Adaptive toy and technology library

Toys and learning devices are available at the Champaign County Library that encourage children with disabilities to learn through a process called cause and effect.  These toys are modified with special switches that when activated will operate the toy. 

Anyone with a Champaign County Library card may check out these items.  Items are checked out for 2 weeks and can be renewed if no one is waiting for the item.  Please call the library for more information. 

A catalog is available at the front desk of the toys that are available.  A few of the toys are shown below.

The Tumbler

Bright Red Switch

Wall Mounted Activity Center

Computers

A number of computers are available for public use at the library with Internet and Microsoft Office.

Patrons must have a valid Champaign County Library Card to use the computers and read our acceptable use policy.  Those under 18 must have a parent sign also.  Temporary Internet Cards are available for visitors.

The computers are connected to one printer.  Pages printed will be available at the front desk.   Printing is 10 cents per page for black and white copies and 25 cents for color copies.

To use any of the computers, please sign up at the Reference Desk.

Fax and Scanning Services

Fax service is available at the front desk.  There is a charge of 50¢ per page to send or receive faxes.  Our fax number is 937-653-5679.

Scanning service is available at the reference desk.  There is a charge of 50¢ per page to scan.

Golden Buckeye card

Ohio residents who hold current Ohio Driver Licenses or State ID cards automatically receive a Golden Buckeye card in the month of their 60th birthday. Individuals who do not have a current license or State ID, as well as people under age 60 who are eligible due to disability, or who otherwise do not receive their card automatically, may apply for a card at the Champaign County Library.

Be sure to bring your driver's license or other ID with you to the reference desk when you apply.  If you are disabled, please bring verification of your disablity status. 

Visit the official Ohio Golden Buckeye [2]Card [2] site for more information.

Interlibrary Loan

If the library does not own an item for which you are searching, we are able to place a request for the item through our interlibrary loan service.  There is no charge for this service.

If you have your library card and a PIN, you may place your own requests through Ohio Libraries Share MORE [3]. 

Please contact the reference desk if you need assistance.

Local history and genealogy

The local history room is available anytime during regular business hours.  A wide range of resources are available in the local history room.  For more information, please visit our Genealogy/Local History site. [1]

Meeting room

A meeting room is available to civic groups and non-profit organizations during business hours. You may schedule events 6 months in advance. Please call the library if you wish to schedule a meeting.

Meeting Room Policy [4]

Microfilm reader/printer

The library has 2 microfilm reader/printers and one microfilm reader available for public use.

Microfilm of Urbana Newspapers dating back to the 1820's are available in the Local History room.

Additional microfilm available includes early Champaign County Probate Records, Champaign County Census, etc.

There is a charge of 25¢ per page for microfilm copies.

Online Access of Patron Accounts

You may access your account through the library's card catalog on the Internet or at any of the library's card catalog terminals.  Click on the "My Account" link. 

In order to access your account, a PIN (personal identification number) is required along with your library card.  Please apply in person for a PIN at the library.

Photocopiers

Two self-serve photocopiers are available at the library.  One is located in the magazine area and one in the reference area.  Copies are 10¢ each.

A color copier is also available. 8 ½ X 11 copies are $1.00 each.

Reference

When you visit the library, the reference desk is located in the center of the library. A reference librarian is on duty during all business hours.

The reference collection includes (but is not limited to): Morningstar, Value Line, the Ohio Revised Code, Chilton Automotive Repair Manuals, the College Blue Book, and Current Biography. Reference books may not be checked out. A photocopier is located in the reference section if you wish to make copies.

Please ask at the reference desk for any assistance you may need.

If you are unable to visit the library, you may call or email [5] the library for assistance. 

Sight-impaired resources

For those who are sight impaired, the following services are available:

Large print books, both fiction and nonfiction. The new releases are located at the front of the library.

Books on tape or CD or Playaways are available for our patrons.

Talking book machines. For those who qualify, patrons may receive a special tape player and have books on cassettes delivered to their home through the Talking Book Program. Please see Karen for more information concerning this service.

A sight enhancer is located in the Local History Room. This can be used to magnify print materials. Patrons may ask for assistance in using this equipment.

Study rooms

Two study rooms are available for use by our patrons. Patrons must sign in at the reference desk to use a study room and the occupancy is limited to two per room. Reservations will be taken a week in advance.

Study Room Policy [6]

Tax forms

During tax season, federal, state and city tax forms are available. If you do not see a tax form you need, we also have reproducible forms in the reference section.

You may also access federal and state tax forms through the Internet. 

Federal Tax Forms [7]

Ohio State Tax Forms [8]

Ohio Municipal Tax Forms [9]

State Tax Forms (other than Ohio) [10]

Please remember, library staff are not able to assist you with your tax returns. If you have questions about the computers or printing, we will be happy to help you; however, we cannot help you with actual tax questions.  Thank you.

Voter registration

You may register to vote or register a change in address or name at the library.  Forms are available at the Reference Desk.

