Click below for a full list of our policies:
The Policies listed below are a small part of the Library's full policy handbook. Please use the button above to see the Library's policies in full.
Minot-Sleeper Library's Circulation Policy
Title: CIRCULATION POLICY
Purpose: To establish a policy for patron use of Library assets.
Effective Date: 2-24-2015 Approval Date: 2-24-2015
Approved By: Trustees Reviewed/Revised Date: 7-26-2024
Residents and taxpayers of the Newfound Area School District and including the towns of Alexandria, Bridgewater, Bristol, Danbury, Groton, Hebron, New Hampton and Hill, are eligible for free library borrowing privileges so long as they conform to Library policy. Patrons shall be required to fill out an identification card listing name, address, and telephone number. Staff of the Newfound Regional School District and Jennie D. Blake Elementary School in Hill, and employees of the Town of Bristol may also receive a library card with borrowing privileges free of charge under the same provisions. Non-resident patrons shall be required to pay a non-refundable fee of $30 per year or $50 per two years. Non-resident patrons over 65 years of age shall be required to pay a non-refundable fee of $20 per year of $30 per two years.
Borrowers are encouraged to have their Library card or key tag with them in order to check out Library materials. There is a $3.00 replacement fee for lost cards.
Account holders may fill out a Patron Account Authorized Users Agreement form to allow friends and family to use their account to check out library items and place holds. Those listed as authorized users will not have access to the account holder’s circulation history. The primary account holder is responsible for any and all check outs, damages, lost, and overdue items on his or her account.
Renewal of library card accounts
Patron accounts will expire after three (3) years from activation date, with the option for renewal. Borrowing privileges may be limited when an account has expired and has not yet been renewed. When renewing a library card, a patron will be asked to provide their current address, phone number, and email address. If the information provided differs from what is currently in the account, the patron’s electronic record will be updated.
Inactive accounts
In accordance with New Hampshire RSA 33-A:3-a, patron accounts which have not been used for seven (7) years will be marked inactive. If an account has been marked inactive, the record and all associated information will be expunged completely from the library’s system.
Library Materials
Patrons are allowed to check out a total of 25 items per library card at one time. No patron card may have more than 25 items checked out at a time.
Library materials may be kept out for 14 days, except for the telescope. The telescope maybe kept out for 7 days. There is a limit of 4 DVDs per Library card. All library material (except technology) may be renewed unless it has been placed on reserve for another borrower. Renewals (except technology) may be made over the phone up to three times. The 4th must be in person. Renewals may be made by contacting a library staff member during normal operating hours or by a patron using his or her online account. Hot spots, laptops, and tablets (technology) cannot be renewed.
Patron accounts that have one or more items that are 30 days or more overdue will be automatically restricted. Items may not be put on hold or checked out to a restricted account. Once all overdue items are returned, the patron account will once again have full borrowing privileges. Materials may be returned in the book drop when the Library is not open.
For policies relating to Technology and the Telescope see their respective circulation/lending policies.
The Minot-Sleeper Library fosters an environment for free use by its patrons. Therefore, there are no imposed fees for overdue items returned. If a borrower damages library property, they shall pay the cost of replacement. Once the Library receives the replacement cost of the material(s), the damaged material(s) becomes the property of the patron and must be picked up within 30 days. If payment is not made within 30 days since notification was made by the library, items may be discarded.
Patrons are requested to notify the Library of any changes to phone numbers or addresses so that Library staff may contact them when material has been reserved.
Overdue Materials:
One week overdue: Patron will receive an automated email
Two weeks overdue: Patron will receive a phone call and/or an automated email
Four weeks overdue: Patron will receive an automated email and his or her account will be restricted, losing borrowing privileges until item is returned, paid for, or replaced
Six weeks overdue: Patron will receive a letter with the cost of replacement
Claims Returned:
If a Library patron feels that he/she has returned an item and if that item is not on the shelf, then the user may claim the item returned with no penalty. There is a limit of 3 claims returned per user, after which Library privileges will be suspended.
Minot-Sleeper Library's Computer and Internet Access Policy
Section One: Computer Use
Purpose: To establish a policy for use of Library owned computers and for use of the Wireless Interface available to patrons using their own equipment.
