Library Mission: The mission of Manitowoc Public Library (MPL) is to promote a culture of reading and to provide access to information. Through services, we strive to foster an environment that meets the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of the community.

Purpose: This policy provides a framework for the growth and development of collections in support of the Library’s mission.

General Principles: Manitowoc Public Library develops collections by selecting materials in a variety of formats to provide cardholders with a range of informational, recreational, and educational resources. The Library will acquire materials reflecting a full diversity of viewpoints on topics of interest to the public. The collections are developed to meet the needs and interests of the community and as a resource for the Manitowoc-Calumet Library System (MCLS). In general, MPL does not provide materials of a higher academic content nor does it strive to be comprehensive in any subject.

This policy serves as a guideline for the following purposes:

• Supports the mission of the Library;
• Guides the staff as they select material, manage collections, and allocate budgets;
• Informs the public of the principles used in the selection and withdrawal of Library materials;
• Serves as a public declaration of Manitowoc Public Library’s support for the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements;
• Clarifies the role of a public library as a resource for popular, educational, and relevant reference materials for all ages.

Responsibility for Selection: The Executive Director is responsible for the selection of Library materials and, under his/her direction, this responsibility may be delegated to staff who are qualified for this activity by reason of education, training, and experience. Suggestions from the public are encouraged and seriously considered in the selection process. Selection of Library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that they may come into the possession of children (see MPL’s Intellectual Freedom Policy).

General Selection Criteria: When selecting materials, staff apply knowledge and insight gained from their professional education, training, and experience. Primary criteria for selecting Library materials are listed below.

An item need not meet all of the criteria to be acceptable:

• Suitability of subject and relationship to mission;
• Relevance to community needs;
• Authority and significance of the author/creator;
• Current appeal and popular demand;
• Suitability and quality of format and construction;
• Authenticity and accuracy of diverse cultural representation;
• Comparison of existing material on the same subject;
• Accessibility of material in Manitowoc-Calumet Library System;
• Consultation of reviews in professional journals and other relevant literary resources;
• Cost of material.

Collection Management: The evaluation and withdrawal of items from a library collection is a standard part of the collection development process. An up-to-date, attractive, and useful collection is maintained through continual withdrawal and replacement practices. Replacement of worn materials is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, availability of newer editions, and cost. Collection management staff, designated by the Executive Director, routinely review and evaluate materials to ensure the Library collections meet the needs of the community and support the Library’s mission.

One or more of the following criteria may be used to determine whether an item should be withdrawn from the Library’s collections:

• Physical condition;
• Currency of information;
• Availability;
• Permanent value;
• User demand;
• Space available.

Withdrawn materials are handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials: they are properly disposed of due to condition or given to the Friends of Manitowoc Public Library to sell at their book sales. The proceeds from such sales benefit the Library through the Friends to enrich its collections, programs, and services.

Gifts of Library Materials: The Manitowoc Public Library Board recognizes that a gift to the Library is a gift to the community. Therefore, monetary gifts and material donations are both welcomed and encouraged. Please see the Material and Monetary Gift Donations policy for more information.

Request for Reconsideration: Although materials are carefully selected, there can arise differences of opinion regarding suitable materials. Patrons who wish to comment on a specific item in the collection are referred to the Request for Reconsideration of Library Services Policy and may complete a Request for Reconsideration form which is available at any Manitowoc Public Library service desk.

Definitions:

Selection: Refers to the decision to add, retain, or withdraw materials in the Library’s collections.

Library Materials: Includes books, periodicals, pamphlets, pictures, photographs, audio recordings, films, DVDs, software, databases, microforms, posters, displays, educational toys, and any other form or format in which information and ideas may be conveyed, either existing or as may be developed.

Access: The availability of materials in a variety of formats for users of all ages and abilities.

Board Approved 2/26/2024

Using Your Library Card

Registration:

• To get a library card identification with your current address is required.
• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Lost cards can be replaced at a change of $2.00 per card.

Types of Library Cards:

Each of these cards may have differing checkout policies:

• Adult: For any resident of the City of Manitowoc and other residents within the library system boundaries.
• Young Adult (YA): For any resident of the City of Manitowoc and other residents within the library system boundaries ages 13 to 17.
• Youth: For any resident of the City of Manitowoc and other residents within the library system boundaries up to age 13.
• Club Cards: For non-profit groups, agencies, group homes and organizations, operating within the Manitowoc Calumet Library System service area.
• Special Needs Cards: Issued to individuals who are unable to use regular Library services because of disability, medical condition, or age-related frailty.
• Literacy Cards: Allows literacy tutors and students to check out literacy and ESL materials.
• Teacher Cards: Educators who live or work in the library system service area and wish to borrow items for instructional use.
• Temporary Cards: People living temporarily within the City of Manitowoc.

Checkout policies per item are as follows:

Renewals:

• Items can be renewed three times if there are no holds on the item

Purpose

In keeping with its mission to enrich, connect, and inspire, Manitowoc Public Library is committed to providing excellent customer service in a safe and inviting atmosphere conducive to the use of library spaces and resources. Staff and library patrons share responsibility to ensure this atmosphere is maintained at all times. The following guidelines are set forth to define those behaviors and activities that are not allowed on library property. These rules shall apply to interior, exterior, and all grounds controlled and operated by Manitowoc Public Library.

In addition, this policy covers all digital services and sites as operated by Manitowoc Public Library. The purpose of these sites, including social media, is to provide information about Manitowoc Public Library services and programs, as well as other information that is of public interest to residents, businesses and visitors. We encourage you to submit your questions, comments, and concerns, but please note this is a moderated online discussion site and not a public forum.

