Meeting Room Policy

The Red Bank Public Library offers meeting rooms for individuals, community organizations, and businesses that wish to provide a forum for imagination, creativity, engagement, and learning. Preference is given to Red Bank organizations, but regional and statewide groups are accommodated when there are no schedule conflicts. There is no charge for the use of the Library's meeting spaces. A donation to the Library in lieu of any fees are graciously accepted but not required.

Rooms for quiet study are available to individuals upon request when available. Individuals or groups seeking private tutoring or study should seek a quiet room.

The Library reserves the right to approve or reject requests for meeting room use based on the availability of space and whether the proposed usage complies with the regulations set forth in this policy.

The Library does not endorse the views expressed by any group using its meeting rooms.

The Library does endorse the right of groups to express their views as long as they follow the Rules of Conduct of the Library and engage in civil discourse.

 RESERVATION OF MEETING ROOMS

Applications for the use of Library meeting rooms must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the date requested.

Applications can be requested at the library, or by contacting the Technical Services Coordinator. The organizational representative signing this form must be present to conduct and/or monitor the meeting. Use of the meeting room is subject to the approval of the Library.

Use of the meeting rooms is subject to the following:

  1. All meetings scheduled in the Library must be open to the general public. Groups may not charge admission fees for a meeting room event. Promotions or sales of services, products, merchandise, materials, or other items are prohibited.

  2. The meeting room is to be used for the stated purpose on the Meeting Room Application form only.

  3. Businesses and organizations desiring to use a meeting room must secure a Certificate of Insurance prior to the use of the room, reflecting liability coverage of $2,000,000. The Red Bank Public Library should be listed as an additional insured on the Certificate of Insurance. Governmental units and organizations in which membership is based upon appointment by the governing body of the Borough of Red Bank or the Library are exempt from these requirements.

  4. Local non-profit organizations and local groups may request exemption from Certificate of Insurance requirements based on their inability to pay such fees or acquire insurance. An indemnification agreement, holding the Library and Borough of Red Bank harmless from any and all liability in the event of an injury or damage to persons or property caused by the organization while on the Library premises must be signed.

  5. Meetings are limited to an attendance of no more than 85 people.

  6. The meeting rooms are available during the regular operating hours of the Library. All programs must end 15 minutes before closing of the building, with furniture restored to its original configuration.

  7. The Red Bank Public Library name cannot be used in advertising the meeting or program except to be listed as the location of the meeting or program.

  8. The Library must review all publicity before it is distributed to the public, and publicity should clearly indicate the name of the sponsoring agency.

  9. The Library reserves the right to prohibit or terminate the use of the premises at any time if the conduct of the group interferes with staff work or patron use of the Library, is disruptive to library service or patrons, or is abusive or dangerous to the building, library materials, exhibits, furnishings or individuals in the building.

  10. Library and literacy programs take priority over all other uses of the meeting rooms. Should a need arise, the Library reserves the right to cancel any booking. The Library will make every effort to ensure this does not happen.

  11. In the event of an emergency closing of the Library, every effort will be made to notify the contact person listed on the meeting room application form. The Library cannot guarantee that the organization will be notified. It is recommended that the meeting room applicant call the Library should there be a possibility that an emergency closing will be necessary.

  12. The Library must be notified if a meeting is canceled. Any cancellation of a meeting room reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date. The Library reserves the right to deny meeting rooms to applicants who fail to notify the Library of cancelations or who frequently cancel.

  13. No alcoholic beverages, or smoking are permitted in the Library or on Library grounds.

  14. Games of chance are strictly prohibited.

  15. Areas designated as staff only or staff lounges are for the use of Library staff.

  16. Groups may not hang signs, posters, displays, or other decorations in the meeting rooms.

  17. The sponsoring group or individual making the application for use of the meeting room assumes all responsibility for damage to Library property and for leaving the premises in the condition in which it was found.

  18. Refreshments may be served at meetings with prior approval. Kitchen facilities are limited to a sink and refrigerator. All garbage and trash must be cleaned up and meeting rooms and kitchenette must be returned to the condition they were found.

  19. Supplies such as podium, dry erase board and AV equipment (if available) will be provided if requested on the meeting room application.

