Program Policy

The Plainsboro Free Public Library (PFPL) offers programming for the community based on its mission statement principles: Plainsboro Public Library inspires life-long learning, creates understanding, and makes our community a better place.

Given PFPL’s trusted place within the community, program presenters will be carefully vetted and selected from local, regional, national, and international talent in order to prepare a program schedule that meets PFPL’s high standard for quality information and cultural exchange.

Plainsboro Free Public Library endeavors:

• To provide programs that inform, educate, and/or entertain
• To provide timely programs on current issues
• To provide programs based on community needs and demand

 Program Guidelines

1. The Library sponsors and promotes events in order to maximize public engagement.
2. To ensure successful promotion of Library events, presenters must comply with all staff requests for program information in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of an event.
3. Library-sponsored events must have a particular educational, informational, or cultural value to the community.
4. Programs may not be used for commercial, business solicitation, religious solicitation, or partisan purposes.
5. The Library does not offer programs that support or oppose a specific religious conviction. However, events celebrating holidays, customs, or other cultural celebrations may be offered.
6. Election information, such as candidates’ forums that include invitations to all recognized candidates, or ballot measure information sessions, may be offered.
7. Co-sponsorship of an event is defined as the Library partnering with another government agency, non-profit organization, community or neighborhood group, individual presenter, or business to provide a program to the public. Co-sponsorship does not constitute an endorsement of the content presented nor the views expressed by participants. Partnering agencies, business, and organizations will receive acknowledgement in all promotional materials.
8. The library will not co-sponsor any political events unless the opposing party(s) is notified and/or involved.
9. Library-sponsored events will in general be voluntary, free and open to the public. In the following cases fees may be charged if approved by the Library Director in advance:

Fundraising events to benefit the library, the Friends of the Library, or the Plainsboro Free Public Library Foundation;

Authors, artists, and musicians who shall be permitted to sell copies of their works. Presenters are encouraged to donate a copy of their work to the Library’s collection.

10. The Library will endeavor to offer original programming and not duplicate programs or events offered at other township venues.
11. Though the library will attempt to accommodate all those who wish to attend a particular program, issues of posted room capacity, safety, cost or event content/duration may cause attendance to be limited. Criteria for limiting attendance may include library membership status, advance registration lists, or capacity limits established by staff at the door.
12. In some cases, the nature and success of a program may require age-based limits, particularly for programs intended for children and teens that are geared to their ages, interests and developmental stages. In no case will attendance be limited by age because the topic has been deemed controversial or inappropriate by the library staff or board. The library will not act in loco parentis.
13. Potential presenters may be asked to complete a program proposal form:

Our Program Proposal Form can be found on plainsborolibrary.org: https://forms.gle/cFWSEDEproQe6VJv6

14. Requests from individuals who wish to provide a program, including author readings and signings, will be considered and weighed against the public’s interest in the topic, space/staffing/budget/scheduling constraints, as well as the presenter’s qualifications, expertise, and reputation. That said, library staff will not be responsible for the content of any program presented by a third party.
15. The Library has the right to refuse to host programs that include but are not limited to:
    1. the possibility that a proposed meeting or event will be disruptive to Library services.
    2. presentations that may impede normal Library operations or use of the Library by patrons who are not attending the program.
    3. programs that may endanger the Library building or collections.
    4. programs that violate the Library’s code of conduct policy.
16. The presentation of a program in the Library in no way represents an endorsement of its content. Only individuals can determine what is most appropriate for their needs and can define what material or information is consistent with their views and values.
17. The Library recognizes that locally-based potential speakers may well be experts in their respective fields. However, to avoid charges of providing “commercial advantage,” presenters from local businesses may be limited to presenting once during a six-month period. A waiver may be requested if a presenter wishes to present on a different topic unrelated to that previously presented.
18. Persons who attend Library programs shall not be required to provide any personal information to outside presenters.
19. The Library shall have the right to ask for program evaluations and/or comments via email from attendees. Information will only be used for internal Library business.
20. No presenter shall use a program to advertise or recruit customers or members, nor to collect signatures for petitions or letters.

Payment and Cancellations

1. The Library may engage volunteers or free presenters to appear at the library. To supplement such programs, a program budget will support for-pay programs, honoraria, and travel expenses at the discretion of Library staff.
2. The Library will not pay performers in advance for services. When possible, performers will be paid immediately following the conclusion of the program.
3. In some cases, however, payment will be mailed to the performer no later than 60 days following the scheduled date of the program. Performers who cancel and do not reschedule will not be paid for the canceled program.
4. The Library asks that speakers, performers, and groups who wish to cancel their scheduled program/event provide at least one week’s notice to allow staff sufficient time to contact attendees or schedule a similar program or presenter in its place.

Other Considerations

1. All programs shall end 15 minutes prior to Library closing time, barring special arrangement with the library.
2. The Library shall, at its discretion, publicize the program with in-house designed posters, flyers, press releases, and electronic media. It is the responsibility of the presenter to provide all necessary information and graphics in a timely fashion. PFPL reserves the right to revise/redesign material supplied by the presenter to conform to PFPL standards. Library staff will approve any additional marketing materials that are displayed in the Library.
3. With the presenter’s permission, the Library may capture photographs, audio, and video recordings of the presentation for use at the sole discretion of PFPL.
4. Exhibiting artists shall be permitted to list prices of works for sale in a printed brochure/catalog of their show. The catalog or price list shall be provided by the artist and approved by the Library in advance of the show.

The Library welcomes feedback from all patrons concerning programs. Questions from the public about a specific event should first be directed to the staff member managing the event. Further questions and concerns should be addressed with the Library Director or Assistant Director of Public Services.

All programming decisions are determined by staff, who reserve the right to decline any proposed program. Any violations of this policy by presenters shall result in the automatic rejection of all future program requests for a minimum of one year.

