1) The library reserves the right in the exercise of its sole discretion to terminate, without notice, use of the Brunswick Library by any organization or individual that violates these policies and procedures. 2) The library shall not be used for any unlawful activity or any activity which may be disruptive, divisive, unlawful, or demeaning to the community or any members of the community. 3) The use of the library shall be restricted to purposes that offer community benefits and family events. Community events shall include business meetings, training classes, seminars, concerts, banquets, author events, and similar gatherings deemed appropriate by the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees. 4) Organizations or individuals seeking to rent the library space shall be required to demonstrate sound financial status (any person, group, or organization with unpaid rentals at any Glynn County facility will be required to bring all Glynn County accounts to current paid status before they may rent the library). 5) Renters of the library space may not use the name of the library, Glynn County, its officials, or employees in advertising or in advertising or in any other manner that may imply sponsorship or sanction of any event or activity. 6) No signs or notices of any kind may be used outside the library advertising any event or activity except signs or notices approved by the library in writing in advance of placement of the sign or notice. 7) Fire codes shall be adhered to at all times including, but not limited to, seating capacity, lobby capacity, and other areas of the building. Listed below are the occupant load for each rentable room or area in the library facility: Room Occupant Load Meeting Room 1 TBD Meeting Room 2 TBD Conference Room A TBD Conference Room B TBD Conference Room C TBD Conference Room A & B TBD Conference Room B & C TBD Conference Room A, B, & C TBD 8) Smoking is prohibited at all times in the library building. Smoking is allowed 25 feet from any point of the public building. 9) No dried rice, birdseed, fireworks, bubbles, or other material may be used or thrown inside the library or on library property in relation to an event for which any part of the library is rented. 10) The renter is responsible for all actions of guest’s caterer, florist, and all vendors providing services to the renter. The renter is responsible for informing these individuals or companies of the rules and regulations concerning the use of the library and providing written copies of these polices and rules. 11) If food is to be served, the name of the caterer shall be provided to the library at the time of the submission of the rental application. 12) No cooking is permitted in the library or on library property. All food preparation must take place off premises. The caterer shall provide proof of all applicable (paid up-to-date) occupational taxes, local and state alcohol beverage licenses, local and state health permits, and any other required certification. 13) The specific use of the library, beverage and items served, audio and/or amplification systems or devices, and entertainment must be approved by the library. The renter is responsible for compliance with the Glynn County’s Noise Ordinance and all other County and City of Brunswick ordinances and laws by all persons attending the event at the library. (60 decibels max) 14) The renter is responsible for clean-up of the catering kitchen and area. All trash to include food must be placed in heavy-duty plastic garbage bags, secured tightly and disposed of in the trash cans or other trash receptacles provided by the library. Boxes must be broken down. If this is not done, an additional full clean-up fee will be charged to the renter, payable within 10 days. 15) The library will not be responsible for food preparations, supplies or food consumed. 16) The library reserves the right in the sole exercise of its discretion to deny and/or limit the use of the library due to life safety and/or maintenance concerns. 17) The library is not responsible for any rental items such as dance floors, tables, chairs, tablecloths, etc. Set up and removal of these items is the renter’s responsibility. There is no overnight storage. 18) Renters are responsible for all set up and take down of the room(s). 19) The library must approve specific room set-up, including furniture placement and decorations. A set-up drawing must be submitted for approval at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. All equipment and artwork owned by the library shall remain in the library at all times with no exceptions. The library will be responsible for moving or relocating any equipment, if necessary. 20) No permanent features of the library may be changed by any renting party. No decorations are allowed on the building, walls, or corridors, nor any signs or decorations supported by nails, tacks, screws, pressure sensitive tape, or double-sided tape be applied on walls, woodwork, etc. without approval of the library. Any decorations used by the renter shall be non-flammable materials and shall conform to the regulations and ordinances of Glynn County. Request for decorations shall be submitted for approval at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. 21) To protect both parties involved, an equipment and facilities checklist must be completed by the library before and after each event. 22) The library, Glynn County, and its employees do not assume responsibility for items left after the rental time. The renter, caterer, florist, and any other providers or individuals are responsible for the removal of all equipment within 45 minutes following the event. 23) No pyrotechnics may be used at the library. 24) All rentals will be confirmed in writing to the renting person, group or party. It is the responsibility of the renter to verify all dates and factual information for accuracy. 