  20. Use of the meeting room in no way implies any partnership with a community organization, business, or governmental unit or approval or endorsement of the contents and views of a program or meeting by the Red Bank Public Library.

  21. Movies, recordings, or music played must have the appropriate public performance rights. Obtaining the license and all applicable fees are the responsibility of the group and not the Red Bank Public Library.

Poster Printer Policy and Procedure

The Red Bank Public Library has recently added an Epson SC - T2170 large format printer to its technology lineup.  Large formats or posters up to 24x36” may be printed on glossy paper. 

Large format printing is conducted by Library staff and may be arranged by emailing redbanklibrary@gmail.com or filling out our form available on our website. 

Acceptable file types include PDFs, JPGs, and PNGs. Please pay attention to copyright law when selecting a file to print. If you are not the creator of the image or if the image is not copyright free, you must not resell it or use it for financial gain.

The original file size will affect print quality. Save images/files in as large a format as possible.

Pricing is as follows:

  • 24” x 36”: $10/page

Guidelines

  • Payment can only be made by cash or check made payable to the Red Bank Public Library. Payment must be made when prints are picked up; the library will not release prints without payment.

  • Prints must be picked up within 7 days of notification.  This time can be extended if the patron contacts the library within this window.

  • The library reserves the right to refuse any print job.

  • Please allow 3 to 4 business days for your order to be processed. Patrons will be contacted when your posters are ready for pickup.

FAQ

What poster sizes are available?
The poster printer can accommodate 24” x 36” documents. Portrait and landscape orientations are both acceptable.

What type of paper is available?
Posters may be printed on glossy paper.

What types of documents can be printed?
Files must be in PDF, JPG, or PNG format. Other file types must be converted to one of these formats prior to requesting your print job. Please make sure your document is ready for printing when you send it to us. The library staff is not responsible for typos or other content errors.

How much is printing?

  • 24” x 36”: $10/page

What types of payment are accepted?
Prints must be paid for in cash or by check made payable to Red Bank Public Library. Payment is due when you come to pick up your prints.  The Library ONLY accepts payment via cash or check. 

How do I print?
All printing is conducted by library staff. To request a print job, please email redbanklibrary@gmail.com or fill out a print request online. 

How long does printing take?
Print jobs are typically fulfilled within 3-4 business days from the time you submit your order form. We will contact you when your job is ready, as well as let you know the final cost.

Does the library offer design or retouching services?
No. Your poster must be print-ready when you send it.  


Technology Lending Policy

The Red Bank Public Library has a variety of technology available for cardholders to borrow. This lending program is designed to acknowledge the fundamental importance of equal access to the technology and the Internet in modern society. By providing the means to access the internet at home, the Library can help connect members of the community to important resources and services even when the library building is closed.

Eligibility

Chromebooks and iPads are available at the Circulation Desk for Red Bank Library Residents over 18 years of age with library cards. Patrons need to show their picture ID and library card to borrow the items. Launchpad Playaways are available in the Children’s Room and may be borrowed by Children ages 12 and up. All patrons checking out a device must also complete a Device Lending Agreement Form.

Loan Period and Holds

Chromebooks, iPads and Playaway Launchpads can be borrowed for up to fourteen (14) days. One renewal for up to fourteen (14) days is allowed if no one has the item on hold at time of renewal. Devices can be placed on hold at the library, by phone, or online. Once a device becomes available, it must be picked up within seven (7) days of notification of availability or the item will go to the next customer in the queue. Borrowers may not borrow any device for consecutive loan periods.

Fines & Liability

  • Although the Red Bank Public Library is “fine-free” on most materials, technology items due accrue overdue fines. Fees for overdue items are as follows:

  • Any device not returned after 28 days will be assumed-lost and the borrower will be charged the replacement cost.

  • Patrons are responsible for costs associated with loss or damage of Chromebooks, iPads, Playaway Launchpads and/or cords, cases, etc.

  • Items will not be considered returned until all corresponding peripherals (cords, cases, etc.) have also been returned.

  • Replacement fees for lost devices are assessed at the current market value for each device and corresponding peripherals (i.e. cords, cases, keyboards, etc.).

Need Help?

