Introduction
The Cranbury Public Library seeks to provide a safe, pleasant and productive environment for library users to study, research and enjoy the library’s resources and programs. It is the intent of the Cranbury Public Library to allow library patrons to use the library’s facilities to the maximum extent possible. To achieve this goal, library users must respect the rights, needs and privacy of other library users and adhere to the following Code of Conduct, both in-person and across the Library’s online and digital platforms. While in the building, patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, using library materials, or engaged in library activities may be required to leave the building.
Code of Conduct
The actions detailed below and any other actions that conflict with the goal of creating a safe, pleasant and productive library environment are unacceptable. Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and shall not harass or annoy others. The purpose of the Library Use Policy is to foster an orderly atmosphere. The library is not to be used as a lounge or a shelter.
Library User/Staff Rights
To ensure that the library provides an enjoyable and productive environment the following are prohibited:
- Acting in a deliberately offensive, threatening, harassing or abusive manner.
- Creating an intimidating or hostile environment, including staring or stalking, of other library users or staff.
- Interfering with library staff’s performance of duties or library users’ legitimate use of the library.
- Violating library user or staff privacy.
- Making noise at a volume that interferes with library users’ enjoyable and productive use of the library.
- Using cell phones/pagers to make or receive calls/messages.
- Engaging other library users or library staff in unwanted conversation.
- Maintaining a level of personal hygiene that interferes with other library users enjoyable and productive use of the library.
Personal Safety
To ensure safety in the library the following are prohibited:
- Carrying weapons.
- Running, shoving or fighting.
- Obstructing the library entrance or other library access.
- Placing briefcases, backpacks, strollers, musical instruments and other possessions in a location that block library user access or use of library resources.
- Bringing animals other than guide animals accompanying physically challenged library users into the library or having them unleashed or unattended in the library surroundings.
- Bringing bicycles, roller skates/blades, skateboards, scooters or the like into the library.
- Bringing water pistols/guns, balls, balloons or other toys or sporting goods into the library.
- Leaving by emergency exits or causing an alarm to be set off except during actual emergencies.
Library Property
To safeguard library property for the enjoyment of library users the following are prohibited:
- Stealing, damaging, concealing, altering, degrading or making unauthorized use of library property’.
- Using furniture or facilities for other than their intended purpose.
- Entering unauthorized areas of the library, remaining in the library after closing or during emergencies, or refusing to leave when requested by library staff.
Legal/Library Regulations
To ensure compliance with legal and library regulations the following are prohibited:
- Violating federal, state, or local laws and regulations or library policies and procedures.• Violating copyright laws.
- Selling, distributing or using tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal substances in the library or its surroundings or entering the library intoxicated.
- Displaying, distributing or printing text, images or graphics that are harmful to minors, harassing, defamatory, obscene (as defined in section 1460, title 18 of the US Code and New Jersey Statute 2C: 34-2 and 3), or child pornography (as defined in section 2256, title 18 of the US Code and New Jersey Statute 2C: 24-4).
- Engaging in sexual activity prohibited by New Jersey Statutes 2C: 14-1 through 2C: 14-8 or engaging in any other form of sexual activity inappropriate to a public location.
- Being incompletely clothed
- Eating, drinking or chewing gum in the library except as authorized by library staff as part of a library sponsored program.
- Soliciting, selling, or using the library for commercial purposes.
- Conducting surveys, distributing literature/flyers, circulating petitions, requesting donations, giving speeches/lectures unless authorized by the library as part of a library sponsored program.
Children at the Library
The Cranbury Public Library encourages children to use and enjoy its facilities and programs. While the Cranbury Public Library and its staff endeavor to make the library a safe environment safety remains a concern and children can be at risk even in a library. Parents and guardians leave children unattended at the library at the parents’/guardians’ discretion and sole responsibility.
It is also the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure that their children behave appropriately. Children who are disruptive or destructive will be asked to leave the library.
Unattended Children
In the event that children are unattended at the library:
- Children wishing to leave the library cannot be legally detained by the library or its staff.
- Library staff cannot monitor or supervise the activities of children.
- At normal or emergency closing time or in the event that an unattended child has a medical emergency, library staff will attempt to contact the child’s parent(s) or adult guardian to have them pick up the child. Children should know how to contact parents or guardians.
- If the parents or adult guardian cannot be contacted or cannot immediately take custody of the child, the Cranbury Police will be notified.
- Children are required to adhere to all library policies or the child may be asked to leave the library.
Loss of Library Privileges
The Cranbury Public Library reserves the right to request library users to leave the library and to deny library users subsequent access at its discretion. Library users refusing to leave or trying to regain access after library privileges have been removed will be referred to the police. Library users who engage in actions that potentially violate federal, state or local law or regulations may also be referred to the police.
Library users are responsible for all direct and indirect damages resulting from their actions. Parents and guardians are also responsible for all direct and indirect damages resulting from the actions of their children
Extended or permanent removal of library privileges and fines/penalties may be appealed to the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees by following the Cranbury Public Library Appeal Process.
The Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees will periodically review and update this policy. Policy Approved by the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees August 9. 2001.Policy updated 11/21/24
Cranbury Public Library
Photography, Filming, and Video Policy
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The filming, taking of photographs or videos must not interfere with anyone’s safety, or enjoyable
or productive use of the library and its facilities.
Reference to “photograph” in this policy shall include filming or video.
The photographer or person taking video or filming will honor the requests of anyone in the
library who does not wish to be photographed or filmed or videotaped.
Minors (under age 18) may not be photographed, videotaped, or filmed without the consent of
a parent or guardian, except by library staff during library-sponsored programs and except
incidentally in group or crowd photos.
Photographing, filming, or videotaping is prohibited in the nonpublic areas of the library
including but not limited to administrative and staff areas, and restrooms.
The use of tripods, stand-alone lighting equipment and microphones or other accessories is not
permitted without the permission of the Library Director.
Anyone filming or taking photographs or videos shall not, harass, intimidate, or threaten a patron
or staff member, interfere with library operations, or obstruct library aisles, walkways, stairwells,
doors, exits, or service desks.
Any persons filming or photographing or taking videos on library premises have sole responsibility
for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed
or the subject of videos. The library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases or
permissions.
Any consent to photograph, videotape, or to film granted by the library pursuant to this policy
may be revoked at any time.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE LIBRARY
The Cranbury Public Library frequently engages in filming and photography in the library and at
library sponsored programs and events for purposes of documenting its activities, security and
safety, and publicity and promotional purposes, including on its website and social media.
Library premises are under video camera surveillance for safety and security purposes.
Surveillance footage may be used or shared at the discretion of the Library Board of Trustees
and Library Director for reasonable purposes, such as, but not limited to, investigations or
prosecutions relating to incidents that may relate to security, safety, or actions otherwise
prohibited by Library policies. Cameras are not continuously monitored and therefore
individuals should continue to take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the security
of their personal property. Library staff will make every effort to notify members of the public
when filming is taking place. A notice is posted at the Library entrance informing the public and
staff that cameras are in use.
