1. To promote enlightened citizenship and enrich personal lives through guidance and stimulation in communication of ideas. 

 

2.  To serve the community as a center of reliable information.

 

  3.  To provide a place for inquiring minds to encounter the original, sometimes unorthodox and critical ideas so necessary as correctives and stimulates in a society that depends for it survival on free competition in ideas. 

 

4.  To provide opportunity and encouragement for children, young people, men, and women to educate themselves continuously.

 

  5.  To seek continually to identify community needs, to provide programs of service to meet these needs and to cooperate with other organizations, agencies, and institutions which can provide programs or services to meet community needs. 

 

6.  To provide opportunity for recreation through the use of literature, video, computers and other formats.

 

  7.  To promote and use technology to meet the current and future information needs of all members of the community by providing increased access to information resources so that all may continue life-long learning.   

 

4.0 Who May Use the Library 

1.  The library will serve all residents of the city and rural area. Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, social, economic, or political status. Service will not be denied or abridged because of differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or education. Persons residing outside of the geographical area but owning property or attending an educational institution in the area shall be considered residents. 

 

2.  The use of the library or its services may be denied for due cause. Due cause may be failure to    return materials, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other objectionable conduct on library premises.

 

  3.  With regard to the confidentiality of records, the Kanawha Public Library recognizes that the circulation records of this library are confidential in nature. It advises all library employees that such records shall not be made available to anyone, including any agency of Federal, State or Local government except pursuant of Federal, State or Local law relating to Civil, Criminal, or Administrative investigating power. Furthermore, the library will resist the issuance of enforcement of any such process, order or subpoena until such time as a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

4.1 Open Access

 

The Kanawha Public Library participates in the Enrich Iowa Agreement with the State Library of Iowa to provide a service called Open Access. The purpose of the Open Access is to provide Iowans with direct access to more library materials and information resources. It is a reciprocal borrowing program that enables patrons from a participating library to go to other participating libraries and directly check out materials they own. In other words, Open Access is a state wide "library card" program allowing any Iowa citizen to check out materials from libraries other than their home library.

 

5.0 Borrowers' Responsibilities and Conduct

1.  It is the policy of the Kanawha Public Library to provide a safe, comfortable environment that is conducive to the use of library facilities, resources, and equipment either by individuals or small groups. The library is designed for use by all members of the public.

2. It is a patron's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the library and from the use of the library facilities.

3. Children of all ages (those 6 and under accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person) are encourages to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance. The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. However, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning to settle down or be asked to leave.

4. Smoking, including use of e-cigarettes, is prohibited in the library, on the library grounds and in the parking facility. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises without prior approval from the Library Board of Trustees. In accordance with the City's Fire Code, there can be no open flames in city buildings without a permit being issued by the fire department.

5. An animal other than a service animal, which is an animal individually trained to do specific work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, is not allowed in the library or library meeting room unless given express permission from the director. If a service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, staff may request that the animal be removed from the premises.

5.1 Unattended Children

The Kanawha Public Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff are not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library. Therefore, it is library policy that all children aged six and under be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library.

6.0 PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS

1. The Kanawha Public Library will provide programming to further our mission of promoting enlightened citizenship and enriching personal lives. These programs are provided to help meet the educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the residents of the community of Kanawha.

2. A “program” is a planned interaction between the library staff and the program participants. Programming includes such activities as story hour, films and activities on no-school days, summer library program for children, presentations for young adults, and book or author discussion groups for adults.

3.Programming is provided to appeal to citizens of all ages but individual programs may be designed for a specific audience based on age. Programs targeting a specific age group will be promoted as such.

5. No fees will be charged to people attending library programs except with the approval of the Library Director. The only items that may be sold to the public are books, recordings, or works of art created by the presenters. The performer or an associate must handle the sale of these items.

6. The board, in conjunction with the Library Director, will establish a budget and goals for programming to facilitate the effective implementation of this service.