Assistance with the device is available from Red Bank Public Library in person, via email, or via phone. Please call 732-842-0690 ext. 111 or email redbankpubliclibrary@gmail.com if you have questions.

If a technical issue arises, the borrower should return the device immediately to the Red Bank Public Library. Library Staff will assess the issue and either provide a new device or return the corrected device to the borrower. The lending period will be extended to account for any days spent without the device due to a technical issue.

If a technical issue arises and the library is not informed of the problem during the checkout period, the borrowing patron may be responsible for repairs and or damages.

Restrictions

  • Only one type of each device can be borrowed per household at one time.

  • Devices must be picked up at and returned directly to the Circulation desk.

  • Device must never be placed in library’s book drop - they could be damaged and the borrower will be responsible for replacement costs.

  • Overdue Chromebooks and iPads will be remotely disabled until returned.

  • The Red Bank Public Library reserves the right to terminate device borrowing privileges from borrowers who damage, abuse, or lose equipment, or who are repeatedly late in returning the device.

Disclaimer

  • The Red Bank Public Library is not responsible for any liability, damages, or expense resulting from use or misuse of the Chromebook, iPad or Launchpad Playaway.

  • The Red Bank Public Library is not responsible for any data loss resulting from use of a Chromebook, iPad or Launchpad Playaway.

  • The Red Bank Public Library is not responsible for the information accessed, obtained, or disseminated while using the Chromebook, iPad or Launchpad Playaway. Any actions that lead to criminal prosecution are the responsibility of the borrower, not The Red Bank Public Library.

Fine Free

Red Bank Public Library is now completely fine-free! We no longer charge daily overdue fines on late items, whether adult, children's, or teen materials!

Why go fine-free?
It's good for our community.
Our vision at the Red Bank public library is to be a vital and dynamic force, meeting our diverse and vibrant community's changing needs.  Our mission is to enhance the social, cultural, and intellectual life of our community.  We recognize that charging fines undermines both the vision and mission of our Library. Fines are a barrier to access; eliminating overdue fines and increasing access to the Library benefits our entire community.

Overdue fines are not effective.  Our own experience in the children's room and multiple studies have shown that small fines have no impact on return rates and may work against that goal.

It's good for our relationships. Going fine-free makes a trip to the Library more pleasant for both you and our staff.

What led to this decision?
Since June 2018, the Children's Library at RBPL has been fine-free.  We knew from that experience that eliminating fines benefited our patrons. To increase our knowledge on this, we read articles, spoke with staff at other libraries that have gone fine-free, and analyzed our statistics and financial data.

We learned:

·        The American Library Association (ALA) encourages libraries to remove all barriers to library and informational services, particularly overdue charges.

·        Fine-Free Library systems report positive experiences for both patrons and staff members.

·        The administrative costs associated with collecting fines from patrons can equal or exceed the revenue earned.

·        Once the stigma of library fines is gone, some communities have found that the removal and forgiveness of fines also lead to the return of long-overdue library books and the return of patrons.

Have other libraries eliminated late fines?
Yes! Visit https://endlibraryfines.info/fine-free-library-map/ to see how many libraries around the world have adopted fine-free policies.

What does fine-free mean exactly?
You will no longer receive a fine on overdue items.  You are, of course, still responsible for returning items!  We need our items returned!

The Library will send you courtesy reminders to return our items.  Materials that are 43 days overdue are assumed lost, and you will be billed a replacement cost.  If you return the items, the replacement cost is waived.  If the item has been lost and/or damaged, you are responsible for the replacement cost.

Won't no fines prevent people from ever returning their items?
No! Return rates are higher when fines are eliminated. We know this from our experience of being fine-free in the Children's Room. Of course, the Red Bank Public Library will continue to monitor how this change will affect patrons and will make improvements as we see necessary.

Are there any fines/fees that will still be charged to my account?
If an item is overdue for 43 days, it will be considered lost, and fees for replacing the item will be billed to your account.
Any accrual of fees totaling more than $10 will result in your library card being blocked.

Do any items have late fees?
No! All Red Bank Public Library items are free of late fines.

What do I have to do to have fines forgiven and removed from my account?
If you have outstanding fines accrued on your library card from Red Bank items, we will waive them. No questions asked. If you are still in possession of overdue materials, return them in our book drop and we'll just take off the fines.