Library staff will enforce these guidelines in a consistent and impartial manner.

The following behaviors and activities are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property:

• All illegal activities
• Damaging, defacing, destroying, or stealing library property
• Carrying, consuming, and/or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with the normal operation of the library or disturbs library staff or patrons, including but not limited to: conduct that involves the use of abusive or threatening language or gestures; conduct that creates unreasonable noise; conduct that consists of loud or rowdy physical behavior or talking; or behavior that a reasonable person would find to be disruptive, harassing, or threatening in nature, including stalking, prolonged staring, or following another with the intent to annoy
• Panhandling or soliciting unless authorized by staff (see Programming and Public Posting Policy)
• Bringing in personal items of an excessive size or quantity, such as shopping carts, garbage bags, or large pieces of luggage; blocking of aisles, seating, shelves, or any thoroughfare with personal items; or leaving personal items unattended at any time
• Using library restroom facilities for inappropriate purposes such as loitering, bathing, etc.
• Smoking or use of electronic smoking devices in the library building and within 25 ft. of the main entrance outside the building
• Loitering, sleeping, or interfering with free access to the building, library materials, and/or library services
• Using cell phones, audio, or personal equipment in a manner that disturbs others or interferes with library use and service
• Violating computer use policies (see Public Use of Computers Policy)
• Bringing animals into the library except for persons with disabilities as defined by the ADA Act or as allowed by a Manitowoc Public Library approved event
• Leaving children unattended as outlined in Lost or Unattended Minor Policy
• Trespassing on library property during a period in which you are banned
• Entering the building not fully clothed including, but not limited to, a lack of a shirt or other covering of the upper body, a lack of shoes or other footwear, and/or having other exposed body areas not fit for a public setting
• Wearing an article of clothing or an object, such as hats/hoodies, that affects the security and safety of patrons and/or library staff
• Having bodily hygiene so lacking as to constitute a nuisance, a health hazard, or an impediment to other members of the public or to library staff
• Disobeying direction by a library staff member
• Consuming food or drink that creates a nuisance because of odor, garbage, or spills
• Using wheeled vehicles such as roller blades, skateboards, and/or similar objects in the library or on library property
• Inappropriate displays of public affection
• Using library materials, equipment, furniture, fixtures, or building/grounds in a manner inconsistent with its intended use
• Any of the following activities on digital media platforms:
  • Vulgar language;
  • Personal attacks of any kind;
  • Comments or content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, genetics, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or intellectual disability or sexual orientation;
  • Spam or links to other sites;
  • Discussion not relevant to topic;
  • Advocates illegal activity;
  • Promote particular services, products, or political organizations or causes;
  • Infringe on copyrights or trademarks;
  • Personally identifiable medical information; or

Information that may compromise the safety, security or proceedings of public systems or any criminal or civil investigations.

Consequences of Violating this Policy

Anyone who disregards the above-listed prohibited behaviors or engages in any other conduct deemed inappropriate by library staff is subject to removal from library property and/or restriction of library privileges. Manitowoc Public Library reserves the right to delete posts/comments/submissions/etc. on any digital platform on which Manitowoc Public Library operates.  The Library will keep an archive of any content removed from these sites. Violations of the Manitowoc Public Library Code of Conduct Policy may also result in a formal banning from Manitowoc Public Library and/or criminal prosecution. Patrons may appeal the decision of library staff by contacting the Library Director and/or the Manitowoc Public Library Board of Trustees.

Board Approved 07/24/2017

Library Mission: The mission of Manitowoc Public Library is to promote a culture of reading and to provide access to information. Through services, we strive to foster an environment that meets the educational, recreational and cultural needs of the community.

Purpose: This policy is intended to provide guidelines in the event that a child should become lost or separated from a parent or guardian while visiting Manitowoc Public Library.

• Manitowoc Public Library does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent).
• All patrons must abide by the rules in the Code of Conduct.
• Minors under the age of eight (8):
  • Will only be allowed in the Library with a guardian (a guardian is someone 12 years of age or older who is responsible for the oversight of a minor).
  • Who are noticeably left unattended for 15 minutes or longer, the parent or legal guardian will be contacted by a staff member. If the same minors are repeatedly unattended or left in the Library without a guardian, Child Protective Services of Manitowoc County may be contacted, and a registered letter sent to the parent stating that CPS was contacted.
  • May be considered unattended even if the guardian is in the Library.

• If a minor should become lost or separated from the guardian, Manitowoc Public Library staff will make reasonable efforts to locate the guardian of the minor.
• If staff cannot locate the parent/legal guardian, they will contact the City of Manitowoc Police Department.
• If a minor is left unattended at closing time, two staff members will wait with the minor for 15 minutes. If the guardian does not pick up the minor within that period, staff will call the City Police Department.
• Library staff cannot transport or escort a minor to any location off library property.

Definitions:

• Guardian: Within this policy, the term guardian is defined as a 12-year-old (or older) who is responsible for the care and well-being of the minor(s).
• Unattended: Within this policy, the term unattended is defined as, not within eyesight or physical proximity.
• Minor: Within this policy, the term minor is defined as any person under the age of 18, unless specified as above.
• Legal guardian: Individuals that have legal authority to care for another person.

Board Approved 1/24/2022

Members of the public will be permitted to speak at the Manitowoc Public Library Board of Trustees meeting each month on any matter of public interest. The comments from each speaker shall be limited to five minutes in length unless extended by action of the Manitowoc Public Library Board of Trustees.