7. The Kanawha Public Library promotes its programming opportunities through the local media including local cable channel, through posters and bookmarks, Facebook postings, and the library webpage. Presenters may not publicize their programs without approval of the Library Director.

8. The Kanawha Public Library welcomes individual and corporate support and community partnerships in the form of monetary donations as well as donations of serving supplies and refreshments. If refreshments are provided, logo cups/napkins may be used if donated by a business.

9. Library programs or classes may be cancelled for several reasons including cases of severe weather, presenter conflict, or low registration numbers. Announcements will appear on the local cable channel, the library Facebook page and the library webpage if possible. Weather related announcements will appear on KIMT's closings page.

7.0 Circulation Policies

 1. Persons holding a current Kanawha Public Library card in good standing may check out library materials and use the patron computers and available devices.

2. All programs, services, and online resources found on the Kanawha Public Library website are available to valid Kanawha library card holders on the library computers and devices, and on their own home computers or mobile devices.

3. The Kanawha Public Library is part of BRIDGES, Iowa's eLibrary, facilitated by the State Library of Iowa. eBooks, audiobooks, magazine, and streaming video are available to Kanawha library card holders in good standing. Link for use can be found on the Kanawha Library website. Library staff can help patrons set up their devices.

4. Persons holding a current library card in good standing from an Iowa library may check out library materials and use the patron computers. Mobile devices will be available only for in-house usage.

5. Items will be checked out using an automated system.

7.1 Obtaining Library Cards

1. Any person who resides within the city limits of Kanawha or who owns property in Kanawha will be issued a borrower's card without a fee. Identification showing name and current Kanawha address is required.

2. Any person who resides within rural Hancock County will be issued a borrower's card without a fee. Identification showing a name and current address is required.

3. Kanawha Public Library will issue library cards in compliance with Open Access rules for statewide reciprocal borrowing. Identification showing a name and current address is required.

4. School aged children will be issued their own cards with a parent's or legal guardian's consent. This person will be held accountable for the materials checked out on the child's card.

5. Borrowers are responsible for items checked out on their card. If a card is lost or stolen, the borrower must notify the library. Upon such notification, no further materials will be loaned on that card and a new card will be issued.

7.2 Loan Periods

1. Books and audio books on CD are loaned out for a period of 2 weeks and may be renewed.

2. Periodicals are loaned out for a period of 2 weeks and may be renewed.

3. DVDs are loaned out for a period of 1 week and may not be renewed.

4. The size of our collection and demand for specific materials--for special class projects, seasonal items, research material, etc.--may require a limitation on number of items checked out by any one person. The loaning of these materials is left to the discretion of the Director.

5. Reference books such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, materials without a bar code, or items labeled "Library Use Only" may not be taken from the library.

7.3 Reserves/Holds

Reserves or holds on titles which are owned by the Kanawha Public Library may be requested by patrons. Reserves will be checked out in the order they are placed in the automated system. Items on reserve will be held for three library working days. If items are not picked up after three library working days, they will be given to the next person who reserved them or placed back in general circulation.

7.4 Overdue, Lost, or Damaged Library Materials

1. No overdue fines will be charged. However, the Kanawha Public Library will send overdue notices or make phone calls to retrieve overdue materials.

2. Patrons having overdue items may not check out materials or use the patron computers until the overdue items have all been returned or payment has been received for lost or damaged items. Lost items are considered to be those that the patron concedes cannot be located or have been overdue for more that two months.

3. A failure to return library materials overdue two months or more is THEFT per state law (Iowa Code section 714.5, entitled "Library materials and equipment--unpurchased merchandise--evidence of intention"). Taxpayers have purchased library materials for all citizens to use and enjoy; when one person abuses that privilege, it amounts to the theft of government property and the police can be called to respond. Please refer to full text of Iowa Code 714.5 and Section 808.12 in policy manual appendices.        

