Library Policies

The library is accepting book donations at this time.

The Library appreciates your donations of books in good used condition. Books must be free of mildew, mold, water damage and dirt. They should not have excessive spine damage or have missing covers or pages. 

Donations may be brought into the Library – 2 bags at a time – during normal business hours, at the discretion of the librarian. Library staff does not have the required expertise to appraise donated material(s). Please do not leave book donations in the book drop or outside the Library.

Acceptable Donations

The Library Cannot Accept

Additional Donation Information

epic reads

Where to donate books when you’re ready to clean out your shelves.

Better World Books

Find a book drop location near you.

These policies were reviewed and approved by the Little Silver Library Board of Trustees.

Circulation Rules

  • Adult and juvenile fiction and non-fiction books circulate for two weeks.
  • All books may be renewed unless there is a reserve list for them. Books may be renewed twice for an additional two weeks each, for a total of six weeks.
  • A book on reserve may not be renewed.
  • Fines for overdue books are 10¢ per day up to a maximum of $2.00 for an adult book and $1.00 for a juvenile book.
  • Adult and juvenile fiction and non-fiction books circulate for two weeks.
  • All books may be renewed unless there is a reserve list for them. Books may be renewed twice for an additional two weeks each, for a total of six weeks.
  • A book on reserve may not be renewed.
  • Fines for overdue books are 10¢ per day up to a maximum of $2.00 for an adult book and $1.00 for a juvenile book.
Borrower is financially responsible for all DVDS. The retail price will be charged for a lost or damaged DVD.Borrower agrees to abide by the copyright provision in Title 17, US Code, Section 501-506. This institution will not be held financially responsible for any damage to a DVD player incurred while viewing our library DVDS.
LITTLE SILVER DVDS
  • DVDs circulate up to a maximum of 4 per family unit (all living in same household).
  • DVDs may be renewed if not on reserve.
  • Patron must be 16 years of age.
  • Fines for overdue DVDs are 25¢ per day up to a maximum fine of $5.00.
MONMOUTH COUNTY DVDS
  • DVDs circulate 2 per family for 2 days.
  • Patron must be 16 years of age.
  • DVDs may be renewed if not on reserve.
  • Fines for overdue DVDs are $2.00 per day up to a maximum fine of $10.
  • Current issues do no circulate.
  • No more than 10 periodicals per patron.

Overdue Item(s)

day 1

Materials are considered overdue and fines begin to accrue. See below for fine(s) rate per day.

day 14

First overdue notice(s) is sent via phone call or email. 

day 21

Second overdue notice(s) is sent via phone call or email. 

day 28

Final overdue notice(s) is sent via phone call or email.  Item(s) are considered missing and the letter will detail the fines due and the replacement cost of the item(s).

The user account is barred until the item is returned or replaced and all fines are paid.

Museum Passes

Museum passes DO NOT include parking or other fees.

Please utilize museum websites to help plan your trip, as many close for various events throughout the year, and admission procedures may have changed.

Children under 10 are not admitted to the Frick Collection. 

Additional Information

All library materials, with the exception of museum passes, may be reserved either over the phone, on the computer or in person. There is a maximum of three reserves per person per day.

The Little Silver Public Library can obtain materials from other libraries in Monmouth County and other libraries throughout the United States through the State Library.

Delivery is available to our patrons who are temporarily confined to their homes.

Library borrowing privileges will be suspended if:
  • Fines are in excess of $10.00.
  • Minimum of one library item overdue by six weeks.
  • Non-adherence to library rules of conduct.
At the discretion of the Library Director, and with good cause, suspension of privileges may be overridden. Local ordinances pertaining to the Library are indicated in the index to the Borough of Little Silver Ordinances. The ordinances are located at the Circulation Desk.

These policies were reviewed and approved by the Little Silver Library Board of Trustees.

The Little Silver Public Library strives to provide the highest level of service to all library users. The following rules of behavior have been adopted by the Library Board of Trustees to protect and to assist with the use of information and cultural resources in a safe and pleasant environment, conducive to reading and learning.

Participating in any illegal activity or in any of the following activities is not allowed in the library.

Thank you for your cooperation.

