Find our Material Lending Policy here.

Introduction: The General Collections of the Ellsworth Public Library include all collection areas outside of those specified as Special Collections. The General Collections materials consist of various media considered essential or desirable to serve the needs of the library’s community. These items are generally available for circulation and may include, but not be limited to: print, digital, and audiovisual resources of both a fiction and nonfiction nature.

Purpose: The purpose of the General Collections is to serve the information and entertainment needs of Ellsworth Public Library patrons (both on site and remote) with regard to providing accurate information and leisure options in an accessible and organized manner. It will also comply with the Charter of the City of Ellsworth, Article VII: The City Library, and all sections therein.

Subject Areas Collected: Collected areas are regularly reviewed and modified by the Library Director and Board of Trustees. As circumstances change, the collecting areas will be reevaluated and modified as appropriate. Current areas are listed below:

– Adult fiction (Print, digital, and audiovisual materials) – Adult nonfiction (Factual print, digital, and audiovisual research and reference materials)

– Children’s fiction (Including print and digital picture books, easy readers, fiction, and audiovisual materials appropriate for infants through high school age)

– Children’s nonfiction (Including factual print and digital research resources and audiovisual materials appropriate for infants through high school age)

–Periodicals (Print and digital magazines and newspapers) If an item falls outside of these areas, but is considered to be an essential work connected to the local community, it may be considered for inclusion at the discretion of the Library Director and Board of Trustees.

Selection Criteria
The library makes no attempt to be exhaustive with all of its General Collections, though it is desirous of obtaining a well-rounded selection of useful and relevant materials for the community. Materials are selected based on a variety of factors such as filling in a missing area in the collection, community demand, and others. The following is a list of selection criteria that are considered when assessing both items available for purchase and donated items for addition to the General Collections:

– Community demand: How desirous library patrons are, both in and out of the library, to use a potential resource. This may be determined based on circulation statistics of similar items, requests made for purchase or Inter Library Loan, or noted verbal or written requests and comments made by library patrons to library staff.

– Authority and accuracy: (More important for nonfiction works.) The gravitas and prominence of the author and/or publisher in a given field and their reputation for producing current, reliable, relevant, and accurate information in their field. The library will attempt to acquire items that best meet those areas and are presented in an accessible format for library patrons.

– Literary and artistic merit: The ability of a work to remain relevant through the ages. The library will attempt to collect items of literary and artistic merit, but may also collect ephemeral items as well.

– Condition: An item’s condition has a significant impact on its usefulness and overall value. For this reason, materials in good or fine condition will receive precedence for addition over those in poor condition. However, if a material in poor condition is of such rarity, it may be considered for inclusion at the discretion of the Library Director pending the ability to mend or restore the item and that item’s relevance to the collection at large.

– Rarity: Items of moderate to mass production (low rarity), such as a best-selling work, may be included in the General Collections. Items of unique manufacture (high rarity), should be considered for inclusion under the Special Collections Development Policy. To determine rarity, the library will not only consider how the item was produced or published, but also how widely available it is through an interlibrary loan system. The more challenging it is for the library to obtain a copy to fulfill community demand, the higher the priority should be for the library to add the item to the collection, if feasible.

– Duplicate Copies: The library should attempt to acquire duplicate copies of an item under the following conditions: if there is an excess of five (5) patron requests pending in the Integrated Library System (ILS), at which point, should funds, space, and staff be available, efforts will be made to acquire one (1) additional copy per each increment of five (5) patron requests beyond the original group of five (5). For example, should the ILS display seven (7) requests, the library should own two (2) copies of the item.

o If the Library should receive a duplicate copy as a donation, and space, staff, and funds are available: the item should be checked against the item currently held. If there are more than five (5) requests recorded in the ILS, the donated copy should be added in addition to the existing copy. If there are less than five (5) requests recorded, the donated copy will be checked against the physical condition of the existing copy. If the physical condition of the donated copy is superior to the existing copy, the donated item will be added to the collection and the existing copy will be withdrawn. If the existing copy is in the same or superior condition to the donated copy, the donated copy will not be added to the collection.

– Monetary Value: This is not a factor for inclusion in the General Collections at this time. Value would be assessed according to standards in the antiquarian book world, by other Institutions’ holdings, and is based on factors such as age and condition of the item.

