to comply with this policy and its procedures will result in the forfeiture of the patron’s access to computers at any of the Member Libraries of the Library System of Lancaster County. The first offense will result in a loss of computer privileges for one month. The second offense will result in a loss of computer privileges for six months. After a third offense, the patron will lose all computer privileges indefinitely. Decisions regarding the appropriate response to violations will be made by the Director of the Member Library at which the offense occurred, or by his/her designate. Appeals should be made in writing and submitted to the Member Library Director’s attention. Responses will be made within 30 days of receipt of the appeal. Access to the County’s public libraries may be terminated until the Director has made a written response to the appeal.

Copyright
U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials except when permitted by “fair use” principles. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including text, images, programs, e-mail or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Responsibility for the consequences of copyright infringement lies solely with the user, as LSLC Member Libraries expressly disclaim any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Lititz Public Library Materials Selection Policy
(Adopted July 9, 2002, Revised December 7, 2015, Revised April 4, 2022)

MISSION STATEMENT

The Lititz Public Library provides an environment for the exercise of intellectual freedom and civil discourse. We are dedicated to providing access to materials and databases that support evidence-based analysis and discussion.

OBJECTIVES

The Lititz Public Library strives to be a welcoming hub for a dynamic community. Rooted in the local community since 1935, we are committed to continued transformational growth. By offering innovative programs, materials, technology and services, the Library is a place for life-long learners to discover, grow, share, create and connect. The Library will continue to engage with educational institutions, local organizations, and civic groups to promote the educational, cultural, economic and social well-being of this growing and vibrant region. Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Lititz Public Library is committed to:

• Meeting the informational needs of the community
• Meeting the recreational needs of the community
• Promoting a life-long love of learning to area residents
• Reflecting a variety of opinions on a subject
• Serving all people, regardless of age, race, religion, gender, physical ability or economic status
• Presenting programs and materials that help to promote personal growth, economic self-sufficiency, optimum physical and mental health, and diverse artistic and cultural opportunities

The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection.

The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the Lititz Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy. (See appendices A and B).

THE COMMUNITY

The library serves Lititz Borough, Warwick Township and Elizabeth Township. Originally a rural area, it is becoming increasingly suburban. The library strives to offer materials and/or informational databases that meet the needs of all who enter its doors.

DEFINITION OF MATERIALS

Materials include books, periodicals, audio books, video recordings, music, digital resources and online databases. They also include links to online resources from the Lititz Public Library’s website.

AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Lititz Public Library Board of Trustees accepts final responsibility for materials selection but delegates this authority to the Library Director, and under his/her direction, to book selectors who are qualified for this activity because of education, training or experience.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

While a simple standard cannot be applied to each potential item for selection, materials are judged by appropriate criteria. In some instances, these criteria include artistic merit, scholarship, or the value of the material to meet the informational needs of the community. In other instances, the primary, but not sole, criterion may be to meet substantial public demand. Some general criteria for selection include the following:

• Current and anticipated needs and interest of the public
• Accuracy of content
• Timeliness of information
• An author’s, artist’s or publisher’s qualifications and/or reputation
• Evaluations in review media
• Contribution to diversity or breadth of collection
• Presentation of unique or controversial points of view
• Receipt of or nomination for awards or prizes
• Quality of production
• Availability and suitability of format
• Suitability of subject, style and reading level for the intended audience

Reviews are a major source of information about new materials. The library’s primary sources for reviews are Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly and Booklist.

Materials are evaluated as a whole and not on the basis of a particular passage or passages. A work will not be excluded from the library’s collection because it presents an aspect of life honestly or because of frankness of expression.

Every attempt is made to acquire titles by local authors that are published by mainstream publishers. Self-published titles (e.g. via print-on-demand, digitized-on-demand, vanity or subsidized presses) are not added to the collection unless the book is reviewed positively in established review sources, has significant local content or has high local interest. Purchase of publications by local authors or self-published titles is at the discretion of the Library Director.

