Library Rules of Conduct
The following rules are intended to ensure a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all library users and staff. Individuals who violate these rules may be asked to leave the premises at the discretion of library staff.
General Behavior
- Proper attire is required at all times, including shirts, shoes, and appropriate lower body coverings.
- Loud noises, disruptive conversations, or use of loud voices are not permitted.
- Sleeping, loitering, soliciting, petitioning, canvassing, and harassing behavior are prohibited on library property.
- Lewd, threatening, or abusive behavior and language will not be tolerated.
- Illegal activity of any kind is strictly prohibited.
- Patrons must comply with all directives issued by library staff.
Food & Beverages
- Only covered, non-alcoholic beverages are permitted except by the public computers where beverages are not allowed.
- Food is not allowed in the library.
Bathroom Use
- Bathing, washing (other than hands), shaving in bathrooms is prohibited.
- Library materials cannot be brought into the bathrooms.
Children & Supervision
- Children under 12 years of age must be supervised by a responsible adult (18 years or older) at all times.
Cell Phones
- Cell phones should be on a silent setting in the library.
- Cell phone conversation must be taken outside of the library.
Animals
- Only service animals are permitted inside the library.
Tobacco, Vaping & Cannabis
- Smoking, vaping, or using tobacco or cannabis products in any form is not allowed anywhere on library property.
Weapons
- Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.
Library Property
- Do not place feet on tables or chairs.
- Do not deface, damage, or rearrange library furniture or materials.
- All materials must be properly checked out before leaving the building.
- No public admittance to designated staff work areas.
Hygiene
- Patrons whose bodily hygiene is disruptive to others may be asked to leave the library.
Approved by the Blauvelt Free Library Board of Trustees on April 22, 2025
Circulation Policy
Loans & Fines & Limits
| Material Type | Type | Loan Period | Fine Per Day | Max Fine | Holds/Requests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Books | Adult | 14 Days | $.10 | $10.00 | 15 Per Card |
| Magazines & Periodicals | All | 14 Days | $.10 | $10.00 | |
| New DVD’s | All | 3 Days | $2.00 | $10.00 | |
| New TV DVD’s | All | 7 Days | $2.00 | $10.00 | |
| New CD’s | All | 14 Days | .10 | $10.00 | |
| Museum Passes | All | 3 Days | $10.00 | $50.00 | 1 per 3 day period |
Card Limit: RCLS limit of 50 items per card
Suspension of borrowing privilieges will occur if you have $10.00 or more in fines
Fax Service: $1 per Fax (limit of 15 pages)
Collection Development Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidelines for the selection, acquisition, and withdrawal of library materials in alignment with the Library’s mission. The Blauvelt Free Library strives to curate a collection that balances materials of historical and lasting value with contemporary resources that support our role as a community hub for education, information, and entertainment.
The Board of Trustees delegates the responsibility for materials selection to the Library Director. Under the Director’s supervision, professional staff manage and develop the collection.
Intellectual Freedom
The Blauvelt Free Library is committed to the principle of intellectual freedom. We provide free and open access to all materials in our collection without judgment or restriction. Items are not labeled to reflect opinions or perspectives. The Library’s decision to purchase a title does not imply endorsement of its content or views.
Collection Overview
The Blauvelt Free Library works to offer a diverse and comprehensive collection that meets the needs of the general public and reflects the ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity of our community.
Through our membership in the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS), we provide access to the collections of 46 libraries, regional academic libraries, and other libraries nationwide via interlibrary loan. This extensive network allows us to meet patron needs beyond our physical collection.
Collection Categories
Museum Passes
The library collection includes purchased museum passes that allow patrons of all ages to learn, explore and pursue educational and recreational resources outside of the library.
Adult Materials
The adult collection includes:
- Fiction and non-fiction in hardcover, paperback, large print, magazines, eBook and Audio book format
Genre-specific sections:
- Mystery, suspense, science fiction/fantasy, poetry, short stories and graphic novels
- Select reference and local history materials
Audiovisual materials:
- DVDs, Blu-rays, music CDs, books on CD, video games, Periodicals and newspapers (current and back issues)
- Reference databases accessible via our website
The Adult Reference Librarians are responsible for curating and maintaining the adult collection.
Teen Materials
The library collection includes purchased museum passes that allow patrons of all ages to learn, explore and pursue educational and recreational resources outside of the library.
- Fiction and non-fiction in various formats
- Audiovisual materials, magazines, and games
Children’s Materials
Serving children from birth through grade 5 and their families, the children’s collection includes:
- Fiction and non-fiction picture books, easy readers, chapter books, learning kits, and encyclopedias
- Audiovisual materials: DVDs, music CDs, books on CD, video games and eBooks
- Reference databases
The Head of Youth Services oversees the development and maintenance of the children’s collection.