Book Selection and Censorship

The Board of this library recognizing the pluralistic nature of this community and the varied backgrounds and need of all citizens, regardless of race, creed or political persuasion, declares as a matter of book selection policy that:

1. Books and/or library material selection is and shall be vested in the librarian and under her (or his) direction such member of the professional staff who are qualified by reason of education and training.  Any book and/or library material so selected shall be held to be selected by the board.

2. Selection of books and/or other library material shall be made on the basis of their value of interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community.  No book and/or library material shall be excluded because of the race, nationality or the political or social views of the author.

3. This board believes that censorship is a purely individual matter and declare that while anyone is free to reject for himself books which he does not approve of, he cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom to read of others.

4. This board defends the principles of the freedom to read and declares that whenever censorship is involved no book and/or library material shall be removed from the library save under the orders of a court of competent jurisdiction.

5. This board adopts and declares that it will adhere to and support:

1. The Library Bill of Rights, and
2. The Freedom to Read statement adopted by the American Library Association, both of which are made a part hereof.

Adopted May 12, 1970

CD-ROMS

Requirements for Registration

The borrower must have a valid library card from the Champaign County Library. 

Restrictions on the Use of CD-ROM

The borrower is responsible for observing any law pertaining to copyright, licensing or screening of audio visual materials. 

Standard Loan Period and Return Requirements

CD-ROM may be checked out for fourteen (14) days.  They may be renewed.  They are due back by closing time of the fourteenth day (not counting Sundays or holidays).

The overdue fine is $1.00 per day per set.  There is a maximum fine of $10.00 per set.

Damage to Computer

The Champaign County Library assumes no responsibility for possible damage to equipment caused by library audio visual materials.

Loss or Damage

The borrower will be responsible for all parts to the set.  Loss or damage to any part may require replacement of entire set, in which case, borrower would be responsible for full list price.

Technical Assistance

Due to a variety of system configurations the Champaign County Library is not able to provide technical assistance.  Some publishers provide troubleshooting guides and/or telephone number for support.

Patron’s Responsibility for Compliance with Policies

In signing the library registration card that remains on file at the library, the patron agrees to abide by the library’s policies.  Failure to do so may result in the immediate suspension of the patron’s CD-ROM borrowing privileges.

Caution

Borrowers should be aware that many CD-ROM products automatically load software or alter software already installed on your computer.  Consideration should be given to backing up your system prior to using CD-ROM software.

Adopted 3/12/96

Children's programming room

The children’s programming room in the library is provided for library-related activities.  These activities take precedence.  The children’ s programming room is scheduled only after the two meeting rooms have been scheduled.

The children’s programming room is available to organized, non-profit groups for public meeting of a civic, cultural or educational nature.  Meetings for sales generation will not be permitted.

No refreshments are permitted except for library sponsored programs.

All groups using the children’s programming room must adhere to the same policies as the meeting rooms.

Circulation procedures

All materials, excluding entertainment videocassettes and DVDs, are checked out for a two week period.

Reference items do not circulate.

Magazines that are two to five months old may be checked out.  The current issue and issues older than five months are available for in-library use only.

Renewals are made for a two-week period and items can be renewed two times.  Items that cannot be renewed are holiday materials for two months preceding the holiday, and any item that has a reserve request placed for it.  Any new fiction or nonfiction title having more than 600 pages will be allowed one renewal if needed.

Renewals may be made in person, online or over the phone.

Confidentiality of records

The Champaign County Library Board of Trustees adopts the following policy on the confidentiality of library records:

The Champaign County Library specifically recognizes that its circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users with specific materials or OPLIN transactions are confidential in nature.  No such records shall be made available to any agency of state, federal or local government, or to any individual not specifically authorized by the library director for legitimate business purposes, except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.

Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the library’s officers will consult with their legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance in a court of competent jurisdiction.  If the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, the library will insist that such defects be cured.

Records of minor children may be provided to their parents/guardians.

Patrons may request the Champaign County Library to retain their personal loan history.  These records can be accessed by the patron and the staff of the Champaign County Library.  This information would be confidential and would only be released by the library in accordance with the terms of the Champaign County Library confidentiality policy.  Patrons can revoke their request at any time and their loan history will be deleted.

Distribution of community information

The library will provide at its discretion limited space for the distribution of community information materials, free handouts or the posting of flyers, notices, and posters, which present current and relevant news a bout nonprofit education, cultural, public interest and recreational services.

Materials promoting business or commercial ventures, political campaigns or viewpoints, or doctrinal beliefs will not be accepted for distribution.  Petitions, personal sales or advertisements, or job postings will not be accepted for distribution.

Distribution or posting of community information materials does not necessarily indicate the library’s endorsement of the issues or events promoted by the materials.

Due to limited space available for community information materials, only a limited quantity can be accepted, and will only be made available for a period of one (1) month.

Large posters and announcements are not accepted for display.  No signs will be posted on the library entrance doors.

Community information materials cannot be returned once given to the library for distribution.

All materials must be submitted to the information desk for acceptance.  The Library Director shall make the final determination as to whether materials comply with the guidelines for distribution.

Donation policy agreement

The Library Board has adopted the following as a donation guideline:

1. Each item of fine art will be reviewed to determine if it will be acceptable for inclusion for display in the library.