NEWS MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING
The library allows news media photographers and reporters who are doing stories or projects that directly involve the library and its programs to photograph, videotape, or film in the library. The library requires that news media contact the Library Director prior to any planned filming or photography or videotaping. The news media must adhere to library policy.
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING
In general, the library does not permit commercial photography on library property. This includes, but is not limited to, using the library as a stage set for model photography, engagement or wedding photography, product photography, or as a recording for tv or online advertising regardless of whether goods or services relate to the library. The Director may grant exceptions to this policy upon written request of the commercial photographer, provided at least one week in advance, which request must include specifics of the proposed filming project and provide insurance coverage acceptable to the library naming the library as an insured.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING BY PROGRAM PARTNERS
Local area organizations that regularly partner with the library, on library events, may film or take photographs during these events. If one of the library’s partner organizations desires to film an event that is scheduled to take place within the library, that partner must request permission to film or photograph, at least one week in advance, to the Director and adhere to the policy that applies to all filming in the library.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDINGS BY GROUPS RESERVING LIBRARY MEETING ROOM SPACE FOR NON-LIBRARY EVENTS
Groups meeting in the library’s facilities may arrange for photography or filming or videos during their event. Photography, filming, and videos for such events is restricted to the space reserved by the group, may not take place in other areas of the library and must comply with library policy.
USE OF LIBRARY’S MARK
No photographs, filming, or video that includes the library’s mark or name will be used for any commercial purpose, or made publicly available without the Director’s written consent.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDINGS AT MEETINGS SUBJECT TO OPMA
Meetings subject to New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) which take place in the library may be filmed, photographed, or videotaped without library permission, provided that filming does not disrupt the business of the meeting nor physically interfere with the conduct of the meeting or the public’s access to the meeting and shall comply with OPRAs.
Approved 5/11/23
Update approved by Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees on 11/21/24.
Introduction
The Cranbury Public Library provides free Internet access to the global network’s vast storehouse of data to address the diverse information needs of the Cranbury community. Timely information is often only available through the Internet and it is hoped that library users — particularly those having no other access to the Internet will take advantage of this valuable resource.
Caveats
Cranbury Public Library Internet users should be aware that:
- Some information on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, offensive or even illegal and all information must be carefully evaluated by the user for validity and appropriateness before use.
- The Internet is not a completely secure medium. Information about Internet users’ activities may sometimes be obtained by third parties. Users should evaluate the security of their Internet communications before divulging information that they would like kept private.
- The Internet can be the source of computer viruses and other harmful software components. Users are responsible for all direct and indirect damages resulting from their downloading or distributing harmful components from the Internet by means of Internet access provided by the Cranbury Public Library.
- The Cranbury Public Library does not monitor or control the content of material accessed through its Internet connections and assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect damages resulting from connections it provides to the Internet. The Library makes no expressed or implied guarantee with respect to the quality or content of information accessed on the Internet. The provision of access does not mean or imply endorsement of any information or point of view accessed on the Internet
- The Cranbury Public Library does not provide E-mail accounts.
- Information about the use of Internet resources by specific users will not be released unless mandated by law or required for the efficient and effective operation of the Library.
Rules for Internet Use
The Cranbury Public Library’s Internet workstations are located in an open public area shared by individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Users of these workstations must utilize them and conduct themselves in a manner that respects the rights and privacy of others and in a manner that does not disturb other users or library staff, interfere with library operations, or violate federal state or local laws or regulations. Users may not:
- Act in a deliberately offensive, threatening, harassing or abusive manner or create an intimidating or hostile environment for other users or library staff.
- Invade the privacy of other users or library staff.
- Display, send, receive or print text images or graphics that are harmful to minors, harassing, defamatory, obscene (as defined in section 1460, title l8 of the US Code and New Jersey Statute 2C:34-2 and 3), or child pornography (as defined in section 2256, title 18 of the US Code and New Jersey Statute 2C: 24-4).
- Violate copyright, intellectual property or licensing laws, regulations or agreements.
- Gain unauthorized access to or damage, alter or degrade any computing or communications equipment networks, peripherals, software, passwords, data, configurations or other resources.
- Assume another individual’s identity.
- Violate any other applicable federal, state or local laws or regulations.
The Cranbury Public Library has limited resources available to provide Internet access. In order to ensure equitable access to these resources, business/commercial uses of library Internet resources are prohibited and all users must follow the Internet Workstation Usage Rules defined by the Library Director.
The Cranbury Public Library reserves the right to terminate any Internet session and limit or eliminate users’ subsequent access privileges at its discretion.
Children’s Internet Protection
The Cranbury Public Library cares deeply about children. It cannot however, act in the place of parents or guardians. Whether children are using the public library computers or the computers in the school media room, the Library staff cannot continuously monitor or supervise their activities on the Internet or accurately anticipate the judgments of parents or guardians about appropriate Internet access. There is no software or hardware that will effectively allow children to access all Internet sites that individual parents want their children to access while at the same time preventing access to all the sites these same parents want to prohibit their children from visiting. In order to ensure that children have both an enriching and a safe experience when using the Internet, parents should:
- Spend time with their child at the library visiting Internet sites that they approve.
- Discuss with their child which sites and topics are off limits and what, if any, chat rooms they are permitted to join.
- Discuss with their child any sites they have visited unsupervised to reinforce which sites are approved and which topics are off limits.
- Address any negative experiences the child may have had.
- Encourage their child to seek the advice and help of library staff whenever they have questions or doubts.
- Tell their child to never give out identifying personal information such as full name, address, telephone number, town, school name, parents’ names, credit card numbers or passwords.
- Make sure their child knows to never meet with strangers they have met on the Web.
The Cranbury Public Library Director is available to advise parents on safe and productive use of the Internet by children.
The Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees will periodically review and update these policies.
.Policy Approved by the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees: June 14. 2001
Approved as amended: April 10, 2008
Introduction
The Cranbury Public Library has established and utilizes various types of public internet
communications to support the mission of the Library. The Library supports and
encourages staff at all levels to engage in the use of public internet communications using
accounts established by the Library. This policy is designed to govern such
communications across library accounts.
For the purposes of this policy, the following activities can be defined as within the
purview of public internet communications:
- Any form of blogging and/or management of content on the Library’s website
- Contribution and/or management of content on social networking sites (such as Facebook or Twitter) using the Library’s established social media accounts
- Contribution of content, on behalf the library, to online public forums
- Contribution and/or management of content to audio or video sharing sites (such as YouTube)
- Communications transmitted using online instant messaging and “chat” tools in a capacity representing the Library.
