General Information

User Confidentiality |Your Library Card | Library Services | Borrowing Materials | Returning Materials | Library Rules | Children in the Library | Internet Acceptable Use Policy | Children's Computer Use Policy | MS Office Suite

Our library system is served by four branches. Following is basic information on obtaining a library card, loan periods, services offered by the library, and library rules.

User Confidentiality

The library will not release information in its registration or circulation files except in cases where such information is needed by law enforcement officers investigating a crime, and the release of such information under these circumstances will be by court order. The Troup-Harris Regional Library system will comply with agents conducting an investigation resulting from invocation of the United States Patriot's Act. Users should be aware that the U.S. Patriot's Act does not allow users to be informed when officals have requested their library records.

Your Library Card

Library cards are free to any resident of Georgia. Persons living outside of Georgia are charged a $25 a year fee or $12.50 for half a year.

To obtain a library card, you need identification that shows your current street address. This includes:

  • Driver's license
  • Printed check
  • Voter registration card
  • Utility bill
Other things to know about your library card:
  • Library cards are valid for two years.
  • A $3 replacement fee is charged for lost cards.
  • A parent or legal guardian must show proof of residence and sign the registration form for any child under the age of 18.
  • A parent or legal guardian accepts responsibility for all materials borrowed by their child.
NOTE: Your library card is similar to a credit card - if it is lost, it is your responsibility to report it missing! Any items checked out on the card will be charged to the user until he/she notifies the library of the loss. A police report may be required if a significant number of items are involved.

Library Services

  • Books, Magazines, Audio Books, Newspapers, Videos, Internet, Computer Access, Photocopier, and Interlibrary Loan
  • Our library catalog, PINES, can be searched from home over the Internet.
  • Children's story hours. Call for information!
  • Children's Vacation Reading Club is held every summer. Call your local branch for details!
  • Voter registration
  • Tax forms
  • Teen Book Club
  • Adult Book Club
  • Downloadable audio books
  • Wireless access
  • Online databases
  • Proctoring of tests
  • Interlibrary loan
Borrowing Materials

  • Up to 50 items may be borrowed but there is a limit of 2 DVDs/VHS tapes per card. NOTE: PINES does not allow borrowing of audio visual materials (DVDs, videos, CDs, etc.) from other PINES libraries. Only books can be borrowed from libraries outside of the home library system.
  • You must have your library card with you to borrow materials or to use the Internet.
  • Library materials are checked out for two weeks.
  • An item can be renewed twice in person, over the Internet, or over the phone if no other patron has requested it.
  • Some library items have a high loss rate and, therefore, a deposit is charged at the time of checkout. The amount of the deposit is dependent upon the value of the book. The deposit is refunded at the time of the book's return. If the material is long overdue (six months), the library will keep the deposit. Other overdue fines will still apply.
  • The library assumes no responsibility for any damage to a borrower's machine while using a cassette tape, DVD, CD, or video from the library's collection.
Returning Materials
  • Materials may be returned to any library that is a part of the Troup-Harris Regional Library or is a member of the PINES system.
  • Overdue materials are subject to fines. Library fines are 10 cents a day per item up to $6 per item. Persons owing more than $10 in fines or having over 10 overdue items will have their library cards blocked until the fine is paid down and/or the books returned.
  • Users will be charged the current replacement cost for materials lost or damaged beyond repair plus a processing fee.
  • The library retains the right to turn delinquent accounts over to a collection agency who will notify credit bureaus.
Library Rules

The public library strives to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all library users. The behavior listed below is considered unacceptable in the library and will not be permitted.

