Collection Development—Circulation Summary
The purpose of this policy is to explain guidelines and limits on all items available for circulation at the Pottstown Regional Public Library. This policy offers a brief description of the guidelines used in purchasing items for the Library collection, as well as an overview of the guidelines for the maintenance of the collection.
It is the goal of the Pottstown Regional Public Library to provide a high-quality collection of books, media, and other materials in a variety of formats for all ages that is responsive to the needs and interests of the community.
Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet the needs and interests of the community. In the development of its collection, the library recognizes that it is impossible for a medium-sized public library to provide a balanced, comprehensive collection that is strong enough to meet all community needs. As a member of an automated countywide resource-sharing network (MCLINC) and Access PA, the Pottstown Regional Public Library supplements its resources with materials borrowed through these larger entities.
The library strives to maintain materials that reflect the diversity of the community and represent various points of view. Selection of materials by the library does not constitute an endorsement of the contents or views expressed by those materials. The existence of a particular viewpoint in the collection is an expression of the library’s policy of intellectual freedom, not an endorsement of that particular point of view. The Pottstown Regional Public Library holds the belief that access to information, particularly the access of a variety of viewpoints and voices, is a critical component of an individual’s right to freedom of thought, speech, and expression.
In the interest of protecting the individual’s right to have access to materials, the Pottstown Regional Public Library supports the following documents:
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records
Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors
Library materials are selected on the basis of informational, educational, cultural, and recreational value. These materials are selected in compliance with the mission and goals of the library. The library follows a strict criterion in selecting materials for addition to the collection, including relevance to interests and needs of the community, articulated or predicted demand, cost and budgetary constraints, reviews from professional journals or publications of national repute, currency of information, authoritativeness and/or reputation and qualifications of the author, illustrator, publisher, or producer; literary, artistic, historical, scientific, or intellectual merit, relevance to the existing collection’s strengths and weaknesses, suitability of subject and style for the intended audience, availability of other information on the subject, either locally or within the region; suitability, physical durability, attractiveness, and technical merit of the format, historical value or local interest.
Scope of Collection
The Pottstown Regional Public Library considers all types and formats of media to be in the realm of human expression and part of the human record. Because the library functions in a rapidly changing society, it is flexible about changes in communicative material, both in form and style of expression. The library recognizes that content and medium should be suitably matched, and that library patrons have different learning styles and preferences for how they receive information. The library does not reject materials for acquisition solely on the basis of medium. Materials in alternative formats are judged in terms of the criteria for selection of materials.
Resources for Young Adults
Although Young Adult collections include many titles on school reading lists, young adults working on school assignments rely primarily upon adult collections. The Young Adult collection is not intended to meet all the needs of teenagers whose interests are specialized for highly developed. These young people must turn to adult collections. Young adult collections, as far as possible, include works reflecting diverse views on controversial topics in accordance with the library’s belief that access to information is a critical component of the right to freedom of thought, speech, and expression.
Resources for Children
The collection for children is chosen with the emphasis on materials that develop reading ability, inform children about the world around them, stimulate the imagination, recognize and support diversity, and entertain. These collections, as far as possible, include works reflecting diverse views on controversial topics in accordance with the library’s belief that access to information is a critical component of the right to freedom of thought, speech, and expression.
Access
The Pottstown Regional Public Library does not promote particular beliefs or views. Rather, it provides a resource for various opinions, which apply to important, complex, and controversial questions, including unpopular and unorthodox positions. Language, situations, or subjects that may be offensive to some community members do not disqualify material which, in its entirety, is judged to be of value.
The Board of Directors recognizes that full, confidential, and unrestricted access to information is essential for patrons to exercise their rights as citizens. The Board believes that reading, listening, and viewing are individual, private matters. While anyone is free to select or reject materials for themselves or their own minor children, the freedom of others to read or inquire cannot be restricted. The Library does not stand in loco parentis. Parents and guardians, not the Library, have the responsibility to guide and direct the reading, listening, and viewing choices of their own minor children. Selection of adult collection materials should not be inhibited by the possibility that the items may be seen or utilized by minors.