2. All donated items will become the property of the Champaign County Library Board of Trustees.  The Board will determine when and where the art object will be displayed, stored, or sold.

3. The understanding between the Board and the donor will be evidenced by a written agreement between the parties.

DVDs and videocassettes

Requirements for Registration

The borrower must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid library card from the Champaign County Library.  Videos and DVDs may be picked up only by patrons holding valid library cards – that is, unregistered relatives and friends may not pick up videos and DVDs for another patron.

Restrictions on the Use of Videos and DVDs

Videocassettes and DVDs may not be used where admission is charged, and may not be cut, edited, copied nor televised.

Standard Loan Period and Return Requirements

The standard loan period for entertainment videocassettes and DVDs is five days.  They are due back by closing time of the fifth day (not counting Sundays or holidays).  Entertainment videos and DVDs may be renewed two times. Items that have been reserved by other patrons cannot be renewed.

The standard loan period for instructional videocassettes and DVDs is fourteen days.  They are due back by closing time of the fourteenth day ( not counting Sundays or holidays).  Instructional videocassettes and DVDs may be renewed two times.  Items that have been reserved by other patrons cannot be renewed.

The overdue fine is $1.00 per day per videocassette or DVD.   There is a maximum fine of $10.00 per item. Videocassettes must be rewound before being returned.  Videocassettes and DVDs must be placed in their proper cases with all attachments in place.

A drive-up return drop is located on the west side of the library for your convenience.  Items retrieved from the return drop before building opening will be counted – for the purpose of calculating fines – as being returned the previous day.

Reserves

Patrons may place reserves on videos or DVDs in order to be notified when they are retuned to the collection.  Videos or DVDs that are on the shelf cannot be reserved for a later time.  Videos or DVDs cannot be reserved for certain dates.  Reserved videos will be held for only 24 hours after the patron has been notified.  If we cannot reach the patron after a few days, the video will be passed on to the next patron.

Item Care

Do not expose videocassettes or DVDs to extreme temperature or humidity.  They should be at room temperature before playing.  Do not leave the videocassettes on top of the television or VCR.  Do not attempt to repair broken videocassettes.  Borrowers are responsible for the replacement coast of the video or DVD for theft of or damaged to the item due to user mishandling, such as erasing or taping over a film, or equipment malfunction.  If a videocassette or DVD is not working properly, please tell us when you return the item.

Damage to Player

The Champaign County Library is not responsible for any damage to a patron’s videocassette or DVD player from the use of the library’s videos or DVDs.

Patron’s Responsibility for Compliance with Policies

In signing the library registration card that remains on file at the library, the patron agrees to abide by the library’s policies.  Failure to do so may result in the immediate suspension of the patron’s video borrowing privileges.

Fines policy

Patrons having unpaid fines or delinquent materials may not check out any items until charges are $5.00 or less and materials are returned.

Patrons are responsible for any lost or damaged items they have checked out.  If an item is paid for and then later returned in good condition, a refund will be issued for the amount paid less a $5.00 processing fee.  No refund will be issued for paperbacks or magazines.

Patrons may choose to replace a lost or damaged item with a copy of the same title and edition if it is in a condition  judged acceptable by library personnel.  A $10 processing fee will be charged.

The overdue charge for all items except videos, DVDs and CD-ROM  is $.10 per day per item.

The maximum overdue charge for adult items excluding videos, DVDs and CD-ROM  is $3.00 per item.

The maximum overdue charge for juvenile items excluding CD-ROM  is $2.50 per item.

The overdue charge for videocassettes, DVDs  and CD-ROM is $1.00 per day per item.

The maximum overdue charge for videocassettes, DVDs and CD-ROM is $10.00 per item.

Sundays and holidays are not included in the charges.

Additional charges include:    Janway bag  $5.00

                                                CD-ROM Box Large  $6.00

                                                                         Small  $4.00

                                                Video Box  $2.00

                                                DVD Box $2.00

                                                CD Case  $2.00

                                                Books on Tape Box  $5.00

                                                Replacement Barcode  $1.00

Any check returned by the bank will incur a $15.00 service charge.

Gaming system policy

Our services and programs are offered to make the library enticing to teens and families, to encourage them to visit the library and to develop a love of books, reading and libraries. 

The gaming system is for library use only.   A representative of the library must be present during gaming.  Outside games may be used with prior approval by library staff.  All games must be rated T (teen) or lower. 

1. Gamers must sign in when using the gaming system.
2. Game playing will be limited to 30 minutes (1/2-hour).  If no one is waiting to use the system, play may continue.  Anyone using the Gaming System must be willing to end the game when requested by library staff.
3. Gamers will be asked to respect others and keep the volume and noise level low.
4. Safety guidelines recommended by the manufacturer must be followed including using the strap on the Wii remote. 
5. Gamers are asked to treat the equipment gently.  Gamers who do not treat equipment gently will be asked by library staff to stop for the day.  Gamer who repeatedly abuses equipment will have his/her Gaming System privileges revoked.  Participants are responsible for any damages to any of the equipment that occurs during use.  This will be handled on a case by case basis.
6. Inventory of the gaming accessories will be taken after each program by library staff.
7. Games and accessories will be kept in a locked cabinet when not in use.