However, if you have charges from lost or damaged material, you are still responsible for those charges.  You can always speak with us, and we will work with you to find an equitable solution.

I haven't been to the Library in years. Will my card still work?
RBPL Library cards are good for three years, so your card may be expired and need to be reactivated. There is also a chance it may have been purged from our circulation system. You can always call us at 72-842-0690 to discuss your card status, or please feel free to visit our Circulation desk during your next library visit.

I thought I cleared up my late fines, so why do I still have a balance?
While we are doing away with fines, fees for lost or damaged materials remain.  Also, if you happened to check out a book while visiting one of our sister libraries, you may accrue fines.  Each Library sets their own rules, so checking out materials at other LMxAC locations, may mean that you will receive an overdue fine.

How will this affect the Library's budget?
While the Library is always mindful of its bottom line watching funding, any loss of overdue fine revenue is minuscule compared to the good this new policy will do for our community. The increased use of our digital materials (Libby, Hoopla, Freading, Freagal) and other factors have made fines an unsustainable form of revenue. Also, overdue fines account for less than .5% of the Library's budget; going fine-free will not significantly impact the budget moving forward

What is the difference between a fine and a fee?
Fines are punitive.  Fees are for library services and products such as replacement library cards, copying, printing, and material replacement costs.

I have always thought of paying my fines as a donation to the Library. Can I still donate?
Yes! Donations are always appreciated and can be made to the Foundation for the Red Bank Public Library. We can always improve our services and programming, and donations greatly help!

Getting a Library Card

WHO CAN BORROW

Anyone who lives, works, owns property, or attends school in Red Bank (including students at Red Bank Regional High School) may register for a library card to borrow books and other items.  Application for a library card must be done in person. Please bring a photo ID and proof of address, such as a recent utility bill, if your address is incorrect on the photo ID. Library cards must be renewed every 3 years and current ID must be provided at that time. Your Red Bank card can also be used at other member libraries in our consortium; find out more here

Children are encouraged to have their own library card, which they may apply for in the Children's Department. Persons under the age of 18 must have their application signed by a parent/guardian and the parent/guardian must provide ID with proof of address. 

Non-residents may obtain a library card for an annual fee of $50. Please note: Some Middletown residents have a Red Bank postal address but pay taxes in Middletown. They are not eligible for a resident card but are welcome to become non-resident borrowers for the above fee.

Renewing Items

To renew materials borrowed from Red Bank Public Library, you may: 

  • Call us at (732) 842-0690.

  • Visit the library circulation or reference desk, or visit the children's librarian.

  • Visit your account via our website – click “My Library Account” option from main menu, follow link and then login using your library card and PIN.

  • Visit your account via the LMxAC app on your mobile device.

Note: Some materials are not renewable; click on “Pay Fines” in the “Policies and Procedures” menu for details. In addition, any materials that have been requested by another LMxAC patron (placed on “hold”) are not renewable and must be returned promptly. Ebooks have a different renewal process; please visit the Overdrive app instructions or Hoopla instructions for further information. 

Request a Title

What to do if you can’t locate an item in our library:

  • Check our catalog. If we do not have it in our collection or our copy is charged to another patron, you may place a “hold” request and have it shipped from another LMxAC member library. Holds may be placed in person, by phone or online by logging in to your library account from a desktop computer or mobile device (via the LMxAC app).  

  • If an item is unavailable from LMxAC, please contact a staff member for assistance; we may be able to locate and add the item to our collection. You can also request it using the form below.

Security Cameras

The Red Bank Public Library uses video surveillance equipment to promote the safety of customers, staff and the community. This equipment also helps to protect the library’s property against theft or vandalism and can assist in identifying intruders and persons breaking the law.  In the event of a reported or observed incident, the review of recorded information may be used to assist in the investigation of the incident. The Library will maintain control of and responsibility for the video surveillance system at all times.

The purpose of this video surveillance system document is to establish policy and procedures for using security cameras inside or outside the building operated by the Red Bank Public Library deemed necessary by the Library Director. The security cameras will compliment other measures to ensure a safe and secure environment.