To Maintain Personal Safety, Please Do Not:

To Preserve a Peaceful and Pleasant Environment, Please Do Not:

To Protect Our Facility and Holdings, Please Do Not:

For the Purpose of Enforcing These Rules, The Library Reserves the Right To:

Library users who are unwilling or unable to abide by the Library Code of Conduct may be asked to leave. Any user who repeatedly violates these rules, or commits a single, serious violation of these rules, in addition to being asked to leave the library , may not be allowed to return to the library for a period of time determined by the Library Director. 

Library users who fail to observe library rules and regulations may lose library privileges and/or be subject to police intervention, including arrest.

Any user whose privileges have been suspended may request, in writing, to have the decision reviewed by the Board of Trustees.

These policies were reviewed and approved by the Little Silver Library Board of Trustees.

Access to internet and word processing via the library’s computers is open to all users. Non-Little Silver library patrons must sign in at the desk and show ID. Access to the library computers is available during regular library hours for a suggested maximum time limit of 30 minutes. The library staff reserves the right to end sessions when this time limit has been exceeded.

To prevent overcrowding and to maintain noise level, access is by one person per computer at one time. However, parents or other responsible adults may assist younger patrons.

The library staff does not censure information on the internet. Parents or caregivers are responsible for monitoring children’s use of the internet.

There are no fees charged for access to the computers, but a printing fee of $0.15 per black & white page and $0.50 per color page is charged. Patrons must provide their own flash drives for downloading material.

While the library staff is available to assist with general operation of library computers and general online searching, it cannot provide technical assistance or instruction on online searching and/or word processing.

Since access to the library’s computers, as well as other library resources is a privilege, not a right, its access will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library’s Code of Conduct.

Disclaimers

While the Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, the Library specifically disclaims any liability as to the information’s accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose. The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damage related to the use of information accessed through the Library’s Internet service.

The Library will make every effort to maintain Internet access for all hours the Library is open to the public. The Library will have no liability, however, if the service becomes temporarily unavailable for technical reasons.

Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to utilize virus-checking software on their home computers. The Library is not responsible for damage to users’ flash drives or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the Library’s computers.

The Library cannot assume responsibility for the security or privacy of any online transaction. Patrons are responsible for logging out of their accounts at the end of their session. The Library is not responsible for any damage, direct or indirect, related to the failure to log out of personal accounts such as, but not limited to, email, banking, and shopping. 

Unacceptable Use of Computers

All patrons are expected to comply with the Internet use guidelines described here. These guidelines also apply to patrons accessing the internet through our wireless internet connection. As with all library resources the Internet is to be used respectfully and appropriately. The public is prohibited from:

Patrons who engage in any of the above activities will be reported to the proper authorities. Failure to comply with the policies described here may result in the suspension of library privileges.

The Library reserves the right to modify the policies as necessary to ensure the fair and reasonable use of the Internet.

Filters

The Little Silver Public Library does not filter its computers, which block sites with legal information that library users may find helpful for school, job, work, health and other needs. Filters also do not fully protect children from “objectionable material” such as hardcore pornography, hate speech and violence. The Library strongly respects the right and responsibility of parents to guide their children’s library use, including the Internet. This Library encourages parents to learn about this important technology so they can guide their children.

A major purpose of libraries is to empower their users. User empowerment means having access to the broadest range of information. The computers are placed in plain sight of both staff members and patrons.

Wireless Internet (WiFi)

The Little Silver Public Library offers patrons a wireless internet connection (WiFi). Please note that this is an open connection and the Library is not responsible for any materials that may be downloaded to a user’s computer.  In addition, the Library is not responsible for any information, data, or material that may be taken or altered on a patron’s computer while using the Library’s wireless internet connection.

Response to Violations

The user’s access to the Library’s computer network and Internet is a privilege, not a right. Failure to comply with this policy and its procedures will result in the forfeiture of the user’s right to access the public computers.

The Library reserves the right to modify the policies as necessary to ensure the fair and reasonable use of the Internet.

The Library requests users who do not possess a Little Silver Library card to sign in to use the Internet. The Library may keep a record of patrons violating the Internet Use Policy.

Consistent with the library’s mission and with professional principles of public librarianship, this Internet Use Policy affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equity of access, confidentiality of information about users and their use of all library resources including electronic and individual responsibility. The Library affirms the following principles and user rights as delineated in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights in Cyberspace.

