Question 1

Library Mission, Vision, & Values

Accepted Answer

Mission:

The North Haven Memorial Library is your space to enjoy, explore, and connect.

Vision:

The North Haven Memorial Library will be a vibrant hub of connection, innovation, and learning, where all members of the community feel they belong and are valued.

Values:

Accessible and Welcoming:  All members of the community can comfortably access resources in spaces that meet their needs.
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Committed to Exceeding Library Users' Expectations: NHML will foster a healthy and supportive library staff culture that is reflected in delivering positive patron experiences.
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Always Curious: NHML is committed to supporting lifelong learning and fostering a sense of wonder and discovery, helping each person experience the joy of reading and the power of ideas.
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Collaborative Leaders: NHML leads by example, bringing together community members and groups, bridging gaps and supporting new ideas.
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A Gathering Place: NHML is the space where people of all ages can come together to experience community.

Question 2

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

Accepted Answer

The North Haven Memorial Library embraces and acknowledges the diversity in our community and workforce, including the differences in race, ethnicity, language, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, military status, physical or mental ability, or disability.
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The North Haven Memorial Library demonstrates its support by:
Developing and implementing programs and services that incorporate the differences that make us a community, ensuring fair and equitable treatment with access to all resources and programs.
Creating a safe workplace environment in which employees’ voices can be included, heard, valued, and treated with respect.
 
Per the Material Selection and Deselection Policy, the Library and the Library Board of Directors endorses and upholds the principles of the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement.

Click below to read each statement.
ALA Library Bill of Rights
ALA Freedom to Read Statement

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors January 19, 2023

Question 3

Cell Phone Policy

Accepted Answer

The use of cell phones in the Library can often prove disruptive to patrons and staff.  The use and provision of Library services and the conduct of Library business is of the utmost importance.
 
Cell phones are to be either turned off or the ringer set to vibrate (silent) upon entering the Library.
Patrons making and receiving calls must do so in the area designated for cell phone use.
Refusal to comply with this policy or its intent may result in expulsion from the Library.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors March 20, 2003
Revised November 17, 2016

Question 4

Circulation Policy

Accepted Answer

General Information
Any resident of North Haven is entitled to a library card, to borrow books and materials from our circulating collection, and to access online resources. Loan periods are established to allow adequate time for borrowers to use materials and to provide timely loan of materials in high demand. Borrowers assume responsibility for payment of fees or fines for designated materials returned late or those that are lost or damaged.

Library Card
Eligibility and Registration:
A library card is issued without charge to anyone who lives in North Haven. To qualify for a library card, one must provide proof of North Haven residence. Any form of photo identification listed below is accepted for this purpose:
 
Valid Photo ID:
Current CT driver’s license or state ID (issued by DMV) listing a North Haven residence
Current Passport listing a North Haven residence
Current Military ID listing a North Haven residence
Current School ID listing a North Haven residence

If you are a North Haven resident but your current photo identification is from out-of-state or lists an address outside of North Haven, you may still register for a library card by furnishing additional secondary documentation to prove North Haven residence.
 
Secondary Proof of Residence:
Current Connecticut motor vehicle registration
Current telephone or utility bill
Current item of mail with North Haven address
Checkbook with name and address imprinted
Current student report card or school schedule with North Haven address
Other official document showing North Haven address

Cards are issued for a five-year period. To update expired library cards, users must present valid photo identification as listed above.
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Patrons 18 and Under:
A card is issued to library users 18 or under with a parent/legal guardian and the child present. The parent/guardian must have a valid photo ID as stated above and proof of North Haven residency. By registering a minor for a library card, a parent/legal guardian agrees to accept legal responsibility for the return of their child’s library materials and to accept financial liability for the child’s library fines and other charges.
Library cards will be issued to users age 16 – 18 without a parent/legal guardian if the user has a valid photo ID with proof of North Haven residency.
If a child is part of a joint custody situation, two different cards may be issued in that child’s name if requested. Each card will have the identification information of the parent/guardian’s license number present at the time of registration listed in the record. The parent/guardian listed in the record will be held responsible for that card. A note will be attached to the record that states the following: Joint custody card: Parent/Guardian in record takes responsibility for items on this card only.
Parents/legal guardians who wish to obtain access to a minor’s library records must provide the child’s library card. If the child’s card is not available, the parent/legal guardian must provide identification that matches the information in the parent/guardian field of the minor’s record.

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Check Out and Account Access Requirements
When visiting the library, registered library card holders can only use their library card or a valid photo ID to check out materials or access their library account.
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Town Businesses and Group Homes
Businesses and Group Homes located in North Haven are eligible to receive a Business or Group Home Library Card at no cost. This card provides access to North Haven Memorial Library’s online databases and circulating collections. The card will be issued to the owner or officer who has the authority to assume financial responsibility for damaged or lost material fines. Requests for a Business Library Card or Group Home Library Card must be made on business letterhead and accompanied by a document showing proof of responsibility/ownership. Acceptable items include a tax bill, lease agreement, or utility bill reflecting the name of the business
Owners/Officers may designate up to two additional employees who are allowed to borrow materials on the Business or Group Home account. All Business and Group Home accounts require either the library card or a valid photo ID as listed above to be presented at the time of checkout.
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The Business and Group Home Library Cards may only be used in the North Haven library to check out materials or to access North Haven library’s online resources remotely. It may not be used to check out materials at other libraries or to request interlibrary loans outside of the LION consortium. Business and Group Homes are not permitted to borrow Museum and Entertainment Passes or Technology Equipment.
Business and Group Home cards are issued for a one-year period.
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Town Department Cards
Departments of the Town of North Haven are eligible to receive a library card at no cost. The card will be issued to the town department on the authority of a responsible party of the department.
Town Department Library cards are issued for a five-year period.

Replacement cards
For each library card registration period the North Haven library will provide patrons with one lost card replacement free of charge. Replacement of any additional lost cards during the same registration period will incur a $2 fee for each replacement.

Limitations on Material Loaned
There are no limits on the number of books or other materials borrowed by patrons, with the following exceptions:
If there is a great demand for books on a particular subject, or for some other reason designated by the library
Limit of one Museum and Entertainment Pass or Technology Equipment checkout per family, per loan period
Museum and Entertainment Passes will only be loaned to Adult patrons
Some Museum and Entertainment Passes may have additional limitations on use. Please check with the pass institution for details.
Technology Equipment will be loaned to Adult patrons
A parent/legal guardian may grant permission to patrons ages 14 – 18 to borrow technology equipment by signing a guardian acknowledgement form and accepting financial responsibility for the juvenile patron.

Renewals
A courtesy reminder email is sent 2 days before items are due. Eligible items that are checked-out will automatically renew 2 days before they are due. Eligible items are automatically renewed a maximum of two times unless a hold has been placed on the item. Hot Picks, Museum and Entertainment Passes, Lawn Games, Technology Equipment, Interlibrary Loan, and books with holds are not eligible for renewal. Items will not renew if the patron’s library card/account is blocked.
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Once items have reached the end of their maximum renewals, they must be returned to the library and cannot be checked out by the same patron for a period of 24 hours.
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Holds
Library materials may be held by patrons through either the library online catalog or via contacting the library directly. Patrons will be notified by email or phone when materials are available. If materials are not picked up within seven days, holds will be cancelled and the items will either be returned to the shelves or placed on hold for the next patron on the hold list.
Hot Picks, Museum and Entertainment Passes, Lawn Games, Cake Pans, Puppet Sets, and Technology Equipment are not eligible for holds through the online catalog.
With the exception of Hot Picks, all items above may be held for a 2-hour period.
Patrons must call the library to check item availability and to request this service.

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Overdue Materials
Patrons will not be charged overdue fines on materials owned by the North Haven Memorial Library with the exceptions of Museum and Entertainment Passes and Technology Equipment. For exempted materials, fines will not accrue on days the library is closed.

The above applies to items owned by the North Haven Memorial Library only. Overdue items belonging to any other LION or Connecticut library will follow that particular library’s lending and fine policies.
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Though overdue fines will not be charged, patrons are still responsible for any damaged or lost items. Long overdue items will be considered lost and enter billed status until replacement fees have been paid or the item(s) have been returned.

Lost or Damaged Material
Patrons are expected to return all borrowed material on time and in good condition. Material damaged or lost while in a patron’s possession are subject to the replacement cost. 
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Assessment of damaged items and replacement fees are determined by the library.  Patrons may keep damaged material when the full cost is collected.
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If a patron finds material that they considered lost that they had already paid for, they are welcome to keep the item or donate it back to the library.  Replacement costs are not refunded. 
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The library will not accept patron-purchased replacement copies for lost or damaged items.
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Suspension of Privileges
On accounts where a total of $25 or more in fines/fees have accrued, circulation privileges are suspended. To reinstate borrowing privileges, you must pay the necessary amount to bring your balance below $25.
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Reciprocal Borrowing
Reciprocal borrowing is a cooperative program among public libraries in Connecticut which allows a resident of any town in the state who holds a valid library card issued by their home library to use that card to borrow materials from any public library in the state that is participating in the program. Patrons are required to observe the policies of the lending library which may differ from North Haven when using reciprocal borrowing. These may include differences in loan periods, overdue fines, and processing fees in addition to the replacement cost of lost items.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors September 21, 2017
Revised November 21, 2019
Revised May 20, 2021
Revised January 20, 2022
Revised May 19, 2022
Revised September 15, 2022

Question 5

Collection Development and Maintenance Policy

Accepted Answer

Purpose
This policy of the North Haven Memorial Library (the "Library") provides direction for the growth and development of collections. The Library’s collection is the assemblage of books and other materials, in a variety of formats (print, electronic media, downloadable audio books, digital, etc.), owned or licensed and maintained by the Library and made available to the public at no cost. This policy applies to both the digital and print materials in the Library’s collection. The Library strives to select, acquire, curate and provide free and easy access to materials, in all formats that meet the varied needs and interests of the community. This policy provides guidance, within budgetary and space limitations, for the selection and evaluation of materials that anticipate and meet the needs of the community. It also addresses collection maintenance, replacement, and weeding of materials. The Library makes every effort to provide library materials for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all residents. Library materials should represent a wide range of varied and diverging viewpoints in the collection as a whole. The Library recognizes the importance of the public library as a place for voluntary inquiry, the dissemination of information and ideas, and promotion of free expression and free access to ideas by residents.
 