Adopted 07/11/2023

3-D Printer Policy

Please email 3Dplainsborolibrary@gmail.com with your STL file for printing. Thank you.

The Plainsboro Public Library strives to be the community’s center for learning, connections, and discovery. The Library’s Science Center offers programs that focus on providing STEM-based hands-on learning for residents. 3-D printers were added to the Science Center to support these programs.

Policy

The Library’s 3-D printers make three-dimensional objects using a design that is uploaded from a digital file under the supervision of a trained staff member or volunteer. Any use of the equipment without the supervision or permission of trained library staff is strictly prohibited. The primary use of the 3-D printers is to support classes and workshops offered in the Science Center. Plainsboro residents and students in the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district may request a printing session outside of programs.

The Library’s 3-D printers may be used only for lawful purposes. The Library reserves the right to refuse the production of any object at any time at the discretion of Library staff. Residents can appeal a refused request to the Library Director. Examples of such objects include, but are not limited to:

• Objects prohibited by local, state, or federal law;
• Objects that are unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or pose an immediate threat to the safety and well-being of others;
• Objects in violation of any library policy including the Code of Conduct;
• Objects in violation of another’s intellectual property rights;
• Objects in violation of copyright, patent, or trademark protection;
• Objects too large for the 3-D printer’s build plate.

The resident agrees to assume all responsibility for and shall hold the Library harmless in, all matters related to copyrighted, patented, or trademarked materials. If the Library has any concern regarding a design that is subject to copyright; patent; trademark; or intellectual property rights the Library reserves the right to require the resident to provide documentation granting them permission to use and print the design. The Plainsboro Public Library is not responsible for any damage, loss, or security of data arising from the use of its equipment or network, nor the functionality or quality of objects produced on the 3-D printer.

The Library will print a limited number of public requests each week. Prints from Science Center classes or workshops will be first priority. Requests will be printed in the order received if possible, though print time, file issues, and other factors may change the order of printing. Due to the limited availability of trained staff, the Library can only give an estimate of when printed objects will be completed and does not guarantee any object will be printed on any specific day. Patrons will be contacted when their print is complete. All files will be deleted from the system following the completion of the print job.

The Library does not guarantee customer privacy during the 3-D printing process as printing is done in a public space.

Filament

All print requests must use the filament provided by the Library. The Library will not special order filament for any print and does not allow residents to provide their own filament to use in the printers.

Fees

Residents must pay for the filament used in the printing process. Objects will be weighed and charged per gram. Fees must be paid at the time of pick up. Refunds are not given. Items not picked up and paid within seven days become the property of the Library. Residents who request a print and do not pick up or pay for the object may be banned from placing any future request.

The resident is responsible if the object does not print correctly due to design errors, it is the responsibility of the resident to pay for the object. Residents are responsible for the final cleaning of prints. Small bumps or holes, ridges, or rough edges on the object may occur as part of the printing process and will not constitute a reason for the item to be reprinted by the Library.

Please email 3Dplainsborolibrary@gmail.com with your STL file for printing. Thank you.

Adopted October 2, 2018

Photography and Filming Policy

General Objective

We welcome all persons who visit our beautiful library to make your visit memorable with a photo of the library building.  The Plainsboro Public Library will allow photographs to be taken inside the library provided you observe the following:

Responsibilities and Rules for Library Users

1. Photographing, filming and /or audio recording of members of the public, the library staff, and public programs is prohibited without advance permission by the Library Director or library staff member in charge and the individuals photographed or recorded. In the event the photos or recordings are to be used for commercial or public display or use, written permission should be obtained from any such individuals.
2. The use of enhanced or intrusive flash equipment that might disturb library patrons or disrupt the work environment of the library staff is prohibited.
3. Equipment such as mono/tripods, reflectors, or lights may not obstruct passageways or cause disturbances to library patrons.
4. Photographing or filming of artwork in the gallery is prohibited unless written permission is granted in advance by the artist and presented to the Library Director or staff member in charge of the library at the time the photographs or film are to be taken.

Responsibilities and Rights for Library

 Please note that the Plainsboro Public Library frequently engages in photographing and filming programs and events for its own publicity and promotional purposes. Library staff will make every effort to notify library patrons when recording is taking place. In those cases patrons should notify a library staff member if they do not want to be filmed or photographed.

Adopted: June 5, 2018

Circulation

General Information:
The Circulation Desk is the gateway to the Plainsboro Public Library. The circulation staff promotes a warm, welcoming, and friendly environment, embodying the Library’s open spirit. Patrons at the desk receive priority. The circulation staff is trained to handle all circulation procedures, answer directional questions, assist with the catalog, encourage patrons to access our databases, and direct informational questions to the Reference Desk.

Plainsboro Public Library is part of the Libraries of Middlesex County Automation Consortium (LMxAC).  Plainsboro residents who have valid Plainsboro library cards can use their library card at any of the libraries in LMxAC.

Confidentiality:
The Plainsboro Public Library supports the American Library Association’s recommended policies regarding confidentiality of patron records, intellectual freedom and freedom of information.  The Library always observes strict confidentiality in the handling of patron records.  No information contained in a patron’s record will be released to any third party except upon the presentation of a court subpoena and then only by the Director and the Board of Trustees with advice of legal counsel.

Staff may not release to patrons the personal contact information of library staff or board members.

Library Card Registration:

1. Any resident of Plainsboro is entitled to a Plainsboro Public Library card.
2. Proof of Plainsboro residency is required to obtain a library card. Bank statements, utility bills, drivers’ licenses or legal documents showing the applicant’s name and address constitute valid identification. West Windsor-Plainsboro School I.D.s are acceptable as proof of residency.  West Windsor students must show a Mercer County Library Card to staff when they register at Plainsboro Library.

