To fulfill its mission for providing public access to information, the Monmouth County Library is committed to providing automated access to a vast network of electronic content resources in digital formats. As part of our goal to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of our public, the Library makes available free access to resources on the Internet. Library users must review and agree to the Internet Policy when reserving a public internet computer at all branches of the Monmouth County Library System.
Library internet computers and workstations must be used in a responsible manner that is consistent with appropriate behavior in the Library and respecting the rights of others as described in the Library Code of Conduct. The library reserves the right to ask users to discontinue the display of information and images that cause a disruption or discomfort to others using the library.
Parents or legal guardians of minors under the age of 17 are responsible for monitoring their use of the Internet. Parents or legal guardians are encouraged to provide them guidelines about acceptable use and determine which Internet resources, materials, and services are appropriate for their children.
You may not use the Library’s computers for any fraudulent or unlawful purposes, including activities that violate federal, state, or local laws. New Jersey Statute 2C:34-4 (Public Communication of Obscenity) prohibits you from accessing or displaying pornographic and/or obscene materials. Any illegal activity involving the library’s internet resources may be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
Users may not modify Library hardware or software settings, tamper with Library software, or circumvent or disable the Library’s PC Reservation system. Users may not make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software. Any attempts to gain unauthorized access to restricted files, networks, degrade performance, damage and/or intentionally misuse of the Library’s computers or software will result in loss of your internet privileges as defined by policy.
Unplugging or restarting any Library internet computers, workstations, or other public use equipment is prohibited. Staff assistance is required for restarting Library internet computers.
The Library cannot be responsible for the availability, timeliness, security or reliability of the network.
The Library cannot assume responsibility for the security or privacy of any of your online transactions.
To maintain your security and privacy, please log out of all accounts at the end of your session.
Violators of the policy that governs the use of the Library’s public internet resources will have their session immediately terminated, and may result in suspension or loss of your internet privileges. First offense will result in a loss of Internet privileges for 30 days, second offense for 90 days, third offense for 180 days, and fourth offense for one year. Any suspension enforcement thereafter for any chronic offender is at the discretion of the Library Director.
Adopted by the Library Commission 3/10/2020
The Monmouth County Library is dedicated to protecting the rights and safety of library patrons, volunteers and staff. Our goal is to enable all library visitors to enjoy an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Each person is expected to respect the rights of others and comply with the Library Code of Conduct while on library property.
Permitted conduct in the library includes:
- Quiet enjoyment of library facilities.
- Small group congregation of social, study or discussion purposes that does not disturb the quiet enjoyment of other patrons.
- Service animals.
- Quiet and courteous use of cell phones.
Prohibited conduct in the library includes but is not limited to:
- Any activity that constitutes a violation of federal, state or local criminal statutes or ordinances.
- Carrying a weapon into the library unless authorized by law. Any patron authorized to carry a weapon must notify the library staff that he/she is carrying a weapon and must provide proper identification.
- Damage, defacement, or theft of any library property or material.
- Possession, distribution, or use of alcohol except at authorized library events.
- Possession, distribution or use of controlled substances.
- Use of tobacco products except in designated areas outside of the building if permitted by law.
- Sexual conduct on library premises.
- Use of profanity, abusive or threatening language or threatening gestures, or unwanted physical conduct.
- Unreasonable noise levels including shouting, loud talking or disruptive conversation, uncontrolled or repeated ringing of cell phones, and loud cell phone conversations.
- Solicitations, petitions or canvassing in the library or on library premises.
- Rollerblading, roller-skating, skateboarding, or wheeled shoe use in the library or on library premises or bringing bicycles, skate boards, scooters or similar items inside the library.
- Consumption of food except in designated areas or at authorized library functions.
- Bringing animals inside the library with the exception of service animals or those allowed at a library-approved event.
- Lack of personal hygiene that interferes with the use of and enjoyment of the library byothers or interferes with the work of library staff.
- Use of the library restrooms for sleeping, bathing, shaving, washing hair or changing clothes.
- Use of personal electronic equipment at a volume that disturbs others.
- Leaving children or adults who are in need of supervision unattended.
Enforcement:
Violation of these rules may be cause for a prohibition from future use of library facilities and/or privileges to the extent warranted by the nature of the violation and/or any previous violations. The Commission authorizes library administration to suspend the library privileges of customers whose behavior prevents or interferes with the effective use of the library by other customers.
Library customers unable or unwilling to abide by the Library Code of Conduct may be asked to leave. Any person who repeatedly violates these rules, or any person who commits a single, serious violation of these rules, in addition to being asked to leave the library, may not be allowed to return to the library for a period of time designated by the Library Director.
Any customer whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Library Commission, upon written request submitted by the offending patron.
Approved by the Library Commission -November 10, 2015
Adopted by Monmouth County Library Commission, September 8, 2020
The Monmouth County Library is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all community members. We strive to be a doorway through which a life-long interest in learning and reading takes place. The purpose of this policy is to provide the greatest possible degree of protection for minor children** and vulnerable adults* in the community and to create a productive and enjoyable environment for all patrons and staff.