Specific acquisitions may include items that may be unorthodox, unpopular or controversial in nature. The Library’s acquisition of such items does not constitute endorsement of their content but rather allows for their free expression. The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom adopted by the American Library Association as expressed in its Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements. No library material, display or program shall be removed, or programs be cancelled, because of origin, background or viewpoints expressed in such material, display or program or because of the origin, background or viewpoints of the creator of such material, display or program. All library materials, displays, and programs are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the general statutes.
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Intellectual Freedom and Censorship
The Library Board of Directors endorses and upholds the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement.
Public libraries play a unique role in the preservation of democracy by providing an open, non-judgmental institution where individuals can pursue their interests and gain an understanding of diverse opinions. Libraries must continue to play an essential role in safeguarding the intellectual liberty of the public and they must recognize, understand, and support freedom of access. The North Haven Memorial Library’s Collection Development and Management Policy is guided by the principles of intellectual freedom which stem from the First Amendment of the Constitution, affirming a citizen’s right to hold beliefs and to express them. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press also apply to its counterpart, the right to unrestricted access to the expressions and beliefs of others. 
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Objectives
Using the aforementioned principles and following criteria for inclusion in the Library’s collection, the North Haven Memorial Library will strive to:
Provide the best materials available to meet the needs and wants, both present and anticipated, of a diverse and changing community.
Provide materials representing a broad range of points of view on public issues, which have political, economic, or social significance.
Provide access to a variety of opinions on matters of current interest and encourage freedom of expression.
Promote literacy and offer support for lifelong learning for all ages of the North Haven community.
Provide material for recreational interest that entertain and enhance the individual’s enjoyment of life as well as to maintain a collection of literary classics.
Maintain a virtual collection of resources that is accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
 
SELECTION CRITERIA/GUIDELINES
A. Responsibility for Selecting Library Materials
The Library Board delegates the oversight and management of the collection, within the guidelines of this policy, to the Library Director and staff that are professionally trained to curate and develop a collection that provides access to the widest array of library and educational materials.
Responsibility for the selection, maintenance, replacement, and weeding of materials rests with the designated professional staff under the overall direction of the Director
Consortium-level collections (LION) are governed by an additional set of collection criteria, listed in Libraries Online, Inc. Digital Collection Challenge Policy and Procedures.

B. Criteria to add items to the collection (purchased or donated)
The race, religion, nationality, or political views of an author or creator, offensive language, depictions or descriptions of violence or sexually explicit activity, controversial content of an item, or endorsement or disapproval by an individual or group in the community does not cause an item automatically to be included or excluded from the Library’s collection. Librarians review library and educational material within a public library using the following professionally accepted standards:
(An item need not meet all of the standards listed below to be included in the Library’s collection.)
Reviews in the professional journals and/or recognized award winners
Professional or literary reputation of the author, publisher, or producer
Reviews in popular media
Current interest, continued demand of material, or permanent value of material
Material relevance - importance as a document of the times, representation of an important movement, genre, trend, or national culture, including materials that reflect current conditions, trends, and controversies
Representation of diverse points of view
Local interest
Relation to existing collection and other materials on the subject
Organization and ease of use; clarity, accuracy, and logic of presentation
Treatment of subject for intended audience
Physical condition - Durability, attractiveness, and suitability of the format for library use
Availability of duplicates in our Library’s collection or elsewhere in the consortium or other local libraries
Availability from contracted vendors
Availability of age appropriate or grade-level material (see sections below for detail)
Cost, space, and availability of funds
Appropriateness in a public library collection (see below for content that will not be considered)

C. Criteria of materials that will not be purchased:
Textbooks, unless they are the only or best available resource on a subject
Legal, medical, academic, devotional religious works, and other highly technical works which can be found at other institutions
Rare books, except for works pertaining to the North Haven area, or the State of Connecticut
Audio or video cassettes, slides, filmstrips, and 16 mm films or material in other formats that have been superseded in popular use
Multiple copies of specific materials for special school assignments
Material that is difficult to acquire or is unavailable through public library vendors

D. Databases/Digital Collections
Wherever possible, the Library makes electronic information available in the library and remotely. In choosing to purchase or license electronic databases, the Library applies the same standards for selection as for print materials. However, the Library recognizes that it does not have the same control over electronic databases as it has over its in-house print materials. The Library will make every effort to provide assistance and ensure that the public learns how to use its electronic databases.
Born digital items are those materials created in a digital format. They are distinct from analog items that are subsequently digitized, such as paper manuscripts or photographs. In order to accept born digital items, the Library addresses:
Copyright and licensing
Redaction of personally identifiable information
Any restrictions on use or circulation
Maintenance and evolution of accepted formats

E. Children’s & Tween Materials Selection
The Children’s Department provides materials for children from infancy through fifth grade, ages 0-11
Children’s and Tween material includes, but is not limited to,downloadable and streaming materials, databases, apps,
Children’s and Tween materials are kept on open shelves where they are available to everyone.
Selection of library materials, in this and other collections, will not be restricted by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into a child’s possession. Children and Tweens are not restricted from borrowing any material based on age, content, or department. Children and Tweens may borrow materials from any section of the library.
The Library does not serve as “in loco parentis”. Ultimate responsibility for children’s reading, viewing, and listening rests with their parents or guardians.

F. Teen Materials Selection
The Teen Department provides materials to meet the personal, topical, and recreational needs of students in sixth through twelfth grade.
Teen material includes, but is not limited to,downloadable and streaming materials, databases, and apps.
Teen material is shelved in two sections in the Teen Department based on content and target age range
YT, Young Teen, based on the publisher’s target age range of 10 -13
YA, Young Adult, based on the publisher’s target age range of 13 -18
Selection of library materials, in this and other collections, will not be restricted by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into a teen’s possession. Teens are not restricted from borrowing any material based on age, content, or department.Teens may borrow materials from any section of the library.
The Library does not serve as “in loco parentis”. Ultimate responsibility for teen’s reading, viewing, and listening rests with their parent or guardian.

G. Self-Published Material
The North Haven Memorial Library welcomes the growing opportunities that new self-publishing methods offer local writers for expression. Typically, these works have not received reviews in standard published sources and may not meet the criteria for inclusion in the library’s collections (see previous sections). We desire to support local authors while maintaining the standards of the library’s collection. In addition to the criteria listed in the above guidelines, self-published work must meet additional criteria listed below to be included in the North Haven Memorial Library collection:
The Library may purchase or accept donations of self-published books if the material has been positively reviewed in professional journals or if there is strong evidence of appropriateness and meet the standard of professional, high-quality content.
Inclusion in the collection is at the discretion of the Library Director.
Self-published family histories or other similar genealogical materials will be added to the Local History Collection at the discretion of the Library Director.

H. Special Considerations
User recommendations are seriously considered and are judged using the above criteria.
Three individual requests from North Haven residents for a title will constitute consideration for purchase
Duplicate copies of in-demand materials may be purchased based on the number of requests received for a title
Local authors or works of local history will be purchased at the discretion of the Library Director
Works of local authors donated as gifts will be included in the collection if they are consistent with the principles outlined in this policy

I. Gifts and Donations
The Library welcomes gifts of books and other materials for the collection and applies to them the same standards of selection that govern purchases. Gift materials are accepted with the understanding that those that meet the library's selection criteria may be retained and those that do not may be redistributed to the Friends of the North Haven Library. See the Library’s Gifts Policy for more information.

J. Controversial Materials
The Library recognizes that some materials may not be considered appropriate by all patrons. Selections will not be made based upon anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the work in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the interests of the overall library patron community.
Responsibility for the reading, listening and viewing habits of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. The Library maintains several age-appropriate collections for children and teens. Materials may be reassigned among these sub-collections based on the age appropriateness of the content. Selection of adult material will not be inhibited by the possibility that books may inadvertently come into the possession of children. The removal, exclusion or censoring of any book on the sole basis that an individual finds such book offensive is prohibited.
Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and no catalogued book or other item will be removed from the open shelves except for the express purpose of protecting it from damage or theft.
The decision by an author, publisher, or other content creator to withdraw their work from the market and stop selling or publishing it will not be considered sufficient reason alone for the Library to withdraw it from the collection.