  • Any behavior which endangers the safety or health of others. This includes running, jostling, shoving, or fighting.
  • Violation, while in the library, of any local, state, or federal law.
  • Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library materials, furniture, equipment, or the library facility.
  • Theft of library materials or the personal property of other patrons or staff members.
  • Deliberate disruption of library procedures.
  • Use of abusive language.
  • Loud talking or laughing that disturbs or could disturb other users.
  • Smoking (including smokeless tobacco), eating, or drinking in areas not designated for these activities.
  • Consuming, selling, or giving of alcohol and/or controlled substances.
  • Gambling.
  • Inappropriate dress.
  • Loitering.
  • Congregating.
  • Sleeping.
  • Leaving of personal items in the library. The Library assumes no responsibility for any belongings left unattended including purses, book bags, backpacks, personal computers and cell phones.
  • Possession of any kind of weapon, firearm, or explosive devices on library property.
  • Using restrooms for bathing or other personal gromming.
  • The use of personal audio, visual, or computer equipment at loud volumes in the library building.
  • Insulting verbal comments toward or about library staff or library users.
  • Engaging in inappropriate conversation or behavior, sexual advances, or physical and/or verbal assault.
  • Aggressive behavior towards a library user or staff member.
  • Failure to follow posted instructions and guidelines for the use of library equipment and materials.
  • Bringing or riding bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, etc. into the library, including the lobby.
  • Use of cell phones in the library; cell phone use is limited to the lobby and users are asked to turn their ringers down.
  • Bringing animals into the building except for special service animals for the blind, hearing impaired, disabled, or for program activities.
  • Engaging in voyeurism, peeping, or stalking.
  • Remaining in the building after closing.
  • Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey taking, soliciting, or selling.
  • Unattended children (See Children in the Library policy below).

Consequences

Person(s) engaging in any of the above behaviors, will be asked to cease that behavior. If the behavior still continues, the person(s) will be asked to leave the building. If the person(s) refuse to do so, the police may be called. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, the person(s) may be refused use of the library for a specified time, or in extreme cases, permanently.

Parents are responsible for their children's behavior while on library property even if the parent is not present in the library when the child is misbehaving. Disruptive children, as well as adults, will be asked to leave the building after one verbal warning. If a parent cannot be located, the police may be called to provide assistance. If disruptive behavior continues to occur, the child may have library privileges suspended or may be required to be accompanied by a parent each time s/he comes to the library.

Those persons caught vandalizing or otherwise destroying library property will be required to repair or replace any damaged items. The library will report such incidents to the police and abusers may be prosecuted.

Children in the Library

The Troup-Harris Regional Library system is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming, exciting, and safe environment for people of all ages. Sharing this environment with other people requires that all follow the rules of conduct of the library system established by the Board of Trustees and posted in each library building.

The Troup-Harris Regional Library wants children to use its facilities and services. The public library is not a childcare provider but a public institution where all users have an equal right to quality library services in a safe and relaxed environment. Children in the library always should be accompanied by a parent/guardian or assigned caregiver. When children are left alone, they may become frightened or anxious. If they wander through the building, they may encounter hazards, such as stairs, doors, furniture, or electrical equipment. They may become bored and restless and could disturb the enjoyment and work of others.

The safety of children left alone in a library building is a serious concern of library staff. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent/caregiver and not with library personnel. Parents should be aware that the library is a public building which is open for everyone's use. Library staff cannot be responsible for children who are unattended or are demonstrating inappropriate behavior. The following guidelines will be followed concerning the care and behavior of young library users:

Children through age 6 must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of the child. The assigned caregiver must be at least 16 years old and must carry emergency contact information. An exception would be children attending a story time or other library program without a parent/caregiver in the room. However, the parent/caregiver must remain in the library building and immediately join the child at the end of the program.

If a child in this age group is found unattended, library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the library and inform him/her of library rules. If the parent/caregiver is not found in the library, law enforcement personnel will be asked to pick up the child. If a child in this age group violates library rules, the child and parent/caregiver will be informed of library rules. If inappropriate behavior continues, the family may be asked to leave the library at that time.

Children ages 7 through 11 may use the library on their own, but the parent/caregiver must be in the building and are still responsible for the actions of their children. Children using inappropriate behavior will be informed of library rules. If inappropriate behavior continues, the child and family may be asked to leave the library.