The library collection will be organized and maintained to facilitate access. The library does not mark or identify materials to show approval or disapproval of contents. The library also does not mark materials to restrict their use by ages, or sequester them except to protect valuable items from injury or theft. The library does not rely on private advisory codes or rating services in developing collections, nor does the library remove such ratings if they are an integral part of the item or its packaging.
As stated in our Patron Privacy Policy, “The Pottstown Regional Public Library does not disclose or distribute users’ names, addresses, phone numbers, borrower records, computer use records, or other personal information to anyone unless required to do so pursuant to a court order, subpoena, or where otherwise required by law. Any personal information collected by Pottstown Regional Public Library will not be sold to any third party vendor. With regard to minors, only the cardholder and the parent/guardian who signed the minor’s library card application, thereby assuming responsibility for the items checked out on it, will be given information pertaining to the minor’s account.”
Complaints and Requests
The Library Board considers all materials selected under this policy to be constitutionally protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. If a patron claims that a particular item is not constitutionally protected, the burden of proof rests with the patron. The Board of Directors recognizes the right of individuals to question materials in the library collection. Whenever a patron objects to the presence or absence of any library material, the complaint will be given a hearing and consideration. All complaints to staff members will be referred to the professional staff who will discuss the matter with the complainant. If not satisfied, the patron will be given a “Patron Complaint/Resource Reconsideration Request” form to complete. This completed form will be given to the Library Director who will then meet with the professional staff to evaluate the material in question and consider the merits of the completed request form. The professional staff will consider whether the material meets the selection criteria outlined in the policy. A decision will be made regarding whether or not to add or withdraw the material within a reasonable amount of time, with written reasons for the decision conveyed to the patron. If the patron is dissatisfied with the staff’s decision or the written reply, the patron may appeal the decision to the Board at a regularly scheduled Board Meeting. The Board, after receiving public testimony from the patron, other interested parties, and from the Director, will decide whether or not library policies have been followed and whether to add or withdraw the material in question. Materials subject to complaint shall not be removed from use and circulation pending final action. If a court having jurisdiction over the library decides that any material in the collection is unprotected by the Constitution of the United States, such material will be removed immediately. Material under court consideration will remain available to patrons until a final ruling is made.
To make a formal complaint fill this form out in its entirety.
Reviewed and Approved by the Board of Directors June 23rd, 2022
Donations Guideline
Thank you for your interest in donating to the Pottstown Regional Public Library. As our policy on donations has been updated, please read the following before dropping off your donations. While we truly appreciate all donations, we have found that there are some items we cannot use or distribute. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
Donations will be accepted during our hours of operation. Please contact the library before heading over with your donations so we can be prepared. 610-970-6551.
Materials:
Please contact the library if you are interested in donating materials or supplies. Our needs constantly rotate. Supplies that are donated should be new. We cannot accept anything visibly damaged, dirty, or torn.
We will be accepting books in boxes. Please speak with a member of our Circulation staff if you have more than 5 boxes of donations. This ensures we have the space and staffing to properly go through materials. We have the right to refuse materials if they are visibly damaged, moldy, or in poor condition.
Please make sure they are in containers you are able to part with. We are not able to return containers.
Items we can accept for donations:
Items we can NOT accept:
Click here to view the PDF version.
Revised: February 2023
Masks Recommended
As of February 21st, 2023, Pottstown Regional Public Library recommends visitors wear masks while visiting the library.
Individuals are expected to abide by the rules and mitigation strategies of local businesses and workplace. Understanding that not everyone is vaccinated, including some of our youngest users, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) recommends all Pennsylvania Libraries continue to follow our current mitigation strategies.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
Revised February 2023
Pottstown Regional Public Library Patron Behavior Policy
Welcome to the Pottstown Regional Public Library. We aim to create a space that is welcoming to all. Our goal is to ensure that staff, volunteers, and patrons are treated with respect and kindness, and library property is respected.