K. Reconsideration Criteria
The North Haven Memorial Library Board of Directors recognizes the importance of hearing from the public regarding material selection. The library administration and staff seriously consider suggestions made by North Haven residents and taxpayers. The completion of the and does not guarantee either accession to the collection or removal from the collection but does ensure the attention of library staff to user opinion, interests, and concerns. The Library limits consideration of requests to reconsider materials, displays or programs to individual residents of North Haven (no groups or non-residents may submit requests for reconsideration). If after reviewing this policy in its entirety, a North Haven resident would like to request that material be reconsidered, please refer to the Materials, Display, and Program Review and Reconsideration Policy and Materials, Display, and Program Review and Reconsideration Form. Please note that any/all items that have been requested for reconsideration will remain on open shelves and accessible to the public while under reconsideration.
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COLLECTION MAINTENANCE
In addition to acquiring new materials, it is important to remove from the existing collection those items no longer deemed useful or relevant. This policy provides authority for the systematic and regular evaluation of the existing collection and subsequent withdrawal of worn, obsolete or infrequently used materials and supports the public’s right of access to an appealing and relevant collection. The NHML staff systematically review the collection with the goal of maintaining the quality and vitality of library resources. Collection analysis incorporates the use of library data, circulation reports, and other statistical information for continuous collection evaluation, as well as the use of the patron reconsideration process.
 
A. Weeding Criteria
Weeding in this context is defined as the process of evaluating books and other physical materials to determine whether they will be retained, relocated, or replaced. Selection of materials for discarding is based on the “CREW” method, which stands for Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding, and is a professional guide for reviewing and withdrawing materials from each library collection. Materials will be reevaluated and discarded on an ongoing basis by library staff.
Lack of demand, obsolete or erroneous information, and poor condition, i.e., items suffering from water/mold damage or other conditions that make their retention hazardous, will be the main reasons for withdrawing material from the collection.

B. Replacement Criteria
While the NHML attempts to have copies of standard and important works, it does not automatically replace all materials missing or withdrawn. The same criteria that apply to original selections also apply to replacements. The decision to replace items is based on the following criteria:
Availability of other copies or editions in the Library’s or the consortium’s collection
Public interest
Adequacy of coverage in the subject area
Circulation of withdrawn or missing item
Availability from library vendors
 
POLICY LOCATION
This policy is housed on the North Haven Memorial Library website: http://northhavenlibrary.net/policies. A copy is maintained in the library’s Administration Office. This policy is in accordance with Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322, 323. The Library neither approves nor disapproves of the views expressed in materials included in the collection.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors September 21, 2023. 
Revised and approved October 15, 2025.

Question 6

Code of Conduct Policy

Accepted Answer

PURPOSE
The North Haven Memorial Library encourages the public to use its facilities, materials and services to fulfill the Library’s Mission Statement.  The Library’s Code of Conduct Policy has been established to protect the rights of the public and the staff to use the Library, and its services, without disruption. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statues Section 11-20 & 21*, the Library Board of Directors is empowered to make rules of conduct to provide a safe and pleasant atmosphere conducive to these purposes for all patrons.
 
POLICY
Patrons must comply with federal, state, and local laws, including, without limitation, those that concern the following:
 
Animals
Refer to Service Animal Policy.
 
Bicycles
Wheeled devices including skateboards, in-line skates, bicycles, hover boards, scooters, and other wheeled devices that are not recognized as mobility devices for the handicapped may not be used in the Library.
 
Children/Adults Unable to Care for Themselves
Children under the age of 12 must not be left unattended (refer to Unattended Children’s Policy).  Adults who are unable to care for themselves must be attended to and have adequate supervision by another adult at all times.  In order to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for children and parents in the children’s area, adult patrons who are not engaged in Library activity which requires material from the children’s area will be asked to relocate to other areas of the Library.
 
Dress
Patrons are required to wear footwear, shirts, and overall proper attire.
 
Entrance/Exits
Patrons must maintain orderly and safe entry/exit of the Library by not loitering in high traffic areas, doorways, aisles, and stairways.
 
Food
Consumption of food or beverages is not permitted except in designated areas and at designated functions.  All beverages must have lids. 
 
Harassment
Disorderly conduct or any behavior which disrupts use of the Library or interferes with the Library’s operation is not permitted on Library grounds. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, verbal or physical abuse, harassing or threatening behavior including bullying and cyberbullying, using obscene or abusive language or gestures, and displaying, broadcasting, and/or webcasting content that is inappropriate in a library setting.
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Hygiene
Patrons may be asked to leave the premises if they exhibit offensive body odor due to poor personal hygiene or smell of an overpowering perfume or cologne which interfere with the use and enjoyment of the Library by other persons as well as the Library staff while performing their job duties.
 
Inappropriate Use of the Library Building/Equipment
Patrons shall not use Library study rooms, meeting rooms, restrooms, or any Library property in a way other than for its designated purpose.  Library premises may not be used for social gatherings, soliciting, laundering, shaving, hair cutting/trimming, bathing, sleeping, or sexual activity of any type. 
Using or abusing furniture or equipment in an unintended manner, including, but not limited to, standing or lying on tables or chairs, or putting feet on any furniture is prohibited.
Library furnishings and materials are not to be rearranged or disarranged by patrons without permission of Library staff.
Entering non-public areas without permission is prohibited.
Unauthorized use of the Library’s computer network or failure to comply with the Public Computer and Wireless Internet Access Policy may result in suspension of Library privileges.
 
Interference with Staff
Patrons may not interfere with staff members’ performance of duties on Library property.  This includes, but is not limited to:
Engaging in conversation or behavior that monopolizes the attention of a staff member for an inappropriate period of time.
Making inappropriate personal comments, sexual advances, harassment of any kind.
Refusing to comply with staff requests.
 
Lewd Behavior
Patrons may not view pornographic materials on the Internet or via other means.  
Patrons may not engage in sexual activity, contact, or any act of lewdness or inappropriate exposure.
 
Littering
Patrons are expected to dispose of litter in the receptacles supplied throughout the Library.
 
Noise/Language
Loud talking is not permitted including, but is not limited to, the use of profanity or other abusive language.  Other noises that may disturb other persons in the Library, including but not limited to, noises from electronic, entertainment, and communication devices are prohibited. 
Persons disrupting others may be asked to relocate or leave the building.
The Library requires all individuals to set their cell phones to no-ring or vibrate mode upon entering the Library.
Individuals needing to use a cell phone to make or receive calls while in the Library must go to a designated privacy phone booth, located on the first and second floors, an enclosed group study room, or the lobby.
Voices must be kept at a reasonable level so as not to disturb other Library patrons.
 
Photography/Recording
Photographing or recording without prior permission of Library Administration and those persons being photographed or recorded is not permitted.
 
Protection of Library Property
Damaging, defacing, or misusing any Library materials or property is prohibited. This includes disabling Library equipment, changing the hardware or software settings on a Library computer, or using a Library computer for a purpose other than that designated by the Library. 
Library staff members may request that users discontinue using equipment if abuse of the equipment is noted or if users are not complying with the guidelines governing the use of the equipment. 
 
Public Health Emergencies
Patrons are expected to observe all personal safety measures and restrictions mandated by the government and/or local health department during a public health emergency while using Town of North Haven Library services. These may include, but are not limited to:
Wearing a face mask/cover while inside the Library.
If a patron is unable to wear a face mask/cover upon entry, documentation from a medical provider stating that the patron is unable to wear a face mask/cover due to medical reasons must be provided to the Library Director (or designee) immediately upon entering the Library.
Complying with social distancing guidelines and observing directional signage and social distancing markers.
Any other health or safety restrictions mandated by the State, Town, or local health department.
 
Sleeping/Loitering
Habitually sleeping or snoring in the Library is not permitted, nor is loitering.
 
Smoking/Drugs
Smoking e-cigarettes, vaping, as well as using other tobacco products is not allowed in the Library building or on Library grounds. The use of alcohol, narcotics, or hallucinogens on Library property is prohibited as well as being at the Library under the influence of alcohol or drugs or displaying such behavior.
 
Soliciting
Conducting a survey, petitioning, canvassing, or selling any goods or services is not permitted in the library or on library premises with the exceptions of library sponsored events (with prior Library Administration approval) and the North Haven Library Friends bookstore.  Soliciting funds or signatures, panhandling, gambling, etc. is also not permitted.
 
Weapons
Carrying a weapon or anything that can be reasonably construed as a weapon is prohibited on Library premises.
 
Unattended Bags
Packages, briefcases, backpacks and any other containers are not to be left unattended. Unattended items are subject to confiscation.
The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged in or on the grounds of the Library.
Items should not block access to aisles, doorways, stairways, walkways, elevators, or ramps. 
Items may be examined at any time.
Bringing large items into Library facilities is not permitted.
 
Other
Patrons may not engage in any other unsafe or potentially unsafe behavior or any disruptive behavior as determined by Library staff or security.
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POLICY VIOLATION:
Failure to adhere to these rules may result in loss of Library privileges.
Patrons who do not follow the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy may be asked to leave the premises.
They may also be arrested or be subject to other legal action.
 
*Charter 190 – Public Libraries
Sec. 11-20. Establishment. Gifts. Pensions. Any town, city, borough, fire district or incorporated school district may, by ordinance, establish a public library and may expend such sums of money as may be necessary to purchase land for a suitable site and to provide and maintain such suitable rooms or buildings as may be necessary for such library or for any library which is the property of any corporation without capital stock or for any public library established in such municipality, provided the use of such library shall be free to its inhabitants under such regulations as its trustees prescribe. Any such municipality may receive, hold and manage any devise, bequest or gift for the establishment, increase or maintenance of any such library within its limits and may retire with a pension or other reward any employee of any such library.
Sec. 11-21. Board of trustees. In the absence of any other provision therefor, the management of the public library in any municipality, fire district or incorporated school district which has established such library under the provisions of section 11-20 shall be vested in a board of trustees, consisting of a number divisible by three to be elected in the manner provided in section 9-207. Such board may make bylaws for its government and shall have exclusive right to expend all money appropriated by such municipality for any such library.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors January 1, 2009
Revised September 17, 2020
Revised January 20, 2022

Question 7

Gift Materials Policy

Accepted Answer

The North Haven Memorial Library welcomes monetary gifts and bequests.

