Library Policies

It is the policy of the Medway Public Library that the material posted on library bulletin boards be for the benefit of the Medway community, at the discretion of the Director. Information regarding community activities, events and classes will be given priority. No for-sale flyers, business cards, political signs, or hand written notes will be posted. Anything not submitted to the Director for prior approval will be taken down. Items will be removed periodically.

The Medway Public Library’s collection development goals reflect the principles of intellectual freedom based on the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement. Materials are added for all age groups, differing tastes, and varying viewpoints.
The library does not label or restrict the use of controversial materials. All responsibility for minors’ library use, including materials choices, rests with their parents or legal guardians. 

Materials selection is driven by both patron demand and professional review media. In addition to materials that are popular, the library adds material that is relevant and well-reviewed. The library welcomes patron purchase requests, which are subject to the same selection criteria as standard purchases.

The Library’s selection goals are to:

• Choose a wide range of print, non-print, and electronic materials for entertainment, education, and inspiration.
• Choose diverse materials reflecting many points of view, for patrons of all ages.
• Choose up-to-date and popular materials along with well-reviewed works for an enriching and balanced collection.

Selection Criteria

The following criteria are considered when purchasing or adding materials.

Patron Demand

• Popularity of title, as indicated by sales and/or circulation
• Contemporary significance or current usefulness or interest
• Local subject matter or local author
• Patron request

Merit

• Accuracy and currency of information
• Authority and competence of presentation
• Creative, literary, artistic, or technical quality
• Importance as an historical record or of permanent value
• Reputation or expertise of the work’s creator
• Quality of physical format (including durability and ease of use)
• Professional reviews

Collection Fit

• Need relative to existing collection (adds to existing coverage or fills a niche)
• Balance of special group interest with general demand
• Representation of diverse points of view
• Availability from other sources
• Accessibility (the library regularly purchases large print items, electronic items in various formats,  and audio items in various formats)
• Space considerations

Financial Considerations

• Cost and value for price
• Current materials budget

Selection Responsibility

The Board of Trustees sets library policy, including the policy on collection development. The library director administers policy set by the Trustees, allocates the materials budget, and ensures that the collection is in conformity with the Collection Development policy.

The library director has primary responsibility for adult collection development. The children’s/YA librarian has primary responsibility for youth services collection development. All staff members are encouraged to recommend titles for purchase. All purchases are guided by the criteria outlined in this policy.

Usage responsibility lies with the user or the user’s legal guardian. The staff and Board of Trustees are not responsible for patrons’ material selection or use.

Selection Resources

Professional book review sources regularly consulted include Library Journal,

School Library Journal, and Booklist. Library staff also consult various popular resources, including the New York Times Best Seller List.

Collection Guidelines

The library does not usually purchase textbooks, novelty formats (such as pop-ups), abridged or condensed titles, or outmoded non-print formats. The library purchases materials that support the curricula of the Medway public schools and also supports curricular needs of local preschools, private schools, and homeschoolers. Special efforts are made to provide multiple copies of summer reading list titles.

The library provides unfiltered dedicated and wireless Internet access and provides access to research databases provided through the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Additional databases will be selected that support the library’s mission and fit with selection criteria. Database renewals will be assessed yearly.

Special collections: The library collects historical and/or genealogical materials of significance to Medway. The library does not usually collect general historical materials that are unrelated to Medway.

Gifts and Donations

The library appreciates gifts and accepts book and non-print material donations in good condition, and will either add these items (according to the selection criteria outlined at the beginning of this policy) or will convey donations to the Friends of the Medway Library for their book sale or subsequent disposal.

The library reserves the right to make all decisions regarding the addition or disposal of gift materials. The library is unable to provide donors with an estimate of the value of their donated materials. The library reserves the right to decline a gift or donation.

Weeding/Deaccessioning

Just as materials are regularly added, they are also regularly weeded using the CREW (Continuous Review Evaluation Weeding) method. The library’s mission is to provide dynamic collections, not to serve as an archival institution (except in the case of Special Collections materials). This requires continuous review and evaluation to offer fresh, current, accurate materials. 

Items no longer belong in the collection if they:

• Are out of date or have been superseded by newer editions
• Are obsolete
• Are in poor condition (a replacement may be warranted)
• Are not circulating
• Are duplicates/multiple copies whose popularity has waned

Withdrawn materials are conveyed to the Friends of the Medway Library for their book sale or their donation to another organization.