When in the library:
We Require:
Prohibited actions:
Any patron not abiding by these or other rules and regulations of the library may be asked by any staff member to leave the library building and grounds for the remainder of the day. Serious or continued violations may result in a suspension of privileges for a length of time based on the offense by the Executive Director of the library or librarian-in-charge. To enforce this policy, library employees or other library staff may contact the Pottstown Police Department, if deemed advisable and/or in pursuant of the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Pottstown, Chapter 6, Conduct, Part 5, and its subsequent revisions, or may contact any other law enforcement agency or agencies, as deemed appropriate or required by law.
Any patron who violates these or other rules and regulations, may, on the recommendation of the Executive Director of the library be denied the privilege of access to the library for a period longer than the original stated period.
A patron who feels privileges have been denied in error may request, in writing, that that the decision be reviewed by the Board of Directors at the next monthly Board meeting.
Patrons who are banned will receive a notice in writing from the Executive Director informing them of the offense, in addition to the terms and length of ban.
Click here for the PDF Version.
Revised February 2023
The Pottstown Regional Public Library requires that all complaints or requests for reconsideration of circulation materials be submitted in writing. Completion of this form is the first step in that procedure. If you wish to request reconsideration of a resource, or lodge a complaint, please return the completed form to the library director.
The form must be filled out in its entirety.
Please click here to download a PDF copy of the form.
If you need a PDF reader you will need the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. If you need to download or update the Acrobat Reader, it is available by clicking here.
Donor Privacy Policy
The Pottstown Regional Public Library respects the rights of individuals and groups seeking to donate or who have donated to the library. All parties involved in library fundraising are expected to respect and value the privacy of donors and are expected to protect the confidentiality of all information received. This policy applies to any and all individuals, groups, or organizations who are in any way involved in fundraising activities by or on behalf of the Pottstown Regional Public Library.
The Library, or those involved in fundraising on the Library’s behalf, will only collect individual donor information that is necessary to accurately record, analyze, and acknowledge contributions, and to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Donor information is to be used only for the purpose of supporting the Library and the Library’s fundraising efforts. Information regarding donations made in response to the Library’s annual appeal letter and unsolicited donations will be kept confidential. Sponsorships in support of fundraising events, and other events supporting the general operating fund of the Library will be publically recognized, unless the donor requests anonymity. Donor information will be treated as confidential and handled with discretion, will be stored in a non-publically accessible area of the library, and only handled by specifically authorized individuals who have agreed to abide by the terms of this policy. The Pottstown Regional Public Library utilizes a donor management database for the purpose of analyzing statistical information and informing future fundraising efforts.
In some instances, the Library may wish to publicly recognize its supporters. To assure the authorized use of individual donor or donation information, all solicitations of contributions to the Library’s fundraising activities will include a provision whereby the donor will be able to indicate their preference regarding the anonymity of their donation. Donations received in honor of or in memory of an individual or group are typically acknowledged by the placement of a bookplate, label, or plaque in or on the item(s) purchased with the donation. The plate names the honored/memorialized person or group and the donor, unless the donor requests anonymity. The honoree or family of the deceased are notified of the donation, unless the donor specifies otherwise. Examples of the forms for such donations and the information collected therein are accessible on the “Get Involved” page of the Pottstown Regional Public Library website.
The Pottstown Regional Public Library may review and alter this Donor Privacy Policy at any time.
Reviewed and Approved by the Board of Directors on June 23rd, 2022
Click here for a PDF of the policy.
Patron Privacy Policy
The Pottstown Regional Public Library abides by the guidelines of the Pennsylvania Library Code, Title 24. PA. C.S. Education, Part VI. Libraries, Subpart A. Public Libraries, Chapter 93: Public Library Code, Subchapter E: Miscellaneous Provisions, Section § 9375. Privacy of circulation records:
Records of the following institutions which relate to the circulation of library materials and contain the names or other personally identifying information of users of the materials shall be confidential and may not be made available to anyone except by a court order in a criminal proceeding:
The Pottstown Regional Public Library respects and protects the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals, minors as well as adults. Both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution provide guarantees of confidentiality and privacy. Privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. Protecting user privacy and confidentiality is an integral part of the mission of public libraries. The American Library Association (ALA) states in Article VII of the Library Bill of Rights that “All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use date, including personally identifiable information.” The Pottstown Regional Public Library abides by these principles.
The Pottstown Regional Public Library collects only that personally identifiable information about users that is needed for the function of the Library. The Pottstown Regional Public Library collects the following information for library card registration: name, address(es), phone number(s), date of birth, driver’s license/identification card number, email, and assigned barcode. Privacy and confidentiality protections are part of Library procedures. The Library retains personally identifiable information about users only as long as is needed for Library functions. Physical Library card registrations are stored for one (1) year in a publically non-accessible area before being scanned into a secure hard drive, after which the physical application is shredded for security purposes. Access to patron registrations is restricted to specifically authorized individuals employed by Pottstown Regional Public Library.
The Pottstown Regional Public Library does not disclose or distribute users’ names, addresses, phone numbers, borrower records, computer use records, or other personal information to anyone unless required to do so pursuant to a court order, subpoena, or where otherwise required by law. Any personal information collected by Pottstown Regional Public Library will not be sold to any third party vendor. With regard to minors, only the cardholder and the parent/guardian who signed the minor’s library card application, thereby assuming responsibility for the items checked out on it, will be given information pertaining to the minor’s account.
The current registration form for a Pottstown Regional Public Library card allows patrons the opportunity to opt-out of receiving information about library programs, services, or resources. Patrons also have the ability to request that they be removed from mailing lists. Requests for existing patrons to be removed from mailing lists, or to opt-out of receiving information about library programs, services, or resources, may be sent to pottstownlibrary@mclinc.org.
The Pottstown Regional Public Library may change this Privacy Policy at any time. This policy does not offer any contractual or legal rights to any party using the Pottstown Regional Public Library website.
Reviewed and Approved by the Board of Directors June 23, 2022.
Purpose: The Pottstown Public Library provides access to the Internet as one means of fulfilling our purpose of providing diverse and easily accessible materials, encouraging the free flow of ideas, and educating, informing, and enriching all residents of our service area.
The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and library patrons use it at their own risk. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users are responsible for determining the validity and reliability of the information located. The Pottstown Public Library cannot be held responsible for the Internet’s content or for any misuse of copyright or any other violation, nor is it responsible for any liability or expense you may incur during use.
Filtering: In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (pub.L. 106-554), all library computers will have filtered Internet access as of July 2004. This act requires a library that receives federal funds must “have in place a policy of Internet safety for minors that include the operation of a technology protection measure with respect to any computer with Internet access”.
Children and the Internet: As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. Only a parent/legal guardian may restrict their children, and only their children, from access to Internet resources available through the library. The parent/legal guardian, not the library, is responsible for monitoring their children’s Internet use. Internet filtering software is not foolproof and does not take the place of parental supervision.
Rights of Adults: Adults (age 17 or older) may request the filtering software be disabled during use, if so desired as long as the policies of the Pottstown Regional Public Library are not violated.
Revised 8/1/2020
PRPL BOARD MEETING PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY
Pottstown Regional Public Library as, part of its commitment to the community, offers a Public Comment section during public meetings.
Policy Statement: The function of the regular meetings of the Library Board is to conduct the business of the Pottstown Regional Public Library, as distinguished from providing an open citizen’s forum. The Board does, however, encourage public attendance at, and participation in, its meetings when appropriate to the business at hand.
