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Laurel Community Learning Center

 

Mission:

The mission of the Laurel Community Learning Center is to provide accessible and innovative services responding to the reading, informational, educational, and enrichment needs of the community.  The Laurel Community Learning Center will work to achieve these goals in cooperation with the Laurel-Concord Coleridge Public School.

 

Use of the Community Learning Center

  •  All patrons may use all resources within the Community Learning Center.  Anyone may use the public Internet service.  Anyone under 19 years of age must have a parent sign the Minor Internet Computer Use Agreement BEFORE they are allowed to use the computers.
  • All borrowers must have a Library Number in order to check out books and other materials.  Students of Laurel-Concord Coleridge Public Schools (LCC Schools) will be assigned a Library Number by the school.  Preschool-aged children (3-5 years old) and minors, without a Library Number through LCC Schools, may obtain a Library Number, with a parent or guardian present to fill out the Library Patron Registration Form.  See the librarian to acquire a Library Number.  Proof of identity and address are required.
  • During LCC School Hours, public patrons must check in at the desk, on the LCC check-in system to be allowed into the LCC Public Schools side of the Library.  When a class is in session in the Library, public patrons will not be allowed onto the school side of the library.  LCC Schools reserves the right to deny any patron access to the school’s library.   After school hours, during school breaks, and during the summer months, public patrons will have access to LCC Public Schools library.  LCC Public Schools reserves the right to not allow anyone from the public into the school side of the library.
  • The use of the Learning Center or its services may be denied, temporarily, for due cause. Such cause may include, but not be limited to, failure to return books or to pay penalties, destruction or theft of Learning Center property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other objectionable conduct on the premises.
  • Patrons are asked to help keep their personal contact information up to date.  Please contact the librarian to update your personal information.

Unattended Children

  • The Laurel Community Learning Center welcomes and encourages children to visit the Learning Center, use Learning Center resources and services, and attend programs.  Staff members are available to help and support children; however, the Learning Center is not able to provide short- or long-term child care, or be responsible for unattended children.
  • Unattended children will be defined as children of any age who are apparently unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, and/or responsible caregiver.  Children who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the Learning Center and must have adequate supervision while in the Learning Center.  The Learning Center is not responsible if children leave Learning Center property unattended.
  • Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of children at all times in the Learning Center.  Children are expected to respect Learning Center staff and property and adhere to the rules outlined in the policies.
  • Learning Center staff will attempt to contact a parent, guardian, and/or caregiver in circumstances such as the following:
  • An unattended child is engaging in behavior that is disruptive to other patrons, staff, or the normal operations of Learning Center business.
  • An unattended child is involved in a situation that is potentially harmful to the health or safety of the child and/or others.  
  •  An unattended child is left alone at the Learning Center at closing time.
  • Such situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  If parents, guardians, and/or caregivers cannot be reached, or are unresponsive, the Learning Center will work with other city agencies as needed.   

Cell Phone Use

  • In order to provide an environment conducive to using the Learning Center, please conduct cell phone conversations away from study and service areas and away from other patrons.  
  • Cell phone ringers should be set to vibrate or the lowest volume setting while in the Learning Center.

Learning Center Phone Use

  • The Learning Center phone may be used upon request at the discretion of the librarian on duty.

Opening Hours and Holidays

  • The Laurel Community Learning Center will be open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, closed on Sunday.  The Learning Center will not be open on most major holidays or the evenings prior to some of those holidays. The Learning Center may be closed on days that LCC Schools have scheduled days off or school is canceled due to weather.  Please check the Learning Center’s Facebook page for cancellations.  The Learning Center may be closed due to severe weather or natural disasters.  The Library Director may exercise his/her judgment in determining the need for closing the building.  The City Administrator will be notified as soon as possible and public announcements made in the case of emergency closings.

Checkout and Renewals

  • All borrowers must have a Library Number in order to check out books.  If a patron does not have a Library Number at the time of checkout, he/she must present a valid ID and proof of address and complete a Library Patron Registration Form.
  • Library Numbers are available at no cost. Students enrolled at LCC Schools will be issued a library number through the school.  Preschool aged children (3-5 years old) and minors, without a Library Number through the LCC Schools, may obtain a number with a parent or guardian present to fill out the Library Patron Registration Preschool-aged Form. 
  • Reference books may not be issued for home use.
  • Books and most circulating materials shall be issued for a two-week period and renewed (at the discretion of the librarian) for another two weeks. A hold on a title may be requested at any time. Any item with a hold will not be renewed.  The librarian reserves the right to limit quantities, to deny a hold request, and to extend loan periods for special purposes.
  • All adult patrons in good standing may borrow up to 15 library materials.  If more materials are needed, it is at the librarian’s discretion to allow more.  Minors may borrow 3 books at a time.  Students of LCC may be limited to only borrowing 1-2 books at a time, depending on their age and grade in school.  The decision to limit the borrowing amount is dictated by the school and the librarians.  
  • Interlibrary loan services are offered to Learning Center patrons.  Any patron, with a library number and no fines or overdue materials, may use this service.   Borrowers are responsible for the prompt return of interlibrary loan materials and for any charges placed by the lending library.  This includes, but is not limited to, overdue fees, processing fees, damage or loss of the material.

