Policies
Library Card Policy
Library cards that are accepted at Ridgefield Park Library as well as at all libraries that belong to BCCLS are issued free of charge once the following requirements have been met:
Adults (over 18 years of age) - must prove their residency in Ridgefield Park by producing an unexpired driver's license with their Ridgefield Park street address or must produce a utility bill (water, gas, electric, phone, cable) in their name and containing their current Ridgefield Park street address.
Children must be accompanied by an adult parent/guardian who is able to demonstrate residency by producing one of the documents listed above. Ridgefield Park public school children whose residency cannot be demonstrated through the accompanying adult's identification can be verified through the public school system but such verification cannot be accomplished immediately and there will be a delay in issuing a library card.
In case where the applicant has no acceptable form of identification but can show a letter addressed to them at a Ridgefield Park address or a Bergen County identification card, or cannot provide a telephone number at which he/she can be reached, a courtesy card that can be used only at the Ridgefield Park library will be issued.
In cases where the applicant provides a letter from a Ridgefield Park business stating that the applicant is employed in Ridgefield Park, a courtesy card that can be used only at Ridgefield Park Library will be issued.
​The Library Director may institute additional regulations as deemed necessary for later ratification by the Board of Trustees.
Internet Policy
All members of the public are welcome to access the Internet at the library, either using the library’s public computers or via the library’s wireless network.
A parent or adult caregiver must accompany those under 7 years of age while accessing the internet. Students in grades 7 and above must use the internet stations in the adult library, while students below grade 7 are to use the internet stations in the children’s library. Adults may only use the internet stations in the adult library.
All users of the library’s public computers, and any accompanying parents or adult caregivers, are required to sign in and out on the library’s internet log sheet before accessing any computer
Because the Mildred Olson Wing is the only quiet study area in the library, the computers in that wing cannot be used as teaching devices, nor can they be shared. Each station may be occupied by only one person. Teens needing to work together may use the internet station located in the young adult section, and adults needing to work together may use the internet station in the adult reading room. Those using the public computers as listening stations must wear ear phones and must keep the volume at a reasonable level.
Sessions are limited to 30 minutes each. Sessions can be extended if no other person is waiting to use the computer. Those who have already used the internet and wish to use it again may do so until such time as someone who has not used it that day arrives. Repeat sessions may or may not be 30 minutes in length depending upon whether others are waiting. The staff member on duty is the final authority on length and frequency of daily use. When staff is informed in advance that a member is taking an online examination or completing an online job application, every effort will be made to allow that member additional time on an Internet session.
10 cents will be charged for each black and white page printed. 35 cents will be charged for each color page printed.
Reservations for internet use will not be accepted, except for those who are taking online examinations. Access to the library’s computers is on a first come, first served basis only.
Library staff members are available to assist with brief questions, but it is assumed that those who wish to use the internet know how to access it on their own. Those needing help in learning to accomplish their work on a personal computer should register for one of the library’s computer workshops. If a member of the public resists registering for the internet workshop and continuously is in need of extensive help at the computer, the director of the library may limit the amount of staff assistance that person receives. Staff members cannot complete job applications or provide any assistance other than technical assistance to those who are completing online examinations.
Users shall not under any circumstances access any websites containing pornographic content, nor shall they access any site that displays images that may be disturbing or offensive to other library users. Those doing so will be directed to terminate their session and, if such behavior persists, will no longer be able to use the library’s internet stations. As dictated by law, anyone who is found to be displaying child pornography will be immediately reported to the Ridgefield Park Police Department.
The Library Director may suspend the internet privileges of any user who creates a disturbance during his/her session or fails to use the equipment properly, as well as to institute additional regulations as deemed necessary for later ratification by the Library Board of Trustees.
Code of Conduct
To allow people to use and enjoy the Library we have established a Code of Conduct. Where applicable, these rules also apply to the exterior Library property.
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In general, behavior that violates the law, behavior that interferes with the use and enjoyment of the Library by others, and behavior that interferes with Library employees in the performance of their duties, is prohibited. Smoking, sleeping, carrying a weapon (unless authorized by law), and disruptive behavior will not be allowed. In cases like these, the police daprtment may be notified.
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Public health codes must be observed. Library customers must be fully clothed and wear shoes.
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Although an attempt is made to keep noise levels low, customers can expect a completely quiet environment only in the Mildred I. Olsen wing which houses the library’s reference collection.
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Children under the age of seven must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or caregiver over the age of eleven.