Request for Reconsideration

Patrons who wish to object to the addition or exclusion of any items in the library’s collection may address the matter to the director. The library director will address the issue with the patron and clarify the collection development policy.

If the patron who is a resident of Medway wishes to file a formal complaint, they may submit a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form (see appendix) to the director. The library director will decide the disposition of the material, and will provide the Board of Trustees and the patron with a written explanation for the decision within a reasonable amount of time. Materials subject to this review will not be removed

(approved 12/4/2018, amended 5/7/19 and 6/11/19)
In keeping with its mission and with advances in information technology, Medway Public Library provides the community with access to the Internet to enhance the Library’s existing collection and to provide access to resources available only on the Internet. These resources include information from a wide variety of government, academic, cultural, scientific, educational, business and recreational sources.

The Library has no control over the information accessed and cannot guarantee the content, timeliness, and accuracy of Internet resources beyond those listed on the Medway Public Library web site.

The Library does not filter access to the Internet. Parents or guardians, not the Library staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.

The Library is not responsible for any loss or damages resulting from use of the Library’s computers or the Library’s connection to the Internet, nor can it guarantee privacy of any Internet sessions.

The Medway Public Library reserves the right to suspend a patron’s privilege to use the Internet due to illegal or unethical use of the Internet or for any violation of policy or rules for use.

Rules for Use

By using a public Internet workstation at the Medway Public Library, you agree to the following guidelines.

Printing

Available for a fee.

Downloading

Users must provide their own storage devices.

Assistance

Library staff members are available to assist users in finding resources, but are not able to provide in-depth Internet instruction.

Prohibited Uses

Illegal, unethical or abusive use of the Internet is not permitted. Such use includes, but is not limited to:

• transmitting or displaying obscene, harassing or threatening material or messages
• violation of copyright or licensing agreements
• violation of another user’s privacy
• representing yourself as someone else
• distributing chain letters or computer viruses
• interfering with or harassing other users either in person or online
• unauthorized access to the Library’s network or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.

Patrons may not access, display, distribute, or print images or graphics of obscene or pornographic materials or material that violates laws relating to child pornography (including but not limited to Mass. G.L. c. 272, §§29A, 29B, 29C), or laws relating to possession and/or distribution of obscene material or material “harmful to minors” (including but not limited to Mass. G.L. c. 272, §29) while using Library workstations or using the Internet connection.   For purposes of this policy, a matter is defined as “obscene” and/or “harmful to minors” in accordance with Mass. G.L. c. 272, §31.

Violation of this policy may result in loss of Library privileges.

Operating Policies

• Do not install any software onto library computers.
• Do not change any settings on Library-installed software.
• Leave all equipment turned on. If a problem develops, notify a staff member. Do not attempt to make adjustments yourself.
• Group use limits: Only two people may participate in a session at one time, unless prior permission to hold a group session has been obtained.

For more information about child online safety, go to:
http://www.Safekids.com

http://www.Safeteens.com

The Medway Public Library welcomes visual art exhibitions and displays. Because the library is a community space, exhibits may showcase local artists, schools, town departments, or other civic organizations.

There are two areas available for use. The first is a display case on the upper level. The second is the small conference room, on the lower level, with hangers attached to the wall. Exhibits are generally scheduled for a 30-day period, but they may run longer if there is no exhibit scheduled for the following month. New exhibits are mounted on or near the first day of the month and are taken down during the last few days of the month. 

The exhibits are the purview of the director, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees. Use of the Medway Public Library exhibit spaces is a privilege subject to review.

The following conditions prevail:

1. Those interested in using library exhibit space must complete an application and acknowledge reading a copy of this Medway Public Library Exhibit & Display Policy. No exhibit can be installed without permission from the Director. In the selection of exhibits, priority is given to Medway residents or those otherwise connected to the town.

2. Exhibit space is not to be used to advertise commercial enterprises. Fliers and cards accompanying exhibits should be informational in nature and should not serve to solicit customers or promote a business. Artist contact information may be included on information materials. No price tags may be placed on art objects. However, a handout listing the items by number with prices is permitted. Those interested in making purchases are asked to contact the artist directly. 

