Policies

Borrowing Materials

Bulletin Board Policy

Download the Library Bulletin Board and Free Printed Matter Policy PDF File

Charging Electronic Equipment

The purpose of this policy is to set forth rules regarding the use of Library electrical outlets for charging of personal electronic equipment. Please see attached Charging Electronic Equipment policy. PDF File

Collection Development Policy

The purpose of the Collection Development Policy is to define the criteria and principles by which library selectors make decisions about the selection and retention of resources and materials for the collection of the Berkeley Public Library.

Download the Collection Development Policy PDF File

Persons seeking the reconsideration of a title in the collection are asked to complete a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form, available online or in person.

Gift & Donation Policy

The Berkeley Public Library welcomes gifts of money to enhance library services through the provision of additional materials, equipment and services, as well as other types of gifts such as books. The Library encourages gifts of cash, not earmarked for specific items (unrestricted) in order to permit the most flexible use of the donation for the enrichment of the library program.

Download the Gift & Donation Policy PDF File

Internet Access/Computer Use

Free Internet access is available at all locations. The Berkeley Public Library does not filter Internet access. Use of the Library's workstations indicates consent to and knowledge of the Library's Internet use policy. PDF File See more information on using the Library's computers.

Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the Library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
A person's right to use a Library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948. Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980, inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996 by the ALA Council.

Download the ALA Library Bill of Rights PDF File

Library Social Forum

The purpose of this policy is to set forth rules governing User-generated content within various Social fora managed and administered by the Library or on its behalf pursuant to contract.

Download the Social Forum Policy PDF File

Library Volunteer Policy

In order to achieve the mission of the Berkeley Public Library, the Berkeley Public Library encourages the active participation of citizens, of a variety of ages, as a valuable resource to the Library. The Berkeley Public Library Volunteer Program is designed to expand and enhance public service to the community. Volunteers are valued by the library as an important support for paid staff and as a demonstration that residents appreciate the positive impact of the library on the quality of life in Berkeley.

Download the Library Volunteer Policy PDF File

Noncommercial Photography and Filming Policy

It is the Berkeley Public Library’s most significant priority to provide library services to the community in accordance with the values described in the Library’s Mission Statement, and to enable Library users to use those services while having a safe experience at the Library.

Please download the rules that apply to photography and filming in Library facilities. PDF File

Patron Suspension Policy

In order to provide and maintain a comfortable and safe environment for all patrons and library staff, the Board of Library Trustees has approved the Berkeley Public Library Rules of Conduct. Violation or repetitive violation of any of the rules of conduct may warrant a suspension of library privileges. Suspension of library privileges will result in removal from, and denial of access to, all Berkeley Public Library services and facilities for a designated period of time.

Download the Patron Suspension Policy PDF File

Privacy Policy

The Library strives to protect the patron confidentiality in relation to items used in the Library or checked out, and to information sought through library systems or the Library’s reference services. In accordance with California state law, registration and circulation records are confidential, and disclosure of these records is limited to the patron him/herself or to that person’s designee as indicated in writing, and to Library staff in the performance of their duties

California Gov’t Code § 6267 All registration and circulation records of any library which is in whole or in part supported by public funds shall remain confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person, local agency, or state agency except as follows: (a) By a person acting within the scope of his or her duties within the administration of the library. (b) By a person authorized, in writing, by the individual to whom the records pertain, to inspect the records. (c) By order of the appropriate superior court. As used in this section, the term *registration records* includes any information which a library requires a patron to provide in order to become eligible to borrow books and other materials, and the term *circulation records* includes any information which identifies the patrons borrowing particular books and other material. This section shall not apply to statistical reports of registration and circulation nor to records of fines collected by the library.

All other disclosure of these records is permitted only by court order. Protection of confidentiality does not extend to records of outstanding fines or fees; payments for the use of Library premises or equipment; or communications directed to the Library regarding Library services. Please read the full policy for details of the type of data that the Library collects and how the Library manages this data.

Users should read and understand the privacy policies of any third party sites to which they provide any personally identifiable information. The Library is not responsible for the data users submit to third party sites.

Requesting Library Materials

The Berkeley Public Library will provide a service whereby patrons can request materials currently checked out to another borrower or on the shelves.

Download the Requesting Library Materials Policy PDF File

Rules of Conduct

These rules of conduct are for the comfort, safety and protection of all library patrons and library staff. Library staff and library security guards will firmly and courteously enforce these rules. We ask your cooperation in maintaining an environment conducive to enjoyable use of the Library for all.

Dangerous, destructive or illegal conduct, including but not limited to the following, will not be tolerated:

Physical abuse or assault;
Fighting or challenging to fight;
Making violent or threatening statements;
Engaging in or soliciting any sexual act; and
Damaging,destroying, or theft of library property.

Any patron displaying any of these behaviors will be instructed to leave the library immediately. Police will be called and appropriate legal action will follow. In addition, based on the severity of the situation, a suspension of library privileges for up to one year will be applied without advanced warning or prior suspension.