Exceptions:

• • • Plainsboro residents without appropriate proof of residency at the time of registration can receive a library card and immediately borrow up to three items. We will mail the library card to the patron’s home address. The patron must then prove residency at the next checkout to receive continued borrowing privileges. Without verification of address, such library cards will only be valid for one month.

3. Each cardholder is responsible for materials checked out on their card.
4. Lost cards can be replaced at the Circulation Desk. On reissue, staff must verify the cardholder’s name, address and telephone number and establish proof of residency.
5. People who work in Plainsboro but do not reside in an LMxAC town may receive a courtesy card valid for one year. Current proof of employment showing the employee’s name and employer’s Plainsboro address is required to obtain a Plainsboro library card.  Current proof is required each time the card is renewed.
6. Temporary Plainsboro Residents may receive a library card if they can provide a letter from the property owner where they are residing or the manager of the hotel/residence inn indicating the length of the stay.  The library card’s expiration date will reflect the duration of the stay.
7. People who reside in LMxAC or Mercer County Library System towns must obtain library cards from their home libraries in order to check out materials from Plainsboro Public Library. Staff will enter valid Mercer library cards into the LMxAC system with an annual expiration date.
8. Non-residents who do not reside in an LMxAC, Mercer, Middlesex Union Reciprocal Agreement Libraries (MURAL) or Open Borrowing Library system town may purchase a non-resident card for $75.00, valid for one year. For more information on the Open Borrowing Library System see http://www.openborrowing.org/intro.shtml
9. Non-residents who own property in Plainsboro will receive a library card if requested and upon proof of such ownership by presenting a current real estate tax bill. LMxAC residents who own property in Plainsboro must choose which library will be their home library.
10. Cardholders may not hold two library cards under their name. At registration, staff will determine whether the applicant already holds a valid card. When replacing a lost card, staff will render the original card invalid. A patron relocating from another LMxAC town who had a valid library card will receive a Plainsboro library card and staff will update the other library card in the system.

Exceptions:

• • • Middlesex County Community College students can have two cards in the system.

11. Cardholders claiming a stolen card will receive a replacement card at no charge and staff will render the stolen card inoperative.

 Checkout and Return:

1. The Library honors all valid cards from the Plainsboro Public Library or any library participating in LMxAC, MURAL, Open Borrowing, or Mercer County Library systems.
2. Cardholders must use one of the following items to check out Library items: library card barcode stored in the LMxAC app, or a valid ID.
3. There is no check out limit on materials.

Exceptions:

• • • Three new DVDs per card.
    • Three School Summer Reading books per card.
    • One Educational Tablet per card.
    • Two Lucky Day or High Demand collection items.
    • One jigsaw puzzle per card.

4. Loan Periods:
   Educational Tablets, New books, TV series, New DVDs, Summer Reading Books: 2 weeks
   Books, magazines, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, jigsaw puzzles: 3 weeks
   Lucky Day Items: 2 weeks
   Cardholders may request additional time for vacations or personal reasons on all items except new books, Lucky Day/High Demand items, DVDs and School Summer Reading books.
5. Checkout receipts will note to cardholders the due dates of all borrowed items. Due dates can also be reviewed online with the library’s website, using the library app, or by calling the Library.
6. When checking out with staff, staff will notify cardholders who have item(s) overdue fewer than six weeks of the outstanding items. Cardholders may continue to check out items without returning the items. If using a self-checkout station, patrons are encouraged to review their account for overdue items.
7. Cardholders who have item(s) billed as Lost may not check out any additional items until they have returned or paid for all Lost items. The Director, Assistant Director or Circulation Supervisor may make exceptions to this policy.
8. Cardholders may return borrowed items to any LMxAC library; however, we caution you about the possibility of lost, late, or damaged materials when using this option.
9. Cardholders are liable for damaged items. Damage fees range from $1.00 for a missing barcode to the replacement cost of the damaged item.
   

Overdue Notices:

1. Overdue notices will be sent to the cardholder’s email address. They may choose to have overdue notices sent to their home address.
2. Cardholders receive a courtesy reminder notice that a book is due three days prior to the items due date.
3. Cardholders receive notices regarding overdue items on the following schedule. These notices note the item is overdue and advises returning item at the cardholder’s earliest convenience.

   	Books	Non-Print Items
   First notice	Overdue 14 days	Overdue 7 days
   Second notice	Overdue 28 days	Overdue 14 days
   Third notice	Overdue 42 days	Overdue 28 days

4. Cardholders receive a bill when an item is billed as Lost. The bill is for the replacement cost and processing fee for the item as specified under “Lost Items.” The bill is sent to the email address on the cardholder’s account.   The bill states that the cardholder’s privileges have been suspended until the item is paid for.  Patrons with no email address on their account will receive a notice by mail.
5. The Library may engage the services of a collection agency to recover items or fines in excess of $100. Such action occurs no earlier than two months and no later than six months after the due date of the overdue items.
6. Upon finding in the Library an item for which a cardholder has received an overdue notice, staff will promptly update the cardholder’s account.

Lost Items:

1. The Library charges the cardholder the purchase price listed in the library catalog for lost items. When a price is not listed in the library catalog or on a current Internet retail site, the following prices apply:

   Item	Cost
   Adult, YA Books	$20.00
   Children’s Textbooks	$75.00
   Children’s Books, Paperbacks and Board books	$10.00
   Educational Tablets	$100.00
   Magazines	$5.00
   Audiobooks	$60.00
   Children’s Audiobooks	$30.00
   DVDs	$15.00
   CDs	$13.00

2. The Library charges a processing fee of $3 per item for all lost items.
3. The Library does not accept replacement copies for lost items.
4. No refunds are issued for lost item(s) that the cardholder has paid for in full.

