Library Policies

1. The Whitecourt & District Public Library is a place where people gather to create, explore, and learn. In order to achieve safe and welcoming shared spaces we expect everyone to treat library customers, staff, and property with respect.
2. Everyone has the right to equal treatment with respect to the access and use of the Library’s services and facilities without discrimination or harassment on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic origin, creed and all other grounds set out in the Alberta Human Rights Act.
3. Visitors to the library are welcome to film and record your library visit. Please respect the privacy of customers and staff, asking permission before including them in your photos, videos and audio recordings
4. Service animals and animals in authorized programs are welcome in the library
5.  Eating is permitted in program and meeting rooms or in designated areas where available
6. Conduct that is disruptive, unsafe, prevents the enjoyment of the library by others, or interferes with library operations is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to:
   1. 1. Violent, threatening, abusive, discriminatory, disruptive, intrusive or harassing language or behavior of any kind;
      2. Damage, misuse, or theft of library materials, equipment and property;
      3. Interfering with the designated use of computers and networks;
      4. Soliciting, canvassing, unauthorized selling;
      5. The use of strong scents and odors;
      6. Unreasonable noise.
7. When conduct is inappropriate, staff may limit access to services or request individuals to leave library property. Illegal activity, including damage to library material and property, may result in cost recovery charges and/or prosecution.
8. Library staff may request to inspect bags and carrying cases.
9.  The Library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.
10.  Children requiring supervision must not be left unattended on library premises.
11. Members of the public may only use authorized entrances and exits and are not allowed in "Staff Only" areas without permission.
12. Library materials may not be taken into washrooms.
13. Posting notices, distributing circulars or petitions, soliciting or engaging in any commercial activity on library property must not be conducted without prior written approval of the Library Director or designee.
14. Members of the public must wear shirts and shoes and other appropriate attire.   Offensive attire will not be allowed.
15. Library staff will apply policies in a fair and respectful manner.
16. All customers observing proper conduct in the library are allowed to freely make use of the library. Details regarding public use are described in the policies listed above. Those whose conduct is disruptive to library operations and other customers' use of the library may have the privilege of using the library limited or denied to the extent necessary to deal with the problem.
17. Customers indulging in improper conduct may be asked to cease that conduct, to move to another location or activity, or to leave the library.
18. Severe or recurring violations of Library Rules as outlined in the Use of Facilities policy may result in the individual(s) involved being barred from any use of the library based on the Alberta Trespass to Premises Act or prosecution. 
19. An individual has the right to appeal his or her exclusion from the Library to the Town of Whitecourt Library Board.  All appeals must be in writing.

1. The Whitecourt & District Public Library provides free access to public computers and WiFi to preserve and promote universal access to a broad range of human knowledge, experience, information, and ideas. Internet access is provided in keeping with the Intellectual Freedom statements.
2. A password is required to use the WiFi and can be obtained by asking a Library staff member.
3. Public computers are available offering Internet access and MS Office software.
4. Session lengths for public computer use are 30 minutes or 1 hour per day.  Additional public computer sessions are permitted if no one is waiting.
5. The viewing of obscene, violent or offensive materials while using WiFi or public computers at the Library is not permitted.
6. Tampering with Library computers or peripherals; attempting to alter, disable or uninstall software or part thereof on Library computers; and installing any software on Library computers will not be permitted.
7. Saving is not permitted, and is subsequently blocked, from the library’s public computers.  Users are required to provide their own USB external drive if they wish to save anything.
8. The Library does not use content filters on its computers or WiFi access
9. Since the Internet is unregulated, the Library, its Staff and Board are not responsible for any images, video, or content considered false, invalid, controversial or offensive that may be accessed or viewed while in the Library or using Library supplied computers or WiFi access on a third-party device.
10. Since the Internet is not secure or private, the Library, its Staff and Board are not responsible for personal information, passwords, banking information, credit or debit card numbers, online transactions, etc. transmitted while using Library supplied computers or WiFi.
11.  The Library is not responsible for any hardware or software damages to devices belonging to visitors, guests, patrons or customers resulting from using Library provided computers or WiFi access.
12. Children are entitled to access to all information and facilities in the Library. As with other library materials, children's access to the Internet and other electronic networks is the responsibility of parents and guardians.
13. Library staff will not provide assistance or attempt to repair any visitor, guest, patron or customer supplied electronic device.
14. Certain copying or distribution of material found on the Internet may infringe on copyright or other intellectual property rights. The Library is not responsible for such infringements.
15. Library users are subject to federal, provincial and municipal legislation regulating Internet use, including the provisions of the Criminal Code regarding obscenity, child pornography, sedition and the incitement of hate. The use of the Library's computer or WiFi services for illegal purposes is prohibited, and may result in prosecution.
16. Computer workstations are situated in public areas, and users are expected to use the Internet in accordance with this environment. All users of the Whitecourt & District Public Library, including users of the Library's computer and WiFi services, are also expected to follow the Library's Rules of Conduct which are designed to ensure a welcoming environment. Disruptive, threatening, or otherwise intrusive behaviour is not allowed and Library staff are authorized to take action. Violations of this Policy and/or the Rules of Conduct may result in suspension of library privileges and exclusion from the Library, as well as prosecution.
17. Printing is provided through the library computers.  Charges for printing and photocopying are as follows:
    1. 1. Black & White:  $0.20 / side printed
       2. Colour:  $1.00 / side printed