These policies were reviewed and approved by the Little Silver Library Board of Trustees.

The Trustees and Staff of the Little Silver Public Library recognize the need to protect library user’s right to privacy regarding the questions asked and the materials borrowed.

Policy

We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted. The records of patron use of library resources, materials or services are confidential. Patron borrowing records are protected by New Jersey Statute. No staff member or trustee shall reveal the borrowing history of an individual except under the circumstances outlined by this procedure.

New Jersey Law

N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43.2. Confidentiality of library users’ records Library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the following circumstances:

  1. The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library;
  2. Disclosure is requested by the user; or
  3. Disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena issued by a court or court order.

Procedure

A patron may request that staff identify items currently charged to his/her card. If a parent possesses their minor child’s library card staff will honor requests for the disclosure of information related to that card. Children over the age of 12 years and having full possession of their library card will have their records protected.

Some records may require a special search of the transaction database maintained by the Monmouth County Library System. In the unusual circumstance that a record of an item transaction needs to be documented, the Library Director will make a request to the Monmouth County Library System.

Lawful Requests

All records concerning library users, materials used or checked out by users and computer use are confidential and will not be made available to any agency of the federal, state, county or local governments or to any other person unless a court order or search warrant requiring disclosure has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction or persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration of the library.

The Library is legally required to comply with information requests pursuant to the USA PATRIOT Act (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, P.L. 107-56, Oct 26, 2001) in providing information pursuant to this act or by other court order.

The Library Shall Adhere to the Following Procedures

The USA Patriot Act requires a search warrant and not a subpoena. A search warrant can be executed immediately upon service. A subpoena, on the other hand, allows a party a period of time to respond.

These policies were reviewed and approved by the Little Silver Library Board of Trustees.

General Policy

The Staff of the Little Silver Public Library can only accept unconditional gifts. Any gift to which the donor has attached conditions, terms, limits, purposes or restrictions (conditional gifts) will be considered by the Board of Trustees of the Little Silver Public Library. It is the prerogative of the Library Staff and/or the Board of Trustees to accept or reject any gift.

Books

Unrestricted book donations in good condition will be accepted providing the donor understands that the Library will make use of these books however it sees fit. They may be included in the collection, discarded, or sold in the book sale or to a private dealer, among other options. Upon acceptance, the Library will give the donor a receipt for the books donated, if requested, however no dollar amount will be included. This includes unsolicited or donated material.

Money and Securities

Unless otherwise designated, gifts of money, stocks, or securities will be added to the Friends of the Little Silver Library.

Objects, Artwork, Landscaping Plants and Artifacts

All gifts in this category must be approved by the Board of Trustees of the Library. Upon acceptance the Library will give the donor a receipt for the items donated, however no dollar amount will be attached to this receipt.

These policies were reviewed and approved by the Little Silver Library Board of Trustees.

Interlibrary Loan is dependent upon generosity and goodwill between libraries. Please be careful with their material and return it on time.

Requested materials must be picked up within three days, we are unable to hold items for pick-up for longer than five (5) days from receipt.

If the Library does not own a book or journal that you need for your research, the Interlibrary Loan Department will try to borrow that item from a library outside of our system for you.

Any Monmouth County Library cardholder in good standing is eligible to use ILL. You can request up to five ILL items at a time. ILLs cannot be held for more than one week. 

You are limited to 5 active ILL items at one time.

Active ILL’s include both items currently on loan and items being searched for.

You can borrow books and receive photocopies of articles that are not available at our library. Please check our catalog before placing your request.

We cannot borrow new books (last twelve months), reference books, textbooks, genealogies, sound, video or DVD materials, children’s books, eBooks, entire issues of journals or items from outside of the United States.

Copyright law permits a library to ILL no more than five articles from a periodical title in any year.

You may make your Interlibrary Loan request to any reference librarian at any library in the system.

To request a book you will need the author, title and, if possible, the year of publication.

To request a journal article you will need the title of the journal, date, page numbers, author and title of the article.

To avoid delays, fill out the ILL forms as completely as possible.  Please do not use abbreviations.

