Policies

Policy Statement:
The Swansea Free Public Library is designed to be a safe and comfortable place for all members of the public to use.  Patrons are expected to observe the rights of other patrons and staff members.  The Swansea Free Public Library’s Behavior Policy is intended to protect the rights and safety of library patrons, to protect the rights and safety of staff members, and to preserve and protect the library’s materials, facilities, and property.

Definition and Scope:
Patrons who exhibit disruptive behavior in the library will be asked to follow the rules listed in the behavior policy.  Patrons who continue to cause disruptive behavior will be asked to leave the library premises.
Disruptive Behavior is generally defined as “any patron behavior that interferes with the normal operation of the library or which interferes with another patron’s ability to use the library.” 
The Library Director and other staff members to whom the Director delegates the authority (and who are on duty at the time) shall have the responsibility for enforcing the Behavior Policy and determining when behavior in the library is inappropriate.

Regulations:
The following types of disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in the library:

1. Any behavior that endangers the safety or health of others
2. Violation of any local, state, or federal law
3. Carrying firearms or dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers)
4. Use of abusive or intimidating language or gestures to patrons or staff members
5. Behavior that is willfully annoying, threatening, or harassing* to another person
6. Any sexual behavior or conduct, either consensual or non-consensual
7. Touching, moving , or damaging the library security cameras
8. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or use of alcohol, cigarettes, vapor products, marijuana, or illegal substances in the library
9. Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library materials or property
10. Theft of library materials or the personal property of other patrons and staff
11. Taking library materials into the restrooms
12. Poor hygiene that constitutes a nuisance
13. Soliciting of any kind
14. Running, or riding skateboards or bicycles
15. Use of the library telephone for personal business, unless in an emergency or a request for transportation
16. Loud talking, laughing, or using audio equipment or cell phones that disturbs or could disturb other patrons
17. Inappropriate dress, such bathing suits and wet clothing or not wearing a shirt or shoes in the library
18. Other kinds of behavior deemed inappropriate in the opinion of the Director or designated staff members

*Harassment is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally to produce psychological or physical discomfort, embarrassment, or ridicule.  Harassment is characterized by requests for sexual contact, unwelcome physical advances, or conduct (verbal or physical) of a nature that is intimidating, demeaning, hostile, offensive, or potentially dangerous to self or others.
 
The library staff reserves the right to ask a patron to leave the library for any of the reasons listed above.

Procedure:
Enforcement of these regulations may take the form of any of the following, depending on the severity of the misconduct, which will be determined by the staff on duty at the time. These disciplinary procedures are guidelines. The library may implement any procedure listed, including an immediate ban from the library premises at any time.

Minor Disruption:  In the case of a minor disruption, the library patron will receive two warnings.  If the behavior continues, the patron may be asked to leave the library for a stated period of suspension.

Extreme Misconduct:  In the case of any misconduct that, in the judgment of a staff member, is extreme, the offender may be given only one warning, may be ordered to leave the library immediately for a stated period of suspension, or the police may be called.
In cases where a policy violation occurs involving a child under the age of 17, the staff will give the child two warnings. If the behavior continues, the library director will call and inform the parents that their child was asked to leave the library for a stated period of suspension and explain the circumstances.  Parents of minor children may be held responsible for any damages caused to library materials or computers by their child.  
If the child continues to cause disruptive behavior in the library, the child and parents or guardian must meet with the Library Director to review policy rules before the child can return to use the library.
 
Permanent Ban from the Library:
Patrons who engage in repeated disruptive behaviors that interfere with others’ use of the library or the general operation of the library or engage in behaviors that violate the law may be permanently banned from the Swansea Free Public Library premises by the Director. A written notice of permanent ban may be given to the patron.  A written appeal of the Library Director’s decision may be made to the Library Board within 30 days.
 
Exceptions to the above may be authorized by the Library Director and/or other designee.
 
Neither the Director nor any other member of the library staff is a professional medical or legal expert.  All actions taken shall be subject to the best opinion of the Director and library staff.
The Swansea Free Public Library staff will be consistent with enforcing this Behavior Policy to ensure the safety of patrons and staff and create an environment that is enjoyable to our patrons.  This policy also ensures that the quality of library materials is maintained.

Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, October 18, 2018

Mission of the Swansea Free Public Library

The Swansea Free Public Library is a strong community partner providing programs and services that bring people together, foster creativity, and encourage lifelong learning.

Collection Development Policy Statement

The Swansea Free Public Library strives to provide library materials that are a reflection of Swansea. Materials and services are chosen to reflect the diverse educational, informational and recreational needs and interests of library users. 

