General Library Policies

Look here for information about how to get a library card, how to access other library collections, how to use our meeting rooms, or to learn about our lending guidelines or internet use policy. Our current and complete policy manual is also available online.

How to get a library card:
The Romeo District Library serves residents of Bruce Township, Village of Romeo, and Washington Township. Library cards are available free of charge to all residents of Bruce and Washington Townships and the Village of Romeo and to non-resident tax payers of the above municipalities.

Apply for a library card by bringing your driver's license or Michigan identification card with current Bruce/Romeo/Washington address to the library.

Children under age 16 should be accompanied by a parent with current Bruce/Romeo/Washington address verification.

If you do not have a driver's license with your current address, please inquire about other identification needed.

The Romeo District Library is a member of the Suburban Library Cooperative and Michicard programs.

The Romeo District Library also provides access to out of area libraries through the Michicard program which provides access to print materials in participating Michigan libraries.

Romeo District Library cardholders are also free to use our interlibrary loan system to obtain items from libraries all over the united states.

Lending Guidelines
Most items circulate for three weeks. However, some audio-visual and "in-demand" items may have shorter check-out periods.

3 week loans: books, audiocassettes, compact discs, and children's magazines.

1 week loans: magazines, new fiction, and new movies (less than four months old), and special items.

Overdue Fines
New movies are 50 cents per day up to $25.00

Everything else 15 cents per day up to $5.00 (maximum is lower on magazines and children's paperbacks)
Fines stop accumulating when the item is returned or the maximum is reached.

Internet Use Policy
       
XII. INTERNET USE POLICY

The Romeo District Library is pleased to offer access to the wealth of information resources available on the Internet. On-line access to information enhances the library's traditional collections. 

 The Internet is a global network not governed by any single entity.  The Romeo District Library is unable to monitor or control the content of the materials on the Internet which changes rapidly and unpredictably.  The Library assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of any Internet resource.  Neither the Romeo District Library, its officers, Director, or employees shall be liable for any damages direct or consequential, including lost profits, for any information obtained or provided on the Internet.  Users should evaluate Internet sources just as they would do printed publications, questioning the validity of the information provided.  The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature.

 Parents and guardians of children under eighteen (18) are responsible for their children's use of the Internet.  The Library staff assists patrons of all ages to find information from the Internet and other electronic resources.  Parents and caregivers may determine that some electronic information is not appropriate for their children, therefore, they need to be actively interested in and responsible for supervision of their children's online use of the Internet.  Librarians cannot act in place of parents.

 GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE USE
The Romeo District Library requires that a user of the Internet will:

 1.  Access the Library's network for educational, information and recreational purposes.

 2.  Refrain from practices that interfere with fair and public use of the Internet and its users.  These practices include, but are not limited to, the following:

            --Hacking (breaking into or out of any system)

            --Spreading computer viruses

Actions that violate local, state or federal law will be prosecuted.

 3.  Users have the right of confidentiality and the right of privacy.  Users should be advised, however, that because security is technically difficult to achieve and computers are located in public areas, electronic transactions of files and information and viewing screens could become public.  As a result, the library cannot guarantee privacy or confidentiality.  While patrons are free to access whatever Internet sites they wish, the library must also respect the rights of other patrons not to be inadvertently exposed to material and images they may find personally unsuitable.  Viewing of certain materials in the public library may be considered improper in time, place or manner.  The Library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time if it is creating a disturbance.

 4.  Not send, receive or display text or graphics that are legally defined by State and Federal law as obscenity or child pornography.  Those under the age of 18 are prohibited by Federal law from viewing pornography.  Actions that violate local, state or federal law will be prosecuted.

 5.  Not attempt to use personal software on library equipment.  The Library cannot be held liable for damages to personal data, disk and equipment.

 6.  Obey all applicable laws regarding copyright or licensing.  The U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use.”  Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.  Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

 7.  Be aware that as with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/caregiver.  Parents are urged to become familiar with the Internet in order to ensure their children's use of the Internet in a safe and appropriate manner.  Library personnel do not monitor or supervise Internet access except for the length of time of use.  Parents should let their children know if there are materials which they do not want them to use.  Parental supervision of children searching the Internet is advised.