Youth ages 12 through 16 may be in the library without a parent/caregiver. However, they are still legally the responsibility of their parents and should have emergency contact information available. Youth using inappropriate behavior will be informed of library rules. If inappropriate behavior continues, the youth may be asked to leave the library. The library may require youths who have been requested to leave because of their behavior not be readmitted without being accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Closing Time. Youth of all ages should arrange for transportation before arriving at the library. All children at the library at closing time will be asked for telephone numbers of people to pick them up at the library. If transportation is not available by 15 minutes after closing, the library staff will contact law enforcement personnel to pick up the youth. When law enforcement personnel have picked up the youth, the staff will leave a note on the library door notifying the parent/caregiver that law enforcement personnel have their child.

Library staff will stay with the youth after closing until the parent/caregiver or law enforcement personnel have picked up the youth. Children will not be left outside to wait on a ride. In any situation involving youth safety and specifically whenever parents/caregivers or law enforcement personnel are contacted, staff will complete an incident report. In cases of serious violations of the policy, the library will notify the Department of Family and Children's Services. Under no circumstances will staff members drive unattended children home.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Troup-Harris Regional Library offers Internet access at all of its locations. To ensure equitable access for all to this resource, please follow the procedures and guidelines described below in the library's Internet Acceptable Use Policy. These procedures have been developed to ensure the most equitable access to the Internet for residents of all ages.

INTERNET ACCESS AND FILTERING

All of the Internet stations within the Troup-Harris Regional Library system have filtering devices installed. Children are not allowed to use any adult machine, filtered or not filtered, without a parent or guardian being present. Filtering is not 100% effective. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian, not the library, to monitor children's use of the Internet.

The library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a worldwide community with a highly diverse user population. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Users need to be good information consumers by questioning the validity of the information found online.

Remember that you are responsible for what you access!

DEFINITION OF MINOR

As defined by the Children's Internet Protection Act: (C) MINOR.--The term `minor' means an individual who has not attained the age of 17. Therefore, any person under the age of 17 must have a parent or guardian with them to access the public Internet computers.

PROCEDURES FOR INTERNET USE

  1. Users must present their valid library card at the Information Desk and sign in. Valid library cards are those issued by the following libraries:

    • Harris County Public Library
    • Hogansville Public Library
    • LaGrange Memorial Library
    • Williams Memorial Library
    • PINES libraries

    Additional information such as a photo ID with birth date may be requested to confirm identity. At the discretion of the librarian, the above may be waived for visitors and students.

  2. A parent or guardian should monitor the child's usage of the Internet. Parents or guardians, not the library staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents/children should read Child Safety on the Information Highway.
  3. Users acknowledge that they have read and will abide by the Troup-Harris Regional Library Acceptable Use and Disclaimer Statement when they register for an Internet session.
  4. Use of the Internet computers is on a first-come, first-served basis. Some library system sites will issue a checkout card to users that must be displayed at the Internet station. Depending on the location, a session may be ½ hour or one hour. Users may register for more than one session per day; however, additional sessions may not be in consecutive periods. If a user's time has expired and users are waiting for Internet stations, the user will be asked to log off the machine to give others a chance to use it. In this case, users will be required to wait at least ½ hour before being allowed to check out another terminal (unless one becomes available and no users are waiting) to give others an opportunity to use the equipment.
  5. Users will display the checkout card they are issued for the equipment by placing it in the envelope located at the workstation. When finished, the checkout card should be returned to the Circulation Desk so the user's record can be cleared.
GUIDELINES FOR INTERNET USE:

  1. Users may receive or send e-mail on the machines, however, there are hundreds of e-mail programs and it is the responsibility of the user, not the library staff, to know how to access and use the e-mail program. The library is not responsible for any security breeches that occur in e-mail accounts due to the user leaving his/her e-mail program open on a public machine.
  2. Users are not permitted to use personal software programs.
  3. Users are not permitted to insert any type of disk into the computers other than on designated equipment.
  4. Users may print information from the Internet at a cost per page and are responsible for payment of pages printed. Pages can be picked up and paid for at the Circulation Desk. On the Internet, it is difficult to determine the number of pages. One possible way to do this is to go to "File", then "Print Preview" to determine the number of pages. If you do not wish to print the entire document, close print preview and click on "File", then "Print." Enter the page numbers in the "pages box" (ex., 4-6; 2,8,11). Users should be aware that the user, not the library, assumes the cost of all pages printed. The library is not responsible for print quality nor does the library have color printers.
  5. Report any equipment problems or difficulties immediately.
  6. Transmission of material in violation of U.S., State, and local regulations is prohibited.
  7. Use of the library's Internet for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited.
  8. Users are expected to abide by generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include no use or practice that is disruptive or offensive to other network users.
  9. Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and possible prosecution under Georgia Code 16-9-93. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm, modify, or destroy data, equipment, or software.
  10. Georgia law prohibits the viewing of pornographic or obscene materials. Users found viewing such sites will have their Internet privileges revoked. (Georgia Code 16-12-80 and 16-12-100.2)
  11. Misuse of the computers/software will result in loss of computer privileges for one month. Misuse includes modifying the programs and directories resident on library computers, changing the mappings, attempting to download programs, and trying to password machines. Additional offenses may result in permanent loss of computer privileges.
  12. Any user, including minors, found attempting unauthorized access, including hacking, will have their computer privileges permanently suspended.
  13. Because of space restrictions, no more than two people at one time may be seated at one workstation.
ACCESS BY MINORS

While the library maintains a separate Children's Computer Use Policy, parents and guardians should be aware of the following:

  1. Minors are not to access inappropriate matter including full and partial nudity, profanity, or violence. While the library filters most of its Internet terminals, filtering is not foolproof and it is the responsibility of the parent to monitor their child's usage. Minors found viewing such materials will have their Internet privileges revoked for one month. Additional offenses may result in permanent loss of computer privileges.
  2. The library cannot be responsible for the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chatrooms, or other forms of direct electronic communications. At this time, the library does not block or filter chat or e-mail. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to monitor the child's use of these services.
  3. Under no circumstances should minors release personal information over the Internet.
ASSISTANCE

Library staff will be glad to assist users in locating resources on the Internet and will provide reference materials to aid in searching. In addition, see the many help files on the Internet itself which give searching assistance. Library staff cannot provide in-depth training on computer use and search strategies.

Users may not be able to access places on the Internet for various reasons. For example, the host computer has closed, has reached its maximum simultaneous users, has changed address, or has limited access from the "outside world." A resource may be licensed and require special passwords. Also, technical problems may cause temporary shutdowns in the system or library filtering may block the site.

DISCLAIMER

The Troup-Harris Regional Library makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The library has no control over information available upon the Internet and blocking software may not be 100% effective. The library is not responsible for any damages suffered by any user. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the risk of the user.

Children's Computer Use Policy

At some locations, the Troup-Harris Regional Library has identified computers specifically for the use of children under 11 years of age. These computers have educational CD-ROM programs available as well as Internet access. Although these computers use filtering software to monitor objectionable sites on the Internet, this monitoring software is not foolproof and the library accepts no liability if minors connect to sites that might be deemed objectionable. Parents should stay with their children and monitor their use of all computer programs.

Procedures for Computer Use:

  1. Either the parent or child must present their valid library card at the Circulation Desk and sign in. Valid library cards are those issued by the following libraries:

    • Harris County Public Library
    • Hogansville Public Library
    • LaGrange Memorial Library
    • Williams Memorial Library
    • PINES libraries

    Additional information such as a photo ID with birth date may be requested to confirm identity. At the discretion of the librarian, the above may be waived for visitors and students.