In addition to the collection’s subject content, the Swansea Free Public Library recognizes that all types and formats of media, including but not limited to print, non-print and digital resources, are an important part of the collection. As the library and its users function in a rapidly changing society, the library is flexible about changes in material formats, both in form and style of expression.

The Swansea Free Public Library upholds the professional standards of the American Library Association, including but not limited to the Freedom to Read, the Code of Ethics and The Library Bill of Rights (see appendix) . The board recognizes its rights and responsibilities to provide worthwhile materials of interest to its readers, including those of a controversial nature, without judgement.

The library does not advocate particular beliefs or views. The selection of any given item is not an endorsement of the viewpoint expressed. Access to library materials shall be controlled only to the extent necessary to protect them from danger or theft. Selection of materials is not restricted by the possibility that young people may obtain materials their guardians deem inappropriate.

Responsibility for Selection

In accordance with MGL Chapter 78, Section 11, the Board of Trustees of the Swansea Free Public Library has custody and management of the library and contents within. The board authorizes the library director to administer the function of enforcing the collection development policy

Selection

Swansea Library staff use a variety of tools to aid in selection of materials, including but not limited to, sources such as professional review journals, print and broadcast media, bookstores, publishers’ catalogs, purchase alerts and recommendations from library users.

Trained library staff exercise professional judgement and local experience in the application of materials selection criteria, including an assessment of the work’s overall contribution to the collection. Factors such as budget, space availability and interlibrary loan availability also shape selection decisions.

Criteria:

• Level of funding for materials
• Relevance to Library’s mission and service roles
• Relevance to existing collection’s strengths and weaknesses
• Local demand
• Current usefulness or interest
• Informational and recreational needs of community
• Authority and accuracy
• Importance as a record of the times
• High standards of quality in content and format
• Price and availability
• Suitability of format, durability and ease of use
• Relevance to the history of Swansea and Southeastern Massachusetts

In the development of the collection, the library recognizes that it is difficult for a mid-sized public library to provide a comprehensive collection that is strong enough to meet all community needs. As a member of an automated resource sharing network (SAILS) and a state supported library system (Massachusetts Library System), the Swansea Free Public Library supplements its resources with materials borrowed from other libraries through these larger entities.

All public libraries contain materials that some patrons may find objectionable. Libraries may also omit from the collection materials that some patrons feel are important. In either case, the library has procedures that patrons may use in requesting materials to be added to the collection as well as the reconsideration of materials.

The race, religion, nationality or political views of an author or creator; offensive language; depictions or descriptions of violence or sexually explicit activity; controversial content of an item; or endorsement or disapproval by an individual or group in the community does not cause an item automatically to be included or left out from the library’s collection.

Responsibility for supervising children’s use of the library and library materials rests with parents or legal guardians. At no time will the library staff act in loco parentis. Selection of library material will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

Gifts and Donations

Accepting gifts and donations is an important way for the library to benefit from the generosity of the community it serves. Gifts and donations of materials are reviewed using the same criteria as library purchases and are subject to the Gift Policy of the Swansea Free Public Library.

Collection Maintenance

In order to maintain a collection that is current, reliable, useful, in good condition, and relating to the needs and interests of Swansea residents, materials are withdrawn on a systematic and continuing basis. This function is necessitated by limitations of space and acquisition of new materials.

Each title is judged individually, and it is considered from the standpoint of value to the entire community, as well as in relation to other items in the collection. Materials may be withdrawn when they are seldom used, in poor condition, dated, inaccurate, superseded by a new edition or better resource on the subject, or in opposition to the selection criteria, as allowed by Massachusetts General Law. 

The Board of Trustees of the Swansea Free Public Library approves the disposal of library surplus or unwanted property as permitted under MGL Chapter 78, Section 11 and MGL Chapter 30B, Section 15.

Special Collections

The Swansea Free Public Library maintains a local history collection based on important figures and events in Swansea history. The Local History collection policy guides selection criteria of this collection. 

The Swansea Free Public Library maintains a Local Authors collection. 

Reconsideration

The choice of library materials by a library user is an individual matter. While a person is free to reject materials for oneself, they may not restrict the freedom to choose those materials by other users.

The Swansea Free Public Library recognizes that certain materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some library users. Library users have the right to express concerns about library resources and have the objection taken seriously.

A library user who has concerns with library materials is encouraged to discuss them with library staff. If the library user is not satisfied with informal conversation with library staff, a Formal Statement of Concern About Library Resources may be made. 