We try to have your request sent out within 24 hours. Typically, it can take from two to several weeks to fill your request, depending on the timeliness of the lending library

No, there is no fee for placing an Interlibrary Loan request.  However, there is a charge of $2.00 for an ILL that is not picked up.  Many out-of-state libraries charge to send materials. Fees for which you may be responsible can run from $5.00 to $25.00 or higher.

Materials are available for 3 weeks.  Loan extensions are not available.  Please return all ILL items by the specified due date.  Failure to return these items on time will result in loss of your borrowing privileges and the imposition of fines.

Fines are 50¢ per day with a maximum of $10.00 per item.

If a patron fails to pick up a requested ILL on three separate occasions there may be a temporary revocation of ILL privileges.

Monmouth County Library Inter-Library Loan policy.

Purpose

The Little Silver Public Library serves as a major resource for providing information, education, guidance, enjoyment and cultural interests of the citizens of the community. It has the responsibility to insure that the collections of print and non-print materials are responsive to the expressed public needs and demands and adjusts to change in order to retain a relevant role in society.

Responsibility & Criteria

All responsibility for a well-rounded collection rests with the Library Director and the professional staff. Materials chosen shall meet principles set by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; the Library Bill of Rights, adopted by the American Library Association; the Freedom to Read Statement, adopted by the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council; and the People’s Right to Libraries Statement, adopted by the New Jersey Library Association.

The selection of materials is targeted to meeting the needs and interests of the community. The Library’s main function is to provide books and materials for all ages and reading levels and is able to draw on the resources of the Monmouth County Library System.

Professional staff will use recognized collection tools such as Library Journal, New York Times Book Review and Booklist for purchasing new materials. Good judgment is the keystone for the ultimate addition of any new purchase.

Textbooks are not and will not be a part of usual purchases. Requests for purchases of current materials may be made to the Library Director. Requests will be considered using professional selection standards.

Censorship is a matter of individual decisions. Every patron has the right to accept or reject material for personal use and does not have the right to restrict it for others. In the case of children, appropriate choices are solely the responsibility of the parents. Librarians cannot assume the private relationship role between parent and child.

Assessment & Evaluation

Outdated, worn, damaged or lost materials will be assessed by appropriate staff members. Replacement will be determined by availability of current or updated content.

Controversial Materials

The Little Silver Public Library has the responsibility to provide its patrons with diverse sources of information and the widest possible range of ideas and viewpoints. Therefore, it attempts to provide materials of interest to all members of the community regardless of age, religion, national origin, social views, educational level, political view or cultural background. However, the Library recognizes that some materials acquired may be controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons and/or organizations because of perceived profanity, social, economic and political ideas, religious viewpoints, the background of the author, the kinds of information provided or other reasons.

Acquisitions or use of any material does not imply approval or endorsement of the contents. Rather, it is a means of collection development to meet patron’s needs and does not necessarily reflect the opinion or values of the individual selector or of the Library Board of Trustees. Works are normally not excluded because of language, explicit text or illustrations if they meet previously stated criteria.

Responsibility for the reading materials of juveniles rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of adult materials will not be limited by the possibility that personally unacceptable books may come into the possession of young people.

Persons or organizations seeking the removal of materials must fill out a Reconsideration Request Form and discuss the matter with the Library Director. The Director will determine the retention or withdrawal of challenged materials. Requests for appeal must be made in writing to the President of the Board of Trustees. Final determination will be made by the full Board of Trustees.

These policies were reviewed and approved by the Little Silver Library Board of Trustees.

The Little Silver Public Library is concerned for the safety and well-being of children left unattended in the library.

We urge parents to remember that the library is a public building and it is not in any child’s best interest to be left here unattended. The library has implemented the following policy for the safety of all children visiting the library.

These policies were reviewed and approved by the Little Silver Library Board of Trustees.

Contact us

How can we help you?

For renewals, if possible, please include the title(s). Titles with holds CANNOT be renewed.

For hold requests, please include the title(s) and author(s). You may place holds on up to 3 items per day per family. Museum passes may NOT be placed on hold. 

For all other requests, please briefly explain what we can help you with.

 

subscribe

Our newsletter is sent monthly and includes monthly events , special programs, and closings. 


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact