Kidspace Internet Use Policy

Kidspace Internet computers are intended for use by children age 12 and under. Computers for adults and teens are located on the lower floor of the library.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway, jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association. A copy of this brochure is available at the Kidspace Desk. Parents and guardians of children under 18 years are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet and are strongly advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. Children under  age 8 must have an adult with them while using the Internet. The Windsor Public Library is not able to monitor or control the content of material available through the Internet.

All patrons accessing the Internet computers are expected to have a working knowledge of computer operations.

Users may not install or download software programs onto the Library computer’s hard drive.  Files downloaded from the Internet can contain viruses. The library will in no way be responsible for any materials or information downloaded from the Internet.

Users may not access pornographic materials or other materials that are inconsistent with the mission of Kidspace to provide a safe, enjoyable and educational environment for children.

Users shall not attempt to violate the computer security systems or attempt to access the hard drive, other files, networks, or computer systems of the Library.

The Library reserves the right to interrupt patrons if access is required due to Library business purposes, periodic maintenance, or technical difficulties.

Internet security is technically difficult to achieve, and electronic communications and files could become public. The Library will not be responsible for loss or damage resulting to a user from such a breach of privacy or confidentiality. All users who release their personal information, including personal identifying information, credit card or bank account numbers, etc. do so at their own risk.

Not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current, or legal. The Windsor Public Library staff is unable to monitor or control the content of materials on the Internet, which change rapidly and unpredictably.

Any user who is found to have violated this policy may be subject to having his or her computer and library privileges suspended or revoked. All users shall be required to compensate the Library or others for any and all damage caused by the violation of this policy.

Approved by Library Advisory Board 9/06; revised 3/12, 4/16

Resolution on the Use of Filtering Software in Libraries

Whereas, on June 26, 1997, the United States Supreme Court issued a sweeping re-affirmation of core First Amendment principles and held that communications over the Internet deserve the highest level of Constitutional protection; and whereas, the Court’s most fundamental holding is that communications on the Internet deserve the same level of Constitutional protection as books, magazines, newspapers and speakers on a street corner soapbox. The Court found that the Internet “constitutes a vast platform from  which to address and hear from a world-wide audience of millions of readers, viewers, researchers and buyers”, and that “any person with a phone line can become a town crier with a voice that resonates farther than it could from any soapbox”; and whereas, for libraries, the most critical holding of the Supreme Court is that libraries that make content available on the Internet can continue to do so with the same Constitutional protections that apply to the books on libraries’ shelves; and whereas, the Court’s conclusion that “the vast democratic foray of the Internet” merit full constitutional protection will also serve to protect libraries that provide their patrons with access to the Internet; and whereas, the Court recognized the importance of enabling individuals to receive speech from the entire world and to speak to the entire world. Libraries provide those opportunities to many who would not otherwise have them; and whereas, the Supreme Court’s decision will protect that access; and whereas, the use in libraries of software filters which block Constitutionally protected speech is inconsistent with the United States Constitution and federal law and may lead to legal exposure for the library and its governing authorities; now therefore be it resolved, that the American Library Association affirms that the use of filtering software by libraries to block access to constitutionally protected speech violates the Library Bill of Rights.

Adopted by the American Library Association Council July 2, 1997
Endorsed by the Windsor Library Advisory Board January 28, 1998

Loan Periods

Most library materials are available for a 3 week loan. DVDs, videocassettes, magazines and video games may be checked out for 7 days. Quick Pick materials have a 1 week loan period for books and 3 days for DVDs.

Fines and Fees

Please note: Borrowing privileges or access to Internet computers is blocked when fines equal or exceed $10.00

Late fees .20/day

Late video games $1.00/day

Late reference materials $1.00/day

Book maximum fine $10.00

DVD maximum fine $15.00

Lost items: cost of item plus $5.00 processing fee

For more information on fines and fees please see a library staff member.

Loan Policy

The Windsor Public Library makes the resources of the library available to the public by developing and implementing procedures and guidelines that provide fair use to the largest number of people possible.