Children 9 years of age and younger:
Must be under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or caregiver when in the Library or on library grounds, which means that the child must remain within view at all times during the entire library visit.
Children 10 to 13 years of age and vulnerable adults:
Shall not be left unattended in the Library or on library grounds. Attended is defined as a parent, guardian, or caregiver being present in the building, but not necessarily with direct supervision of the child or vulnerable adult.
Children under 18 years of age and vulnerable adults:
Parents, guardians, or caregivers are solely responsible for the conduct, behavior, and safety of minor children and vulnerable adults in the Library or on library grounds.
- Library staff is authorized to contact police in the event the parent, guardian, or caregiver fails to comply with these regulations, or leaves a child or vulnerable adult unattended or unattended at closing.
- Exceptions to this policy occur when programming requires children to attend on their own. At these times, children should be brought to the activity prior to the program, and the responsible parent, guardian, or caregiver should remain outside the door of the activity room awaiting its conclusion.
- It is essential for the safety of all children and vulnerable adults that they be picked up prior to the Library’s closing time. Library staff will call the police or other appropriate municipal, county or state agency if a child or vulnerable adult is left unattended when a Library facility closes or if an individual otherwise appears to be at risk.
- Guardian or caregiver is defined as an individual 18 years of age and older possessed with the ability to assume responsibility for behavior of children or vulnerable adults.
*A vulnerable adult means a person 18 years of age or older who resides in a community setting and who, because of a physical or mental illness, disability or deficiency, lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make, communicate, or carry out decisions concerning his/her well-being and is the subject of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Vulnerable adults may not be left alone in the Library. This includes adults who need staff help outside the scope of regular library services. Staff cannot assist with tasks related to personal care.
**Leaving a child unattended may result in violation of N.J.S.A. 2A:53A-14, N.J.S.A. 2A:53A-15; liability of parent or guardian for negligence.
BOOKS DONATION POLICY
The Monmouth County Library appreciates donations of books and other materials. Donations of books and other materials are accepted at most Branch Locations during hours at the discretion of the librarian. The Library staff does not have the expertise to appraise donated materials. Donated materials may not be left outside the library or in the bookdrop. For additional information or questions about specific items, contact the library location nearest you.Acceptable Donations:
- Paperback and hardcover books in excellent condition, both fiction and non-fiction, for children and adults. Due to space considerations, the library will normally accept only materials that are less than five years old.
- DVDs and Books on CD.
We cannot use:
- Books which have been stored in basements, garages, and attics.
- Magazines (including National Geographic) or newspapers.
- Reader’s Digest condensed books.
- Dated publications such as tax guides, travel guides, workbooks, test books, technical books, and textbooks.
- Encyclopedias.
- Videocassettes.
- Puzzles.
- Toys.
| Branch | Books (Paperbacks, Hardcovers) | DVDs | Books on CD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Not accepting donations. | ||
| Eastern Branch | Not accepting donations. | ||
| Allentown | |||
| Atlantic Highlands | Not accepting donations. | ||
| Colts Neck | Not accepting donations. | ||
| Hazlet | Not accepting donations. | ||
| Holmdel | Not accepting donations. | ||
| Howell | Not accepting donations. | ||
| Marlboro | Please call library first. | ||
| Ocean | Not accepting donations. | ||
| Oceanport | Not accepting donations. | ||
| Wall | Please call library first. | ||
| West Long Branch | Donations are accepted. |
Donated Materials Policy for Self-Published and/or Local Authors
We receive numerous requests from local authors to add their self-published books to our collection. We wish to support local authors while maintaining the standards in our permanent collections. All donations presented to the Library as gifts are subject to the same selection criteria as purchased items.
We have established two Local Authors shelves at Headquarters: one in Adult and one in Juvenile. These are not part of our permanent collection.
Guidelines for placement on the Local Authors shelves:
- Authors must be a Monmouth County resident or otherwise demonstrate a strong local interest.
- We cannot accept a children’s book for the Local Authors shelf, unless it includes a review from a reputable source.
- The author is expected to present the book to the library personally; books presented by a third party will not be accepted.
- Each book must meet certain standards determined by a designated librarian before being accepted for placement.
- A brief listing for the book will be created in the catalog, so that borrowers may access them by title or author.
- Books will be given a barcode and MCL stamps. They will not be jacketed, bound, or covered
- Items will rotate out of the collection and be withdrawn after one year, unless they have circulated regularly.
- Materials that are donated become the property of the Monmouth County Library System and cannot be returned to the donor.
For a donation to be considered for purchase to our permanent collection, the author or publisher is asked to do the following:
- Include a copy of a published review from a profession journal or publication.
- Provide a listing of the item’s availability in other locations such as libraries, historical societies, or bookstores.
