Mission Statement

The C.H. Booth Library supports an informed community, lifelong learning, and the love of reading by promoting access for all town residents to the universe of ideas and information.  Our vision is to become the best regional source for satisfying the community's information needs by offering professional assistance in discovering authoritative resources, good leisure reading, and local history.

Library Policies

• How to Obtain a Library Card
• Library Circulation Parameters, Fines and Fees
• Email Alerts for Overdues and Reserves
• Books on Wheels - Service to the Homebound
• Photo-copying/Printing/Faxing/Scanning
• Reserves
• Additional Policies
• C.H. Booth Library Internet Access Policy
• C.H. Booth Library Wireless Internet Usage Policy
• Meeting and Board Room Usage Policies

How to Obtain a Library Card

Any Newtown resident is welcomed and encouraged to get a library card. Proof of residency (such as a driver's license or mail showing a Newtown address) is required before a card will be issued. Children under 16 years of age must have a parent or guardian signature. A card issued in Newtown to a Newtown resident is valid within the entire state of Connecticut. You must have your library card when you check out library materials.

Library Circulation Parameters, Fines and Fees:

*Renewals allowed only if no one else is waiting for the item.

**Unless noted Senior Citizen cards are not charged fines for overdues.

***All library patrons are charged replacement costs for damaged or lost library materials. Cost varies. Disc replacement is a standard $10.00.

• There is a charge of $2.00 for a replacement library card.

Books On Wheels

If you or someone you know cannot get to the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, due to long term illness or restricted mobility, volunteers will bring books to you – anywhere in Newtown!

Here’s how Books on Wheels works:

1. Your library card has to be on file with the Booth Library. If you don’t have a card, you can ask for a registration form when you call to have your books delivered for the first time.
2. Call the Library during regular library hours at 426-4533 to request books. (Ask about the Library’s collection of Large Print books!)
3. Within a few days, a volunteer will deliver the books to your door.
4. When you’ve finished the books or want more, simply call the Library to request pick-up or another delivery.

Books on Wheels is sponsored by The Friends of Cyrenius H. Booth Library

Photo-copying/Printing/Faxing/Scanning:

• The copy machines are self-service and available on each floor of the library. The cost is 10 cents per page to be paid at the nearest circulation desk.
• Black and white computer print-outs are 10 cents per page; color is 50 cents per page.
• There is a self-service fax machine for public use on the 3rd Floor. This is for out-going faxes only. The fax machine machine takes credit cards or pre-paid fax cards which are available at the Reference Desk. Fees start at $1.50 for one page sent to a domestic fax machine and go up depending on how many pages are sent and whether it is a domestic or international call.
• There is a self-service scanner on the 3rd Floor that can be used to scan to a USB drive.
• One word processor is available on the second floor near the adult circulation desk; all ten of the internet computers in the Reference Department and the four computers in the Young Adult Department also have Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; a typewriter is available on the third floor.

Reserves:

• To reserve materials a patron may either fill out a blue reserve card including the patron's library card bar code number and phone number or use the library's online catalog which allows items to be requested.
• Patrons will be notified by phone when their reserves are being held for them. Patrons will have three (3) working days to pick up their material. Materials for patron pick up will be held at the Adult Circulation Desk on the second floor.

Additional C. H. Booth Library Policies:

• Patrons are limited to four (4) books per card when the computer is down.
• Materials on reserve may not be renewed.
• DVDs and videos cannot be checked out on a child's library card.
• Circulating reference materials include only materials in the juvenile reference section which are pocketed for circulation, as well as some of the art books in the adult section.
• Use of the meeting room must be reserved in advance. Meetings must be over by library closing time unless previous arrangements have been made. An application and check must be submitted to reserve the room. The meeting room fees are set by the Board of Trustees.
• Use of display cases is determined by the Director, the Children's Librarian and the Library Curator. Requests may be made in writing or over the phone.
• All art exhibits are determined by the art committee. Anyone wishing to exhibit his/her work must submit a written request to the art committee.
• All bulletin board materials must be approved by the Director.
• Book selection is by the book selection committee. Any purchase request must be submitted on a blue request/reserve card.

C.H. Booth Public Library Internet Access Policy

The C. H. Booth Library’s Internet access is intended primarily as an information resource.  The Library does not provide electronic mail or access to chat, news or discussion groups. Library patrons use the Internet at their own discretion.  The C.H. Booth Library cannot censor access to materials or protect users from information they may find offensive.  We do not monitor or control information accessible through the Internet and do not accept responsibility for its content.

