Patron Responsibility
When becoming a library cardholder, the patron agrees to comply with the policies of each CCRLS member library and accepts the following responsibilities:
- Library materials checked out are the sole responsibility of the patron whose card was used for checkout.
- Patron agrees to return all borrowed items by the due date or pay overdue charges (if applicable).
- Patron will pay replacement costs assessed for lost, un-returned, or damaged items.
- Patron will not lend their card to others.
- Patron will report changes in address, phone number, and email in a timely manner.
- Patron will report lost or stolen cards.
- Patron will obey the rules of behavior when visiting the library.
- When signing for a card for a child under the age of 18, the patron accepts full responsibility for fines (if applicable) and other charges on the child’s card, lost or damaged items and accepts responsibility to monitor and approve the child’s choice of library materials and other information resources.
Patron Privacy
The Library does not disclose names, addresses, telephone numbers, or information about use of library materials except in response to a court order.
Patron Behavior in the Library
Welcome! The Library is a community space that exists to facilitate literacy, lifelong learning, Internet access, and community participation. The Library works best when all users are mindful of the following:
While using the library, please:
• Demonstrate reasonable conduct consistent with the purpose of the Library. No loud, disorderly, threatening or harassing conduct.
• Cooperate with library staff. Persons interfering with the normal use of the library will be asked to leave.
• No obscene, abusive or vulgar language toward other patrons, staff or volunteers.
• Maintain possession of personal belongings at all times. Unattended bags, parcels and backpacks will be held for Lost and Found at City Hall, and if not claimed in a reasonable amount of time, will be turned over to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office.
Please be advised:
• Misuse or defacing of library materials, equipment or facilities is illegal.
• Solicitation or sale of products or services on our premises is prohibited.
• Only service animals are permitted in the Library.
• Please feel free to enjoy beverages with lids while visiting the library.
• State law prohibits smoking/vaping in public facilities or within 10 feet of entrances.
• Possession or use of illegal drugs and/or alcohol is prohibited on City property.
• Patrons that appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be asked to leave.
The Library reserves the right to refuse service to patrons that have been asked repeatedly to leave, who cause disturbances in the library requiring the attention of library staff or volunteers, who intimidate or harass our staff or volunteers, or who are unwilling or unable to comply with our policies.
Children in the Library
The Mary Gilkey Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment that encourages children to visit the Library. The Library is a public building, open to everyone and a child's safety cannot be guaranteed. Children may encounter hazards in the Library such as doors, furniture, electrical equipment and other Library patrons.
The Library is not responsible for a minor's selection of Library materials, attendance at programs or use of the Internet or other services. Parents, guardians, or responsible adults are expected to accompany their minor children in the use of Library materials and services, including computer use.
The responsibility for the behavior and well-being of children using the Library rests with the parent, guardian, or designated caregiver. Library staff members cannot supervise children in the Library. The Library does not serve in loco parentis.
Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or designated responsible caregiver (16 years of age or older) at all times while in the Library. Caregivers must supervise and provide guidance for children during the entire Library visit.
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 163.545: Child neglect in the second degree. (1) A person having custody or control of a child under 10 years of age commits the crime of child neglect in the second degree if, with criminal negligence, the person leaves the child unattended in or at any place for such period of time as may be likely to endanger the health or welfare of such child. (2) Child neglect in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor.
In the following situations, Library staff will take the actions outlined below for all children zero (0) to seventeen (17) years of age:
- A child is alone and frightened or crying in the Library
- A child is alone and doing something dangerous, or another person in the Library seems to be a danger to the child
- A child is alone and is not following the rules for patron behavior in the Library
- No caregiver comes to pick a child up at closing time
Library or City staff members will evaluate the situation and try to contact the child's parent or guardian. If staff cannot reach the parent or guardian, he or she will place the child in the care of the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office.