Reserves:

1. Cardholders may reserve items (except new DVDs, Lucky Day items and Educational Tablets) owned or on order by the Library. Cardholders may also reserve items owned by other LMxAC libraries in the LMxAC catalog.  Some LMxAC libraries limit what items they allow Plainsboro cardholders to reserve.  Mercer County Library System cardholders may only place holds on Plainsboro Library items.
2. Reserved items are put on a waiting list; the library system will notify the cardholder via email when the reserved item is available. If no email address is on file in the patron’s library account, staff will call the cardholder using the phone number on file.
3. After notification, the reserved item is placed on the hold shelf and held for 5 days. If the item has not been picked up by the end of the fifth day, the item will be removed from the cardholder’s account and reshelved or the next person on the reserve waiting list for the item will be notified.
4. Cardholders may request that a family member pick up their reserved item by calling the Library in advance of pick up. The cardholder must give staff the name of the family member they have approved to pick up their reserved item.  The person picking up the reserved item must have the family member’s library card and their own valid I.D.

Renewals:

1. Items are automatically renewed up to three times for an additional loan period based on item type each time, providing there are no reserves on the items.

Loan Periods:
Educational Tablets, New books, TV series, New DVDs, Summer Reading Books: 2 weeks
Books, magazines, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, jigsaw puzzles: 3 weeks

Exceptions:

• • • Educational Tablets and Adult New books (blue dot) and New DVDs may be renewed only once for two weeks.
    • Lucky Day (Green clover on spine) items and High Demand items cannot be renewed.

2. Cardholders may checkout an item that they had previously renewed the maximum number of times after waiting one day if the item has not been placed on reserve
3. If an item has been reserved, it will not be automatically renewed, and the item must be returned by its current due date.

Revised and adopted:
February 5, 2002
October 5, 2011
September 6, 2016
February 4, 2020
March 1, 2022, effectively April 4^th, 2022
September 6, 2022

Auto-Renewal

For 2019, Plainsboro will be part of an LMxAC program to auto-renew many items, saving patrons time and money (in items accidentally getting marked as lost). Auto-renewal notices will go out on the due date by email. Please be aware that not all items will auto-renew.

Items will not auto-renew if:

• they have reached their renewal limit
• have active holds for other patrons

• WILL AUTO-RENEW
  • regular fiction books
  • regular nonfiction books
  • juvenile books
• WILL NOT AUTO-RENEW
  • new items (adult or juvenile)
  • DVD movies and TV series
  • any item on hold for another patron, or has reached its renewal limit

If you are unsure about items auto-renewing or not, please call us (609-275-2897) or log in to your account online to renew your items manually.

Collection Development Policy

I. Purpose

The following policy is a guiding document to inform decisions regarding materials selection, purchase, and retention.  The policy provides the framework for the evaluation and purchase of materials in a variety of formats to meet the diverse and continuously changing needs of the community.

II.  Statement of Principles

The Library upholds the right of the individual to access information, even if the content may be controversial or unacceptable to others.  The Library reserves the right to not include sensational, inflammatory, or inaccurate material in our collection that does not meet the selection criteria in this policy.

Materials for children and teens are intended to broaden their interest and curiosity in their lifelong learning journey.  The reading and viewing activity of minors is ultimately the responsibility of their parents or guardians.

The Library supports the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, The Freedom to Read, The Freedom to View, and the New Jersey Library Association’s The People’s Rights to Libraries.

III.  Scope

The Library seeks to provide and maintain a balanced collection of print, non-print, and digital materials across a wide spectrum of subjects. The collection strives to meet the informational, educational, recreational, and cultural needs of our diverse community which includes users of all ages, education levels, and cultural backgrounds.  The collection development objectives are:

• To provide resources that inform, educate, and/or entertain
• To provide works of enduring value
• To provide timely material on current issues
• To select materials based on community needs and demand

The inclusion of an item in the Library collection in no way represents an endorsement of its contents.  Only individuals can determine what is most appropriate for their needs and can define what material or information is consistent with their views and values.

In the development of its collection, the Library recognizes that it is impossible for a Library of our size to meet all the needs of our community.  As a member of Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMxAC), a resource sharing library consortium and the state supported inter-library loan system, the Library supplements its resources with materials borrowed from other libraries through these larger entities.

The Library supports the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district curriculum by purchasing general materials related to relevant subject areas. The Library does not typically purchase textbooks.  Textbooks may be added to the collection if they provide the best or only source of information on a subject.

IV.  Responsibility

The director has ultimate responsibility for the shaping of the collection.  The director delegates selection and retention decisions to qualified staff members in each department.  These staff members have the primary responsibility to develop and maintain the collections in their respective areas.

V.  Selection Criteria

In general, the Library staff will select materials based on one or more of the following criteria:

• Quality
• Demand and usage
• Educational value
• Cultural enrichment and social significance
• Classic status; titles that have enduring value as a standard work
• Local interest and/or local authorship
• Currency and accuracy of information
• Overall balance of variety and viewpoints
• Availability of the subject in library resources
• Cost

VI.  Methods of Selection

Library staff’s primary method of selection will be to read reviews in established professional trade journals and nationally known print and online reviewing sources. Cost-effective additions to the collection may also come through other channels, such as donations and gifts. Selections will be consistent with the criteria mentioned above.

i.  Donation and Gifts

As of now, the library is not currently taking donations. We hope to resume donations as soon as possible.

The Library accepts donations of books and other materials.  The Library may add donated materials to the collection following the same selection criteria as listed above. The Friends of the Library assumes ownership of donated materials.  The Library accepts donations of money for the purchase of print, non-print, or digital collections.  However, the Library retains the right to make the selection and purchase decisions from any monetary donation given for a specific collection.

ii. Requests

Library patrons are encouraged to request materials. Suggestion forms are available on every floor in the Library and may be submitted to the Library staff in person or online. Every effort will be made to fill each request, either through purchase or through the available Library resources. Items for purchase will be subject to the same selection criteria as above.