3. Materials exhibited in the library do not necessarily represent the views of the library administration or trustees and exhibition does not imply their endorsement. The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item displayed. All items placed in the library are done so at the owner’s risk. Owners are asked to check their own insurance policies as regards theft. Exhibit areas are not monitored by staff.

4. Display or exhibit pieces that are disruptive to conducting library business given the use of the Library by members of the public, including minors, will not be eligible for display in this limited public forum (i.e. pieces that depict obscenity, violence or nudity, racism, hate, unlawful behavior, drug use, or sexual content).

5. The Library will publicize exhibits on the library’s social media platforms. The information provided at the time of application will be used unless otherwise noted by the exhibitor. Any changes to the exhibit title, medium, description or images must be submitted to the Director at least two weeks prior to the scheduled exhibit.

6. Hanging/placing and removing exhibits are the sole responsibility of the exhibitor. Installation and removal times must be arranged in advance with the Director. 

7. No thumbtacks or adhesives may be used on the walls. All descriptive labels should be affixed to picture frames, not walls. 

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees – February 11, 2025; Updated by the Board of Library Trustees – November 4, 2025

Accepting gifts and donations is an important way for Medway Public Library to benefit from the generosity of the community it serves. Gifts and donations of materials of any kind are much appreciated and will be reviewed using the same criteria as purchases. This gift acceptance policy provides a framework for accepting gifts and ensuring they are in the best interest of both the donor and the Library.

The Library Director, in conjunction with the Medway Library Board of Trustees, will determine whether and how best to incorporate donated materials into the existing collections, if appropriate. The library reserves the right to decline or dispose of any gifts that are given to the library. Materials not added to the library collection may be used for programs or given to other local organizations, such as schools, senior centers, or to the Friends of the Medway Library for disposition at a future sale. Any items unsold by the Friends may then be donated to another organization or discarded.

Guidelines for acceptance:

• The library does not provide appraisals of gifts. The appraisal of a gift to the library for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor.
• If cash gifts are donated for the purpose of acquiring materials, or for the purchase of specific items suggested by the donor, the library staff will make the selection using the general selection principles set forth in the Collection Development Policy. No conditions may be imposed relating to any gift without the prior approval of the Board of Library Trustees. The library, in accepting the gift, obtains free and complete legal title to it.
• Donations may also be given directly to the Friends of the Medway Library, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to fundraise in support of library needs that cannot be met within the bounds of the annual town budget.
• Acceptance of donations of art and/or decorative objects shall be made by the Board of Library Trustees on the advice of the Library Director.
• Please note that gifts that require extensive, regular special care or conservation, and that require specific furnishings for display, will not be accepted.
• Donors are encouraged to make bequests to the Medway Public Library in their estate plans. Appropriate documentation might include a commitment in writing from the donor, his or her attorney or financial advisor, or a copy of the bequest intention. Documentation should include a statement about the assumed value of the gift. 
• Gifts that are restricted for purposes outside of normal operations, or are intended to be spent down over time, are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees before they are accepted. 
• All donations (of furnishings, equipment, and materials, etc.) become the sole property of the library. No gifts of this nature are accepted unless freely given to the Library without restriction to be used as the library sees fit. The decision as to the acceptance of furnishings and equipment shall be made by the Board of Library Trustees on the advice of the Library Director. Among the criteria on which the decision shall be based are need, space, impact on staff time, and expense and frequency of maintenance.
• The decision as to the acceptance and location of gifts of landscaping items shall be made by the Board of Library Trustees on the advice of the Library Director.
• The Library retains unconditional ownership of an accepted gift. All donations are accepted only if the Board of Library Trustees determines that they can be utilized by, or benefit, the Library. Once conveyed to the Library, no gift will be returned to the donor. 
• The library reserves the right to decide the conditions of display, housing, and access to the materials.
• All gifts may be utilized, sold, or disposed of in the best interest of the Library. When gift items are withdrawn from the collection, the Library will not notify the donor of the withdrawal. The Library will not automatically replace worn-out, damaged, or lost gift items. 
• The library is not obligated to keep donated materials for any length of time. The Board of Library Trustees reserves the right to make the final decision on the disposition of any gift.
• Naming recognition of any piece of Library property or other naming opportunity must serve the best interests of the Library and be consistent with its core values and mission. This determination is conducted by the Board of Library Trustees on a case-by-case basis and in light of circumstances known at the time based upon the Library’s strategic objectives and policies. The Library may provide naming recognition to corporations or other business entities that satisfy the above requirements. The Board of Library Trustees must approve any naming opportunity.