Effective Date: 2-24-2015 Approval Date: 2-24-2015
Approved By: Trustees Reviewed/Revised Date: 5-1-2024
Section One: Computer Use
The Minot-Sleeper Library has computers available for use by the public. Patrons using these computers will comply with our Computer Users’ Agreement. The Library and its Trustees do not control the internet and cannot guarantee the authenticity of its content. The Library cannot censor access to material nor protect users from information they find offensive or controversial. It remains the responsibility of the user to determine what is appropriate. The Library disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through the internet, or any consequences thereof. Parents, not the Library staff, are responsible for their child's use of the internet at the Library.
Section Two: Wireless Internet Access
The Library remains a public building and use of the patron’s own equipment does not exempt users from the provisions in the Computer and Internet Access Policy. All patrons use the wireless internet at their own risk and are cautioned to use good judgment in doing so. Because of the open nature of the internet there is content that may be deemed inappropriate for viewing in the Library’s public setting. Patrons are expected to be respectful of their fellow patrons, including minor library patrons, when using the Library’s wireless networks.
Purpose: To establish guidelines for maintaining privacy and confidential patron records.
Effective Date: 2-27-2020 Approval Date: 2-27-2020
Approved By: Trustees Reviewed/Revised Date: 5-1-2024
Pursuant to RSA 201-D:11, patron records are confidential and shall not be disclosed except upon request by or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order, or where otherwise required by state, and federal statute. Such records include, but are not limited to, library, information system, and archival records related to the circulation and use of library materials or services, including records of materials that have been viewed or stored in electronic form.
Patron records and any other Personally Identifiable Information (PII) collected are used solely for library operations. Information listed on patron records, including titles checked out and contact information will be disclosed only to the extent necessary for the proper operation of the library. Information listed in patron records will not be released to any individual outside the organization beyond the cardholder and anyone authorized by said patron to use the card.
The Library works with third-party vendors to provide services including, but not limited to digital collections, online services, streaming services, and more. These third-party vendors may collect and share your information. For more information on these services and the types of data that is collected and shared, refer to the Library Policies webpage. You may choose not to use these third-party vendors if you do not accept their terms of use and privacy policies.
New Hampshire’s library user records confidentiality law, RSA 201 D:11, protects the privacy of all borrowers, including children, regardless of their age. The records of children who have their own library cards are subject to the same privacy restrictions as the records of adult borrowers, and the library will not share those records with others, including parents and legal guardians, unless they are listed as authorized users on the child’s library account.
The American Library Association includes Privacy and Confidentiality as a Library Core Value. “Privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. Lack of privacy and confidentiality chills people’s choices, thereby suppressing access to ideas. The possibility of surveillance, whether direct or through access to records of speech, research and exploration, undermines a democratic society. In libraries, the right to privacy is the right to open inquiry without having the subject of one's interest examined or scrutinized by others.”
Privacy Policies for third-parties used by Minot-Sleeper Library
Kanopy: www.kanopy.com/privacy
Overdrive/Libby: company.cdn.overdrive.com/policies/privacy-policy.htm
SHAREit (software used for New Hampshire interlibrary loan): cdn.ushareit.com/shareit/w/privacy/pr_en/index.html
Minot-Sleeper Library's Material Donation Policy
Purpose: To establish guidelines for the receipt of material donations and gifts.
Effective Date: 4-28-2022 Approval Date: 4-28-2022
Approved By: Trustees Reviewed/Revised Date: 5-1-2024
Minot-Sleeper Library appreciates the generosity of persons that donate materials to the library. However, to maintain a quality collection for all we have established some basic guidelines.
The library will happily accept the following materials in good to excellent condition:
All donated material becomes the property of the Minot-Sleeper Library. The library reserves the right to sell, donate, or otherwise discard materials at the discretion of the Library Director.
There is a limit of two bags or boxes accepted at one time. All donated materials must be delivered to the library.
If requested, an acknowledgement of donation will be provided. A listing of donated items and/or monetary value for the items donated will not be provided.
Changes to this policy can be made by the Director on a case-by-case basis at their discretion.
Purpose: To establish a policy for patron use of Library assets.
Effective Date: 2-24-2015 Approval Date: 2-24-2015
Approved By: Trustees Reviewed/Revised Date: 7-26-2024
Residents and taxpayers of the Newfound Area School District and including the towns of Alexandria, Bridgewater, Bristol, Danbury, Groton, Hebron, New Hampton and Hill, are eligible for free library borrowing privileges so long as they conform to Library policy. Patrons shall be required to fill out an identification card listing name, address, and telephone number. Staff of the Newfound Regional School District and Jennie D. Blake Elementary School in Hill, and employees of the Town of Bristol may also receive a library card with borrowing privileges free of charge under the same provisions. Non-resident patrons shall be required to pay a non-refundable fee of $30 per year or $50 per two years. Non-resident patrons over 65 years of age shall be required to pay a non-refundable fee of $20 per year of $30 per two years.