– Local Author Publications: Works produced by local residents will be accepted for the general collections if they are considered appropriate additions and if the person provides the library with a copy of the work. The library attempts to collect monograph works written or illustrated by Maine residents, and may hold a copy in Special Collections if it is of substantial rarity. (See Special Collections Development Policy)

Selection Tools
Because it is impossible for the Library’s staff to examine all items being considered for purchase, they utilize reliable selection aids. Staff members depend on the reviews found in standard public library review sources. Other selection aids, such as “Notable Book” lists, National Book Award lists, Pulitzer Prize lists, and published lists of bestsellers may also be used as required.

Scope of Coverage

– Formats: Acceptable formats for acquisition include print and digital items, monographs, maps, and serials, as well as audiovisual materials in an accessible format.

– Language: English will be the predominant language of materials added to the General Collections. However, special consideration will be given to non-English materials where the purpose is to learn another language, image dominates text, or the work is of significant importance to the collection.

– Date of Publication: Materials will be collected across a range of publication dates from early works relevant to the history and development of a topic to works created in the present day.

– Chronological Coverage: (in terms of intellectual content, movements, or schools): Nonfiction materials will be collected which represent the entire span of history of a topic. Efforts will be made to collect contemporary works to keep the collection’s content current and comprehensive. Fiction materials will be collected to complete series, if any, but may not necessarily include every work any author has ever written: prominent works will receive precedence.

Collecting Method

– Acquisitions Made Through Purchases: The Ellsworth Public Library may purchase items for inclusion in the General Collections through designated operating budget or donated funds. Purchases must be approved by the Library Director.

– Acquisitions Made Through Gifts: The Ellsworth Public Library may include items in the General Collections that were received as donations or dedicated gifts to the library. Such items may be accompanied by a signed Deed of Gift form dependent on the nature of the gift. The Library also reserves the right to deny gifts or donated items inclusion in the General Collections based on the Selection Criteria above, as well as other considerations such as space available or librarian discretion. It should be noted that separate legal agreements for acquisitions may be entered into between the Library’s Board of Trustees and the donor of the item(s).

Inventory/Weeding
In order to maintain quality library collections and to reserve enough free space for the acquisition of new materials, weeding of collections should be done. The library collaborates with the community in determining the usability and relevance of its collections. It is the responsibility of the Library Director to oversee all weeding and inventory activities of the General Collections, which are done on an intermittent basis. Materials that are determined to be irrelevant, outdated, unused, in poor physical condition, or are superseded by newer editions are considered for removal from the collection.

Intellectual Freedom
The Ellsworth Public Library attempts to provide open and equal access to materials. While the Library supports the idea that anyone may reject for oneself materials they find distasteful, the Library also affirms the principal that a person may not exercise censorship over another person’s choice in resources. The Library supports the right and the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to supervise material used by dependent children. However, the Library staff may not act in loco parentis with regard to use of library materials by children. The Ellsworth Public Library Board of Trustees endorses the statements of the American Library Association entitled the Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View. (See Appendix A) For reconsideration of materials, please see the Reconsideration of Materials

Review and Revisions of the Policy

This statement of policy will be reviewed no less than once every three years and will be revised as times and circumstances require. Approved by the Board of Trustees – April 22, 2013

Appendix A

Library Bill of Rights The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries that 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.

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.

Freedom to Read

The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.

Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.

These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials.

Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference.

Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.

We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.

The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.

We therefore affirm these propositions:

It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.

Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.

Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated.

Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.  No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.

There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.

To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.

It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous.

The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.

It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information.

It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.

It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one.

The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support.

We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.

This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers.

Adopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee; amended January 28, 1972; January 16, 1991; July 12, 2000; June 30, 2004.

Freedom to View

The Freedom to View, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore these principles are affirmed:

To provide the broadest access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.

To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials.

To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.

To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging film, video, or other audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content.

To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public’s freedom to view.

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This statement was originally drafted by the Freedom to View Committee of the American Film and Video Association (formerly the Educational Film Library Association) and was adopted by the AFVA Board of Directors in February 1979. This statement was updated and approved by the AFVA Board of Directors in 1989.