25) Applications for use of the library may be made up to six months in advance of the event. No application will be deemed complete, nor a date reserved, until the rental fee, clean-up fee, and damage deposit are received and any instrument of payment successfully negotiated. All fees and deposit is returnable for a cancellation of more than 60 days before the day of the event. 26) The library or designee shall be present to open and close the library for all events and activities. 27) The renter shall assume all responsibility for the acts and conduct of all persons admitted to the premises during the term of the rental period and renter shall comply with all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of the State of Georgia and Glynn County and will obtain and pay for all necessary permits and licenses. If a violation occurs and is not immediately corrected, the library or its designee will terminate the event and no refund will be made. 28) The renter shall be liable for all damages or injury to the building and to all furniture, fixtures, and equipment located at the library including all rental items and items brought to the building by the renter or its agents or representatives, and agrees to indemnify and hold the library and its designees harmless from claims and suits arising out of injury or death to persons or damage to either the property or the renter’s property. 29) The library reserves the right, in the sole exercise of its discretion to refuse rental of the library facilities to any person, group or group organization that in the past has violated any Glynn County Ordinances, Policies, Procedures, Rules and Regulations; or has shown a disregard for persons or property; or who in the opinion of the library did not conduct themselves in a peaceable and appropriate manner. 30) No charge or fee shall be required of any attendee at the event for any food, alcoholic beverage, or any other thing except that a caterer may charge the renter for such items provided to all persons at the event. 31) The renter is personally responsible for any violations of rental agreement, State Law, Glynn County Ordinances, or these regulations. The renter shall remain on the premises of the event until the event is ended and clean-up that is required preformed. 32) The renter must pay rental, clean-up, and damage deposit at the time the facilities are reserved. 33) A fee may be deducted from the deposit to cover the cost of excessive clean-up and/or damage to the facility and/or equipment. If the damage deposit is insufficient to cover the excess cleanup or damage charges, the renter will be billed for the shortfall with payment due within 5 days. FOR EVENTS THAT WILL INVOLVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, the following additional rules are included: 34) Alcoholic beverages are permitted in the library building during special events and activities, subject to the caterer of the event holding all applicable local and state licenses; a. Alcoholic beverages may be served Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 11:59 PM. Other days and times of the week must get written approval from the library at the time of the application. b. No alcohol may be consumed outside the library, any public parking area, or on the public sidewalks at any time. c. No open containers shall be carried from the library. All alcoholic beverages shall be consumed within the walls of the rented room(s). Serve/drink no alcohol until the policeman arrives for the event. d. Any necessary permits must be secured and a copy is to be provided to the library at least 72 hours prior to the event. e. All alcoholic beverages served at the events in the library shall be dispensed into cups that are 16 ounces or less, approved by the library prior to the event. Glassware may not be taken out on the front porch (Gloucester Street entrance). f. The renter shall not permit any person to bring any alcoholic beverages for fewer than all persons in attendance at the event. No “brown-bagging” or “bring your own bottle” shall be permitted. g. No beer kegs may be used on the premises. 35) Events shall last no more than four (4) hours if alcohol is served. 36) Security Requirements: renter must provide at his/her own expense one off-duty Glynn County Police Officer when serving alcoholic beverages. The Officer must be compensated on-site by the renter. The library makes the arrangements. GIVE A COPY OF THIS TO YOUR CATERER/PLANNER/BAR TENDER You must pay for all the hours that you will be in the building, including set-up and clean-up times. Renters should check with caterers to make sure they know the rental hours. No staff will be available to open rooms before the start of the rental time. Clean-up must be done by the time the rental is over. Excessive clean-up after events means they won’t get all of the deposit back. Decorations may be tied up; not taped or attached by anything that leaves a residue. The library cannot block any of the doors during the hours the library is open to the public. Please see the library’s website for hours of operation. The library book drops cannot be blocked off at any time, and must be available to the public at all hours. Nothing can be thrown (birdseed, rice, rose petals, fireworks, bubbles etc.). No kegs are allowed and no bring your own or brown bagging. Alcohol can be served up to four hours while an Officer is present. Alcohol must not be consumed during set-up and clean-up. The Officer is paid directly, the night of the event at $40 per hour (minimum of $120). The renter may be called by the police contact a few days ahead of the event. There is NO cooking in the building or on the front porch. NO FOOD OR GREASE down the kitchen drain.