Material Removal
The Blauvelt Free Library continuously reviews its materials and items may be removed based upon the following criteria:
- Poor condition or damage to the item
- Lack of circulation
- Space restrictions
- Inaccurate, outdated content
- No longer relevant to community needs
- More copies than needed
Challenges – Request for Reconsideration of Material
Freedom of speech is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or a community to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction. Our library strives to provide a diverse collection which represents a variety of viewpoints and does not take a position on materials. We welcome expressions of opinions from our patrons concerning our materials. If a patron feels a piece from our collection does not seem to follow the criteria above, he or she may complete a “Request for Reconsideration” form which can be obtained from the Director. Once the form is completed, the request will be considered carefully by the Director. Once a decision is reached, a written response will be sent. If the response is unsatisfying, the patron may then send a request to the Board who will respond after the next regular meeting. Before any item is removed, the appropriate librarian shall be given an opportunity to explain why the item merits retention.
Approved by the Blauvelt Free Library Board of Trustees on January 27, 2026
Community Bulletin Board Policy
The bulletin board is provided as a public service to the people of Blauvelt for the posting of events or services that may be of interest to others.
- Library programs and events receive priority posting
- Only not for profit flyers will be posted.
- Flyers may not be political in nature.
- No petitions will be posted.
All materials to be posted must be given to the Director for approval before being posted.
Approved by the Blauvelt Free Library Board of Trustees on January 27, 2026
Library Staff Area Access Policy
Staff Areas and Library Offices are designated secure areas and include:
- The second-floor offices and suite
- The staff areas located behind the Circulation Desk, Adult Reference Desk, and Children’s Reference Desk
Access Restrictions
Public access to staff areas is strictly prohibited, with the following exceptions:
- Current Trustees
- Contractors, under the direct supervision of library personnel
- Volunteers, under the direct supervision of library personnel
- Friends of the Library using the space for related activities and meetings
- Contracted cleaning service
Patrons, friends, family members as well as former employees and former Trustees are not exceptions and therefore are not allowed access to staff areas.
This policy ensures the safety, privacy, and operational efficiency of the library staff and facilities.
Approved by the Blauvelt Free Library Board of Trustees on January 27, 2026
Meeting Room Policy
The Meeting Room Policy establishes guidelines and procedures for use of the room. Usage of the Library’s Meeting Room by any individual or organization signifies acceptance of the terms of this policy. Issues not covered by this policy will be decided by the Library Director.
General Guidelines
- Blauvelt Free Library has a meeting room which is available primarily for library programs and endeavors which will take precedence in scheduling and room use. The Library strives to share the meeting room, when available, with local community groups who are non-profit groups requesting space for informational, educational, intellectual, and cultural meetings. The room is not available to any groups or individuals for personal, for-profit, political or religious endeavors or pursuits. A meeting room use application must be completed for review and is considered pending until approval is granted. A certificate of insurance naming the Blauvelt Free Library as an additional insured on the policy of the individual organization may be required. Applicants making the request must be 21 or older.
- The Blauvelt Free Library meeting room use must be scheduled and approved in advance. The meeting room must be vacated 15 minutes before the library’s scheduled closing.
- The Meeting Room may not be used for social events such as private parties.
- The Library cannot be identified as a sponsor. All publicity and communications regarding the event organizers must include the following statement, “The program is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with the Blauvelt Free Library.” Event organizers are responsible for all promotions and attendees should be directed to contact the event organizer with questions.
- Use of the meeting room does not imply endorsement, support, or co-sponsorship by the Library for the activities that take place in the meeting room nor the beliefs or views of the groups sponsoring the events.
- If a meeting must be canceled, the library should be notified at least 24 hours in advance of the date. Failure to notify may result in cancellation of future reservations for that organization.
- The event organizer assumes all liability for the use of the room, their equipment and all participants. The organizer(s) hold the Library harmless from any claim for any injury, loss or damage caused by any act whatsoever.
- The Library reserves the right to impose limitations on the frequency of use of the Meeting Room by an organization.
- All organizations are expected to clean the premises before leaving and return the area to the state in which it was found. The library does not provide personnel to assist with clean up.
- Furniture cannot be moved without permission from the Library Director.
- The Meeting Room has a maximum occupancy of 35 people.
- All individuals and groups using the room shall adhere to the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy. Failure to comply with the Library’s policies can result in a suspension period in which the organizer may not reserve or otherwise use the Meeting Room. The suspension may be appealed to the Blauvelt Library Board of Trustees. Any group or individual wishing to appeal a suspension of community room use must first contact the Library Director to discuss a resolution.
