Montville Township Public Library
Code of Conduct
The Montville Township Public Library strives to make this facility a warm and inviting place for all people. It is the intent of the Library that all Library patrons should be able to use its facilities to the maximum extent possible during regularly scheduled hours.
This Code of Conduct has been developed by the Library Board of Trustees to minimize situations in which any Library patron interferes with the legitimate Library business of other customers and staff, to protect the safety of Library patrons and staff and to protect Library property. Library patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of the public library while in the building. Library customers shall respect the rights of other patrons and of the staff.
Examples of disruptive or unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- Cell phones and handheld devices must be turned off or placed on mute or vibrate.
- Eating or bringing food into the Library. Beverages in covered containers are allowed but not in proximity to Library computers.
- Engaging in loud conversations, using offensive and/or harassing language or gestures, making noise, running, pushing, shoving, or following another customer.
- Stealing, defacing, or misusing library materials, equipment or facilities.
- Smoking, using tobacco products, striking matches or lighting lighters.
- Misuse of restrooms; for example, shaving, bathing or laundering clothes.
- Carrying a weapon into the Library unless authorized by law enforcement.
- Bringing animals into the Library except as necessary to assist a user with a disability.
- Playing of audio equipment loudly so others can hear it.
- Leaving a child who needs care (under the age of ten) in the Library without supervision.
- Failing to wear appropriate attire, including shoes and shirt.
- Sleeping.
- Misusing furniture; for example, sitting on tables or putting feet on chairs or work surfaces.
- Skating and related activities such as the use of inline skates, skateboarding, etc.
- Interfering with another person’s use of the Library or with a Library staff member’s performance of their duties.
- Petitioning, soliciting or distributing materials.
- Participating in any illegal or prohibited activity including possession of and distribution/sale of drugs.
- Gambling in any form or any game of chance or cards where money is exchanged or collected.
- Unauthorized photographing, videotaping or recording library patrons without their prior permission.
- Leaving bicycles and other small vehicles unattended at the library entrance rather than in the bike rack on the sidewalk.
- Engaging in any activity not in compliance with the Library’s Internet or Computer Use Policy.
- Engaging in any activity not in compliance with the Library’s Commercial Business Policy.
Library patrons who fail to observe this Code of Behavior or other rules and regulations of the Library may be asked to leave the building or, depending on the offense (local, state or federal law), may be subject to arrest. Any Library patron who violates the Library Code of Behavior, rules and regulations will be denied the privilege of access to the facility by the Library Director. Any Library patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, November 11, 2013
Amended by the Library Board of Trustees September 13, 2021
You can get a free full service library card online by clicking here or by coming into the library and providing proof of residency in Montville Township. Verify proof of residency (tax municipality) by showing a driver’s license, state of New Jersey-issued identification card, or alternative proof of address in Montville Township. The following documentation may be used to prove residency: current utility bill or lease, current tax statement or current bank statement. For a card for a child from birth to 16, bring the child to the library and show the parent’s proof of address in the Township. Montville residents who are 17 and over can obtain their own library cards. We also offer courtesy cards to non-residents who work in the Township, K-12 cards for Montville school students and teachers who are non-residents, and paid cards for $250 per year. Please contact the Library for more information.
Fines begin to accrue daily on a borrower’s account the day following the due date. When these fines exceed $10.00 or more the patron will be blocked from further borrowing at any M.A.I.N Library until the materials are returned and fines are paid. If overdue materials are returned to a book drop, borrowing privileges may still be blocked until the material has been discharged from the account and fines have been paid.
Fines and Fees Schedule
2026
Fines begin to accrue daily on a borrower’s account the day following the due date. When these fines exceed $10.00 or more the patrons are blocked from further borrowing at any library in the MAIN Library Alliance until the materials are returned and fines are paid.