Disposal of Library Property

Massachusetts General Law allows the library to donate items at less than fair market value to non-profit organizations. Print and non-print materials that are withdrawn from the collection according to the Collection Maintenance guidelines are offered by the Friends of the Swansea Free Public Library [a 501(c)(3) organization for re-sale. The board authorizes the library director to administer this function as permitted under MGL Chapter 30B Section 15(g). The director is also authorized to develop and enforce rules and procedures to dispose of this property.

The Board of Trustees shall vote annually to renew authority for the disposal of withdrawn library materials for the subsequent year.

Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, August 20, 2025

The Swansea Free Public Library is committed to providing free and open access to informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resources for library users of all ages and backgrounds, including unfiltered access to the Internet. The Library encourages lifelong learning, promotes literacy, and provides free and open access to library materials and information services.

The Internet is an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal, inaccurate, or incomplete. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.

In accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and a supplemental document entitled Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks, the Library does not control or monitor access to material which may be accessible on the Internet. Parents may find that some information on the Internet may be unsuitable for their children, or may not reflect their personal values. Parents and guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the information selected and accessed by their children. Parents and guardians, not the library or its staff, are also responsible for information disseminated by minors through email, chat rooms, or other direct electronic communication. Parents are strongly encouraged to instruct children never to give out personal information online. For further information on children’s access to the Internet, parents are encouraged to read the Child Safety on the Information Highway.

Rules governing use of the library computers are designed to address the following goals:
 

• Equitable access to the services by all users
• Ready availability of a computer for users coming into the library
• Minimal use of library staff time regulating the use of machines

 
Therefore, these rules apply to use of the library computers:
 

• Use of all Internet computers in the library is generally limited to three-hour total computer time per day per patron
• Patrons using the Internet computers must login using their SAILS Library Network card number
• Guest passes are available for those patrons without a library card
• Patrons must be responsive to library staff’s requests in regard to enforcement of the rules above
• No more than two people may use a computer at one time; this number may be limited further if access to other machines is blocked
• Public Environment: Whether using a library computer or a personal laptop, patrons prohibited from displaying graphics which are inappropriate for public viewing, or playing audio that could disturb other patrons.

 
 It is not acceptable to use computers at the Swansea Free Public Library for illegal or abusive purposes including, but not limited to, the following:

• Violations of any local, state, or federal statutes
• Displaying text or graphics which may be considered obscene and defined in MLG 272# 31
• Tampering with hardware or software
• Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials in any format
• Transmission of chain letters, broadcast letters, or any form of junk mail
• Transmission of threatening, obscene, or harassing materials
• Transmission of computer viruses
• Unauthorized access to local and remote computer systems, including hacking and other unlawful activities
• Activities which interfere with or are disruptive to other users, services, or equipment
• unauthorized disclosure of personal identification about a third party

 
The Swansea Free Public Library assumes no liability for any damage to user data or loss of user privacy sustained while using the library’s computer equipment. In addition, the Library makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, with respect to any technology, equipment, software, or other library materials.
 
  
Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, October 18, 2018

The Board of Library Trustees authorizes the Library Director to dispose of surplus or  unwanted library property as permitted under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter  30B Section 15. Tangible supply; disposition.  

The Library Director is authorized to develop, in conjunction with the Chief  Procurement Officer for the Town of Swansea, rules and procedures to dispose of  surplus library property. 

The Library Director shall be responsible for the application and enforcement of the  rules and procedures pertaining to the disposition of surplus library property.  

The Library Board of Trustees shall vote at their last meeting of the fiscal year to renew  this authority for the subsequent fiscal year.  

Procedures for the Disposal of Donations 

The Swansea Free Public Library will accept donations of books, DVDS, games, toys,  electronics, and other equipment in accordance with the library Gift & Donation Policy.  

The library will give donated items that it cannot use to a 501(C)3 non-profit  organization or to other tax exempt, non-profit entities. 

Any materials or equipment shall be donated to a nonprofit on the condition that these  items are offered for sale or gift to the public in “as is” condition and without warranties  being offered or implied. 

Procedures for the Disposal of Library Property 

Print and non-print materials that are withdrawn from the library collection according  to the guidelines established in the Collection Development Policy may be offered to the  Friends of Library for re-sale. 

Items that the Friends of Library cannot sell may be donated to other tax exempt,  nonprofit organizations, or may be discarded if in poor condition. 

Equipment no longer needed by the library shall be offered to other town departments.  If no town department expresses an interest in the equipment, the following procedure  shall be used: 

∙ Items will be listed at a public auction approved by, and at a time determined by,  the Town of Swansea.