VII.  World Language Collections

The Library maintains selected world language collections that reflect the demographics and demand of the Plainsboro community.  Growth in these collections will be maintained as budget, donations, and grants allow.

VIII.  Weeding

Weeding will be done on a regular basis in conjunction with systematic collection evaluation.

Items will be weeded out of the collection using a variety of criteria including:

• Review of statistical information such as circulation reports, collection turnover rates, and use of statistics for digital resources
• Age of material
• Continued value
• Alternative coverage of subject or genre in the collection
• Availability of better or newer materials on the subject
• Physical condition

IX.  Reconsideration of Library Materials

The Plainsboro Public Library’s collection is for the benefit of all residents of Plainsboro, and supports diverse opinions and interests; occasionally a resident of Plainsboro may find a particular item in the collection that does not support his or her tastes, views, or otherwise lacks merit. The director or appropriate staff member will meet with the resident to discuss their concerns, review this policy, and identify alternate materials.  If a concern is not satisfied through discussion with staff and/or the director, the resident may complete a Reconsideration of Materials form. The director will present the form and his or her recommendation to the Library Board of Trustees for discussion and final determination. Only residents of Plainsboro or Plainsboro Library staff may put forward a book for reconsideration.

Neither the director nor any staff will remove an item from the physical or digital collection in response to a request for reconsideration without the direct authorization of the Library Board of Trustees.

Request For Reconsideration Of Library Materials form

Adopted June 3, 1992
Revised February, 2002
Revised December 2002
Revised February, 2003
Revised December 5, 2017
Revised May 3, 2022

The Plainsboro Free Public Library welcomes the assistance of citizens and organizations who wish to make contributions to the library in the form of monetary donations, bequests, trusts, or other tangible assets. Gifts and monetary contributions are intended as a supplement to the library’s operating budget and will not be used as a substitute for normal sources of funding.

The Plainsboro Free Public Library accepts gifts of money, materials, equipment, furnishings, supplies, works of art, services, programs and individual books or small focused book collections for inclusion in the library collection. Monetary contributions may be used to purchase library materials and provide programs and services or may be invested with interest to be used to provide materials, programs and services. Bulk collections of books should be directed to the Friends of the Library for consideration in their Book Sale, or to organizations on the list of Alternate Donation Beneficiaries if the Friends of the Library are not accepting book donations.

The library reserves the right to refuse any gift that the Library Director or designated staff deem to not be in the best interest of the library to accept. If a gift is accepted by the library, the gift shall be final. No restrictions may be placed on the library’s ownership, possession, use, or disposal of the gift other than those approved by the Library Director and the Board of Trustees. Potential book donations or other donations to the collection will be reviewed by appropriate library staff in consultation with the Library Director; items deemed not appropriate for the library to accept into the circulating collection will be offered back to the donor if possible.

The library may solicit gifts of money, books, materials, equipment, furnishings, supplies, works of art, services, and programs. Donors will be acknowledged by letter; at the discretion of the donor, acknowledgement may occur in the library’s email newsletter or in the library’s social media platforms.  Where appropriate, bookplates or plaques will be attached to identify gifts. The library will dispose of solicited gifts when they are determined to be no longer useful by the Library Director. Gifts will be disposed of by sale, donation, or discard.

MONETARY GIFTS

The library welcomes monetary gifts to support our mission. Cash contributions designated for the purchase of library materials will be deposited into a library’s general account to be used for that purpose.

When a designated cash contribution is proposed, the Library Director will identify areas of need where such a contribution might be directed and negotiate with the donor when necessary.

Undesignated contributions of $100 or less will be deposited into the library’s general account to be used in support of the library’s collections and events. Undesignated contributions over $100 will be used to support library services as determined by the Library Director.

BEQUESTS, TRUSTS, LIFE INSURANCE AND OTHER GIFTS

The library encourages individuals to contribute to the library through bequests, living trusts, life insurance beneficiary designation, and with gifts of stocks, real estate and other property. Such donations should be directed to the Plainsboro Free Public Library Foundation through the Library Director.

WORKS OF ART

Gifts of art should be of local interest, professional quality and in good condition. Gifts of art will be accepted only with the donor’s agreement that the library has the right to handle or dispose of the gift in the best interests of the library. Gifts of art that take up excessive space or require special care or conservation will not be accepted. Given limits of space, gifts of art may be rotated on and off display at the discretion of the Library Director. Donors must have an appraisal of their donated work completed for tax purposes prior to donation.

FUTURE DISPOSITION OF GIFTS

The library does not guarantee that any gift will be kept by the library indefinitely. Items may be discarded due to wear and tear, damage, obsolescence, sold or auctioned as part of fund-raising efforts. Discarded items may be offered to other township departments, local libraries, or The Friends of the Library. The library will maintain a record of physical donations, noting their sale, donation or removal, as well as their location if still in the library.

ALTERNATE DONATION BENEFICIARIES

The library will maintain and periodically update a list of alternate donation beneficiaries on its website for items the library or Friends of the Library are unable to accept.

Adopted: 7/12/2022 by the Plainsboro Free Public Library Board of Trustees

Library Meeting Space

The library maintains meeting rooms available to non-profit organizations, community interest groups, boards, and agencies of the library, township, government, and schools. Preference is given to local, non-profit organizations and educational endeavors. Application forms must be submitted to use the rooms, and fees may apply. Any questions, please contact James Fahey at 609-275-2897 or jfahey@plainsborolibrary.org

Before requesting the Community room, please refer to the “Meeting Space Policy” for fees and other regulations.

Revised May 3, 2016

Meeting rooms are used for programs sponsored by the Library, Library Board of Trustees, Friends and Foundation of the Plainsboro Public Library, and other library and Township-related organizations.  The meeting rooms are intended to further the library’s mission and fulfill its library service responsibilities.  When Library activities are not scheduled, community groups engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, charitable, or social activities may meet in the rooms.