In designing, installing and operating a video surveillance system, the Library considered the following:

Security camera equipment was installed in identified public areas where video surveillance is a necessary and viable detection of deterrence activity. The equipment will operate up to 24 hours/seven days a week, within the limitations of system capabilities (e.g. digital memory), power disruptions and serviceability/maintenance.

Equipment does not monitor areas where the staff and the public have a higher expectation of privacy.

Clearly written signs, prominently displayed at the entrances, exterior walls, and/or the interior walls of building shall provide staff and the public reasonable and adequate warning that video surveillance is in effect.

Only authorized personnel will have access to the controlled access area and the recording equipment. Video monitors will not be in a position that enables public viewing.

Any information obtained through the video surveillance system may only be used for the purposes set out in the policy and must relate to the protection of the staff and the public, including the discipline or consequences that arise from that, or it must assist in the detection and deterrence of criminal activity, vandalism and dumping of unwanted property.  Information will not be retained or used for any purposes other than those described in the policy.

Since video surveillance systems create a record by recording personal information we have implemented the following procedures on the use and retention of recorded information:

Only authorized personnel may review the information. Circumstances that would warrant review will normally be limited to an incident that has been reported/observed or to investigate a potential crime. Real-time viewing of video footage will be conducted on an ad hoc basis and only by authorized personnel.

The retention period for information that has not been required for law enforcement, library or public safety purposes shall not exceed one month. Recorded information that has not been used in this fashion, within this timeframe, is then routinely erased in a manner in which it cannot be reconstructed or retrieved.

When recorded information has been required for law enforcement or public safety purposes the retention period shall be one year from the date of viewing or as required by law.

A release form will be completed before any recorded information is disclosed to appropriate authorities. The form will indicate who took the information, under what authorities, when this occurred, and if it will be returned or destroyed after use.

The following disclaimer for the Red Bank Public Library website (redbanklibrary.org) has been approved by the Library Board of Trustees:

Disclaimer Language - English

Video surveillance is in effect for the safety and security of our customers and staff.  Cameras monitor public areas of the library that are not easily viewed from public service desks and staff areas where valuable library property is stored. 

Cameras help to protect the library’s property against theft or vandalism and can assist in identifying intruders and persons breaking the law or violating the library’s Rules of Conduct.

Cameras are not used in rest rooms, nor are they positioned to identify a person’s reading, viewing or listening activities in the library.

Signs are posted in all areas that are monitored by security cameras.

Recorded information from security cameras is retained for one month.  For investigations initiated by law enforcement, security camera recordings are only made available to law enforcement through a legal subpoena or warrant.  Recorded information that is subpoenaed is retained for one year.

REVIEWED and APPROVED: Board of Trustees July 2016

Disclaimer Language - Spanish

Para la seguridad de nuestros empleados y clientes estamos usando cámaras de vigilancia. Las cámaras observan las aéreas públicas en la biblioteca donde tenemos propiedad valiosa cuales no son fácilmente vigiladas por nuestros empleados.

Las cámaras protegen las propiedades de la biblioteca contra el vandalismo o el robo, y también pueden ser usadas para identificar intrusos y personas que estén rompiendo las leyes o violando las reglas de conducta de la biblioteca.

No usamos cámaras en los baños y no las usamos para identificar lo que nuestros clientes leen o escuchan en la biblioteca.

Tenemos letreros por todas partes de la bibliotecas que dicen que las cámaras de vigilancia estan en uso.

Las grabaciones de las cámaras de vigilancia se guardan por un mes. Si la información es necesaria para una investigación legal, las entregaremos solamente si recibimos una citación o autorización legal. Grabaciones citadas por las autoridades, se guardan por un año.

Revisado por un abogado –Aprobado: Board of Trustees July 2016

Notary Services

Notary is a free service; the Red Bank Public Library offers Notary Public services for the benefit of the residents of our community.

The following guidelines will be observed in the provision of Notary Service:

  • Notary Services are available during the Library’s hours of operation and are not available in the fifteen (15) minutes after the time of opening or prior to the time of closing.

  • Notary Service may not be possible if the document is pre-signed.

  • All parties that need to sign the document must be present with valid photo identification.

  • Customers seeking Notary Service should call the Library prior to their visit to ensure that the Notary is available. The Notary can be reached by calling 732-842-0690.

