The Library shall serve all residents of the New Lenox Public Library District. Services shall not be denied or abridged because of age, religious, racial, social, physical, economic, or political status.
Anyone who rents or owns residential or commercial property in the New Lenox Public Library District may obtain a library card by presenting current photo identification. The ID must have their name and address.
If the photo identification does not have their current address, they must show a photo ID and an additional piece of identification with the current address. Valid forms of identification include: driver's license, rent receipt, utility bill, bank statement, blank check, apartment lease, letter on letterhead from a shelter, or business card (for businesses only).
Library cards shall be valid for three years from month of issue, or upon termination of residence in the New Lenox Public Library District. It is the responsibility of patrons to immediately report lost cards. Patrons are responsible for items checked out on the card if the card is not reported as lost. Commercial/Business cards will be valid for one year from the month of issue, or upon termination of the business within the boundaries of the New Lenox Public Library District.
A minor, being 15 years of age or younger, must have the application co-signed by a parent, guardian, or other adult relative who is responsible for the child on a long-term basis. That adult is then responsible for all items checked out on the card including any financial liabilities and/or damages incurred by the minor. The adult is also responsible for all items checked out on the card including any financial liabilities and/or damages incurred while the patron was a minor and is now over 16.
The parent or guardian shall determine any Internet filtering levels for the minor until the minor reaches 16 years of age. Unless modified by a parent or guardian, Internet access shall be set for the minimum level.
Patrons must present a library card or photo ID when checking out items.
The use of the Library and its services shall be limited when excessive demands of groups or individuals tend to curtail service to the general public.
The use of the Library or its services may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be the failure to return materials or to pay penalties, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other objectionable conduct on library premises. Owing a fee or having one or more overdue items shall cause the patron to be denied library privileges and may cause family members residing in the same household to be denied library privileges.
The Library shall initiate programs, exhibits, booklists, etc. to stimulate the use of library materials for the enlightenment of people of all ages. Priority for program openings shall be given to New Lenox Public Library District residents or fee cardholders.
Except with the specific approval of the Executive Director or Board President, nothing shall be sold or advertised for sale in the Library. Approval shall be withheld for any for-profit company or organization, except in the instance of charitable work or employment fairs. Any sale or advertisement may be declined or revoked if previously approved, with or without reason, at any time at the sole discretion of the Executive Director or Board President.
Eating is prohibited within the building except within the café or during authorized library programs. Responsible consumption of covered beverages in the Library is permitted. For the protection of our equipment, food and drink is prohibited in Digital Media Lab room inside The Studio. The independently operated café is located in the vestibule of the Library’s west entrance. Café purchases that do not comply with the Library’s food policy can be enjoyed in the café dining area or on the Library’s west patio.
All services and public areas of the Library shall be accessible to handicapped patrons.
Tobacco products and electronic or vapor cigarettes may not be used in the Library building nor outside within 15 feet of any door.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees January 11, 1999; Revised January 10, 2005; Updated April 9, 2007; Updated September 8, 2008; Updated November 10, 2008; Updated May 10, 2010; Updated August 8, 2011; Updated March 18, 2013; Updated April 21, 2014; Updated November 16, 2015; Updated April 12, 2016; Updated December 11, 2017; Updated September 9, 2019; Updated November 12, 2019; Updated March 14, 2022; Updated December 12, 2022