Failure to follow these rules and Rules of Conduct will result in loss of use of the library Gaming System.

Genealogy & Local History Room

Please sign in at the guest register when using this room for research.

This room is not intended as a meeting room or a study area.  

Please observe library etiquette:

                                                NO food or drink

                                                Quiet conversation only

The number of microfilm readers available are limited.  To allow equal access to all, you will have 30 minutes to finish up your research on the reader after being informed by a staff member that someone else is waiting to use the microfilm reader.

Genealogy Research Policy

We at the Champaign County Library are happy to assist you in your genealogy research. If you live out of town, or are unable to come in and use our genealogy collection yourself, we do offer some basic research services. Keep in mind that time and staff constraints prevent us from assisting in detailed or large projects.

Requests may be submitted via postal mail or by e-mail.  In order to assure the accuracy of information, requests should be made in writing.   Phone requests are discouraged.   We cannot always remember or track what has been done in previous correspondence with each patron.  Please include a postal mailing address with all correspondence and allow at least 2 weeks for us to respond to your request.

To assist you with your search, please review the library’s collection prior to sending a request.   This information, including records available, is listed on the Library’s Local History’s web site

Please insure that your requests follow these guidelines:

Requests should be specific in nature. General requests may be returned without action. As much detail as possible should be included with the request: i.e. birth/death date, spouse or children’s names, etc.

Examples of acceptable requests:

• Please check for burial information for John SNOW and his wife Adele in Champaign County cemetery records. They were in the 1870 census but not the 1880.
• Can you locate an obituary for Fred JOHNSON who d. 15 Jan 1923 in Urbana, Ohio?

Examples of unacceptable requests:

• Will you check your records for any information on the Joseph Smith Family of Urbana, Ohio?
• Can you locate the parents of Sarah JAMES b. ca. 1838 OH?

FEES: A minimum fee of $5.00 will be charged for all requests that produce results.  This includes postage and 10 copies.  Additional photocopies are 25¢ per page.

E-MAIL REQUESTS: Submit to gmalone@oplin.org [11]and use the subject line “Champaign County Request.”  Please include your postal mailing address so that copies may be mailed to you.

US POSTAL (MAIL) REQUESTS: Please submit to: Champaign County Library, 1060 Scioto Street, Urbana, OH  43078  Attn: Genealogy

Please also keep in mind that federal copyright laws may prevent us from fulfilling a request (we cannot photocopy an entire book, or significant portions of the book, without permission from the author and/or publisher).

Adopted 6/9/2009

Internet policy

The Champaign County Library, in keeping with its mission -  to be a vital part of our community, providing high quality library service to all, to serve as an information center, and to provide materials for leisure-time use for all ages - provides public Internet access and access to Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint. 

Because this is a public resource, the rights of others must be respected and therefore:

• Time will be limited to 45 minutes per session if others are waiting or 3 hours per day.  You will be alerted when your time is almost expired, and you may request additional time from the library staff.  Additional time is at the discretion of the library staff. 
• The library reserves the right to limit the number of people per computer to two.  Both users must be registered to use the Internet, unless they are a parent and child.  
• Users are urged to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing information that may reasonably be offensive to someone else.  There exists the possibility of inadvertent viewing by other patrons, either by watching the user’s screen, or because a user may leave the screen unattended.   Library staff are able to view your computer screen and may send messages if deemed necessary.
• Users will be able to reserve a computer if they are all in use.  It is the user’s responsibility to keep track of when a computer is available for them.  If a user does not log on the computer within 10 minutes of a computer being open, they may lose their reservation. 

This Internet may be used to access any resource, engage in any communication, or conduct any activity available on the worldwide web provided such activity can be done with standard Web browsers, with these exceptions:

• You may not send, receive or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene.
• You may not use this resource for any illegal purpose.
• You may not use this resource for commercial use or political lobbying. 
• You may not in any way alter, reconfigure or damage the public access workstations of the Champaign County Library.
• You may not modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network, host server or database.
• Do not install software or any plug-ins of any kind to the computers.

Children under the age of 18 must have parental permission to use the Internet.  Children under 8 must have a parent with them at all times when using any library computer.  The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent).  Librarians cannot act in the place of parents providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet.  The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians. 

Patrons will be charged for all pages printed.  You must deposit money with reference staff prior to printing.  Money you deposit will remain in your account unless you request a refund.  There is a limit of $5.00 that can be refunded from your account on any one day.  Black & White Copies are 10 cents per page.  Color Copies are 25 cents per page.  Copies may be retrieved at the front (circulation) desk.   Please ask for assistance prior to printing if you have any questions.

First time users must read and sign the Acceptable Use Policy for the Public Computers.  After this, they will be registered in the self-check in system and will need their library card and their password to access the system.  Library staff will be able to view your password.

The public computers are normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, during library hours.  Computers will shut down automatically 10 minutes prior to the library closing. 