The following behaviors are also prohibited:

Using harassing or insulting language.
Leaving children under the age of eight (8) unattended by a parent or authorized adult.
Blocking library entrances, exits, or walkways with bicycles, strollers, power cords, etc., or leaving animals or personal belongings unattended on Library property.
Participating in any activity in the library or at public entrances/exits which interferes with any person’s comfort or safety.
Entering library with animals other than service animals authorized by law.
Entering library with items inappropriate to library use, including but not limited to bicycles, shopping carts, large trash bags, bedrolls, and strollers without children..
Entering library with containers or packages which singly or collectively exceed 16”x18”x24”.
Riding skates, roller shoes, scooters, skateboards, or other similar devices.
Smoking, eating, or drinking except for a nonalcoholic beverage in a bottle with a secure top.
Possessing, consuming, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Lying on the floor or sleeping.
Unreasonable use of rest rooms, including laundering, bathing, and shaving.
Inappropriate use of electrical outlets, including charging vehicles, wheelchairs or appliances.
Leaving personal belongings unattended.
Exuding offensive, pervasive odors, including pervasive fragrances caused by perfume or other scented products, which constitute a nuisance to other patrons or staff.
Failing to wear shirt/top, pants/skirt, and shoes.
Disturbing or annoying anyone with loud and/or unreasonable noise, including but not limited to using electronic equipment or mobile telephones at a volume that disturbs others.
Carrying weapons of any type.
Petitioning, soliciting or selling merchandise or services without written permission from the Director of Library Services.
Personally monopolizing Library space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff.
Fraudulent use of another’s Library card and/or number for any purpose, including using another’s Library card to reserve or use Library computers.
Refusal to follow reasonable direction from Library staff, including but not limited to leaving the Library during normal closing procedures or during an emergency evacuation.

Any patrons displaying these behaviors will be addressed in the following manner:
FIRST VIOLATION: Initial warning, given copy of Library Rules of Conduct.
SECOND VIOLATION: Library privileges suspended for one day.
THIRD VIOLATION: Library privileges suspended for seven days.
FOURTH VIOLATION: Library privileges suspended for up to one year.

If you observe anyone violating any of these rules of conduct, please inform either a security guard or a library staff member. Circumstances including the seriousness or continuing nature of the conduct may warrant immediate suspension of Library privileges. See the Patron Suspension Policy for further information.

See Also: Berkeley Public Library - Patron Suspension Policy PDF File
Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees 4/88
Revised 8/91, 9/95, 1/97, 9/02, 12/06, 12/07, 12/09, 11/12

Download the Rules of Conduct. PDF File

Unattended Children Policy

The Berkeley Public Library welcomes children of all ages. Library staff strives to provide a safe and appropriate environment for all Library users. Our libraries, however, are public buildings. Any public place may be dangerous for a child who is left unattended even for brief periods of time. In addition, Library facilities are neither designed nor licensed to provide childcare. A child left alone at the Library without a responsible caregiver may become bored, fatigued or frightened and this may lead to behavior that disrupts the Library services that staff provides to them and/or others.
Parents and other caregivers are solely responsible for the welfare and the behavior of children using the Library. Additionally, children under the age of eight must be supervised by a responsible caregiver at all times while they are in the Library. If a child under the age of eight is found to be unattended in any area of the Library (or an unattended child eight or older is found frightened, crying, or otherwise in distress), staff will attempt to locate the child’s caregiver. If Library staff cannot find the child’s parent or caregiver, the Berkeley Police will be notified and asked to assume care of the child.

Children found unattended during Library public hours

An unattended child found frightened or crying, or any unattended children under age eight (8), in the Library should be approached and reassured by a staff member. Staff interacting with the child should ask the child his/her name and the name and whereabouts of his/her parent/caregiver(s). At least one other staff member should be informed that an unattended child is being assisted. When Children’s staff is available, the unattended child should be brought to the Children’s area of the Library.

If the parent/caregiver is in the building, staff will:
Page the parent/caregiver
Upon reuniting the child with the parent/caregiver, express the Library’s concern for the welfare of children and explain the Library’s policy regarding unattended children.
If the parent/caregiver is not in the building, staff will:
Contact the manager/supervisor in charge of the building
With the child’s help, obtain the parent/caregiver’s name and telephone number
Stay with the child until parent/caregiver can be located.
Call Berkeley Police Department (981-5900) and ask that they assume responsibility for the child if the parent/caregiver cannot be located or does not respond to the phone request within 30 minutes.

Children found unattended at closing

If staff judges that a child should not be left alone after the Library closes, two staff members, at least one of which needs to be the manager/supervisor in charge, should remain inside the Library with the child.
Library staff should identify the child and write his/her name, Library card number, and/or phone number. Staff will then phone the parent/caregiver or other responsible family member to pick up the child.
Staff members must wait with the child inside the Library building until the parent/caregiver/family member or police officer arrives.
If a parent/caregiver comes within 15 minutes, staff will inform him/her about the Library’s closing time and policy regarding unattended children.
If a parent/caregiver does not come within 15 minutes, staff will call the Berkeley Police Department (981-5900) and ask the police to assume protection of the unattended child.
Staff may leave after the police officer or parent/caregiver has picked up the child and assumed responsibility.
The following work day, staff must notify the supervisor about the incident and fill out an Incident Report. The report must be turned into the supervisor and the Children’s Services Manager and will be forwarded to the Deputy Director.
Compensation time for any overtime spent with the child after hours should be arranged within the same pay period whenever possible.

Download the Unattended Children Policy PDF File

Unclaimed Property/Lost & Found Policy

The purpose of this Administrative Regulation is to establish policies and procedures for the retention and disposal of unclaimed lost and found items in the Library.

Download the Unclaimed Property and Lost & Found Policy PDF File

Use of Library Meeting Rooms

The Berkeley Public Library has meeting rooms available for use by the public at all locations. Please read the Meeting Room Rules PDF File and visit our Meeting Rooms page for more information.

Use of Video Monitoring Equipment

The Berkeley Public Library is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is secure and safe for both employees and library visitors, and maintaining the security of its property and facilities. This can be accomplished by establishing rules of conduct and following best security practices. The purpose of this policy is to regulate the use of security cameras and video monitors to observe and / or record activities in Library facilities to enhance security, deter crime and to aid in protecting the safety of individuals and the property of the library.

Download the Video Monitoring Policy PDF File

Encore Catalog:

Classic Catalog