Child Safety Policy

The Seekonk Public Library welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities and services. The Library seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for all of its young users. 

The  Children’s Room is reserved for the use of children, their parents and/or caregivers, and adults interested in children’s literature.

Parents or assigned caregivers are solely responsible for the minors that they either accompany or leave at the Library.  Staff of the Seekonk Public Library assumes no responsibility for the behavior or safety of unattended children beyond the caution dictated by obviously dangerous situations.  The Library staff will not assume responsibility on behalf of either themselves or the Library for any unattended child. 

Unaccompanied children must be able to abide by the rules of behavior established in the “Policy on Behavior.”

Children may use the Library unaccompanied by a parent/guardian/caregiver when the child is at least 10 years of age and sufficiently mature and responsible.*

*Children under 10 may attend a supervised library program without a caregiver as long as the parent/guardian or caregiver remains in the library and immediately joins the child when the program is over.

The designated caregiver must be at least 14 years of age.

Unaccompanied children must be picked up 15 minutes prior to closing. Age limits may be imposed on certain programs and services, however, at the discretion of the library director. 

In the case of a medical emergency, library staff will call 911 and a parent/caregiver (if known), in that order.

In the case of an unexpected closing, library staff will attempt to reach a parent/caregiver. If that parent/caregiver is unable to pick up the child within 15 minutes, library staff will contact the Seekonk Police Department.

The Board of Trustees authorizes the library director to establish rules and procedures to deal with unattended children. Nothing in this policy shall be construed as limiting the discretionary authority of the library director to take corrective action when an immediate danger to a child exists. 

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Date Approved: 6/21/2005

Last Reviewed: 2/18/26                                                                                Amended: 2/21/24

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

GENERAL  POLICY

The Seekonk Public Library acquires and makes available materials that inform, educate, entertain, and enrich individuals in the community. The Library provides, within financial limitations, a general collection of materials embracing broad areas of knowledge, and timely materials on current issues. Within the framework of broad objectives, selection is based on community demographics and evidence of areas of interest. Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the library director, who operates within the framework of policies approved by the Board of Library Trustees. The Library supports the individual’s right to access ideas and information representing all points of view.  The Seekonk Board of Library Trustees has adopted the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements. 

Collection Development Objectives

The library collection is developed with the following objectives:

• to provide materials that meet the customers’ interest and needs in a timely manner;
• to provide materials and programming to pre-school and grade school to support early literacy and scholastic enrichment
• to provide a broadly based and diverse collection that can support the goals of the library;
• to provide a balance of viewpoints on all subjects in its collections;
• to purchase current materials proportionate to levels of demand and use, taking care to anticipate and respond to indications of significant new needs;
• to practice ongoing collection management, using output measures, reports from the automated library system and other data for continuous collection evaluation;
• to keep the collection current by weeding worn, obsolete and dated materials from the collection on a regular basis;
• to keep abreast of technological changes which affect the development of the collection;
• to be aware of the resources available in surrounding libraries and avoid duplication of resources while ensuring wide coverage of subjects;
• to continue participation in cooperative programs concerning shared resources within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Criteria for Selection

All materials for acquisition, whether purchased or donated, are considered according to the following criteria:

• Literary merit 
• Critical reception (ie. reviews published in standard sources including Library Journal, School Library Journal, New York Times)
• Accuracy and authority of information 
• Representation of diverse points of view
• Scarcity, or abundance, of material on the subject in the collection
• Durability and quality of format 
• Informational and recreational needs of the users
• Local demand
• Local History merit
• Price and availability
• Condition of material
• Donations, self-published materials, and books by local authors will be subject to the same criteria as all other items in the collection
• Titles whose intent is to promote hate and/or violence may be excluded

Date Approved: 1/3/1997

Last Reviewed: 10/15/25       

Amended: 10/19/22

Homebound Delivery Policy

The Seekonk Public Library provides a wide range of materials for residents who visit the library. Some residents of Seekonk are unable to visit the library due to physical limitations or illness. The Homebound Delivery Policy seeks to provide library materials to Seekonk residents who are unable to visit the library as specified in this policy.