The library director will develop policies for loaning, renewing, and reserving materials as well as policies governing late returns, lost materials, and the need to limit popular items as necessary. These policies will take into consideration the needs of the public, the amount of materials available, state and local mandates, staff recommendations, and general library practice as set forth by professional organizations and other libraries. In some cases policies at the Main Library and the Branch may differ in order to accommodate the relative sizes of their collections and staffs, differing hours of operation and other variables. Specific prices for fines and fees will be submitted to The Town Council for separate approval as part of the Town’s “Price guide to fees and services”.

The library director will modify these policies as the needs of the public and the resources of the library change and evolve. These policies will be communicated to the public by postings in the library, display on the library web page and in other library marketing publications as needed.

Rules of Conduct

Windsor Public Library and the Library Advisory Board have established the following guidelines in order to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to reading, studying, writing and listening to written or various library materials:

 • Noise and other activity including cell phone use, is to be kept at a level which will not inconvenience other people browsing, reading or working in the Library.
• Seating is limited to 1 person per chair.
• Study carrels are for individual silent study.
• Sleeping is not allowed.
• Animals are not allowed in the library building, except when they are part of a library program or if they are trained or are being trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. “Therapy” dogs are not defined as service animals under ADA or CT State Law and are, therefore, not permitted in the Library.
• Backpacks and other belongings must be taken when owner leaves the building.
• Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
• Feet need to remain on the floor; not on the furniture.
• Eating and uncapped beverages are not allowed in the library.
• The smoking of any and all items, including by electronic means is prohibited.
• Children under the age of 9 must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
• Children under the age of 12 cannot be left at the Library without a responsible adult present in the Library.
• Patrons with special needs which require individual supervision are to be adequately supervised by a counselor or caregiver during their visit.
• Sports equipment brought to the Library must be left at a staffed desk (i.e. skateboards, basketballs). The Library cannot be responsible for this equipment.
• Patrons are prohibited from entering the library with weapons of any kind. This applies to all individuals, with the exception of law enforcement officers, even if the weapon is registered and they are carrying a permit. Violations may result in temporary or permanent exclusion from the library.
• Any other behavior which interferes with our purpose as stated above is not allowed.

The following are illegal in a public building and therefore violations may result in arrest and/or temporary or permanent exclusion from the library:

 • Drinking alcohol
• Drug use/sale of any kind
• Profanity and abusive language
• Engaging in disorderly conduct, fighting, threatening behavior
• Intentionally damaging or vandalizing Library and/or personal property including restrooms
• Soliciting for money or services and/or selling of any product or service
• Harassing any patron or staff member
• Stealing library materials/personal property belonging to patrons and/or staff

Adopted by Windsor Library Advisory Board 9/22/94;revised 9/25/97, 5/30/02, 6/2/04, 4/20/10, 9/22/14, 9/19/17

Windsor Public Library Policy on Meeting Room and Use of Public Space

The Windsor Public Library has meeting rooms available for public use.  While first priority is given to events conducted or sponsored by the library or the Town of Windsor, Windsor based community groups or nonprofit/not-for-profit organizations with Windsor members may also use the rooms free of charge.

For-profit groups or non-Windsor groups may rent meeting rooms for an hourly or daily rate, which will be set by the Windsor Town Council.

Rooms will be made available on an equitable basis. If a group is refused permission to use one of the rooms, it may appeal first to the Library Director and then to the Library Advisory Board.  Use of the room by a group in no way means the library or Town endorses the particular beliefs or purposes of that group.  Windsor Public Library does not permit use of meeting rooms for private parties or receptions, such as, but not limited to, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, showers, religious celebrations, retirements, family reunions, graduations, memorials, sales parties and gaming.

Fundraising activities of nonprofit/not-for-profit organizations will be permitted at the discretion of the Library Director and the Library Advisory Board.  Such activities will be restricted to designated areas of the building, and will not be permitted in the lobby or spaces where they would interfere with the daily conduct of library business.

Groups are limited to reserving a room four times per year in order to maintain accessibility. Exceptions may be made only with the permission of the Library Director and Library Advisory Board.

In order to reserve a room, a representative of the group, age 18 or older must fill out and sign a meeting room application form. If applicable, payment is expected at time of booking. The group must comply with the rules stated on the meeting room application form.

Adopted by Windsor Library Advisory Board May 3, 1984.

Last revised by Windsor Library Advisory Board 9/10/19, 6/9/21