Books on Wheels

  • Mission Statement: Books on Wheels, a service of Laurel Community Learning Center, will provide materials of an educational, informational, cultural, and recreational nature to the residents within the city limits of Laurel and the residents of Hillcrest Care Center.  This will expand the Learning Center service to a population of people who are unable to get to the library.
  • To qualify for this service, a person must be unable to physically get to the library and not have transportation available. Learning Center personnel do have the right to deny a client this service due to the misuse of this service by any person or the damage of any of the materials.  
  • We will provide materials that include books, audiobooks, and DVDs for their leisure activities, reading enjoyment, and increase knowledge in a variety of subjects.
  • To request books and materials the resident must call the Laurel Community Learning Center.  Another person can make the call for the resident. The librarian can inform the person if the material is available and she will contact the person who will deliver these materials.  This will be personnel from the library or a volunteer. The resident may have two books and one audiobook for two weeks with one renewal of two weeks. Hillcrest Care Center residents will return the books to the activity department. Library personnel will pick up the books that are checked out under Books on Wheels and return them to the library.
  • All Books on Wheels materials will be checked out under the Books on Wheels library card. It is up to the person taking books to residents to record which resident has which materials. Materials may not be passed from resident to staff of Hillcrest Care Center or other residents. There will be a master log book for Books on Wheels maintained at the library. This will list all check-outs and returns. It is the responsibility of the person delivering and returning books to maintain the book but can be used by anyone to look up the whereabouts of materials. This book will contain contact information for the client. The library personnel that picks up the books have no financial responsibility for misuse of the materials or damage. This will be addressed by the Library Board as to how to handle the loss of the materials.
  • Delivery of books will be done with the personnel’s own vehicle. This is on a volunteer basis and no compensation for delivery will be available at this time. Pick-up and delivery will not take place on days that LCC School is closed. At no time is it permitted for Books on Wheels staff to pick up and take residents to the library. This would create a liability issue. At this time, pick up and delivery will take place on a needs basis. As our number of clients increases, we will need to schedule specific pickup and delivery.

Conference Room Policy

  • Reservations:   Reservations will be made through the Laurel Community Learning Center, by calling (402-256-3431) or by stopping at the desk.  Reservations should be made at least two days in advance, but next day notice may be possible.  Learning Center and Laurel-Concord Coleridge Public Schools events will take priority.   The hours of rental are during Learning Center hours.  The Conference room will not be available on City scheduled holidays.  If LCC Schools close due to weather conditions, the Learning Center and the Conference Rooms will be closed.  The Learning Center will need to be notified for any cancellation.
  • Fees and Deposits:  A refundable deposit of $25.00 will be held at the Laurel Community Learning Center circulation desk pending favorable inspection of the room following the meeting.  Inspection may be the following weekday.  Any damage to the conference room or to Learning Center property will be charged to the organization and any deposit will not be returned.   The deposit must be paid at the Library circulation desk prior to use.  Groups that use the conference room on a regular basis may request to be exempt from the deposit requirement but will remain liable for any damage to the conference room or to Learning Center property.  Granting the request is at the discretion of the Library Director.
  • Food and Drinks:  Although groups are not encouraged to bring in food or drinks, requests may be approved at the discretion of the Library Director.  Any spills should be reported and shown to the library staff, so that stains may be treated early.
  • Projector:  Patrons using the room may ask to use the Learning Center’s projector in the conference room.  The librarian on duty may be available to help set up for the equipment.  Markers for the marker board and a cd player are also available for use in the conference room. 
  • Responsibilities:  All items brought into the room must be removed or put in the wastebasket provided before leaving.   Please check the floor for debris, push in the chairs, and turn out the lights.  Return any items borrowed from the Learning Center.  Report any problems to the Learning Center staff.   Stop at the Learning Center desk to inform the staff that the group has left.   
  • Prohibited:  No tobacco products or alcoholic beverages are permitted in the Conference room or in any part of the Learning Center.  Smoking is also prohibited on the outside property grounds.  Loss of future use privilege and deposit will be forfeited for violation of policy.

Fine and Overdue Materials

  • There is currently no penalty for late materials, within a one month period. If a patron fails to return materials within one month, the materials will be considered lost and will be replaced at a cost of up to twenty dollars ($20.00) by the patron.  
  • If materials are damaged and unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay up to twenty dollars ($20.00) for replacement costs. The borrower will be notified of these charges. The patron will not be allowed to check out materials until the outstanding fine is settled.