Homebound delivery service is the preparation and delivery of library materials to approved participants. Delivery of those materials will be done by library selected volunteers. All volunteers will complete a CORI check and Town Waiver followed by delivery training. Deliveries will be made to residents of Seekonk only on a monthly or bi-monthly schedule.

Criteria for Homebound Delivery Service

A Seekonk resident and library cardholder requesting homebound delivery services must meet the criteria established by the library. A doctor's certificate may be required.

• Permanent physical disabilities which prevent an individual from visiting the library.
• Temporary physical limitation or illness which prevents an individual from visiting the library and which will last three weeks or longer.
• Severe mobility problems which prevent an individual from visiting the library.

Services Offered

• The Adult Services librarian will prepare materials to meet the needs and interests of the homebound patron as determined by the application form or requests. The librarian will also coordinate with the volunteer for delivery.
• A homebound delivery volunteer will deliver materials to the patron.
• A homebound delivery volunteer will return borrowed materials to the library for the homebound patron.

Date Approved: 10/17/2007

Last Reviewed: 9/20/23; Amended 9/15/2021; Amended 9/15/22

Hotspot Lending Policy

Hotspot Lending Policy: Seekonk Public Library

Who Can Borrow a Hotspot?

To borrow a hotspot, you must have a valid Seekonk library card and be in good standing with the Seekonk Public Library.

• Only one hotspot is allowed per household.
• Each hotspot can support up to 10 connected devices.
• Staff will not place holds on hotspots for non-Seekonk cardholders.

Loan Period

• Hotspots can be borrowed for 14 days.
• No renewals are permitted.
• Hotspots must be picked up from and returned to the Seekonk Public Library's Customer Services Desk.

Fines & Fees

• Overdue Fines: Hotspots accrue a fine of $2.00 per day, up to a maximum of $10.00.
• Loss or Damage: While patrons will not be held monetarily responsible for loss or damage, your borrowing privileges may be affected.

Late Penalties

In addition to daily overdue fines, the following penalties will be incurred when hotspots are returned late:

• 1st Offense: 30-day suspension of hotspot borrowing privileges.
• 2nd Offense: 60-day suspension of hotspot borrowing privileges.
• 3rd Offense: Revocation of hotspot borrowing privileges.

Acceptable Use & Borrower Responsibility

When using a mobile hotspot, you must adhere to the library’s internet acceptable use policy.

• The hotspot remains the responsibility of the borrower while checked out.
• Please do not lend the device to friends or associates.
• Any attempt to alter the hotspot's configuration is strictly prohibited and may result in the loss of borrowing privileges.
• If the hotspot is not returned within 3 days after its due date, the service will be turned off, rendering the hotspot unusable.

How to Get and Return a Hotspot

• Availability: Hotspots can be reserved just like a book, either through the SAILS system or by calling the library service desk at 508-336-8230 during normal business hours.
• Pickup: Reserved hotspots should be picked up within 7 days, or they will be made available to the next user.
• Returns: Hotspots must be returned to the Customer Services Desk. Please do not place them in the outside book drop.
• Condition: Hotspots should be returned with the power cord, SIM card, battery, and case in the same good working condition as when they were checked out.
• Damaged or Non-Working Hotspot: If the hotspot is damaged or not working, return it to the library desk and report the nature of the damage to a staff member.

Technical Support

For direct borrower technical support, please contact T-Mobile at (844) 341-4834.

Appeals

If your hotspot borrowing privileges are revoked, you may appeal the decision by submitting a written request to the Library Director.

