Library Policies
For a complete set of policies, please contact the library.
24 Hour WiFi Room (Internet Cafe)
Policy
Frank B. Koller Memorial Library
Access to use the libraries’ 24-hour WIFI room is a privilege extended to Frank B. Koller Memorial Library adult (18 and older) card holders and Northern Waters Library System adult card holders. Card holders must apply for a separate entry card at the front desk. Your library card is not an entry card.
A valid swipe card is required for entry. For those without entry cards, WIFI is accessible outside on library grounds.
Misuse or failure to comply with the following safety rules inside the WIFI room could result in loss of access:
• protect your swipe card: do not loan it to anyone
• do not allow a stranger and/or anyone other than yourself into the Koller Library WIFI room when entering
• ensure that doors close after entering and exiting; do not prop the doors open
• Comply with library Code of Conduct Policy.
• Refrain from behaviors that threaten personal safety or the security of personal or library property
• Refrain from behaviors that disrupt the activities of other library users, including but not limited to
excessive noise, cell phones, music, hostility, rudeness
*The library is not responsible for loss or damage to a customer’s property.*
*For your protection, this room is under 24 hour surveillance. See Security Camera Policy. (available upon request)
Adopted February 26, 2020
The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library of Manitowish Waters is providing access to the Internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of the library's service area. In providing access to the internet, the Koller Library fully supports the principles of intellectual freedom as endorsed by the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights. The library's internet access is provided primarily as an information resource.
Access to the Internet is available to all customers entering the library; however, parents or guardians of children under 18 must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the library’s Internet service. There are no filters on the public access computers. The library does not police a child’s computer use.
WARNINGS:
The Internet is a decentralized, unmediated global network. The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library has no control over the content found there. The library will not censor access to material nor protect users from offensive information, and it is not responsible for the availability and accuracy of information found on the Internet.
The library cannot assure that data or files downloaded by users are virus-free. The library is not responsible for damages to equipment or data on a user’s personal computer from the use of data downloaded from the library’s Internet service.
Because the computers are all in public view, we will not allow users to view pornographic material or any other websites deemed inappropriate by the staff. These sites are NOT acceptable and you will be asked to refrain from these sites while at this library. Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state and federal laws and can lead to prosecution. Unacceptable uses of the services will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges.
Adopted: October 25, 1999
Revised: February 28, 2001
Revised: August 31, 2005, January 30, 2008
Revised: October 26, 2011 by The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library Board of Trustees
Donations are accepted.
Policy accepted by the Library Board on 5-31-06.
Revised: 10-26-11
I, the wireless user, understand that: The library Wi-Fi is completely funded through donations and use is at your own risk!
1. The speed of a Wi-Fi connection is unpredictable, but it is FREE to use. Donations are needed to keep it running.
2. The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library provides an unfiltered wireless access for patrons with wireless capable devices called Wi-Fi.
3. Individuals will need to know how to use their wireless device’s configuration software to connect to the wireless network.
4. Due to liability issues, library staff will not be allowed to configure patrons’ laptops or handheld computers or install any devices or software on those computers. Technical support is only available from the wireless service vendor.
5. Wireless networks are not secure and use is at the individual’s own risk. Virus, security and privacy protection are the responsibility of the patron and are not provided by the library.
6. The library is not responsible for any damage to data files, alteration to file systems, or functionality of a patron’s computer/equipment resulting from connecting to the wireless network, or electrical power surges if using a library power outlet.
7. The library does not supply printing on the wireless network.
8. The Wi-Fi connection cannot be used for illegal purposes, nor shall it be used in any way that violates library internet policies.
The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library built its book collection on donations. Since the library opened for business in June of 1987 thousands of books have been donated by many generous people, for the enjoyment of all.
The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library does have a specific policy to follow with donated books. We would ask the donator please take notice of this policy:
- The library does NOT accept old encyclopedias, Readers Digest condensed books, magazines, school textbooks, VHS, dated non-fiction, books on cassette.
- Due to the large volume of donations, the library is unable to send personal thank yous.