Endorsed January 10, 1990, by the ALA Council

Special Collections: Alvin S. Whitmore Collection for Genealogy and the Maine Reference Collection

Introduction
The Special Collections at the Ellsworth Public Library include the Alvin S. Whitmore Collection for Genealogy and the Maine Reference collection. The Genealogy materials consist of various media connected to ancestry, cemetery, military, and vital records of area communities, as well as some material of local interest from other areas. The Maine Reference section consists of similarly diverse media connected to town, county, and state history, legislation, and other matters considered of importance. Items included in Special Collections are not available for circulation due to the rare and fragile nature and/or unique nature of these items.

Purpose
The purpose of the Special Collections is to serve the information needs of Ellsworth Public Library patrons (both on site and remote) with regard to their own ancestry and local area history in an accessible and organized manner. It will also comply with the Charter of the City of Ellsworth, Article VIII : The City Library, and all sections therein.

Special Collections Committee

Duties:

• To review and recommend any changes in the Special Collections Development Policy to the Board of Trustees, with special emphasis on review of the subject areas collected.
• To review and approve the acquisition of any large gifts of material. Large shall be defined as collections of over fifteen (15) items to be received at one time from one individual. Items must meet the existing definitions of subject areas collected or be of essential importance to the local community.
• To review and approve the withdrawal of any items from the Special Collections and to approve their disposition.

Makeup:

• One member of the Board of Library Trustees
• One member of the City Council
• One representative from the Hancock County Genealogical Society
• Director of the Library
• Special Collections Librarian
• One resident of the City

Meetings
The Special Collections Committee shall meet no less than once in each fiscal year for the purpose of reviewing the subject areas collected and the Special Collections Policy to determine if any changes should be recommended to the Board of Trustees. They may also meet, as needed, to review large collections that the library is being asked to accept for the Special Collections and/or the withdrawal and disposition of items from the Special Collections.

The establishment of this Committee shall in no way negate or amend the provisions of the Charter of the City of Ellsworth, Article VIII : The City Library with respect to the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees and the City Council.

Subject Areas Collected
Collected areas are regularly reviewed and modified by the Special Collections Librarian and Library Administration. As circumstances change, the collecting areas will be reevaluated and modified as appropriate. Current areas are listed below:

– Town vital records (Concentrated in Maine, but communities throughout New England are present)

– Local newspapers (Kept on microfilm with readers available)

– Family histories (Including journals, diaries, letters, and family trees)

– Cemetery records (Concentrated in Hancock County)

– Military records (Concentrated in Hancock County)

– Town reports (Concentrated on Ellsworth, but other area communities are included)

– Town, county, and state histories (Concentrated on Maine)

If an item falls outside of these areas, but is considered to be an essential work connected to the local community, it may be considered for inclusion at the discretion of the Special Collections Committee.

Selection Criteria
The library makes no attempt to be exhaustive with all of its Special Collections, though it is desirous of obtaining a well-rounded selection of useful and relevant materials for the community. The library does make an attempt to be exhaustive for all materials published in connection with Ellsworth’s history and people to extent that is reasonable and feasible for the library based on constraints such as, but not limited to: budget, space, staff, and time.

Materials are selected based on a variety of factors such as filling in a missing area in the collection, condition, and rarity. The following is a list of selection criteria considered when assessing donated items for addition to the Special Collections:

– Condition: An item’s condition has a significant impact on its usefulness and overall value. For this reason, materials in good or fine condition will receive precedence for addition over those in poor condition. However, if a material in poor condition is of significant rarity, it may be considered for inclusion at the discretion of the Special Collections Librarian and Library Administration pending their ability to mend or restore the item.

– Rarity: Items of unique production, such as a personal journal or self-published area history, will be included in the Special Collections. Items of mass manufacture (low rarity), but still relevant to the subject areas above, may still be included at the discretion of the Special Collections Librarian and Library Administration.

– Duplicate Copies: If the library should acquire duplicate copies of an item, and there is space available in a secure location, a second copy should be reserved in that secure location, in case of the event the copy in the collection falls into disrepair or disappears. If there is an excess of duplicates, one may be added to the General Collections for circulation at the discretion of Library Administration.

– Monetary Value: This is not a factor for inclusion in Special Collections at this time. Value would be assessed according to standards in the antiquarian book world, by other Institutions’ holdings, and is based on factors such as age and condition of the item.

– Local Author Publications: Works produced by local authors will be bound (if necessary), cataloged, and held in the library collection if the author provides the library with a copy of the work. The library attempts to collect monograph works written by area authors, but may only hold a copy in Special Collections if it is of substantial rarity.

Scope of Coverage
– Formats: Acceptable formats for acquisition include personal print items, monographs, maps, plans, and serials, as well as audiovisual materials in an accessible format.

– Language: English will be the predominant language of materials added to the Special Collections. However, special consideration will be given to non-English materials where image dominates text, or the work is of significant importance to the subject areas.

– Date of Publication: Collection will be collected across a range of publication dates from early works relevant to the history and development of a topic to works created in the present day.

– Chronological Coverage: (in terms of intellectual content, movements, or schools) : Materials will be collected which represent the entire span of history of a topic. Efforts will be made to collect contemporary works to keep the collection’s content current and comprehensive.

– Geographic Coverage: Materials will be collected on, in order of precedence, Ellsworth, Hancock County, and Maine. Special consideration will be given to geographical coverage related to materials that surround those areas if connections may be proven.

Collecting Methods
– Acquisitions Made Through Purchases: The Ellsworth Public Library may purchase items for inclusion in the Special Collections through designated or donated funds. Purchases must be approved by Library Administration.

– Acquisitions Made Through Gifts: The Ellsworth Public Library may include items in the Special Collections that were received as donations or dedicated gifts to the collection. Such items should be accompanied by a signed Deed of Gift form. The Library also reserves the right to deny gifts or donated items inclusion in the Special Collections based on the SelectionCriteria above, as well as other considerations such as space available, or librarian discretion. It should be noted that separate legal agreements for acquisitions may be entered into between the Board of Trustees of the Ellsworth Public Library and the donor of the item, under the stipulations of the City Charter referred to above.

Inventory/Weeding
In order to maintain quality library collections and to reserve enough free space for the acquisition of new materials, weeding of collections will be done. The library collaborates with the community in determining the usability and relevance of its collections. It is the responsibility of the Director andSpecial Collections Librarian to oversee all weeding and inventory activities of the Special Collections, which are done on an intermittent basis. Materials that are determined to be irrelevant, outdated, unused, in poor physical condition, or are superseded by newer editions are considered for removal from the collection. Removal of any item from the Special Collections must be approved by the Special Collections Committee.

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Revised 3/25/2013 CEC
Adopted by the Board of Trustees

Ellsworth Public Library’s connection to the Internet provides access to information far beyond our facility. Such access is consistent with our mission to: “To provide library users of all ages with a welcoming, safe, and stimulating atmosphere and with a wide range of available materials that will encourage lifelong learning and enjoyment, inspire creativity, and promote a sense of community and civic awareness.” Basic to this mission is our endorsement of the American Library Association Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement.

The Internet is an unmonitored and unregulated resource. Much of it is not catalogued or indexed in any way. Available information includes much that is personally, professionally or culturally enriching. It also includes material that may be offensive, erroneous, out-of-date, controversial, sexually explicit, or illegal. The Ellsworth Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information obtained over the Internet on our computers or through the use of personal electronic devices connected to our WIFI system and is not responsible for its content. As with all library materials, a child’s access to computers and the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

Ellsworth Public Library affirms the right of the individual to have access to all library materials, including those in electronic form.

Ellsworth Public Library affirms the responsibility of parents/guardians to determine the suitability of Internet resources, and all other library materials, for their children.

Internet use will be conducted in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with the use or enjoyment of the library by others.

Ellsworth Public Library reserves the right to limit use of its electronic resources. Limitations may include, but are not restricted to:

• filtering inappropriate materials and images in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) regulations
• restricting time on computers and limiting the applications or functions used on the computers
• charging a nominal fee for the use of certain consumable supplies such as paper.
• shutting down 30 minute computers fifteen (15) minutes before the Library closes for the day and shutting down 15 minute computers five (5) minutes before the Library closes for the day.

Ellsworth Public Library’s electronic resources may be used only for purposes that are legal.

Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to:

• harassment of other library or computer users or staff;
• unauthorized access to files, data or passwords of others;
• libeling or slandering others;
• disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
• unauthorized downloading and/or copying of copyright-protected material;
• violations, or attempts to violate, computer system security and/or software license agreements;
• intentional exposure of other individuals to materials or images they may find personally unsuitable;
• incurring any costs to the Ellsworth Public Library including damage to Library equipment;
• any other illegal activity.

WIFI Network
The Ellsworth Public Library currently provides an unsecured WIFI network for public use that is available at all times. The Library reserves the right to secure this network and/or shut it down for part of the day at any time without any prior notice.

Disclaimer
The Ellsworth Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information available through the Internet, and disclaims any warranty as to the information’s accuracy, authoritativeness, timeliness, usefulness, or fitness for a particular purpose.

The Ellsworth Public Library assumes no responsibility for and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages arising from the use of its electronic resources or connections to other Internet resources or for damage to personal electronic devices which are connected to the Library’s WIFI network.

Failure to follow this policy may result in suspension of computer use privileges, suspension of access to Library property, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.

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Adopted by the Ellsworth Public Library Board of Trustees July 15, 1996
Reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees January 16, 2001.
Reviewed and approved as amended by the Board of Trustees February 24, 2014.
Reviewed by the Board of Trustees – February 17, 2015.
Reviewed and approved as amended by the Board of Trustees August 22, 2016.

Introduction
It is the policy of the Ellsworth Public Library to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106–554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet access to inappropriate information.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Ellsworth Public Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so–called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Ellsworth Public Library staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and theProtecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director or designated representatives.

Adoption
This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of the Ellsworth Public Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on August 22, 2016.

The Ellsworth Public Library grounds and outdoor facilities may be used by members of the general public in conformance with the City of Ellsworth Code of Ordinances – Chapter 29 – Regulation of City Owned Land and the Code of Library Behavior, which are incorporated by reference.The additional provisions listed below must also be followed:

• Smoking, including smoking of medical marijuana, is prohibited in the building and on the grounds of the Library.
• Any group or individual desiring to hold an organized event on the Library grounds must receive prior permission from the Library Director or designee.
• No library furniture or equipment, designed for inside use, is to be used on the grounds without prior permission of the Library Director or designee.
• Major changes to the landscaping must be approved by the Ellsworth Public Library Board of Trustees.

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Adopted by the Ellsworth Public Library Board of Trustees June 17, 2003
Adopted as amended by the Board of Trustees April 23, 2012
Adopted as amended by the Board of Trustees September 16, 2013 with the change to be effective January 1, 2014.

The Ellsworth Public Library welcomes and encourages gifts and bequests to the Library in order to help with the Library’s fulfillment of its mission. The Library’s Board of Trustees have the authority to conditionally accept donations and gifts for the Library on behalf of the Ellsworth City Council and to manage and direct the use, investment, disposal, and allocation of all contributions, gifts, and funds donated to the Ellsworth Public Library, or to the City of Ellsworth for the benefit of the Library, in a manner consistent with the laws of the State of Maine.When proposing a gift to the Ellsworth Public Library, please keep in mind the following:

1. Only materials that are appropriate to library use and consistent with the current acquisitions policy and needs, as determined by the Library Board of Trustees or its appointee will be considered or accepted.
2. A gift, once accepted, becomes the property of the City of Ellsworth Public Library without condition or restriction to its use, display, allocation or disposal, unless such conditions or restrictions are noted in writing and are agreed to by a vote of the Library Board of Trustees and ratified by the City Council.

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Adopted by the Board of Trustees April 23, 2012

Investment Objectives:

The Board of Trustees of the Ellsworth Public Library will invest in order to:

1. achieve a rate of growth that will ensure future income be maintained at least at current levels as expressed in constant dollars;
2. maintain sufficient balance and liquidity to permit prudent adjustments in investments.

Investment Manager:

The Board of Trustees will appoint and retain one or more investment managers to assist in the performance of its obligations. The Board will delegate to that manager the authority to hold, retain, buy, sell, invest, and re-invest the assets, funds, and monies placed with it, pursuant to the investment objectives of the Library and those of the investment manager.

The Board will meet with the investment manager annually and as needed each year by telephone or in person to assess the manager’s performance. To aid in its assessment, the Board will use the Standard and Poors 500 Index and other relevant indices as it deems appropriate.