Local authors who want to bring their books to the attention of library collection development staff should provide:

• Basic bibliographic information about the book (title, author, ISBN, publisher, date of publication, number of pages, price)
• Copies of mainstream publication reviews or other coverage in the news media (if available)
• A brief description of the book and its intended audience and information about how or where to buy it.

Authors should not supply a review copy. Due to the number of submissions received, authors will not be notified if their book is selected.

RESOURCE SHARING

Because of budgetary and space limitations, the library cannot provide all materials that are requested. Therefore, interlibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of this library’s collection.

In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Lititz Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same network.

DONATIONS AND MEMORIAL GIFTS

The library accepts donations of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if they fulfill a collection development need and meet the same criteria applied to library-purchased materials. Donations become the property of the library and the Library Director is responsible for all decisions regarding the disposition of donated items. Due to the number of books donated to the library, donors will not be notified regarding the disposition of their donation.

By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor.

Monetary contributions are accepted for the purchase of memorial or honor books/media and suitable bookplates are placed in purchased items. Specific memorial books/media can be ordered by the library on request of the contributor if the request meets the criteria established by this policy. A donor with a specific title in mind should consult the director about this choice. If no specific book is requested, the director will make an appropriate selection. The Lititz Public Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.

COLLECTION MAINTENANCE

Books and other materials are periodically withdrawn because information in them is dated, because the materials are damaged beyond repair, or because they do not circulate. Space, the cost of replacement, and the appearance of the collection are factors used in decision-making. Often withdrawn items can be used in the annual book sale. Sometimes materials are replaced by identical titles. Demand and adequate coverage of a subject area are considerations when determining whether or not an item will be replaced by an identical title. Sometimes the purchase of a more current item is more appropriate. The Lititz Public Library strives to keep the “last copy” in the system database if at all possible. Classic and award winning literature will not be withdrawn from the collection. One of our goals is a collection of literary fiction not subject to withdrawal from the shelves due to our standard circulation criteria.

REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION

Although materials are carefully selected, differences of opinion can arise regarding suitable materials. Patrons requesting that material be withdrawn from or restricted within the collection may complete a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form that is available upon request. After the form is filled out and signed, it should be forwarded to the Library Director. The director will meet with a committee from the Library Board of Trustees to determine whether or not the challenged material conforms to the library’s selection policies and criteria. Within 45 days of the formal request, the library user will receive a written decision of the committee. The decision of the committee is final.

Appendix A: Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
   
   
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
   
   
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
   
   
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
   
   
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
   
   
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
   
   

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.

Appendix B: Freedom to Read Statement

The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.

Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.

These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials.

Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference.

Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or matters of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.

We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.

The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.

We therefore affirm these propositions:

1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.
   
   Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of is citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.
   
   
2. Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated.
   
   Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of he mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
   
   
3. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.
   
   No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.
   
   
4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.
   
   To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated; not can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.
   
   
5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous.
   
   The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
   
   
6. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information.
   
   It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.
   
   
7. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one.
   
   

The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support.

We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here state out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; dangerous what of life, but it is ours.

____________________________________

This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers.

Adopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee; amended January 28, 1972; January 16, 1991; July 12, 2000; June 30, 2004.

Public Meeting Room Policy and Regulations
(Revised and Approved by the Board of Trustees April 7, 2014)

GENERAL POLICY

The Lititz Public Library has a board room and a community room for library-sponsored activities, which are held as a means of fulfilling its public service goals. When not in use by the library, these rooms are available for meetings sponsored by community organizations located in Lititz Borough, Warwick Township or Elizabeth Township. The library’s Board of Trustees does not endorse or seek to promote the objectives of any organization using the meeting rooms. The library does not discriminate against any prospective user on the basis of race, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or any other legally protected characteristic.

