General Information

3-D Printing Policy

Policy regarding the use of the library’s 3-D Printer. Read More »

Circulation Polices

Complete list of policies regarding loan periods, borrowing limitations, special service fees, homebound service and suspended privileges.  Read More »

Computers & the Internet

Public Use of the Internet

To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats, the Middle Country Public Library offers access to Internet resources . Internet users must comply with all Library policies. Any user’s traffic that crosses another network may be subject to another institution’s acceptable use policy.  Read More »

Public Use of the Internet – Youth Services

To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats, the Middle Country Public Library offers access to Internet resources . Internet users must comply with all Library policies. Any user’s traffic that crosses another network may be subject to another institution’s acceptable use policy. Read More »

Social Media

Social media is defined as any web-based tool such as blog, micro-blog, online forum, content-sharing website, or other digital channel established for online interaction and connection.  The library maintains a presence on several social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.  These sites allow users to interact with the Library to communicate and share opinions.  Read More »

Computer Users Guidelines

Computers are available throughout the library and are designated for different ages and specialized services.  Please observe the following usage guidelines: Read More »

Confidentiality of Library Records

The Middle Country Public Library respects and observes the requirements of the terms of ‘4509 and ‘2307 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules pertaining to the confidentiality of “library records which contain names or other personally identifying details” pertaining to the users/patrons of the Middle Country Public Library; and the legal process required to be undertaken to obtain the production of any records disclosing “names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of the Library.”  Read More »

Designated Space Policies

The Library reserves the right to limit access to and use of designated spaces designed for specific audiences or purposes. Limited use/access areas include the Children’s Room, the Underground, Club 5-6-7,Teen Resource Center, Nature Explorium, Quiet Study and Miller Business Resource Center. The Director is authorized to develop and promulgate guidelines pertaining to the utilization of designated spaces within the Library and to amend such from time to time as deemed appropriate. All such designated spaces policies are to be displayed within the designated premises.  Read More »

Displays, Exhibits, Poster, ETC. Policy

The use by individuals or organizations of the library’s facilities for displays, posters or exhibits, other than those which pertain to the library, is subject to review by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees, through the Library Director, may grant the privilege of placing exhibits, displays or posters in the library subject to the following conditions: Read More »

Freedom of Information Procedure

Rules and regulations of the board of trustees of the Middle Country Public Library relating to inspection and copying of library records under the freedom of information law.  Read More »

Gifts and Donations

Gifts of materials are accepted by and become the property of the library with the understanding that the disposition of such items is at the library’s discretion. Gift materials are added to the collection if they meet the selection criteria established for purchased materials and have merit in the collection.

Gifts of money toward the purchase of materials may be accepted with the understanding that items will be selected based upon the needs of the library. Gifts may appropriately be identified by a book plate or other suitable label which the library will choose and supply.

The library may occasionally accept some gifts with restrictions imposed, based upon the discretion of the Director.

Gifts of real property will not be accepted without the approval of the Board.

Adopted September 22, 1993 by the Board of Trustees of the Middle Country Public Library.

Library Card Policy

The Library District shall maintain free library service to anyone who resides in, or who owns, rents or leases property within the library district. Any qualified person who agrees to comply with all the rules and regulations, to pay all fines, to make good any loss or injury to library materials, and to give immediate notice of any change of address, shall be entitled to library privileges. Read More »

Materials Selection Policy

The Middle Country Public Library is in full support of the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights, and the American Library Association Freedom to View statements.  The purpose of the selection process is to obtain materials which will serve to enlighten and entertain the people of the community. Read More »

Meals and Refreshments Policy

The Middle Country Public Library recognizes that it may be appropriate to provide meals and/or refreshments at Library meetings, programs and events, which are being held for an educational, cultural, civic and/or business purpose.  Examples of authorized expenditures include, but are not limited to: light refreshments for community/library meetings and programs for which refreshments enhance the purpose of the meeting; Read More »

Meeting Rooms Regulations

It is the desire of the Board of Trustees of the Middle Country Public Library that the Library meeting rooms shall have the widest possible use by residents of the Library District without interfering with normal Library routine.  Programs are to be educational, cultural or recreational, and in strict compliance with New York State Education Law. Read More »

Megan’s Law

The Middle Country Public Library recognizes one of its significant responsibilities is the protection of the health and safety of patrons and their children who receive services or participate in programs or events sponsored by the Library.  As the Suffolk County Police Department has determined that it will notify the Middle Country Public Library when a “sex offender” is to be released to a residence within the geographical area served by the Library, it is determined by the Board of Trustees that it is incumbent upon it that this information be disseminated in a manner that will provide, to the greatest degree possible, the protection of the Library’s patrons and their children who participate in Library programs or utilize Library property. Read More »

Patron Behavior Policy

Patrons shall engage in reading, studying, using library materials or similar activities associated with the use of a public library. Any person not so engaged may be required to leave the library premises. Patrons are prohibited from engaging in any activity which constitutes an annoyance, disruption or distraction to patrons and the orderly and peaceful utilization of the library and library premises such as:  Read More »

Procurement Policy

Middle Country Public Library shall follow the provisions of New York State law regarding public work and purchase contracts.

All public work contracts in excess of $35,000 and all purchase contracts in excess of $20,000 shall be subject to competitive bidding.  The Director is authorized to approve purchases that do not exceed $10,000. Read More »

Rules and Regulations for Public Input at Library Board Meetings

1. Residents may speak during the designated Public Input section of regular board meetings.

2. Each speaker is required to register and indicate an intent to speak in advance of the Public Input section of each meeting.

3. Each person may speak for a maximum of five minutes.

4. Items of business introduced from the floor, including but not limited to intralibrary and personnel issues, will be ruled out of order and not acted upon at the meeting.

5. Verbal attacks on individual board or staff members will not be tolerated.

6. Interruptions, slanderous remarks and name calling are forbidden.

7. Substitution of speakers will not be permitted.

8. When the Board conducts Special Board Meetings there will be no Public Input section.

These Rules and Regulations are excerpted from Procedures at Meetings. The Sunshine Laws: a Handbook for School Board Members (pp. 21 22). Albany: New York State School Board Association, 1991.

Adopted May 19, 1993 by the Board of Trustees of the Middle Country Public Library

Service Animals Policy

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of the Middle Country Public Library to permit “service animals” within the Library in accordance with federal and state law and regulations. Read More »

Smoke Free Facility

The Middle Country Public Library is a designated smoke free facility. Smoking and tobacco use are prohibited  in both the Centereach and Selden buildings and on all grounds controlled and managed by the Library.

Adopted January 20, 1993 by the Board of Trustees of the Middle Country Public Library.
Revised February 11, 2004 by the Board of Trustees of the Middle Country Public Library.
Revised November 16, 2016 by the Board of Trustees of the Middle Country Public Library.

Unattended Children Policy

Parents, not the library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children using the library.  Parents will be notified if their children are left unattended and require supervision.  If parents are unavailable, proper authorities will be contacted.

Adopted February 24, 1988 by the Board of Trustees of the Middle Country Public Library