Related Policies
The Library has in place several policies that may, at times, overlap with this policy. The
Public Internet Communications Policy is designed to supplement, and not supersede,
these related policies. These policies include:
- Internet Use Policy
- Personnel Policy : Library Equipment and Materials
- Personnel Policy : Library Documents and Personnel Records
- Personnel Policy : Compliances
- Personnel Policy : Staff Compliance
Scope of Content
Content created and/or edited by employees using Cranbury Public Library generated
websites and social media accounts should support the goals and mission of the Library.
Subject matter for this content should serve to promote the library’s collections, services,
and programs or provide information to the public about relevant topics of interest.
Content may be created and disseminated in the form of text, hyperlinks, images and
video that would be deemed non-offensive in accordance with the Library’s Internet Use
Policy.
Public Content Using Library Social Media Accounts and Websites
Library social media accounts and websites provide a way for the library to share
information and content with the public in a way that invites electronic conversation
between the Library and library patrons. Information and content created and published
on library accounts and websites is considered intellectual property that is owned by the
Library, in accordance with similar electronic communication covered in the Personnel
Policy: Library Documents and Personnel Records. The Library shall retain the right to
full editorial control over content submitted by staff and/or members of the public that are
posted to library social media accounts and websites.
Staff participating in the creation and publication of content to Library website(s) and/or
social media accounts should adhere to the following guidelines in the creation of
content:
- Use your real name (for social media accounts) or user account (for website content) when creating and publishing content.
- Be courteous, positive and respectful.
- Maintain accuracy with information that you submit on behalf of the library, which should include links or citations for information gleaned from other resources.
- Uphold patron privacy guidelines in accordance with our Personnel Policy:
- Library Documents and Personnel Records.
- Be aware that when using library accounts to create or post content to public sites, that you are acting as an agent of the library and as such should maintain the highest standards of professionalism in that capacity.
Policy Compliance
The Library will regularly review content created and posted to our website(s) and social
media accounts by both staff and the public. The Systems Administrator and Library
Director retain the right and privilege to delete any content he/she feels violates library
policies as previously referenced, or does not comport with the mission and goals of the
Library.
Any content that violates our Internet Use Policy, which covers patron usage of library
computers, will be removed by the Systems Administrator or Director, in its entirety and
not edited for content in anyway.
Under no circumstances will Library employees, other than the Director or Systems
Administrator, make any attempt to alter, redact, edit or delete content that has been
posted to Library public internet communications accounts. Content that may be
identified as violating this policy should be reported to the Director or Systems
Administrator for review.
The Library would identify the following content as being a violation of this policy and
eligible for removal from our website/social network(s):
- Contains copyrighted materials posted without permission of the copyright holder (including text, image, audiovisual, and digital content).
- That takes the form of a verbal attack including harassment or language of a sexual or threatening nature.
- Statements that are considered libelous.
- Private and/or personal (confidential) information that has been published without the consent of the party to whom that information pertains.
- Commercial promotions, solicitations, and spam.
- Content that would be in violation of any stipulations of the Rules of Internet Use set forth in the Internet Use Policy.
Policy Enforcement
The Library retains the right to block members of the public from posting content to
Library social media accounts and websites who have violated the terms of this policy on
more than three (3) occasions. Any dispute with a member of the public being blocked
from posting content to Library social media accounts and websites can seek an appeal of
this decision with the Library Director.
The Library will make every attempt to contact members of the public who have had
their content removed for any reasons to notify them of the content being removed, as
well as why the Library has deemed this removal necessary. The Library will also inform
the individual of the Public Communications Policy with reference to the consequences
for repeated violations.
The Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees will periodically review and update this policy.
Policy Approved by the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees on November 14, 2013.
Cranbury Public Library
Sustainability Policy
The Cranbury Public Library recognizes the important role libraries play in their communities and that a public library is essential to the public good of Cranbury.
In the interest of the public good, the Cranbury Public Library aims to minimize our organization’s
impact and maximize future generations’ ability to live, work, and play in our shared community,
with equal access to clean air, clean water, and natural resources.
The Cranbury Public Library’s Board of Trustees and Library staff are committed to the “triple
bottom line” definition of sustainability: to be truly sustainable, an organization must embody
practices that are environmentally sound, and economically feasible, and socially equitable.
The Library Director and the Library Board of Trustees encourage Library staff to apply sustainable
decision making throughout the Library’s policies, procedures, and practices, including, but not
limited to, the areas of facilities, operations, technology, programming, purchasing, and
partnerships.
In its commitment to sustainable principles, the Cranbury Public Library aims to ensure a resilient,
sustainable community and Library for all our residents.
Approved by the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees April 11, 2024. Library policies are
subject to regular Board review and may be changed or updated at any time.
Introduction
The Cranbury Public Library is a member of STELLA (Sharing & Technology Enhancing Local Library Access). STELLA is a consortium of over 30 libraries in central New Jersey that pool their resources to provide collections, services and programs far beyond what each individual library can offer. A Cranbury Public Library card offers residents access to over 2.8 million physical items in the shared collection and a greatly expanded selection of digital materials to download and stream.
Borrowing Privileges
Borrowing privileges are extended to individuals holding Cranbury Public Library cards, cards from other STELLA libraries, as well as from any other library which has a reciprocal borrowing arrangement with the Cranbury Public Library. Valid library cards must be presented to borrow materials. If a cardholder does not have a card available, a valid ID with name and address can be shown, or their barcode can be presented through the STELLA app.
The following individuals are eligible for a Cranbury Public Library card:
- Adult and High School age residents of Cranbury who present current valid proof of residence.
- Pre-high school age residents of Cranbury whose parents present current valid proof of residence and take responsibility for the juvenile/child’s borrowing activities by signing the application for a card.
- Employees of Cranbury businesses who present current valid proof of employment and valid personal identification, and who do not have a library card from another STELLA library.
- Individuals who do not reside or work in Cranbury or another STELLA town and have paid the $75 yearly membership fee.
Cranbury resident cards are valid for 3 years. Complimentary cards, issued to employees of Cranbury businesses, are valid for 1 year, as are paid memberships. There is no fee for the initial library card and only one card/keytag set is permitted per person.
Cranbury cardholders may do the following:
- Borrow any materials on the shelf.
- Reserve materials by placing hold requests through the STELLA system for items currently not on the shelf. Refer to the section on Reserves for further information.
- Request an interlibrary loan if an item is not available via STELLA.
- Borrow digital materials from eLibraryNJ and Hoopla.
- Borrow equipment if 18 years of age or older and in good standing.
Cardholders from other STELLA libraries or other MURAL reciprocal borrowing libraries may do the following:
- Borrow any materials on the shelf.
- Place a hold request for items currently not on the shelf materials through the STELLA system.
Cardholders from other libraries may not request interlibrary loans. Borrowing privileges are not extended to individuals from non-STELLA and non-MURAL libraries.
NOTE regarding new items: While cardholders from STELLA and reciprocal borrowing libraries may come to Cranbury and borrow new items, Cranbury does not ship new items to other libraries to satisfy hold requests.
