Library Policies

Rules of Conduct | Internet Safety | Computer Lab Use Agreement | Cell Phone Ordinance | Collection Development Policy |

Does the library accept donations? | Can I offer a program at the library? | Does the library have a literacy program? | How can I get a library card? | Can I volunteer at the Library? | Can I set up a table in front of the Library? | Can I take pictures of, or in, the library? | I am an author - will you put my book in the library? | Library Display Policy

 

Rules of Conduct

The rules of conduct are established to ensure that all patrons will be able to use the resources of the library in a quiet atmosphere. All patrons must be respectful of each other.

Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated on library property. A library patron who is disruptive will be notified that the behavior is inappropriate. If the behavior continues, the patron will be asked to leave the library. If the patron refuses to leave, local law enforcement officials will be notified. Disruptive behavior on the part of any library patron may result in the suspension of privileges in accordance with the procedures of the Huntington Beach Public Library.

In addition, any person who violates these rules of conduct, any provision of the Huntington Beach Revised Code, ordinance of the city, or any other state or federal law may be subject to suspension of privileges in accordance with the procedures of the Library and may also be subject to criminal prosecution. Criminal activities that occur on library property will be immediately reported to law enforcement. These rules apply to all libraries and facilities unless indicated otherwise.
No person shall behave in such a way that disrupts another person’s use of the library. Moreover, no person shall:

  1. Threaten or jeopardize the safety of anyone;
  2. Violate the library’s computer policy in any library;
  3. Bring a weapon into or possess a weapon, except as expressly permitted by state law;
  4. Bring into, or possess alcoholic beverages in any library without prior approval of the library director and/or the Library Board, or enter the library while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol;
  5. Use tobacco or products containing tobacco, including use of any form of electronic smoking device;
  6. Carry, lead, or bring an animal into the library, with the exception of service animals under the control of their owners;
  7. Seek or collect signatures from the general public on a petition, or solicit donations of money or anything of value inside any library;
  8. Leave bags or personal items unattended in any facility;
  9. Lie down or sleep in any library facility except this rule shall not apply to children;
  10. Use the restrooms for bathing, shaving, washing, rinsing or drying hair, or washing, rinsing or drying clothing;

Violators will be asked to leave the library.
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Internet Safety Policy

Purpose: The Huntington Beach Public Library is committed to the provision of access to the Internet in a safe environment for all library patrons, especially minors.

Background: The Huntington Beach Public Library is eligible for discounts under the Federal Universal Service E rate discount program. To ensure continued eligibility and to meet the certification requirements of the E rate program, the Library established this Internet Safety Policy.


It is the policy of the Huntington Beach Public Library to prevent user access over its computer network to, a) or transmission of, inappropriate material via the Internet, electronic mail or other forms of direct electronic communications; b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification of minors; and d) comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)]

Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children's Internet Protection Act.

Access to inappropriate materials
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or "Internet filters") shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communication, access to inappropriate information.
Specifically, as required by the Children's Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed to be obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled, or in the case of minors, minimized for the purposes of bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, measures will be taken to promote the safety and security of library patrons of the Huntington Beach Public Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging and other direct forms of electronic communication.
Specifically, as required in the Children's Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including "hacking" or other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.


Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Huntington Beach Public Library staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children's Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.
Procedures for disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Technology Services Coordinator or designated representatives.
Adoption
This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Huntington Beach Public Library, at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on November 16, 2010.

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Computer Lab Use Agreement

The Library makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, with respect to information available over the Internet. The Library is not responsible for any misuse of copyright or other violations. The Library cannot guarantee privacy or confidentiality for the use of library wifi or library computers. The Library’s network and internet computers may not be used for any purpose that violates federal, state or local laws. Users may not violate software license agreements or infringe on copyrighted material. United States Copyright Law (Title 17, US Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principle of “fair use”. This includes most electronic information sources. User may not copy or distribute the many electronic materials without the explicitly permission of the copyright holder. Users are responsible for any consequences of copyright infringement.  
 
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES 
Users have an obligation to access the Library’s Internet in a responsible, courteous and informed manner. 
  • Users of adult lab computers or hblibrary wifi must be 18 years or older. 
  • Users must sign on to the library computers using their own HBPL card. 
  • Users are required to comply with library policies and procedures. 
  • The Huntington Beach Public Library is not responsible for any damage to computer media or personal computer equipment. 
  • Malfunctions in software should be reported to Library Staff immediately. 
  • Library Staff does not provide Technical Support. 
  • Library equipment may not be unplugged, moved, removed or otherwise modified. 
 