Borrowers are encouraged to have their Library card or key tag with them in order to check out Library materials. There is a $3.00 replacement fee for lost cards.
Account holders may fill out a Patron Account Authorized Users Agreement form to allow friends and family to use their account to check out library items and place holds. Those listed as authorized users will not have access to the account holder’s circulation history. The primary account holder is responsible for any and all check outs, damages, lost, and overdue items on his or her account.
Renewal of library card accounts
Patron accounts will expire after three (3) years from activation date, with the option for renewal. Borrowing privileges may be limited when an account has expired and has not yet been renewed. When renewing a library card, a patron will be asked to provide their current address, phone number, and email address. If the information provided differs from what is currently in the account, the patron’s electronic record will be updated.
Inactive accounts
In accordance with New Hampshire RSA 33-A:3-a, patron accounts which have not been used for seven (7) years will be marked inactive. If an account has been marked inactive, the record and all associated information will be expunged completely from the library’s system.
Library Materials
Patrons are allowed to check out a total of 25 items per library card at one time. No patron card may have more than 25 items checked out at a time.
Library materials may be kept out for 14 days, except for the telescope. The telescope maybe kept out for 7 days. There is a limit of 4 DVDs per Library card. All library material (except technology) may be renewed unless it has been placed on reserve for another borrower. Renewals (except technology) may be made over the phone up to three times. The 4th must be in person. Renewals may be made by contacting a library staff member during normal operating hours or by a patron using his or her online account. Hot spots, laptops, and tablets (technology) cannot be renewed.
Patron accounts that have one or more items that are 30 days or more overdue will be automatically restricted. Items may not be put on hold or checked out to a restricted account. Once all overdue items are returned, the patron account will once again have full borrowing privileges. Materials may be returned in the book drop when the Library is not open.
For policies relating to Technology and the Telescope see their respective circulation/lending policies.
The Minot-Sleeper Library fosters an environment for free use by its patrons. Therefore, there are no imposed fees for overdue items returned. If a borrower damages library property, they shall pay the cost of replacement. Once the Library receives the replacement cost of the material(s), the damaged material(s) becomes the property of the patron and must be picked up within 30 days. If payment is not made within 30 days since notification was made by the library, items may be discarded.
Patrons are requested to notify the Library of any changes to phone numbers or addresses so that Library staff may contact them when material has been reserved.
Overdue Materials:
One week overdue: Patron will receive an automated email
Two weeks overdue: Patron will receive a phone call and/or an automated email
Four weeks overdue: Patron will receive an automated email and his or her account will be restricted, losing borrowing privileges until item is returned, paid for, or replaced
Six weeks overdue: Patron will receive a letter with the cost of replacement
Claims Returned:
If a Library patron feels that he/she has returned an item and if that item is not on the shelf, then the user may claim the item returned with no penalty. There is a limit of 3 claims returned per user, after which Library privileges will be suspended.
Minot-Sleeper Library's Computer and Internet Access Policy
Section One: Computer Use
Purpose: To establish a policy for use of Library owned computers and for use of the Wireless Interface available to patrons using their own equipment.
Effective Date: 2-24-2015 Approval Date: 2-24-2015
Approved By: Trustees Reviewed/Revised Date: 5-1-2024
Section One: Computer Use
The Minot-Sleeper Library has computers available for use by the public. Patrons using these computers will comply with our Computer Users’ Agreement. The Library and its Trustees do not control the internet and cannot guarantee the authenticity of its content. The Library cannot censor access to material nor protect users from information they find offensive or controversial. It remains the responsibility of the user to determine what is appropriate. The Library disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through the internet, or any consequences thereof. Parents, not the Library staff, are responsible for their child's use of the internet at the Library.
- Internet use is limited to one half hour. If no one else is waiting, the user may continue to use the computer.
- There will be a charge of $ .25 per black/white printed page; $ .50 per colored printed page.
- Library staff will scan and email a reasonable number of documents for patrons at times when they are not helping others. These documents will only be emailed to the person for whom they are being scanned. There is no fee for scanning.