- The library cannot put a value on a book donation for personal tax purposes, but will indicate on paper the specific number of books donated
- The library WILL NOT accept books that are in any way dirty, dusty, moldy, smell of mildew or are torn, bent out of shape, or written on. It takes precious time and money from the library to discard such books.
- Books not kept by the library or used in the book sale will be discarded.
- Please do not drop donations in the book drop. or leave at the front door if the library is closed
- Books added to the library collection are subject to weeding, and may be discarded after spending time on a library shelf. Do not expect your donated book to stay on a library shelf forever.
We thank you for your donation.
Amended: March 28, 2001, reviewed on July 31, 2003, by the Library Board, approved and amended on February 28th, 2018.
The Sullivan Room, constructed in 1988 and donated by Robert Sullivan in honor of his father, Willis G. Sullivan, is available as meeting space for community organizations. Contact the librarian to view the meeting room policy or to schedule use of the room.
Community Room / Sullivan Room Policy
Frank B. Koller Memorial Library
The Community and Sullivan Rooms at the Frank B. Koller Memorial Library are available for meeting of non-profit organizations or groups providing services as follows:
- Instructional
- Educational
- Community Service
The room is not to be used for monetary gain groups/events i.e. Tupperware parties, or selling of other goods or services.
The following rules apply:
- We reserve the room, but will not accept RSVPs of your group.
- Maximum capacity in Community Room is 35 without tables, only chairs.
- The Community Room cannot be closed during a meeting, it must be open for public use.
- Maximum capacity in the Sullivan Room is 20.
- Facilities are available for serving light refreshments, but no alcoholic beverages may be served.
- Smoking is not allowed in the building.
- No parties permitted, such as birthdays or weddings.
- The room must be left in the condition in which it is found.
Other guidelines:
- Arrangements for use of the room may be made by scheduling with the library staff. A two week notice is preferred.
- The meeting time should be made during library hours or during work hours of a staff member, as keys to gain access to the library cannot be distributed.
- There is no charge for use of the community room, although donations are greatly appreciated to help defray expenses of extra electricity and heat.
- Audio Visual equipment is available upon advance request. Donations are accepted for use of such equipment to cover maintenance and replacement costs.
- Large groups are asked to park at the Community Center when possible.
These regulations may be amended to meet the needs of the community.
Adopted by the Library Board: August 24, 1987
Revised: 1991, 1996, and February 26, 2004, January 30, 2008, February 28, 2018.
The purpose of this policy at the library is to ensure a safe, orderly, and comfortable atmosphere in which all library patrons can effectively use the library. Staff and patrons should be mindful of the effects of their behavior on others using the library's facilities. From time to time, the Library Board may adopt additional policies under public behavior as an incidence arises.
Policy on Unacceptable Behavior
The following instances of unacceptable behavior will be enforced by Library staff:
- Any illegal activity including stealing, damaging, or altering any Library property i.e. altering or damaging setup of computer equipment or software, damaging Library materials and furniture
- Disorderly, drunken, dangerous, disruptive or threatening behavior endangering staff or patron i.e. approaching patrons or staff and engaging in unwanted, inappropriate interaction; threatening the personal safety of patrons or staff
- Loitering *Consumption on intoxicants, tobacco, food, and drink *Possession of a weapon
- Stalking i.e. Conduct that alarms, annoys or harasses another patron or staff
- Indecent exposure;harassment;displaying pornography
- Unacceptable personal hygiene
- Producing excessive, unnecessary noises
- Bringing in animals or pets, unless for Seeing Eye dog.
- Will not leave when the library closes, after being asked by library staff
- Following staff or customers around the building or staring at staff or customers such that performance of their duties or use of library services is materially disrupted.
- Any behavior or actions not listed above will be left to the discretion of the library director In addition, the Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended. Personal items left by patrons are subject to disposal by library staff.
NOTE: Any person who is asked to leave the Library as a result of a violation listed above and refuses to do so shall be considered to be trespassing and may be subject to permanent exclusion from the Library and/or arrested.
Each cardholder is allowed up to seventeen (17) items per card at any time, with a maximum of five (5) videotapes and/or DVDs.