The Library accepts gifts of Library materials but reserves the right to evaluate them for permanent inclusion in the collection in accordance with the same principles and criteria set forth in the Material Selection Policy. Arrangement for gifts may be made through the Library Director, subject to Town policy.

The Library will determine the inclusion, classification, location, and circulation status of all gift items just as with purchased items.
 
The Library reserves the right to add, sell, or discard any donated items.

No conditions may be imposed by the donor as to the disposition of the materials.
 
The Library cannot render a legal appraised statement of value.  
 
A donor must be willing to assign proper and legal title which can include copyright and
 
Literary rights to all gift books, manuscripts, and other materials that have significant monetary value.
 
Acceptance of materials that require expensive maintenance or preservation will have to be referred to the Board of Selectman so that necessary maintenance appropriations can be made at the time of acceptance.  Original works, crafts, artifacts, furniture, and items large enough or of a nature to be considered permanent and non-circulating will be referred to the Library Board of Directors for consideration before final acceptance is given.
 
Bookplates or labels may be affixed to gift items indicating the donor or person the gift honors.
 
The Library reserves the right to refuse any gift.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors March 18, 1982
Revised January 19, 2017

Question 8

Library Display And Information Distribution Policy

Accepted Answer

Purpose
As part of its goals to be a welcoming, comfortable place to visit and create community connections, spark curiosity and encourage imagination, and promote lifelong learning, the North Haven Memorial Library offers several ways for community members and library staff to share information and showcase their talents and interests. These include community bulletin boards, display cases, print material racks, patron-curated displays, and library-curated displays.
 
Library displays should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all residents and community members. Library displays provide access to content that is relevant to the research, independent interests and educational needs of residents and should represent a wide range of varied and diverging viewpoints. The purpose of this policy is to show how displays and displayed information can be used and how they are managed.
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Intellectual Freedom and Censorship
The choice of library materials by patrons is an individual matter. The Library recognizes that some materials may be controversial or offensive to an individual but maintains that individuals can apply their values only to themselves. The selection of library materials is predicated on the customer’s right of access to information and freedom from censorship. Selections will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but on the merits of the material itself.     
Selection of materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into the possession of or be seen by minors. No one can exercise censorship to restrict access to library materials by others. It is the parents' or guardians' responsibility to determine which library materials are appropriate for their children. The North Haven Memorial Library supports intellectual freedom and endorses the American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, the Library Bill of Rights and all relevant interpretations.
Acceptance of material for display or exhibit by the Library does not constitute an endorsement by the North Haven Memorial Library of the content of the display or exhibit, or of the views expressed in the materials on display. Content on any display (patron or library staff-curated) does not constitute endorsement by the North Haven Memorial Library or of the views expressed in the materials on display. All library materials are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the general statutes.
 
Bulletin Boards, Building Signs, and Digital Signage
All items requested for display on the Library’s Community Bulletin Board shall be submitted to the Library for approval prior to posting.
A designated staff member will post and remove approved items on the Community Bulletin Board.
The Library will not accept personal, political, religious, social points of view, notices for commercial services, items for sale, business cards, fundraising requests other than for charitable/non-profit organizations, or profit-making information for display or distribution.
The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation of the material submitted for bulletin board display.
Display space is limited. The placement of posters and handouts shall be at the discretion of the Library. Preferred size is 8 ½” x 11”, not to exceed 8 ½ x 14” in size.Exceptions may be made by the Library Director.
Items will be displayed for a limited period of time and removed by library staff in order to make room for newer items. Items which are removed will be discarded.
Unauthorized items which have been posted will be removed and discarded.
Unsolicited items which do not meet the Library’s criteria will be discarded.
Items are not accepted for permanent display.
Items on display or available for handout do not imply endorsement by the Library or Town.
The bulletin board in the Children’s Department is intended for that department’s activities and flyers.
Digital signage is for the Library, Friends of the Library, and Town of North Haven use only. Information about Library and Town programs and services will be displayed on the Library’s digital signage.
Signs posted on the library doors, windows, or elevator will be for Library information and programs only.
As needed, special Board and Commission notices for the Town of North Haven may also be posted in these locations.

Brochure Rack and Handouts
The Library often serves as a distribution point for free literature. All items being requested for distribution at the Library shall be submitted to the Library for approval prior to distribution.  The Library does not allow free copies of personal, political, religious, profit-making pamphlets, notices for commercial services, items for sale, business cards, or fundraising requests to be distributed or left on premises. Items which fall into the following categories will be distributed on a space available basis, pending the Library’s approval:
Library or Town informational pamphlets (example – Senior Center newsletters, Recreation Department activities, library program brochures and resource pamphlets)
Community publications – (example - local newspapers/magazines, book review publications)
Educational materials (example - Adult Education brochures)
Information on Connecticut points of interest
Local, state, and federal government information

Any material left at the Library without permission, or which does not meet these guidelines, will be discarded. Items on display or available for handout do not imply endorsement by the Library or Town.

Patron-Curated Displays and Exhibits
A. Principles and Criteria
The North Haven Memorial Library allows community groups and individuals to use the various display and exhibit areas in its building, as part of its mission to provide free resources that inspire reading, guide learning and encourage individual exploration, and to encourage and support the civic, intellectual, and cultural pursuits of the community. Space may be provided for displays of an educational, cultural, intellectual, charitable, or recreational nature, and for exhibiting works of area artists and craftspeople. Displays with materials from the Library’s collection, or displays that publicize library services, collections, or activities, will be prioritized.
The following criteria are used for the selection of patron-curated displays:
Artistic merit
Contemporary significance, popular interest, or permanent value
Prominence, authority, and/or competence of artist
Attention of critics and reviewers
Potential for public interest
Timeliness of material
Relation to existing collections and exhibitions
Statement of challenging, original, or alternative point of view
Authenticity of historical, regional, or social setting

Art and exhibits must be deemed suitable for display in a public library setting. Works will not be accepted for exhibition if the item is deemed to be offensive to viewers. This includes: 
Graphic depictions of sexuality or violence
Works that appear designed to ridicule deeply held beliefs or to disparage others for their race, religion, gender, sexual identity, ethnicity, nationality, politics, etc.

Art and Exhibits may not contain:
Advertisements of products or services
Prices of articles for sale
Request for contributions
Petitions or political campaign materials

The Library does not accept responsibility for ensuring that all points of view are represented in any single exhibit. Granting of permission to display materials does not imply Library endorsement of content or points of view. Art and exhibit items must abide by all other Library policies.
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B. Exhibit Guidelines
The Library reserves the right to determine at its sole discretion what materials will be displayed as well as scheduling, duration, and assignment of display spaces. The Library has the right to review the materials in advance. The Library’s decision on what will be displayed in its exhibit spaces shall be final. The Adult Reference Librarian, Teen Librarian, and the Children’s Librarian, under the direction of the Library Director, are responsible for selecting temporary exhibits based on the Library’s needs and appropriateness to exhibit space available.
Exhibits are limited to a one-month duration, from the first of the month to the last day of the month that the library is open.
Scheduling for all art displays and exhibits must be made in advance.
Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
No individual or group should expect to exhibit their items more than once a year.
Exhibit locations available:
Hanging art in the Community Room
Hanging art above the computers in the Children’s Department
Exhibit showcase in the Children’s Department
Exhibit showcases in the lobby
Tabletop exhibit space in the Teen Department
The Library reserves the right to change or remove exhibit space locations.
The exhibitor is responsible for the installation and dismantling of their art or exhibits as scheduled.
The exhibitor shall remove the exhibit promptly on the agreed upon date.
The Library has the right to remove exhibit materials if they aren’t picked up by the agreed upon date. Exhibit materials may be disposed of if not claimed within 30 days.
The Library does not provide insurance coverage for exhibit items.
Exhibitors are responsible for providing coverage for items exhibited or exhibiting at their own risk.
Library staff will not monitor or secure exhibits.
The exhibitor must release the Library from any responsibility for loss or damage to works on display, during set-up, during breakdown, or while being transported to or from the Library.
Labels for exhibit items are furnished by the exhibitor. Labels must be neat and attractive and attached to the exhibition items or on display shelves. Labels may not to be attached to the wall or the exhibit case.
Art and exhibit items must abide by all other Library policies.

Library-Curated Displays and Exhibits
Library-curated displays are created by professionally trained library staff to inform, educate, and inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds. They are intended to reflect a broad spectrum of ideas and viewpoints for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas and to promote free expression and free access to ideas by North Haven residents.
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Principles and Criteria
By offering access to content that supports research, independent inquiry, and lifelong learning, displays help meet the diverse needs of the community. The North Haven Memorial Library affirms the value of thoughtfully curated displays as an essential means of promoting intellectual freedom and ensuring equitable access to information for all. The Library will strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in library-initiated displays, as well as offer displays and exhibits that appeal to a range of ages, interests, and information needs.
The final responsibility for the display of library materials is held by the Library Director, but day-to-day responsibility is shared by library employees that are professionally trained to curate and develop displays. Library staff uses the following criteria in making decisions about display topics, materials, and accompanying resources:
Community needs and interest
Availability of display space
Historical, cultural, or educational significance
Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events
Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits, and programs
The Library may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays and exhibits

Library-curated displays and exhibits shall not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely because they may be considered to be controversial.
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Procedures for the Questioning of Library Displays/Exhibits
The Library limits consideration of requests to reconsider materials, displays, or programs to residents of North Haven. If after reviewing this policy in its entirety, a North Haven resident would like to request that material be reconsidered, please refer to the Material Review and Reconsideration Policy and Material Review and Reconsideration Form. Please note that any/all items that have been requested for reconsideration will remain on open shelves and accessible to the public while under reconsideration.
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Policy Location:
This policy is housed on the North Haven Memorial Library website: http://northhavenlibrary.net/policies. A copy is maintained in the Library’s Administrative Office. This policy is in accordance with Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322, 323. The Library neither approves nor disapproves of the views expressed in any program offered and/or presented at the Library.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors on October 15, 2025.