1. The Library welcomes gifts of materials from individuals or groups. 
2. The same criteria and guidelines that apply to the selection of all Library materials are used to evaluate gifts. It is understood that gifts are freely given without conditions attached, unless specifically negotiated beforehand, and that all donations will be used or disposed of as the Library deems appropriate.

1. The Whitecourt & District Public Library has interlibrary loan agreements with many of other libraries throughout Alberta, Canada and internationally. 
2. If an item you wish to borrow is not available at your library, you may place an Interlibrary Loan request for the specific item.
3. To place a hold on a specific item, you can do so through the Online Public Access Catalogue, by calling the library, by emailing the library or in person at the library.
4. When your Interlibrary Loan item becomes available, you will be notified.  The method of notification depends on your desired notification method as specified by you when you set up or renewed your Library membership.
5. The Library will maintain your Interlibrary Loan item for 5 days from the date it becomes available.  After such time, the item will be returned to the loaning library and your Interlibrary Loan will automatically be cancelled.
6. Depending on the availability of the item desired and where the item is loaned from, the wait time for an Interlibrary Loan could range from a week to several months.
7. In some cases, Interlibrary Loan requests are never filled if no owning Library is willing to loan the item you have requested.
8. Due dates for items borrowed from other libraries vary and are set by the loaning library not your local library.  Please examine your date due slip closely upon checkout to determine the due dates of all borrowed items.
9. Any Interlibrary Loan items borrowed from another Library and subsequently damaged, lost or destroyed will incur a bill as set by the loaning Library, not the Whitecourt & District Public Library.
10. There may be a charge associated with an interlibrary loan request.  It is the borrower’s responsibility to pay for the interlibrary loan prior to receiving the item requested.

Items borrowed from the library have a borrowing period as specified below, with the exception of items borrowed from other libraries via interlibrary loan or hold and checked out at your local library. 

                    Item:                            Borrowing Period:                  Overdue Fine:

1. The date due slip you received upon original check out is your first and primary notification of when library materials are due back.
2. Additional notifications from the library regarding library materials coming due or have become overdue are not guaranteed and should not be relied on.
3. Notifications for borrowed materials are sent in the format and to the contact information you have provide us and we have on file.
4. Notifications are sent as a courtesy only and not guaranteed. 
5. The options to receive notifications include:
   1. 1. Automated phone messaging;
      2. Email; and
      3. Text messaging.
6. Due Date notifications are sent as follows:
   1. 1. Initial notification – date due slip received upon checkout;
      2. 1st reminder - 3 days before due date (email and text messaging notifications only);
      3. 1st overdue – 1 day after due date;
      4. 2nd overdue – 7 days after due date;
      5. 3rd overdue – 14 days after due date;
      6. Bill – 35 days after due date;
7. Holds and interlibrary loan notifications are sent when they become available at the library you designated as your pickup location.
8.  If you have $10.00 or more in amounts owing to the library, you will receive a notification of outstanding fees due.