Allowed Investments:

Investment funds shall be invested in equity securities of business entities (including American depository receipts of foreign entities) which are publicly traded on United States stock exchanges or NASDAQ or mutual funds investing in like securities.  They may also be invested in debt obligations of the United States and its agencies, of states and territories and agencies thereof, and of United States business entities and in certificates of deposit or interest bearing deposits of United States banks. All investments shall be in investment grade securities, mutual funds investing in like securities or deposits with a view to the safety of the investment funds and the manager shall utilize best efforts to adhere to Prudent Investor Rule.  Real estate will not be accepted or acquired without Trustee approval of the specific parcel and the economic, environmental, and land use issues pertaining to it. Further, substantial gifts of personal property will not be accepted without the approval of the Board and the Library Director.

Investments shall be diversified as to issuers and industry categories to minimize the risk of market value loss. Without Board of Trustee approval, no funds shall be used to acquire or engage in options, straddles, hedges, or similar contracts.

The allocation of investment or invested assets between equities and debt obligations shall be determined by the Board in consultation with the investment manager(s) during periodic reviews.  The allocation of investment fund assets shall be reviewed and revised or reaffirmed at least annually.  (see attached)

Spending

The Investment Fund of the Ellsworth Public Library, overseen by the Board of Trustees, may be used to support Ellsworth Public Library’s operating budget and necessary capital and/or plant improvements, as needed. The Investment Fund may also provide the resources for strategic initiatives or special projects as determined by a 3/5 vote of the full Board of Trustees.

During each fiscal year’s budget cycle, the Board of Trustees may determine how much of the corpus of the Investment Fund will be used for revenue for the next fiscal year. The Board will choose a percentage between 2.5%-4%, applied to the average value of the Investment Fund at the calendar year end for the previous five (5) years.

Explicitly restricted funds are to be omitted from the calculation of the five year average of the Investment Fund.

Any additional distributions above 4% may be made only by a 3/5 vote by the full Board of Trustees.

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Approved by the Board of Trustees as revised – December 18, 2024

Philosophy

The Ellsworth Public Library offers a wide variety of exhibits free of charge to the public in order to provide an opportunity for individual intellectual and aesthetic growth and appreciation and to enhance public awareness of the cultural and artistic community. In order to achieve these goals, the Library strives to foster freedom of expression and to provide freedom of access to all.

1. EXHIBITION SPACE
   The meeting room on the lower level (Riverview Room) is available for exhibitions.
2. TYPES OF EXHIBITIONS
   1. Works of professional artists, crafts people, community groups and students with an emphasis on those from Hancock County and Maine communities.
   2. Historical or other artifacts that are educational or may enhance collections of the Library.
   3. Informational material from city and state agencies, schools and non-profit groups who wish to publicize their organization or activities.
3. SELECTION CRITERIA
   Each application will be reviewed by the Art Exhibits Coordinator or the Library Director according to the following criteria:
   1. Vitality and originality.
   2. Quality of implementation.
   3. Suitability of physical form.
   4. Historical significance or representation of emerging trends.
   5. Community interests and needs.
   6. Relation to past/future library exhibits and programs to ensure a variety of techniques, subjects or media and an integrated overall program of activities.
   7. Availability of adequate space.
4. APPLICATION PROCEDURES
   Whether initiated by the Library or by individuals or groups wishing to exhibit at the Ellsworth Public Library, all exhibitors must submit a completed application form (see Form #1) to the Exhibit Coordinator or Library Director. A representative portfolio of the body of work and resume of the exhibitor may be requested for review. The responsibilities of the Library and the exhibitor are printed on Form #2–Exhibit Guidelines.
5. SCHEDULING PROCEDURES
   Upon a positive assessment of an application, the applicant may be assigned an exhibit date and the schedule will be confirmed in writing by the Library representative. In general, exhibits will be scheduled on a monthly basis. The Library reserves the right to change or cancel a scheduled exhibit.
   The Library further reserves the right to limit the number of exhibits an individual or group of exhibitors may have over a period of time.
   If the applicant is rejected, the Library representative will notify the applicant and indicate the reason for the rejection.
6. PUBLICITY
   The Library will publicize the exhibit in the local area with local media and requests all exhibitors to furnish material for a press release at least two weeks in advance of the exhibition’s opening date. The Library reserves the right to review and/or edit any publicity material prepared by the exhibitor before its release.
7. INSTALLATION AND DISMANTLING
   The exhibitor is responsible for the installation and dismantling of the exhibit on the designated dates and will provide all necessary equipment and materials. The exhibitor must also provide at the time of installation a list of pieces in the exhibit (See From #3– Exhibit Description.
   No work can hang lower than the bottom of the hanging rods. Please see illustration on the floor plan sheet.
   Installation and dismantling will be approved by the Library representative.
   The Library is not responsible for works left at the library before or after an exhibit.
8. USE OF LIBRARY PERSONNEL
   If the exhibitor wishes to schedule an event related to the exhibit, but not during regularly scheduled Library hours, a request must be made in the application. If the request is granted, the Library may require that Library personnel be available at the event, and it may be the responsibility of the exhibitor to compensate the Library personnel at the appropriate hourly rate. “Openings” are the responsibility of the exhibitor and must conform to the Library’s Meeting Room Use Policy; however, the Library will waive fees for meeting room use for such events. Lectures and programs related to the exhibition are encouraged.
9. SALE OF EXHIBIT MATERIALS
   The Library will not engage in the sale of any items on exhibit. All inquiries will be referred to the exhibitor who is responsible for providing Library staff with information on how such inquiries should be routed.
10. INSURANCE
    The Ellsworth Public Library provides insurance coverage for exhibited materials up to $30,000. All works shown must be hanging on the wall. Exhibitors will be responsible for any insurance coverage over $30,000.
11. DAMAGE
    The exhibitor may be held liable for repairs to the Library which are a direct result of the exhibit.
12. POLICY CHANGES
    The Ellsworth Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to make such changes in these policies without prior notice as it may deem advisable from time to time, and to cancel or withdraw permission for the exhibition of materials when, in its discretion, such withdrawal is advisable.