The computer located in the Children’s Department is to be used to access Microsoft Word, Access, Publisher or PowerPoint for juvenile users who do not have Internet permission. 

DISCLAIMERS:

All users of this service agree to hold the Champaign County Library and OPLIN harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly related to the use of the Internet, caused thereby or arising there from.  In no event shall the Champaign County Library or OPLIN have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the Champaign County Library or OPLIN is advised of the possibility of such damages.

Users should not have any expectation of privacy for any information sent or received on the OPLIN/Internet computers.  Sending information, including credit card numbers, via the Internet is at the sole risk of the user.  The Champaign County Library has no control of the security of this data. Access, use, or dissemination of information via the Internet in the Library is the responsibility of the user.  In the case of minors, it is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian.

Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus.  Although we use a virus-checker on the Library’s computer, this will not completely protect you from the chance of transmitting a virus.  You need to have virus-checking software on your computer at home. 

The use of the Library’s public computers to engage in any activity, which constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws, is strictly prohibited.  Misuse of the Library's public computers will result in loss of computer privileges.

Library Staff Assistance:

Library staff is available to assist the user with machinery problems and simple questions regarding our software.  Library staff cannot provide PC instruction/training, answer detailed software questions or assist in the writing of patron’s resumes, reports, etc.

Recommended Guidelines for Parents for Internet Use by Children

• Explore the wide range of available information and tell your children about sites you consider inappropriate for them. 
• Encourage children to use sites recommended on OPLIN’s OHKids page.
• Instruct children to NEVER give out personal information online.
• Teach children to be good online consumers.  As with print information, consider the source, date, and accuracy of online information.   

Adopted 1/2007

Material return drops

The Champaign County Library provides a drive-up window and materials return drop for the convenience of our patrons.  Items retrieved from the return drop before building opening will be counted – for the purpose of calculating fines – as being returned the previous day.

Meeting room

The meeting room in the library is provided for library-related activities.  These activities take precedence.  The library encourages other groups to use the meeting room when it is not needed for library-related activities, and when use will not interfere with service to other library users.

The meeting room is available to organized, non-profit groups for public meetings of a civic, cultural, or educational nature.  Meetings for sales generation will not be permitted.

During a meeting or program that is open to the public, no admission fee or donation requests are permitted.  No items may be sold unless for the profit of the library or approved author visit.  However, groups may charge a reasonable fee to recover the cost of materials, handouts, craft making supplies, refreshments, etc.  Arrangements for any such fees have to be approved at the time of requesting the room reservation.

All groups using the meeting room must adhere to the following policies and guidelines.

Completed application forms for any meeting room use by non-library groups must be submitted to the Director or in her absence the Assistant to the Director for approval.   A copy of the approved form is returned to the organization’s representative as confirmation of the reservation.  On the meeting date, the confirmation must be submitted to library personnel before the room will be made available.   (See appendix for a copy of the form)

All meetings must take place during regular library hours:  Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Meeting rooms must be vacated ten (10) minutes before the library closes.

The meeting room can be scheduled up to 12 months in advance. 

Reservations for a regular meeting by the same group will be accepted no more than six (6) months in advance.  Conditional reservations may be accepted farther in advance with the understanding that the needs of the library may result in rescheduling or canceling the tentative booking.

Children’s groups may use the meeting room providing they are supervised by one adult for every 5 to 7 children.

The Champaign County Library meeting room can be divided into two smaller meeting rooms.  Room A can hold 50 and contains the sink and refrigerator.  Room B can hold 50 people.  The entire meeting room will not be reserved unless the expected attendance at a function is 45 or greater.

Reservations for meeting rooms can be made in person or by telephone during regular library hours.  Reservations must include the name of the organization, time and date desired, number of persons expected and the name and telephone number of the person scheduling the meeting.  It is understood that inquiries concerning the meeting in question may be referred to the person scheduling the meeting.

It is the responsibility of the person scheduling the meeting to inform the library of meeting cancellations.  Please give as much notice as possible when meetings are canceled so other organizations may use the room. 

Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all areas of the library.

Refreshments can not be taken into any other area of the library.

Chair and table arrangements are the responsibility of the group using the room.  If given sufficient notice and if staff is available to assist, requests can be made to set-up tables and chairs, with the arrangement of those items the responsibility of the user.  Meeting room users are responsible for damages to the rooms.

Some audio-visual equipment is available for use in the meeting room.  The equipment should be requested when the room is reserved.  Groups using the library audio-visual equipment are responsible for any damage done to the equipment while in their care.

The library is not responsible for equipment, supplies, materials or other items owned by a group or individual and used in the library.  The library cannot supply storage for such items.

The Champaign County Library Board of Trustees and the Champaign County Library staff do not assume liability for groups or individuals attending meetings in the library.

Neither the name nor the address of the Champaign County Library may be used as the official address or headquarters of an organization.

The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the library does not constitute an endorsement of its policies or beliefs.

The library reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any meeting.  Advance notice of such cancellation will be attempted but not guaranteed.