Cardholders are responsible for informing the Cranbury Public Library of any change of name, address or phone number or any change in status that impacts their eligibility for Cranbury Public Library borrowing privileges. The Cranbury Public Library reserves the right to request that cardholders provide current proof of eligibility before permitting cardholders to borrow materials.
Individuals obtaining library cards from the Cranbury Public Library are financially responsible for all materials borrowed using their cards. Lost or stolen library cards should be reported to the Cranbury Public Library immediately.
Library Card Renewals
Cranbury Public Library cards may be renewed by presenting valid identification and valid current proof of resident, taxpayer, or employee status. Payment of the annual $75 fee is required to renew a paid membership.
Circulation Rules and Fees
- Cardholders who have $10 or more in outstanding fees will have their cards suspended until they have paid their outstanding fees.
- Cardholders who have print material overdue for over 6 weeks or non-print material overdue for over 4 weeks will have a bill added to their account to pay for the items which are presumed lost. Card will be suspended until fees are paid or materials are returned.
- Members who cards are suspended cannot borrow, reserve or renew additional materials.
The following table identifies the borrowing periods, permissible number of renewals, and maximum number of items of a type that may be outstanding per cardholder.
| Materials | Loan Period | Max # of Renewals | Max# of Items on loan |
| New Books (All) | 3 weeks | 1 | 15 |
| Audio Books (Playaway & CD) | 4 weeks | 1 | 15 |
| Adult and Young Adult Books | 4 weeks | 1 | 15 |
| Juvenile Books | 4 weeks | 1 | 30 |
| Magazine Back Issues | 4 weeks | 1 | 15 |
| Games & Views | 4 weeks | 1 | 5 |
| DVDs & BluRay | 1 week | 1 | 5 |
| Interlibrary Loans | set by sending library | 1 pending approval of lending library | 5 |
| Museum Passes | 4 days ($5/day if late | 0 | 1 |
*See individual passes for policies.
Patrons may pay for fees by cash or a check made out to the Cranbury Public Library, or online via SmartPay by logging into their account. If a check is returned for insufficient funds, the associated bank handling fee is charged back to the patron along with the unpaid fee.
Fee to Send Faxes
Faxes may be sent using the library’s Copy Center for a cost of $1.00 per page.
Additional Fees
Photo copies are 15 cents a page for black and white and 50 cents per page for color. Computer printouts (only black and white) are 15 cents a page with a limit of 50 pages per day per library user.
Reserves
Cranbury Public Library cardholders may reserve materials by placing a hold request through the following process:
- Any circulating item in the LMxAC catalog can be reserved in person, online, on the LMxPress app, by phone, or email.
- Up to 25 hold requests may be placed. These may be satisfied with Cranbury-owned items, or they may come from any LMxAC library.
- Cardholders will be notified by phone, email or text message as soon as the item is available.
- Cardholders have seven days after notification to pick up the item before the hold expires.
Renewals
Materials may be renewed in person, online, on the LMxPress app, by phone, or email, up to the maximum number of renewals listed in the Circulation Rules Section above.
Overdue Notifications
Responsibility for returning overdue materials and paying fees for lost material rests with the cardholder and is not conditional on the Cranbury Public Library phoning or emailing overdue notifications which are made or sent only as a courtesy.
Cardholders will receive the following communications by email, phone or text message:
- Notice that materials are due in three days.
- For print material:
- Notice of items 14 days overdue
- Notice for items 28 days overdue
- After 42 days the item(s) will be declared lost. A lost notice will be sent and the cardholder will be billed for the cost of the item(s).
- For non-print material:
- Notice of items 7 days overdue
- Notice of items 14 days overdue
- After 28 days the item(s) will be declared lost. A lost notice will be sent and the cardholder will be billed for the cost of the item(s).
Cardholders who become homebound and cannot return materials to the Cranbury Public Library should immediately inform the library to make arrangement for a pickup to avoid overdue fines.
Returns
Materials may be returned to the Cranbury Public Library Circulation desk or deposited in the Book Receptacle outside the main entrance.
Interlibrary Loans
Cranbury Public Library cardholders may request materials not available through LMxAC.
- Requests for interlibrary loans may be made in person, by phone or email.
- Cardholders will be notified by phone or email as soon as the material is available.
- Items are checked out immediately to the cardholder.
- Loan conditions are set by the library that owns the material and will be disclosed to the Cranbury Public Library cardholder when the material is picked up.
- Interlibrary loan materials must be returned to the Cranbury Public Library.
Lost/Damaged/Stolen Materials
Cardholders are responsible for the cost of replacing lost or stolen material. Lost or stolen materials will be replaced at the list cost of the material plus a $5 processing fee. Out of print materials will be replaced by similar materials, the cost of which will be determined at the time of purchase, plus a $5 processing fee. If a cardholder locates missing material after having paid for its replacement, the cardholder owns the misplaced material.
The Cranbury Public Library reserves the right to determine if a damaged book requires replacement. Borrowers must bring any existing damages to the attention of the Cranbury Public Library when the material is borrowed to avoid replacement fees.
Replacement of Lost/Damaged/Stolen Library Cards
Lost or stolen library cards should be reported to the Cranbury Public Library immediately. Cardholders are liable for materials charged out at the Cranbury Public Library and at libraries that have reciprocal borrowing privileges with the Cranbury Public Library from the time the card is lost to the time the loss is reported to the Cranbury Public Library.
No fee is charged for the first card replaced. The cost of additional replacements is $2 per occurrence.
Library Theft Laws
Library users who steal or willfully conceal library material may be found in violation of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice (Section 2C 20-12 through 20-15) and may be referred to the police and may also have their library privileges revoked.
Confidentiality of Records
Information about the use of library materials by specific users will not be released unless mandated by law or required for the efficient and effective operation of the Cranbury Public Library.
Loss of Privileges
The Cranbury Public Library reserves the right to reject, suspend or revoke library privileges at its discretion and library users must turn over their library cards when requested by the Cranbury Public Library Director or authorized staff.
Appeal Process
Loss or denial of library privileges and fees/damages may be appealed to the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees by following the Cranbury Public Library Appeal Process.
The Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees will periodically review and update this policy.
Policy approved by the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees: 8/8/2024
Introduction
The Cranbury Public Library (the Library) has a broad, well balanced collection of books, newspapers, magazines, videos, audio books, large print books and electronic books, audiobooks, and databases designed to meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of the Library’s users.
The resources available to library users are greatly expanded through the Library’s membership in the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMxAC), access to the New Jersey State Library databases, the internet and participation in inter-library loan services throughout the United States.
The Cranbury Public Library strives to address the needs of all segments of Cranbury’s heterogeneous community for timely information that will prepare library users to address the issues that impact them and the community. The Library’s collection represents diverse points of view both to reflect the community and to support the free exchange of contrasting views and ideas that is critical to a democracy. The presence of material in the library does not constitute endorsement of their content by the Library Board of Trustees or the community.
The Library supports the American Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom documents including the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement, which are available online at www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom.
