Policies



Library Mission Statement

The Library's mission is to assemble, preserve, and administer, in organized collections, books and other media to best meet the reading and information needs of the community.  Knowing that no library can ever meet every need, the Library will make full use of any inter-library loan, databases, referrals and the Internet to full patrons' needs.  The Library will continually work to identify reading and information needs of the community and will work to meet those needs

Board Statement
The Orchard Public Library is a community information resource center. People come to the library to get information, to read, to use the library's resource materials, and to study. It belongs to the whole community and not to any specific person or group of persons. Section 51-212 of the Nebraska Statutes specifically gives Library Boards the power to regulate the use of the library and to exclude from the library persons who violate or refuse to comply with the library's rules and regulations.

The following policies were prepared by the Orchard Public Library Board to serve as a directive of the board as to the operational policy of the library. The Board endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statements of the American Library Association in regards to book selection and controversial materials. These policies may be revised at any time.

Privacy of Records Policy
All records, formal and informal, in the Orchard Public Library relating to patron registration and the subsequent circulation by patrons of materials provided by the Library are to be confidential in nature. Such records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government 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 investigative power. Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the Library's officers will consult with legal council to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance; if the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, they will insist that such defects be corrected before access to any patron records is provided. (Revised Nebraska Statutes, Chapter 84, Article 7, Section 84-172.05)

Physical Facilities
Tables and chairs may NOT be borrowed or rented from the Library.
No individual or organization may store records, materials or equipment in the Library without the approval of the Library Board. Any property left in the Library without permission becomes the property of the Library and will be dealt with at the discretion of the Library Board.

Copy Machine
A copy machine is available for public use during Library hours. The fee for
black and white copies is $.25 per side for standard size sheets (8 1/2 x 11) and $.30 per for 8 1/2 x 14.  The fee for color copies is $.50 per side and $.55 per side for 81/2 x 14 (legal)

Fax Machine
A fax machine is available for public use during Library hours. The fees $.50 per page to send or receive.

Laminator

A laminating machine is available for public use during Library hours.  The fee is $.30 per half page; $.60 for full page.

Cricut

A cricut machine is available for public use during Library hours.  Donations for the blades and mats are appreciated.

Computer/s
Computers with Internet access are provided for use by the public at no charge. 

Meetings, Classes, Etc.
Community/civic organizations of an educational or cultural nature may hold meetings or classes in the library multi-purpose room by making prior arrangements with the Library Director on a first come first served basis. Library activities will take precedence over other events.

The library multi-purpose room may not be used for for-profit ventures unconnected with the Library or for purely social events such as showers, birthday parties, card parties, family holiday meals or reunions, etc.

Community groups or organizations using the Library multi-purpose room for a meeting or class will clean up after themselves and leave the room in the condition in which they found it. Should damage occur the group will be billed for cleaning, repairs or replacements as necessary.

Insurance
Insurance policies are determined by the Village Board.

Library Code of Conduct
The Library is here to serve the reading and information needs of everyone in the community.  To meet that goal, it must be a pleasant, safe, kind, and compassionate place for everyone using it regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, social class/socioeconomic statue, sexual orientation, disability, and religion/religious beliefs. To that end, the Library Board expects our library users to:

* Follow all library policies and procedures including the food and drink, cell phone and         computer use policies.

* Exit the building when prompted by announcements either at closing or during fire alarms.

* Engage with library staff in a respectful and courteous manner.

* Treat other library users with respect.   Avoid loud conversations and disruptive behavior.

* Respect the rights of other users to access library materials. Deliberate misplacement of         library materials, or deliberate postponement of returning library materials is prohibited.

* Care for library books and other materials properly.  Library material should not be               written on or defaced in any way.  Users are responsible for the care of items checked out
   to them.

* Care for library equipment, furniture, and facilities.

* Never leave personal items or library computers unattended.  The library is not                       responsible for lost or stolen personal items.

* Wear shoes and clothing while in the library

* Refrain from wearing and/or using skates, bicycles, etc. in the building.

* Leave pets at home.  Exception: service animals are permissible

* Refrain from soliciting for any reason while on the premises.

* Never enter areas designated "staff only" without approval.