Regulations: Public comment is welcome during the designated public comment period. If the agenda is open to comment during other parts of the meeting, the Board President will specifically indicate this to attendees. Comments will be permitted only from attendees who fully identify themselves for the record by signing in on the Board meeting attendance sheet. The Library Board will permit comment only on topics listed on the current Board meeting agenda. Anyone who wishes to communicate with the Board on other topics should contact the library Board by e-mail with specific and detailed information about the proposed topic at pottstownlibrary@mclinc.org
The Library Board, at its discretion, will choose whether to place a requested topic on a future Board agenda or respond to the request by phone or in writing. Repeated requests on the same/similar topics or personal attacks on Board members or staff generally will not receive a response.
Comment is limited to 3 minutes total per person/group per topic and 5 minutes total per person/group on all topics in cases where attendees comment on multiple topics over the course of a single meeting.
While commenting:
The Library Board will not entertain comment in its public meeting about any topic for which it is permitted to go into executive session, such as confidential personnel matters or any item in litigation or threatened litigation.
If any person has a complaint about a specific library Board member or employee, the complaint must be put in writing to the Board with specific and detailed information and will not be addressed in the public comment section of the Board’s meeting.
Board Response: As a general rule, the Board will not respond to public comments at the time they are made. However, the Board may comment, take an action, or not take action with respect to a public comment at the current or future Board meeting, as it deems appropriate.
The Library Board reserves the right to waive this policy and these procedures when necessary to conduct Board meetings effectively.
Click here for the PDF Version.
Revised February 2023
Social Service/Therapy Meetings & Appointments:
The Pottstown Regional Public Library recognizes the role it plays in the community as a safe meeting space. The library maintains rooms for library activities, specified public use and general seating areas throughout the building. We are in the process of developing further meeting space for private meetings and conferences. At this time, there are no entirely private meeting areas in our building.
We request that anyone seeking to use the library for service, group, or therapeutic meeting space be mindful of the physical limitations of our building, the needs of other patrons, and the library’s role as a publicly-accessible space.
Due to limited space, the library cannot guarantee that space will be available for meetings and appointments. If a meeting becomes disruptive to staff, volunteers, or patrons, meeting participants may be asked to leave.
Please contact the Executive Director at 610-970-6551 with any questions or concerns.
Click here for the PDF version.
Revised: February 2023
The Pottstown Regional Public Library is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment that encourages children and families to visit the library, use library collections and services, and attend library programs. Staff members are available to assist and support children with their use of library resources. The library is not responsible for providing childcare or supervision of children on library premises. Parents, guardians and caregivers are solely responsible for the safety and behavior of their children.
Children must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver in the library. A responsible caregiver may not be under 16 years of age. Following state recommended guidelines, children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver, who must always remain in the immediate vicinity and in visual contact with the child for the entire length of the visit to the library. Children ages 10 and older are allowed to visit the library unaccompanied but must follow the library’s policies or they will be asked to leave.
All library users are expected to comply with all of the library’s policies and rules of conduct. Anyone who fails or refuses to comply with a policy or rule will be warned and if the noncompliant behavior continues, they may be asked to leave library premises. Some policy or rule violations may warrant an immediate request to leave library premises without a warning. The disorderly patron may also be banned for a period to be determined by the Executive Director.
Any child who is asked to leave the library will not be able to return until a parent or guardian speaks to the Youth Services Coordinator or the Executive Director of the Library.
Please note: Adults ages 18 and older are not allowed to remain in the children’s department without a child with them. Browsing the bookshelves is allowed; however, adults may not set up at the Youth Department tables or chairs and remain in the Youth Services Department without being accompanied by a child. If you need assistance finding a space to work, study or read, please see a library staff member for assistance.
Please call 610-970-6551 with any questions or concerns.
*Prize Policy: All prizes won will be held for a period of 1 month. *
Revised: February 2023
All policies will be available on the website and in PDF format. To view the PDF, you will need the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. If you need to download or update the Acrobat Reader, it is available by clicking here.
500 East High St, Pottstown, PA 19464
Mon, Tue, Wed: 10am-8pm
Thur-Fri: 10am-6pm
Sat: 9am-4pm
Voice: 610-970-6551 • fax: 610-970-6553
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