Library Policies
The following policies govern the use of LaCrosse Public Library’s services and resources.
Circulation Policy of LaCrosse Public Library
How to Acquire a Library Card
Residents of Indiana presenting proper identification that establishes that the individual resides in or pays property taxes on property owned in the LCPL service area are eligible to receive a LCPL card. Proper identification must be presented at the time of application.
A parent or legal guardian showing proper identification may register a minor child. By registering a child, the parent or guardian accepts responsibility for all fees, fines, and payment for lost or damaged materials charged on the child’s card.
The charge for a replacement card is $1.00. Identification must be presented to obtain a replacement card.
Reciprocal Borrower Card
LCPL is a member of the Statewide Reciprocal Borrowing Covenant. Any person with a current resident library card from their local library can borrow from other participating libraries statewide.
Non-Resident Cards/Fees
A non-resident card may be purchased for $161.00 per calendar year, pro-rated if purchased with less than 12 months remaining (per IC 36-12-2-25).
Public Library Access Card (PLAC)
The PLAC allows an individual to borrow materials directly from any public library in Indiana. Available per IC 4-23-7.1-5.10; expires one year from date of issue.
Borrowing Rights
A patron must present a card in good standing to borrow materials. Access may be limited due to overdue materials or unpaid fines and fees.
Loan Periods and Renewals
• General books, audio books, periodicals/magazines: 14 days, 3 renewals
• New DVDs: 2 days, no renewals
• All other DVDs: 3 days, 1 renewal
• New materials: limited for first 3 months
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Books may be placed on hold. Materials not in the collection may be requested through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).
Returning Materials
Items should be returned on or before the due date to the circulation desk during normal library hours. Items left in the drop box after hours on the due date are considered overdue. The drop box is emptied at the start of each business day.
Fines/Fees
• General books, audio books, magazines: $0.05 per day overdue
• DVDs: $1.00 per day overdue
• Fines of $2.00 or more must be paid to continue borrowing (effective October 1, 2017)
Damaged and Lost Items
Patrons are responsible for any damage or loss. A damaged item that has been paid for may be kept by the patron. An overdue item is considered “lost” after 45 days — the replacement cost is assessed. No refund is given if a paid “lost” item is later recovered.
Overdue Notifications
Overdue notices may be sent as a courtesy. Failure to receive a notice does not exempt patrons from responsibility. Patrons wishing to receive email notices must provide an email address to library staff. (Board Approved Revision August 21, 2017)
Fee Schedule
| Item | Fee |
| Replacement library card $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Non-resident library card $161.00 per calendar year (pro-rated) | $161.00 per calendar year (pro-rated) |
| Overdue fine — books, audio books, magazines | $0.05 per day |
| Overdue fine — DVDs | $1.00 per day |
| Lost/damaged items | Replacement cost of item |
| Minimum balance to continue borrowing | $2.00 |
Other Policies
Holidays & Emergency/Inclement Weather
Recognized Holidays:
New Year’s Day, Spring Holiday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.
Additionally: Library closes at 12 Noon on Good Friday and at 3:00 p.m. on the day before Thanksgiving.
If a holiday falls on Saturday, the library is closed Saturday. If on Sunday, closed the following Monday.
Inclement Weather: The library will make every effort to maintain regular hours. The Library Director makes the decision to close. In the event of a “no travel” advisory by county highway or sheriff’s departments, the library may close early. Notices will be posted on the front door. Materials due on a day the library is closed will have fees waived.
Emergency situations (power failure, severe weather, hazardous materials): Appropriate action will be taken per board-approved policy. Staff will notify the director of any emergency as soon as feasible.
Board of Trustees approved 20 Oct 2018 | Board reviewed and approved 13 December 2021
Petitions, Surveys & Solicitations
In keeping with the principle that the library is a public institution of a non-partisan nature, petitions may not be left on library property nor shall signatures be solicited from patrons or staff while on library property unless on behalf of the library system or directly related to library operations. There shall be no sale of tickets or solicitations for cash donations or services unless on behalf of the library or directly related to library operations.
Confidentiality of Library Records
Library circulation records and records identifying library users with specific materials are for the sole purpose of protecting public property and compiling statistical information. These records are confidential and shall not be disclosed except pursuant to authorized legal process. Upon receipt of any such order or subpoena, the library director will consult legal counsel. (Per Indiana Code 5-14-3-4(b)(16))
Public Records
Access to public records is governed by IC 5-14-3. Any person may inspect and copy the public records of the library during business hours. Certain records are exempt from disclosure, including personnel files (with limited exceptions), computer programs and filing systems, records prepared for executive sessions, and records identifying library patrons.
Rules of Conduct
The following behavior is not permitted in the library: disruptive conduct, sleeping, abusive language, soliciting, eating and drinking, use of drugs or alcohol, use of tobacco, loitering, running and playing, skateboarding or rollerblading, feet on furniture, and cell phone use.
No animals are permitted except service animals (seeing-eye, hearing-assist, or therapy dogs).
Weapons (except firearms as permitted under Indiana Code 35-47-11.1) are not allowed except when carried by law enforcement.
Shirts and shoes must be worn in the library.
Failure to abide by these rules may result in expulsion from the library.
Patron Rights & Lost/Stolen Property
Patrons have the right to full and courteous library service, including the right to use the collection, borrow materials, request interlibrary loans, and receive staff assistance.
The library is not responsible for articles lost or stolen. Staff areas (meeting rooms, staff room, kitchen, work areas) are not accessible to patrons without permission.
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
The LaCrosse Public Library provides internet access to its patrons and guests. Patrons and guests are responsible for the information they access. Parents or legal guardians of minor children are responsible for their children’s internet use.
Filtering
In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the library uses a filtering program. No filtering software is totally foolproof and may unintentionally block legitimate sites or fail to block objectionable content. Unfiltered internet access may be provided to persons 18 or older who request it for research or any other lawful purpose. Upon request, a parent or guardian may block a minor child from using the public access computer.
Wireless Access
The library provides wireless internet access for users who bring their own internet-accessible device. Wireless users must adhere to the same guidelines as wired computer users and are subject to the library’s filtering software. Use of wireless internet is at the patron’s own risk.
Privacy & Security
The internet is not secure or private. The library is not responsible for any misuse of personal information provided online and makes no warranties for the service provided. Any internet activity should not be considered confidential. Computers are located in a public area — monitor content may be visible to others. Material downloaded by the public should not be saved on the library’s computers. The library is not responsible for personal data left on computers or any liability from patron use of library computers or wireless internet.
Inappropriate Use
Users must refrain from inappropriate use including, but not limited to: disrupting the library’s network, unlawful or malicious activity, viewing sexually explicit material, using abusive or objectionable language, violating copyright laws. Violations may result in permanent loss of computer privileges. Internet access may be suspended or revoked at any time. Library staff has the authority to determine what constitutes a violation.
Reviewed and board approved 18 July 2022