 The library also expects library users to follow all Village of Orchard rules and regulations as well as local, state, and federal laws:

*  Smoking in the building is prohibited.
*  Use, possession or storage of weapons of any kind is prohibited.
*  Use, possession or distribution of any controlled substance, alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs is          prohibited.
*  Lewd or obscene conduct, or sexual misconduct, is prohibited.

Consequence:  Depending on the nature of the infringement and the seriousness of the violations, the following sanctions may be imposed for inappropriate or unacceptable behavior.
  *  Being asked to leave library premises
  *  Suspension or loss of library privileges. (Possibly permanently for repeat offenders.)
  *  Criminal Prosecution.

Food & Drink Policy
Food or drink may only be consumed at special event or meetings.

Cell Phone Policy
Please observe these guidelines for cell phone use in the library: turn the ringer off on your phone before entering the building; use a quiet voice when answering your phone.  The library reserves the right to ask patrons to leave the building if they are disturbing others in any area of the library. 

Computer and Internet Policy
The Orchard Public Library provides public access to the Internet as part of the library's information services.  The Internet provides access to valuable information resources which may not be available elsewhere.  The unique, unregulated nature of the Internet requires that users exercise judgment regarding information accessible on various Internet sites.  The library does not vouch for or endorse the content, accuracy or viewpoint of any web site.

The library has installed filtering software on all the computers accessing the Internet and will occasionally monitor the sites accessed by means of a pass-worded log file.  Patrons may request that the filtering software be turned off for legitimate research that is being blocked by the filtering software.

The library reserves the right to terminate computer privileges, for a length of time to be decided by the Library Board, for misuse for the library computer(s) such as excessive roughness using the equipment, harassment of another, disruptive behavior or noise, viewing, downloading or printing pornography, illegal or unethical us of the computer(s).

Parents have the responsibility to monitor their children's use of library resources.  Some parent may deem some material unsuitable for viewing by their children.  We suggest that parents concerned about access issues join their children in using the library's internet services.
 
The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its providing access to the Internet.

Because of expected demand for Internet access, the library has adopted the following rules: 
  *  Patrons will limit their connection time to 30 minutes when other patrons are waiting, otherwise the        limit is 2(two)hours total of use per day.  The evening limit is 1(one) hour since the library is only          open two hours in the evening.  Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the librarian on duty.
  *  Patrons may not use the Library Internet service for any illegal activity.
  *  Patrons may not bring in outside software to use on Library computers.  Any data disks/drives used        must first be checked for viruses.
  *  Staff members will provide routine assistance in finding resources, but they cannot be expected to          provide in depth internet use training or answer technical questions.
  *  The Library provides a printer & paper for printing at a cost of $.25 per side for black and white            and $.50 per side for color.
  *  Patrons violating the above rules may have their computer privileges terminated for a length of time        to be decided by the Library Board.  Computer use is also prohibited for individuals/families who          owe fines or fees for lost/damaged library materials.

WARNING:  Although the library has anti-virus software installed on the library computer(s) and updates it regularly, this may not completely protect you from the chance of getting a computer virus. Any data saved to a floppy disk or USB drive and used on another computer should be checked by an anti-virus program first.  The Orchard Public Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's disk, USB drive or computer, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from patron use of the Library's computer(s).

The Library uses the K9 online web filtering software.  Be aware that it may not block sites a patron may consider offensive.  It may also block sites that a patron may wish to visit.  For instance, streaming video and interactive online games are blocked because of the bandwidth use.  A librarian may allow use of those sites for a limited amount of time if no one else is using the computers at the time.

WIFI Policy:
The library's wireless network should NOT be considered secure, and the library cannot guarantee the safety of your traffic across its wireless network.  The library assumes no responsibility for the configurations, security or files on your device resulting from connection to the Library's network.  Information sent to or from your device can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and appropriate software.

Unattended Children Policy

The Orchard Public Library welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities and services.  Parents, guardians or assigned chaperones are responsible for the behavior and welfare of their minor children while in the library.  Though library staff will always respond with care and concern, they cannot assume responsibility for a child's safety and comfort when the child is left unattended.  When in the library with minor children, the responsibility for maintaining and /or restoring facility conditions is that of the parent, guardian or chaperone.

Library staff may need to contact outside agencies to assist with the enforcement of discipline in the library or to ensure the safety of an unattended child.  If a child is visibly distressed and obviously unattended, or if a child's behavior has become unacceptable in the library, an attempt will be made to contact the responsible parent, guardian or assigned chaperone of the child.  If this is unproductive, the proper authorities will be contacted.
  