Question 9

Library Program Policy

Accepted Answer

Purpose:
The North Haven Memorial Library staff plan and implement programs to support the Library’s goals to be a welcoming, comfortable place to visit and create community connections, spark curiosity and encourage imagination, and promote lifelong learning. Programming is an integral component of library services that promote and complement the North Haven Memorial Library’s other services and collections. It supports the Library's role as the center of the community.
Programs are provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all residents and aim to represent a wide range of varied diverging viewpoints and will provide access to content that is relevant to the research, independent interests and educational needs of residents. The Library recognizes the importance of programs as resources for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas and to promote free expression and free access to ideas by residents. This policy provides guidelines for the development, management, and oversight of programs presented by the North Haven Memorial Library.
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Definition of a Program:
A library program is a free event*, virtual or in-person, planned by the North Haven Memorial Library staff for the benefit of North Haven and the surrounding community who opt to attend. It may involve outside presenters, facilitators, or performers and may be presented in cooperation with other entities. Please note: Use of a public meeting room by an organization or individual to hold a public event is not a library program. (*Please note, some programs or classes may require a nominal materials or activity fee.)
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Scope: 
This policy applies to all Library-sponsored programs. 
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Roles and Responsibilities: 
The Adult Reference Librarian, Teen Librarian, and the Children’s Librarian, under the direction of the Library Director, are responsible for selecting, planning, scheduling, and implementing programs. Designated library staff are responsible for the development, coordination and supervision of library programs. The final responsibility for the library program is held by the Library Director, but day-to-day responsibility is shared by library employees that are professionally trained to curate and develop programs.
Attendees are responsible for complying with the Library's Code of Conduct Policy.
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Procedures: 
A. Program Selection
The North Haven Memorial Library strives to present programs that are educational, informational, cultural or recreational and avoids programs that do not meet these standards. Program selection is based upon the suitability of topic, format, and intended audience. A program will not be excluded because its topic may be regarded by some as controversial.
Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute or imply an endorsement of the content or of the presenter of the program.
Program selection is based upon the suitability of topic, format, and intended audience. Library staff plan and implement programs that support the Library’s mission using the following criteria:
An educational, informational, cultural, or recreational value to the community
Popular appeal
Historical, cultural, informational, or educational significance
Availability of meeting room space
Background and qualifications of presenter in content area
Supports the library’s collections and resources
Connection to community partners and agencies
Budget

B.    Program Development, Coordination and Supervision:
Library programs may originate from library staff, partnering institutions or members of the public. In the event of a co-sponsored program, supervision of the program may be delegated to the co-sponsoring organization depending upon the timing and venue of the program. All programs sponsored or co-sponsored by the Library, however, must abide by this policy regardless of where they are hosted.
All programs must adhere to the Library’s Meeting Room Policy, as well as the following criteria:
Programs of a commercial nature or those designed for the advertisement, solicitation, or promotion of business or commercial products are prohibited.
Partisan political programs are prohibited. Programs that support or oppose any political candidate or ballot measure will not be approved or offered by the Library.
Educational programs, such as candidate forums that include invitations to all recognized candidates, may be offered.
Programs are planned to be inclusive of all cultures and of all religions as well as no religion. Programs that support or oppose a specific religion will not be approved or offered.
Library programs may address religious themes to educate or inform, but not to promote, observe or proselytize a particular religious conviction.
Holiday programs may be offered for entertainment. Programs must adhere to criteria in the Library’s Meeting Room Policy.
Presenters cannot require program registration.
Presenters may not access the library’s program registration information.
Presenters may not request or collect any contact information from program attendees including phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, or social media handles. Presenters may not request attendees fill out any surveys, evaluations, or program feedback forms.
Presenters may provide their own contact information after a program has concluded so that attendees can voluntarily contact them if they so choose.

Those interested in partnering with the Library for presentation may submit a Program Proposal Form to the corresponding department for consideration.
A signed Program Agreement Form is required by the Library for all presenters/performers.
Publicity for a Library-sponsored program will be created by library staff. If a presenter has their own publicity for a library program, library staff must approve it before publication. Promotion of a program does not constitute an endorsement by the Library of the views, beliefs, or policies of the presenter or program.

C.    Program Materials
As a convenience to attendees, performers or authors may sell books, CDs, DVDs or other ancillary materials related to the content of their program at the conclusion of their library program, with prior approval from the Library Director.
Presenters are encouraged to donate a copy of their work to the library for possible inclusion in the library collection.

D.   Program Access/Attendance
Library programs are free and open to the public; however, some programs or classes may require a nominal materials or activity fee.
Registration, on a first-come first-serve basis, may be required when space is limited, but pre-registration does not guarantee seating.
For programs targeted to a specific audience, e.g. children or teens, and promoted as such, preferential admission may be limited to those individuals as the Library deems appropriate. The intended age for each program will be clearly listed with the program on the library’s events calendar. The Library reserves the right to deny attendance to programs with specific age restrictions.
Parents or guardians are responsible for their child’s access to programs. As stated in the Unattended Children Policy:
A parent or caregiver who is 14 years old or older must remain within eyesight and actively supervise all children aged 0-5 during library programs.
A parent or caregiver who is 14 years old or older must remain inside the library, and be reachable when their child, aged 6-11, attends a library program.
Adults who are not accompanying an age-appropriate child(ren) for Children’s programs may only attend with permission from the program staff member.
The North Haven Memorial Library reserves the right to photograph, record and publish images/recordings of individuals and groups attending library services and programs. Program participants should expect that photographs/video will be taken at events and used on library communications.
Participants may request from a staff member that their image, or that of their child, not be used by the Library for these purposes.
Any individual requiring accommodation to participate in a library program should contact the Adult Reference Librarian two weeks prior to the program.
The Library reserves the right to deny attendance to programs for those who show disruptive behavior at a library program.

E.    Virtual Program Delivery
Some library programs may be offered using a library-approved virtual meeting platform that registered patrons may use to access the virtual program from their own internet-enabled devices. This may include programs that are simultaneously run at the physical Library as well as programs that are offered only virtually.
While hosting a virtual program, library staff, partnering organizations, and program facilitators will follow industry standard best practices for virtual events including:
Some virtual programs may be pre-recorded and broadcast via the internet or recorded as presented for later viewing. In the event an interactive program is being recorded, attendees will be informed of that fact at the start of the program.
Live virtual programs require advanced registration.
Registered participants will receive via email a link to log on to the program and must not share that link with others.
Information collected during the registration process will be used only to communicate information about that program or to confirm eligibility to participate in that program.
Patrons attending virtual programs are expected to adhere to the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy and failure to do so may result in their immediate removal from said program.
The Library will make all reasonable efforts to ensure the digital security of virtual events; however, attendees must understand that all online activity carries some degree of risk.
Patrons are required to provide their own equipment and internet connection to attend virtual programs. The Library will make a good faith effort to utilize platforms that will be compatible with the widest array of hardware and software but makes no guarantee that every patron will be capable of accessing every library program successfully. Nor can the Library guarantee the quality of the audio, video, or internet connection of program presenters or attendees.

F.    Program Evaluation
To provide the highest quality and most useful programming, library staff will gather information about program results to guide future programming decisions. Outputs, such as the number of attendees at a program, will be gathered for all or almost all programs. Outcomes, such as how well the content of a program helped attendees learn about the program’s topic, will be gathered at times when such data is required for grant reporting or would be helpful in evaluating a new program topic or format.

G.   Procedures for the Questioning of Library Programs by Patrons
The Library limits consideration of requests to reconsider materials, displays or programs to residents of North Haven. If after reviewing this policy in its entirety, a North Haven resident would like to request that a program be reconsidered, please refer to the Material, Display, and Program Review and Reconsideration Policy and Material, Display, and Program Review and Reconsideration Form. Please note that any/all programs that have been requested for reconsideration will continue to be offered and open to the public while under reconsideration.
All library materials, displays, and programs are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the general statutes.
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Policy Location:
This policy is housed on the North Haven Memorial Library website: http://northhavenlibrary.net/policies. A copy is maintained in the Library’s Administrative Office. This policy is in accordance with Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322, 323. The Library neither approves nor disapproves of the views expressed in any program offered and/or presented at the Library.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors September 21, 2017
Updated September 18, 2025
Revised and approved October 15, 2025

Question 10

Material, Display, and Program Request for Reconsideration Policy

Accepted Answer

The North Haven Memorial Library welcomes expressions of opinion concerning materials, programs or displays. A North Haven resident with a vested interest who wishes that a specific item, program or display be reconsidered is asked to complete and submit Material, Display, and Program Review and Reconsideration Form. In accordance with Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322, 323, the North Haven Memorial Library abides by the following statutory requirements:

General Guidelines
All library materials are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the general statutes. No library material, display, or program shall be removed, or programs be cancelled, because of the origin, background, or viewpoints expressed in such material, display, or program or because of the origin, background or viewpoints of the creator of such material, display or program.
Library materials, displays and programs shall only be excluded for legitimate pedagogical purposes or for professionally accepted standards of collection maintenance practices as adopted in the Collection Development and Maintenance Policy or the Library Display and Information Distribution Policy or the Library Program Policy.
The materials review and reconsideration process for North Haven town residents to challenge any library material, display or program shall neither favor nor disfavor any group based on protected characteristics. Requests for review will not be accepted by anyone who does not reside in North Haven, Connecticut.
Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of contents. Selections will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of minors. Such responsibility lies with the parent or guardian. Any library material being challenged will remain available in the Library according to its catalog record and be available to reserve, check out or access until a final decision is made by the Library Director.
The individual completing a reconsideration form must include specific information about which portion or portions of such material they object to and provide an explanation of the reasons for such objection. The Material, Display, and Program Review and Reconsideration Form must include the individual's full legal name, address, and telephone number.
An individual completing the Material, Display, and Program Review and Reconsideration Form must provide their full legal name, address, phone number, and email address. The form must be filled out in its entirety in order for material, displays, or programs to be reviewed and reconsidered.  Incomplete Material, Display, and Program Review and Reconsideration Forms submissions WILL NOT considered.
Reconsideration requests are not confidential patron records under section 11-25 of the general statutes.