The Marshes of Glynn Libraries will select and preserve, without bias or limitation on the right to know, a comprehensive collection of print, non-print, and electronically accessed materials to meet the informational, educational, recreational, and cultural needs of all citizens of Glynn County.
The final authority for the determination of policy to guide the selection and acquisition of library material is vested in the Board of Trustees of the Marshes of Glynn Libraries.
The ultimate responsibility for selecting materials for the library locations rests with the Marshes of Glynn Libraries Director. However, under the Director’s authority, he/she delegates selection responsibilities to appropriate staff members. Suggestions from the general public are encouraged and are evaluated by the staff based on the library’s criteria for selection.
As ours is a free society, the Marshes of Glynn Libraries will provide access to information in all fields and from all points of view. The library, in collecting and acquiring publications and related materials representing the widest diversity of views, will include items which reflect controversial, unorthodox, or even unpopular ideas.
Guidelines for Selection and Use of Materials
Selectors first evaluate or judge the intrinsic merits and quality of the materials available for selection using rigorous evaluative criteria. They select from the available options those items that best meet the needs of the community, while weighing fiscal and spatial limitations with the availability of the material elsewhere.
The criteria for selection of materials for the Marshes of Glynn Libraries collections will include the following:
Quality of writing/production (as determined by reviews)
Importance of subject matter
Timeliness
Reputation of the publisher/producers
Readability and popular appeal
Authoritativeness
Reputation and significance of the author/artist/composer/producer/etc.
Format and price
Request from patrons
Recommendations of work in standard review sources or inclusion in standard bibliographies
Value (permanent, current, temporary, educational, recreational)
Potential local use
The Marshes of Glynn Libraries do not purchase textbooks
Collection Maintenance
The Marshes of Glynn Libraries use weeding as a collection development tool. Its purpose is to maintain library collections of high quality appropriate in size to the capacity of the library location which is current, accessible, and appealing to users. All collections need to be weeded on a continuing and scheduled basis. Regardless of use, materials should be removed if they are damaged, worn, have missing pages, contain dated/obsolete information, are unused duplicates, or have been replaced by a newer edition.
Patron Request for Purchase Consideration
The Marshes of Glynn Libraries welcomes suggestions from patrons for titles to purchase. All suggested titles are considered according to the criteria outlined in the Materials Selection Policy. Not all titles suggested will be purchased.
Reconsideration of Materials
Any patron has the right to request reconsideration of an item in the collection. Should a member of the community question the place of a book or other material in the collection, he or she may submit a Reconsideration of Materials form to the Marshes of Glynn Libraries Director. This form is available at all library locations. Library staff will reevaluate the item to see if it meets the stated evaluative criteria, and review the selection decision to see if the item falls within the Materials Selection Policy. The Marshes of Glynn Libraries supports the American Library Association’s (ALA’s) Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, Free Access to Libraries for Minors, and Freedom to View a Statement.
Approved by the MOGL Board of Trustees on July 10, 2013
The Marshes of Glynn Libraries welcomes gifts of library materials, money or tangible property. All gifts become the sole property of the libraries. All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Donations will be acknowledged for tax purposes as required.
Donations of books and other library materials are accepted with the understanding that the libraries may make whatever use of the material it feels appropriate. Items are evaluated on the same basis as purchased materials and may be added to the library collection, donated to the respective “Friends” book sale to benefit the respected library, or disposed of if deemed unacceptable due to condition.
The Marshes of Glynn Libraries accept monetary donations. Monetary donations may be directed for a specific purpose that furthers the mission of the library as desired by the donor, or if unspecified, will be utilized for the benefit of the library.
Donations that have “stipulations” attached are not accepted without approval by the Director and/or Library Board. The Marshes of Glynn Libraries reserve the right to refuse donated items due to space limitations, condition of the items, or if the item does not further the mission of the library.
Approved by the MOGL Board of Trustees on July 10, 2013
The Board of Trustees of the Marshes of Glynn Libraries, in order to assist library personnel to complete their duties, provide an atmosphere conducive to study and the appropriate use of the library’s services and facilities, and provide for the safety, comfort and welfare of patrons of all ages has adopted the following policy:
The library is not responsible for the care of unattended minors.
The library will provide services consistent with its mission statement but will not act as nor provide services associated with a daycare, after school care facility, summer camp or babysitting
service. The library will make no determination as to the suitability or authority of anyone arriving or being contacted to transport a minor from library grounds or for minors leaving library grounds with either another minor or an adult.
Children age 8 and under may not be left unattended in the library.
Care providers must supervise and provide guidance and control for their charges at all times. Adult supervision (age 18 or older) must be provided to all children under the age of 8.
Children between the ages of 9 and 12 should not be left unattended in the library for extended periods of time.
Attendance at library programs, browsing for recreational reading and after school use of the library for homework and study are encouraged and considered appropriate. In general, the library considers more than 2-3 hours (depending on the age and conduct of the child) to be excessive and inappropriate. Parents may be notified and asked to pick up and/or provide supervision for their child.
Children between the ages of 13 and 17 may be in the library without a parent or caregiver.
However, they are still legally the responsibility of their parent or guardian and must abide by library rules and policies. The library may require children between these ages to be accompanied
by a parent or guardian if rules and policies are not followed.
Children under 12 attending any Children/Youth program must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or caregiver during the duration of the program.
Those unattended minors who do not abide by library rules and policies, or who exhibit unacceptable behavior, will be asked to leave, and/or call their parents for a ride.
If a minor is unable to contact their parents or if a ride does not arrive after 15 minutes, they may be considered abandoned and the authorities called. Library employees will wait with minors for 15 minutes before contacting the authorities.
The library is not responsible for minors without a ride home at closing.
Minors without a ride home at closing may be considered abandoned and the authorities called after 15 minutes. Employees of the Marshes of Glynn Libraries may not offer to or transport minors to their home or any other location, either in the instance that the minor is left on library grounds after closing or at any other time.
Medical Emergencies.
The library will immediately contact emergency medical services if cause of need is given. The library will not be responsible for any treatment administered or any result thereof nor any cost
associated with the provision of such services.
Approved by the MOGL Board of Trustees on May 14, 2014
The Marshes of Glynn Libraries will provide library services from one location at 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520, which will also house administrative offices; and the other location at 530A Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.
Adopted by the MOGL Board of Trustees on July 10, 2013
The Chair of the Marshes of Glynn Libraries Board of Trustees and the Library Director will meet eight days prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting to set the meeting agenda.
Adopted by the MOGL Board of Trustees on July 10, 2013
The Marshes of Glynn Libraries consists of the Brunswick-Glynn County Library in Brunswick, Georgia, and the St. Simons Public Library on Saint Simons Island, Georgia (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the “Libraries” or individually as “Library”). It is the mission of the Marshes of Glynn Libraries to provide quality library services and resources at the Libraries for the educational, recreational, and informational needs of Library patrons and to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere conducive to the appropriate use of library services and resources. Use of the Libraries is intended for activities normally associated with the use of a public library as set forth below.
SECTION 2. RULES AND REGULATIONS
While on the premises of the Libraries, all Library patrons are required to comply with this Patron Behavior and Library Use Policy. In order to maintain an appropriate atmosphere conducive to accomplishing the Marshes of Glynn Libraries’ mission and in order to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, to protect the rights and safety of Library employees, and to protect and preserve the resources, facilities and property of the Libraries, the Board of Trustees of the Marshes of Glynn Libraries has adopted the following patron behavior and library use rules and regulations:
(A) While on the premises of either of the Libraries, LIBRARY PATRONS SHALL:
Engage in activities normally associated with the use of a public library, which includes, but is not limited to: a) selecting and checking out Library books or materials: (b) reading, studying, writing, researching, listening to, and accessing ideas, materials, and information; (c) tutoring; (d) using Library materials or equipment; and (e) attending programs, meetings, classes, or events. Patrons not engaged in activities normally associated with the use of a public library may be required to leave the library; and
Respect the rights of other patrons. Patrons shall not harass or annoy others through noisy or boisterous activities, by staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person, by following another person about the building with the intent to annoy that person, by playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, by singing or talking loudly to others or in monologues, or by behaving in a manner which can be reasonably expected to disturb others.