Use of the internet may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct. Violations may result in the loss of internet use and/or library privileges.  
Examples of inappropriate conduct include but are not limited to: 
  • Use of the internet for unlawful or malicious activities such as child pornography 
  • Misrepresentation of oneself or the City of Huntington Beach 
  • Damage to library equipment 
  • Activities that could cause congestion or disruption of networks and systems 
  • Violation of copyright laws or software licensing agreements 
  • Behavior which disrupts or prevents other people’s use of library resources 
  • Failing to comply with library rules and policies 
 

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Cell Phone Ordinance

Pursuant to HB ordinance no. 3659, talking on cell phones is prohibited within the HB Library System. Patrons must use their cell phones outside the Library building. Initially, patrons will receive a warning and, if not heeded, can be issued an administrative citation which includes a fine in the following amounts: first offense- $100, second offense- $200, third offense - $500. This ordinance also prohibits and is applicable to the "ringing" or noise from an activated cell phone. Library staff is also expected to comply with this policy. Additionally, pursuant to ordinance no. 3662, the Library Director and designated library managers can issue an administrative citation. Library staff should handle the cell phone incidents as they do with any other disruptive behavior, such as loud talking, smoking, etc., included in our rules and policies of the Library. Ask the patron to cease the disruptive behavior and, if the patron is noncompliant, then refer the matter to the librarian in charge as identified on the official chain of command list. If the warning is still not heeded by cell phone abusers, the police should be called. Library staff should allow the police to handle all aggravated incidents with noncompliant and potentially, agitated patrons.

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Collection Development Policy

Huntington Beach Library staff employs a variety of protocols in determining which books make it to our shelves. In addition to Huntington Beach Municipal Code 2.30.030N and the National Industry Standard Library Bill of Rights, Librarians with Masters in Library Science designation make use of the City’s Collection Development Policy (CDP). In partnership with the City Attorney’s Office, the CDP is to be revised every few years to ensure our processes remain consistent with First Amendment protections and the National Industry Standards. Also included within the Policy is a Material Reconsideration Form which allows for Huntington Beach residents to review the books and materials within our Library system. This form may be submitted in-person or via email at [email protected].

Collection Development Policy. 

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Does the library accept donations?
The library accepts donations of books and media items through the Friends of the Library. Donations may be brought to any HBPL branch. Donations are sorted by the Friends and sales through used book sales, Amazon, and recycling services benefit the library collection. We are unable to accept donations directly to the library collection. Any item donated to the library become property of the the Friends of the Library and can not be returned.

Larger donations can be made at the loading dock of Central Library, behind the library building. Volunteers are present Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.

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Can I offer a program at the library?
The library serves the community by offering programs to the public. These are designed or selected by a senior manager and are intended to meet specific needs in our community and to further the mission and goals of the library.


As a rule, groups and individuals wishing to offer programs at the library are encouraged to rent a space in the library theater or meeting rooms in order to sponsor their own event. This is almost always the case if any product or service is promoted or sold.
The library reserves the right to make the final decision on all programming.

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Does the library have a literacy program?
Our literacy department trains volunteer tutors to work with students who want to learn English. To volunteer, or to learn more about this exciting program, call 714-375-5102.

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How can I get a library card?
Library Card

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Can I volunteer at the library?
Volunteers donate over 40,000 hours annually to the Huntington Beach Public Library System, and help us provide residents with excellent library programs and services. If you would like to:
o Make new friends
o Learn new skills
o Provide valuable services
o Build a better community
o Make a difference!
Please email [email protected] for information on volunteer opportunities.

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Can I set up a table in front of the library?
The Library prohibits the use of library premises for selling goods or services, soliciting donations or otherwise raising funds, political canvassing, religious proselytizing, circulating petitions, or otherwise disturbing patrons for purposes of eliciting or influencing their opinions and associations, or promoting any causes other than those directly related and beneficial to the Library. Sales are permitted in the case library support groups, by those renting library space for meetings and performances, or in cases specifically approved by the Library Director.

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The library is beautiful! Can I take pictures?
The library is part of the public environment and therefore, non-commercial filming and/or photography is permissible so long as it does not interfere with library operations or a users rights to privacy. Photography designed to record a visit or make use of the library setting as a backdrop is generally permitted, provided that such activity avoids capturing identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission. Individuals seeking to do photography or filming for commercial purposes must first obtain a film permit from the Community Services department of the City of Huntington Beach.

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I am an author: will you put my book in the library?

All books added to the Huntington Beach Public Library are subject to the criteria of our Collection Development Policy.

The best way to bring your book to our attention is through reviews. A positive review in one or more of the library review journals, such as Library Journal, School Library Journal, Kirkus, Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, or in the LA Times Sunday book review section will give your book the best chance of being purchased by HBPL.

If you want to submit your book for addition to the HBPL collection, please fill out our collection suggestion form. Add links to professional reviews of your book(s) using the Special Comments section of the online form.

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Library Display Policy

The Huntington Beach Public Library has adopted the Library Display Policy to guide librarians and to inform the public about the principles upon which display themes and materials are chosen. Library displays are used to highlight new materials, educate the public about the variety of subjects, genres, and formats offered, and to stimulate interest in the library collections, services, and resources.

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Did you know?


The Huntington Beach Fire Department conducts free home fire safety inspections for seniors.  You can also get a free smoke detector with a 10 year battery and carbon monoxide detector installed.  This free service is provided by Project SHIP senior home inspection program volunteers. You can schedule an appointment online or call 714-374-1615.

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