If overdue materials are returned to a book drop, borrowing privileges may still be blocked until the material has been discharged from the account and fines have been paid.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult print material overdue | 15¢ per day, $5 item maximum |
| Juvenile print material overdue | 15¢ per day, $5 item maximum |
| DVD, Blu-Ray, Video Games overdue | $2 per day, $5 item maximum |
| Music CD, Books on CD, Playaways, Misc. A-V overdue | 15¢ per day, $5 item maximum |
| Lost, stolen or damaged items | Full cost of item + $10 processing fee |
| Missing barcode or RFID tag | $1 |
| Inter Loan materials (ILL) | Fees vary by loaning agency |
| Replacement of lost or stolen card | $2 |
| Returned check | Fees based upon actual return check fee bank assesses |
| Lost/damaged media case, insert or graphic | $5 |
| Library Card (non-resident / no free courtesy) | $250 |
| Lost single disc (from book/CD set) | Varies (full replacement value may be charged) |
| Photocopies (black & white) | 10¢ per page |
| Photocopies (color) | 25¢ per page |
| Computer printouts (black & white) | 10¢ per page |
| Computer printouts (color) | 25¢ per page |
| Museum Passes | $5 per day overdue, $25 item max; lost pass’s stated replacement cost + $10 processing fee |
| Hotspots – charger replacement | $12 |
| Hotspots – device replacement | $76 |
| Hotspots overdue | 50¢ per day, $5 maximum |
| Roku overdue | 50¢ per day, $5 maximum |
| Roku – device replacement | $25 |
| Puzzles overdue | 15¢ per day, $5 maximum |
| Library of Things (non-electronic items) | 15¢ per day, $5 maximum |
| Library of Things (electronic items & large games) | $5 per day, $50 maximum |
Montville Township Public Library
Study Room Policy
The Library Study Room is intended for informal individual or small group use and is not to be used for commercial purposes.
The Montville Township Public Library has first priority for use of the Study Room and has access to the room at all times.
- Study Room must be checked out from the Library’s Information Desk.
- Individuals that are using the Study Room without checking the room out will be removed.
- Study Room is available to the public on a “first come, first served” basis. Study Room may be checked out for up to 2 hours per day.
- Study rooms will be locked 15 minutes prior to the library closing.
- If no other group is waiting, the individual or group presently using the Study Room may stay until another group or individual is scheduled.
- An individual must present a library card (in good standing) to checkout a Study Room.
- The Montville Township Public Library is not responsible for accidents, injury, loss or damage to the private property of the individual or organization using the room.
The Study Room is intended for quiet use:
- Laptops, personal computers, cell phones and other electronic devices may be used in the Study Room, provided the volume controls on such devices are adjusted so as not to disturb others in the Library.
- Individuals or groups who are noisy or unruly will be asked to leave.
- The Library’s Code of Conduct Policy applies to the Study Room except where amended by this Policy.
The responsible user will be held financially responsible for any damage to the group study room or furniture:
- The room must be left in the condition that it was found.
- Persons who leave study rooms untidy may lose future study room privileges.
- Tables and chairs may not be moved into or removed from study rooms without explicit permission of the Library staff.
- Doors may not be blocked.
- Windows, doors and venetian blinds in study rooms may not be covered at any time.
- No items shall be taped or tacked to the walls, windows or doors. Bulletin boards are provided in the room for that purpose.
Children under the age of 12 are not permitted use of study rooms without an adult in the room with them.
The Library Board reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, June 12, 2015
The Township of Montville prohibits any person(s) from conducting private/commercial business in any Township Building.
Private business includes, but is not limited to: private paid tutors, internet business, presentations to clients for paid services, and any other private/commercial businesses.
The Montville Township Public Library Board of Trustees recognizes that tutoring is an activity that relates to the library’s role as an educational support center. However, use of the library’s space is permitted for non-profit tutoring (i.e., ESL tutors, Literacy Volunteers, Montville Board of Education Home Instructors, etc.) only.
These tutors must register and be authorized by the Library Director or his or her designee.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees December 12, 2011.
Revised by the Library Board of Trustees, February 8, 2016
Montville Township Public Library
Internet Safety and Computer Use Policy
Adopted by the Montville Township Public Library Board
The Montville Township Public Library Board is committed to ensuring access to information through technology. Access to digital information is fundamental for supporting continuous lifelong learning. Recognizing our role to provide access to electronic information, the Montville Township Public Library offers public access to the Internet in accordance with our mission to connect residents of all ages with technology resources for educational, informational, cultural, and recreational purposes.
The Library upholds and affirms the right of every individual to have access to material on the Internet. However, the Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and does not protect computer users from content they may find offensive or inaccurate. The Library also supports the right to privacy and confidentiality of Library users in accordance with New Jersey State Laws.
Illegal use of the Internet is prohibited. Patrons may not use the Library’s Internet access to view, print, distribute, display, send or receive images, text or graphics of obscene material or material that violates child pornography laws. Library users may not disseminate, exhibit or display to minors materials that are harmful to minors. The Library computers are not to be used for any purposes that violate federal and New Jersey State Laws.
The Library Board and its employees assume no responsibility for damages of any type arising from the use of Montville Township Public Library Internet workstations.
Library users must abide by the Internet Use Rules as approved by the Library Board.
All public access computer workstations with Internet access in public areas employ filtering technology. The type of filter used is a “Proxy server” meaning that a “Filter Vendor” maintains a secondary server through which all requests are filtered. The Library will continue to monitor and evaluate technological changes related to the Internet. Although filtering software is utilized, it is an imperfect technology. The Montville Library is not able to guarantee the effectiveness of this technology and emphasizes that parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for their own children’s use of the Internet.
Internet General Use Rules
- Patrons are limited to a two-hour session per day. Extensions may be granted for research, government forms, or employment applications.
- Patrons aged 13 and over may use the computers in the adult area. Children under 13 may use these computers only under direct supervision by a parent or guardian.
- Downloads may be made to a personal USB flash drive. Patrons must provide their own device.
- Print charges are 10¢ per page (black & white) and 25¢ per page (color). Uncollected print jobs will be cancelled after three hours.
- Library staff does not provide technical troubleshooting. Assistance is limited to locating information or searching the Library’s online databases.
- No more than two persons may share an Internet workstation at the same time. Study group accommodations may be made with staff.
- Children’s area computers are designated for children aged 12 and under.
- The Library retains the right to reserve computers for special purposes.
User Responsibilities
- Respect the privacy of others during their computer sessions.
- Illegal use of the Internet is prohibited. The Library cooperates fully with authorities wishing to prosecute criminals.
- Sending lewd, threatening, or unsolicited bulk messages is prohibited.
- Patrons may not view, print, distribute, display, send, or receive obscene or child pornography material.
- Patrons may not engage in deliberately offensive activities or create a hostile environment.
- Patrons may not violate copyright or licensing agreements, including downloading copyrighted text or music files.
- Patrons may not install software or alter library computer settings.
- Patrons may not attempt to circumvent or compromise network security.
- Patrons may not use or share another person’s library barcode.
Public access to the Montville Township Public Library computer network and the Internet is a privilege. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of this privilege.
Wireless Access
- The Library provides wireless Internet access, and users agree to comply with all provisions of this policy.
- Users must provide their own device; the Library does not supply equipment or provide technical assistance.
- Wireless access is unencrypted and used at the individual’s own risk. The Library assumes no responsibility for hacking or unauthorized access.
- The Library accepts no responsibility for the ability of personal equipment to connect to the network. Staff will not change settings on personal devices.
Responsibility and Authority of Staff
Library employees are responsible for enforcing these rules and may terminate a session for non-compliance.
Failure to Comply
Failure to comply will result in a request to discontinue activity. Continued violations will result in loss of privileges, removal from the library, and possible arrest or prosecution for trespassing. Offenders may also face federal or state prosecution.
Liabilities
- The Library assumes no responsibility for damages from Internet use.
- The Library makes no guarantees about Internet security; transactions and files may become public.
- Users agree to hold the Library harmless for copyright infringement.
- The Library is not responsible for viruses, spyware, identity theft, or damage to personal devices.
- The Library disclaims warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or usefulness of online information.
- The Library has no liability for damages related to information accessed through its service.
- The Library bears no liability for failures or circumvention of filtering software.
- The Library, its trustees, and employees bear no liability for display of obscene material or misconduct by users.
Montville Township Public Library
Pio Costa Meeting Room Policy
The Montville Township Public Library is aware of the need for meeting space for government agencies, local groups and organizations. Making available such accommodations to the public is an additional service, which the Library may render under conditions set by the Library Board. Permission to use the Pio Costa Meeting Room does not constitute an endorsement of a group’s policies or beliefs by the Library Board of Trustees. The Pio Costa Meeting Room is the only library space available for reservation.
All persons using the Pio Costa Meeting Room must abide by the Library’s Code of Conduct and other policies. See: Library Policies.
Reservations
- Applications required; available at the Business Office, by fax, or email.
- First-time users must provide proof of non-profit status and insurance certification.
- Reservations accepted up to 90 days in advance; cancellations must be made 24 hours prior.
Permissible Meetings & Programs
- Library sponsored meetings or programs.
- Government agencies (township, county, state, federal).
- Non-profit organization meetings/programs (must be open to the public/media).
Political meetings are permitted only as open forums with all parties invited.
Prohibited Uses
- Partisan rallies or campaigns.
- Religious services.
- Fundraising or profit-based activities (unless Library-sponsored).
- Private parties, social gatherings, or commercial meetings.
Facilities
- Capacity: 75 persons; wheelchair accessible.
- Restrooms and parking (90 spaces, 4 accessible).
- Tables/chairs available; user responsible for set-up and cleanup.
Regulations
- Meeting room must be vacated 15 minutes before library closing.
- Deposit of $500 required (refundable if no damage/extra cleaning).
- No smoking, vaping, or alcohol (except Library fundraising events with permits).
- Minors require one adult (21+) per six minors.
- Decorations limited; nothing may be attached to walls or ceilings.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, June 13, 2022
Montville Township Public Library
Collection Development Policy
1) Purpose of the Policy
The Montville Township Collection Development Policy provides guidance for evaluating and selecting materials to meet the needs of the community. It supports the Library’s mission to connect residents of all ages with learning opportunities for growth and success through inviting spaces, technology, and resources. It guides staff in material selection and informs the public of selection principles. The Library seeks to provide materials reflecting a wide range of views, opinions, and interests. The policy is periodically reviewed and revised to adapt to community needs.
2) Intellectual Freedom
The Library Board endorses the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and Freedom to View Statement. See: www.ala.org.
3) Goals
- Provide diverse library materials reflecting community needs and interests.
- Support users with timely, accurate, and useful information.
- Offer materials in multiple formats, including digital.
- Provide supplementary resources for education.
4) Responsibility for Selection
Initial selection rests with professional staff, based on expertise and collection needs, within budgetary constraints. Final responsibility rests with the Library Director under Board policy.
5) Selection Criteria
Materials are evaluated as whole works and selected from a variety of sources including professional reviews (e.g., Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly), popular press, staff review, and community suggestions. Criteria include:
- Relevance to community needs and interests
- Critical reviews, publicity, and demand
- Author/subject significance (current, historical, or local)
- Strengths/weaknesses of existing collection
- Reputation of author/publisher
- Scarcity of information on subject
- Sustainability of format
- Date of publication
- Price, availability, and budget
Textbooks are not collected, but supplemental curriculum materials may be considered. Special consideration is given to locally produced or authored works.
6) Non-Print Media
Criteria for DVDs, audiobooks, music, video games, eBooks, and downloadable media are the same as print. Additional considerations include ease of use, popularity, equipment needs, access for multiple users, and format longevity. Some acquisitions are made through the MAIN consortium.
7) Patron Recommendations
Suggestions from patrons are welcomed and considered under the same criteria as staff-selected materials.
8) Donations/Gifts
The Library accepts monetary gifts without restrictions. Book and material donations may be accepted if aligned with selection criteria. Items not added may be sold at Library book sales or through resale partners. The Library does not appraise donated items.
9) Placement of Material
Materials are classified using Dewey Decimal and BISAC subject headings. Collections are organized by type (Adult Fiction, Juvenile Non-Fiction, Young Adult, Reference, etc.). Professional reviews guide age-appropriateness. Parents are responsible for monitoring children’s reading.
10) Periodicals and Magazines
The Library collects newspapers and magazines for research and recreation, including foreign language, business, trade, and local publications. Highly technical or scholarly journals are not included.
11) Materials in Languages Other Than English
The Library provides books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and recordings in community languages (e.g., Hindi, Gujarati, Korean, Chinese). Language-learning resources are also provided. World language needs are assessed using registration data, census surveys, patron requests, and circulation statistics.
12) Collection Maintenance, Replacement, and Weeding
Professional staff review collections to ensure relevance, accuracy, and condition. Criteria for weeding include: outdated or inaccurate information, worn or damaged items, lack of circulation, or superseded editions. Replacement decisions are based on availability, demand, cost, and format.
13) Reconsideration of Materials
The Library maintains a balanced collection and does not endorse specific viewpoints. Materials may be controversial but are selected to represent diverse perspectives. Patrons may request reconsideration of materials through a formal process, including a Request for Reconsideration Form. The Library Director will review and respond within 90 days.
Montville Township Public Library
Child Safety Policy
The Library is a welcoming and safe place for children, but staff cannot monitor children’s whereabouts or behavior. Responsibility rests with parents/caregivers.
Definitions
- Unattended child: a child without a responsible adult on library premises.
- Disruptive behavior: behavior that infringes on others’ rights or violates the Code of Conduct.
Policy
- Children under 10 must have a caregiver (16+) on premises; children 7 or under must be in sight of a caregiver.
- Children are subject to the Code of Conduct. Parents may be notified for violations.
- Unattended/disruptive children may result in staff contacting Montville Township Police.
- Children 10–18 may use the library phone to call caregivers for rides.
- If a child is left after closing, staff will wait 10 minutes, then call police if not picked up.
- Adults may only enter Teen/Children’s areas if accompanying children, with special needs adults, or retrieving materials.
Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Library Director.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, September 13, 2021
Montville Township Public Library
Gifts and Donations Policy
The Montville Township Public Library welcomes gifts, grants, donations and bequests from individuals, organizations, companies, or agencies. Gifts and donations of materials are reviewed using the same criteria as purchases and evaluated according to the Library Collection Development Policy. The Library reserves the right to dispose of any gifts.