General Terms Applicable to All Naming Gifts

• Naming does not automatically entitle the donor or named person or entity to determine the use of donated funds or to have any role in decision-making regarding the building, space, or program.
• Per the donor’s request, a name may be attached to a space or a program. Should a named space or program be altered for any reason at the discretion of the Library, every effort will be made to honor the spirit of the original gift.
• If a significant negative change in circumstances relating to the donor or the name affixed to a room, program, or asset occurs, the Board of Library Trustees reserves the right to consider whether removal of the name would be in the best interests of the Library and to remove the name.
• The Library does not provide legal or tax advice to donors; donors are strongly encouraged to confer with independent legal and tax counsel. 
• The Library will honor the request of donors who wish to remain anonymous. 
• All information that the Library has gathered on its donors or prospective donors will be kept confidential and maintained by the Library and used only for Library purposes unless required by applicable law or legal process. 

Approved by Medway Public Library Board of Trustees September 30, 2025

LOANS & RENEWALS

• 3-week loans: books, magazines, all sound recordings, Internet hot spots, puzzles, and TV series on DVD
• 7-day loans: DVDs (except TV series) and the telescope
• All items that belong to the Medway Library can be renewed 2 times. Items borrowed from other libraries through inter-library loan can be renewed 1 time. However, if there is a hold on an item, it cannot be renewed.
• Renewals can be done in the Library, over the telephone, or online through the Minuteman Library Network (use your library card number to create an online account).  

FINES

• All overdue items that are checked out in Medway are now fine free
• Lost passes for museums, zoos, parks, etc.: $10.00 replacement charge
• Lost book or other library material: current retail price of the item
• Damaged materials: cost to be determined based on extent of damage  

CHARGES

• Color or black & white computer printouts: $0.10 per page
• Black & white photocopies: $0.10 per page
• Faxes: currently free
• Poster-size printouts: $2.00 per poster
• 3-D printing: $0.05 per gram
• Lamination: $0.25 for paper equal to or smaller than 8.5 x 11 inches; and  $1.00 for paper larger than 8.5 x 11 inches

LIMIT

• Patrons cannot carry a balance of more than $10 unpaid charges for printing. If the balance is more than $10, the patron cannot print or fax until the balance is lowered to $10 or below.

EMAIL NOTICES

Let us email notices about requested and overdue items to you. If you read mail regularly, give us your email address to save time and trees. 

REQUESTS

You may request items that are out or not owned by us. We will email or call you when they come in. Please pick items promptly within 7 days. 

MEDWAY LIBRARY OUTREACH

This free program serves homebound Medway residents of retirement or nursing facilities, as well as individual homebound Medway residents of all ages. A librarian will coordinate the delivery of books and other circulating library items. Monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly delivery schedules will be arranged for participants. Call the Library: 508-533-3217. 

PUBLIC COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS         

We offer several public accessible computers that provide:

• Office Applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher
• Internet access.
• Catalog ONLY terminals that allow item searching, requests and even online fine payment. 

WiFi ACCESS

 The Library provides free wireless access for use with patron laptops and other devices.

(Medway Board of Trustees Approved 2/6/2019, amended 6/11/19)
The intent of this policy is to ensure a safe and peaceful environment conducive to the use and enjoyment of the Library’s resources and services.

Library patrons are expected to behave responsibly and with consideration for other patrons and for the Library staff as well as for Library materials and property.

Patrons who violate any portion of the Library Use Policy may be asked to leave the library for the day, or in some cases, issued a Trespass Notice for an extended period of time depending on the severity of the infraction and the patron’s behavior.  The Trespass Notice may be appealed to the Medway Library Board of Trustees.