The Library encourages comments on the collection and suggestions for additional acquisitions which will be considered in accordance with the Library’s selection criteria.
Selection Responsibility/Process
The Library Director is responsible for making all acquisition decisions based on input from the community and the library staff and based on the selection criteria defined in this policy.
Selection Criteria
The following considerations are weighed in making acquisition decisions:
- Level and anticipated duration of community interest and contemporary significance.
- Quality, artistic merit, accuracy, objectivity, usability and timeliness of the material as assessed by the Library Director, by published professional reviewers, and by library associations making small library core collection holdings recommendations.
- Professional standing of the author/editor/director/artist.
- Contribution to the breadth, depth, balance and diversity of the collection or completeness of a series.
- Local historical significance or local authorship.
- Suitability for intended audience (i.e. appropriate reading level, format, ease of use, durability etc.).
- Scarcity or availability of the material elsewhere.
- Cost relative to value contributed to collection.
- Budgetary constraints.
- Space constraints.
- Special handling, hardware, technical support or training requirements.
- Additional criteria deemed relevant to a specific work by the Library Director or Board of Trustees.
Acquisition Requests
Acquisition requests should be made to the Library Director who will evaluate the request using the selection criteria and notify the requestor of the status of the request.
Gift and Memorial Policy
The library accepts donations of money and materials that meet the selection criteria but reserves the right to reject donations in any form that require special handling or have restrictions placed on their use by the donors. Gifts of artwork, furniture and other non-library materials are reviewed by the Policy and Planning Committee using the following criteria:
- Matches the Collection Development Policy
- Serves the Community
- Fulfills a demonstrated need
After review the Board of Trustees will vote on accepting the gift. Once accepted the gift becomes the property of the Cranbury Public Library. The library reserves the right to keep or dispose of gifts when they no longer meet community needs.
The Library is unable to assess the value of materials donations but will provide a receipt or acknowledgement of the donation. The donor is responsible for addressing all IRS considerations and requirements that pertain to their donation.
If requested by the donor, the Library, at its discretion, may place an appropriately sized/designed/worded memorial on the donation.
Special Collections
The Library maintains a collection of historical materials documenting the history of New Jersey and Cranbury. It also has electronic back issues of the Cranbury Press from 1886 to the present time.
Preservation of Materials
The Library will preserve material of historical interest to the community.
Replacement of Lost/Damaged/Stolen Materials
Materials that are lost/damaged/stolen will be replaced only if they meet the present selection criteria and are available.
Duplicates
Space constraints may prohibit the purchase of multiple copies of material unless they are required for Library programs.
Weeding/Withdrawal of Materials
The library must regularly inventory and re-evaluate materials in its collection. Items that are worn or damaged, or not actively used and no longer meet the current selection criteria are weeded and withdrawn from the collection. Withdrawn materials may be:
- Sold at nominal cost to the public at book sales.
- Donated to other libraries that request specific materials.
- Donated to non-profit organizations that request specific materials.
- Sold to interested booksellers.
- Recycled in the event that there is no interest in the material or there are storage constraints.
Challenges/Appeals
Cranbury Public Library cardholders who disagree with a decision to add or eliminate items to or from the collection or want their request for an acquisition re-evaluated may appeal by following the Cranbury Public Library Appeal Process.
The Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees will periodically review and update this policy.
Policy Approved by the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees June 9, 2022.
Cranbury Public Library
Home Bound Service Policy
Home Bound Service is offered to the residents of Cranbury who are not able to come to the
library for an extended period of time, for reasons including but not limited to bed-rest surgery
recovery, inability to drive or walk to the Library, and the birth or adoption of an infant. All
requests for Home Bound Service are subject to the approval of the Library Director.
Members requesting home bound service must have a current library card in good standing or
be eligible to obtain one.
Delivery and pickup of library materials is offered on an as-needed basis, by appointment.
Appointment times are dependent on the availability of staff to make deliveries to the home of
the patron. Deliveries may be made on the way to/from a work shift at the library, or during work
hours if there is sufficient staff coverage.
Delivery and pick up will not be completed if there is no one at the residence.
Home Bound Service may be terminated at any time for any reason.
Availability
There is currently one iPad (2nd Generation) and one iPad Mini available and five Chromebook laptops available for checkout by Cranbury Public Library card holders.
Eligibility
- The borrower must have a current Cranbury Public Library card with no outstanding fines.
- The borrower must be 11 years of age or older.
- Only one iPad or Chromebook per person can be checked out at a time. Under no circumstances will a user be allowed to check out an iPad or Chromebook for another person.
Loan Period
The iPads and Chromebook are loaned on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The loan period is four hours, in-library use only. The iPad or Chromebook must be checked back in a minimum of 15 minutes before the library closes.
Regulations of Use
The borrower is responsible for the iPad and Chromebook from the time of acceptance until which time the library staff records and clears its return.
Each Chromebook is checked out with headphones, power cord, and laptop sleeve which must be
returned at the same time as the Chromebook. If the borrower requests it, a mouse may also be checked out.
All equipment must be returned in the same condition as when it was borrowed. Users may not add or remove apps, download any programs, or change the configuration of the iPad or Chromebook in any way.
Borrowers are required to report any problems experienced with the iPad or Chromebook during their borrowing period. The working condition of the iPad or Chromebook will be assessed before checkout and upon its return.
Borrowers are responsible for damage to an iPad or Chromebook. Repair cost for a damaged iPad can range up to $65 plus a processing fee, depending on severity. Repair cost for a damaged Chromebook can range up to $150 plus a processing fee.
The replacement cost for a lost or stolen iPad or Chromebook is $500.
If the borrower modifies the iPad operating system (i.e. jailbreaks the iPad) it voids the warranty and
he/she will be charged the replacement cost of the iPad.
Prior to check-in the borrower must sign out of any Google account they have signed into while using on the Chromebook. This is a security measure to protect the borrower.
The Cranbury Public Library reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who abuses the equipment or is repeatedly late in returning the iPad or Chromebook.
Approved 2/8/2018
Meeting Room Use Policy
Introduction
It is the policy of the Cranbury Public Library (the Library) to provide a meeting room to the community as a public service. Use of this room does not constitute an endorsement by the Library of either programs or point of view expressed therein. The meeting room is available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the organizations requesting its use.
Eligibility for Use
In scheduling use of the meeting room, priority is given to programs administered or sponsored by the Library and organizations directly affiliated with the Library. In addition, permission may be granted for the following uses, in order of priority and based upon availability:
- Township departments, agencies or commissions.
- Neighborhood and community organizations based in Cranbury.
- Other non-profit public and/or social service organizations.
- Local businesses presenting information and/or materials and not conducting business (per the director’s approval).
Restrictions on Use
The following uses are not permitted:
- Meetings not open to the public, with the exception of those closed meetings of legislative and policy bodies authorized under the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act.
- Fund-raisers not affiliated with the Library.
- Youth programs with adult supervision of less than 2 adults, or less than 1 adult per 10 children.