∙ An item will be determined to have no market value if it receives no bids after  being listed at a public auction. 

∙ Surplus library equipment that has no trade-in value or is valued at less than fair  market price may be donated to other tax exempt, non-profit organizations, or  may be discarded.  

Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees 06/23/2021

The Swansea Free Public Library deeply values equity of access to information and resources and the pursuit of intellectual freedom for all patrons. In support of these principles, we welcome all members of the community and seek to provide a safe and inclusive space for all visitors, regardless of race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, actual or perceived gender identity or expression, disability, age, national or ethnic origin, or socio-economic status.

As such, Swansea Free Public Library upholds the rights of all individuals to use its facilities without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, April 25, 2019

The Swansea Free Public Library (SFPL) encourages and appreciates private support of  the Swansea Free Public Library. To ensure that all gifts are appropriate to the Library’s  mission, the following guidelines have been adopted: 

1. The Library will determine the acceptance of each gift. 

2. Monetary donations to the Library Gift Fund can be sent by check c/o the Library  Director, 69 Main Street, Swansea MA 02777. 

3. The SFPL selectively accepts gifts of books, DVDs, CDs, video games, board games, puzzles, and electronics equipment for public use. Gifts to the SFPL are judged on  the same criteria as purchased material. The SFPL is unable to house and promote  a substantial special collection. Conditions of display, housing, access, and  withdrawal are considered. The appraisal of a gift for tax purposes is the  responsibility of the donor. 

4. Personal property, antiques, and collectibles may be accepted at the discretion of the Director in consultation with the LBOT, with the understanding that they may  be sold, given away, or otherwise discarded. 

5. Works of art will be accepted at the discretion of the Director in consultation with  the LBOT with the understanding that they may be sold, given away, or otherwise  disposed of. The Director in consultation with the LBOT reserves the right to  determine the location and display of donated artwork. The Director or LBOT may  request that an artwork be accompanied by a current appraisal of value and may  request evidence of bona fide artistic importance and merit of the work and  reputation of the artist. An appropriate deed of gift, or similar document, transferring sole and exclusive ownership of the artwork to the SFPL, will be required. 

6. Memorial gifts may be refused if an expenditure of library funds and/or staff time  is necessary to make the gift usable. The SFPL does not guarantee the purchase of  specifically identified titles with such funds. Donors are encouraged to recommend subject areas if desired, but do not have the right of approval of titles before  purchase. 

7. Recognition of Gifts: Library Bookplates will be placed in library materials  purchased with gift funds, format permitting. Programs and services made  possible by gift funds will include recognition of such benefactors in the  supporting literature. The SFPL will acknowledge each gift with a letter to the donor.

8. Any restrictions on gifts must be submitted in writing and approved by the Library  Director in consultation with the Library Board of Trustees. Restricted monetary  gifts will be accepted on the condition that the specific use requested is consistent  with the mission, vision, and values of the SFPL. 

9. The responsibility for the appraisal or the estimation of the value of gift donations lies with the donor. The SFPL will not assess or suggest a value for non-monetary  gifts for income tax or other purposes; any letter of acknowledgment will not  contain a statement of value. 

Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees June 23, 2021

Attendance at Swansea Free Public Library programs & events constitutes consent to be photographed and/or recorded for use in print and/or electronic publicity for Swansea Free Public Library (the Library). Such outlets include, but are not limited to, publications, productions, presentations, displays and the Internet, including Library-sponsored social media websites. Once published, content may be shared or repurposed with or without the consent of the Library. The Library takes no responsibility for the sharing and/or republishing of photograph(s), video(s) and/or recording(s) by third parties, or for the management of content beyond its own publications and websites.

Photograph(s), video(s) and/or recording(s) will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the subject, parent or legal guardian.

If you wish to withhold your consent, please notify library staff.

Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, April 25, 2019

The Swansea Free Public Library is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment that encourages all children to visit the library, attend programs, and use library resources. Library staff is available to assist and support children and their caretakers in using the Library.
The library encourages frequent visits by children and their families. However, library staff cannot provide child care or assume responsibility for children's safety.
 

