Scope

This policy applies to the community covered under the service area of the Upper Skagit Library.

Policy/Conditions

• Library collections meet the diverse needs of the community.

• • • The vision of the Upper Skagit Library is: serving and inspiring our diverse community.
    • Our community is composed of individuals of varying ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and faiths from diverse educational, cultural, and economic backgrounds. The library is committed to providing meaningful collections that are inclusive, unbiased, and responsive to a wide variety of interests and viewpoints.
    • The purpose of this policy is to support the Library’s mission and vision statement and to serve as a guide for the selection, acquisition, maintenance, and retention of materials by establishing roles, responsibilities, and processes for addressing Library user concerns.

• Library collections are developed using the principles of intellectual freedom.

• • • The Library Board of Trustees supports an individual’s right to read, listen, view, or otherwise experience a wide and varied expression of ideas and thoughts. Furthermore, the Library Board endorses the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, Article I of the Washington State Constitution, and the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights and its interpretations.

• The Library encourages parental participation in materials access for their children.

• • • Individuals are free to select or reject materials for themselves or their minor children but may not restrict the freedom of others to use or access materials or information. Parents and guardians are responsible for guiding and directing the reading, listening and viewing choices of their minor children. The Library does not stand in loco parentis (in the place of a parent).

•  The Library sets these collection priorities:
  • • • Children’s/Teen materials and materials for people who work with children and teens. Emphasis is on reading readiness, early learning, promoting the joy of reading and learning, and the diversity of the collections as a whole.
      • Lifelong learning for adults.
      • Popular recreational reading, listening, and viewing for all ages.
      • General research, information, and fact finding sources.
      • Occupational and vocational guidance materials.
      • Supplemental educational materials for students.
      • World languages and English language learning materials for existing and emerging populations of non-native English speakers in the Upper Skagit community.
      • Genealogical research.
      • Local and regional history, and the literature of the Upper Skagit Valley, as well as Skagit county as a whole.
        • General subjects will be collected broadly to meet anticipated and expressed individual and community needs. Collections of local relevance to the citizens of Upper Skagit, specifically history and  literature will be collected in greater depth.

•  Criteria considered when selecting library materials are:
• • • Community relevance.
    • Timeliness.
    • Diversity of viewpoint and content.
    • Authenticity and accuracy of factual material.
    • Level of demand.
    • Audience for material.
    • Physical durability.
    • Current or historical significance of the author or subject.
    • Local significance of the author or subject.
    • Existing subject coverage.
    • Aesthetic considerations: literary, artistic, or social value; appeal to the imagination, senses, or intellect.
    • Quality of writing and its readability.
    • Popular appeal: reading, listening or viewing enjoyment.
    • Favorable critical reviews.
    • Budget and space limitations.
    • Suitability of the format for Library use.
    • Availability in other formats.

• Electronic collections have additional considerations for selection.
  • • Usability: the product is user-friendly, well indexed, and offers numerous points of access.
    • Availability: to multiple simultaneous users 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    • Accessibility: to retrospective information when necessary or desirable.
    • Best Format: the electronic resource provides added value over other formats.
    • An item need not meet all of these standards to be included in the Library’s collection.

• Collections are selected and maintained by qualified library staff.
  • Selection and maintenance of library materials are guided by the Library Director and will be assigned to qualified library staff based on their experience, training, expertise, and interest. Final responsibility for the collection rests with the Library Director, under the authority of the Library Board.

• Library collections are continually evaluated and maintained.
  • Withdrawing materials is a vital part of collection maintenance and ensures attractive, relevant, current, and responsive collections.  The Library follows these withdrawal guidelines:
    • This library is not a historical repository for last copies, hard-to-find materials, or materials that have had limited use or checkouts.
    • Condition, currency, content, usage, and consistency with the library’s mission are the primary criteria for determining retention in the library collections.
    • Collection evaluation and maintenance is an ongoing process.
  • Withdrawn library materials or donated materials that are not added to the library’s collection are given to the Friends of the Upper Skagit Library. The proceeds raised by the Friends from the sale of withdrawn or donated items are used to enhance library programs, services and collections.