1. Any use of library facilities is subject to approval of the Director and/or the library’s Board of Trustees.
   
   
2. Meeting rooms may be rented by community organizations for private meetings on a first-come, first-served basis, no more than three months in advance, only with the exception of library-sponsored meetings, programs or events, which shall in all cases take precedence. Meetings that are not sponsored by the library are not open to the general public. No advertising can promote the meetings and no invitations may be sent to non-employees or non-members of the organization renting the facility. To ensure fairness to other groups in the community, the library reserves the right to limit the use of the facilities by groups or organizations.
   
   
3. Meeting rooms are not available when, in the opinion of the Director and/or the Board of Trustees, the use of the room might endanger public safety, cause disorder of disrupt primary functions of the library.
   
   
4. Permission may be granted to groups and organizations for multiple meetings over a period not to exceed three (3) months and two (2) meetings per month. Renewal applications may be submitted. Prior rental of library meeting rooms will not entitle applicants to future use.
   
   
5. Direct sales of the promotion of sales and services to consumers is prohibited in meeting rooms. Only nonprofit agencies that are affiliated with the library may sell merchandise on library property, and only with advance permission of the Director.

ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE

COMMUNITY ROOM—The maximum occupancy is 120. Use of this room is encouraged for lectures, panel discussions and programs using a projector and screen.

BOARD ROOM—The maximum occupancy is 20. The use of this room is encouraged for discussions around a table.

Maximum seating for these rooms is in compliance with local fire codes. The maximum seating code must be strictly enforced and should be considered when scheduling. Occupancy and seating in any room must at all times be within full compliance of all state and local fire codes, ordinances, rules and regulations.

SPECIFIC REGULATIONS FOR ROOM RENTALS

1. Library-sponsored meetings, programs, or events take precedence in the scheduling of meeting rooms.
   
   
2. Community groups and/or organizations located in Lititz Borough, Warwick Township or Elizabeth Township may request use of meeting rooms.
   
   
3. Any organization desiring use of a meeting room should contact the Community Relations Coordinator to make a reservation. Rooms may not be used for private or social gatherings such as showers, birthday parties, etc.
   
   
4. No advertising or publicity will be allowed, as use of the meeting rooms will be for closed meetings only, not for programs open to the public.
   
   
5. Meeting rooms will be used during the library’s normal operating hours only. Renters must observe the hours of occupancy specified in their reservation. Organizations that do not observe the hours of occupancy specified in their reservation will forfeit future rental opportunities and/or their security deposit.
   
   
6. Pictures, displays, posters, etc. will not be attached to meeting room walls, windows, doors, white boards or fixtures.
   
   
7. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted on the library premises.
   
   
8. Children under 18 may not be left unsupervised. An adult must be present at all times.
   
   
9. A listing of fees and security deposit for the facilities is attached. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend the fee requirements at any time.
   
   
10. The sponsoring group making application for rental of the meeting room assumes all responsibility for damage to library property and for leaving the premises in the condition in which it was found, including but not limited to the condition of the carpet, arrangement of furnishings and the cleanup of trash. In the event that additional cleanup is necessary, the organization will be billed for the cost of cleaning. Any damage to the room will be assessed and charged to the organization.

REFRESHMENTS

1. Light refreshments may be served in the meeting rooms. The Community Relations Coordinator must be notified in advance if refreshments will be served at a meeting. The library does not provide refreshments or related supplies.
   
   
2. Arrangements for use of kitchen facilities must be made in advance by contacting the Community Relations Coordinator. Additionally, the use of a catering service must be approved in advance by the Community Relations Coordinator.
   
   
3. Refreshments must remain in the Board Room or Community Room Refreshments are not permitted in the main library.

EQUIPMENT

1. The library has equipment available for use during meetings. Arrangements must be made in advance by contacting the Community Relations Coordinator.
   
   
2. The library is not responsible for any equipment, supplies or possessions owned by organizations or attendees that are used in the meeting rooms.

Patron Conduct Policy
(Approved May 7, 2007, Revised July 2010)

The Lititz Public Library Board has established certain standards of acceptable behavior on library property in order to maintain an atmosphere that promotes the use and enjoyment of the resources and services of the library, promotes the safety of the general public and the library staff, and protects the building, furniture, equipment and materials of the library.