Review Process
The Library Director, along with appropriate staff, will evaluate a completed Material, Display, and Program Review and Reconsideration Form, read the challenged material in its entirety, evaluate the challenged material against the Collection Development and Maintenance Policy and make a written decision on whether or not to remove the challenged material not later than sixty days from the date of receiving such request. The Library Director is permitted to consolidate any requests for reconsideration of the same challenged library material.
 
The Library Director shall provide a copy of the Library Director's decision and report to the individual who submitted the form. The Library permits an individual who submitted Material, Display, and Program Review and Reconsideration Form to appeal, in writing, the Library Director's decision to the Library Board of Directors.
 
The Library Board of Directors shall:
Consult with (i) the Library Director, (ii) the State Librarian, or the State Librarian's designee, (iii) a representative of the cooperating library service unit, as defined in section 11-9e of the general statutes, (iv) the President of the Connecticut Library Association, or the President's designee, and (v) the president of the Association of Connecticut Library Boards, or the President's designee,
Deliberate on such request for reconsideration,
Provide a written statement of the reasons for the reconsideration or refusal  to reconsider the library material, and
Provide any final decision that is contrary to the decision of the Library
 
Once a decision has been made by the Library Director or the Library Board of Directors or other governing board on the reconsideration of any library material, such material cannot be subject to a new request for reconsideration for a period of three years. The Library Director shall summarize the previous decision in response to any new request for reconsideration during that three-year time period.
 
The Library is prohibited by state statutes from removing, excluding, or censoring any book on the sole basis that an individual finds such book offensive.
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Request for Review of shared digital collection items in the LION consortium
Individual libraries in the LION consortium, including the North Haven Memorial Library, do not have the authority to remove items in the LION collection.
In the case of a request by a North Haven resident for removal of a material from, or to not purchase material for the shared digital collection items in the LION consortium, please refer to LION’s Policy.
Inquiries should be directed to info@lioninc.org and should include the following:
Contact information (name and email address)
Patron’s LION Library
Item information (author/title)

Library Staff Liability
Any librarian or staff member of a public library who, in good faith, implements the policies described in this section shall be immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed and shall have the same immunity with respect to any judicial proceeding that results from such implementation.
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Policy Location
This policy is housed on the North Haven Memorial Library website: http://northhavenlibrary.net/policies. A copy is maintained in the Library’s Administrative Office. This policy is in accordance with Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322, 323. The Library neither approves nor disapproves of the views expressed in any program offered and/or presented at the Library.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors January 19, 2017
Revised May 19, 2022
Revised September 15, 2022
Revised October 15, 2025

Question 11

Meeting Room Policy

Accepted Answer

Meeting and study rooms at the North Haven Memorial Library are designed to meet general informational, educational, cultural, and civic purposes. The first priority for the Community Room is to serve the community through our library programs and functions that further the work of the library. Second priority will be given to town agencies, organizations directly affiliated with those agencies, and to non-profit groups. Other organizations may reserve the use of the Community Room as the schedule permits. Study Rooms are available to the public for the purpose of quiet study or discussion. The Community Room and Study rooms are available for the community to use following the guidelines set forth below.
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The Library Board of Directors subscribes to Article VI of the Library Bill of Rights, which states, “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."
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Use of the Community Room or Study Rooms do not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the Library or Town.
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The Library is responsible for providing a safe, peaceful, and respectful environment to the community. The Library Director and Library Board of Directors reserve the right to reject a reservation request if the anticipated meeting is likely to be disruptive to regular library functions, over room capacity, disorderly, dangerous to persons or property, or in any other way inconsistent with any of the terms and conditions of this policy or other Library policies.
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All Meeting Rooms
The Library should not be considered a regular meeting place for non-Library or non-local governmental groups.
Conducting a survey, petitioning, canvassing, research studies, or selling any goods or services is not permitted in the library or on library premises. Soliciting funds or signatures, panhandling, gambling, including the sales of tickets, etc. is also not permitted.
The Library building and grounds are a smoke free environment.
Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.
All activities must comply with local fire code regulations.
Meetings and Study Room booking may only be held during the hours that the Library is open. The Community Room must be vacated 30 minutes before the library closes and the study rooms must be vacated 15 minutes before the library closes.
Library equipment use is not part of the room use.
Groups may bring in their own equipment for use during programs, however, the Library will not be held responsible for any damage to this equipment.
Storage of materials before or after a program is not allowed.
Keys to the building are not available to any group.
The Library staff will not take incoming calls for meeting room attendees, except in an emergency.
No material may be affixed to any wall surfaces. Art display equipment may not be used without prior permission from the Director of Library Services.
Persons or groups using the room are responsible for:
Costs arising from any damage that occurs during the assigned time of use.
Organizations using the room must ensure that attendees adhere to the Library’s Code of Conduct.
Proper supervision of all users. Children under the age of 12 may not be left unsupervised in the Community Room, Study Rooms, or Library.
The North Haven Memorial Library reserves the right to cancel or end a reservation early if the library’s policies or Code of Conduct are violated.
The Library reserves the right to close the building in the event of inclement weather or emergency. Any meetings scheduled would be cancelled due to unexpected building closures.
 
Study Rooms
Study rooms may only be reserved for two hours, twice per week, per person.
Study rooms may be reserved up to two weeks in advance by the public.
Room reservations will only be held for 15 minutes past the start of the time reserved.
The capacity of the study rooms varies. Please check the online reservation system or with a staff member for the specifics of each room.
Children under the age of 12 may not be left unsupervised in the Study Rooms or the Library.
 
*Community Room
The use of the Community Room at the North Haven Memorial Library is primarily for Library related activities. If the room is available, it may be used by groups or organizations devoted to educational, cultural, civic, or other activities of general community interest with priority given to North Haven groups. The room is not available for commercial, religious services, or partisan political purposes. The room may not be used for private parties. The room may not be used for purposes prohibited by Town, County, State, or Federal law. Meeting Room users must abide by the Library’s Code of Conduct.
The Library Director and the Library Board of Directors reserve the right to determine, in their reasonable discretion, whether any proposed use of the Community Room will require police protection. If it is determined that such police protection will be necessary, the group seeking to reserve the use of the Community Room shall be required, as a condition of such reservation, to pay for the cost of this police protection.
The Library reserves the right to seek references of any group before booking the room.
Maximum capacity - 114 standing only, 80 set up with chairs only, 53 setup with tables and chairs.
Only persons 18 or older may sign/submit the meeting room contract. A responsible adult must accompany groups of persons under the age of 18. Children under the age of 12 may not be left unsupervised in the Community Room or Library.
The Community Room may be reserved for a maximum of three hours per event (including setup and breakdown), one event per month. Reservations for the room may be made no more than 60 days in advance.
Meetings may only be held during the hours that the Library is open. Use of the room may not interfere with the normal operation of the Library.
Groups are responsible for their own publicity. The publicity may not imply that the Library or the Town of North Haven is in any manner connected with the meeting except for providing the location.
Groups may not use the Library address as a mailing address, nor may they use its phone number to conduct business.
Kitchen facilities are not available. Permission is required for food.
Groups must procure any license or permit necessary to conduct their meeting (ex. Food or Movie License).
Groups using the room are responsible for:
Setting up chairs, tables, equipment, etc.
Restoring the room to the same condition in which it was found.
Non-library items, including food, may not be left behind.
Failure to leave the Community Room space in the same condition as when the group arrived may result in the loss of the privilege to reserve the room.
Groups agree to hold harmless the Town of North Haven, its Boards and Commissions, and employees for any injuries arising out of use of the Community Room.
 
These regulations will be interpreted by the Library Director and/or the Library Board of Directors. The Library and the Town of North Haven expressly reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to amend, modify or revise these regulations.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors May 18th, 2017
Revised November 22, 2024

*If you are interested in booking the Community Room, please call the North Haven Memorial Library to check availability. Please fill out a request in our online form. Once confirmed, a payment of $30 (in the form of a check or cash) is due one week before the event.

Question 12

Public Computer and Wireless Internet Access Policy

Accepted Answer

Statement
In order to meet the information needs of Town citizens, the North Haven Memorial Library has established public internet access stations and wireless internet access for personal computers and devices.