• The Library accepts materials donations for the library or its collections.
  • Donated materials in good condition and of value to library collections are gratefully accepted.

• The Library welcomes collection suggestions and comments from the community.
  • Individuals are encouraged to submit suggestions for purchase of individual titles, the development of subject areas, and the addition of new formats.
  • If an individual objects to a title in the library collection, they are asked to complete a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form.  
    • The request must be completed in its entirety, either online or brought in person to the Library, in order to initiate a review of the item in question. 
    • The request can only be submitted by someone with an active resident card. Requests for Reconsideration from reciprocal borrowers will not be considered. 
      • Organizations may not make a “Request for Reconsideration.”
    • The individual making the request must have watched, read, or listened to the item they are requesting reconsideration for in its entirety, for the request to be valid.
  • The Library then reviews the item for inclusion in the collection in light of the library’s overall objectives, this policy, the Library Bill of Rights, and ALA guidelines on intellectual freedom.
    • Once this process is completed, a written response, signed by the Library Director, will be mailed to the requester, stating the outcome of the review. 
      • If still unsatisfied, the requestor may present concerns to the Library Board, which is the final arbiter in matters of this nature. When necessary, information on how to do this will be included with the written response from the Library Director.
    • One appeal may be made per “Request for Reconsideration.”
      • The library will also only review a book for Reconsideration one time in a three year period. Any “Request for Reconsideration” form filled out for an already reviewed book during that three year period, will be sent a copy of the Library Director and/or Board of Trustees’ decision.
    • The final authority regarding removal or retention of Library materials ultimately resides with the Library Board of Trustees, as advised by the Library Director.

Other resources:

Library Bill of Rights

ALA’s Freedom to Read Statement

ALA’s Freedom to View

ALA’s Free Access to Libraries for Minors

ALA’s interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

United States Constitution, Bill of Rights

Washington State Constitution, Article I

Adopted by the Upper Skagit Library Board of Trustees, April 20, 2023. 

Children are welcome at the library 

The Upper Skagit Library welcomes children of all ages and we encourage children to make full use of the library, materials, and programs that we have to offer. 

The Library desires to provide a safe and appropriate environment for visitors of all ages. For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible parent or caregiver should accompany and supervise children who are using the Library. While in the Library, parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children. The Library is not equipped, nor is it the Library’s role, to provide long- or short-term child care.

Safety 

The Upper Skagit Library is a public place, open to all people. Children left alone are at risk and should be supervised by a mature, capable parent or guardian. 

What the Library Does 

We strive to provide a safe, appropriate environment for different age groups, including small children. Library staff are trained to assist patrons in using Library materials, services, and programs. Library staff are not responsible for supervising children left alone while on Library property. The policy on children in the Library is not intended to be restrictive. The policy was adopted to ensure the general safety and well-being of these patrons. 

Responsibilities 

Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers are responsible for their children’s safety, comfort, and behavior while on Library property. 

Toddlers and Preschoolers  

• Are encouraged to use the Children’s section in the Library  
• Must be supervised by a responsible caregiver at all times while in the Library  
• Must be accompanied by a caregiver to attend Library programs such as Storytimes and LEGO Club

Older Children

Elementary school-age children may use the Library unattended for an amount of time appropriate to their age and maturity. Children must follow the same rules as adults, or they may be asked to leave the Library for the day. Quiet play is fine. Running or loud play disturbs others.

Protection 

Parents and caregivers must be familiar with the Library’s hours and pick up their children before closing time. Please ensure that your minor child has ways to contact you in case of an emergency. 

When The Library Intervenes 

• Library staff will intervene when an unsupervised child is:  Frightened, crying, or confused  
• In danger or acting dangerously toward others  
• Not following Library rules  
• Not met by a caregiver at closing time 

Library staff will evaluate the situation and attempt to contact a parent or guardian. In circumstances that give Library staff cause for concern, staff may contact the sheriff. 

