General Library Policies

In accordance with Colorado State law, Westminster Public Library requires that patron records and any other information that identifies a person as having used the library are confidential.

Concerning privacy of library user records, Colorado law (Colorado Revised Statutes 24-90-119) states:

Privacy of user records:

1. Except as set forth in subsection (2) of this section, a publicly-supported library or library system shall not disclose any record or other information which identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials or service or as otherwise having used the library.
2. Records may be disclosed in the following instances:
   1. When necessary for the reasonable operation of the library;
   2. Upon written consent of the user;
      • Pursuant to subpoena, upon court order, or where otherwise required by law.
      • To a custodial parent or legal guardian who has access to a minor's library card or its authorization number for the purpose of accessing by electronic means library records of the minor.
3. Any library or library system official, employee, or volunteer who discloses information in violation of this section commits a class 2 petty offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars.

Updated: August 2007

All library computers with Internet access are located in public areas. In order to create an environment that is comfortable for all library users, computer users should refrain from visiting websites that display sexually explicit material.

To access the Internet and other electronic resources, library patrons log on using their library card and pin number. Visitors may obtain a visitor's card for this purpose. To use the Internet, all library patrons, regardless of age, must accept this Acceptable Use Policy at first login. Internet access sessions may be limited in length or number to accommodate the greatest number of users.

Access by Minors

Parents or legal guardians must decide which library resources are appropriate for their children. In accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act and Colorado House Bill 04-1004 Internet Protection for Library Users, the libraries have installed software to filter sexually explicit and select social networking websites. The filter operates at all times on the computers in the children's areas of the libraries and on any library computer where a patron is logged in using a restricted (or under 17) library card.

No filtering software is 100% effective. Westminster Public Library encourages parents and guardians to educate themselves and their children on the safety issues regarding Internet access. We recommend viewing Child Safety on the Information Highway, produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and NetWise, a project of the Internet Education Foundation.

If the filter blocks a site a minor wants to see, he or she may access the site with a parent's implied consent using the parent's card. Automation Services staff will override the filter only for sites that are obviously blocked in error.

Rules of Conduct

• Users may not use this resource for any illegal purpose.
• Users may not use this resource to view obscene material.
• Users may not engage in any activity that is harassing, defamatory, disruptive, or inappropriate in a public setting.
• Users may not invade the privacy of others.
• Users may not modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; nor seek unauthorized access to any computer system or damage or alter software components of any network, host server or database.
• Users may not distribute unsolicited advertising.
• Users may not damage computer equipment or software.
• Users may not use multiple library cards to increase computer usage.
• Users must abide by requests from Library staff to end their sessions.

Compliance

The Libraries will take appropriate action to ensure compliance with this policy. Violation of the rules may result in loss of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner, including notification of police if necessary.

Disclaimer

Downloading from the Internet is done at the user's own risk. The library is not responsible for damage to any user's storage device, computer or other electronic device, or any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of in-library or remote (outside the library) resources.

The library does not guarantee compatibility with all storage formats or devices.

Public Users' Security

Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users' activities. Westminster Public Library and Front Range Community College Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or as necessary for the proper operation of the libraries.

Revision

This policy may be revised from time to time.

Last updated: November, 2012

The Westminster Public Library is requesting approval to launch a Facebook page. The purpose of this page is to provide a venue for library staff to market library programs and services in a dynamic and interactive online environment. We would also allow and encourage patrons to interact with one another on our Facebook Wall.

Site features may include:

• Book reviews and discussions
• Stories, poems and artwork submitted by Pen and Pencil Club members, ages 6-10
• Photos of projects our Fiber Friends group members have created
• Stories, poems, artwork and other creative content submitted by teens
• New in the Library lists- bestsellers, new downloadable materials, etc.
• Program information, including links to our Summer Reading program
• Staff recommendations on books, movies, music, etc
• Announcements about artwork on display at the library
• Exhibit case information - those displaying exhibits at College Hill could upload photos with a few short stories behind their collection (examples: Pez dispensers, African-American dolls, decorated eggs, etc.)
• Surveys/polls
• Best of Westminster Public Library stories- how the library changes lives
• From the Backroom- strange bookmarks, unusual titles, quirky comments from patrons
• Lost and Found- connect people with their left behind items
• Links to library services
• Featured databases
• Service announcements

Site Maintenance

A Library Facebook team will update the site on a regular basis. The site will be overseen by the Application Specialist, Automation Services. Updates will be posted by staff members from various departments who are active Facebook users. As all Facebook team members have unlimited access to Internet computers, we anticipate daily updates and replies to posted comments during business hours 7 days/week. We understand the importance of timely, courteous and accurate replies to comments and this will be a priority. We look forward to the opportunity for discussion with our visitors. Conversely, inappropriate comments will be removed immediately.

Decisions About Content Created by Staff

Team members will be aware of the image the library desires to project and be guided by the question: Does this posting showcase a library-related event, activity, service or anecdote that is both interesting and timely without violating the privacy of an individual or showing insensitivity to a person, organization or belief? Postings by library staff will be subject to the Content Rules listed below for patrons.

Statement of Policy

Westminster Public Library's (WPL) social software tools provide a limited (or designated) public forum to facilitate the sharing of ideas, opinions, and information about library-related subjects and issues. WPL has the right to moderate, edit, delete, move or close any comment at any time without warning or explanation.