Hours of service
The library shall be open a minimum of twenty-one hours per week plus as many more hours as funding will allow. Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend hours will be provided.

The Library hours are:
          Mondays:  10 AM - 3PM; 7 PM - 9 PM
     Wednesdays:  7 PM - 9 PM
        Thursdays:  1 PM - 8 PM
         Saturdays:  10 AM -3 PM
The library will be closed on the following holidays:  New Years's Eve (evening hours), New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve (evening hours), and Christmas Day.

The library will close for inclement weather when Summerland Public School is closed.  An announcement will be made on KBRX and the library's Facebook page.

Circulation of Materials
Library materials shall be checked out to residents of Orchard, Antelope County and the rural area surrounding Orchard that is part of the Summerland School district, though that area may be in Knox or Holt counties, with loans being made to other libraries as Inter-Library Loans. If a non-resident requests to check out material, it may be checked out in a resident's name with that resident responsible for the item(s). That resident must contact the library, giving permission.

A person may become a registered patron by supplying the library with his/her name, physical & mailing address, current telephone number and current email address if possible. The library will assign a patron number for each registered patron and keep it on file. No cards are issued for the patron to keep in their possession.

Library materials shall be issued for a two-week period and may be renewed (at the discretion of the librarian) for another two weeks unless there is a waiting list for the item. The number of certain items checked out at one time may be limited.

When the library is closed books and magazines may be returned in the outdoor book drop. We prefer that video tapes, DVDs and audio tapes/CDs not be put into the book drop because of the potential for damage due to extremes of temperature or of books dropping on top of them. If a patron does choose to return videos, DVDs or audiotapes/CDs in the book drop and they are damaged, the patron will be charged the full replacement cost of the item.

Fines & Fees

Overdue items may be renewed in person, by telephone or by email using the email address listed on the library homepage(http://orchardpubliclibrary.org) or on the checkout receipt.

Should the library be closed without prior notice for bad weather, workshops, meetings, illness, etc., items due on that day will be due on the next day the library is open.  An announcement will be made on KBRX and our Facebook page.

Any person failing to return books or other library material(s) due to their loss or destruction will be assessed a damage fine or replacement cost of the item.  Any damaged but still usable book will be assessed a damage fine according to the following formula:  50% of the publisher's retail price during the first two years the library owns the book, 25% thereafter.  Full publisher's retail price will be assessed for any item damaged beyond use or lost.  Damaged videos/DVDs or audiotapes/CDs will be assessed at the full replacement cost.  The Library Director may replace the item through secondhand sources and the patron will be charged accordingly.

Reminders to patrons of overdue items may be made by telephone, text, e-mail, Facebook message or written notice as time allows.

Selection of Material and Maintenance of the Collection

The Orchard Public Library endorses the freedom of access to information and literary materials as stated in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association, with limits set only be budgetary restraints and the criteria of selection as follows:

* Contemporary significance or current usefulness or interest.

* Authority and competence of presentation.


* Importance as an historical record or of permanent value.


* Relevance to existing collection.


* Requests from users of the library (however, textbooks will not be purchased per se, and       will only be included in the collection if this 
is the only source of information on a topic       of general interest.

* Physical quality of format and binding.

* Presentation of all views on controversial issues.


* Balance of special group interest with general demand.


* Cost in relation to the individual title and to the overall collection.


* Selection of materials for the adult collection on the basis of adult needs (selection will          not be restricted by the possibility that children may obtain materials their parents                  consider inappropriate.) 


* Selection of materials on the basis of reviews and recommendations of selected reading         lists.


* Weeding and discarding of collection on a systematic basis (This function is necessitated       by limitations of space, obsolescence of materials, lack of use over an extended period of     time, physical condition of the item, and acquisition of new materials. The same criteria         applied to the purchase of new items will be applied to the discarding and weeding of           items.) 


* Requests from patrons for reconsideration of materials are to be made in writing and will       be evaluated within the context of the Freedom to Read Statement and the Library Bill of     rights.


* Final responsibility for materials selection lies with the Library Director. The Library             Director, however, may delegate his/her selection responsibilities to other staff members       or Board members. 