• Parents, guardians, teachers, and caregivers, not the library staff, are responsible for the safety and behavior of children visiting the library. Staff cannot be placed in the position of supervising unattended children.
• Children are expected to behave in a manner conducive to maintaining an appropriate atmosphere in the building for all patrons. For more information please see the Library’s Behavior Policy and Computer and Internet Use Policy
• Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied and adequately supervised by a responsible caregiver, and children under the age of 6 must be in the immediate vicinity of that caregiver at all times
• Young people age 10 and older may visit the library independently, but they are still the legal responsibility of their parents. Young people who visit the library by themselves must know how to reach a responsible caregiver in case of emergencies, health and safety issues, inappropriate behavior, or early closure. The library’s business phone may only be used in urgent situations.
• If a young person’s behavior is unduly disruptive, he or she may not be allowed to remain in the library or to visit again unaccompanied.
• Both children and adults need to be aware of the library’s closing time. Young people must be picked up from the library by the time the library closes. If any young person remains at the library 15 minutes after closing, staff may call the proper authorities. Library staff may not provide rides to any youth library patrons.

 
 
Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, October 18, 2018

The Swansea Free Public Library (the Library) welcomes interaction with members of the community on various social networking websites, platforms and media. The Library invites comments, posts and messages, while recognizing and respecting differences of opinion and upholding the standards of ethics and conduct delineated for staff and patrons in the Swansea Free Public Library behavior Policy. The Library seeks to provide social media users with environments free from discrimination and obscenities. Therefore, all comments, posts and messages are subject to review by the Library. The Library reserves the right to remove any comment, post or message that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of intellectual property rights, or otherwise inappropriate.  Content containing the following will be removed:

• Disrespectful, inflammatory or off-topic comments
• Obscene, racist or otherwise threatening comments
• Personal attacks or insults
• Plagiarized material (quotations without credit lines)
• Information that is likely to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems
• Private or personal information published without consent
• Commercial promotions, spam or organized political activity
• Hyperlinks and images which meet any of the above criteria

If it happens that any individual repeatedly and/or habitually provides content to Library-sponsored websites that meets the criteria above, the Library reserves the right to permanently withhold that individual’s ability to post to Library-sponsored websites via the security options available for the website in question.

The Library further reserves the right to reproduce comments, posts and messages in other public venues, without further permission from subscribers. The Swansea Free Public Library will not be held responsible or liable for the content posted by any subscriber to any Library-sponsored website.

Interaction (posting, commenting, or messaging) with any Library-sponsored page, constitutes the indemnification of the Swansea Free Public Library, its employees, its affiliates and the Town of Swansea from and against any and all liabilities, judgments, damages and costs incurred by any of them which arise out of or are related to content you post.  The Library assumes no liability regarding any event or interaction that takes place by any participant on any Library-sponsored social networking website.

Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, April 25, 2019

The purchase and selection of library materials by the library is a public matter. The collection is curated to reflect the educational, informational and recreational needs and interests of all library users. Purchases are intended to strengthen the collection as a whole, and the public has a right to request resources for purchase or share their purchase concerns with the library.

The choice of library materials by a library user is an individual matter. While a person is free to reject materials for oneself, they may not restrict the freedom to choose those materials by other library users. The Swansea Free Public Library recognizes that certain materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some library users. 

Responsibility for supervising children’s use of the library and library materials rests with parents or legal guardians. At no time will the library staff act in loco parentis. Selection of library material will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

Library users have the right to express concerns about library resources and have their objection taken seriously. A library user who has concerns with library materials is encouraged to discuss them with library staff. If the library user is not satisfied with informal conversation with library staff, a formal Statement of Concern About Library Resources may be made. 

The Library Director will review the resource, evaluate the original decision and current community needs for the resource, meet with library staff and meet with the individual to review the complaint. The Director will make a written ruling on the request, based on the Swansea Free Public Library’s Collection Development policy. In this process, the principles of freedom to read, listen and view the item are defended. 

If the individual is not satisfied with the Director’s decision, the person may make a written request to the Board of Trustees. The Trustees’ decision is final.

Eligibility: To file a Statement of Concern, the requesting individual must be a member of the greater Swansea community served by the library. Anonymous submissions will not be considered.

Time limit: Any resource reconsidered under this procedure will not be the subject of a review again for a period of three years from the date of the Library Director’s receipt of the initial objection form.

User-Initiated, Library Hosted Resources

In addition, the library provides meeting space and display space for community groups and individuals to present their own content to the public. The Display/Exhibit Policy and the Meeting Rooms Use policy delineate how these spaces can be used. 

Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, August 20, 2025

The Swansea Free Public Library employs video surveillance camera systems at the library facility. These cameras are in use to enhance the physical security of the library, its property, staff and patrons.

We strive to protect the privacy of our patrons and therefore use this equipment in accordance with state laws and retention policies.  Images on this system are removed in the shortest amount of time allowed by law.  We reserve the right to disclose surveillance camera images to law enforcement personnel voluntarily or upon request.  The library will not allow patrons to view surveillance footage; requests must be made by law enforcement.

Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, April 25, 2019