Policies
The Delmar Public Library will offer patrons free and equal access to its services and resources, and will provide guidance and assistance in their use. Borrowing privileges may be denied for just cause. Such cause may include, but is not limited to, failure to return Library materials or pay charges incurred, destruction of Library property, or objectionable conduct on Library premises. Service will not be denied or abridged because of age, gender, color, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or racial, religious, social, economic, or political status.
Application for a Library card shall be made by presenting suitable identification. Such identification may be a valid driver’s license, a Delaware State identification card available from Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles, a valid U.S. passport, a valid automobile registration, a recent rent receipt or utility bill or any equivalent document showing the person’s name and address.
For minors, such identification may consist of their parent’s or guardian identification. This adult will be required to sign the application acknowledging responsibility for damage to, return of, or cost of replacement of materials borrowed by a minor.
The Library reserves the right to refuse a card to those with insufficient identification. The person to whom the card is issued must sign the application and must assume responsibility for returning all materials. The user will be responsible for his/her card. If the card is lost or stolen, the user is responsible for all items charged to it until the loss is reported. Each user is responsible for informing the Library of any change of address or telephone number.
Expiration of Cards – Library cards must be renewed annually in person with proof of current address. All fines and fees must be paid at the time the card is renewed.
Cost of Library Cards – Obtaining a Library card for most residents is free. However, fees are assessed for cards for non-residents, out-of-state residents (not Delmar Maryland school district residents), and special residents. The cost to replace lost Library cards will be $2.00 for each replacement.
Please enjoy the use of the Library and respect its use by others. While in the Library, please adhere to closing times and the following rules:
- Due to the “Delaware Libraries’ Internet Acceptable Use Policy,” and the limited amount of computer space, there can only be one person to a computer and patrons may not stand behind computer user unless permitted by staff.
- Talk in a normal tone of voice; no loud noises or outbursts or engaging in other disruptive conduct. No loitering or sleeping on library premises.
- Each patron must have their Library card with them in order to use a computer.
- All personal electronic devices, including cell phones and tablets, must be muted while in the library. Cell phone use within the Library is limited to texting. All cell phones will be set to silence or vibrate-only inside the library.
- No smoking or other uses of tobacco products or e-cigarettes is allowed. No drugs or alcohol is permitted.
- No food or beverages unless for special functions approved by the Library Director or designee.
- Walk. Do not run, push or climb.
- Shoes and shirt and other appropriate clothing must be worn at all times.
- Carrying any weapon into the Library is prohibited unless carried by a law enforcement officer or by someone authorized by permit to carry a weapon. Local/State law enforcement agencies will be notified immediately if a person other than a law enforcement officer or someone with a permit to carry brings a weapon into the Library. (As adopted February 28, 2012)
- Animals are not permitted in the Library, except for service animals needed to assist a patron with a disability and animals participating in a library-approved program.
- Rest rooms are not to be misused or defaced in any way (marking on walls, throwing paper on floors, etc.).
- Interfering with another person’s use of the Library or with Library personnel’s performance of their responsibilities will not be tolerated.
- No soliciting of money either for sales or donations or for any purpose other than for the Library or the Friends of the Library organization is authorized. The library supplies a bulletin board for Federal, State, and local government notices, local school news, and other local non-profit or government health information.
- Performing any action forbidden by law will be reported to the appropriate authorizes. Police will be called if library personnel feel patron behavior warrants law enforcement personnel.
- A patron’s Library privileges may be removed for damaging Library property, stealing Library or Library personnel’s items and/or threatening, harassing, or physically harming Library personnel or patrons, or violating the terms of the Delaware Library Catalog Acceptable Use Policy.
- Any violation of library policies will result in disciplinary action which may include suspension or revocation of Library privileges. Persons may be asked to leave. Law enforcement personnel will be called if a person refuses to leave the library at the request of library personnel.
The Delmar Public Library Commission and the Delmar Public Library will not discriminate in its employment practices or its programs, activities and services because of age, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or political affiliation. Inquires may be made to the Director of the Delmar Public Library, 101 N. Bi-State Blvd., Delmar, DE 19940-0308. Phone (302) 846-9894.