Disclaimers

• The Library is not responsible for any files, data, or personal information accessed or transmitted using the hotspot.
• The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect, or consequential damages related to the use of the mobile hotspots, including loss of data or privacy invasions.
• Those who use the hotspots do so at their own risk and assume full liability for their actions.
• Hotspot users are accessing the internet through the T-Mobile network, not the Library’s network.
• Illegal acts involving Library equipment or services may also be subject to prosecution.

Date Approved: 6/16/21; amended 6/21/23; 6/18/25. Last Reviewed 6/18/25.

Meeting Room Use Policy

Purpose

The Seekonk Public Library exists for the purpose of providing library services for residents of Seekonk, Massachusetts. The Library's meeting rooms are used primarily for Library programs but may be used by non-profit and non-commercial groups engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, or civic activities. The meeting rooms shall be made available to such groups on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting use. The Library shall not discriminate on the basis of any constitutionally or statutorily-prohibited basis. However, the provision of meeting room space is not the primary mission of the Library, and must always be secondary to the paramount need to provide a safe, peaceful, respectful environment. No use of the meeting rooms will be allowed that is likely to disturb library patrons in their customary use of library facilities, impede Library staff in the performance of their duties, or endanger the Library building or collection.

The Board of Library Trustees of the Seekonk Public Library welcomes use of its meeting rooms by local residents and non-commercial community groups for civic, educational, philanthropic, and recreational purposes consistent with the Library's mission. Meeting rooms are available free of charge to the public, and may also be reserved for private events subject to a fee. The Board of Library Trustees is solely responsible for determining if the use of the meeting room proposed by an applicant satisfies the above criteria.

General Policy

When the Library meeting rooms are not being used for Library programs, the Library staff welcomes the use of the meeting rooms by non-profit and non-commercial groups on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to the following requirements.

• Meeting rooms are not available for commercial or entrepreneurial purposes, the solicitation of business, fundraising efforts (other than Library fundraising), religious ceremonies or worship services, or for any form of political activity. No group may consider the Library its permanent meeting place or use the Library as its mailing address. Recurring meetings (daily, weekly, monthly) will not be permitted. Commercial activity is defined here as promoting or selling or exchanging any good or service of real value. Commercial activity also includes the active or passive solicitation of memberships, subscriptions, enrollments, or financial investments of any type.
• All events must be free and open to the public unless a private reservation with fee is made under the provisions of this Policy.
• Meeting room use does not imply Library, Board, or Town endorsement. Publicity must clearly state: "This is not a library-sponsored event." A private group's use of the Library's meeting rooms does not imply endorsement of the group's policies, opinions, beliefs, or programs by the Seekonk Public Library.

Priorities for Use

Reservations are scheduled based on the following priorities:

1. Library programs
2. Library-affiliated non-profits
3. Town of Seekonk meetings
4. Local non-profit or non-commercial groups, on a first-come, first-serve basis
5. Non-Town run non-profit or non-commercial groups, on a first-come, first-serve basis
6. Other non-profits
7. Private social events (with applicable fees*)

*Please refer to Policy #12 Schedule of Fees and Fines for information on fees assessed to for-profit groups

Rules and Limitations

Meeting room space at the Library is limited and subject to availability. The Library reserves the right to impose limits on the number and frequency of reservations depending on scheduled Library programming.

Library programs take precedence over other meeting room use. Reservations may be rescheduled or canceled if the space is needed for official Library use.

Meeting rooms may not be used for commercial activities, religious services, or fundraising unless explicitly permitted under the policy.

The meeting rooms at the Library shall not be used for fundraising unless proceeds are to benefit the Seekonk Public Library, or with the permission of the Board of Library Trustees, another tax-exempt, non-profit organization located in Seekonk. Artists, writers, performers and craftspeople may sell their creative works on the day they appear at an event or performance sponsored by the Library. No other goods or services shall be promoted, offered, sold, or exchanged on the premises without prior approval by the Library Director.

All public events must be free and open to the public; private events require prior approval and are subject to applicable fees.

