Building Policies

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The Medford Public Library complies with ADA guidelines. Handicapped parking spaces are located in front of the ramped High Street entrance. An assistive listening device and TTY are available at the Information Desk inside the High Street entrance. The TTY number is (781) 395-7950. Large print books, Books on Tape, and a CCTV system are available for the visually impaired. Please see the librarian at the Information Desk for more information.

A book drop is located outside the High St. entrance. The book drop is open when the library is closed, and books only may be returned in the drop. A fine $2.00 per item will be charged for magazines, cassettes, CD’s, CD-Roms, or books on tape returned in the drop. A fine of $5.00 per item will be charged for videos, DVDs or museum passes returned in the book drop.

No smoking, food, drink, bare feet or pets are allowed in the building. No solicitation of the public or staff is allowed in the building or on Library grounds. Patrons who engage in disruptive behavior (such as but not limited to yelling of throwing objects) will be advised of their unacceptable behavior and will be required to leave the building if the behavior continues. The Reference area has been designated as a quiet study area and no talking is allowed in that area.

• Members of the public may distribute free literature at the display and distribution areas of the Library reserved for this purpose. There is a public bulletin board in the rear hallway of the Library, a bulletin board for children’s and family information, and a spinner for flyers are located in the front lobby.
• Sales literatures from profit-making organizations or individuals, political campaign flyers, and proselytizing materials will not be accepted.
• The Community Services and Children’s Librarian monitor items for posting, and items should be submitted for approval. Because of limited space, the Library reserves the right to limit size, arrangement, display time allotted, type of material and number of items per groups.
• The Medford Public Library does not endorse and is in no way responsible for the views expressed in any notices, nor is the Library responsible for loss or damage to any item on display.

Cell phone use is prohibited in the library building.

• Public internet terminals are available in the Reference and Children’s Departments (see below for details).
• The library computers are not configured for word processing or downloading functions. Please see the Reference Librarian for a list of locations where word processing facilities are available.
• Patrons are welcome to plug in laptops in the Library. Outlets are located by the windows on the High St. side of the building.
• Color printers are attached to the internet terminals. The cost of printing is .25 per page. Paper is available at the Reference, Information, and Children’s Desks. Printing charges cover the cost of printer ink and supplies.

A coin operated copy machine is available for public use. Copies are .10 per page. Change for $1.00 can be obtained at the Circulation Desk.

A baby changing station is available in the Women’s room across from the stairs in the rear hallway. Please ask at the Circulation Desk to be buzzed into the bathroom. This station is for use by both Moms and Dads.

Locked display cases are available in the Adult and Children’s areas. Exhibits are scheduled on a monthly basis. If you have a display that you would like to share, please contact the Reference Department at (781) 395-7950.

Home delivery of library materials can be arranged for homebound patrons who are unable to make it into the Library. For more information, or to arrange for delivery please call Mary Gallant in the Reference Department at (781) 395-7950.

Public internet computers are available in the Reference Department, and filtered internet access is available in the Children’s Department. Users may sign up for a computer in half hour increments, with a limit of two hours per person per day. To use an internet terminal between 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday you will be asked to leave a library card or other ID at the Reference Desk.

Color printers are attached to the internet terminals. The cost of printing is .25 per page. Paper is available at the Reference, Information, and Children’s Desks. Printing charges cover the cost of printer ink and supplies.

The Library now provides wireless access to the internet in all public areas. To access the internet connection, simply turn on your computer. On some models, an icon will display, and on others access will be available through the existing internet connection on the computer. Electrical outlets are available on the High St. side of the building by the windows.

Please be aware that wireless transmissions may not be secure. Cautious and informed wireless users should not transmit their credit card information, passwords or any other sensitive personal information while using any wireless "hot spot."

Users are responsible for making sure their computer has the correct settings and necessary hardware. Library staff cannot assist users in configuring their equipment or troubleshooting problems. The library cannot guarantee that a user's hardware will work with the library's wireless connection.

• The Magoun Room is available to the public, and seats up to 80 people. Chairs and tables are available. A small kitchen is available and light, non-alcoholic refreshments may be served. Clean-up and repair or replacement costs for damage to equipment or facilities are the responsibility of the organization which booked the room.
• Meetings in the Magoun room must be free and open to the public at all times. The use of the room is restricted to non-profit public groups and organizations. Restrictive pre-registration is prohibited and no sales or profit-making arrangements may take place.
• The Magoun Room is available for use only during the hours that the Library is open Monday through Friday, and he room is not available on Saturdays. The room cannot be reserved on a weekly or monthly basis because of the subsequent restriction of availability.
• The Magoun room is available to the public on a equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliation so f the groups using the space. Use of the Library’s meeting room does not constitute endorsement of an organization’s beliefs or policies.
• Booking forms for the room are available at the Information Desk. All bookings are subject to the approval of the Library Director.

The Medford Public Library welcomes children and strives to provide a positive atmosphere for them. We welcome children and want them to

• Learn from an abundance of stimulating library resources
• Fully experience the library without interfering with other patrons
• Feel safe in a public building

Young children left alone while at the library, even for a short time, often become frightened or anxious. Older children can become bored and disruptive when left alone in the library in lieu of appropriate after school care. The library is a public building and the staff cannot be held responsible for the safety of an unattended child, even for short periods of time. Please safeguard your children by ensuring that there are properly supervised, and by following the policies outlined below:

1. While in the library, children aged eight or younger shall at all times be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible adult.
2. Children under the age of eight attending a library program must be brought into the building by a responsible adult who must remain in the building until the conclusion of the program when they again resume supervision of their child.
3. Children who are nine years of age or older may be unaccompanied but, as always, must obey the library’s rules of conduct. Failure to do so will result in expulsion from the building for the day.
4. Parents, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. This is a public building, serving the needs of people of all ages.
5. The library is not an appropriate day care alternative. Children of any age are not to be left in the building for this purpose.
6. Violations of this policy may result in suspension of library privileges.

The Library encourages the participation of volunteers in library projects. Applications for volunteer positions are available at the Circulation and Information Desks. For more information please call the Library at (781) 395-7950.