Library Policies & Documents
The Argyle Public Library maintains a set of policies governing library services, patron conduct, collections, and governance. These policies are reviewed and updated regularly by the Library Board of Trustees.
Library Policy
The comprehensive Library Policy (Second Edition) covers all aspects of library operations and governance, including:
- Mission and Goal Statements
- Who May Use the Library
- Patron Responsibilities and Conduct
- Services of the Library
- Responsibilities and Authorities of the Library Board
- Personnel Policy
- Materials Selection / Collection Development Policy
- Circulation Policy
- Reference Service Policy
- Programming Policy
- Public Relations Policy
- Meeting Room Policy
- Disasters Policy
- Revision of Library Policies
Collection Development Policy
The Collection Development Policy guides how the library selects, acquires, and manages its collection of materials, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of the community. The policy includes procedures for patron requests and challenges to library materials.
⚠️ Staff review needed: No standalone Collection Development Policy document was found during the site build. A section covering Materials Selection and Collection Development is included within the general Library Policy above. Please confirm whether a separate standalone document exists, and if so, provide it for upload.
Library Bylaws
The Library Bylaws establish the formal rules and procedures governing the Library Board of Trustees, including board composition, officer roles, meeting requirements, and voting procedures.
Internet Access Policy
The Internet Access Policy governs patron use of library computers and the library’s wireless network. Key provisions include:
- The library provides internet access equally to all library users.
- The library does not monitor or filter internet content, but certain prohibited content must not be displayed within the library.
- When the number of patrons exceeds the availability of computers, use is limited to 30 minutes.
- Patrons with a library card may sign in using the last four digits of their card number. Guest passes are available for up to 5 uses.
- Free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the library on the network named “library” (no password required).
- All patrons under age 16 using internet services independently must have a signed consent form on file from a parent or guardian.
- Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s internet sessions.
Prohibited Content
The display of the following content within the library is strictly prohibited, whether on library-owned computers or patron-owned devices:
- Pornography
- Nudity
- Any materials that may be disturbing to others in the considered opinion of library staff
Violations result in progressive consequences: first offense — asked to leave for the day; second offense — barred from the library for 7 days; third offense — barred from the library for 1 year.
Social Media Policy
The Social Media Policy outlines how the Argyle Public Library uses social media platforms to communicate with the community and governs patron use of social media in the library.
Long Range Plan
The Argyle Public Library Long Range Plan outlines the library’s strategic goals and priorities for the coming years, including plans for expanding library services and facilities to better serve all community members.
Fines Policy
The Fines Policy establishes the library’s approach to late returns, lost items, and associated fees for library materials.
Meeting Room Policy
Information about using the library’s community room for meetings and group activities is available on the Community Room page.
For questions about library policies or to request copies of policy documents, contact the library:
Phone: 1-608-543-3193
Email: argylelibrary@swls.org