Public Use of Children’s Areas Policy

The children’s area within the Upper Skagit Library is a special part of the Library. This area provides services and houses special collections and programs designed for children. The purpose of this area is to give children and their caregivers access to special children’s materials, programs, and services. This policy guides Library staff in regulating access to these areas and informs the public of the intended use of this area. The children’s area is available for use by any patron who is accessing the special materials contained in the collection and by children and their caregivers when attending children’s programs and utilizing other services provided by the staff. Patrons not included in these categories may be required to leave the children’s area and instead use other areas of the Library.

Adopted by the Upper Skagit Library Board of Trustees, April 21, 2022.

1. The Teen Room is a special area within the Upper Skagit Library that provides services and houses special collections, equipment, and programs for teens. It is intended for those aged 12-18. Patrons outside of this age range are free to browse the room to find materials to check-out, but may not linger to participate in activities, use teen materials or equipment, or “hangout.” 

2. Teens are welcome to be in the teen room while the library is open, with the exception of temporary closures for special programs or library staff needs. Library staff are not responsible for supervising teens left alone on library property. 

3. All patrons using the library are required to follow the Upper Skagit Library’s Code of Conduct. The following behaviors are not permitted in the library: 

• Violence

• Excessive noise

• Disruptive public displays of affection 
• Vandalism and destruction of library property

If you do not follow the library Code of Conduct the following actions may be taken:

• Patron will be asked to stop behavior. 

• Patron will be asked again to stop behavior and warned that they will be asked to leave if warned again. 
• Patron will be asked to leave the library.

Patrons may be asked to leave the library, at the discretion of a staff member, if the situation mandates. If necessary, the police may be contacted.

4. In the teen room we have multiple options for equipment, games, and activities available for use. These items are for teen use only, unless approved by staff. Items are to be treated with respect; misuse or intentional damage to these items may result in a ban from the teen room.

Adopted by the Upper Skagit Library Board of Trustees, July 21, 2022.

1. The Teen Room is for ages 12-18. Patrons outside of this age range are free to browse the collection to check out materials, but may not linger afterwards to participate in activities or “hangout.” 

2. All patrons using the library are required to follow the Upper Skagit Library’s Code of Conduct. In addition, while in the teen room, you also agree to abide by our Teen Room Policy and our Teen Community Agreements, both of which can be found on our website, or are available by asking a library staff member. 

• • If you do not follow the library Code of Conduct, the Teen Room Policy, or the Teen Community agreements you may be asked to leave the library at the discretion of any library staff member, if the situation mandates. If necessary, the police will be contacted.

3. Please make sure to give others the chance to use equipment and activities.

• • Time limits for equipment and activities may be created by staff to ensure all can participate. 

4. Treat library equipment with respect. 

• • Do not attempt to take equipment out of the teen room.
  • Do not break, throw, smash, or stomp on library equipment.
  • Do not eat or drink while using library equipment. 
  • When using library equipment use headphones or keep the volume low.

5. The teen room’s Nintendo Switch and gaming computer will be available for freeplay after 3pm on school days and all-day on Saturdays. During the summer, they may be accessed any time during open hours.

• • When using the Switch or gaming computer you agree to only use the library’s user profiles, and to not create or use your own personal profile on any software. 
  • You may not add friends or follow other accounts.
  • You may not purchase or install any software, games, upgrades, mods, etc.

6. A Snack Basket is available in the teen room. 

• • Teens are welcome to help themselves to items in the Snack Basket, however food must be eaten in the teen room. 
  • The Snack Basket has a limited budget, and the Snack Basket will become unavailable once the budget has run out. Please be mindful of leaving enough snacks for others. 

7. When you are done in the teen room, please do your best to clean up after yourself.

• • Place all garbage in the garbage bin.
  • Gather your belongings to take them with you.
  • Put the bean bag chairs, materials you used, controllers, etc. back where you found them.
  • If you need help with cleaning up, please ask library staff for assistance. 
  • Repeated failure to clean up after yourself may result in a loss of Teen Room privileges.  