The Library adheres to Article VI of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS adopted by the American Libraries Association Council, and endorsed by the New Jersey Library Association.  The NJLA Intellectual Freedom Manual interprets the use of Library Meeting Rooms as follows

If meeting rooms in libraries supported by public funds are made available to the general public for non-library sponsored events, the library may not exclude any group based on the subject matter to be discussed or based on the ideas that the group advocates.

Governmental, educational, community, and non-profit organizations may use the rooms. The use of the meeting rooms is not intended for individuals or private functions. The library meeting rooms may not be used by for-profit businesses or for any commercial activity.  Permission to use the meeting rooms does not imply Library endorsement of the aims, policies, programs or public statements of any group or organization.  Such permission is revocable and does not constitute a lease.

The use of a meeting room must be consistent with the provisions of this policy and may be denied:  (a) where use is inconsistent with policy and/or regulation, (b) where there is a likelihood of physical hazard to participants or audience, (c) when there has been misuse of premises or equipment or violation of this policy by the organization in the past.

Application forms must be submitted for use of the meeting rooms.  Completion of the Application Form is not a guaranteed acceptance.   Applications falling within the provisions of this policy and regulations are approved by the Library Director.  The Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to review all applications, and shall review applications not approved by the Director, if requested by the applicant.

List of regulations and application form.

Once completed, email the form back to James Fahey at jfahey@plainsborolibrary.org.

Community Bulletin Board & Public Display Area Policy

The Plainsboro Public Library recognizes its role as a source of community information. As a resource, the library provides bulletin board space and public display areas within the library to post notices related to our library’s news and events, local government information, and (nonprofit) educational, cultural or charitable activities of interest to our community. We make these public display spaces available to all persons and groups provided they meet the following guidelines for their material. By posting acceptable notices on our bulletin board, the library does not imply any type of approval or viewpoint or vouch for the accuracy of any non-library materials.

Our community bulletin board and public display areas may be used for the following types of information:

• Postings of upcoming educational, social, civic, cultural or recreational activities.
• Postings by nonprofit organizations, groups, agencies.
• Postings by federal, state or local government agencies.
• Postings announcing community services and volunteer opportunities.
• Postings by nonpartisan election and voter information agencies.
• General informational postings for nonprofit community fundraisers

Community bulletin board and public display areas may NOT be used for the following types of information:

• Materials that support or oppose any political candidate, ballot measure, legislation or petition.
• Materials that support or oppose a specific religious conviction.
• Commercial notices, solicitations, business cards, job postings and retail advertising.
• Personal notices of items for sale.
• Personal solicitations for fundraisers.

General Guidelines for postings:

• Must be approved and posted by the Library Director or delegated staff.
• Must be appropriate for viewing by all ages.
• Must be of reasonable size for the space limitations of our bulletin board.
• PPL reserves the right to limit the period of time any item may remain on display.
• Postings may not be posted more than 30 days in advance of an event.
• PPL assumes no responsibility for the preservation of any materials. Materials will not be returned.

adopted 12/7/2021

Museum Pass Policy

The museum pass program is currently on hiatus.

With the generosity of the Friends of Plainsboro Library, the Library lends museum passes to adult Plainsboro library cardholders.

• Plainsboro library cardholders must be at least 18 years old and owe less than $5.00 in fines, fees, or lost materials.
• Eligible cardholders may reserve museum passes up to three months in advance through the online reservation system.
• Each museum pass may be reserved one time per month per card.
• Museum passes are checked out for three days and are picked up and returned to library staff at the circulation desk. The only exception is for museums that allow patrons to print a pass for their reserved day through the online reservation system.
• Museum passes cannot be renewed.
• There is a $20.00 late fee for each day the museum pass is past due. The maximum fine will not exceed $100.00.
• The cardholder is responsible for the full replacement cost of the museum pass if it is lost or damaged.
• Reservations can be cancelled up to the day before checkout.
• Cardholders who repeatedly return museum passes late or cancel reservations late may be blocked from borrowing museum passes.

The library thanks you for your consideration of others who are waiting to use the pass.

Adopted April 4, 2017
Revised October 2, 2018

Library of Things Borrower’s Agreement & Use Policy

The Plainsboro Library of Things is a shared community collection of physical tools, kits and items for check out by Plainsboro residents. “Thing” and “Things” refers to any item in this collection of objects.

1. Patrons must be at least 18 years old and a Plainsboro cardholder in good standing to borrow items (“Things”) from the Plainsboro Free Public Library’s Library of Things.
2. Prior to borrowing Things, all Patrons must (a) sign the Waiver and Indemnification Form; and (b) sign this Borrower’s Agreement & Use Policy.
3. Things must be reserved by Plainsboro residents in advance. Patrons will be notified when reserved Things become available and have 5 days to pick them up.
4. By taking possession of any Thing, the Patron is certifying that he or she can use that Thing safely and properly.
5. The patron is solely responsible for items checked out from the Library of Things.
6. Patrons may borrow up to one Thing at a time.
7. All Things borrowed must be returned to the Library’s front desk for a Library staff member to check in. They cannot be turned in via the library’s book drops.
8. All Things must be returned in the same (or better) condition as when borrowed. All Things must be returned clean.
9. Things have a loan period of 3 weeks. Patrons are encouraged to return Things if they have finished using them to avoid accidental loss and allow other members of the community to use them.
10. The Patron is responsible for the full replacement cost plus a $10 administrative fee if the Thing is lost or damaged.
11. Patrons may not renew Things. At least one day must pass with the Thing on the shelf before a user may check it out again.
12. The Patron agrees that the Library is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any borrowed tools and equipment. Things are inspected by library staff upon return to the library; if damage is noted, the last user will be contacted and required to repair or pay for replacement of a damaged or incomplete Thing.
13. The Patron agrees that if any borrowed Thing becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, they must immediately discontinue its use and report any damage to the library immediately. Under no circumstances should a Patron attempt to repair a Thing. Items judged by the Library Staff to be unusable due to wear from usage will not require replacement by a Patron.
14. The Patron agrees to pay for the loss of or damage to any Thing and further agrees to accept the Library’s assessment of fair restitution for damage, soiled condition, delinquency in returning the Thing, and/or loss of items in part or in total. This restitution amount may equal up to the full replacement cost of the item plus a $10 administrative fee.
15. The Library reserves the right to refuse the loan of any Thing at its discretion. Cardholders who repeatedly return Things late, cancel reservations late or otherwise repeatedly fail to follow this policy may be blocked from borrowing further Things.