Guidelines
- Materials not added may be sold, donated, or discarded; proceeds benefit the Library.
- Cash donations used for materials recommended by staff; donor may suggest subjects but not titles.
- Only unconditional gifts are accepted. Conditional gifts are subject to Board approval.
- Donations accepted: books, DVDs, CDs in good condition. Not accepted: encyclopedias, textbooks, National Geographic sets.
- The Library will not appraise or assign monetary value. Receipts list number of items only.
- Donors must call ahead; staff will not pick up or carry items.
Monetary & Non-Material Gifts
- Money, stocks, securities placed in donation account for purchases beyond operating budget.
- Artwork, artifacts, plants, and objects require Board approval.
Right to Refuse
The Board may refuse gifts under circumstances such as: unreasonable restrictions, lack of resources, potential conflicts of interest, or inappropriate relationships. The Library may de-accession any gift without consulting the donor.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, June 12, 2023
MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY – MEMORY LAB POLICY
Memory Lab Policy
Approved by Library Board of Trustees 3-13-2023
The Memory Lab is a free, do-it-yourself space for making high-quality digitized personal archive collections. Using professional-grade equipment, library users can digitize multiple formats, including slides, negatives, photographic prints, Super 8 film, audio cassettes, documents and VHS tapes. The Memory Lab at the Montville Township Public Library consists of two digitization stations:
- One station for scanning photographs, slides, and negatives as well as flat documents. The scanner is a large format Epson 12000 that with a scanning space of 12″ x 17″.
- One VHS transfer station for digitizing VHS tapes, Super 8 film, and audio cassettes and vinyl records. The Memory Lab provides a space for the community to learn how to access, digitize and share old videos, audio recordings, photographs and slides.
The Memory Lab is available for three-hour appointments Monday through Thursday 9am – 6pm and Friday 9am – 4pm. Appointments can be made on our events calendar or by calling 973-402-0900.
Guidelines for Use
- Lab Use – Memory Lab users must leave a valid ID at the Information desk for the duration of their lab appointment. Priority will be granted to Montville Library cardholders. Memory Lab users must sign the Memory Lab User Agreement in order to have access to the lab and make an appointment prior to each use of the equipment.
- Age Policy – Appointment requests must be made and used by library patrons, aged 18 and older. Youth ages 14–17 may use the Lab if supervised by a parent or guardian.
- Length of Lab Visit – Users may reserve use of the Memory Lab for no more than one appointment weekly. Appointments are a maximum of 3 hours long.
- Late Policy – Reservations may be canceled for users who are more than 15 minutes late and the station will be made available to other users.
- Condition of Materials – All material brought into the Memory Lab needs to be inspected by staff before it can be placed in any of the equipment. Staff will look for several key issues, and depending on the issue, the material may be ineligible for digitization.
- Transfer of Copyrighted Materials using the Memory Lab is prohibited. By law, individuals cannot transfer copyrighted material unless: 1) user obtained permission from the copyright holder, or 2) the transfer is for fair use purposes.
- Transfer of Obscene Materials, or content that is otherwise inappropriate for the library environment, is prohibited.
- Policy Compliance – Use of the Memory Lab is subject to the Lab Policies listed here, the Montville Township Public Library Code of Conduct, the Library Internet Use Policies, as well as any other applicable Library policies and procedures. Failure to abide by all applicable policies and procedures will result in suspension or loss of Memory Lab use privileges.
- User Liability – The individual who reserves the Memory Lab will be considered the main user and is financially responsible for any damages or misuse of equipment, even if a group is working on a project together.
- Liability Limitation – The Montville Township Library is not responsible for any losses, damages, obligations or liabilities directly or indirectly related to the use of its equipment and information resources.
- Food and Beverages – Food and drink are NOT allowed in the Memory Lab area. Food and drink can damage our media equipment as well as attract pests that can damage personal materials.
- Saving Files – Users are responsible for saving their work on a personal, external memory source. Please bring a USB or external hard drive for saving files, as the library does not provide these sources. All Memory Lab computers are reset, and all files deleted after each reboot.
- Storage of Personal Items – Hard drives or other personal items needed for saving or transferring files cannot be stored at the library. Materials brought to the Memory Lab for scanning must remain with the user at all times.
- Staff Assistance – The Montville Township Public Library Memory Lab is a Do-It-Yourself space. Basic information about the Lab resources can be provided by staff. Users must be trained by a staff member before using the Memory Lab equipment and can reference training guides while using the lab.