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Revised and adopted by the Board of Trustees Feb. 16, 1998
Reviewed by the Board of Trustees November 21, 2000
Reviewed by the Board of Trustees April 23, 2012
Reviewed and approved with changes by the Board of Trustees April 21, 2014
Reviewed with no changes by the Board of Trustees  April 20 2015

Library related events have priority over other users of the Riverview Room.

The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the City of Ellsworth, the Board of Trustees, or the Library staff.

SCHEDULING AND RESERVATIONS

Applications for use of the Riverview Room are available at the Library circulation desk during regular Library hours or on the Library’s website at: www.ellsworthlibrary.net. A completed application must be received before a reservation is confirmed. Completed applications should be received at least 48 hours prior to the event.

Set up and clean up time should be included when reserving the Riverview Room. The Library reserves the right to limit the number of reservations at one time. For meetings that end after-hours, a representative of the group must pick up the keys on the day of the meeting and be instructed on building closing procedures.

The Riverview Room is not available on Sundays or Legal Holidays when the library is closed for business. If the Library is closed for all or a portion of a day due to weather conditions or other emergency, any reservations during those closures will be cancelled.

Check library website, Facebook page, and local radio and TV stations for closure notices.

The Library reserves the right to reject any application or withdraw previously approved application(s) for a violation of the policies of the Library or non-payment of meeting room fees.

CANCELLATION

If an event is cancelled please notify the Library by phone or in person at least 48 hours prior to the event. The meeting room fee will be charged if a cancellation notice is not received at least 48 hours prior to the event’s starting time.

PUBLICITY FOR EVENTS

Individuals and groups using the Library meeting room must not use advertising or publicity materials that indicate or imply that a program is sponsored, co-sponsored, endorsed, or approved by the Library. Advertising and publicity must clearly state “this event is sponsored by (name of individual or organization)” and include a contact phone number for the group and/or individual responsible for the program and may not include the Library’s phone number. In no case will the Library’s logo be used in any publicity materials for events not sponsored by the Library. No group may consider the Library its permanent meeting place or use the Library as its mailing address.

SMOKING

Smoking is not permitted in the building or anywhere on the library grounds. Use of candles or incense is also prohibited.

PARKING

Daytime event attendees must use the public parking lot at City Hall. The exception to this would be vehicles with handicapped designation, which may use the handicapped spaces in the rear parking lot.