* The Library Board recognizes that no single library can meet all demands in its                  community. Because of this, full advantage will be taken of any inter-library loan service available. Patrons will be required to pay return postage and any fee imposed by the lending library, Library System or Nebr. Library Commission.

Reconsideration of Materials

Libraries are sometimes the target of pressure from groups and individuals who wish to use the library's name and services as instruments of their own tastes and views.  These groups or individuals wish to have the library disregard its professional responsibilities to the whole community and instead, promote the ideas and interests of a portion of the whole community.

To combat these pressures to censor-or proselytize- the Orchard Public Library has adopted the following procedures for any request to reconsider materials:
  *  Make certain that the complaint has been filed in writing.  (Forms are available and must be fully            filled out and signed by the person making the complaint.)
  *  The completely filled out form must be returned to the Library Director who will notify each Board        member of the complaint.  He/she will have the specified book/item available for the Board                    members to review and will obtain any review material that may be available.  The Library                      Director will also submit his/her recommendation and evaluation of the book and its place in the            collection.
  *  At the next regularly scheduled Board meeting, the complaint will be reviewed, and decision made          regarding the complaint.
  *  The Library Director will notify the patron of the Board's decision soon after the meeting.


Gifts, Bequests, Memorials
The Library appreciates gifts and accepts them with the following conditions:

* That the same criteria applies to the incorporation of gifts into the collection as the                 selection of books and other library materials

* The Library reserves the right to administer gifts with a view to the best interests of               the Library.


* The Library will not become a depository or custodian for materials of great monetary or       historical value


* Unrestricted gifts of money, lands or property will be gratefully accepted by the Library         Board to be used at its discretion and should be directed to the Orchard Library                     Foundation. Gifts or bequests with specific restrictions attached will be reviewed 
   by the Board before acceptance.

Exhibits
The Library encourages displays and exhibits of an educational or cultural nature. 

Items will need to be displayed in such a way that does not cause damage to the library.      

The Library assumes no responsibility for restitution for damages or theft of any item on display. Anyone wishing to display very valuable items in the Library will have to furnish proof that the items are insured while on display in the Library.

Items displayed in the Library will not be on sale at the time of display. If someone wants to buy something they saw on display, they will have to contact the owner directly.

Marketing and Publicity

Publicity concerning the Library shall be under the direction of the Library Director, and at a minimum, should include notices in the newspaper and/or radio about library events/programs, articles in the newspaper about library services, new acquisitions, continuing education, etc., as well as regular posts to the library's Facebook page.



Emergency & Safety Procedures

The library’s number one emergency priority is the safety of the patrons and staff.  To that end the following procedures have been established.

Security of building

At the end of each working day the staff member on duty is to check that all doors and windows are locked before leaving.

Automation System

At the end of each working day the staff member on duty will make a back-up on removable media and take it home.

Severe weather

Should the weather siren sound for a tornado warning the staff will direct everyone present in the library to take shelter in the restroom, since it is the only small, enclosed space with no windows.  Adults cannot be forced to take shelter against their will, but in the case of minors, the staff will act in loco parentis and take them to the shelter area.



In the case of a snowstorm or ice storm starting during the workday, the library will be closed, allowing the staff to go home before conditions become too dangerous.  If the school is closed for snow or ice, the library will be too.

Fire, gas leak, bomb threat

Library staff and patrons will evacuate the library immediately and call 911 from a location a safe distance from the library. In the case of a gas leak do not use a telephone or cell phone inside the building. Do not turn any light or equipment switches on or off.

Injuries, falls, other health issues

In the case of what appears to be a serious injury, fall or other heath issue such as a possible heart attack or stroke, the staff should call 911 immediately.  If an ambulance ride to the hospital is required it will be at the patron’s own expense. Adults cannot be forced to seek medical attention.  In the case of minors, parents or guardians must be notified of the incident as soon as possible so they can make any needed decisions. Should parent/s/guardian not be available, 911 responders' advice will be taken as to need for transport to a hospital. Any expenses incurred will be the responsibility of the parent/s/guardian.

Vandalism, theft, assault, any other illegal activity

Staff should call 911.  Do not confront anyone who seems dangerous or is armed.  In case of threatening behavior staff should try to evacuate other patrons from the library and leave the building themselves.  In all situations the staff should us their best judgment to protect themselves and the patrons.

