Policies

The purpose of this policy is to ensure fair and equitable services for all patrons by outlining the rules and regulations associated with the borrowing of library materials.

Borrowing Policy

The library provides interlibrary loan to obtain materials not available from Old Colony Library Network libraries. Submit your request online or in person at any location.

Interlibrary Loan Policy At-A-Glance

• This service is available to all registered Old Colony Library Network borrowers
• All requested items must be picked up and returned at a Quincy library location
• Items may be borrowed for 14 days; renewals may be requested but cannot be guaranteed
• Customers are responsible for any charges levied by a supplying library for materials lost or damaged while charged out to them. No refunds will be made for lost and paid interlibrary loan materials that are subsequently found

Interlibrary Loan Policy

The Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library provide passes and coupons for free or discounted admission to museums and zoos in the greater Boston area. Reserve a museum pass online.

Museum Pass Policy At-A-Glance

• To reserve a pass or coupon, you must be a Quincy resident aged 18+ with a valid library card.
• You may reserve a pass/coupon up to two weeks in advance.
• There is a limit of one pass/coupon per person at one time.
• If a pass is not returned on time, there will be a $20 overdue charge.

The library's maintains bulletin boards for the posting of materials, as well as designated areas (such as literature racks and spaces on countertops and tables) for the passive distribution of printed materials. Information and events appropriate for posting and distribution include cultural events, educational opportunities, social services, and civic and governmental information.

Bulletin Board & Materials Distribution Policy At-A-Glance

• Materials may be posted or distributed by non-commercial organizations and governmental agencies engaged in educational, cultural, civic, intellectual, or charitable activities.
• Bulletin board space is provided for announcements of dated non-recurring Quincy events; other event announcements will be considered, space permitting.
• Materials may be posted or distributed for up to two months, space permitting; each notice will be marked with the date it was posted. When materials are removed, they will be discarded.
• Because of space limitations, the Library cannot guarantee that all eligible materials will be posted or distributed.
• Unauthorized items posted or left will be removed and discarded.
• Materials should generally be no larger than 8-1/2” x 11” but larger materials will be considered, space permitting.
• Organizations or individuals interested in posting or distributing materials may either bring the materials to a library information desk for approval or mail them to the Main Library.
• Name and contact information of the group sponsoring or benefiting from an event, and the date and location of the event, must be included in materials posted or distributed.

Bulletin Board & Materials Distribution Policy

The Thomas Crane Public Library provides a collection of materials and resources in keeping with its mission and values. The purpose of this policy is to help patrons and staff understand how and why materials are added to or removed from the library’s collection.

Collection Development Policy

The Thomas Crane Public Library collects and preserves documents and other materials which relate to the history of the City of Quincy and the surrounding area. The purpose of this policy is to outline the scope of that collection and provide guidelines for access to patrons and researchers.

Local History Collection Development Policy

The library provides public use computers and Internet access at all locations, subject to its Computer & Internet Use Policy.

The Thomas Crane Public Library affirms the rights and responsibilities of parents and legal guardians to guide and monitor their minor children’s access to all library materials and resources, including those available via the Internet. For more information, please read our Statement on Children & the Internet.

Computer & Internet Use Policy-At-A Glance

• In order to assure equitable access for all users, daily time limits may be enforced for each user
• All computers except Main Library Media Room computer are available on a first come, first served basis and may not be reserved in advance
• All computers are turned off 15 minutes before closing; users must be ready to end their computer sessions at that time
• Users must log in using their own library card number and PIN. Using someone else's login information, with or without their permission, is not allowed and may result in termination of computer privileges
• Headphones must be used when listening to audio content, and volume must be low enough so that others cannot hear it
• Whether or not they are in use, computers designated for children up to age 12 are for the exclusive use of children and their accompanying caregivers, and computers designated for teens are for the exclusive use of young adults aged 13-18
• Computer users must refrain from viewing material that is inappropriate for a public area or that creates a hostile environment for other users or library staff, including pornographic or sexually explicit images, whether on library computers or their own portable devices. Display of material that may be deemed obscene and/or unlawful under federal or state law is not permitted
• All users of library computers or portable devices are expected to use them in a quiet, responsible, and courteous way; to respect the privacy of other users; and to follow all of the library's policies, guidelines, and procedures

Computer & Internet Use Policy

In support of its mission to connect people to the online world, the Thomas Crane Public Library provides free mobile devices, such as laptops, for in-library use. 