OCCUPANCY

Maximum occupancy for the Riverview Room will be the limit governed by the prevailing fire code. Capacity is 100 people standing and 56 people with tables and chairs set up.

EQUIPMENT

Use of equipment should be arranged when making reservations. Ten tables (3’ X 6”) and chairs, children’s tables and chairs, lectern, whiteboard and markers, and projection screen are available.

Groups using audio / visual equipment must be aware of copyright laws and may not use media labeled “home use”. Public performance rights must be obtained for media to be viewed in the Library.

SET UP

Requested equipment will be in the room at the time of the meeting. Individuals or groups using the Riverview Room are responsible for setting it up according to their needs.

REFRESHMENTS

Food and beverages may be consumed in the Riverview Room. Persons or groups using only the Riverview Room must furnish their own dishes, etc.

No alcoholic beverages are allowed on Library property by City of Ellsworth ordinance.

KITCHEN

A full kitchen (stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot with filters) is available for an additional charge.

MEETING ROOM CLEAN UP

Groups are responsible for straightening the room after each use. Please replace chairs, wipe off tables and replace those tables set up for your group. Any trash must be taken by the group.

KITCHEN CLEANUP

All kitchen areas and refrigerator should be cleaned and food removed. Any dishes and utensils should be washed, dried, and returned to the cupboards. All trash must be bagged and taken or closed bags left in the kitchen on the floor.

The Library is not responsible for any materials or equipment left in the building.

CLOSING AFTER LIBRARY HOURS

If an event will end after closing time, a member of the Library staff will review closing procedures with the person in charge of the event. Failure to follow closing procedures may affect future use of the facility.

STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

The applicants who use the Library’s Riverview Room accept full liability for any damage to the facilities and/or equipment.

FEES

The fees below are for up to three hours of room use. Groups must pay an additional fee for longer use.

Non-profit org. based in a supporting town	Free
Individual residing in a supporting town	Free
Individual or non-profit org. in non-supporting town	$25
For-profit or an individual representing a for-profit	$ 55.00
Non-profit or for-profit	Charging admission 20% of gate ($50.00 minimum)
Use of kitchen: (in addition to the room rental fee)	$ 25.00

Supporting towns include: Ellsworth, Lamoine, Hancock, Eastbrook, Great Pond, Mariaville, Otis, Sorrento, Surry, Waltham
*Any organization claiming non-profit status may be required to provide documentation.

Fees must be paid at or before the time of the event. Any business or group that requires an invoice to make payment should note that on the application.

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Approved by Board of Trustees – November 15, 2010
Approved as amended by the Board of Trustees – June 16, 2014
Reviewed with no changes by the Board of Trustees – June 15, 2015
Approved as amended by the Board of Trustees – July 20, 2021
Approved as amended by the Board of Trustees – July 12, 2022
Approved as amended by the Board of Trustees – October 16, 2024

It is the policy of the Ellsworth Public Library to acknowledge and respond to concerns regarding the subject matter of their materials and resources in consultation with the General Collections Development Policy.

If any library material or resource is challenged, the following procedures will be followed:

1. The complainant will be invited to fill out and sign the Request for Reconsideration of Materials form (see linked).
2. The complainant will be invited to express concerns regarding the material or resource to the
   Library Director.
3. The Library Director or designee will report the challenge to the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom.
4. The challenged material or resource will be read, viewed, or listened to in its entirety by the Library Administration. The Library Administration will then respond to the complainant regarding the material within thirty (30) business days and will make a report to the Board of Trustees.
5. If the complainant so requests, the challenged material will be put on the agenda for a public hearing at the next meeting of the Ellsworth Public Library Board of Trustees.
6. The complainant may appeal the decision of the Ellsworth Public Library Board of Trustees by turning the matter over to the Maine Library Association Committee on Intellectual Freedom.

All challenged Ellsworth Public Library materials and resources will be evaluated to ensure they are in compliance with the Ellsworth Public Library General Collections Policy. It is not the purpose of the Library Administration, Staff, or Board of Trustees to censor access to materials or resources based on personal taste and preference or to aid an individual engaged in censorship pursuits.

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Adopted by the Board of Trustees on April 21, 2014
Approved with changes by the Board of Trustees on April 18, 2023