Use of meeting rooms for political activity as defined by State Ethics and Campaign Finance laws, including but not limited to campaign fundraising or signature campaigns is prohibited. Meeting rooms may be used for political debates in the interests of civic discourse or voter education at the Library's sole discretion.

Private events shall not charge an admission fee or impose other charges on those attending, nor shall private events limit admission based on any constitutionally or statutorily prohibited basis. When assigning use of the meeting rooms, those willing to pay a fee shall not receive special consideration over those requesting to use the rooms at no charge.

Groups may not imply library sponsorship or endorsement of their event. Publicity must include the statement: "This is not a library-sponsored event."

Groups using Library meeting rooms must not use advertising and publicity which imply that their programs are sponsored, co-sponsored, endorsed or approved by the Library, unless written permission to do so has been previously given by the Library.

No banners, signs or other materials related to the meeting may be displayed inside or outside the Library or meeting space without prior approval from the Library. Said approved material may be displayed within the reserved space and is restricted from public access areas. All signage must be freestanding and nothing may be affixed to any surface (i.e. walls, windows, floors, furniture, or fixtures). As a public building, violations of this policy may result in assessment of damages, conservation fees and revoking of meeting room privileges.

Groups are responsible for setup, cleanup, and any damage to the facility.

All events in the room must occur during open hours of the Library, and the room must be vacated and cleaned 15 minutes before the Library's closing time.

The Library will not be used as a mailing address for any non-library affiliated group or organization.

Smoking/vaping and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Light refreshments may be served.

Failure to follow this Policy may result in loss of use of the meeting rooms. The Board reserves the right to reject or revoke a reservation request if the anticipated meeting is likely to be unreasonably disruptive to regular library functions, too large for the applicable room capacity, disorderly, dangerous to persons or property, or in any other way inconsistent with or in contravention of any of the terms and conditions of this or any Library Policy.

Application and Approval

• Applications must be submitted by an adult town resident authorized to represent the group. Minors may not reserve the meeting rooms.
• First-time users must be approved by the Board of Library Trustees (allow 45 days). Subsequent approvals may be made by the Library Director.
• The Library may cancel a reservation at its sole discretion if the space is needed for an official Library program.

Liability and Indemnification

All organizations or groups shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Library and the Town of Seekonk, the Board of Library Trustees, as well as its officers, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, suits, actions of any kind, arising and resulting and accruing from any negligent or wrongful act, omission or error of the organization or group resulting in or relating to personal injuries or property damage arising from the organization/group's use of a Library meeting room. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide necessary equipment if it is not available at the Library. The Town of Seekonk, the Trustees and Library employees assume no responsibility for the loss, theft or damage of any property of any group, individual or organization using Library facilities.

Rooms will be reserved in an individual's name and this person will be held responsible for any damages to the room or to Library property due to their event.

Public Safety

Attendance must not exceed the posted capacity of the meeting room.

The Trustees of the Seekonk Public Library and/or Library staff reserves the right to determine, at their reasonable discretion, whether any proposed use of a meeting room will require a police detail or other extraordinary police protection, and, if so, the anticipated cost thereof. In making this determination, the Trustees may take into consideration the contents of the application form, the history of the group's meeting room use in the Library, the history of the group's use of meeting facilities elsewhere, and other such information as the Library may deem appropriate to consider public safety matters and library operations, and may consult with members of the Seekonk Police regarding this inquiry. If the Trustees and/or Library staff determines that such police protection will be reasonably necessary, the group seeking to reserve the use of a meeting room shall be required, as a condition of such reservation, to pay to the Trustees by such date in advance of the meeting as Library staff reasonably sets, the anticipated cost of such police protection, and such sum applied thereto, with any surplus being returned to the group after the meeting. The group shall be liable to the Library for any deficiency.