1. Memberships with the Whitecourt & District Public Library are free for permanent residents of the Town of Whitecourt and Woodlands County.
2. Permanent resident of the Town of Whitecourt or Woodlands County is defined as anyone residing in either geographic location for longer than 6 months consecutively.
3. Individuals residing in Whitecourt or Woodlands County for less than 6 months are considered temporary residents and are required to pay a refundable deposit, as outlined in Schedule C, to obtain temporary library membership.
4. Individuals residing outside Whitecourt or Woodlands County will also be required to pay a refundable deposit, as outlined in Schedule C,  to obtain a temporary library membership.
5. The temporary library membership deposit is refundable when each of the following is met:
   1. 1. The Library card is returned;
      2. All outstanding items on the account are returned; and
      3. No outstanding fines or fees exist on the customer’s account. 
6.  Refunds for temporary library memberships will be made up to 1 year after the expiration of the membership after which time the deposit is forfeited to the Library.
7.  Regular library memberships are valid for 1 year. 
8.  Temporary memberships are valid for up to 6 months.

1. Any items borrowed from the library that are not returned in the same condition as they were checked out will incur damage charges or a bill to replace the item, depending on the severity of the damage.  Whitecourt & District Public Library Staff will determine what charges will be levied for damaged items.
2. Any items borrowed from the library that are lost or destroyed will incur a bill to replace the item.
3. A $3 processing fee will be levied against any damaged item requiring replacement, all lost items and all destroyed items.
4. Failure to pay a bill for replacement of lost, damaged or destroyed item(s) within 30 days of the bill being issued will result in the customer’s account being remitted to a Collection Agency.

1. Library members are responsible for all items checked out on their account.
2. Library members are responsible for returning all items checked out on their account on or before the due date.
3. Library members are responsible for returning all items checked out on their account in the same condition as it was loaned to you.
4. Library members are responsible for paying all overdue fines and any fees for damaged, lost, destroyed, or non-returned items on their account or any linked family member account.
5. All fines and fees on your account must be paid off in full before any further circulation activities are allowed.

Change of Name, Address, Phone Number, Email

1. If you have a change of name, address, phone number, email address, etc., please notify the Library immediately so we can update your account and continue to communicate with you.
2. The Library is not responsible for communicating or sending notices if the information on file has not been updated and is subsequently invalid.

Lost or Stolen Library Cards

1. If your Library card is lost or stolen, please notify the Library immediately so we can place a block on your account to prevent someone else from using your account.
2. You are responsible for all items checked out on your account up to the date and time staff at the Whitecourt & District Public library are notified of the lost or stolen library card.
3. The cost to replace a lost or stolen library card is $2.00.

1. If an item you wish to borrow is currently checked out at your library, you may place a hold on the specific item.
2. To place a hold on a specific item, you can do so through the Online Public Access Catalogue, by calling the library, by emailing the library or in person at the library.
3. When your held item becomes available, you will be notified.  The method of notification depends on your desired notification method as specified by you when you set up or renewed your library membership.
4. The library will hold your requested item for 5 days from the date it becomes available.  After such time, the item will be returned into general circulation and your hold will automatically be cancelled.
5. Depending on the number of outstanding holds and copies available for the item you have requested, the wait time for a held item could range from an hour, a week or several months.
6. In some cases, hold requests are never filled if the only available copy is never returned by a previous borrower, stolen or destroyed.  In such cases an alternative Interlibrary Loan request may become necessary if desired.
7. Due dates for items borrowed from other libraries vary and are set by the loaning library not your local library.  Please examine your date due slip closely upon checkout to determine the due dates of all borrowed items.
8.  Any held items borrowed from another library and subsequently damaged, lost or destroyed will incur a bill as set by the loaning library, not the Whitecourt & District Public Library.