4. When library materials have been lost, the patron will pay the replacement cost. Replacement of same or similar materials will be made at the Director's discretion. No refunds will be issued for returned materials since we do not charge overdue fines. If a patron doesn't respond to calls and letters, the Director will involve law enforcement officials to help retrieve replacement costs.

 5. The Director will determine the amount of damage to be assessed in the case of damaged materials.

6. Since many libraries are on the same automation system, your overdue, lost, and damaged materials record will be viewed by all participating libraries until the record is cleared by the home library. The Kanawha Public Library will refer to the automated system before loaning out materials to any library card holders and service may be denied until the patron's library record is cleared.

7.5 Interlibrary Loans (ILL)

1. If the Kanawha Public Library does not have materials requested by a patron, the librarians will be glad to request the materials from SILO (State of Iowa Libraries Online). If not found on SILO, the materials may be requested from the OCLC-First Search (an out of state program)--if a fee is attached to the request, the patron will be notified before proceeding with the request.

2. The circulation period is set by the lending library. Renewals are up to the discretion of the lending library.  If a renewal is requested by a patron, the lending library will be contacted and an answer will be given to the requesting patron.

3. Patrons will be charged $1.00 for each item requested to help defray the cost of return postage through USPS unless the items can be sent via IA Shares, the delivery service run by the State library.

4. In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Kanawha Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network, and to make an effort to have its current holding listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.

7.8 Library Closings

1. The library will be closed on the following holidays or special days:

• New Year's Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Hobo Day's Celebration
• Labor Day
• Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving)
• Christmas
•  

2. If any of the above holidays fall on a Sunday, the library will close the following Monday.

3 For weather related closings, the Kanawha Public Library will follow the recommendations of the Iowa Department of Transportation, Mason City's KIMT News Station and the actions of the city during normal library hours for weather warnings and closings. During tornado warnings, patrons will be asked to seek appropriate shelter within the building until the warning has expired. When blizzard conditions occur, the library will be closed. Weather related closings will be posted online on KIMT's closings page: www.kimt.com/weather/closings

4. Other closings, for whatever reason may arise, will be at the discretion of the Director and Board of Trustees.

8.3 Requests for Reconsideration

1. The Kanawha Public Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. We are sorry if any material in our collection is offensive. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated on our policies.

2. As stated earlier, the Kanawha Public Library supports The Library Bill of Rights and its amendments as adopted by the American Library Association. This document includes this statement: "As a responsibility of library service, books and other library materials selected should be chosen for values of interest, information and enlightenment of all the people of the community." The library staff realizes that everyone's tastes are different and that it is our responsibility to provide materials on a multitude of subjects and viewpoints in many styles.

3. The Kanawha Public Library believes in the rights of a free press as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America. Thus, the library collection, protected by the First Amendment, is a marketplace of ideas that are contained in varied and divergent materials.

4. The Kanawha Public Library believes that the responsibility for monitoring a child's reading, watching, or listening belongs to the parents or legal guardians of that child. The library is not responsible for such monitoring and will not refrain from selecting materials based on the possibility that any materials may come into the possession of children.

5. Individuals questioning material in the library collection are invited to speak with the Director and may be given copies of this policy and collection policies. If any patron honestly feels that a book or other item in our collection does not belong in the library of a free society, he/she is invited to fill out a "Request for Reconsideration" form available at the staff desk and return it to the Director. Only one item at a time will be reviewed so that thoughtful attention can be given to it by the Director and Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will review the request at a regularly scheduled board meeting and will respond in writing as soon as practical. Challenged materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft. Once the Board of Trustees has made a judgment on a Request for Reconsideration, the result shall be considered final for one year. If the reconsideration process ends with the item being withdrawn, that action will not be held as evidence of the Director having done a poor job of selection.

9.9 VOLUNTEERS

1. A volunteer shall be considered as any individual, 12 years of age or older, who contributes time, energy and talents directly or on behalf of the Kanawha Public Library and is not paid by library funds. Volunteers under age 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian. Volunteers under consideration may be subjected to a background check.