Miscellaneous Fees

  • Patrons may print or photocopy pages at a fee of $0.20 per page. The copy machine may only be used with permission from the Learning Center staff.  Color copies and color printing are $0.25 per page.  Color printing can only be done through the librarian’s computer and requires permission to print.
  • The Learning Center offers laminating at $1.50 per foot.

Confidentiality of Patron Records

  • In accordance with Nebraska state law, Learning Center records are confidential, and it is the policy of the Laurel Community Learning Center to maintain confidentiality of its patron’s records.  The records of the Learning Center indicating the identity of any individual using the Learning Center’s materials may not be disclosed.  The computer daily sign-in records are not kept.

Patron Behavior Policy

  • The Laurel Community Learning Center is committed to promoting an enjoyable and safe environment where patrons and staff can fully benefit from and utilize the Learning Center’s resources and services.  We expect patrons to behave responsibly, respectfully, and with consideration for others.  The following guidelines must be honored.  Disruptive behavior is not allowed.  Disruptive behavior may include but is not limited to:  running, playing audio equipment so others can hear, inappropriate cell phone use, threatening or harassing behavior, public intoxication, talking loudly, or engaging in any other behavior which Learning Center staff may interpret as disturbing to themselves, other patrons, and/or the library environment.
  • Weapons and explosives are not allowed on Learning Center or LCC School property.
  • Physically abusing or assaulting other patrons or staff will not be allowed.
  •  Appropriate attire including shoes and shirts must be worn. During summer hours, patrons are not allowed to wear wet swimsuits in the Learning Center.
  • Destruction of property, whether belonging to staff, patrons, or the Learning Center, is not allowed.
  • Limited snacking is allowed but food or beverages should not create a mess or disturb other patrons.  Patrons are asked to clean up after themselves.  No food or drink is allowed near or by the computers.
  • No soliciting or selling items.
  • Distribution of or posting of any printed material, except through authorized Learning Center procedures, is not allowed.
  • The LCC Schools and Learning Center is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. Smoking is not allowed on the campus grounds.
  • If they are not honored, the Learning Center staff reserves the right to ask any patron to leave the Learning Center immediately.  Repeat violations may result in additional restrictions.

Patron Complaints and Concerns

  • A Library patron may choose to start by making his or her complaint on an informal, oral basis to the Library’s staff. If the patron chooses not to do so, or if the complaint does not lend itself to informal resolution, the patron should request and complete a Patron Complaint Form. The Library Director will promptly review the completed Complaint Form and, where appropriate, attempt to resolve the complaint directly. 
  • If the patron is not satisfied with the response provided, and/or if the Director decides that the situation warrants the input of The City of Laurel Library Board, either or both parties may bring the written complaint to the attention of the Board. A patron desiring to do so may also request an opportunity to address the Board at one of its monthly meetings. The Board will promptly review a complaint presented to it, provide an oral and/or a written response to the complainant, and take any further remedial action warranted by the particular circumstances. 
  • The decision of the City of Laurel Library Board with respect to a complaint will be final. 

Learning Center Collection and Services

  • Collection Development and Weeding
  • The Library Director and the Library Board will be responsible for the selection and purchase of items that best fill the needs of the community.  Selection for purchase and weeding shall take place in an on-going manner.
  • Last date of circulation – If the material has not been in general use during the past three to five years (depending on the type of material).
  • Physical condition – If the condition is badly worn or excessively dirty, the item may be weeded, and a decision concerning replacement will be made.
  • Duplicates ­– Where there are duplicates and none seem to be circulating or used, a single copy may be all that is needed.  
  •  Reference works should be given special attention in order that all the above criteria be applicable in all of the special areas. Current information in this area is critical.
  • Yearly weeding of 3-5% of the collection will be completed.
  • Materials no longer useful may be given to the Friends of the Library, donated, or destroyed.

Services of the Public Library

  • Printing: Black and White $0.20 per page, Color $0.25 per page
  • Copying: Black and White $0.20 per page, Color $0.25 per page
  • Laminating: $1.50 per foot
  • Books on Wheels
  • Conference Room

Gifts and Donations

  • The Laurel Community Learning Center Board accepts books, DVDs, games, other items, and monetary gifts.  However, the Board reserves the right to determine which items will be added to the collection.  The same principles of selection, which are applied to purchases, are applied to gifts.  Reasons a gift may not be added to the collection include, but are not limited to, duplication of materials, physical limitations of the building, physical condition of the donated material, and the extent to which the donated material meet the needs of the Learning Center’s mission.  Donations of materials that are not added to the library collection may be given to the Friends of the Library.  