Books, CDs, audio tapes and most other items are available for a 3 week loan period. Books on the "new" shelves are available for a 2 week loan period. Videotapes and DVDs are available for a 5 day loan.
Most materials are available to be renewed for 3 additional weeks. New fiction titles, videotapes, DVDs and books on a reserve list for other patrons cannot be renewed. Renewals may be made in person, by phone or through the online catalog.
The library is fine free, but if items are not returned, we reserve the right to charge a replacement price to the patron.
The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library will not accept court ordered Community Service Workers.
Young people who would like to help at the library to earn better grades in school are welcome to volunteer.
Approved: July 31, 2003, Amended and approved February 28th, 2018.
Operations and Closures Policy
Library Hours
The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library will maintain regular hours. The library will be accessible during times that best meet the community’s needs. Any change in regular operating hours will be communicated through public posting and library publicity two weeks prior to the change if possible. The library will be open additional hours in the summer.
Library hours are posted at the library, on the library website, and on the library’s social media.
- The library will be closed on the following holidays:
- Good Friday and Easter Saturday
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Day After Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- Day After Christmas
- New Year’s Day
- Any other holidays as approved by the library board
- The library may be open for extended hours during special events at the discretion of the Library Director.
- The library may close for special circumstances. (See Emergency Closures, below.)
Staffing
A paid library staff member shall be present during operating hours if possible. In the event a paid library staff member is not available, every effort shall be made to have an experienced volunteer(s) on duty.
Emergency Closures:
The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library shall make every reasonable effort to remain open to the public during posted hours. The decision to close the library under adverse conditions rests with the Director, in consultation with the staff, and in the Director’s absence will fall to the Board President. In the event of a closure, the Director or their designee will notify the Library Board President. Directives issued by the national, state or local governments will be adhered to by the library. Safety of patrons and staff will be the primary factor for any decision. The library shall make maximum effort to maintain regular operating hours.
- Health Emergencies. Please see our Pandemic Policy for information on health emergencies.
- Inclement Weather. The library may close or postpone opening when weather conditions exist that make travel hazardous. The library will use North Lakeland School weather related closings as a guide for our decision.
Decisions for closing or delay of the library shall be based on several factors that may include:
- General road conditions
- Projected forecast for worsening conditions
- Conditions of the library’s parking lot and walkways
- Availability of staff to open and operate the library
- Other Emergencies and Closures. For emergencies other than weather, staff shall maintain operations if the safety of the staff and public are not endangered, and if in the absence of a regular staff member, another staff member or trusted volunteer is available to work.
Communication
Every effort shall be made to notify the public of any closures. The library may use the following channels to inform the public of closures:
- Updates to website and social media
- Update to phone message
- When possible, signs posted on the library’s doors
- While we shall do our best to contact groups or individuals who have reserved meeting rooms, all patrons are advised to check public notifications.
ADOPTED:
October 30, 2024
Frank B. Koller Memorial Library
Mobile Hotspot Lending Agreement
Guidelines for Borrowing:
- Patrons must be 18 years of age or older and must read, understand, and sign this agreement at the Circulation Desk.
- A valid Koller Library account AND a valid photo identification must be presented at the time of checkout.
- Hotspot devices may be checked out for 14 days with no renewals.
- Patrons may check out one device per person and per household at any time.
- Funding for these devices may be supported by grant funding with the intent of helping patrons who lack access.
Returns and Liability:
- If the hotspot is not returned within 7 days of the due date, including for reasons of loss, theft or damage, the patron will be responsible for the replacement fee and all associated costs.
- If I encounter any problem with the Hotspot, the patron will return it and all its component parts to the library immediately and inform library staff of the problems they encountered.
- The patron will not attempt to alter the hotspot in any way.
- The patron shall keep the device in a temperature-controlled environment (NOT in a car).
- Abuse of the mobile hotspot program will result in a loss of borrowing privileges.