Disclaimers
Not all sources on the internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current, or legal.  The North Haven Memorial Library staff is unable to control the content of the materials on the internet; therefore, the Library makes the following disclaimers concerning each patron’s use of the internet:
The Library and the Town make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing.
The Library and the Town expressly disclaim liability and shall not be held liable for any material obtained through the Library’s website or its internet access or the use of such material even if the material is unlawful, incomplete, incorrect, or harmful in any way.  Use of information obtained from these resources is made at the user’s risk, and the Library and the Town of North Haven shall not have any liability for accuracy or quality of the information obtained through these resources.
The Library does not endorse the content of any material obtained from the internet.
As with most public wireless networks, the Library’s wireless network is not secure. Any information transmitted (including credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information) could potentially be intercepted by another computer user.
The Library and the Town shall not be liable for, and each user assumes the risk of, damages suffered by reason for errors or omissions of the user, of any patron, or any Library staff member.  Such damage may include, but is not limited to loss of data resulting from delay, non-delivery, mis-delivery, or service interruption.

Filtering
In order to receive federal funding, the Library must comply with guidelines in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)], and filters its computers and access to the internet through its network, to protect against access to obscene visual depictions, child pornography, and/or other material harmful to minors, as required by law. Specifically, as required by CIPA, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes:
Unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities.
Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Dissemination and viewing of obscene visual depictions, child pornography, and/or other materials harmful to minors.
As required by CIPA, filters may be disabled for adults 18 years or older who request it for bona fide research or any other lawful purpose. Users may speak with a librarian to request unblocking of a blocked site.

Acceptable Use
The internet resources of the North Haven Memorial Library shall be used only in accordance with these Regulations:
No illegal use is permitted.
The Library’s internet workstations are in public areas and are shared by patrons of all ages. Therefore, all patrons must refrain from accessing potentially offensive information or images.
This includes material that is obscene or pornographic.
It is illegal for Library users to use the Library’s internet access to view, print, distribute, display, send or receive images, text or graphics of materials defined as in the Connecticut General Statues as “obscene” (Section 53a-193*) or which would likely “impair the health or morals” of a child under sixteen (Sec. 53-21*).
Users may not violate copyright or trademark laws, software licensing agreements, or intellectual property rights, or download material (including peer-to-peer sharing) covered by these laws, agreements, and property rights, without compliance therewith.
Users shall evaluate the resources available on the internet and access at their own risk.
Users shall be considerate of other users and their privacy.
Users who release their personal information including personal identification, credit card or bank account numbers, etc. do so at their own risk.
Users shall not install or download non-Library software programs on Library computers.
Users shall not destroy, degrade, or disrupt, any software or equipment. That activity is considered a crime and includes, but is not limited to, tampering with computer hardware and software, vandalizing or modifying data, invoking computer viruses, attempting to gain access to restricted or unauthorized networks or network services, or violating copyright laws or software license agreements.
Parents/guardians of children under 18 are responsible for their children’s use of the internet and the Library staff shall not be responsible for supervising, monitoring, or controlling use of the internet.
The online public catalog is available to all in the Children’s Department, but internet access on any other computer in the Children’s Department is for the use of children 14 years of age and under only.
Per the library’s Code of Conduct policy “Children under the age of 12 must not be left unattended (refer to Unattended Children’s Policy).”
The length of sessions on the public computers is limited.  Users may continue to use the computer beyond the session time if computer is available.  If someone is waiting to use the computer, the person who has been on for the longest amount of time will be given a warning and logged off.
Users agree to accept these regulations.
Users shall immediately report any security problem or breaches of these requirements to a member of the Library staff.

Training and Education
The availability of Library staff to help users with internet use is limited.  Workshops are scheduled to introduce methods for accessing the Internet when appropriate staff time is practical.
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Interruption of Service and Maintenance
The Library staff may interrupt patron’s internet use if access is required for Library business purposes, periodic maintenance, technical difficulties, or staff use.
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Penalties for Violations
The use of the North Haven Memorial Library information resources is a privilege – not a right.
Any user of electronic information resources who is found to have violated any provision of these Regulations shall be subject to having his or her computer and Library access privileges suspended or revoked.
All users shall be required to compensate the North Haven Memorial Library, the Town, and others for any and all damage caused by their violation of these Regulations.

Amendments
The Library reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend these Regulations and to modify and suspend internet use privileges.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors November 17, 2016
Revised November 19, 2020

Question 13

Reference Service Policy

Accepted Answer

Reference Services Defined
Reference service covers a wide range of services including, but not limited to, research assistance, computer assistance, inter-library loan requests, readers’ advisory, and referral services to other libraries and agencies. It involves conducting a reference interview to determine a person's information needs and proceeding to fulfill it accurately, efficiently, and pleasantly.

Ethics and Standards
The informational needs of every library patron will be taken seriously and facilitated with objectivity, respect, and confidentiality.  Staff do not discriminate based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or appearance in providing reference services. When performing readers’ advisory services, patron’s reading preferences will not be judged; however, personal interpretation and recommendation are unavoidable. Service will be provided in a manner consistent with the American Library Association Code of Ethics, the Library Bill of Rights, the North Haven Memorial Library’s Mission and Policies, and copyright law.

Expectations
The needs of every Library patron will be taken seriously. Everyone will be treated with respect and provided confidentiality.  Neither the patron's nor the staff member's personal opinions and beliefs should influence the quality of service given. Staff may not offer their personal opinions on social issues, politics, religion, etc. to patrons.
All information requests will be responded to in a timely manner. If information is available, it is provided to patrons without making a judgment on its moral or aesthetic worth.
Staff will do their best to assist with in-depth reference questions. Depending on the level of the request, staff will attempt to provide resources for patrons to conduct their own research.
Information provided will be obtained from library resources or other reliable authorities.
Reading and interpretation of materials provided is solely the responsibility of the patron. The opinion, evaluation, or interpretation of staff, even when requested, is not given as fact.
Staff will try to anticipate public needs and offer service when it appears needed.
Service to patrons in the Library takes precedence over telephone inquiries.
Telephone and e-mail reference services should be used for short, factual information questions which do not require extensive reading or research.
When reference staff cannot provide the needed information, they may refer the patron to local agencies, organizations, experts, or other libraries.
​

Limitations
While the library staff will do their best to facilitate all requests, please note the following limitations:
Advice, analysis, or personal recommendations will not be provided.
Staff will not engage in conversations about their personal lives or debates of a personal nature, including, but not limited to, religious beliefs or political positions.
In order to ensure equal and fair access to library services for all patrons, staff set reasonable limits on the amount of time and level of response given to patron requests for information.
If a request is deemed to require extensive time, North Haven residents can submit a Reference Request Form to be done by the Reference Librarian.​
Due to the nature of these requests, responses may take up to a week or longer.​
Non-resident patrons will be referred to their home libraries or other agencies for extensive information requests.
Staff does not provide proctoring, reviewing, editorial, typing, tutoring, resume, genealogical research, or translation services other than aiding patrons to access library resources.
Staff are unable to offer extended one-on-one technology assistance.
Staff are unable to aid with patrons’ personal devices beyond assisting with access to library resources.
Patrons may not request to work exclusively with a particular staff member.
Staff will not aid with any activities that they know to be, or suspect to be, illegal.
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Loan of Reference and Local History Materials
Items located in the Reference or Local History Collections do not circulate. However, some items may be loaned to residents, with library accounts in good standing, at the discretion of the Reference Librarian, Assistant Director, or Director of the Library. No individual volumes of a set or heavily used titles will be allowed to circulate.

Non-resident Use of North Haven Memorial Library Resources
Non-residents will be assisted with Library resources. If the request proves to be beyond the scope of the resources available at the Library, or if the information requested necessitates extensive research by staff, non-resident patrons will be referred to their home libraries or other agencies for service.

Remote access to many of the electronic resources which the Library subscribes to requires a North Haven Memorial Library card. Use is limited to North Haven residents or businesses.
​

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors March 16, 2017
Revised January 18, 2024

Question 14

Service Animal Policy

Accepted Answer

Service animals are permitted at the North Haven Memorial Library in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
 
ADA Regulations
A service animal is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals.
The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to:
Assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks.
Alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds.
Providing non-violent protection or rescue work.
Pulling a wheelchair.
Assisting an individual during a seizure.
Alerting individuals to the presence of allergens.
Retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone.
Providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities.
 Helping individuals with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.

The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship are not considered work or tasks under the definition of a service animal.
 
Individuals with disabilities can bring their service animals in to all areas of public facilities and private businesses where members of the public, program participants, clients, customers, patrons, or invitees are allowed. A service animal can be excluded from a facility if its presence interferes with legitimate safety requirements of the facility (e.g., from a surgery or burn unit in a hospital in which a sterile field is required).
 
A public entity or a private business may ask an individual with a disability to remove a service animal if the animal is not housebroken or is out of control and the individual is not able to control it. A service animal must have a harness, leash or other tether, unless the handler is unable to use a tether because of a disability or the use of a tether would interfere with the service animal’s ability to safely perform its work or tasks. In these cases, the service animal must be under the handler’s control through voice commands, hand signals, or other effective means. If a service animal is excluded, the individual with a disability must still be offered the opportunity to obtain goods, services, and accommodations without having the service animal on the premises.
 
To determine if an animal is a service animal, a public entity or a private business may ask two questions:
Is this animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has this animal been trained to perform?

These questions may not be asked if the need for the service animal is obvious (e.g., the dog is guiding an individual who is blind or is pulling a person’s wheelchair). A public entity or private business may not ask about the nature or extent of an individual’s disability or require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal, or require the animal to wear an identifying vest.
 