Any activity that interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the library, disrupts the normal functioning of the library, could result in physical, emotional or mental injury to oneself or others, or could result in damage to the facilities, equipment or materials is considered disruptive and unacceptable behavior.

The library reserves the right to require anyone who engages in disruptive behavior to leave the premises, the right to restrict privileges for a specified period of time, and the right to ban the individual from the library for a specific period of time or permanently. In most cases, a staff member will notify the individual that he or she is in violation of the standards of conduct and will provide one verbal warning. Unlawful activities will be reported immediately to the police.

Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to the following:

• Loud Talking and Laughing. Sensitivity to noise varies from one person or group to another; however, if one person or group is heard above the general noise level in the library at a particular time, this person or group will be requested to lower their voices.
• Fighting. Includes any type of fighting, whether real or pretend.
• Throwing Objects. Includes wadded up papers, paper airplanes, other small objects, and larger objects that could cause injury.
• Boisterous Behavior. Includes running, horseplay and annoying other patrons.
• Cellular or Portable Phones. Patrons are requested to be courteous when using a cellular or portable telephone in the library. Conversations should take place outside of the library building.
• Abusive or Obscene Language or Gestures. Includes language or gestures that convey a sexually specific message or are conveyed in a coarse or crude manner and any language that verbally abuses another individual.
• Solicitation. Includes the selling of anything for personal gain or charitable cause, begging, panhandling, campaigning, petitioning or proselytizing among other patrons or staff members.
• Eating and Drinking. Because of the potential damage to library materials, food and/or beverages are not allowed in the library, except at designated times or in designated rooms.
• Smoking.
• Sleeping. Pertains to habitual sleeping or those who are noisy, sprawled on furniture or generally disturbing other patrons.
• Loitering. Defined as a person who wanders around the library without apparent legitimate reason and disturbs other patrons.
• Animals. Animals of any kind are prohibited unless serving as an ADA stipulated assistance animal or part of a library-sponsored program. Dogs that bark or any animal that exhibits aggressive behavior will be required to leave the library.
• Unattended Children. A parent, guardian or other responsible adult must accompany children under the age of 12 at all times in the library.
• Improper Attire. Patrons must wear shoes and shirt in the library building.
• Abuse of Library Equipment, Furniture and Materials. Includes but is not limited to placing feet on tables and chairs, standing on furniture, mutilating or defacing books or periodicals and mistreating equipment or computers.
• Bikes, Rollerblades, Skateboards and Scooters. Must not be ridden anywhere in the library, courtyard area or adjacent sidewalks.
• Blocking Aisles or Doorways. Includes obstructing aisles or doorways or in any way interfering with the free movement of any other persons.
• Weapons. Carrying weapons of any type on library property is not permissible except by law enforcement officers.
• Removing Library Materials or Equipment. Staff members must check out all circulating materials and equipment at the circulation desk before they can be removed from library property.
• Playing Music. Includes playing music or other media at a level that is disruptive to other patrons. The Board of Trustees may specifically approve the playing of music as part of a library-sponsored program.
• Excessive Displays of Affection. Includes any sexual conduct or physical contact deemed inappropriate for a public place.
• Hygiene. A person may be required to leave the library if his/her personal hygiene interferes with the orderly operation of the library or with the ability of other patrons to use and enjoy the facility.
• Misuse of Rest Rooms. Includes use of rest rooms as a laundry or bathing facility.
• Illegal Behavior. Any staff member who witnesses illegal behavior will notify his or her immediate supervisor who will contact the police when necessary. Illegal behavior includes but is not limited to the following:
  • Assault. Intentionally or by reckless conduct causes injury to another person.
  • Criminal Mischief. Intentionally damages the property of another (includes vandalism and mutilating library materials).
  • Drunk and/or Disorderly Conduct. Causes public inconvenience by fighting, unreasonable noise, abusive or obscene language or gestures, threatening behavior, hazardous or physically offensive condition.
  • Harassment. Threatens or annoys another person by physical contact or abusive or obscene language or follows a person in or about a public place.
  • Public Lewdness. Intentionally exposes the private parts of the body in a lewd manner in a public place.
  • Theft (Larceny). Wrongfully takes, obtains or withholds the property of another.
  • Trespass. Knowingly enters or remains unlawfully on the premises.
  • Controlled Substances. Includes using, selling or possessing controlled substances on library property, and entering library property while intoxicated or under the influence of illegal controlled substances. The use of alcohol is prohibited on library property unless specifically approved by the Board of Trustees for events.

Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
(Approved December 3, 2007)

Library Records Considered Confidential
The policy of the Lititz Public Library is to preserve the privacy of its circulation, borrow registration and patron usage records and to treat them with confidentiality.

Title 24, Chapter 16, Article IV [24 P.S. § 4428 (2001)] of the Pennsylvania Statues states: Records related to the circulation of library materials which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of the State Library or any local library which is established or maintained under any law of the Commonwealth or the library of any university, college, or educational institution chartered by the Commonwealth or agency operated in connection therewith, shall be confidential and not be made available to anyone except by a court order in a criminal proceeding.

Pursuant to this statute, and as recommended by the American Library Association and Pennsylvania Library Association, the Lititz Public Library recognizes the following information as confidential in nature:

1. Circulation records, including but not limited to titles and number of items checked out, held on reserve, overdue, or borrowed from another library through interlibrary loan;
2. Borrower registration records that are prerequisite to issuing library cards and permitting individuals to borrow library materials;
3. Computer traceable or stored information of records of what library patrons viewed on the Internet while using the library’s public-access computer terminals.

The above-cited records may be revealed only as follows:

1. To the individual named in the record;
2. To the parent or legal guardian of a minor (defined as any person below the age of 18), the party made financially responsible for damages or losses to the library caused by the minor.

Sexual Harassment Policy
(Approved July 9, 2007)

Purpose: It is the policy of the Lititz Public Library to maintain a working environment free of all forms of sexual harassment or intimidation. Sexual harassment of our employees, volunteers or other users of the library is not tolerated, and those violating this practice are subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate discharge.

Scope: All employees, volunteers, patrons or other user of the library.

Policy: Based on Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, it is illegal and against Library policy for any patron, employee, volunteer or other user of the library to:

1. Make unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, a condition of an individual’s employment or of a client’s services; or
2. Make submission to or rejections of such conduct the basis for advancement opportunities, or a client’s services; or
3. Create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment by such conduct; or
4. Retaliate against employees, volunteers or clients that complain about such behavior.

Any employee, volunteer or other user of the library who believes they have been the subjects of sexual harassment should report the alleged act immediately to the Director or to one or more members of the Board of Trustees of the Library. To the extent possible, the confidentiality of the person reporting the alleged harassment and that of any witnesses and the alleged harasser will be protected against unnecessary disclosure.

An investigation by the Library is undertaken immediately by the Board of Trustees. Appropriate corrective action, up to and including termination of employment or privileges may be taken away to resolve all violations of this policy.

Persons who are guilty of sexual harassment or who have falsely accused a person of sexual harassment shall be subject to discipline where appropriate.

The person who has reported the alleged sexual harassment shall be informed of findings and/or actions taken.

Personal Electronic Communications and Social Media Policy
(Approved by the Board of Trustees, October 3, 2016)

Employees may perform duties using a variety of electronic communication and/or social media depending on the nature of the work and responsibilities involved. Brief and occasional personal use of electronic communication or social media is acceptable as long as it is not excessive or inappropriate and does not result in expense or harm to the Lititz Public Library or otherwise violate this or any other policy.

During work-related meetings, electronic devices should be turned off or muted.

Use is defined as “excessive” if it interferes with normal job functions, responsiveness to library patrons and coworkers or inhibits productivity.

