Statement of Purpose, Values
The library values intellectual freedom – the right of all members of society to have access to all expressions of knowledge, creativity and intellectual activity, and to express their thoughts publicly.
The library is an inviting and inclusive space – a place where all members of society may feel welcome.
The library is a community-led institution – We invite all members of our community to participate in library planning and decision-making.
i. Proposed amendments are read once, discussed and amended as needed, and voted on.
ii. Following approval of the first reading, proposed amendments will be read, discussed and amended as needed, and voted on a second time at the same Board meeting as the first reading.
ii. Following approval of the second reading, amendments will be read, discussed and amended as needed, and voted on a third time at the next Board meeting following the first and second readings.
iii. Following approval of the third reading, amendments will adopted by vote.
Members in good standing of a public library within British Columbia are granted borrowing privileges through the BC One Card within limits as prescribed by provincial agreements and as determined by the Library Board.
Visitors who do not qualify for a BC One Card may apply for temporary membership for a fee, as determined and reviewed annually by the Library Board.
Visitors and non-members are entitled to free access to in-house use of library materials, access to internet and public computers, participation in library programs, and use of public library spaces.
The Canadian Library Association believes that a diverse and pluralistic society is central to our country’s identity. Libraries have a responsibility to contribute to a culture that recognizes diversity and fosters social inclusion.
Libraries strive to deliver inclusive service. Canada’s libraries recognize and energetically affirm the dignity of those they serve, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental capabilities, or income.
Libraries understand that an acceptance of differences can place individual and collective values in conflict. Libraries are committed to tolerance and understanding. Libraries act to ensure that people can enjoy services free from any attempt by others to impose values, customs or beliefs.
- The library is a community focused institution.
- Courteous, responsive service is the responsibility of every employee.
- Information provided is prompt, accurate, accessible and barrier free.
- Knowledge of our patrons’ needs and expectations is vital to ensure that we offer superior service.
- Staff respect and value patrons so they are listened to and understood.
- Management and training systems are developed to enable staff to provide the kind of service that reflects the library’s customer service philosophy.
- Library systems, services and policies are developed and constantly reviewed to ensure they are customer friendly.
- Library employees are recognized as patrons – the way employees are treated by each other will be reflected in how they treat other patrons.
- Public comment forms are available at all times for feedback from our users. Forms are reviewed and responded to by the Chief Librarian or designate in a timely manner.
All members of the public, including children, will have access to workstations with no content limitations.
The library affirms the responsibility of parents/legal guardians to monitor their children’s use of library materials and resources.
In order to ensure equitable access, daily limits on use of public workstations may be enforced.
Library workstations are located in public areas shared by library users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities; individuals are asked to consider other patrons when accessing the Internet or electronic resources from the public workstations or personal devices.
Users must not use any workstation or public wireless network for illegal, actionable, or criminal purpose, or seek access into any unauthorized areas, and must not harass other users locally or remotely.
Any person misusing or damaging the computer, or using the internet for illegal purposes may have their library privileges suspended, be prosecuted, and be financially liable for damage to the equipment.
The library collects and retains only the personal information that is required to offer its services and programs, within the limits prescribed by FOIPPA.
All information related to a library user may only be used by library employees working within the scope of their duties.
The library will not divulge or release any information related to a library user to a third party unless compelled under a court order.
Unless requested to do so, the library will not retain patron borrowing histories except as necessary to assess condition of returned items and ensure collection of any applicable fines.
A patron cannot sign out materials or have access to any aspect of another patron’s account without prior consent.
Children’s Right to Protection of Privacy and Personal Information.
Children have the right to control the disclosure of their own personal information. As a general guideline, children aged 12 and over will be deemed “capable” of exercising such rights. We also confirm that children under 12 who are capable of exercising their own information rights have the right to do so.
Borrowing histories and account information for children over 12 years of age are not divulged to parents or legal guardians except where necessary in recovering lost or overdue items, or with the written permission of the child. In addition, legal guardians cannot sign out materials or have access to any aspect of the account of a child over the age of 12 without the child’s prior consent.
All persons in Canada have the fundamental right, as embodied in the nation’s Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to have access to all expressions of knowledge, creativity and intellectual activity, and to express their thoughts publicly. This right to intellectual freedom, under the law, is essential to the health and development of Canadian society.
Libraries have a basic responsibility for the development and maintenance of intellectual freedom.
It is the responsibility of libraries to guarantee and facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity, including those which some elements of society may consider to be unconventional, unpopular or unacceptable. To this end, libraries shall acquire and make available the widest variety of materials.
It is the responsibility of libraries to guarantee the right of free expression by making available all the library’s public facilities and services to all individuals and groups who need them.
Libraries should resist all efforts to limit the exercise of these responsibilities while recognizing the right of criticism by individuals and groups.
Both employees and employers in libraries have a duty, in addition to their institutional responsibilities, to uphold these principles.
Our goals are to:
- Enrich and empower lives and build community by providing access to the world’s information and ideas.
- Promote lifelong learning, discovery, enjoyment and the realisation of potential.
- Inspire the love of reading and the exploration of ideas, culture and knowledge.
- Meet the diverse needs and interests of individuals.