The Library Director is authorized to deny permission to use library meeting rooms to any group that violates these policies or disturbs the usual operations and procedures of the library.  Any question of interpretation will be decided by the Library Director.

The Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend these regulations at any time.  For good cause, the Library Director may waive any meeting room regulation and may deny or cancel any application for reservation of meeting room space.

Adopted 7/16/96    Updated 5/10/2007

Overdue materials policy

In order to more effectively retrieve overdue library materials, the Champaign County Library board of Trustees adopts the following policy:

1. It is acknowledged that when a patron signs a library card that they are agreeing to return all borrowed items on the due date indicated.  All items over a year old or not on reserve may be renewed two times, giving the patron six weeks to use the material.
2. All patrons receive a written notice or call listing title of overdue material, and due date two weeks after these items were due.
3. Two weeks after the first notice or call is made, the patron will receive a second notice about the overdue item.
4. One month after the second notice, the patron will receive a last written notice that informs that that they may be filed against in Small Claims court for the items or their replacement cost, all fines, notification fees, and court fees.  The filing will be done one week after the last letter is mailed.

If the cardholder is a minor under the age of eighteen, a parent or guardian will be the responsible party.

The library will not file on patrons with less than $10.00 worth of items overdue.

5. If the patron thinks an item has been returned, the library staff will search the library shelves for it.  If it is not found after several careful searches, the patron must then assume payment for the cost of the item.

6. There will be $.50 notification fee charged to a patron’s card for each notice sent.

Parent's letter

Please Read Before Signing Library Application Form

            We are pleased that your son/daughter has requested a library card from the Champaign County Library.  It is our privilege to serve people of all ages with a broad selection of library materials.  We are anxious to work with parents in determining what materials are best suited for your son’s or daughter’s needs.

            Since this is a “contract” with a minor, we do require your signature to complete the registration, and your willingness to accept responsibility for the materials borrowed.

            Your child will soon have available all the resources of our library, as our staff will not restrict his/her choice of books or other library materials, excluding videos and DVDs, in any way.  In short, we will lend anyone any item he requests from our children’s or adult collections.  Since all libraries provide some books and magazines that specific parents might find objectionable or inappropriate for their child, and since our staff cannot

possibly monitor the choices a student makes, we suggest that you will want to be aware of what your child borrows from the library.

            IF OUR POLICY OF FREE SELECTION BY MINORS DOES NOT MEET YOUR APPROVAL, PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THIS REGISTRATION CARD.  If you wish to limit the selections made by your son/daughter, please register for your own card and monitor your child’s library selections by charging out materials on your own card.

            We look forward to many years of serving your family’s reading and information needs.  WELCOME TO THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY LIBRARY.

Adopted January 1990

Parking lot policy

The Board of Trustees recognized that the parking needs of library employees and users are the first priority in regards to available parking space, and the library sponsored programming and events often utilize all available spaces.

The Board of Trustees also recognizes that the available parking spaces in and around the library are limited, and has as its goal the desire to be a good neighbor to all in the equitable use of the library parking lot by persons not using the library.

The equivalent of one row of spaces will be made available when special events or programs of a not for profit nature are scheduled at neighboring facilities.  There are no restrictions to the number of parking spaces used if the library is not open.  Advance notice of such events is needed to help schedule library events at non-conflict times whenever possible.

Requests for parking needs are made to the library director.

Adopted 7/14/98

Registrations

All patrons must apply for library cards in person.

Adult registrations are completed by patrons the age of eighteen or over.  The patron must provide:

• a picture ID with proof of his/her current address.  A driver’s license is preferred.  If the address shown on the license is not the patron’s current address, another form of identification showing the correct address is required. 
• an identification number – either a driver’s license number or social security number along with their birth date. 
• a reference – the complete name, address, and phone number of a friend or relative who does not live with the patron and could provide forwarding information for that patron.  This reference may be verified.

Juvenile registrations are completed by patrons ages five through seventeen.  A parent or legal guardian must sign the juvenile registration card.  Prior to signing, the parent/guardian must read the Letter to Parents [12].

Parents or guardians signing a juvenile registrations must provide:

• a picture ID with proof of his/her current address.  A driver’s license is preferred.  If the address shown on the license is not the patron’s current address, another form of identification showing the correct address is required. 

• a reference – the complete name, address, and phone number of a friend or relative who does not live with the patron and could provide forwarding information for that patron.  This reference may be verified.

College students completing registrations must give both their home and school addresses and provide the appropriate I.D.

The Champaign County Library is a member of the state-wide LOAN program which provides free access to the library and its services to any Ohio resident with valid identification.

All patrons are restricted to three items when using their cards for the first time.  After those items are returned, patrons are limited to fifty items on their card at one time.

First library cards are issued at no charge to the patron.  Replacement cards are $2.00 each.

Patrons may request the Champaign County Library to retain their personal loan history.  These records can be accessed by the patron and the staff of the Champaign County Library.  This information would be confidential and would only be released by the library in accordance with the terms of the Champaign County Library confidentiality policy.  Patrons can revoke their request at any time and their loan history will be deleted.