REPLACEMENT COSTS:
Kajeet Hotspot - $100
Verizon Jetpack - $150
Confidentiality & Privacy of Patron Information Policy
Purpose
In accordance with both ethical and legal standards, the Frank B. Koller Memorial Library protects the privacy of library records and the confidentiality of all library users. In addition, the Board of Trustees supports the principle of freedom of inquiry for library patrons and has adopted this policy to protect against unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of library users.
Policy
All individuals who work with the public will protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and materials consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted.
Under Section 43.30 of Wisconsin Statutes, library records that indicate the identity of an individual who borrows or uses the library’s documents or other materials, resources or services may be disclosed only in the following circumstances:
1. With the consent of the individual library user, or
2. By court order, or
3. To custodial parents or guardians of children under the age of 16, or
4. To persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration of the library or library system, or
5. To other libraries (under certain circumstances) for interlibrary loan purposes [see ss. 43.30(2) and (3)].
All library staff and volunteers who handle patron records must acknowledge receipt of, and agree to follow, this policy.
Violation of this Policy
If violation of this policy is observed, it is the responsibility of all library staff and volunteers to intervene, if possible, and to report the incident using the Incident Report form. A copy of this report will be submitted to the library director immediately following an incident for determination of additional actions.
Individuals who act in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate consequences by the director. This may include loss of access to circulation software, reassignment to tasks that do not involve patron contact, training, removal, or other actions deemed appropriate by the library director.
Receipt
I acknowledge that I have received and read the Frank B. Koller Memorial Library Confidentiality and Privacy of Patron Information Policy and understand the provisions contained therein.
I hold in strict confidence all information on library users and their borrowing needs. Under no circumstances will I divulge circulation, registration, information retrieval records, or any other information which may be requested by a third party for whatever reason.
I further acknowledge that it is my responsibility to seek clarity from the Library Director on issues of privacy and confidentiality if I am unsure of appropriate action.
I understand that policies may be altered, modified, changed, or eliminated by the Library Board, but that I will receive an updated version of this policy following any changes.
ADOPTED:
November 20, 2024
Volunteer Policy
Purpose
The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library encourages, recruits and appreciates the efforts of volunteers from the community. Volunteer time, energy and goodwill are invaluable assets to the library and enhance the library’s services to the community.
Volunteer Policy
Volunteers help the FBKML expand and enrich its services by assisting with specific assignments that supplement, but do not duplicate or replace, the work done by paid Library staff.
· Volunteers may help with the following tasks, following an orientation/training session:
1. Circulation
2. Shelving materials
3. Straightening shelves
4. Processing materials
5. Other duties as assigned by the library director or library staff
· Volunteers serve at the discretion of the Library Board.
· Volunteers should read and follow the Volunteer Handbook.
· Volunteers will maintain a high level of professionalism in keeping personal and circulation information private.
· Volunteers may be dismissed by the library director for any action or behavior that causes the library’s image or operation to be diminished. This includes but is not limited to: incompetence, misconduct, inattention to assigned duties, or unapproved absences from work. The library wants each volunteer to be successful in their job and will work with volunteers to eliminate deficiencies. While notice of intent to terminate can be expected, the Frank B. Koller Memorial Library reserves the right to dismiss a volunteer without notice in cases involving theft, drug or alcohol abuse, criminal activity, or in instances of significant misconduct. The volunteer may appeal the dismissal to the Library Board.
· In appreciation of volunteer services, the library may organize activities and other methods of recognition to acknowledge volunteers.
· All staff members and volunteers must sign a confidentiality agreement to be kept on file at the FBKML.
Selection Process:
Interested parties must contact the library director. Volunteers will be trained by the director or library staff.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Volunteers work under the direct supervision of paid staff members, who will provide assignments, guidance, or assistance as appropriate.
Limits and Exclusions:
· Volunteers under the age of 18 must have parental approval. Youth volunteers may not work without direct supervision by a staff member or an experienced adult volunteer.
· The FBKML does not accept volunteers who are looking to fulfill court ordered community service/volunteer hour requirements.
All Volunteers must provide emergency contact information in our Volunteer Agreement.
ADOPTED:
November 20, 2024