  • Notary Service is provided on a first come, first served basis.

  • Valid government-issued photo identification is required of any customer seeking Notary Service.

  • Notary Service is limited to three (3) documents per person, per visit.

  • Documents in English and in Spanish may be notarized, depending on the notary available.

  • Notary Service is not available for Deeds, Mortgages, Wills, Living Wills, Living Trusts, Codicils or Depositions.

  • In situations where a witness is required, the Library will not provide witnesses, and witnesses may not be solicited from customers using the library.

  • In order to serve as a witness, the witness must personally know the individual whose document is being notarized and must be in possession of valid photo identification.

  • Certain public documents cannot be copied and notarized. Examples of these are birth certificates, death certificates and marriage certificates.

  • New Jersey law requires that a Notary and the customer seeking notarization be able to communicate directly with each other. The Library Notary is not permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with a Notary Service customer.

  • In accordance with New Jersey Notarial Law, Notaries will not provide service if the customer, document or circumstances of the request for Notary Service raise any issue of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt or uncertainty for the Library. In this event, the Library notary may, at his/her sole discretion, decline to provide Notary Service.

Approved by Library Director & Board of Trustees April 2012, Revision July 2016, Revision April 2017, Revision May 2024

Patron Conduct in the Library

RBPL Patron Code of conduct

To protect the right of all patrons to use the Red Bank Public Library to the fullest extent and to do so in a safe, clean, and pleasant environment essential to achieving the goals set forth for the Library by the Board of Trustees, the following rules and regulations have been adopted:

  • Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building.

  • Parents/Guardians are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children in the library. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Patrons may not consume beverages in uncovered containers or eat unpackaged foods in the library. No food or drink is permitted when using public computers or laptops.

  • The use or sale of alcohol, cannabis, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, chewing tobacco or other tobacco and cannabis products is strictly prohibited. Smoking of any kind shall not be undertaken within 30 feet of the building.

  • Patrons shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs nor bring these items into the library.

  • Patrons shall not engage in any illegal activity while in or around the Library building.

  • Patrons shall not be permitted to enter the building without a shirt or other covering of the upper body or without shoes or other footwear. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other patrons or staff shall be required to leave the building.

  • Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and staff and shall not harass or annoy others through noisy or boisterous activities, by staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person, by playing audio equipment or using cell phones so that others can hear it, by singing or talking loudly to others or in monologues, or by behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other persons.

  • Patrons shall not interfere with the use of the Library by other patrons or interfere with Library employees’ performance of their duties.

  • Patrons shall not use the public restrooms for any activity beyond the basic purpose for which the Library’s restrooms are intended. Prohibited activities include, without limitation, bathing, shaving, brushing teeth, dressing, and performing sexual acts of any kind.

  • Patrons shall not bring pets or animals into the Library, other than service dogs for the handicapped.

  • Patrons shall not bring large bags of any kind into the library. Bags may be left outside the front door.

  • Patrons shall not deface or mar books, magazines, newspapers, recordings or other items of the Library collection, nor shall they deface, mar, or in any way destroy or damage Library furnishings, walls, carpets, machines, or other Library property.

  • Patrons may not view pornographic websites or engage in sexually explicit chatting while using library computers.

  • Each patron shall be responsible for any fines, fees or other charges due under the Library’s standard schedules. Failure to pay these fines will result in the suspension of borrowing privileges.

  • Any patron not abiding by these or other rules and regulations of the Library shall be required to leave the Library premises. Library employees shall contact the Red Bank Police if deemed advisable.

  • Patrons shall not disobey the reasonable direction of a Library staff member.

Any patron who violates the Library rules and regulations shall be denied the privilege of access to the Library.

The Red Bank Public Library does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability in employment or the provision of library service.

Revised and approved by the Red Bank Public Library Board of Trustees 11/16/2023

Technology Policy

The Red Bank Public Library is pleased to offer the public access to computers and laptops to enable informational, educational and recreational activities. Use of the Internet is a privilege and inappropriate use will result in suspension and eventual cancellation of this privilege.

LIBRARY COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS

  • Computer use is free to all Library patrons; guest passes are available for individuals without Library card.   

