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
Download PDF of Conduct Policy
Adopted by Monmouth County Library Commission, April 22, 2003
The Monmouth County Library System welcomes children of all ages. We strive to be a doorway through which a life-long interest in learning and reading takes place. The public library is, however, just that, a public building. As such, anybody can come into it, law-abiding or otherwise. Leaving a child unattended may result in violation of N.J.S.A. 2A:53A-14, 15, liability of parent or guardian for negligence.
- Children ten to thirteen years of age shall not be left unattended on Library grounds. Attended is defined as a parent, guardian, or adult caregiver being present in the building but not necessarily with direct supervision of the child.
- Children nine years of age and younger must be under the direct supervision of parent or guardian when in the Library, which means that the child must remain within view at all times during the entire Library visit.
- Parents or guardians are responsible for the conduct of minor children under 18 years of age in the Library or on Library grounds.
- Library staff is authorized to contact police in the event the parent or guardian fails to comply with these regulations or leaves a child 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 be met outside the door of the activity room at its conclusion.
- It is essential for the safety of all children that they be picked up prior to the Library’s closing time. Police will be informed of children left unattended after closing. Police will contact the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS).
- Guardian is defined as an individual 18 years of age and older possessed with the ability to assume responsibility for behavior of children.
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 good condition, both fiction and non-fiction, for children and adults.
- DVDs and Books on CD.
We cannot use:
- Books which have been stored in basements.
- Magazines (including National Geographic) or newspapers.
- Reader’s Digest condensed books.
- Dated publications such as almanac and tax guides.
- Travel guides, technical books, and textbooks older than 5 years.
| Branch | Books (Paperbacks, Hardcovers) | DVDs | Videos | Books on CD | Books on Cassette |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Please call library first. | No videos, encyclopedias, study guides or textbooks. | |||
| Eastern Branch | Donations are accepted in May and October only. | ||||
| Allentown | |||||
| Atlantic Highlands | Donations are accepted. Please call library first. | ||||
| Colts Neck | Donations are accepted in January and February only. | ||||
| Hazlet | |||||
| Holmdel | Not accepting donations. | ||||
| Howell | Donations are accepted. Please call library first. | ||||
| Marlboro | Please call library first. No videos, encyclopedias, or textbooks. | ||||
| Ocean | Not accepting donations. | ||||
| Oceanport | Not accepting donations. | ||||
| Wall | Please call library first. No videos, encyclopedias, or textbooks. | ||||
| West Long Branch | Not accepting donations. |