(B) While on the premises of either of the Libraries, LIBRARY PATRONS SHALL NOT:
Bring or consume any food or beverages in the reading room or smoke or use any tobacco or tobacco products, e-cigarettes or vaporizers inside the Libraries;
Be under the influence of, use, or possess any alcohol or drugs;
Engage in any illegal activity or any activity that would constitute a violation of applicable City or County Ordinances;
Interfere with the use of the Library by other patrons, or interfere with library employees’ performance of their duties;
Deface, mar, or destroy, library materials, such as books, magazines, newspapers, recordings, computers, or other items of the Library, nor shall patrons deface, mar, move (without authorization), or in any way destroy or damage library furnishings, furniture, walls, machines, or other library property. This provision shall apply whether or not the defacing, marring, or destruction occurs on the premises of the Libraries;
Patrons shall not place their legs or feet on the furniture;
Enter the library without shirt or shoes. Patrons must wear a covering of their upper bodies and shoes or other footwear at all times. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other patrons may be required to leave the building;
Bring pets or animals into the library (other than service animals to accompany people with disabilities);
Create any fire or open flame;
Leave children age 8 and under unattended. Children age 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older) at all times in the library. See Unattended Children Policy;
Leave a child or young adult (under the age of 18) on library property after closing time. See Unattended Children Policy;
Sleep, nap, doze, or lay your head on a table;
Possess, brandish, or threaten the use or display of any explosive, knife, or gun (except to the extent explicitly permitted by federal and state law) or use any other object in such a manner that a reasonable person would consider it to be a weapon;
Engage in or solicit any sexual contact, activities, or conduct;
Sell, solicit, survey, distribute or post written materials, panhandle or canvas for any political, commercial, charitable or religious purposes or take photographs inside a library building, doorway or vestibule without prior authorization of the Marshes of Glynn Libraries Board of Trustees or the Library Director;
Run, jump, or climb inside the library;
Bring personal possessions or items that are collectively too large to fit under one of the library’s study chairs;
Change or wash clothes, bath, or shave in any restroom or take any library materials into any restroom;
Enter non-public areas of the library, such as staff workrooms, staff lounges, offices and storage areas, without permission;
Violate the library’s rules for acceptable use of the internet and library public computers;
Willfully conceal and/or remove library property from the library without authorization;
Engage in any fighting or physical violence or use any language or engage in any behavior or conduct which can be reasonably expected to provoke violence or be a disturbance or threat to others;
Use any skateboard, rollerblade, or bicycle, except exclusively as a means of travel to and from the library;
Make repetitive noises which can be reasonably expected to disturb others, such as repetitively tapping a pencil, rapping fingers or knuckles; and/or slamming books down or slapping book covers; or
Fail to correct the behavior of any minor child of the Library patron or that is under the supervision of the Library patron when such behavior violates this Policy.
SECTION 3. ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
The Library Director shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of this Patron Behavior and Library Use Policy. The Library Director may also delegate the enforcement of this policy to other members of the library staff. This Policy and the rules and regulations established herein shall be enforced in a consistent and impartial manner. When enforcing these Rules, law enforcement shall be contacted if: (1) a Library patron refuses to leave the premises of either library after being asked to leave by Library staff due to a violation of the Rules; (2) a Library patron is on Library Premises in violation of a Notice of Exclusion; or (3) if otherwise determined appropriate by staff of the Marshes of Glynn Libraries.
SECTION 4. VIOLATIONS
Failure to comply with the rules and regulations set forth in this Policy may result in access to the Libraries being denied for a period of time, as well as suspension of library privileges. Violations of this Policy will typically first result in a verbal warning and library staff attempting to educate or warn individuals about the Policy. If an individual continues to violate this Policy after a verbal warning, Library staff may order them to leave for the remainder of the day, until the violation is corrected, or for such other period of time as severity of the violation may justify.
However, repeated violations of this Policy over a period of time or any single violation (even in a single isolated event) where a warning will not suffice (e.g. violations that involve any illegal behavior, sexual misconduct or physical violence of any kind, any behavior that a reasonable person would find harassing, threatening, or harmful, or any behavior that threatens the life or safety of any person or that is damaging to library property, equipment or facilities) may result in the immediate expulsion from the library premises.
Violations of this Policy may result in individuals being excluded from the Libraries: 1) until the violation is corrected; 2) for the remainder of current day; or 3) for a minimum of one full day to a maximum permanent exclusion. The severity of the conduct and/or any prior bans will determine the length of the exclusion. Any person who disregards a request by Library staff to leave the Library as authorized under this Policy or will be considered trespassing and will immediately be reported to the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
If a Library patron is asked to leave the library or is excluded from the Libraries for any length of time, Library staff shall provide the Library patron with a copy of this Policy and a Notice of Exclusion that advises the Library patron of the length of the exclusion and of the ability to appeal the Notice of Exclusion. However, the enforcement of this policy and/or any exclusion from the Libraries shall not be affected by the refusal of the Library patron to accept the Notice of Exclusion or if the Library patron leaves the Library premises before Library staff can provide the Library patron with a Notice of Exclusion.