  • Patrons who have fines or charges of more than $10 on their Library records will be denied access to the Internet until payment is made.  

  • Public access to Internet workstations is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

  • Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to our computers, the Library reserves the right to limit the amount of time of computer usage. Internet sessions are one hour in length. Sessions will be renewed if computers are available.  If no stations are available, there is a one hour wait between sessions. 

  • The first 10 pages of black and white printing is free; additional black and white printouts cost $.15.  Color copies are $.40 per page for color. No refunds will be provided.

  • The Library does not provide e-mail accounts.  Patrons are welcome to use their own email accounts or establish accounts on any of the free email services. Library staff cannot set up email accounts for Library users.

  • Downloading is restricted to removable storage devices.  Personal files or software downloaded or saved to computer hard drives will be removed.  Flash drives may be purchased at the circulation desk.  

  • The Red Bank Public Library is not responsible for damage done to private systems through downloads from Library computers. 

  • Headphones must be worn when patrons are using audio while at the public computers.  Earbuds are available upon request. 

  • Food and drink are not allowed at the computer workstation.  Please leave drinks at a nearby table. 

  • Cell phones must be set to mute or vibrate, and all phone conversations should be conducted in the vestibule area in a low and muted tone.

  • Patrons are reminded that the Library's computers are located in public areas that are shared with people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the rights of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images.

LIBRARY LAPTOPS

  • Laptop computers are available for patrons upon request.

  • Patrons may not load software on the laptop.

  • Periodic updates of the laptops are required – please notify the Reference Librarian if a laptop needs attention.

INTERNET ACCESS BY MINORS

  • Parents or guardians are solely responsible for the Internet information selected or accessed by their children. While some filtering software has been installed on Library computers, parents are cautioned that unsupervised children may see things the parent finds objectionable.  Children should be accompanied by a parent/caregiver or should be provided with parental guidelines for Internet use.  Library staff are not responsible for determining what is acceptable for children, but may intervene if a child violates general policies/procedures. 

WIRELESS NETWORK

  • The Library’s wireless networks are open to all visitors – no password is required.

  • Wireless users agree to abide by the Red Bank Public Library Technology Policy.

  • The Library is not responsible for any hardware or software issues that may arise while connecting to the wireless network or while attempting to connect/disconnect to the network.

  • The Library wireless connection is not secure.  The Library is not responsible for the privacy of information a patron may transfer over the Library’s network.

  • The Library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of a patron’s equipment, software, data files or other personal property brought into or used at the Library.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY

  • Patrons are responsible for the content that they access.

  • Parents are responsible for the safe use of Library computers by their children.

  • The Library upholds the right of patrons to use the Internet in a safe, confidential manner; however, the Internet is an unregulated medium. The Library cannot guarantee complete privacy and security for any user.  Patrons should use caution, especially when accessing personal and financial information such as e-mail, bank accounts, credit card accounts, etc.

  • Patrons may not use the identity of another patron to gain access to Library computers.

UNACCEPTABLE USES OF LIBRARY COMPUTERS

The Library reserves the right to suspend the use of its computers, and/or the Library by anyone who uses Library computing equipment, electronic devices or a network for an illegal purpose or for a purpose in violation of the standards outlined in this and other Library policies.

All users shall specifically refrain from the following activities:

  • Using sounds and visuals which might disrupt the ability of other Library patrons to use the Library and its resources.

  • Downloading and/or installing executable files from any source.

  • Misrepresenting themselves on the Internet with the intention to commit harm, fraud or as a source of an electronic communication.

  • Displaying or disseminating images containing gratuitous violence or obscenity as defined by NJ State Law. (NJSA 2C § 34-2)

  • Criminal activity including but not limited to: hacking, uploading or downloading computer viruses, sexual exploitation of minors, online stalking, or harassment.

  • Altering settings, downloading software, or making permanent changes to the computer system.

  • Uses that cause damage to the system’s components, including damage to software, hardware, or data.

The Red Bank Public Library reserves the right to cancel any patron’s session or to deny access to computers by patrons who repeatedly violate Internet policy or the Library’s patron conduct policy for a period to be determined by the Library Director. In the case of serious, deliberate damage to Library computer systems, or other criminal activity, the Library reserves the right to contact law enforcement.