Code of Conduct English and Español

To support Madera County Library (MCL)’s mission to strengthen communities by providing a place for everyone to connect, learn, and grow, the purpose of the Library Patron Code of Conduct is to create a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all. Any behavior that infringes on another patron’s ability to use library facilities and materials safely and comfortably, or that infringes on library staff’s ability to do their jobs safely and effectively, will not be tolerated. Such prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Loud talking, playing music without headphones, or other noisy activities that interfere with or are disruptive to other patrons. California Penal Code (CPC) 370, 415

• Threats of violence or violent actions directed at anyone in the library facility. CPC 415, 422, 602.1 • Disrespecting, obstructing, stalking, unwelcome touching, or otherwise intimidating library staff or patrons. CPC 415, 422, 602.1

• Giving speeches, promoting religious or political beliefs, or handing out religious or political literature in the library.

• Fraudulent use of another patron’s library card and/or account number for any purpose, including to reserve computers. CPC 490.5

• Panhandling, gambling, or soliciting for money or other objects from other patrons or staff.

• Eating or drinking inside the library. • Using the library facilities, including restrooms, for anything other than their intended purpose. CPC 370

• Emitting strong, pervasive odors, including odors caused by perfume or cologne that unreasonably interfere with enjoyment of the library by staff or patrons. CPC 370

• Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco inside the building or within 20 feet of any windows or entrances. CA government code 7597

• Bringing animals other than service animals required for assistance with a disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at 28 C.F.R. 36.104. Organizations with animals who are partnering with the library for programming may be allowed to bring animals into the building with advance permission. Any waste left behind by these animals is the responsibility of the owner/organization. CA Civil Code 54.1 (c)

• Failure to be fully clothed.

• Damaging or unlawfully taking library property or the personal property of library patrons or staff. CPC 484, 490.5, 594

• Leaving personal belongings unattended. The library cannot be responsible for the loss or damage of personal items.

• Sleeping, loitering on library premises or property, or unauthorized presence in staff-designated areas. CPC 555.2 • Adults loitering in the children’s or young adult/ teen area. CPC 653 (b)

• Engaging in unlawful sexual conduct. CPC 647 (a)

• Using or being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages. CPC 647 (f)

• Illegal activities, including illegal use of internet-accessible devices. • Being in possession of weapons of any kind.

• Leaving unattended any children who cannot care for themselves.

• Leaving unattended animals tied up outside the building for more than 30 minutes.

• Use of roller skates, scooters, skateboards, bicycles, or similar devices inside or outside the library. This does not apply to wheeled or motorized vehicles used to assist a person with a disability.

In enforcing the Library Patron Code of Conduct, Madera County reserves the right to take any action that it deems necessary to exercise or preserve any of its rights and remedies under the law. This includes, but is not limited to, pursuing legal action for monetary damages against any patron who causes damage to or loss of Library property.

Rev. 9.1.23

CIPA Compliant Internet Safety Policy
Internet and Computer Usage Policy

Library computer users must indicate they agree with the Computer Use Policy and the Internet Use Policy in order to use a Library’s public computer. Failure to comply with these policies will result in the revocation of computer use privileges. Agreement to this policy consists of clicking on the “accept” button when logging on to a computer.

Requirements 

• A valid San Joaquin Valley Library System library card with no more than $5.00 owed on their account.

• Short term, non-resident visitors may request a guest pass.

• Children under 8 may use computers when supervised by a parent or guardian. In locations with separate children’s areas, use of computers in these areas may be limited to children 12 and under.

Reservations

• Reservations are made through PC Reservation software at login stations at each library or over the phone. Library staff can assist you with making a reservation.

• Users must use their own library card or temporary guest pass to make a reservation

• Reservations may be made up to 1 day in advance

• Persons using a computer for special tasks that may require extended time should speak with a staff member before making a reservation. Accommodations will depend on demand at the time and apply to that day only

Time

 • To provide equitable access for all users, the Library limits the total daily use by each person to a maximum of 1 hour.

• A user must log into to their assigned computer within 5 minutes of their reservation. If a user does not log in within this time, the reservation software will cancel your reservation and the computer will become available for another person.

• If no one is waiting to use a computer, the reservation software may give you the option to extend your current session by 15 minutes.

 General Rules for Computer Use

• Library staff may provide basic assistance to computer users if time and staffing allow but cannot provide in-depth or extended individual help. If you need extended help, ask staff about possibly scheduling a one-on-one appointment.

• Illegal activities, as well as any other activities that are intended to interfere with or disrupt other users, services or equipment are prohibited and may result in suspension of access to computers at all branches of Madera County Library.

• If the nature of content being viewed on a Library computer is illegal and/ or disturbs other Library users, the viewer may be asked to cease, to use a privacy screen, or be moved to another computer.

• Computers include USB ports for using flash drives. Users must bring their own flash drives to save their files. Any file saved to the computer will be automatically erased at the end of the session.

• The Library assumes no responsibility for damage to users’ personal devices or data files resulting from downloads from the Internet.

• Library users may not run their own personal software on Library computers

• Library users are responsible for any consequences of copyright infringement through their use of Library computers and may not use Library computers for any unlawful purposes.

• Computer users also agree to abide by the Library’s Rules of Conduct 

Any violation of the internet policy or the computer usage policy may result in the revocation of user’s privileges and/ or notification of law enforcement authorities in the case of unlawful activities.

Revised 10/10/2022
Approved and Adopted by the Board of Supervisors 12/6/2022, 22-0851

CIPA Compliant Internet Safety Policy
Internet and Computer Usage Policy 

The Madera County Library provides free internet access to the public at all locations to meet the information and entertainment needs of our residents and visitors.

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires all libraries such as the Madera County Library and the other members of the San Joaquin Valley Library System, who receive discounts on Internet connections and service, to filter or block all visual depictions such as child pornography, or any obscene images that are harmful to minors.

Internet filters are imperfect. They may block some constitutionally protected material, and they may fail to block some unlawful materials.

A 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision authorizes disabling the filter for lawful use by adults. Adults 18 years and older may request that Library staff disable the filter for lawful purposes at a specific workstation for a specific session of use. However, no access will be granted to sites rated by the filter as spyware, malware, adware or the like, because they have the potential to harm the Library’s network and /or individual workstations and disrupt the Library’s ability to provide service to its users. Phishing sites are blocked because of their deceptive collection of personal information. Please tell Library staff if you believe a site has been rated incorrectly.

The Library has no control over the quality or accuracy of information found on the Internet. Users should critically evaluate its content. Filters do not remove all potentially objectionable material found on the Internet. The Library does not act in place of the parent or caregiver. Parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to guide their children’s use of the Internet.

The Library does not guarantee the security of any personal information that the user enters on a website. The Library is not responsible for any products or services that are ordered on the internet. 

This policy applies to both wired (Public Use Computers) and wireless (WiFi Connected Devices) network internet access.

Agreement consists of clicking on the “accept” button when logging on to a public computer or the “Continue to Internet” button on wirelessly (WiFi) connected devices,

Any violation of the internet policy or the computer usage policy may result in the revocation of user’s privileges and/ or notification of law enforcement authorities in the case of unlawful activities. 

Revised 10/10/2022
Approved and Adopted by the Board of Supervisors 12/6/2022, 22-0851