Non-Certified Library Policy

At the discretion of the Board of Library Trustees, residents of non-certified communities may be denied borrowing privileges at the Duxbury Free Library. Borrowing privileges include walk-in service and inter-library delivery of materials. The Board will notify in writing the Trustees, the Library Director, and governing officials of the affected community when these privileges are terminated.

If the Trustees vote to remove borrowing privileges they may be denied until the affected library becomes certified, or until such time as the Trustees of the affected library indicate in writing to the Duxbury Board that its municipality has made substantial progress towards restoring certification.

This policy is based on reciprocal borrowing policies established by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners:

• Libraries that do not meet the State's Minimum Standard for Public Library Service (MGL Ch. 78, SS 19A, 19B) are not certified in the Commonwealth.

• Libraries in certified municipalities are not required to lend materials or extend reciprocal service to residents of noncertified communities (605CMR 4.01).

Old Colony Library Network by-laws also indicate that the Board of Trustees of a member library may restrict lending to a non-certified library at its discretion.

Requests for reconsideration of the policy:

• An individual or group may appeal this policy by discussing the issue in question with the Duxbury Free Library Director. The Director will make a decision and notify the person in writing.

• If the party wishes to appeal the decision, he/she may send a written request to the Board of Trustees.

• The Board of Trustees will discuss the concern with the party at the next Board meeting. The Board will vote on the appeal and send notification of the decision in writing within seven days of the vote. The decision of the Board is final.

Adopted March 13, 2007.