A public entity or private business must allow a person with a disability to bring a miniature horse on the premises as long as it has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of the individual with a disability. However, an organization can consider whether the facility can accommodate the miniature based on the horse’s type, size, and weight. The rules that apply to service dogs also apply to miniature horses.
A public entity or private business is not responsible for the care and supervision of a service animal.
A public entity or private business cannot ask nor require an individual with a disability to pay a surcharge or deposit, even if people accompanied by pets are required to pay such fees.
If a public entity or private business normally charges individuals for the damage they cause, an individual with a disability may be charged for damage caused by his or her service animal.

The animal’s handler will be responsible for any damage to Library or personal property and any injuries to individuals caused by the service animal. Anyone using a service animal on Library property will hold the Library and Town of North Haven harmless and indemnify the Library and Town of North Haven from any such damages.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors September 13, 2018

Question 15

Teen Haven Policy

Accepted Answer

Purpose
The Library is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all visitors. Teen Haven is the Library’s teens-only zone, designed for use by patrons ages 10-18 and in grades 6-12. Teens are encouraged to enjoy this space, explore, connect, and participate in activities created specifically to meet their needs.
​
To ensure that everyone can enjoy the Library and its resources, the following guidelines promote respect, privacy, and responsible use of the space.
​
Teen Haven Space Guidelines
The use of Teen Haven tables, seating, video gaming, and computers is exclusively reserved for patrons ages 10-18 and in grades 6-12. Patrons of all ages may browse and check out materials from the Teen Haven collection. However, we kindly ask that adults and young children seek other spaces for work and play.
Library staff will ask any adult or child using these areas to relocate.
Teen Haven is an active and social space; therefore, tutoring and quiet study are better suited to other areas of the Library.
Teens caring for a child under age 10 will be asked to use the Children’s Department or another all-ages space so Teen Haven can remain focused on teen needs.
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Teen Computers and Video Games
Computers, charging stations, and video gaming systems in Teen Haven are reserved for patrons ages 10-18 and in grades 6-12.
Food is not allowed at computers. Drinks must be in spill-proof containers at computer stations.
Teens may receive up to $5.00 in free printing or copying per month. Additional pages will be charged at standard Library rates.
All users must follow the Library’s Public Computer and Wireless Internet Access Policy.
Failure to follow policies or staff instructions may result in loss of computer or gaming privileges.
 
Teen Programs
Participation in Teen Programs is limited to the age range listed for each program on the Library’s calendar. Teen programs are designed to encourage independence and active participation from teens. To support this environment, teens are expected to attend programs on their own. Parents and caregivers are welcome to wait in the café or elsewhere in the Library while their teen participates in the program.
 
Privacy
We respect the privacy of all patrons, including teens. Library staff cannot share information about a teen’s location with anyone, including family. The Library does not serve as “in loco parentis.” Ultimate responsibility for a teen’s reading, viewing, and listening rests with their parent or guardian.
​
Teen Haven Behavior Expectations
Teens are expected to follow all Library policies, including the Code of Conduct Policy and those related to noise level and respectful behavior, while on Library property. Teen Haven, the Library, and Library grounds are safe spaces with zero tolerance of bullying or harassment. To help maintain a positive environment for all visitors, teens are expected to:
Respect others and their belongings – Treat staff and fellow patrons with kindness. Keep your hands off others and their personal items.
Keep the space safe and comfortable – No roughhousing, running, pushing, or excessive public displays of affection.
Be mindful of language – Refrain from using profane or disrespectful language directed at peers, other patrons, or Library staff.
Keep it tidy – Clean up after yourself, including after use of the craft station. Throw away trash, including snack wrappers, and return furniture back to where you found it.
Watch your stuff – Library staff are not permitted to watch your belongings. Unattended items are subject to confiscation. The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged in or on the grounds of the Library.
 
Behavior and Policy Violations
Library staff will enforce these guidelines in a fair and reasonable manner. If a teen does not follow the Teen Haven Policy or the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy, staff will provide a reminder or warning.
​
If behavior continues to disrupt others or does not meet expectations, staff may ask the teen to leave Teen Haven and/or the Library for the day. After two incidents requiring a teen to leave, the teen and their caregiver will need to meet with the Teen Librarian before returning to Teen Haven.
​
Repeated or serious violations may result in temporary loss of Teen Haven or Library privileges. In some situations, teens may be required to be accompanied by an adult while on Library property. Serious violations may be referred to the Director of Library Services or the police.
​​

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors March 19, 2026

Question 16

Unattended Children Policy

Accepted Answer

Children and adults are welcome and encouraged to use the North Haven Memorial Library. To maintain a safe, orderly, and proper environment for Library use, the following guidelines regarding the supervision of children are in effect:
​
Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for the behavior, safety, and supervision of their children at all times while children are in the Library and on Library premises. Parent/guardian/caregivers, including siblings, must be at least 14 years of age.
Connecticut General Statutes, Section 53-21a provides, in relevant part:
Leaving child unsupervised in place of public accommodation or motor vehicle. (a) Any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of twelve years who knowingly leaves such child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to the child’s health or safety, shall be guilty of a Class A Misdemeanor.
A child who is at least 10 years old in 6th grade or above, and who demonstrates the maturity, physical and mental ability to be unsupervised, may be at the library without an adult present. However, the library does not permit any children under the age of 10 to be at the library without parent or caregiver supervision.
The Library does not serve as “in loco parentis”. The Library staff is not responsible for the safety, care, or supervision of children of any age, whether in the Library or on Library premises.
A parent or caregiver must remain within eyesight and actively supervise all children age 0-5.
A parent or caregiver must always remain inside the library on the same floor when their child, age 6-11, is in the library for general use or while attending a library program, except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 3 above regarding 10 and 11-year old. Please note, this does not include waiting in the parking lot or in a car.
If a child under the age of 6 requests and is permitted to join a library program designated for an older age group, parents are required to stay with the child or in the immediate vicinity of the child in the Library, as determined by Library staff.
All children, teens, and adults are expected to respect Library property as well as other patrons of the Library. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior will result in the individual(s) being asked to leave and parents and/or the North Haven Police Department being notified as deemed necessary by the staff. The judgment of the Library staff prevails when requesting removal of a child from the building in the event of behavioral difficulties. In the case of younger children, parents are expected to remove the child from the building until the problem is resolved.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers should be aware of Library opening and closing times and make suitable arrangements to meet and transport their children.
The Library is not responsible for children outside the building who await transportation or who are socializing. Library staff are not allowed to stay with children after the library has closed.
Library staff will call the North Haven Police Department if a child is left on the Library premises at/after closing time and does not have transportation home.
Library staff will not transport children home or to any other destination under any circumstances.

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Adopted by the Library Board of Directors January 19, 2006
Revised November 17, 2016
Revised September 18, 2025

Question 17

Website Content, External Linking, and Social Media Policy

Accepted Answer

The North Haven Memorial Library (NHML) website, App, and social media accounts provide information about the library, its programs and services, and access to the library catalog. The NHML’s website and App include links to subscription research databases and external websites. They are assessed by professional librarians using the guidance of the collection development policy, are checked for accuracy and quality of content, and must support the NHML’s mission “to provide library resources and services to address the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community of North Haven.”

The addition of a link to an external website does not reflect an endorsement of the North Haven Memorial Library for any product, service, policy, or opinion.  NHML reserves the right to determine how and where external links will appear on its website, App, or social media, i.e., what page the link appears on, and where the link is placed on the page. NHML is not responsible for the content of external websites including databases to which the Library subscribes. The NHML reserves the right to remove any link at any time without notice or cause. The North Haven Memorial Library does not accept solicitations or requests to establish external links for NHML website inclusion.

At its discretion, it is the practice of NHML to limit external links to the following types of websites and content:
Freely accessible information to supplement the NHML holdings, services, programs, exhibitions, and/or events
Federal, state, and local governmental units
Educational institutions including K-12 school districts, community colleges, and universities
Nonprofit organizations including the Friends of the North Haven Library
Museums, libraries, historical, and cultural organizations and similar kinds of established, bona fide organizations that provide resources to residents and visitors
The NHML Social Media sites
Commercial sites of news media organizations providing coverage of a topic of interest to NHML patrons
Commercial sites of sponsors or other contributors of resources to Town of North Haven or NHML events or programs
Links to private, commercial and non-commercial websites will only be allowed if there is a public purpose for establishing the link, and the link is approved by the NHML Director
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The North Haven Memorial Library will NOT provide external links to the following types of websites or social media accounts:
For-profit businesses
Non-profit groups not affiliated with a library or Town sponsored program
Containing illegal, libelous biased, hateful, harmful, pornographic, discriminatory, or defamatory content
Associated with, sponsored by, or serving a candidate for elected office or any political organization
Containing outdated or incorrect information
Containing misleading or unsubstantiated claims
Individual or personal websites
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At its discretion, it is the practice of NHML to limit social media posts to the following kinds of content: 
Library created content including, but not limited to, library programs, promotion of newly acquired books and materials, library newsletter, author talks, library building/ground updates, trivia, patron visits, library participation at offsite events, etc.
Town sponsored or Town Department information and events
 
Comments and postings from the public are allowed on NHML social media sites and website (if applicable) but may be reviewed by library staff for content appropriateness. The library recommends against posting personal information to our social media platforms and is not responsible for personal information patrons’ post.
Library staff reserves the right to review all comments and postings and reserves the right to delete certain posts and/or remove inappropriate comments that are not consistent with the North Haven Memorial Library policies.
This policy supplements and does not replace other Library policies.
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Staff Usage
All staff must abide by the Town of North Haven’s Social Media Policy.

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors November 16, 2017. Revised March 25, 2024.

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