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Opening and closing times as posted are to be observed by the staff and customers. The Mildred I. Olsen wing closes fifteen minutes prior to the Library’s posted closing time. All computers are turned off ten minutes prior to closing.
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Restrooms may not be used as a laundry or changing room.
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Except to assist a customer who has a disability, animals may not be brought into the library.
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Use of the Library’s program room is restricted to programs sponsored by the Library and/or the Friends of the Library.
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The Library Director must authorize the distribution and/or posting of materials. Material must be submitted for review and approval.
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Solicitation within the library is prohibited unless the Library Board of Trustees has approved such sales.
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All library materials must be returned in the same condition as when first received. Replacement charges are assessed for damaged library materials. All library materials must be checked out at one of the circulation desks. Each adult borrower assumes responsibility for materials checked out on his/her library card until the library has been notified that the card has been lost or stolen. A parent or guardian of borrowers who are younger than 18 years of age assumes responsibility for materials they check out.
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Overdue fines are charged for late return of materials. The Library Director is authorized to employ a collection agency with the approval of the Library Board and to seek other legal remedies, such as referral to the Ridgefield Park Municipal Court to enforce Ridgefield Park Ordinance 23-85, which exists to ensure the return, or replacement cost of overdue materials. Library privileges will be temporarily suspended until the borrower meets financial obligations of $10.00 or more; or if library materials are more than 60 days overdue.
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Replacement cost for library materials that are overdue by more than six months are automatically added to the borrower’s library card account and the material is considered lost. Such added charges must be paid before the library card can be used again or before the borrower can sponsor another person for borrowing privileges. Materials borrowed from other Bergen County Cooperative Library System members are subject to the lending library’s policies.
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Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
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Separate policies exist that govern personal computers, Internet access, use of the children’s department by adults, use of the adult department by children.
Children's Section Code of Conduct
The Children's Department is for children ages infant - 6th grade or 11 years old. 7th grade, 12 years old and over must use the teen/adult rooms.
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A parent/guardian, or responsible caregiver, or older sibling (ages 11 and over) must accompany children under the age of 8 years old for their safety and comfort while using the library.
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No child under the age of 8 may use the computers in the children's department. There are special computers in the Early Literacy Room for children 7 years and under.
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Visitors of all ages are subject to the same rules and consequences. No patron is allowed to engage in inappropriate behavior in the children's department. Examples include but are not limited to the following: yelling, inappropriate language and sounds, bullying, and harassing patrons and staff members. Children engaging in this behavior will be asked to leave the library and a parent may be notified if the behavior persists.
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Children ages 8 and over can sign up for a computer for 1/2 hour sessions.
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The Early Literacy Room is for children 7 years old or younger and must be supervised by an adult or tween (ages 11 or over).
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Food and drink is only allowed in designated "Snack" tables.
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Children are to use "inside" voices while in the children's department.
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Children or adults are not permitted to take photos of any type while in the library.
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Children and/or adults are expected to clean up after themselves.
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Cellphones are to be used only in the designated "Snack" areas.
Young Adult Section Code of Conduct
Young Adults (Grades 7-12) are allowed to come to the library without the presence of an adult. The Young Adult section is part of the Adult area of the library, and is open to 7th Grade and above (6th Grade and Under may use the Children's Area). However, there are 3 Core Rules that Young Adults are expected to follow in order to maintain enjoyment of the library space:
Respect the Patrons -- we are not a "shushing library". However, all library patrons can expect a welcoming environment. In order to maintain this, YAs are expected to refrain from offensive, harmful, or extremely loud language; refrain from insulting and bullying one another; refrain from any physical action that may upset, harm or distract other library patrons. Yelling, throwing, or running across the library is unacceptable.
Respect the Space -- YAs are not allowed to leave any garbage behind when they have completed their time at the library. All garbage in an area must be cleaned before leaving the building. Exiting and entering the building constantly is discouraged. Only 4 chairs are allowed per table. If space is being taken up from a YA who is not working or partaking in library activities, they may be asked to free the space for other library patrons.
Respect the Librarians -- librarians are here to assist YAs with their work, and to provide enrichment through library programs, volunteering opportunities, resources and reading materials. Harassment of a staff member (including insulting, name-calling, or back-talk) is not acceptable.
A general, easy way to remember these rules: if it is not acceptable in school, it is not acceptable in the library. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in expulsion from the library, or, if necessary, a revoking of library privileges for a period of time as determined by the Library Director. Sometimes, parents of YAs causing disturbances may be called to be notified of their behavior. If a parent cannot be notified, and the behavior persists, then the police department maybe called.