The Internet may contain information that is inappropriate for viewing by children.  The library staff is not in a position to monitor or supervise children’s use of the Internet.  As with other library materials, restriction of access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.  Parents are required to sign a permission slip for Internet users under the age of 14.

Library staff will assist patrons with the Internet as time permits, but cannot offer personal instruction on computer use.

Internet users are subject to applicable local, state and federal statutes.  Any unlawful or malicious activity that causes harm to another person, the Library or the computer equipment will result in the loss of Internet use for the offending person.

Internet sources may not prove to be accurate, appropriate or current.  Critically evaluate all material that you find.

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials.  All responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library disclaims any liability of responsibility resulting from such use.

Patrons are required to log on. Session length is 60 minutes with 30 minute extension available if no one else is waiting. Time is limited to 3 hours per day.

C. H. Booth Library Wireless Internet Access Usage Policy

The C. H. Booth Library’s public wireless network is open to anyone who agrees to abide by the Library’s Internet Access Policy. This policy prohibits illegal activity while using the Internet. Please read this document prior to accessing the Library's wireless network and understand that you agree to abide by this policy when you use the Library’s wireless network.

The user must also understand that the Library’s wireless network provides no data encryption between the access points and your device. Someone in the Library vicinity can potentially capture information sent to or from your device. It is your responsibility to protect your laptop or other wireless device through the use of up-to-date virus protection, personal firewall and other measures. To securely access your corporate web email and other confidential or sensitive applications and online transactions, you may need a security solution (e.g. Virtual Private Network) for your device. The Library recommends that credit card information and passwords not be transmitted while using the wireless network. The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s network or the Internet, nor liability for any damages to hardware, software or data, howsoever caused.

January 2006

Meeting and Board Room Usage Policies, Equipment & Fees:

The primary purpose of the Meeting and Board Rooms is for the Library use and Library related activities.  Library programs always take precedence over all others.  The use of the meeting room (not board room) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings will be reserved for Library programs.  If there is no Library event scheduled, the Librarian may at her discretion schedule another group. To inquire regarding the scheduling of meeting space in the library please email our Programmer at chbprograms@chboothlibrary.org or call the library's main number 203-426-4533 during regular library hours.

Use of the Meeting or Board Room is encouraged for public gatherings of a cultural, civic, or educational nature.  Priority will be given to groups whose membership is open to all.  The rooms are not available for institutional or corporate social events.  The events must take place during the hours the Library is open to the public unless special permission is obtained.  The Librarian is designated by the Board as the arbiter on the allocation of the use of the rooms.  However, the Library Board of Trustees also has the authority to grant, refuse, or revoke permission to use meeting rooms.

If there is a conflict with a Library or Library related program, the Library program takes precedence and reservation by any group may be cancelled, relocated, or rescheduled with two week’s notice.  Those groups to whom the Meeting or Board Room is unavailable may be offered one of our third floor rooms when available.  These rooms must be vacated before 8 PM Monday - Thursday and 5 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Thoughtful consideration will be given to each request.

Applying organizations will agree to hold the Library harmless from any loss, damage, liability, costs and/or expenses that may arise during or be caused in any way by such use of Library facilities.  On the other hand, the applicant will be responsible for loss or damage resulting from room use.  Compensation for such loss or damage must be made promptly upon billing.  The Librarian and the Board requires a certificate of insurance for groups meeting at the library.

An application and a check for use must be received one month before the event.  Groups that meet on an ongoing basis are encouraged to pay with one check by June 30 every year.

For those groups who do not regularly meet at the Library, a maximum of two tentative reservations may be made.  These reservations will be held for two days only after which the times become available to other organizations.  For groups that meet monthly, a maximum of one reservation may be made at one time.

No admission fee may be charged for programs held in the meeting rooms.  The Library and The Friends of the Library are exempt from this rule.

Groups using the room are responsible for:

• Setting up the chairs and tables
• Returning the room to condition as found
• Placing litter in proper containers
• Turning off lights
• Ensuring doors are locked

The Library kitchen facilities may be used with prior permission.  Rentees are responsible for providing their own utensils, dishes, coffee pot etc. and for clean up and removal of all items.