Building damage, electrical outages, equipment failure

In the case of electrical outage or furnace failure, the library will be closed until the situation is corrected.

In case of severe damage to roof or windows, steps should be taken to protect the equipment and collection as best as possible (boarding windows, plastic sheeting over equipment, shelves and furnishings) until damage can be assessed and repairs made.  If damage is extensive and repair time will be extensive, undamaged items should be moved to a secure location.  Severely damaged items will be discarded.

Active Shooter Policy:

  *  RUN - if it is safe, run in the opposite direction of the shooter.  Leave personal                      belongings behind. When safe call 911.
  *  HIDE - lock/barricade the doors.  Turn off lights.  Silence all electronic devices.                    Remain silent.  Hide along the wall closest to the exit yet out of
      view from windows. 
  *  FIGHT - AS A LAST RESORT!  Throw anything at the person!  Be aggressive- your          life depends on it! 

Contingency Plan for Pandemic:

The Library will not close during a pandemic.  However, our services will be offered differently and may be limited.

*  The library staff will limit the number of patrons allowed in the library at a time.
*  Hand sanitizer and the use of masks may be requested.
*  The library staff will offer curbside pickup and will be available during regular business         hours.
*  Materials upon being returned will go into a 3-day quarantine before being allowed back       into circulation.
*  A limit of 10 items per week per card will be in effect.

__________________________________________________________________________

Finacial Policy

Budget:   Annually, the Library Director Shall prepare a budget for the upcoming fiscal year and present it to the Library Board for changes/approval Special Board meeting in July.  The budget will be presented to the Village Board for approval/disapproval at the Village Board meeting in August.

  The Library Director will present a request for county funding to the County Commissioners at their meeting in June.

Records:  The Library Director shall maintain financial records in an efficient manner; present periodic reports to the Library Board and the Village Board, County Commissioners and the Nebraska Library Commission in the annual report.

On a monthly basis, the Library Director will present a list of expenditures, along with invoices and receipts, to the Village Clerk for payment.  The Library Board will receive the same list of expenditures, along with invoices and receipts, for approval the month they meet and for review of the month they do not meet.

Revenue:  Monies received as revenue by the Library for copier fees, lost/damaged materials fees, Interlibrary loan fees will be submitted to the Village Clerk monthly to be credited the Library account.  This money is estimated at budget proposal time & is included in the Library's budgeted amount.  During the course of the month this money goes into the petty cash fund and small local purchases may be made from the fund.  At month's end the petty cash will be reset at $10.  Anything in excess of $10 will be submitted to the Clerk with receipts and /invoices for all purchases made using petty cash.

Monies for sale of surplus equipment and weeded materials are treated the same as other revenue.

Donated funds and Gifts:  Donated funds may be allocated according to the wishes of the donor as donations to the Library directly or to the Orchard Library Foundation.  The Library Board will determine the disposition of un-designated donations.  All donations to the Library shall be subject to the Gifts and Donations Policy.

__________________________________________________________________________

ADVOCACY POLICY

Responsibility for implementation:  Board members and staff are responsible for knowing, understanding and complying with the policies of the Orchard Public Library.

Advocacy is the active support of an idea or cause

Board advocacy:  the board shall seek to ensure that:
  *  The community is aware of the importance of the library
  *  The Village Board responds to the needs of the library
  *  The budget will reflect the use of advocacy tools

Advocacy targets:

  *  Community:  The Board shall work with staff to build and maintain good relationships with individuals and community organizations and ensure continued support for the library.
  *Local, county, and State government:  The Board shall work with staff to bring issues forward relating to public libraries at the local, county, and state levels of government and ensure support to the library.
  *  Village Board:  The Board shall work with the village board on a continuous and consistent basis to ensure support for the Library.

These policies will be reviewed and updated as the Board deems necessary.

Reviewed and updated August 2022.



Personnel Policy

Management Policy:  The duly appointed library board shall have all management rights, authorities and responsibilities as stated in the Nebraska Statutes.


  1. The Library Board shall select, appoint, and when necessary for valid reasons, dismiss the Director of the library.
  2. The Board shall establish all other positions and all wage and benefit levels for all library staff.
  3. The Library Board shall see that a new Director is provided with effective orientation to assure that the Director understands the policies and processes related to the daily operation of the library; reporting and budgetary requirements; rules and requirements for State certification and accreditation and any assistance which is provided by the library to acquire and maintain appropriate certification.
  4. The Library Board shall conduct an annual evaluation of the Library Director.