2. For all activities related to recruitment and retention of volunteers, the Kanawha Public Library does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation, national origin, marital status or political beliefs.

3. The library shall make use of the services of interested volunteers to supplement and not to replace the work done by library staff.

4. All volunteers must be accepted by the library director prior to performance of assigned tasks. Volunteers are selected based on their qualifications in relation to the needs of the library at any given time.

5. Volunteers are expected to act in accordance with library policies, including confidentiality requirements, and to reflect positive customer service attitudes to all library patrons. Volunteers are expected to follow the procedures established by paid staff members. A volunteer may be dismissed at any time at the Library’s sole discretion with or without cause. Causes for termination include but are not limited to:

• Not performing work at an appropriate level of capability

• Negative attitude, offensive language, inappropriate dress, or misconduct

• Reporting for duty under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Violation of city, state or federal laws

• Harassment

• Unexcused absences

  
  

• 6. Library owned equipment and supplies are for library use only and may not be used for personal business.

10.0 Equipment Use Policy

1. The Kanawha Public Library offers the public access to a printer, copy machine, fax machine, and laminator for nominal fees. Library staff will operate the equipment.

2. Fees for patron printer use are 10 cents per black and white copy and 50 cents per color copy. Each side of paper will be counted as a copy. The copyright laws of the United States (Title 17. U.S. code) govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The patron is liable for any infringement.

3. Fees for photocopy use, including enlargement and reduction, are 10 cents per black and white copy and 50 cents per color copy. Each side of paper will be counted as a copy. The copyright laws of the United States (Title 17. U.S. code) govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The patron is liable for any infringement.

4. Sending fax charges to United States numbers are $1.00 for the first page and $.50 cents each for the next pages. To send to international numbers, the charge is $2.00 for each page. Receiving fax charges are the same as copy/printer charges.

5. Lamination fees are $1.00 per 8.5 by 11 inch page no matter the size of the original piece. The laminator will only accept items up to this size (8.5 by 11 inches).

6. Kanawha city departments and the Kanawha Community Swimming Pool Inc may use the Smart TV and attached DVD player for online meetings and training. Equipment may not leave the city hall building. Requests will be made through the library director with a signed agreement form acknowledging responsibility for any loss or damage to these items and accompanying accessories. Any technical issues with usage should be reported to the library director so they can be addressed as soon as possible.

Wireless connection is also available and patrons are welcome to bring their own portable devices to access the Internet. Headphones are required for audio use. Library conduct rules still apply. No printing is available from the wireless network. Only web-based email is allowed. The library cannot guarantee a secure connection.

11.1 Waiver

The Kanawha Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, including its wireless connection, and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. Just as we do not restrict an individual's access to printed information, we cannot refuse access to Internet content that someone else may deem objectionable. The principles of intellectual freedom that apply to the traditional library also apply to this new "electronic" library.

Each user is responsible for complying with copyright laws and adhering to software licensing agreements, as well as all local, state, and federal laws including, but not limited to, those concerning fraud, privacy, harassment, obscenity, or child pornography. Failure to comply will result in the loss of privileges at the library and, if necessary, law enforcement action.

The Kanawha Public Library in not responsible for damage to patron's removable media, computer, or equipment, or for any loss of data or damage or liability that may occur from patron use of the library's computers or the library's access to the Internet.

As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

11.2 Staff Assistance

As with other library tools, staff may help patrons access the Internet and offer suggestions on starting a search. Patrons will want to practice to become proficient in Internet use. Staff may provide simple hands-off troubleshooting for patrons using their own portable devices.

11.3 Guidelines

1. Users must be in good standing with no outstanding long-overdue materials or excessive fines on any library account they hold.

2. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult or designated caregiver. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 will be asked to have a parent or legal guardian sign the User Agreement form. User agreement signature from a parent or guardian provides acknowledgement that the library is not responsible for monitoring the content that the minor views. (Since there is no separate access for children, library staff asks adult users to please be mindful of little eyes and ears around them.)

 3.Signing any user agreement forms also acknowledge responsibility for any hardware or software damage to any computers or portable electronic devices. Lost or damaged material fees will be based on a reasonable assessment of the cost of repair or replacement.

4. Computers and portable devices will be available for 30 minute time periods when others are waiting. Additional time will be granted as long as no one else is waiting. Patrons may reserve specific times for computer or device use (up to 60 minutes). Latecomers forfeit the unused portion of their reserved time or the reservation may be released to those waiting after 10 minutes. Special permission for extra time, such as taking a proctored test, will be granted on an individual basis.

5. Access of a free web based e-mail access. access of a free e-mail account is a privilege, not a right. Users have an obligations to mail in a responsible way. The library's staff reserves the right to revoke computer use at nay time for abuse of e-mail privileges.

 6. Only the library's software or apps may be used on the library devices. downloading of data and files may be done to a patron's removable media; for example, compact discs, and flash memory cards. Downloading to any library devices without permission is not allowed. Please be aware that data, files, and software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus and you may need to have virus-checking software on your own computer or equipment.

 7.. Information from the Internet may be printed off @ $.10 per copy and $.50 per colored copy. The copyright laws of the United States (Title 17. U.S. code) govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement.

 8. No portable devices or electronic equipment may leave the main room of the library unless it's being used by a staff member for library programming.

 9. If the use of computer, device, or Internet access results in disruption of library services or if behavior becomes inappropriate for a library setting, library staff reserves the right to end the session at any time and to suspend future computer privileges.

 10. No food or drink is allowed in the computer area or while using portable devices.

 11. Patrons are asked to please make use of the provided hand sanitizing lotion to keep the computers  and devices free of germs. Its use also prevents dirt/oil buildup which can decrease the life of the computer or device.

 12. Audio materials may be accessed as long as the patron is using headphones to contain the sound, and the volume is low enough to be inaudible to close bystanders.

13.0 Displays, Exhibits, & Public Notices Policy

 1. As an educational and cultural institution, the Kanawha Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information and enlightenment to the community. Displays of handiwork, historical material, nature study, or any other material deemed of general interest may be exhibited. The director shall accept or reject material offered for display based on its suitability and availability. The library's space restrictions will also be taken into account in the decision.

 2. The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of any item and no liability for possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the Library are there at the owner's risk.

 3. Public notices may be submitted for posting by nonprofit organizations for civic, educational, or cultural purposes. These organizations may also submit literature publicizing a specific event. Limited space generally allows only for short-term notices. The director must approve all postings and literature. Library staff will place and remove postings and literature promptly.

 4. If organizations wish notices or literature to be returned, a request must be made along with name and telephone number of person to be contacted at the end of display period. Otherwise, the Library will not be responsible for returning materials.

5. To keep from showing favoritism or political endorsement, the Library will not host petitions.

13.1 SALE OF NON-LIBRARY-RELATED MERCHANDISE

Groups and individuals may not sell merchandise, do fundraising, solicit contacts for later sales or placement of orders, or charge admission fees or tuition within the library. If groups offer materials in connection with study groups, conferences, and similar events, they may accept donations to cover the cost of materials.

Exception: Events sponsored by the Kanawha Public Library; the City of Kanawha; or county, service area, and state library groups are exempt from the above restrictions.

For example, if authors or musicians give a program for the library, they may sell copies of their books or music at the time of the program but may not leave copies of the books or music for the library to sell later.

Please note that the full policy manual of the Kanawha Public Library is available for public inspection from the staff at the library but may not be removed from the library premises. The library Board of Trustees minutes are also available from the Director for public inspection and may not be removed from the premises.

Please scroll to bottom of page to see link for listing of Board of Trustees members. Thank You.