Physical Facilities

  • The Laurel Community Learning Center will continue to work with Laurel Concord Coleridge Public Schools to provide and maintain public library facilities which meet the physical requirement of modern library service.  These facilities will offer a safe, pleasant place to read, look, listen, learn, and partake in library services and programs.  The building is handicap accessible.  If any patron has concerns about the facility, they should bring their concerns to the attention of the Librarian on duty.

Personnel

  • In accordance with the Inter-local Agreement between the City of Laurel and the Laurel-Concord Coleridge Public Schools, the Library Director shall be appointed by the Laurel Concord Coleridge Public School and he/she shall be considered the executive officer of the board and shall have the sole charge of administration of the library with the guidance of the board.  The director shall be responsible for the recommendation of employment, and for the direction of the staff, and for the efficiency of the library services.

Internet Computer Use Policy

  • The Learning Center has computers with Internet Accessibility.
  • There is no fee for the use of computers or access to the internet.
  • Individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian read and complete the Minor Internet Computer Use Agreement before using the Internet services at the Learning Center.
  • Users must be 8 years or older or accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Patrons must sign-in at the desk to use the computers.  Computer usage is limited to 30-minute blocks.  After the initial 30 minutes are up, a patron may sign-up for another 30 minutes as long as no other patrons are waiting to use the computer.  There is a 1 hour limit on computer usage for minors.
  • Downloading games or other materials to the computer is prohibited.
  • All Public Access Computers have black and white printing capabilities at a charge of $0.20/sheet.
  • Patrons will be responsible for bringing their own headphones for listening to audio.
  • Patrons will be responsible for saving their own work. The Learning Center will not be held responsible for any lost work.
  • The patron will be responsible for logging out and closing all applications.
  • The librarian will shut down ALL computers 15 minutes before the Learning Center closes.
  •  LIBRARIANS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT COMPUTER USE.  LIBRARIANS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DENY COMPUTER USE OR ASK ANY PATRON TO LEAVE FOR NOT FOLLOWING LEARNING CENTER POLICY.

Wireless Device Use Policy

  • The Laurel Community Learning Center provides free wireless access to online services to supplement and enhance informational resources.  Users of the wireless network are advised that the Learning Center neither controls, nor can be responsible for, the contents of these systems, networks, and services and that all of the online information, graphics, and messages accessible throughout the Learning Center’s computers and wireless access points originate outside the Learning Center.
  • Wireless users agree to abide by the Learning Center’s Internet Computer Use Policy while using the Learning Center’s wireless network.
  • The Learning Center’s wireless network is not secure.  Since radio signals can potentially be intercepted, an activity requiring transmission of credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information should be avoided.
  • Users are responsible for knowing how to configure their own equipment.  Learning Center staff cannot provide technical support for establishing or maintaining a connection.  Since everyone’s computer and other devices are different, the Learning Center will not support equipment configurations and cannot be responsible for any changes made to an individual’s device settings.
  • The wireless network is open.  Simultaneously connected computers are visible to each other and therefore vulnerable to other users’ viruses, malware, and hacks.
  • Users may not plug equipment into the Learning Center’s computer network.
  • The wireless network is intended to be a shared resource and limited bandwidth is available.  Do not download large files or stream video or audio over the network.
  • The Learning Center reserves the right to terminate a wireless Internet session at any time.
  • The Learning Center is not responsible for any loss of data, or for theft or damage to personal equipment.

IMPORTANT

  • Users must bring their own wireless-enabled laptop computer or other wireless devices to the Learning Center.  The Learning Center does not provide wireless cards.
  • Users should maintain up-to-date antivirus software and firewalls.
  • Bring a fully charged battery.  Public electrical outlets may not be available.
  • If you plan to use audio, bring your own headphones.
  • Printing to Learning Center equipment is not available.
  • The wireless network is not secure. Use at your own risk.  Do not use it for sensitive information such as personal banking, shopping, or any website that requires a special login.
  • The wireless network is only available during Learning Center hours.

Emergency and Safety Policy

  • The Laurel Community Learning Center will follow ALL Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Public Schools (LCC) protocols and procedures for emergencies.  Contact the librarian for a copy of LCC’s Emergency and Safety Policies.

Cardholder Terms and Conditions

      1. Any person who lives, works, attends school or pays property taxes in the Laurel Concord Coleridge School District can receive a Laurel Community Learning Center library card free of charge. Use of a New York Public Library card is non-transferrable, i.e., can only be used by the person whose name appears on the card.
      2. The above status entitles you to one Learning Center card. The Library will merge or delete the records of any user found to have multiple active cards.
      3. Any organization that operates in the LCC School District, can apply for a district library card.
      4. All materials borrowed must be returned on or before the due date. The Library offers universal returns – most circulating material can be returned to the LCC Middle School in Coleridge.
      5. Cardholders are responsible for all materials borrowed on their card, all use of the card and all charges made against it, until the card is reported lost to the Library.