  2. Only children 11 years of age or younger are allowed use of these computers. Other workstations are available for older children and adults. Please inquire at the Circulation or Reference Desks.
  3. Parents are required to sit with their child while the computer is being used. Parents or guardians, not the library staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents/children should read "Child Safety on the Information Highway".
  4. Users acknowledge that they have read the guidelines and procedures contained within this document and agree to abide by them when registering for a session on the children's computers.
  5. Use of the children's computers is on a first-come, first-served basis. A session is ½ hour or one hour depending upon the library location. Users may register for more than one session per day; however, additional sessions may not be in consecutive periods.
  6. A set of headphones will be issued to the child for each session. These headphones should be returned at the end of the session to the circulation desk. Users who do not return the headphones will be billed $20 for replacement costs. Users may bring personal headphones in to use with library computers.
  7. Users will display the checkout card they are issued for the equipment by placing it in the envelope located at the workstation. When finished, the checkout card should be returned to the Circulation Desk so the user's record can be cleared.
Guidelines for Usage:
  1. Headphones must be used at all times to prevent disruption to other library users.
  2. Users may print information from any of the public Internet computers unless the computer is posted that printing is not available at a cost per page. Parents are responsible for payment of pages printed by their children. Pages can be picked up and paid for at the Circulation Desk. The library is not responsible for print quality nor does it have a color printer available for public use.
  3. The library realizes kids will be kids and may become boisterous when using computer programs. Parents are asked to be considerate of other users of the library by keeping the noise level down. If complaints are received from other library users, the child may be asked to leave the computer.
  4. Parents should not allow children to bang on the computers, hit the computer keyboard, or adjust the controls on the monitor or other parts of the computer. Parents will be held responsible for the repair or replacement costs of computer parts or accessories broken or damaged by their children.
  5. Sending or receiving E-mail or transferring files is not permissible on the children's computers.
  6. The use of personal software programs or the insertion of any type of disk into the children's computers is prohibited.
  7. Any equipment problems or difficulties should be immediately reported.
  8. Transmission of material in violation of U.S., State, and local regulations is prohibited.
  9. Children are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette in the same manner as adults. These include engaging in no practice that is disruptive or offensive to other network users.
  10. Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and possible prosecution under Georgia Code 16-9-93. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm, modify, or destroy data, equipment, or software.
  11. Georgia law prohibits the viewing of pornographic or obscene materials. Users found viewing such sites will have their Internet privileges revoked.
  12. Misuse of the computers/software will result in the loss of computer privileges for one month. Additional offenses may result in permanent loss of computer privileges.
  13. Because of space restrictions, no more than two people at one time may be seated at one workstation.
Disclaimer:

Library staff will be glad to assist parents and children with starting the programs on the children's computers and in accessing the Internet. However, library staff cannot provide in-depth training on computer use and in the individual use of each program. A minimal familiarity with computers, the use of a mouse, and the ability to point and click to open files is expected.

Users may not be able to access places on the Internet for various reasons. For example, the host computer has closed, has reached its maximum simultaneous users, has changed address, or has limited access from the "outside world." A resource may be licensed and require special passwords, technical problems may cause temporary shutdowns in the system, or library filtering may be blocking the site because it contains objectionable materials.

The Troup-Harris Regional Library makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The library has no control over information available upon the Internet and filtering software may not be 100% effective. The library is not responsible for any damages suffered by any user. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the risk of the user.

MS Office Suite

As a service to users, the Troup-Harris Regional Library provides the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) access for its users on all public Internet computers. Access to these programs follows the same sign up rules and guidelines as for the public Internet computers.

The user should be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Library staff will start the software but cannot provide instruction on its use or in the formatting or creation of documents.

The library is not liable for the loss of data, the format or appearance of documents, or the quality of printing. The library provides paper for printing but the user is expected to pay at the Circulation Desk for each page printed. Printing costs may vary according to library location.

 

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