1. The Program Room is available free of charge for bookings by any non-profit group or individual not charging a fee or not selling goods or services.
2. Bookings are on a first come, first served basis.
3. Bookings can be made up to a maximum of 6 months into the future.
4. Bookings are made either by calling the Library, visiting the Library or emailing the Library.
5. Bookings are not guaranteed until confirmed by a Library Staff member.
6. The name of the organization, the purpose of the Program Room usage, a contact name and contact phone number are required at the time of booking
7. Any cancellation of a Program Room booking must be done at least 24 hours in advance
8. Failure to cancel a booking at least 24 hours in advance or failure to show up for a booked event may result in future bookings for that group or individual being denied without notice.
9. The program room can only be used during Library business hours.  Events cannot start before the Library opens and must be completed before the Library closes
10. Scheduled library events such as Library Board meetings, summer reading program events, story times, etc. have priority and may result in the rescheduling, cancellation, or move of a non-library event
11. It is the responsibility of the individual or organization booking the program room to set up the room prior to usage and return it to its original state after usage
12. Any additional services or resources required are the sole responsibility of the individual or group booking the program room
13. In accordance with the Canadian Copyright Act any viewing or exhibition of films must have Public Performance Rights.  Films may be shown if a license has been purchased by the organizer from a public performance rights holder.  The Library assumes no responsibility if a film is shown in non-compliance with the licensing requirements
14. Where music is publicly performed or played, a SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) license fee must be paid for by the organizer. For pre-recorded music, a Re-Sound license fee may also be required.  The Library assumes no responsibility if music is publicly performed or played in non-compliance with the licensing requirements.
15. Food and drinks are prohibited unless special permission is granted at the time of booking.
16. The serving or distribution of alcohol is strictly prohibited in the program room as well as the rest of the Library property.
17. The Program Room must be left in an orderly state, e.g. coffee machine / cups cleaned, blackboard wiped, chairs and tables returned to their original place, all garbage picked up and removed, etc.  Failure to leave the Program Room in an orderly state will result in future bookings by that individual or group being denied.

1. Renewals are not guaranteed.
2. Most Library items can be renewed up to 2 times beyond the original due date, except for the following:
   1. 1. eBook Readers, iPods and Power Meters which cannot be renewed;
      2. DVDs that have an original circulation period of 21 days and cannot be renewed;
      3. Some interlibrary loans where the loaning library has specified a different due date;
      4. A hold or interlibrary loan request by another library customer on the item you have borrowed which blocks any renewal;
      5. Outstanding fines or fees on your account blocking any renewals until paid in full;
      6. Expired memberships or memberships that will expire during a renewal period.
3. Renewals can be initiated:
   1. 1.  Online through the library’s public access catalogue;
      2. Online through the library’s website;
      3. By emailing the Library;
      4. By calling the Library during business hours or;
      5. In person at the Library.
4.  Renewals are not automatic.  It is up to the customer to initiate the renewal process.
5.  Renewals must be initiated on or before the due date to avoid any overdue fines.
6.  The renewal period is usually the equivalent of the borrowing period, unless notified otherwise.
7.  The new renewal due date is usually the equivalent of the borrowing period starting from the date the renewal was initiated.  The renewal due date will be specified to the customer, depending on how the customer renewed their outstanding items.

1. Library users who object to materials located in the collection are asked to complete and submit a written request for the reconsideration of library materials.  A form to request the reconsideration of an item in the library collection is available at the library.
2. Decisions made about challenged materials will be communicated to the originators of the requests following completion of a formal review conducted by the Library Director and Library Board of Trustees.
3. Some of the Library's digital content is provided using third-party vendors. The Library subscribes to services in which the third-party vendor, and not Library staff, determines the specific titles or materials made available through the service. In these circumstances, the Library is unable to reconsider specific materials that Library users object to

1. Library staff reserves the right to suspend borrowing privileges for violations or abuse of Library privileges.
2. Memberships that have expired will have all borrowing and library privileges suspended until the account is reactivated and is in good standing.
3. Memberships with outstanding fines or fees will have borrowing and library privileges suspended until all outstanding fines and fees are paid in full.