Library Use Policies

ADA Compliance
Patron Responsibilities & Code of Conduct
Teen Space
Unattended Children and Vulnerable Adults
Youth Protection

Library Cards & Borrower Responsibility

Library Cards
7.5 Circulation
Lost & Damaged Materials
Revocation of Privileges & Appeal
Technology Lending Policy

circulation policies

Collection Development and Management

Programming Policies

Program Policy
Presenter Agreement
Citizen Program Proposal Form
Reconsideration of Proposed Citizens Presentation
Reconsideration of Proposed Citizens Presentation Procedures

Meeting & Study Room Use policy

Guidelines & General Rules of Use

Room Reservation Guidelines for Group Meetings 

• At least one member of the group must have a MORE library card and be present at check-in. 
• A Meeting Room Reservation Application must be completed and submitted prior to the reservation date to reserve a room. 
• The applicant must abide by this policy and applicable laws, regulations, and other Library policies. Violations may result in the loss of the current room reservation and potential restrictions or bans on future reservations. 
• A single group may make advanced reservations for up to three consecutive meetings. Additional reservations by the same group are allowed after the final consecutive meeting. 
• Reservations are accepted up to 60 days prior to the desired meeting date. 
• Use is limited to once a week per group with a time limit of four hours. 
• Requests can be made by phone or in person. 

Meeting Room Rules of Use

• Meetings and events may be private. If a meeting or event is promoted as a public gathering, access cannot be denied unless an individual is violating the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy. 
• When not reserved or used for Library purposes, Room 219 is available as a quiet study area. 
• Meeting and study rooms must be left in a clean and orderly condition after use. Users are responsible for damage. 
• Attaching items to the walls, temporarily or permanently, is prohibited. 
• Light refreshments may be served. Alcohol is prohibited. 
• Library staff may monitor all meetings, programs, and events to ensure compliance with Library policies. 
• The Library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of meetings or meeting room users. Users must not state nor imply that an event or meeting is endorsed, sponsored, co-sponsored, or approved by the Library. Users cannot use the Library’s logo in their marketing. 
• All patrons must follow the Library Code of Conduct Policy while using Library meeting rooms. 

DISCLAIMER

The Library shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or personal injury resulting from the use of the Library’s meeting and/or study rooms. The Library makes no warranties or representations regarding its meeting and study rooms. In exchange for being permitted to use these rooms the user agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless, the Hudson Area Public Library, its agents and representatives, the Hudson Area Public Library Board, Library employees, the City of Hudson, and volunteers from any claims of loss, damages, or injuries arising in any way out of the use of this equipment. 

Technology Use Policy

Internet and Wi-Fi Use

Approved by Board of Trustees: February 25, 2002
Effective Date: February 25, 2002
Revisions: February 15, 2011; October 20, 2025

Purpose:

The Hudson Area Public Library (HAPL) is committed to providing access to information and resources to individuals both electronically and in print form. Computers and other devices in the Library are available for use in the building and to check out. These library-owned devices connect to the Internet either by wire or Wifi. Additionally, patrons’ personal devices can connect to the Library’s Wifi without using a password. This policy is meant to inform patrons of responsibilities, unacceptable uses, guidelines and potential risks.

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Responsibilities

The Internet is not managed by the government or any entity. The unregulated nature of the Internet means patrons may come across information that is inaccurate, offensive or illegal. Library staff have not curated any sites accessible on HAPL computers and devices.

HAPL is not responsible for any personal information that is compromised, or for any damage caused to hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. All patrons should have up-to-date virus protection on their computers or devices.

People who use the library’s computers, devices and the wireless network shall agree to hold harmless, indemnify, and unconditionally reimburse HAPL for any damages, liability costs, claims or expenses the library may incur, which arise from any misuse of Internet access or violation of the Internet and Wifi Use Policy by the user.

Unacceptable Use

The following activities are unacceptable uses of the library’s public computers, devices and Wifi:

• Use of electronic information networks for any purpose resulting in the harassment of other users.
• Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of HAPL’s computer equipment, electronic devices, software or network security procedures.
• Violations of another’s privacy.
• Attempting to gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to another (hacking).
• Systematically using Library computers for commercial activity.
• Violation of federal, state or local laws. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
  • Disregarding copyright laws or licensing agreements;
  • Assuming the identity of another person;
  • Sending threatening or harassing materials;
  • Viewing; printing; distributing; sending or receiving images, text, or graphics of obscene materials or material that violates laws relating to child pornography.

General Wifi/Internet Guidelines

HAPL’s wireless service extends outside the building and can be accessed at any time.

Library staff are not responsible for any changes made to computer settings and cannot guarantee that a patron’s devices will work with HAPL’s wireless connection. The Library does not guarantee that patrons will be always able to make a wireless connection.

As with most public Wifi, HAPL’s wireless connection is not secure. Another wireless user could potentially intercept any information being sent or received. Patrons should not transmit their credit card information, passwords or any other sensitive personal information over a wireless connection.

Internet Access and the Library’s Public Computer Room

HAPL shall have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to use of the information accessed or transmitted via the Internet. Patrons who access the Internet using the library’s public computers should be aware of the following:

• Internet use is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons are guaranteed two hours of use per day, with additional time if computers are available. Individual exceptions are made for those filling out job application forms or taking tests.
• Public computers require a library card to log on. Patrons may use a guest pass if they do not already have a MORE library card and do not wish to get one.
• Patrons must have a basic understanding of computers. Library staff are available for assistance as time and expertise allows.
• Any data stored on a HAPL computer will be deleted when the computer restarts.
• Patrons are financially responsible for any charges they incur from their use of the Internet.
• Patrons may not install or run their own software programs on the public computers.
• If a patron maliciously attempts to alter or destroy HAPL computer hardware or software, it will be treated as vandalism and the police will be contacted.
• Each public computer is intended for use by one individual at a time; however, more than one person may sit or work together at any one computer if they are not blocking access to other computers or library materials or disrupting computer use by other patrons.
• Only parents and legal guardians have the right and responsibility to monitor and control their minor children’s access to the Internet and to information on the Internet. HAPL does not act in place of parents and/or legal guardians.
• HAPL computers are installed with anti-virus software, but this does not guarantee complete protection.
• Failure to abide by the Library’s Patron Responsibilities and Code of Conduct Policy may result in loss of computer privileges.

Violations

Violations of HAPL’s Internet and Wifi Use Policy will result in the suspension of all computer privileges. Continued violations will result in a request to leave the facility and may lead to revocation of HAPL privileges. This may include losing the right to visit the Library building and the Library grounds for a defined period, or permanently at the discretion of the Library Director.

Repeat offenders or persons ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing. Illegal acts may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Appeals

Patrons who lose their library privileges may appeal the director’s decision.