Mobile Device In-Library Use Policy

The library strives to consistently exceed customer expectations with friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive staff; with balanced, current, and accurate resources; and with clean, safe, and accessible buildings. We recognize that each customer is important, with unique needs, and we provide equal consideration and respect to all. 

• The library offers the same quality of service to all customers, regardless of age, race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, educational background, religious affiliation, physical limitations, or any other criteria
• The library will provide resources and services in the most equitable and accessible way possible
• Library staff will treat all customers in a courteous, friendly, and nonjudgmental manner
• Customers needing assistance will always take precedence over other library tasks
• Library staff will work together to fulfill a customer request or offer a suitable alternative
• All interactions and transactions between customers and library staff are confidential
• Customer complaints about the quality of service received will be referred to the appropriate supervisory staff person or to library administration

Customer Service Policy

The library adheres to the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement.

The library adheres to the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights.

The Thomas Crane Public Library welcomes gifts of library materials, money, or tangible property of any kind that promote the mission of the Library.

Generally, the library does not accept gifts for permanent display or preservation that would not be purchased or otherwise added to the collection, or any gift that would incur excessive expense or administrative support. The library reserves the right to decline any gift that the Board of Trustees, at its sole discretion, deems to be not in the best interests of the library to accept.

Gifts and donations become the property of the library and no restrictions on the library's ownership, possession, use, or disposition of the gift shall be effective other than restrictions approved by the express vote of the Board of Trustees and memorialized in writing. The donor or his/her lawful agent must complete a gift agreement before a tangible gift can be accepted. 

Gifts & Donations Policy

The Thomas Crane Public Library provides appropriate, equitable and consistent ways to publicly recognize and acknowledge donors for their gifts and contributions in support of the Library, in keeping with the Library’s mission and reputation as a public entity. 

Donor Recognition Policy

In order to ensure the continuation of its core public service activities, the Library has established this protocol in the event of an epidemic or library health emergency. 

Health Emergency Policy

The Library has a variety of study and conference rooms with capacities ranging from one to 12 persons. Rooms may be booked up to four weeks in advance, and may be used by walk-ins if not previously reserved. Rooms can be booked online or by calling 617-376-1300 x3.

• Rooms are available only to non-profit community groups and individuals for small group work or other tasks, which may not be easily accomplished in other areas of the library.
• Rooms are available from opening until 15 minutes before closing time.
• All rooms are available only for group use (two or more people), except for the 2nd Floor Media Room and the Richardson Study Rooms.
• Reservations may be made up to four weeks in advance. Individuals/groups may reserve one room up to two times in a week. Rooms may be reserved for up to two hours in a day.
• Reserved rooms will not be held more than 15 minutes past the time reserved and may be assigned to the next applicant after that time.
• Room users must check in at a public service desk upon arrival for access to a room and will be required to provide positive identification.
• Rooms shall not be used for entrepreneurial or commercial purposes, for the solicitation or development of business, for profit or for fundraising, or direct campaign activities for individual candidates or ballot measures.
• No food or unlidded drinks are allowed in the rooms. Rooms must be left clean and in the same condition as found.
• Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult or child aged 14 or older.
• Room activities must not interfere with or disturb library staff or users. Music and other noise must be kept to a level acceptable to the library.

Study and Conference Room Use Policy

In keeping with its mission to facilitate lifelong learning, provide opportunities for cultural enrichment, and foster a sense of community, the Thomas Crane Public Library welcomes public use of its meeting rooms for meetings and events that are free of charge and open to the general public.