- Meetings in excess of the legal capacity of the meeting room, i.e., 80 persons for the largest room.
- Private parties or receptions.
Reservations
- The meeting room may be reserved for any time between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Reservations may be made online, by phone or in person at least two (2) weeks prior to the requested date. Application must be made in writing.
- The Library director or staff must give formal approval. Reservations will be made in order of priority as indicated above and by date of request.
- The number and frequency of meetings (usually once per month) booked by any one organization will be at the discretion of the Library director, based upon availability of the room. No one organization may monopolize use of the meeting room. Multiple, related meetings may be reserved on a single application.
- Applications for meetings of children or teens must be sponsored and signed by an adult who will assume full responsibility.
- Permission to use the meeting room is revocable and does not constitute a lease.
Regulations regarding use and care of Meeting Space
- No organization may charge admission or collect fees as a requirement of participation.
- All meetings must be open to the public.
- Organizations may not use the Library’s phone number for publicity purposes, nor imply endorsement or co-sponsorship of events/meetings by the Library. In the event that an organization inappropriately states or implies Library endorsement or co-sponsorship it must advertise a retraction if requested by the Library.
- Organizations must provide personnel to set-up, clean-up, arrange tables, etc. Library personnel are not available to assist with audio-visual equipment, carrying materials from parking areas to the meeting room or setting-up or serving refreshments, nor can personnel be expected to answer telephone inquiries for organizations using the meeting room.
- The Library will not provide storage for the property of any organization that meets in the Library.
- With prior approval of the director, organizations may serve food that is prepared offsite. Each organization needs to provide their own supplies such as cups, plates and napkins. Clean up is the sole responsibility of the organization. The library does not supply coffeepots or other refreshment supplies.
- The meeting room is to be returned to the condition in which it was found. The organization’s representative, as indicated on the reservation form, is responsible for damages.
- Set up and clean up must take place within the time allotted for the meeting. A custodial fee will be charged if the room is not left in a clean and orderly condition
- The Library reserves the right to attend any meeting held in its facilities to ensure no unlawful activities are occurring on Library premises.
- Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Cancellations, Denial of Application, Appeals
- Any cancellation on the part of an applicant organization should be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting date.
- In the event that the Library must close due to unforeseen equipment failure or a weather-related emergency, all efforts will be made to notify organizations scheduled to use the meeting room.
- The Library reserves the right to cancel a meeting room reservation in the event of unforeseen Library demands.
- The Library reserves the right to deny meeting rooms to organizations that frequently cancel meetings, that do not notify the Library of canceled meetings, or consistently overstay their reserved time.
- The Library also reserves the right to deny meeting room use to organizations that fail to return the room to a clean and orderly condition or to charge said organization a deposit for custodial services.
- Denial of application may be appealed to the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees by following the Cranbury Public Library Patron Appeal Process.
Other Applicable Regulations
All rules and regulations as outlined in Library policy documents apply to meeting room usage. Applicants are expected to be familiar with all Library policies, including the Library Use Policy. All Library Policies are available on the library website at www.CranburyPublicLibrary.org.
Waiver of Regulations
Exceptions from specific regulations of this policy may be authorized for the Library and its programs, for the Cranbury Public Library Foundation, Boards and Agencies of the Township of Cranbury, Middlesex County, or the State of New Jersey.
Approved by the Cranbury Public Library, Board of Trustees: March 10, 2022
Library policies are subject to regular Board review and may be updated at any time.
Introduction
It is the policy of the Cranbury Public Library (CPL) to provide use of certain audio/visual equipment (A/V Equipment) to the community as a public service. The A/V Equipment consists of a DVD/VHS player, LCD projector, 2 stereo speakers, rolling A/V cart and a projection screen. Although this equipment is capable of functioning with a laptop computer and may be used with one, CPL will not supply a laptop computer. The A/V equipment must be used in CPL in the meeting room and is available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the organizations requesting its use.
Eligibility for Use
In scheduling use of the A/V Equipment, priority is given to programs administered or sponsored by and organizations directly affiliated with CPL. In addition permission may be granted for the following uses, in order of priority and based upon availability:
- Township departments, agencies or commissions.
- Neighborhood and community organizations based in Cranbury.
- Other non-profit public and/or social service organizations.
Restrictions on Use
The A/V Equipment may only be used in CPL in the meeting room area. As such all restrictions on use of the meeting room also apply. (See Meeting Room Policy) Organizations must provide one person to be responsible for the use of the A/V Equipment. This person must meet with the Technology Services Librarian prior to use for a lesson to learn how to set up, operate and safely stow the A/V Equipment. If the person will be using a laptop computer with the equipment he/she must bring it to the lesson.
Reservations
- Reservations for both the A/V Equipment and the meeting room may be made in phone or in person at least two (2) weeks prior to the requested date. Along with the reservation an appointment must be made with the Technology Services Librarian to learn how to set up and operate the A/V Equipment. Application must be made in writing.
- The CPL Director or Technical Services Librarian must give formal approval. Reservations will be made in order of priority as indicated above and by date of request.
- The number and frequency of use of the A/V Equipment by any one organization will be at the discretion of the CPL director, based upon availability of the A/V Equipment and the availability of the meeting room. No one organization may monopolize use of the A/V equipment and meeting room. Multiple, related meetings may be reserved on a single application.
- Applications for use of the A/V Equipment for children or teens must be sponsored and signed by an adult who will assume full responsibility.
- Permission to use the A/V Equipment is revocable and does not constitute a lease.
Regulations regarding use and care of Audio/Visual Equipment
- No organization may use the A/V Equipment to show copyrighted material without proper license unless it comes under “Fair Use”. The organization using the A/V Equipment is liable for any copyright infringement.
- Organizations must provide one person to be responsible for use of the A/V Equipment. This person must contact the Technology Services Librarian at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of use to make an appointment to learn how to set up, operate and stow the A/V Equipment. The appointment time will be set at the discretion of the Technology Services Librarian and will be prior to the reserved time to use the A/V Equipment.
- CPL personnel are not available to assist with the A/V Equipment during its use.
- The A/V equipment is to be left in the condition in which it was found. The organization’s representative, as indicated on the reservation form, is responsible for damages.
- Set up and take down of the A/V Equipment must take place within the time allotted for the meeting.
Cancellations, Denial of Application, Appeals
- Any cancellation on the part of an applicant organization should be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled use date.
- In the event that CPL must close due to unforeseen equipment failure or a weather-related emergency, all efforts will be made to notify organizations scheduled to use the A/V Equipment.
- CPL reserves the right to cancel use of the A/V Equipment reservation in the event of unforeseen CPL demands.
- CPL reserves the right to deny use of A/V Equipment to organizations that do not take proper care of the equipment, do not attend a lesson in A/V Equipment use, or do not appear capable of using the equipment properly.
- CPL also reserves the right to deny A/V Equipment use to organizations that have mishandled the A/V Equipment previously.