The Lititz Public Library reserves the right to monitor employees for excessive use of their electronic communication devices and social media. Circumstances that indicate a decline in productivity, responsiveness or interference with the smooth workflow of the library will be documented by written warning, reflected in annual performance reviews and face possible disciplinary actions.

Whistleblower Policy
(Approved December 3, 2007)

The Lititz Public Library is committed to facilitating open and honest communications relevant to its governance, finances and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Lititz Public Library requires trustees, staff and volunteers to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. Employees and representatives of the library must practice honestly and integrity in fulfilling their responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

The whistleblower policy (the “Policy”) reflects the practices and principles of behavior that support this commitment. It is important that the Lititz Public Library Board of Trustees be apprised about unlawful or improper workplace behavior including, but not limited to, any of the following conduct:

• Theft
• Financial reporting which is fraudulent, intentionally misleading or negligent in any manner
• Improper or undocumented financial transactions
• Forgery or alteration of documents
• Unauthorized alternation of manipulation of computer files
• Improper destruction of records
• Improper use of Lititz Public Library assets, including, but not limited to its funds, supplies, intellectual property and other assets
• Improper access and/or use of confidential patron or donor information
• Authorizing or receiving compensation for goods not received or services not performed
• Violations of the Lititz Public Library’s conflict of interest policy
• Any other improper occurrence regarding cash, financial procedures or reporting
• Any abuse of or discrimination against a Lititz Public Library employee, patron, or vendor
• A failure by the Lititz Public Library to provide reasonable accommodation for disability or religious belief.

We request the assistance of every trustee, other volunteer and employee who has a reasonable belief or suspicion about an improper transaction. The Lititz Public Library values this input and each staff member or volunteer should feel free to raise issues of concern, in good faith, without fear of retaliation. Trustees, volunteers and employees will not be disciplined, demoted, lose their jobs, or be retaliated against for asking questions or voicing concerns about conduct of this sort. Employees and other interested persons are encouraged to report any such improprieties without fear of retaliation or intimidation.

The Lititz Public Library Board of Trustees will investigate any possible fraudulent or dishonest use of misuse of Lititz Public Library resources, or abuse, discrimination or failure to provide reasonable accommodation, by management, staff or volunteers. The Board of Trustees will take appropriate action against anyone found to have engaged in fraudulent, dishonest, abusive or discriminatory conduct, including disciplinary action by the Board of Trustees, or civil or criminal prosecution when warranted.

Therefore, all members of the Lititz Public Library Board of Trustees, staff and other volunteers are encouraged to report possible fraudulent, abusive, discriminatory or dishonest conduct (i.e., to act as a “whistleblower”), pursuant to the procedures set forth below.

Reporting Responsibility:

Each trustee, volunteer and employee of the Lititz Public Library has an obligation to report in accordance with this Whistleblowing Policy (a) questionable or improper accounting, financial or auditing matters, and (b) violations and suspected violations of Lititz Public Library policies or any unlawful or improper workplace conduct (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Concerns”).

Authority of the Personnel Committee

All reported Concerns will be forwarded to the Personnel Committee in accordance with the procedures set forth herein. The Personnel Committee shall be responsible for investigating and making appropriate recommendations to the Board of Trustees, with respect to all reported Concerns.

No Retaliation

This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable trustees, volunteers and employees to raise Concerns within the organization for investigation and appropriate action. With this goal in mind, no trustee, volunteer or employee who, in good faith, reports a Concern shall be subject to retaliation or, in the case of an employee, adverse employment consequences. Moreover, a volunteer or employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a Concern in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from the volunteer position or termination of employment.

Reporting Concerns

Employees

Employees should first discuss their Concern with the Director. In addition, if he individual is uncomfortable speaking with the Director, or the Director is the subject of the Concern, the individual should report his or her Concern directly to the President of the Board of Trustees or the Chair of the Personnel Committee. If the individual is uncomfortable speaking with the Director or the Chair of the Personnel Committee, the individual may report his or her concern to the ex-officio member of the Personnel Committee.