• Rooms are available only to non-profit community groups engaged in educational, cultural, civic, intellectual, or charitable activities, No private or members-only meetings, events, or social functions are permitted.
• Rooms are available from opening until 15 minutes before closing time. Rooms are not available when the Library is closed to the public.
• Main Library Community Meeting Room
  • Available for use Monday, Wednesday and Friday during regular library hours.
  • Use is limited to four times per calendar year per organization.
  • Capacity is 125 with a 20-person minimum required to reserve the room
• Adams Shore Branch Library Community Meeting Room
  • Use is limited to 12 times per calendar year per organization.
  • Capacity is 75 with a 10-person minimum required to reserve the room
• North Quincy Branch Library Community Meeting Room
  • Use is limited to 12 times per calendar year per organization.
  • Capacity is 50 with a 10-person minimum required to reserve the room
• Reservations may be made no more than three months and no less than one week in advance. Changes or cancellations must be received at least three days in advance of the scheduled event.
• The meeting facilitator must check in at a public service desk upon arrival for access to a room.
• Rooms shall not be used for entrepreneurial or commercial purposes, for the solicitation or development of business, for profit or for fundraising, or direct campaign activities for individual candidates or ballot measures.
• Room activities must not interfere with or disturb library staff or users. Music and other noise must be kept to a level acceptable to the library.

Meeting Room Use Policy

This policy provides regulations for photography, video and sound recording on Library property. These activities may not interfere with the operations, programs, and activities of the Library, infringe on the privacy rights of Library users, or violate any other Library policies.

Photography & Recording Policy

The library strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for its users, staff, and property while protecting individual privacy rights. In order to discourage inappropriate and illegal behavior and enhance the ability to identify and apprehend offenders, security cameras have been installed in certain areas of the library.

Video Surveillance Policy

The library recognizes that library users must not feel constrained in their use of library resources because they fear invasion of personal privacy. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our users regarding information sought or received and materials consulted or borrowed, including database and Internet search records, circulation and interlibrary loan records, reference questions, and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.

Privacy Policy At-A-Glance

• The library collects personally identifiable information about its users only for the purpose of providing or improving library services
• The library will not disclose library records to any agency of local, state, or federal government or to any individual, except for the following:
  • At the request of or with the consent of the individual user who is the subject of the record or information or upon presentation of a user’s library card.
  • In accordance with such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized by federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.
  • For the purposes of interlibrary cooperation and coordination, and for library administrative purposes.
• The library cannot guarantee the security and privacy of any Internet transaction, including email and e-commerce transactions
• Protecting the privacy of children is especially important to the library. We urge parents to supervise their children’s use of the Internet and to instruct children never to give out personal information (name, address, telephone number, password) online

Privacy Policy

The Library makes designated spaces available to individuals and organizations for the exhibit of art works and documents, artifacts and other ephemera. Those interested in using exhibit or display space may submit an online application form or call the library's administrative office at 617-376-1300 x6. Please review the full policy before submitting an application.

Exhibit and Display Policy At-A-Glance

• Exhibits and displays must be of an educational, cultural, or civic nature
• Exhibits and displays may not be for entrepreneural or commercial purposes, for business solitication, profit, or fundraising
• All exhibit and display applications will be considered in terms of the library's mission to provide educational and cultural enrichment, on a first-come, first-served basis
• Applications may be made up to one year in advance and no less than one month in advance
• Exhibits generally run for a calendar month and are limited to four weeks per calendar year per individual or organization

Exhibit and Display Policy

The Library develops and presents programs that further its mission and strategic goals and reflect the Library’s commitment to equitable and inclusive access to information and services.

Policy on Programs in the Library

While library staff strives to create a safe and comfortable place for children, the library is a public building, and as such it can be a dangerous place for children alone. Library staff are not responsible for supervising children and cannot know if children are leaving the building with parents or with strangers. Young children unattended at closing time could be left alone just a few feet from a busy street. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for monitoring their children’s safety, activities, and behavior while visiting the library. 

Safe Child Policy

兒童安全政策

The library uses social media to foster communication with library users and publicize library programs, services and events. 

Social Media & Website Policy

The library's volunteer program is designed to support and enhance library services and provide citizens with opportunities to serve their community. Volunteers perform valuable ancillary work that extends but does not substitute for the work of paid staff. 

Volunteer Policy

The library requests CORI information for prospective and current library volunteers, in accordance with the recommendations of the Mass. Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. 

Policy on Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Requests