- Denial of application may be appealed to the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees by following the Cranbury Public Library Patron Appeal Process.
Other Applicable Regulations
All rules and regulations as outlined in CPL policy documents apply to persons using the A/V Equipment. Applicants are expected to be familiar with all CPL policies, including Library Use Policy.
Waiver of Regulations
The director may authorize exceptions from specific regulations of this policy for CPL and its programs, for the Friends of the Cranbury Public Library, Boards and Agencies of the Township of Cranbury, Middlesex County, or the State of New Jersey.
Approved by the Cranbury Public Library, Board of Trustees – November 10, 2005
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Cranbury Public Library’s mission is to actively support bringing people, information, and ideas together. The Cranbury Public Library aims to serve the needs of its patrons by expanding minds, building community and inspiring curiosity. Programming is an integral part of library services that contributes to the achievement of this mission and vision. The Library also maintains a commitment to sustainability and will consider and promote, whenever possible, programs and program planning that supports the “Triple Bottom Line” of environmental stewardship, economic feasibility, and social equity.
The Cranbury Public Library strives to address the needs and interests of all segments of Cranbury’s heterogeneous community. The Library’s programming represents diverse points of view and interests both to reflect the community and to support the free exchange of contrasting views and ideas that is critical to a democracy. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants or speakers.
Library-sponsored programs may be held at the library, virtually, or off-site.
All rules and regulations as outlined in Library policy documents apply to programs. Applicants are expected to be familiar with all Library policies, including the Library Use Policy and Rules of Care in the Meeting Room Use Policy. All Library Policies are available on the library website at www.CranburyPublicLibrary.org.
SELECTION RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Director, who administers authority under the Board of Trustees. The Director, in turn, may delegate authority for program selection and management to Library staff.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The following considerations are weighed in making programming decisions:
- Level of community interests and needs.
- Program quality, accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness as assessed by the Library Director or staff, or by recommendations and reviews from other libraries, library associations, and community and commercial organizations.
- Professional standing of the author/artist/speaker/performer/presenter.
- Contribution to the breadth, balance or diversity of the programming schedule.
- Educational or informational value.
- Entertainment, cultural, artistic, or literary value.
- Local historical significance or local authorship.
- Suitability for intended audience.
- Cost relative to value.
- Budgetary constraints.
- Space constraints.
- Sustainability and recyclability of program supplies and materials if/where possible.
- Distance of travel required for program instructors.
- Special program requirements, including technical needs, time constraints, staffing availability and expertise, and overall feasibility and ease of execution of the program.
- Connection to other community programs, exhibitions, or events.
- Relation to Library collections, resources, exhibits and programs.
- Additional criteria deemed relevant by the Director or Board of Trustees.
The Library may partner with other community agencies, organizations, education and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs.
The Director and staff have the discretion to cancel programs, for any reason. Canceled programs may or may not be rescheduled.
LIMITATIONS
Library-sponsored programs are open to the public. However, registration may be required, such as for planning purposes or when space or supplies are limited. A fee may be charged for certain types of programs.
Some programs may require age-based limits, such as programs intended for children and teens which are aimed to their interests and developmental needs.
Recognizing that program attendees may wish to purchase items like books written by speakers, recordings made by performers, or artwork by featured artists, the library may permit the sale of such items in conjunction with a library-sponsored program. All plans to sell such items must be arranged in advanced and approved by the Director. Program presenters are responsible for the handling of all sales.
Programs may not be purely commercial or for the solicitation of business. No presenter may use a program to recruit customers. However, the presenter may leave business cards for participants to pick up after the program should anyone be interested in purchasing items or services from the presenter after the program.
The Library does not present programs that support or oppose any candidate. Election information, such as candidate forums that include an invitation to all recognized candidates may be offered.
Programs may not be specifically to campaign, recruit members, nor to collect signatures for petitions or letters.
While the library may offer programs exploring different religious and cultural traditions, proselytizing of any kind is prohibited.
The Library may offer virtual programs that patrons may access from their own devices. The Library cannot ensure that all personal devices can access the program. The Library also cannot ensure the digital security of any presentation.
The Library may offer programs in which food is present or made available for consumption to attendees. Attendees are responsible for their own health. The Library accepts no responsibility for food served during programs.
Organizations or individuals collaborating with the Library on programs must coordinate marketing efforts with Library staff. The Library reserves the right to revise and edit any copy provided by a presenter. No marketing or promotional materials will be used for any commercial purpose, or made publicly available without the Director’s consent.
All photography, filming, and video is subject to the Cranbury Public Library’s Photography, Filming, and Video Policy.
No program shall be permitted which poses immediate threat of public unrest or violence. No program shall be permitted that endangers Library staff, patrons, Library facilities, or otherwise materially interferes with Library operations.
CHALLENGES/ APPEALS
Cranbury Public Library cardholders who disagree with a decision to offer or eliminate a program or want their request for a program to be re-evaluated may appeal by following the Cranbury Public Library Appeal Process. Approved by the Cranbury Public Library, Board of Trustees: September 14, 2023. Library policies are subject to regular Board review and may be updated at any time
The Cranbury Public Library provides public access to materials, programs, and services that support the educational, recreational and cultural needs of the community. Exhibitions and displays in the library provide access to cultural resources within the community. They can also provide a creative and alternative format for providing information to the community, which is an integral part of the library’s mission.
Exhibitions may be submitted for approval to the Library Director using the form below and adhering to the following conditions
Procedures and Conditions
- The Library retains the right to make any final decision in regards to the content and/or arrangement of any exhibit that is placed in the library. Any and all items on display as part of an exhibition in the library must meet the standards and value of the library which can be defined as “an acceptable community standard of good taste”. The Library Director will retain final decision in this regard
- The Library will assume no responsibility for any objects or materials associated with the exhibition. Exhibitors, by signing the attached form, will be releasing the library from any and all legal and financial liability for any part of the exhibition. Furthermore, the library will accept no responsibility for exhibition items and/or materials due to loss or damage.
- Exhibitors will be responsible for the installation and de-installation of their exhibit.
- The library will provide information and guidance in regards to where and how exhibitors can mount or display their works or materials. The Library can, to a limited extent, also provide materials that can be used to display exhibition items. However, the Library will not be in any way liable for the malfunction of performance of such loaned materials.
- The exhibitor must submit a small autobiographical statement to the Library that may be used for any publicity.
- Any documents created to publicize the event, by the exhibitor, must be approved in advance by the Library Director’
- The Library does not have the physical capacity to provide storage for exhibition objects before installation, nor after de-installation. The exhibitor agrees to remove any exhibition items from the Library premises upon de-installation of the exhibition.
- No advertisement, nor offer of sale or purchase, may be displayed with the exhibit. Likewise, no sale transactions in regards to any parts of the exhibit may take place at the library. If any parts of the exhibition are in fact for sale, the exhibitor will provide the library with a master list of all sale items, their prices, and their contact information. Library staff will refer any sale/purchase inquiries directly to the exhibitor.