Administrative Policy:  The person appointed as library director shall be charged with the sole administration of the library.

1.     The director shall be responsible to the library board in matters pertaining to and concerning the library; be present at board meetings and prepare and present such reports and meeting documents as requested.
2.     The director shall maintain financial records in an efficient manner; present periodic reports to the library board and to the municipal governing body, county supervisors and Nebraska Library Commission; prepare the draft of the annual budget to be present to the library board, and assist trustees with presentation of the adopted request for funding to the municipal governing body.
3.     The director will be responsible for supervising staff and/or volunteers, providing training and interpretation of board policy.
4.     The director will be responsible for evaluating staff performance.
5.     The director shall have the responsibility for collection development for all materials in the library; this includes selection, ordering, processing, weeding, and inventory of the collections according to the guidelines in the policy.
6.     The director will recommend changes in or additions to library policies as needed.
7.     The director will perform preparatory work to assist the board with regular library planning.

Salaries:
Salaries for all positions are set by the library board.  All salaries shall be at or above the federal minimum wage.

Health Insurance Polic
Since all staff members are part-time no health insurance is offered.

Vacation Policy:    
 Since all Library positions are part-time (20 hours or less) no paid vacation is offered.  Staff may take unpaid time off, after finding another staff member to fill their hours.

Holiday Policy: 
1.     The library shall be closed on the following holidays:  New Year’s Day, Day before or after Easter, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas/Christmas Eve.
2.     Staff will be paid their regular salary if one of these holidays falls on their regular work day.

 Leave of Absence, Funeral Leave, Military Leave, Jury Duty: 
  Staff shall be given time off without pay for leave of absence or funeral leave. In the case of military leave or jury duty staff may either accept military or jury duty pay or they may turn in the amount for their regular work days and be paid the regular salary, but not both.

Meetings, Conventions and Workshops:     
 Staff attending continuing education opportunities will be paid their normal salary for the number of CE hours attained and driving time.  Other expense reimbursement will be at the discretion of the library board. Staff is encouraged to attend and participate in continuing education activities.

Disciplinary Policy:
        1.     An employee may be dismissed for any action or behavior that causes the Library’s image or operation to be diminished.  This includes but is not limited to: incompetence, misconduct, inattention to assigned duties, or unapproved absences from work. 
        2.     Normally termination would be preceded by verbal and/or written warnings and/or probation.
        3.     It is important that complete and clear records be maintained of all disciplinary processes for the protection of the employee and the library
        4.     While notice of intent to terminate can be expected, the Library reserves the right to dismiss an employee without notice in cases involving theft, drug or alcohol abuse, criminal activity, or in instances of significant misconduct.

Resignation and Retirement Policy
 A library employee wishing to resign or retire from employment must notify the director or the library board as soon as is practicable.  The library requests a minimum notice of two weeks.  For the library director a notice of at least one month is preferred.

Grievance Procedure:  
      1.     If possible, discuss the problem with the director.  In the case of the director having a concern, this should be discussed with the board president.
     2.     If the director is part of the problem, or if the board president is part of the director’s problem, the concern/grievance should be submitted in writing for the library board and be delivered to the director, who will deliver the statement to the board president.  The board president will in turn present the concern, during closed session, to the full board at the next or a special board meeting.
     3.     The board’s representative will respond to the employee soon after the board meeting, either providing a determination, solution, or strategy for how the board will address the issue over time.

Equal opportunity Employment Policy: 
Hiring is based solely on the requirements of the position, with due consideration given to education and technical qualifications, as well as personality, intellectual ability and general aptitude. There will be no discrimination because of race, sex, marital status, political opinions or religious beliefs.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy: 
     1.     The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited while performing work for the Library, whether that work is carried out in the workplace building or not.
     2.     Failure to comply with the above shall be grounds for appropriate personnel action against such employee up to and including termination.

Sexual Harassment Policy:
Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Title VII(Federal Law) and Statute 111.36(b)(State Law) . Sexual harassment, either verbal or physical, is an unlawful employment practice and will not be tolerated.


The Orchard Public Library accepts and adheres to all definitions and procedures outline in the law as regards sexual harassment. Any employee who engages in sexual harassment will subject themselves to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.