Approved by the Blauvelt Free Library Board of Trustees on January 27, 2026
Open Meetings Policy
All regular board meetings of the Blauvelt Free Library are open to the public. The dates and times of the Board Meetings will be posted on the Library website and be included in various written notices.
Executive sessions, convened during an open meeting, may be closed to the public and media if the following is discussed as set forth in Public Officers Law (P.O.L.), Article 7 (Open Meetings Law), section 105:
- Matters which will imperil the public safety if disclosed;
- Any matter which may disclose the identity of a law enforcement agency or informer;
- Information relating to current or future investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense which would imperil effective law enforcement if disclosed;
- Discussions regarding proposed, pending, or current litigation;
- The medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation;
- The proposed acquisition, sale, or lease of real property or the proposed acquisition of securities, or sale or exchange of securities held by such public body, but only when publicity would substantially affect the value thereof;
- Discussions of records which fit within the enumerated exemptions of Art. 6 of the (P.O.L.), the Freedom of Information Law;
- Any other matters subject to exemption by operation of the P.O.L. or any other law or regulation.
Written minutes must be kept for all meetings of the Board. The minutes shall be prepared within two weeks and shall set forth an accurate record of votes and action taken at each meeting. Until approved at a subsequent Board meeting, minutes shall be considered as non-final.
Public Comments:
- The Library Board welcomes attendance by members of the public at its meetings.
- The public comment period is not a time for dialogue. A meeting of a public board is not a MEETING OF THE PUBLIC. It is a meeting of the board that is held in public. The purpose of the public comment period is for the board to receive input from its community. It is, in fact, a one-way communication to the Board. The public does not participate in making decisions. Instead, it provides input to the governing body, which will take that input into account in making its decisions.
- A period of time for Public Comments may be designated at the beginning of the meeting.
- Individuals wishing to address the Board must be recognized by the president.
- After identifying themselves (name and residence) speakers will make comments as briefly as the subject permits: three minutes or less.
- The board president may interrupt or terminate an individual’s statement when it is too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene or irrelevant.
- The Library Board will listen to public comments and may ask questions for clarification, but will not engage in discussion or debate. If there is a need for response from the Board, it may come at a later time either verbally or in writing.
This policy is intended to be in conformance with the NYS Open Meetings Law, and shall be interpreted and applied with that intent.
Approved by the Blauvelt Free Library Board of Trustees on January 27, 2026
Public Computer and Internet Policy
The library’s internet access is intended primarily as an information resource and allows users to connect to resources provided by the library and resources outside of the library. Information on the internet may be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, out-of-date or unavailable. The library cannot guarantee that patrons who use the internet will have privacy in their communications and other internet uses. Internet access is available on public computers or patrons may use a personal device to connect by wireless connection. Non-library computers may not be plugged into the library’s wired network.
Staff can assist library users in accessing the internet. The library’s internet is password protected. The password is posted in the library and available to library patrons requesting it for use in the library. Library patrons use the internet at their own discretion. The internet contains materials that may be considered controversial or inappropriate. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their child’s use of the internet.
The library’s staff is not in a position to provide this monitoring and supervision. Parents who would rather their children did not have access to certain materials available on the internet are responsible for monitoring their child’s use of the internet while in the library. The library is responsible for providing equal access to library materials and services for all users.
When using the Blauvelt Free Library public computer, please abide by the following rules:
- Internet use is limited to one hour guaranteed daily, with two additional hours granted in 15-minute increments, so long as there is no one waiting.
- Information may not be saved to the hard drive. Please bring a USB flash drive if you wish to save work. The front desk has a flash drive you can borrow to facilitate emailing work to yourself. The library is not responsible for lost files or “glitches” with documents.
- Users are not permitted to modify the installed hardware or software. Patrons may not change settings on the computer or set up shortcuts. Patrons may not unplug or move computers or screens from their original location.
- Viewing sexually explicit material or other inappropriate material (including Adult Friend Find, XXXMatch.com, and pornography) is strictly prohibited (NYS Penal Code 245.11).
- Misuse or abuse of computers, or refusal to abide by staff requests, will result in immediate suspension of Internet privileges.
- Users may not misrepresent themselves or use the libraries computer to make unauthorized entry into any other computer or network.
- It is not advisable to use a credit card to pay for items you are ordering using our public Internet stations.
- Maximum of 2 people at a workstation at one time.
- No food or drink is allowed by the computers. Please keep gum away from the computers as well. A violator of these guidelines may be barred from entry into the library at the discretion of the library director or their designee.
Approved by the Blauvelt Free Library Board of Trustees on January 27, 2026