The following guidelines further define appropriate and inappropriate behavior in the Library:

• Refrain from behaviors that interfere with other patrons’ enjoyment of the library
• Speak quietly and limit excess noise
• Limit cell phone use to brief, quiet conversations
• Abusive, harassing, or threatening behavior or language is not allowed
• Viewing and/or transmitting pornographic images is not allowed
• Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the Library

Medway Public Library Patron Behavior Policy

Medway Public Library welcomes every member of the community to use and enjoy the library’s facilities, collections, programs, and services. In keeping with our commitment to patron service and the provision of a safe and inviting atmosphere, the following guidelines set forth expected behavior from all patrons. Library staff will enforce these guidelines in a consistent and impartial manner.

Library patrons are expected to:

• Respect staff and other patrons
• Respect library property, equipment and materials
• Obey the law
• Comply with requests from staff

When these expectations are not met, it may become necessary to respond to errant behavior and to mitigate disruptions by temporarily or indefinitely suspending the library privileges of a patron, which includes access to programs, services or facilities of the Medway Public Library. The duration of the suspension will be based upon the severity of the offense, and while it is the library’s goal to reinstate privileges as quickly as possible, library privileges will not be restored until library staff is confident that further incidents will not recur.

This policy applies to all. It applies everywhere the library provides services, including on our website and social media, and by phone or email.

Parents, guardians, and designated caregivers are responsible for their child’s personal safety and behavior at all times.

The library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply with the Patron Behavior Policy may result in expulsion from the library with revocation of library privileges, or in arrest and possible prosecution.

The following observable behaviors and activities, as well as other behaviors deemed unacceptable by the staff, are not allowed under this policy:

• Unsafe or Disruptive Behavior: Any activity that unreasonably interferes with others’ use and enjoyment of the library or with the functioning of library staff.
  • Examples including, but not limited to:
    • Interfering with library staff in the performance of their duties, including but not limited to: inappropriate personal comments, inappropriate staring, sexual advances, or physical and/or verbal harassment
    • Use of profane, obscene, or aggressive language and/or gestures
    • Excessive displays of affection
    • Activities or behaviors that may result in injury or harm to self or others
    • Insufficient supervision of children
    • Bringing animals into the library, except as part of a library program or as service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • Wearing inappropriate clothing, including bare feet and no shirt
    • Excessive noise
    • Bodily hygiene or scent so strong as to constitute a nuisance to others
• Inappropriate Use of Library Privileges or Property: Using library privileges, materials, equipment, fixtures, furniture, buildings, or grounds in any manner other than intended.
  • Examples including, but not limited to:
    • Entering non-public areas in the library without authorization
    • Using areas for any activities other than their intended purpose
    • Posting signs on library property without approval (see our Bulletin Board Policy)
    • Activities or behavior that may result in damage to property of the library, staff, or other patrons.
    • Consuming food or beverages around library computers or equipment
    • Leaving personal property unattended
    • Sleeping
    • Use of restrooms for bathing, shaving, or washing hair or clothes
    • Sales or solicitation without prior approval
    • Use of parking lot or library property before or after hours of operation or for performing non-emergency automotive repairs or maintenance at any time.
• Illegal Activity: Any observable behavior that is prohibited by law
  • Examples including, but not limited to:
    • Intimidating, threatening, or harassing behavior toward other patrons or staff
    • Theft
    • Viewing or printing pornography
    • Displaying or distributing obscene material
    • Engaging in acts of sexual misconduct, including, but not limited to, indecent exposure, sexual contact and sexual intercourse
    • Engaging in physical altercations, including assault and fighting
    • Possession of illegal weapons of any type
    • Use of tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, synthetic tobacco products or electronic (smokeless, or their equivalent) cigarettes in library buildings or within 25 feet of the library building
    • Use, display, or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs
    • Gambling in any form
• Non-Compliance With Staff: Ignoring requests or disobeying the direction of a library staff member
  • Examples including, but not limited to:
    • Failing to exit at closing or during an evacuation

Medway Public Library Personal Belongings Guidelines

In accordance with the library’s Patron Behavior Policy, and to ensure that personal belongings do not create an obstruction or safety hazard, the following guidelines apply:

• Patrons must be able to carry all bags/personal belongings with them in one trip.
• Items cannot create a safety hazard, block space to other patrons, block aisles, or block access to exits from the building
• Owner of bags/personal belongings is responsible for monitoring and securing. Owner must always stay with their items
• For purposes of carrying/transporting bags/personal belongings, patrons may not use oversized wheeled devices inside the library, including skateboards, scooters, grocery/shopping carts, wagons, dollies, coolers, folding shopping carts, strollers, wheelchairs or other large devices
• Wheelchairs are allowed for medical needs
• Strollers may be used to transport children

Privacy Policy

The Medway Public Library takes seriously the privacy of your library records. Therefore, we do not keep track of what you borrow after you return it, and the library will not publicly disclose personal information about library users or their borrowing history.  