(Effective Date February 1st, 2023)

This Privacy Policy explains how the Upper Skagit Library collects, uses, and discloses personal information about its patrons, prospective patrons, and visitors to our website (www.upperskagitlibrary.org), social media profiles, and the users of the SMS Advertising Service.

Collection of Personal Information:

Information collected directly from you:  The Upper Skagit Library may collect personal information directly from you, for example when you sign up for a library card, place an item on hold, sign up for a program or event, fill in a form on USL’s website, sign up for email newsletters or USL’s SMS Advertising Service, interact with USL on social media, contact USL for support, or use a library service. Personal information we collect directly from you may include your first and last name, birthdate, phone number, physical and mailing addresses, and email addresses. While the library does not collect and store them, social media usernames and other publicly displayed information on those sites may be visible to library staff when interacting via those platforms.

Information collected from your device:  Our Integrated Library System (“ILS”), website, email newsletter service, SMS Advertising Service, and social media accounts may use technologies such as cookies (small blocks of data created by a web server while a user is browsing a website and placed on the user’s computer or other device by the web browser), web beacons (any of several techniques used to track who is visiting a web page; can also be used to see if an email was read or forwarded or if a web page was copied to another website), pixels (snippets of code that are added to websites to gather data used to improve interaction), and other similar technologies to automatically collect certain information from your device including, for example, your IP address, date and time of your digital visit to the service, browser and operating system information, referring website address, and other information about how you interact with the website. Our website may also use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your user experience and enable certain features such as logging into digital library resources with your library card account information.

Information collected from our partners:  We may collect personal information about you from our third-party partners and combine it with other information we collect. Personal information that may be collected from our third-party partners may include demographic information, geographic location, and frequency of access of library resources.

Use of Personal Information:

We may use information collected about you for any lawful purpose, including the following:

• To provide and connect you with services and resources that the library offers
• To aid in patron services and support
• To optimize our website and other third-party services such as email newsletters and the SMS Advertising Service
• To market our services and resources to you
• To comply with the law and to maintain the security of our website
• With your consent, or as otherwise disclosed at the time information is collected

Disclosure of Personal Information:

We may share the information we collect on an as-needed basis with other parties including the following:

• With third-party service providers to assist us with providing and marketing our services and resources such as data hosting services, analytics services, and email and text message service providers
  • As of the writing of this Privacy Policy, USL uses Constant Contact as the service provider of email newsletters and the SMS Advertising Service. For more information on how information is collected, used, and disclosed with Constant Contact, you can read Constant Contact’s Customer Data Notice here.
• If necessary to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to otherwise protect USL’s rights or the rights of third-parties, or to protect the safety and security of any person or entity.
• With your consent or as otherwise disclosed at the time of data collection or sharing

USL reserves the right to share information that has been de-identified or aggregated without limitation for the purposes of statistical analysis and state and federal statistics reporting.

The Upper Skagit Library operates publicly on its website and on several social media outlets. These platforms may offer interactive features, such as the ability to leave reviews or comments or to participate in discussions that allow communication with other patrons or outside users of these platforms. If you disclose information in one of these platforms/forums, this information can be viewed, collected, and used by others. The Upper Skagit Library is not liable for any information you choose to share on these platforms.

Email, Text Message, and Phone Communications:

If you wish to unsubscribe from our email newsletters or the SMS Advertising Service, please follow the instructions provided both at the time of sign-up and kept available on our website. Email newsletters and updates will contain links that will allow you to unsubscribe from further emails. Text messages sent by the SMS Advertising Service will include similar unsubscription options, such as recognizing return messages containing the phrases STOP, QUIT, CANCEL, OPT-OUT, or UNSUBSCRIBE. For more information on unsubscribing from the SMS Advertising Service, please see our SMS Advertising Service Messaging Terms and Conditions.

The Upper Skagit Library currently uses a software called Evergreen for its Integrated Library System (ILS). When signing up for a library card, you provided staff with your contact information including physical and mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, so that you may be contacted about library services such as holds, overdue notifications, due date notifications, billing details, and other account alerts. This information is stored in Evergreen as part of your library card account. Evergreen’s software will occasionally send reminders and alerts that were not generated by staff as part of its automation features. Additionally staff may manually access this information to contact you as the need arises. By signing up for a library card account with the Upper Skagit Library, you consent to the storage and use of this information by library staff and its ILS, Evergreen.