Section Two: Wireless Internet Access
The Library remains a public building and use of the patron’s own equipment does not exempt users from the provisions in the Computer and Internet Access Policy. All patrons use the wireless internet at their own risk and are cautioned to use good judgment in doing so. Because of the open nature of the internet there is content that may be deemed inappropriate for viewing in the Library’s public setting. Patrons are expected to be respectful of their fellow patrons, including minor library patrons, when using the Library’s wireless networks.
- The Library offers an OPEN, UNSECURED wireless network for public use. The content on this network is not filtered or otherwise blocked. By using the Library’s wireless network, the user agrees that the Library has no responsibility for any personal information that is compromised, or for any damage caused to users’ hardware or software due to security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. Users are responsible for ensuring that their computer has adequate protection against computer viruses, spyware, and all other malware that their computer may be exposed to on the Internet or from email attachments, so that it does not infect other devices on the Library network.
- Library staff may verify whether the Library’s wireless connection is up and running but will not be required to assist in making changes to the user’s network settings or perform any troubleshooting on the user’s computer.
Purpose: To establish guidelines for maintaining privacy and confidential patron records.
Effective Date: 2-27-2020 Approval Date: 2-27-2020
Approved By: Trustees Reviewed/Revised Date: 5-1-2024
Pursuant to RSA 201-D:11, patron records are confidential and shall not be disclosed except upon request by or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order, or where otherwise required by state, and federal statute. Such records include, but are not limited to, library, information system, and archival records related to the circulation and use of library materials or services, including records of materials that have been viewed or stored in electronic form.
Patron records and any other Personally Identifiable Information (PII) collected are used solely for library operations. Information listed on patron records, including titles checked out and contact information will be disclosed only to the extent necessary for the proper operation of the library. Information listed in patron records will not be released to any individual outside the organization beyond the cardholder and anyone authorized by said patron to use the card.
The Library works with third-party vendors to provide services including, but not limited to digital collections, online services, streaming services, and more. These third-party vendors may collect and share your information. For more information on these services and the types of data that is collected and shared, refer to the Library Policies webpage. You may choose not to use these third-party vendors if you do not accept their terms of use and privacy policies.
New Hampshire’s library user records confidentiality law, RSA 201 D:11, protects the privacy of all borrowers, including children, regardless of their age. The records of children who have their own library cards are subject to the same privacy restrictions as the records of adult borrowers, and the library will not share those records with others, including parents and legal guardians, unless they are listed as authorized users on the child’s library account.
The American Library Association includes Privacy and Confidentiality as a Library Core Value. “Privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. Lack of privacy and confidentiality chills people’s choices, thereby suppressing access to ideas. The possibility of surveillance, whether direct or through access to records of speech, research and exploration, undermines a democratic society. In libraries, the right to privacy is the right to open inquiry without having the subject of one's interest examined or scrutinized by others.”
Privacy Policies for third-parties used by Minot-Sleeper Library
Kanopy: www.kanopy.com/privacy
Overdrive/Libby: company.cdn.overdrive.com/policies/privacy-policy.htm
SHAREit (software used for New Hampshire interlibrary loan): cdn.ushareit.com/shareit/w/privacy/pr_en/index.html
Minot-Sleeper Library's Material Donation Policy
Purpose: To establish guidelines for the receipt of material donations and gifts.
Effective Date: 4-28-2022 Approval Date: 4-28-2022
Approved By: Trustees Reviewed/Revised Date: 5-1-2024
Minot-Sleeper Library appreciates the generosity of persons that donate materials to the library. However, to maintain a quality collection for all we have established some basic guidelines.
The library will happily accept the following materials in good to excellent condition:
- Hardcover and paperback books - 5 years old or newer
- Music CDs - in good condition and in original packaging
- Books on CD - in good condition and in original packaging
- DVDs - in good condition and in original packaging
- Readers Digest Condensed Books
- Magazines
- Textbooks
- Encyclopedia sets
- Videos on VHS
- Vinyl records
- Music/books on cassette
- Abridged Audiobooks
All donated material becomes the property of the Minot-Sleeper Library. The library reserves the right to sell, donate, or otherwise discard materials at the discretion of the Library Director.
There is a limit of two bags or boxes accepted at one time. All donated materials must be delivered to the library.
If requested, an acknowledgement of donation will be provided. A listing of donated items and/or monetary value for the items donated will not be provided.
Changes to this policy can be made by the Director on a case-by-case basis at their discretion.