Study rooms

The Champaign County Library study rooms are provided to allow patrons a quiet place to study, tutor or work together on projects that require conversation.

Each study room is limited to two (2) occupants.

The rooms may be scheduled in advance for use during regular library hours.  If the rooms are not scheduled, they may be used on a first come, first served basis.

There is a two (2) hour time limit per use.

To use a study room, a patron should sign in at the receptionist’s desk with their library card. 

The rooms will be checked after each use.  Damages will be assessed to the user.

Teacher borrowing policy

1. Teachers may borrow up to fifty items.  Teachers should come in and select their own materials.  However, teachers may request to have book collections gathered from August to May each school year.  All requests for collections must be made one week in advance, and should be specific as to subject, grade level, and fiction or nonfiction  materials.  When possible, a copy of a book list or other specific information should be submitted.  Readiness of these collections is subject to the availability of library staff.

2. The library reserves the right to limit a teacher to five items on any one subject area, and ten titles by any one specific author.

3. A collection will be due in 28 days.  This period includes one automatic renewal.  The due date for the 28 day period will be on your printed receipt.  A collection may be renewed once more, but you must call or come to the library to have these books renewed.  If another patron reserves a title in your collection, you will be notified as these items cannot be renewed.

4. Items that cannot be borrowed as part of a teacher’s collection include fiction videos, fiction DVDs and holiday materials.  These items must be borrowed for the standard loan period.

5. Items for personal use may not be borrowed as part of a teacher’s collection.

6. The fine for overdue materials is $.10 per day per item, except for videos, DVDs and CD-Roms, which are $1.00 per day per item.

7. If anyone else checks out materials for a teacher, uses the material, or returns the material, the person in whose name the materials are checked out is responsible for loss, damage, or fines.

8. If any item checked out in a teacher’s collection is lost or damaged, the teacher is responsible for the item, and must pay for it.  A receipt will be given for the payment of lost items.  If the item is found, and has not been damaged, the receipt may be presented to the library for a refund, less a $5.00 processing fee.

9. If a teacher thinks that an item has been returned, the library staff will search the shelves for it.  If it is not found after several careful searches, the teacher must then assume payment for the cost of the item.

The children’s area has a number of bibliography sources, information about authors, and creative teaching aids.  Classes that wish only to visit and browse may arrange a convenient time by phoning the library in advance.  Tours of the library and instruction in use of the library must be scheduled in advance with the librarian.

Advance notice of assignments is always helpful.  If we have a limited supply of materials on the subject, we can pull a collection that can be put on closed reserve for use in the library so that all students will have equal access to the material.

Teachers can notify us by phone or by using the reference email address – champref@oplin.org [13].

Unattended child policy

The trustees of the Champaign County Library are concerned for the well-being of this community’s children, and must affirm that the library staff does not take the place of parents or act as caregiver or baby-sitter, and cannot be responsible for problems resulting from children left unattended.  The trustees and employees of the Champaign County Library will not be held responsible for incidents, accidents, or other liability arising from the action of unattended children.

An unattended child is:

• One who is unable to care for himself or herself;
• One who needs close supervision even if a parent or caregiver is elsewhere in the building;
• One who cannot behave appropriately without adult supervision;
• One who is not picked up at closing time.

Procedure Concerning Unattended Children in the Library

If a staff member observes a parent or caregiver leaving a child unattended, the staff member will advise against doing so.  This situation would be handled positively, emphasizing our concern for the safety of the child.  This would be an ideal opportunity to give the parent or caregiver a copy of the library flyer that addresses this issue.

If it is determined that a child is left unattended, a staff member shall try to identify and locate the parents or responsible adults.  The following steps shall be followed.

1. The staff member shall walk around the library with the child, looking for the parent.
2. If the parent is not found in the building, a staff member will stay with the child until the parent can be found.
3. When the parent is located, the staff member shall firmly explain the library policy on unattended children.
4. If the parent have not been located within an hour of the initial determination that the child is unattended, or if the library is closing, the staff member shall call the police.

Procedure for Unattended Children at Closing Time

A child left at closing time without a parent or caregiver in the building should be dealt with in the following way:

1. Determine if the parent or caregiver is actually not in the building.
2. If a parent or caregiver is not present, the librarian in charge should obtain the child’s name and phone number if possible.
3. The library staff member in charge will call the number given by the child and ask that the child be picked up.  Inform the adult that two staff members will stay with the child up to 15 minutes (this is compensated time), after which the police will be called and asked to evaluate the situation and take whatever action they deem necessary.
4. If the child is unable to give a name or phone number, call the police immediately and ask for their assistance.
5. If the police are called, two staff members will stay with the child until the police arrive and the situation is evaluated.  This will be compensated time.
6. If there is no answer to the number given by the child, call the police and ask for their assistance.
7. If the police take the child to the police station, leave a note on the front door informing the parents of this.
8. NEVER offer to drive the child home yourself.
9. NEVER take the child to the police station yourself.

After the second time a family leaves a child at the library unattended, no children from that family will be allowed at the library without a parent or responsible adult.