Updating Your Information:

You may review, change, or update the information you have provided to the library at any time. You may do this by (1) contacting staff members directly and asking them to take you through the process, either in-person, via phone (360.853.7716), or via email ([email protected]); or (2) by logging into your library account via our website or catalog (www.upperskagitlibrary.org, usl.skagitcatalog.org) and making the changes yourself when available.

Changes to this Privacy Policy:

The Upper Skagit Library reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, with or without notice. Any such modification will take effect when it is posted to our website. While the Upper Skagit Library will endeavor to publicize any changes to the Privacy Policy, you agree to review the policy periodically to ensure you are aware of any modifications. Your continued participation in any library services that are covered by the Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of those modifications.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions about this policy or the library’s privacy practices, please contact the Upper Skagit Library via phone at 360.853.7716, via email at [email protected], or by coming into the library and connecting with library staff.

Adopted by the Upper Skagit Library Board of Trustees, February 16, 2023.

The Upper Skagit Library District uses social media to advance the Library’s mission as a community doorway to reading, resources, and lifelong learning and a center for people, ideas and culture. These tools help broaden awareness of the wide range of library resources, programs, and activities.

The Upper Skagit Library encourages and supports employees’ efforts to engage with communities served by the Library through the use of the Library’s social media accounts. Upon supervisor approval, employees may access Library social media accounts to facilitate community engagement within the scope of their duties. Employees may use their personal devices when accessing and engaging in Library social media. Personal devices may then be subject to Public Records Requests.

The Library will remain neutral on the topics covered on our social media pages and in the Library. The comments and opinions expressed on these forums (and external links appearing in posts) are the opinion of the person posting and may not reflect the official position of the Upper Skagit Library or the opinions of its employees. Everything posted to our social media accounts is part of the public record and subject to public disclosure.

By posting any comments, posts, or other materials on Upper Skagit Library social media pages, you give the Library permission to reproduce, distribute, publish, display, edit, modify, delete and otherwise use your submissions for any library-related purpose in any form on any media.

We reserve the right (but are not obligated) to review, screen, edit and delete comments before and after posting, in accordance with the Upper Skagit Library Public Comment Guidelines below.

Comments may be edited and deleted before posting or removed upon discovery, if:
• substantially off-topic or unrelated to the original post
• using defaming, demeaning, vulgar, offensive, threatening, or harassing language
• designed to advertise, promote or solicit for any business, commercial transaction or non-government service
• fraudulent, including impersonating someone else or misrepresentations
• chain messages or obvious spam
• promoting or opposing current ballot questions or persons seeking office unless directly related to a Library program, event or resource
• violating copyright of images, music, video or published works without source credit or permission of the owner

Social media services that host our forums may also have their own policies regarding privacy standards and restrictions that may affect comments posted.

Adopted by the Upper Skagit Library Board of Trustees, June 14, 2018.

(Last Updated on February 1st, 2023)

The Upper Skagit Library District (“Upper Skagit Library”, “USL”, “we”) operates an opt-in mobile messaging service (“SMS Advertising Service”) subject to these Mobile Messaging Terms and Conditions (the “Mobile Messaging Terms”). The Mobile Messaging Terms and the collection and use of your personal information is also subject to the Upper Skagit Library’s Privacy Policy. By enrolling, signing up, or otherwise agreeing to participation in USL’s SMS Advertising Service, you accept and agree to these Mobile Messaging Terms and our Privacy Policy.  