Plainsboro Free Public Library Library of Things Waiver and Indemnification Form

Adopted 07/11/2023 by the Plainsboro Library Board of Trustees

Proctoring

The Plainsboro Library provides exam proctoring services for anyone who is pursuing a traditional college degree, distance learning, or certification in a trade or specialty.

Fees:

Students must pay $25.00 by cash or check at the time of exam.  The service must not involve any direct cost to the library.  Students and/or school administration is responsible for providing postage and any other expenses incurred.

Guidelines:

• Students wishing to be proctored must fill out this form at least one week prior to the exam date. Arrangements must be made in advance so there is adequate time for the delivery of the exam.
• Library staff will determine whether they have the available resources and/or can meet the technical requirements to proctor an exam and as such may decline the request. At any time, the Library may decline a request if there is not staff available.
• Proctoring will be done by Plainsboro Public Library Reference Librarians or Reference Assistants. Students are responsible for contacting his/her institution to be sure that the library staff proctoring the exams meets criteria set by the institution.
• Students are responsible to arrange for the delivery of the exam. The library cannot make arrangements for you.
• Exams must be completed one hour before closing.
• Some institutions require a proctor form to be filled out. Please email the form to plibrary@plainsborolibrary.org at least one week in advance of the exam.
• The library can provide computers for online tests.
• Library staff must attend other duties and cannot be expected to personally oversee the test taker at all times.
• Students must bring photo ID for verification at the time of the exam.
• Plainsboro Library cannot be held responsible for lost exams, technological difficulties, or other emergencies.

Please notify the reference desk, 609- 275-2898, if you need to cancel or reschedule your exam time.

Quiet Study Rooms

Reserve Study Rooms Online now!

The Quiet Study Room Policy is in place to insure fair and equitable Quiet Study Room access to members of the Plainsboro Community. By using a Quiet Study Room, you agree to follow this policy. The Plainsboro Public Library has 4 Quiet Study Rooms with a maximum capacity of four (4) persons per room. The Quiet Study Rooms are not intended for social gatherings, but rather are intended to provide a quiet area of study or similar work for individuals or small groups.

• Acceptable use of Study Rooms includes, tutoring, homework assignments, study groups, committee meetings, discussion groups, interviews, mentoring and counseling.
• Study Rooms are reserved with a Plainsboro Library Card. Those without a Plainsboro Library Card may sign up as a guest at the Reference Desk. A Plainsboro Library Card must be presented when a room is reserved. If no card is presented, Study Room access will be granted if identification is presented. A name must be left on record when reserving a Study Room.
• Individuals wishing to reserve a study room must be at least fourteen (14) years of age.
• Study rooms must be reserved before use.  Advance or walk-in reservations are acceptable. Patrons may reserve Study Rooms at the Reference Desk on the second floor up to one week in advance for two (2) hour reservation periods. This time may be extended only if there is no demand for Study Rooms.
• The reservation start time is firm.  If the patron does not arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, the time will be made available for other users.
• Study Rooms must be vacated ten minutes before the closure of the library.
• No food or beverages are permitted except water bottles. At least one person from a group must stay in a Study Room at all times. If Quiet Study Rooms are vacated for more than 15 minutes, patrons must remove all their belongings from the room.  Items left for longer than fifteen (15) minutes may be removed by Library staff.  The Library staff will place all removed items at the Circulation Desk on the first floor. The removed items will be released to the patron after ownership is established.
• The Library shall not be responsible for any loss of or damage to any personal items left unattended and/or removed in the Quiet Study Room.
• Failure to abide by this policy may result in suspension of Quiet Study Room Privileges for a period of three (3) months.
• The Library may declare other areas of the library to be temporarily or permanently designated Quiet Study Rooms, and thus fall under this policy.
• This policy will be reviewed periodically.
• If rooms are not in demand on a particular day, individuals may request an additional room reservation. If demand increases, repeat users will be asked to vacate Study Rooms for new users.
• Library Staff will give vacated rooms to Study Room patrons based on the order in which they requested a Study Room; precedence will be given to individuals who have not yet used a Study Room as an individual or part of a group; previous Study Room users will be given a room only if no new users are waiting.
• When a current room user needs to relinquish a room to a new user due to demand, they will be given a five minute warning to vacate the Study Room.
• The Study Rooms may not be used for commercial or business activities, including any sales, advertising or promotional activity.
• Furniture may not be brought into or removed from a study room without approval from library staff.  Study Rooms must be left in the same state of cleanliness and repair they were in prior to the Study Room being used.  Failure to do so will result in suspension of Study Room privileges for three (3) months.
• While using a Study Room, patrons must continue to abide by the Library’s Rules of Conduct and not disturb others or engage in destructive behavior. Failure to do so will result in being asked to leave the Quiet Study Room and/or the Library, in addition to loss of Study Room Privileges for three (3) months.
• Room capacities must be observed while using the Study Rooms.
• Study Room patrons who sign up for a new room will be given an open room; if no room is open, they will be given the next room to become available. Study Room users who have used their room past their reservation period must relinquish the room to new users; those who have spent the most time in a Study Room on a given day will be the first to give up their room to new room users.
• When rooms are not in demand, individuals or groups may continue to use a Study Room past their reservation period; this extension will automatically occur until room demand increases.
• Library users who have not yet used a Study Room that day receive precedence over individuals or groups who have already used a Study Room.