Applying organizations are held responsible for the preservation of order by those in attendance.  Police supervision, when deemed necessary by the Librarian, will be provided and paid for by the applying organization.

Groups must adhere to the posted fire codes regarding the number of persons allowed in the room.  Smoking is not permitted.

Applications may be rejected and previously granted permission may be withdrawn for violation of Library rules or conduct inconsistent with room policies and Library rules.

Juvenile or young adult (eighteen and under) groups may use the rooms only when adult supervision is provided.

Groups providing public programs must acknowledge their sponsorship in any advertisement (flyers, posters, press, and radio releases etc.)  The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group's policies or beliefs by the Library staff or Board. Library staff will be responsible for displaying publicity regarding meetings at their discretion.  No flyers or posters can be posted on the Library doors, stairwells, pillars, or other places within the Library, nor on the outside of the building.

Non library groups and individuals are not to use the Library address and phone numbers as their own.

Updated March 2013

CYRENIUS H. BOOTH LIBRARY MEETING ROOM EQUIPMENT USAGE POLICY

A representative from all groups meeting at the Library must meet with a Library Staff member to discuss equipment needs and receive usage instructions at least 48 hours prior to the day of the scheduled meeting.  Library staff will NOT be able to set-up equipment without proper notice. Day of meeting requests will not be met.

Available Equipment:

Assistive Listening System: The Assistive Listening System is available to all groups who use the Library. This system includes a microphone for the speaker and 10 headsets for hearing impaired attendees. It is always turned on: the group needs to let the Library know in advance that the microphones and headsets are needed for the event. The box with all of the Assistive Listening equipment will be brought out for the event.  At the end of the event, the group is responsible for collecting all pieces of equipment, turning all units off to conserve batteries and returning them to the box.

LCD Projector: A mobile LCD projector that can be connected to a computer or DVD or VHS player is available to all groups that use the Library. The Library has both a DVD and VHS player for use with the LCD Projector. The group must let the Library know in advance that this equipment is needed. The cart with the LCD projector and players will be brought out in advance of the meeting. A member of the group must understand the proper use of the equipment and follow all written instructions. At time of pre-meeting training a LCD Projector Use Instruction sheet will be made available.

Mobile Computer: A computer is available for groups that need internet access for demonstration purposes and are not bringing their own laptop. This computer can be connected to the LCD projector. This computer has Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Power Point. Other software programs CANNOT be loaded onto this computer. The group must let the Library know in advance that the computer is needed. The cart with the computer will be brought out in advance of the meeting. A member of the group must understand the proper use of the equipment and follow all written instructions. At time of pre-meeting training computer use instructions will be made available.

Microphones:  Stand, Tabletop, Lapel and Wireless Hand-held Microphones are available for groups meeting in the Library. The group must let the Library know in advance that these are needed. The microphones will be brought out prior to the meeting. The group must understand proper usage of the microphones. At the end of the event, the group is responsible for collecting all pieces of equipment and turning all units off to conserve batteries.

Additional Equipment:

TV

Overhead Projector

Slide Projector

CYRENIUS H. BOOTH LIBRARY MEETING ROOM FEES (Please Note - Prices are Subject to Change)

For Library sponsored programs and town meetings, the use of the meeting room is free. Others will be charged a fee to cover costs of operation. These fees will be reviewed annually by the Policy Committee of the Board of Trustees.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS:                                                                                                                         FEE:

                    BOARD ROOM:                                                                                                                                free

               MEETING ROOM:

                                       ½ day                                                                                                                          $10.00

                                    Full day                                                                                                                          $40.00

                                   Evening                                                                                                                          $30.00

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:

                    BOARD ROOM:

                                    Full day                                                                                                                          $10.00

                                   Evening                                                                                                                          $10.00

               MEETING ROOM:

                                       ½ day                                                                                                                          $25.00

                                    Full day                                                                                                                          $40.00

                                   Evening                                                                                                                          $30.00

PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:

                    BOARD ROOM:

                                       ½ day                                                                                                                          $40.00

                                    Full day                                                                                                                          $70.00

                                   Evening                                                                                                                          $40.00

               MEETING ROOM:

                                       ½ day                                                                                                                          $75.00

                                    Full day                                                                                                                        $150.00

                                   Evening                                                                                                                          $75.00

Updated March 2013