Personal information of library users may be accessed by and used by Medway Public Library staff when the staff member is acting within the scope of his or her duties in the administration of the library. 

The library will not sell, lease, or give users’ personal information or borrowing information to companies, governmental agencies, or individuals except as authorized by the participating libraries or as required by federal and state law. Specifically, while we will make every effort to respect the privacy of our users, if under a legal requirement to turn over data, such as a court order, subpoena or search warrant, we will comply with the law.

Privacy and the Minuteman Mobile application

The Minuteman Mobile has a featured called “My Reading History” that allows users to track items they check out. Participation in the feature is entirely voluntary. Patrons may start or stop using it, as well as delete any or all entries, at any time. If a patron chooses to start recording “My Reading History,” they agree to allow the automated system to store this data. The Medway Public Library staff does not have access to “My Reading History,” but it is subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and under those laws, could be examined by law enforcement authorities without patron permission. If this is of concern to patrons, they should not use the “My Reading History” feature.

Library Website

When patrons visit the Medway Public Library’s website, the library collects and stores information to measure the number of visitors to different areas of the site to assist in making the site more useful to you. This information includes:

• the address (IP) of the patron’s computer or Internet provider
• the date and time the patron accessed our site
• the pages that are accessed and how patrons navigate the site
• the Internet address of the web site that referred the patron to the Library’s site
• any and all information that you enter on this website

Web site data is separate from individual library account data. The Library cannot look up patron library records to determine what web sites were visited. The Library also offers a wireless network that allows patrons to connect to the Internet. Please be aware that data accessed and sent over the Library’s wireless network is not encrypted.

Approved by Medway Public Library Board of Trustees September 2, 2025

(Medway Board of Library Trustees Approved 7/3/2012)
All free programs held by Medway Public Library are open to the public. Advance-registration programs with limited capacity will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation policy – (Medway Board of Trustees Approved 10/2/2018)
For programs that require advanced registration, a patron who registers and cannot attend should contact the Library via phone or email at medway@minlib.net  as soon as possible so that another patron can use that spot.
 
If a patron has 3 no-shows over a period of 3 months for programs that require pre-registration, the patron will be put on the bottom of the waiting list for subsequent programs for the next 6 months.   If a patron cannot attend a program previously registered for, and this patron notifies the Library at least 24 hours before the beginning of the program, this will not be considered a no-show.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the use of the Library’s conference/meeting spaces by persons, groups and organizations.

Policy

The Medway Public Library encourages the widest possible use of its conference/meeting spaces and will ensure their availability for informational, educational, cultural and recreational activities. Use of the rooms for Library purposes shall take precedence over all other uses. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the Library Director or Board of Library Trustees. Rooms are booked on a first come, first served basis.

Conditions of Use

• All groups seeking to use a room must complete and submit an application form for each requested use of a room. An adult representative of the group must request use of the room and fill out the application form. By signing the form the applicant
  • Agrees that the rules for use have been read and understood.
  • Accepts financial responsibility for any damage or theft of any library property caused by members or guests of the group/organization
• Reservations shall be made through the Library Director or his/her designee and may be made up to a year in advance.
• Groups shall, at their own expense, procure any necessary license or permit.
• Groups using meeting rooms may arrange the available tables and chairs as they choose, provided that all pieces of furniture are returned to their original positions at the close of the meeting/event. Groups who leave space in disorder will be prohibited from future reservations.
• Light refreshments may be served. No food is allowed outside of the rooms or to be left on the premises.  Intrusion of any group activities into other areas is not allowed. Groups are responsible for cleaning up after use.
• State law prohibits smoking or the use of alcohol in public buildings.
• No open flame is permitted at any time.
• No posters, decorations or other items may be displayed on room walls, furniture or glass without prior approval by the Library Director.
• The group is responsible for security, safety and behavior of the group. Children must be supervised by adults at all times.
• Meetings or gatherings of any kind that would interfere with the Library’s operation will not be permitted.
• If a meeting is cancelled the Library should be notified promptly.
• Use of the Library’s meeting rooms does not constitute endorsement of the subject matter or viewpoints presented by the participants.
• The Town of Medway, the Library staff, and the Board of Trustees assume no responsibility for the loss, theft or damage incurred by any group/org while using library facilities.
• Groups using meeting rooms agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Medway Public Library, Town of Medway, their officers, agents and representatives, from any and all lawsuits, actions, claims, or demands of any nature arising out of or brought on account of any injuries or damages sustained by any person as a consequence or result of the use of the room, its furnishings or its equipment.

