Policy & Community Response Plan

Borrowing

 

Library Card Registration

Library cards are issued free of charge to Garfield County residents.  School age children may apply for their own card with a parent’s signature.  Out of county residents can be issued a card for one year for $5.00 for Single, $10 for family. 

 

Circulations & Loan Periods

Standard loan period is three (3) weeks per item.  Renewals may be made by phone or in person.

 

Overdue & Lost Materials

The Garfield County Library is fine-free for overdue books.  Patrons are responsible for replacing lost or damaged items.  Borrowing privileges are suspended when materials are more than 60 days overdue.

 

Technology

 

Public computer & Internet Use

Public computers and Wi-Fi are available to all patrons. Users must agree to the library’s Internet Use Policy.  Computers are used on a first come/first serve basis and in busy times limited time may be enforced to allow access to all needing the computers.  Filtering software is installed on all public computers in compliance with CIPA requirements.

 

Printing, Copying & Faxing

Black and white printing and copying is .10 per page.  Color printing .25 per page.  Faxing is $1.00 per page.  Scanning documents to the library email to be sent to a patron’s email of choice is free of charge.

 

Facility

 

Meeting Room Reservation

The Board Room is available for reservation during regular business hours and can be available after hours with approval of the Library Director.  Reservations should be made 48 hours prior to the event. There is no fee for this service.  A donation to the “Friends of the Library” is requested.

 

Accreditation

 

Privacy & Confidentiality

The Garfield County Library protects the privacy of all patron records in accordance with the Nebraska State Statute 84-712.05 and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.  Circulation records, computer use logs, and reference inquiries are confidential.

 

Material Selection & Collection Development

The library maintains a balanced collection reflecting the diverse interests and needs of the community. Selection follows the principles outlined in the ALA Library Bill of Rights and the library’s Collection Development Policy.  Patrons may request reconsideration of materials via the formal challenge process.

 

Accreditation Status

The Garfield County Library is accredited through the Nebraska Public Library Accreditation program through the Nebraska Library Commission.  Accreditation is reviewed every 5 years.  The Garfield County Library has achieved Silver Level status for September 2026-December 2031.