Adopted 1/11/96

Book and Material Donations

The library welcomes donations of most books and audiovisual items in good condition.  Materials will be added to our collection if they are needed and meet the criteria of the collection development policy.  Other materials will be sold by the Friends of the Library, given to other libraries, or discarded.  Once a gift is accepted by the library, it will not be returned to the donor.

Gift collections will be accepted by the Director, with the counsel of staff and the Board of Trustees as appropriate, with the understanding that the collection may not be kept intact.  Gift periodical subscriptions will be evaluated to determine their suitability for adding to the collection.

The library is very interested in receiving donations of materials of local interest.  Whether it is a history of a family, the county, a town or a business, we would greatly appreciate the donation.

The library is also interested in any photographs, postcards, or other paper items from the Champaign County area.  If you do not wish to part with the originals, we will gladly accept photocopies.  If you bring the originals to the library, we will make copies of the items. 

The library will, if requested, provide a written acknowledgement of gifts.  In accordance with income tax regulations, the library will leave the determination of a donation value to the donor.

Friends of the Champaign County Library

The Friends is a local organization, founded in 1980 and dedicated to the support and enhancement of the Champaign County Public Library system.  They donate funds for the purchase of supplies and programs that the library cannot provide from its own budget.  As you know, the Friends' funds come from membership dues, gifts, and special activities like book sales. 

Your support of the Friends of the Library is one of the best ways you can say "thank you" to the dedicated staff of the Champaign County Library.

Join the Friends of the Library today!  The Friends of the Champaign County Library meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the library meeting room.

Print out a Friends Brochure below.

Kroger Community Rewards

You can earn money for the library just be shopping at our local Kroger store.  All you need to do is register online with your Kroger Rewards Card.

Each year anyone who is already registered for the Kroger Community Rewards Program must re-enroll ONLINE.  You must re-enroll in April or later.

Whether you are just signing up or you are re-enrolling, please follow the instructions below.  If you have questions, please feel free to ask a staff person for assistance the next time you are at the library.

Step 1: Type www.krogercommunityrewards.com [15] into browser .

Step 2: Select your Columbus, Ohio.

Step 3: Scroll down and click on “Enroll.”  If you have already registered online, click on "Re-enroll"

Step 4: Click on “Sign up Today!” under New Customer section on right.

Step 5: Enter in your zip code and then click “Search.”

Step 6: Click on the arrow to display the list of stores in your zip code and highlight your preferred store.

Step 7: Enter in your email and password.

Step 8: Select any email communications you would like to receive from Kroger.

Step 9: Click on “Next.”

Step 10: Key in your Kroger Plus Shopper’s Card Number. (If it says that this card has already been used, please call the

number on the back of your card.)

Step 11: Enter in your contact information.

Step 12: Click on “Next.”

Step 13: Verify that your account information is correct. Check box for agreement to terms and conditions and click

on “Complete Information.”

Step 14: Kroger will send an email to your personal account that you entered earlier in the process. This could take

up to 10 minutes.

Step 15: Open the email that Kroger sent. Read the email and either click on the link within the email or copy and

paste it into your browser.

Step 16: Sign in: click on the blue “Click here” button and then type in your email and password.

Step 17: Under Kroger Community Rewards Section at right, click “Edit Kroger Community Rewards Information.”

Step 18: Find your organization by typing in your organization’s NPO number - 83942

Step 19: Click on the organization name that you want. Please make sure that you click on the circle to the left of

your organization so that it becomes highlighted.

Step 20: Click on “Save Changes.”

Step 21: Scroll over the page and make sure all information is accurate.

Step 22: You are now registered.

Memorial and Honor Books

Monetary gifts for the purchase of books or other library materials are greatly appreciated.  To make a gift to the library for the purchase of library materials in memory or honor of a friend or loved one or to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, please request  a donation form at the front desk.  The library will try to accommodate the subject or title preferences of the donor.

North Lewisburg Friends of the Champaign County Library

The North Lewisburg Branch Friends' group supports programming and supplies for the North Lewisburg Branch Library.  Funds are raised through book sales, area fundraisers and through membership dues. 

The Friends of the North Lewisburg Branch Library meet the first Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m. at the Branch Library. 

Paper Recycling

Help the library raise money by bringing us your unwanted paper.  Newspapers, junk mail, office/school paper, and catalogs may be recycled in the bins behind the library.  You may also bring in small amounts into the library.  A bin is located in the lobby and a box is available at the front desk. 

Wish List

There are a number of items that the library uses on a daily basis.  Donations of any of the items listed below would be greatly appreciated. 

• AA & AAA batteries
• Antibacterial hand soap
• Antibacterial Wipes
• Bathroom tissue
• Bubble wrap
• Copier paper
• Fantastic Cleaner
• Mr. Clean liquid cleaner
• Padded envelopes
• Paper towels
• Pencils
• Pens
• Pop-up Post-its
• Scrubbing Bubbles
• Sharpies extra fine point black
• Sno Bol
• Three Ring Binders (1"-3")
• Tissues
• Trash bags (13 gallon white)
• Trash bags  (30 gallon)
• Window cleaner