- Generally, exhibitions at the library will last for a thirty (30) day period.
- Individual art pieces will not exceed 45 inches in length and 17 inches in width.
<Please download and complete the form on page 2 below and return to the library >
Preamble
The Cranbury Public Library welcomes and encourages families and children to come to the library. We are committed to provide resources and programs in order to promote a life long learning environment for all residents of Cranbury. One of our goals is to assist children to enjoy their visits to the library and to develop a love of books, reading and libraries. The following policy has been adopted to clarify for parents, children and staff, the concern of the library for the safety of younger patrons.
Safety, Responsibility
The Library strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment, but is not responsible for the safety and well being of any patron beyond the extent reasonably expected of a public facility. Parents should be aware that the library is an open public building. The well-being and safety of children left alone is a concern to all.
Parents, even when absent, are legally responsible for the behavior of their minor children.
The Library staff is trained to provide public library service and is committed to help children with activities related to the Library. However, Library staff cannot nor is it their responsibility to serve as baby-sitters or disciplinarians. The staff is not responsible for preventing a minor child from leaving the Library alone or in the company of others.
Unattended children
Preschool children must be accompanied and directly supervised by a parent or caregiver. Parents or caregivers of preschool children must remain in the Library while their children attend library programs.
Unattended school age children from kindergarten through 12th grade may use the Library for a time appropriate to their age and maturity while engaged in suitable activities such as homework or reading. Like all Library patrons, they are subject to the Library’s Code of Conduct.* Parents should ensure that the child knows how to contact them.
Disruptive Children
Unattended children may become anxious or bored which may lead to behavior problems.
All patrons, including children, are expected to respect Library property and other library patrons.
If a child’s behavior is disruptive and the child is unattended, a staff member will approach him
with a request to stop the behavior. If the behavior continues the child may be asked to leave the Library.
If and when possible, an attempt will be made to contact the parents. If a parent cannot be reached, the Cranbury Police may be called. The judgment of the staff prevails when requesting the removal of a child from the Library.
The Library may also prohibit the child from visiting or returning to the Library until the problem is
resolved to the Library’s satisfaction.
Closing Time Procedures
Parents and guardians should be aware of Library opening and closing times and make arrangements to meet and transport children who have been left unattended in the library.
Fifteen minutes prior to closing or in an emergency situation, children still in the Library will be directed to call their parents. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached or does not arrive at 15 minutes past closing time, the Cranbury Police will be called. Two staff members will stay with the child until the parent, guardian or police arrive. Under no circumstances is a staff member permitted to drive a child home or take him from the Library building.
The Library is not responsible for children outside the building who await transportation or who are socializing.
*The Code of Conduct is included in the Patron Use Policy. All Library Policies are available for public viewing on request at the Circulation Desk.
Adopted by the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees, July 8, 2004
Update approved by Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees on 11/21/24.
The aim of the Board and Staff of the Cranbury Public Library is to provide the best possible library services to the residents of Cranbury. To that end, library policies and procedures have been developed to provide fair and efficient services to all segments of the public.
Individuals or organizations that have experienced problems with service or who question a library policy are welcome to discuss their concerns with library management staff. An individual or organization that has been denied card privileges, permission to use the meeting room or any other library facility, may appeal the decision.
The appeals process will proceed in the following manner:
- Individuals or organizational representative(s) should appeal in writing to the Library Director. A form is available at the Library and online for this purpose.
- The appellant shall receive a written response from the Library Director within two business weeks.
- If the appellant is dissatisfied with the Director’s response, the appellant may then appeal to the Library Board of Trustees for consideration. The original appeal form with the Director’s response must be submitted to the Library Board of Trustees within 14 days of the Director’s decision.
- The Library Board of Trustees will meet to consider the request. The appellant, with or without counsel, may attend this meeting and make a statement, not to exceed 15 minutes.
- The Board will render a written decision within 20 days of the appeal meeting.
Approved – Cranbury Public Library, Board of Trustees: June 9, 2022
**Notary services available through appointment request**
Please visit here to fill out a Google Form for an Appointment Request.
The Cranbury Public Library offers, free of charge, notary public services for the benefit of the
residents of Cranbury and for Cranbury Public Library cardholders. In lieu of fees, a donation
may be made to the Cranbury Public Library Foundation. Persons seeking notary public services
who are not Cranbury residents or Cranbury cardholders shall be charged a $2.50 fee per
signature.
The following guidelines will be followed in the provision of notary service:
- It is recommended that customers seeking notary service call the Library prior to their visit to ensure that a notary is available at that time.
- Library notaries are usually available weekdays between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., or by appointment, when the library is open.
- Notary service is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Valid photo identification is required of any customer seeking notary service.
- Documents to be notarized must be signed in person before the notary who will certify the signature.
- Notary service is limited to five documents per person, per visit.
- This facility will notarize documents written in English only.
- New Jersey law requires that a notary and the customer seeking notarization be able to communicate directly with each other. Library notaries are not permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with a notary service customer.
- Although the notary cannot attest to true copies of passports, drivers licenses, etc., the notary will issue a notarized Affidavit of True Copy (see below) which places the responsibility on the person making the copy. Please be aware, should you require a true copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate with a raised seal, these official copies must come from the appropriate agency.
- Notary Service is not available for deeds, wills, living wills, living trusts, codicils, depositions, mortgages or other real estate closing documents.
- The Library will not provide witnesses and witnesses may not be solicited from other customers using the Library. In order to serve as a witness, the witness must personally know the person whose document is being notarized and must be in possession of valid photo identification.
- In accordance with New Jersey Notarial Law, notaries will not provide service if the customer, document or circumstances of the request for notary service raise any issue of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt or uncertainty for the notary or the Library. In this event, the notary may, at his/her sole discretion, decline to provide notary service.
PREPARE FOR YOUR NOTARY APPOINTMENT
- DO NOT sign your document in advance. All documents must be signed in the presence of the notary.
- All document signers must personally appear before the notary.
- The notary will ensure that the signer understands the title of the document and is signing freely and willingly.
- The New Jersey State Treasurer has determined that the following must be performed in any notary acknowledgement transaction: “the notary will review the document presented for completeness. This is not a formal legal review, such as would be performed by an accountant or an attorney. Rather, it is a review to ensure that there are no blanks in the document. Should blanks be discovered, the signer must either fill them in or strike them out by drawing a line or “X” through them.”
- The notary will establish the identity of each signer through personal knowledge or with identification documents. Identification must have both a photo and signature.
- The notarial certificate will be completed. This may include requiring the signer to give a verbal oath or acknowledgment.
- For a notarized Affidavit of True Copy the signer will write the following:
I [name]__ swear this is a true copy of____[document]_.
[Signature] [Date]
The notary will sign and use his/her stamp or seal on the document.
The Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees will periodically review and update this policy.
Policy Approved by the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees: August 11, 2016