Appeals

In the event that a room request is denied and the applicant is not satisfied with the reason why, the applicant may appeal to the Board Chairperson by contacting trustees@seekonkpl.org or calling 508-336-8230.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees on 2/18/26

This policy replaces the original Meeting Room Policy that was approved in July 1989, and significantly revised in 2017.

Policy on Behavior in the Library

The Board of Library Trustees recognizes that an orderly environment is essential for the proper functioning of a public library. The Board seeks, therefore, to maintain an environment in which all users of the Seekonk Public Library may equally enjoy the benefits of its services. 

Each user must accept as a condition for their use of the library that they will respect the rights of others to use the library undisturbed. An individual whose actions, or failures to act, create circumstances that interfere with another library user’s access to or that user’s enjoyment of any of the library’s services or staff duties violates this condition.  Individuals found in violation may be immediately ejected from the property, and/or they may be denied access to all or portions of the property, which is under the administrative control of the Board of Library Trustees.

The Board authorizes the library director to establish appropriate rules of behavior as well as procedures and guidelines for enforcing these rules. The library director is further authorized to impose penalties and restrictions on people who violate the rules. Should a visitor to the library commit, in the judgment of the library director, particularly egregious or repeated violations of this policy, the library director is authorized to seek a “no trespass order” as provided for under Massachusetts General Law to deny said visitor further access to the library.

The library director may suspend or modify penalties and restrictions at his or her reasonable discretion. Library users may appeal decisions of the library director in accordance with the Seekonk Public Library policy, The Right of Customers to Appeal a Loss of Services.

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Date Approved: 5/21/2005

Last Reviewed: 2/18/26

Amended: 2/21/24

Policy on soliciting on library property

To fulfill its mission, the Seekonk Public Library must ensure that all users can freely access the building and quietly enjoy the services it provides. In addition, the library has an obligation to mitigate potential threats to the safety of those visiting the library. Free, unimpeded, and safe access to the library building and its grounds is a necessary precondition for meeting these obligations. 

The library prohibits all active solicitations in areas immediately adjacent to the entrances to the library building and parking lot.  The library also prohibits active solicitations within the building and on library grounds unless it is a library function, or an activity related to fundraising for the library.   Active solicitation refers to any person-to-person communication for the purposes of (1) obtaining contributions and donations, (2) selling merchandise, coupons, or tickets, (3) collecting signatures, (4) distributing educational or promotional materials, and (5) recruiting members or clients. Unless an activity is defined elsewhere in this policy, the library director shall determine whether a solicitation is active or passive, and if an activity is permissible under this policy. 

Solicitation of signatures for petitions to gain ballot access is not defined as active solicitation for the purposes of this policy. The Seekonk Public Library permits people to solicit voters' signatures for nomination papers and ballot referendums and initiatives in all areas of the library and on its grounds that are normally open to the public as long as the solicitation is done in a reasonable and unobtrusive manner. People may also personally distribute literature related to a person’s candidacy or a ballot referendum or initiative when soliciting signatures. The Board of Library Trustees authorizes the library director to establish reasonable rules as to the time, place and manner of this type of solicitation. The passive solicitation and collection of donations by community-based, non-profit organizations is permitted. Public bulletin boards and collections bins in the lobby may be available for this purpose. Use of these resources is subject to the rules established by the library director. The library shall also designate a visible location within the building where the public may leave petitions and related literature. The library assumes no responsibility for petitions or donated items left at the library.

Nothing in this policy shall be construed as preventing the sale of publications, artwork, or recordings by writers, artists or performers who have been engaged by the library for a presentation or performance. The terms and conditions of these sales shall be stated as part of the written agreement between the library and the presenter or performer.

The Board of Trustees authorizes the library director to make appropriate rules and procedures to enforce this policy.  The director’s decisions are subject to review by the Board of Trustees under the library’s appeal procedures. 

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This policy replaces in its entirety the Library’s Lobby Policy that was adopted on August 15, 1990.

Date Approved: 1/16/2013                                                           Amended: 1/17/24