If the concern was reported orally to the Director, the reporting individual, with assistance from the Director, shall reduce the Concern to writing. The Director is required to promptly report the Concern to the Chair of the Personnel Committee, which has specific responsibility to investigate all Concerns. If the Director, for any reason, does not promptly forward the Concern to the Personnel Committee, the reporting individual would directly  report the Concern to the Chair of the Personnel Committee or the President of the Board of Trustees. Contact information for the Chair of the Personnel Committee the President of the Board of Trustees and the ex-officio member of the Personnel Committee may be obtained through the Director or Administrative Assistant. Concerns may also be submitted anonymously. Such anonymous Concerns should be in writing and sent directly to the Chair of the Personnel Committee.

Trustees and Other Volunteers

Trustees and other volunteers should submit Concerns in writing directly to the Chair of the Personnel Committee. Contact information for the Chair of the Personnel Committee may be obtained from the Director or Administrative Assistant.

Handling of Reported Violations

The Personnel Committee shall address all reported Concerns. The Chair of the Personnel Committee shall immediately notify the Personnel Committee, the President and Trustees of any such report. The Chair of the Personnel Committee will notify the reporter and acknowledge receipt of the Concern within five business days, if possible. It will not be possible to acknowledge receipt of anonymously submitted Concerns.

All reports will be promptly investigated by the Personnel Committee, or any other appropriate Committee of the Board of Trustees and appropriate corrective actions will be recommended to the Board of Trustees, if warranted by the investigation. In addition, action taken must include a conclusion and/or follow-up with the reporter for resolution of the Concern.

The Personnel Committee has the authority to retain outside legal counsel, accountants, private investigators, any other resource, or refer to another appropriate Committee of the Board of Trustees, as deemed necessary to conduct a full and complete investigation of the allegations.

Acting in Good Faith

Anyone reporting a Concern must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates an improper accounting or auditing practice, or a violation of Lititz Public Library policies. The act of making allegations that prove to be unsubstantiated, and that prove to have been made maliciously, recklessly, or with the foreknowledge that the allegations are false, will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense and may results in discipline, up to and including dismissal from the other actions, including civil lawsuits.

Rights and Responsibilities of Employee

Whistleblower Protection

The Lititz Public Library will protect whistleblowers as follows:

• The Lititz Public Library will use its best efforts to protect whistleblowers against retaliation. All complaints by whistleblowers will be handled with sensitivity, discretion and confidentiality to the extent allowed by the circumstances and the law. Generally this practice means that whistleblower concerns will only be shared with those who have a need to know in order to conduct an effective investigation. (Should disciplinary or legal action be taken against a person or persons as a result of a whistleblower complaint, such persons may also have a right to know the identity of the whistleblower.)
  
  
• A whistleblower shall not be subject to retaliation. No punishment for reporting issues will be allowed, even if the claims are unfounded; a reasonable belief or suspicion that unlawful or improper workplace behavior has occurred is enough to create a protected status for the whistleblower. No action can be taken against the whistleblower with the intent or effect of adversely affecting the terms or conditions of the whistleblower’s employment, including but not limited to threats of physical harm, loss of job, punitive work assignments or impact on salary or wages. Whistleblowers who believe that they have been retaliated against may file a written complaint with the Personnel Committee chair. Any complaint of retaliation will be promptly investigated. This protection from retaliation does not prohibit managers of supervisors from taking action, including disciplinary action, in the usual scope of their duties and based on valid performance-related factors.
  
  

Whistleblowers must be cautious to avoid baseless allegations, which are allegations made with reckless disregard for their truth or falsity. People making such allegations may be subject to disciplinary action by the Lititz Public Library and/or legal claims by individuals accused of such conduct.

All Pennsylvania residents are eligible to have a library card through the Lititz Public Library. Pennsylvania residents may fill out the application form online or at the Library. The application is processed and a card mailed to the resident at their home address.