- Respect and reflect communities of various cultural, ethnic, religious, and philosophical backgrounds.
- Recognize and accommodate varied educational levels, abilities and disabilities, English and non-English speaking users.
With these goals in mind, library materials are to be selected in accordance with one or more of the following criteria:
- Popular demand.
- Contemporary significance or permanent value.
- Scope and authority of the subject matter.
- Reputation and/or authority of the author, editor or illustrator.
- Literary merit.
- Relationship to the existing collection and to other materials on the subject.
- Price and availability.
- Format and arrangement.
- Scarcity of information in the subject area.
- Availability of material in the area.
- Attention of critics, reviewers, and the media.
Additionally, the library acknowledges a particular interest in the local history of the area and in the works of local authors and artists. Everything reasonably obtainable will be acquired and preserved.
The library welcomes and values the input and suggestions of community and library members, and will actively strive to address unmet needs and interests by engaging with members of the community who do not currently use the library.
An appeal of the Chief Librarian’s decision may be made to the Chair of the Library Board by submitting, in writing, reasons for the appeal. A written response will be provided following consideration by the Library Board.
We reserve the right to decide the disposition of all gifts received. All donated material is reviewed according to the same selection criteria applied to purchased materials.
All gifts become the property of Creston Valley Public Library. Material which is not needed for the collection may be sold for the benefit of the library.
A tax receipt will be provided upon request for monetary donations of $10 or more.
Individuals using library services and resources are expected to act with respect and consideration for others and for library property in accordance with the BC Human Rights Code and library policies.
Library staff is entrusted with the obligation to ensure that the Library’s policies are followed and will apply these policies in a fair, dignified and positive manner.
Any person who violates library policies risks suspension of library privileges, cost-recovery damages, and prosecution.
We also recognize that some users may require a quieter area for study or contemplation. Where a conflict arises, we will, whenever possible, offer a designated area for quieter study.
We encourage all library users to be respectful and considerate towards others when using the library’s public space.
Library users should turn off mobile telephones, or set them to a non-auditory call notification mode, before entering the library. If a call is taken while the user is in the library, they should move to an area that will minimize disturbance for other library users to conduct their conversation. Library staff may request that a mobile telephone user leave the library.
Use of headphones is required for audio or multimedia device use within the library.
The use of cameras or other recording devices is not permitted in the library without receiving prior permission from library staff. Under no circumstances may library patrons or staff be photographed or recorded without their permission.
The meeting rooms are available free of charge to registered non-profit organizations, by donation for community clubs and organizations, and for a fee for individuals and for-profit organizations.
Library-sponsored activities take precedence over other meeting room uses.
Posters, handouts, etc. which advertise the date of an event must be deposited no less than two weeks prior to the date of the advertised event.
Materials accepted for possible display become the property of the library. The library is not responsible for the return of brochures or display materials left on its premises.
The following materials will not be posted or distributed: material that is primarily commercial and does not have compensating cultural or community importance; oversized items; materials which would violate the BC Human Rights Code; petitions not directly related to library service; political posters for individual parties or candidates.
Materials which conform to these policies will be prioritized based on the date received. Due to space limitations, we do not guarantee that all materials received will be posted, or the duration for which they will be posted.
The library has the sole discretion to decide what is posted or distributed.
The library is not responsible for any damage to artwork due to theft, loss, fire, accident or intentional harm to their work while housed in the library.
All artists interested in displaying their work within the library will be required to sign a waiver releasing the library from responsibility for possible damages or losses that may occur.
It is recommended that parents do not leave children under age nine unattended in the library. Unattended means that a parent or adult guardian is not in the building with the child. Children age five and under must be within visual and physical contact of a parent or adult guardian at all times while using the library.
Library staff are not responsible for children left unattended in the building.
Definition of fragrances: Fragrances come from any product which produces a scent, strong enough to be perceived by others including but not limited to colognes, perfumes, after shave products, lotions, powders, deodorants, hair sprays and other hair products, and other personal products.
The library is committed to using low-scent or non-scent cleaning and building products within our facilities. Employees, volunteers and visitors to the library are encouraged to discontinue use of scented products when on the library premises.
Employees, volunteers and visitors who violate this policy may be asked to leave the library.
In addition, in accordance with the Town of Creston Bylaw 1406, dogs on the library grounds must be on a leash and under the supervision of a person competent to control it at all times.
Partnerships may be of indefinite or predetermined duration, and of variable scope. Partnerships of limited duration and/or scope may be entered into at the discretion of the Chief Librarian, while partnerships of greater duration and/or scope require approval of the Library Board.
To do this, library staff strives to engage community members, both library users and non-users, in spaces where the community members feel most comfortable.
Accordingly, library staff will actively:
- Involve community members in discussions about their unique assets and specific needs, and how the library can support them.
- Include information on community engagement strategies in all project proposals.
- Budget sufficient funds, time, and staff for community engagement in service planning activities.
- Share decision making, outcomes, and evaluation with community members using effective and meaningful approaches.
- Document and report on how community members were involved in service decisions.
Communities are diverse and ever-changing. Engagement techniques and strategies require ongoing efforts, review, and evaluation.