SECTION 5. APPEAL
A Library patron may appeal a Notice of Exclusion and request a hearing by submitting a signed and completed “Hearing Request Form” specifying the grounds of the appeal, along with a copy of the Notice of Exclusion, in person or by mail to the Library Director at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library, 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, Georgia 31520, no later than five (5) days from the date of the Notice of Exclusion. Being on the Library premises for the limited purpose of submitting a Hearing Request Form shall not be a violation of a Notice of Exclusion. Failure to make a timely request for a hearing will render the exclusion decision final. The filing of an appeal does not affect the enforcement and validity of the Notice of Exclusion while the appeal is pending. The hearing on the appeal of a Notice of Exclusion shall be held as soon as reasonably practicable before the Board of Trustees of the Marshes of Glynn Libraries. A decision on the appeal shall be rendered by the Board of Trustees as soon as reasonably practicable and shall articulate the grounds for the decision in writing. The Board of Directors may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the Library Director. The Library patron shall be provided with a copy of the decision of the Board of Trustees, which shall be final.
SECTION 6. ADOPTION
This Patron Behavior and Library Use Policy was adopted by the Marshes of Glynn Libraries Board of Trustees on January 11, 2017. This policy and the rules and regulations of conduct established herein shall be effective immediately and shall supersede all previous patron behavior and library use policies.
As a member of the Public Information Network for Electronic Services (PINES)system, the Marshes of Glynn Libraries will follow policy set forth by the Georgia Public Library Service and the PINES system.
Fine Levels
Every item has an attribute called “Fine Level” that determines the level of recurring fine with which the item circulates, within a pre-determined range of levels. Fine levels for the Marshes of Glynn Libraries will be set at the “Normal” range of$.20 per day.
Duration
Every item also has a “Loan Duration” attribute, which affects the length of time an item circulates. The Marshes of Glynn Libraries loan duration will be set at the “Normal” range of14 days for books, music and audiobooks with 2 renewals; 7 days for movies with 2 renewals;and 7 days for state and local passes with 1 renewal.
Maximum Fine Levels
The Marshes of Glynn Libraries will set the maximum fines levels at “Medium-Max” fine levels of $10.00
Adopted by the MOGL Board of Trustees on July 10, 2013.
The Marshes of Glynn Libraries will provide access to information in all fields and from all pointsof view. The Libraries will provide a comprehensive collection of print, non-print, and electronically accessed materials to meet the informational, educational, recreational, and cultural needs of all citizens of Glynn County. The minimum services that will be provided at no charge to the community at large are:
Organized collection of library materials;
Library system sponsored programs;
Assistance in the use of library resources from professional librarians and other qualified staff for general reference and information purposes as defined by library system policy;
Access to Internet services in accordance with the library system Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
Adopted by the MOGL Board of Trustees on June 12, 2013
Although libraries collect materials that represent a diverse array of viewpoints and opinions in political matters, it is not in the interest of the library to become a setting for political activities such as the display or distribution of campaign materials for elected officials or ballot measures. The purpose of this policy is to define the types of political activities prohibited on library premises.
Definitions
For the purposes of this policy:
“Ballot initiative” refers to any ordinance, measure, referendum, or amendment authorized by popular vote;
“Candidate” refers to any individual campaigning for an elected office;
“Library” refers to the Marshes of Glynn Libraries consisting of the Brunswick-Glynn County Library and the St. Simons Island Public Library;
“Premises” refers to library facilities including exterior and interior walls, windows, entrances or doorways, hallways, offices, and any public areas.
Policy
The following political activities are prohibited on library premises:
In person solicitation of votes for any candidate or ballot initiative;
In person solicitation of contributions for any candidate or ballot initiative;
Display of posters or flyers in support of any candidate or ballot initiative;
Distribution of flyers, brochures, or other printed material in support of any candidate or ballot initiative;
Use of the library website or social media accounts for any of the above activities.
Library employees will adhere to Section 14.3, “Ethics and Conduct – Political Activity”, of the Glynn County Personnel Policy in regards to any of their own political activities.
As part of an exhibit, the library may allow the display of historical campaign materials to promote voting or to provide history education.
Adopted by the MOGL Board of Trustees on November 18, 2015