Approved by the Plainsboro Library Board of Trustees 10/06/2015

Notary

The Plainsboro Public Library offers notary services to Plainsboro residents and those who work in Plainsboro. Proof of current residency is required.

• Notary services are provided by appointment during the Library’s hours of operation and may be adjusted according to staff availability.
• Notary Services are not available during the 30 minutes prior to closing time.
• If a patron arrives more than 15 minutes late for a scheduled appointment, the appointment will be canceled and will need to be rescheduled.
• Valid photo identification is required of any patron seeking notary service.
• Notary service is limited to three documents per person per day.
• There will be a $2.50/per signature charge on each page including original documents and photocopy pages.
• The library will not provide witnesses and witnesses may not be solicited from patrons. In order to serve as a witness, the witness must know the person whose document is being notarized and must be in possession of valid photo identification.
• Foreign language documents cannot be notarized unless the notarial certificate itself is in English.
• New Jersey law requires that a notary and the patron seeking notarization be able to communicate directly with each other. Library notaries are not permitted to make use of a translator.
• Public documents that cannot be copied and notarized are birth certificates, death certificates and marriage certificates.
• Notary service is not available for documents that require specialized technical or legal knowledge such as: Attorney-in-Fact, Codicils, Deeds, Depositions, mortgages or other real estate closing documents. Durable Powers of Attorney, Form I-9s, Living Trusts, Living Wills, Medical Directives, Photographs, Proofs or Proofs of Execution, Protests of Non-Acceptance, Protests of Non-Payment, Wills, and electronic banking documents of any kind. Notaries are also unable to provide Signature Guarantees, Medallion Signatures or Medallion Signature Guarantees.
• In accordance with NJ notarial law, notaries will not provide service if the customer, document, or circumstances raise any issue of authenticity, ambiguity, or doubt. The library notary may, at her sole discretion, decline to provide notary service.
• Documents must be complete and must be signed in the presence of the notary.

Proposed and adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: April 3, 2012
Revised and adopted on May 6, 2014
Revised and adopted December 6, 2016
Revised and adopted on March 1, 2022
Revised and adopted on August 1, 2023

Internet Access

The Plainsboro Public Library strives to be a gateway to the global network of recorded thought and information.  The Library is committed to providing superior services to all segments of its diverse community, as well as employing state-of-the-art technology to improve access to global resources.  As part of its mission to meet the educational and recreational needs of its public, the Library makes available free access to the Internet.

The Plainsboro Public Library endorses the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights, the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement and the New Jersey Library Association’s People’s Library Bill of Rights.  Thus, all Library users are provided equal access to resources available on the Internet.

The Plainsboro Public Library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy or authenticity of information accessed via the Internet.  Internet users must determine what information is appropriate and must evaluate for themselves the accuracy of the information accessed.  There is sexually explicit material and other possibly controversial information on the Internet.  It is advised that parents or guardians supervise their children’s Internet access.

All Library users have the right to confidentiality in their research and use of services provided by the Plainsboro Public Library.  The Library supports the users’ rights to privacy; however, users are advised that because of the open nature of the Internet, the Library cannot guarantee the privacy of information or searching conducted at its public access computers.

The reference staff of the Plainsboro Public Library is able to answer quick questions about use of the Internet and offer searching suggestions to help locate information resources, but is not able to provide in-depth training on personal computer use and/or Internet skills –such as setting up and accessing private email accounts.  The Library will offer occasional classes to instruct patrons in the general use of available computer based resources and networks.    Internet users are further advised that more accurate, comprehensive or current information may be found in the Library’s collections of books, periodicals, online databases and links available through the library’s website.  For thorough research on a topic, it is wise to consult with a member of the Library reference staff.

When allocating the use of public Internet terminals, priority will always be given to those doing research.

E-mail, games, chat-room activities and other forms of digital entertainment will not be allowed when terminals are needed for information retrieval.

Finally, the Plainsboro Public Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time.

Adaptation of Policy proposed by LMxAC , 12/20/96; Adopted by Plainsboro August 5, 1997; Revised and adopted by Plainsboro May 2, 2000;  and March 7, 2006.

Unattended Child

Proposed and adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2, 2013

The Plainsboro Free Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment that encourages children to visit the Library, attend programs and use the Library’s resources.  Library staff is available to assist and support children in using the Library, but they are not responsible for children who are left unattended.  The library encourages parents to consider the safety and well-being of their children and the needs of other library users of all ages by familiarizing themselves with the policies regarding children in the Plainsboro Library. 

• Parents/Caregivers of toddlers and preschoolers should remain attentive and within sight and conversation distance of their child at all times. Children ages 5-7 must have a parent or adult caregiver on the same floor with them at all times who assumes full accountability for the child’s safety and behavior in the Library.
• Children between the ages of 8-10 years must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver who is at least 16 years of age. Children ages 11-12 are welcome to use the library unattended, but, should not be left alone for extended periods of time (over two hours). Parents should be certain to provide their children with an emergency number where they can be reached at all times.
• Children of any age with mental, physical or emotional disabilities which affect decision-making skills or render supervision necessary must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times.
• If children of any age attend a program, caregivers should be ready to meet the child promptly when the program ends.
• Parents of all unattended children and teens will be notified if there is a problem, and should be available to pick up their child at any time.

Unattended Children at Closing: 

Children must be picked up no later than five minutes before closing time.  Children left unattended at closing time will have the opportunity to contact an adult.  If no contact can be made, or if a ride has not arrived within 10 minutes of closing, the police will be called to assist library personnel in locating the parents.

Library employees are not permitted to transport children to another location.