Room Fees

A fee per “booking date” will be charged for all private, individual or “for profit” activities, except organizations that qualify for a fee waiver. Waivers apply to those funded primarily through donations, fundraising or membership dues. A “booking date” is any period up to four hours.

Room Use Hours

With the exception of the Library, the meeting rooms may be used only during hours the Library is open to the public. All meeting room activities must conclude 15 minutes before closing-time. Groups needing additional setup time should allow for it in their reservations.

Equipment

Equipment available for use in the Library meeting rooms is listed on the reservation form. Requests for use of the equipment must be made when reserving the room.

(Approved April 5, 2011, Updated 8/30/2013)

Purpose and Scope

This policy establishes guidelines for the use of the Medway Public Library’s social media accounts. These accounts are used to promote library offerings, events, and services; to engage with patrons; and to showcase the library. These sites are intended as limited forums in which to discuss and disseminate library-related information, not as spaces for general discussion. Thus, library social media content shall pertain to library-related services, resources, and events. The library may occasionally choose to share information about resources or events in the community that are not library-sponsored.

For the purposes of this policy, “social media” includes any website or app through which Medway Public Library has an account and interacts with other users. The types of content and examples of services to which this policy applies include, but are not limited to, media sharing, blogging or microblogging, social networking, document and data sharing repositories, social bookmarking, and widgets. 

For the purposes of this policy, “comments” include information, articles, pictures, videos or any other form of communicative content posted on a Medway Public Library social media account.

Audience

The library social media policy applies to all people who engage with the library’s social media accounts, whether or not they are patrons registered with Medway Public Library. The intended audience is the patron base of the Medway Public Library.

Staff Responsibilities

The library will maintain a list of all of its official social media sites and accounts on its website.

The descriptions or user profiles for library social media sites and accounts shall state that each site or account is the “official [social media site/account] site/account for the Medway Public Library.” 

Library staff are subject to and must comply with all Acceptable Behavior standards set forth in this policy (following) and are additionally subject to and must comply with the following responsibilities.

• Only those library employees authorized by the library director to post to the library’s social media accounts should be actively participating on those sites during work hours. Those employees shall not express any personal views or concerns through such postings.

• Unless prior authorization has been granted by the library director, library employees shall not post on library social media while not on work hours. Such authorization must include arrangements for compensation of the employee for their time.
• Library employees who post content to or are responsible for managing library social media shall post in a professional manner including, but not limited to, checking facts, citing sources, avoiding copyright infringement, and correcting errors before posting. 
• The decision to share or post a particular item does not necessarily imply the library’s, the board of library trustees’, or the town’s expressed or implied approval or endorsement of its contents. 

The library reserves the right to like, follow, and share content from other social media. In general, shared content will be from governmental bodies, educational or research institutions, publishers, authors, literary figures, or other individuals or organizations (ex: NGOs with a pro-library focus) that promote topics such as local interests, education, books, reading, literacy, or content that otherwise aligns with the library’s mission and goals. 

Any content posted by library staff through their personal social media shall reflect that person’s individual opinions and not necessarily the views of the library or the town. Library employees should use discretion and common sense when employing social media to avoid inadvertently compromising professional, legal, or ethical standards.

