ELLSTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY

POLICIES and PROCEDURES

NAME AND PURPOSE:

The public library for the city of Ellston and surrounding area is a project of the Northeast Ringgold County Alliance (NERA) and will be known as the Ellston Community Library and is referred to in the policies as library. The library is located in the Ellston Methodist Church Annex.

The library operating committee is made up of the following committees: volunteers, media/website, fundraising, programs and education programs, and patron services and policy direction.

The purpose of the library is to provide materials and services to the individual citizens through the use of available information. Its resources and services must be available to the entire population regardless of sex, age, race and/or physical condition regardless of economic, ethnic, religious and political status.

DAYS OF OPERATION:

The library will be open the following hours with a sign publicly displayed at those times:

Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – noon

Sundays: 1:00p.m. – 2:30p.m.

STAFF:

The library will be staffed by volunteers who must be over 18 years of age. The volunteer committee will be responsible for staff training.

CHECKOUT POLICY:

Books: 4 weeks

Audio Books: 2 weeks

DVD’s/Videos: 2 weeks

Patrons are asked to return materials checked out in their name promptly. If items are not returned within 6 months the patron will be contacted and asked to return or replace the item/items checked out in their name.

MATERIAL SELECTION POLICY:

The library encourages gifts of newer books and other materials with the understanding that the library can dispose of them in its own way if they are not usable for our library. When money is donated for books, equipment and other materials, the operating committee in consultation with the donor will make the selection.

RIGHT OF REFUSAL:

Individuals who abuse the library either by falsifying information, damaging books, swearing or mistreating volunteers in any way shall be barred from the library pending a meeting with the operating committee. If a book has not been returned by (6) months after several contacts by the library, privileges will be denied. The operating committee will decide when the patron will be able to check out materials in the future.

REQUEST FOR WITHDRAWAL OR ADDITION OF MATERIALS:

When a patron objects to the presence or absence of any library materials, the complaint must be in writing. All complaints to staff members will be referred to the operating committee who will review the complaint and contact the complainant within 30 days.

Revised 6/17/21