1. Service Description: The Upper Skagit Library may send promotional and informational mobile messages in various formats through the SMS Advertising Service. Promotional messages advertise and promote USL’s programs and collection items and may include messages about upcoming events/programs, new items in our collection, or new services the library is offering. Informational messages are intended to alert patrons to library operation status changes such as library closures or program cancellations, as well upcoming changes to library policies and rules. Mobile messages may be sent using automated technology. Message frequency will vary, but will not exceed 5 messages per month. By participating in the SMS Advertising Service, you authorize the Upper Skagit Library, through any third-party service providers the library utilizes, to send you messages regarding the aforementioned topics, and furthermore recognize that such messages may be made or placed using different telephone numbers or short codes. We do not charge for mobile messages sent through the SMS Advertising Service, but you are responsible for any message and data rates imposed by your mobile provider, as standard data and message rates may apply for SMS and MMS alerts. 

2. User Opt-In: By providing your mobile phone number to the Upper Skagit Library and signing up for the SMS Advertising Service you agree to receive recurring mobile messages from us at the phone number associated with your opt-in, even if such number is registered on any state or federal “Do Not Call” list. You agree that any mobile phone number you provide is a valid mobile number of which you are the owner or authorized user. If you change your mobile phone number or are no longer the owner or authorized user of the mobile phone number, you agree to promptly notify the Upper Skagit Library by emailing [email protected], calling 360.853.7716, or coming into the library and speaking to a staff member. Your participation in the SMS Advertising Service is not required to be a library patron nor is it required to receive email newsletters from the Upper Skagit Library. Your participation in the SMS Advertising Service is completely voluntary. 

3. User Opt-Out and Support: You may opt-out of the SMS Advertising Service at any time. If you wish to opt-out of the SMS Advertising Service and stop receiving mobile messages from the Upper Skagit Library, or you no longer agree to these Mobile Messaging Terms you may reply STOP, QUIT, CANCEL, OPT-OUT, or UNSUBSCRIBE to any mobile message sent from the Upper Skagit Library. Additionally, you can opt-out of the SMS Advertising Service by emailing [email protected], calling 360.853.7716, or coming into the library and speaking to a staff member. After opting-out you may continue to receive mobile messages for a short period of time while we process your request and you may receive a one-time opt-out confirmation message. You understand and agree that the foregoing are the only reasonable methods of opting-out. For support, reply HELP to any mobile message from the Upper Skagit Library.

• Our mobile messaging platform may not recognize requests that modify the foregoing commands and you agree that the Upper Skagit Library and its service providers will not be liable for failing to honor requests that do not comply with the requirements in these Mobile Messaging Terms. The telephone number or short code used to operate the SMS Advertising Service may change at any point in time; if this occurs we will attempt to notify you of any such change. You acknowledge that any requests sent to a telephone number or short code belonging to the Upper Skagit Library that has been changed may not be received by the Upper Skagit Library and that USL will not be responsible for failing to honor a request sent to a telephone number or short code that has been changed.

4. Disclaimer of Warranty and Liability: The SMS Advertising Service is offered on an “as-is” basis and may not be available in all areas, at all times, or on all mobile providers. You agree that neither the Upper Skagit Library nor our service providers will be liable for any failed, delayed, or misdirected delivery of any mobile message or information sent through the SMS Advertising Service. 

5. Modifications: The Upper Skagit Library may modify or cancel the SMS Advertising Service or any of its features at any time, with or without notice. To the extent permitted by applicable law we may also modify these Mobile Messaging Terms at any time. Any such modification will take effect when it is posted to our website. While the Upper Skagit Library will endeavor to publicize any changes to the Mobile Messaging Terms, you agree to review these Mobile Messaging Terms periodically to ensure that you are aware of any modifications. Your continued participation in the SMS Advertising Service will constitute your acceptance of those modifications. 

Adopted by the Upper Skagit Library Board of Trustees, February 16, 2023.

The Upper Skagit Library reserves the right to document its services and the public’s use of the Library. Official representatives of the Library may photograph or record (defined as both video and audio recording) within the Library and at Library-related events and activities. These photographs and recordings may be copied, displayed, telecast, and/or published (including on the Library’s website and social media) to promote and inform the public about the Library. This extends to Friends of the Library events and Library booths and/or programs in the community.

Adopted by the Upper Skagit Library Board of Trustees, October 21, 2021.