Acceptable Behavior

In general, users of library social media are expected to interact with the library and each other in a civil, respectful, and constructive manner. Users shall not post or share any of the following on library social media, and content containing any of the following may be hidden immediately from any library social media platform:

• Content that constitutes or encourages illegal activity
• Obscenity or child pornography
• Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, age, gender, marital status, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, ancestry, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws
• Threats against the library, library staff, library trustees, other users posting to library social media, or any other individual or organization
• Personal attacks or profanity
• Sexual content or links to sexual content
• Spam
• Information / Posts that are knowingly false
• Commercial or charitable solicitations, or advertising or sale of merchandise or services unrelated to library or town business
• Private information about an individual, except with that individual’s consent
• Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public
• Any comment, post or other content that violates any person’s intellectual property rights, including but not limited to violations of the Copyright Act
• Content that violates library policy
• Any images, links, or other content that falls into the above categories

Consequences

The library reserves the right to restrict or remove content that is deemed to be in violation of this policy or any applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or policy. A copy of any content that is removed or hidden shall be retained by the library along with a description of the reason(s) the specific content was deleted. The library may, but is not required to, notify the individual who posted the content of its removal and the rationale for its deletion. Individuals who have concerns about their posted content having been removed from library social media may contact the library director.

The library reserves the right to ban or restrict users from library social media, either temporarily or permanently. A permanent ban decision shall be made with the approval of the library director in consultation with the library board of trustees during a regular meeting of that board. All decisions by the board of trustees will be final and not subject to further review or appeal. 

Reconsideration

Individuals may express concerns about content that other members of the public have posted on library social media by contacting the library director. The library will investigate those concerns and take any action it deems appropriate in response, but is not obligated to remove users’ posts or comments solely on the basis of complaints by, or feelings of personal offense on the part of, other users if the content is not in violation of this or other library policies. 

Disclaimers

Library social media sites shall be archived in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts Public Records Law, including any content edited or removed by the library pursuant to this policy. Individuals’ responses to the library’s posts may also be archived. 

The library reserves the right to edit or remove the content of or terminate any library social media site or account at any time without notice, subject to retention requirements under the Public Records Law. The library respects diverse viewpoints and encourages thoughtful discussion but does not expressly or tacitly endorse or approve of the content in users’ posts on library social media.

The library reserves the right to deny or remove any comments, tags, and/or images that violate the law, the rights of any third party, or library policies. The library is not responsible for the content on the pages of friends, fans, or followers of the library. The library does not endorse or review content of third-party sites. The Medway Public Library accepts no liability for the content of third-party sites.

Social media sites or account providers may have their own policies covering terms of service, privacy, and user behavior, which users may be additionally subject to when using these sites. The library is not responsible for the independent actions of any social media site or account provider to restrict or ban a user, restrict or remove content, or otherwise manage the site in accordance with its own internal policies. Users are expected to abide by the terms and conditions set by third party social media platforms as well as follow appropriate federal and state law.

The library will make this social media policy publicly available on its website at medwaylib.org, and link to the policy from social media platforms whenever possible. By engaging with this service, patrons agree to abide by the library’s social media policy. If any user does not agree to these terms, they are not to use the service, as violation of the terms may lead to legal liability. Patrons agree to indemnify the Medway Public Library and its officers and employees, from and against all liabilities, judgments, damages, and costs (including attorney’s fees) incurred by any of them that arise out of use of these sites.

Privacy

There is no expectation of privacy in postings on library sponsored social media sites. By using these sites, users consent to the library’s right to access, monitor and read any postings on the sites. 

By posting on the library’s social media sites, users give the library permission to use a user’s name, profile picture and the content of any posting made without compensation or liability on the part of the library. This information may be used for marketing purposes only. 

The library will not collect, sell, or knowingly transfer to any third party any personally identifiable information related to social media engagement with the library. The library will share personal data with other institutions only as required by law.

Responsibility for social media content engaged with by children and adolescents rests with the youth’s parents or legal guardians. The library does not stand in loco parentis.

All patrons, especially minors, using services on our website and social media sites should limit the amount of personal information they provide. We do not ask for more personal information from children than is necessary, and we encourage parents and caregivers to tell their children about the importance of not revealing personal information online and asking for permission before giving their last name or personal information to any website.

Photos and Consent

By attending library events in public spaces, patrons give the library permission to use their likeness (or their child’s likeness) in photographs in print and online, including on social media and in press releases, without compensation to the user or liability on the part of the library. This permission may be revoked in writing at any time. As a best practice, library staff will obtain verbal consent to share photos, when possible, especially when using photos for print publication, but this is not necessary to use the photos.

Approved by Medway Public Library Board of Trustees June 3, 2025