Content Rules

Comments and posts containing the following content are unacceptable:

• Intentionally misleading information, libelous or defamatory content
• Verbal abuse, personal attacks, name-calling or harassment
• Obscene or profane posts
• Specific and imminent threats
• Personally identifying information, such as last name, age, phone number, address
• Personal information about other individuals
• Commercial material, advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes and solicitations
• Spam and multiple disruptive or repetitive messages
• Off-topic or duplicate comments from the same individual
• Post that reveals crucial plot elements or spoils the ending for others
• Copyright violations

Comments and postings by library patrons do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Westminster, WPL, or its staff. All comments and posts are public record. Patrons are strongly encouraged to protect their privacy when commenting or posting on social software tools.

Privacy

Facebook team members will obtain Photo Releases before any photos taken at library programs can be posted. Facebook team members will obtain permission/releases before posting content not created by library staff. Stories, conversations and anecdotes will not contain names or other information which may allow for identification of specific individuals not employed by the library.

Approved by PIO: April 2011

Visit the Meeting Room page to view guidelines and policies.

Mission Statement

The Westminster Public Library supports its mission of building community by connecting people with programs that are rooted in nature, wellness, and literacy in all its forms.

Purpose

The Library's Programming Policy, approved by Library Services leadership, aligns with the Library's philosophy of open access to information and ideas. The Westminster Public Library's programs, events, and placemaking activities support our strategic initiatives, collection of materials, services, resources, and facilities. They also point to the City of Westminster's goal of delivering exceptional value and quality of life through Service, Pride, Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation, and Teamwork (SPIRIT).

Scope

Programs will be designed and delivered to meet the following outcomes:

• Provide a welcoming, enriching, and accessible patron experience
• Reflect and respond to our diverse community
• Promote the Library's collections and resources
• Provide opportunities for lifelong learning and literacy
• Ensure that best practices are followed
• Expand visibility and foster community understanding of the library
• Provide entertainment

Programs serve the recreational, informational, and social needs of the general public and reflect equitable outreach and engagement within our diverse community.

The presentation of a program by, or on behalf of, the Library does not constitute Library or City of Westminster endorsement of the program's content or the views expressed by any presenter(s) or participants. The Library upholds the individual choice of its patrons to engage with any and all ideas that are meaningful to them and supports their freedom to attend or not attend library programs and events at their discretion.

Criteria for Program Selection

The Library will, at its own sole discretion, select program presenters and topics from local, regional, and national talent, and will not exclude presenters from consideration because of their origin, or background. Criteria for program selection and design may include, but is not limited to:

• Advancing the Library's mission, vision, and values
• Alignment with the Library Master Plan, PRL vision plan, and City of Westminster strategic plan
• The needs and interests of the Westminster community
• Current community demand for and/or frequency of participation in similar programs or events
• Accuracy and timeliness of program content
• Availability of similar programs or events elsewhere
• Budgetary considerations
• Impact and capacity of Library staff and/or community partners
• Safety and security of patrons and staff

Library programs will be continuously evaluated to maintain programming vitality and usefulness to the community. The Library welcomes and encourages patron feedback about its programs, as this information can help identify gaps in offerings. Programs may be cancelled due to weather, low registration, or absence of the presenter. Cancelled programs will not necessarily be rescheduled.

Guiding Documents

• Library Master Plan, PRL Vision Plan, and City Strategic Plan
• Meeting Room Policy
• Standards of Acceptable Behavior (see the following tab)
• Collection Development Policy (PDF)
• City of Westminster Language Access Plan

Professional

• Library-Initiated Programs and Displays as a Resource: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
• Visual and Performing Arts in Libraries: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

Updated May 17, 2023

Standards of Acceptable Behavior

Westminster Public Library (WPL) welcomes every member of the community to use and enjoy the library’s facilities, collections, programs, and services. This document defines expectations for behavior for all patrons regardless of age. These standards ensure that WPL can carry out its mission and ensures that no person or group is denied access to Library facilities or a safe and welcoming environment.

Library patrons are expected to:

•  Respect other patrons and library staff

•  Respect library property

•  Obey the law

•  Comply with requests from staff

Behavior becomes unacceptable when it infringes on the rights of others. Such behavior can lead to a patron being asked to leave the library. Refusal to leave upon request may result in revocation of library privileges and/or police involvement.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include:

•  Abuse/vandalism of library facilities, materials, or equipment

•  Child abuse

•  Excessive public displays of affection

•  Exhibitionism/flashing

•  Gambling

•  Harassment: physical, sexual, or verbal abuse of other library patrons or staff

•  Improper attire: patrons must be fully clothed and wearing shoes in the library

•  Intoxication/drugs or noticeable alcohol on breath

•  Littering

•  Loitering (includes refusing to leave at closing)

•  Obscene language

•  Personal grooming (bathing, washing clothes, etc.)

•  Photographing or recording video of other library patrons without permission

•  Screaming or running in library

•  Sleeping

•  Smoking (includes e-cigarettes, personal vaporizers, and electronic nicotine delivery 

systems)

•  Soliciting/panhandling

•  Strong odors that disturb others (body odor, food, perfume, etc.)

•  Unruly/offensive behavior

•  Use of AV devices or televisions without headphones

•  Voyeurism/peeping

•  Any other behaviors that disrupt library operations

The following may not be brought into the Library:

•  Any deadly weapon except as permitted by WMC 6-2-10

•  Animals except for service dogs or service miniature horses

•  Illegal substances

•  Possession and/or use of marijuana

•  Alcoholic beverages

Thank you for your courtesy and support of these policies. 

Updated: August 28, 2024

Everyone is expected to follow the Library Standards of Acceptable Behavior Policy while using Library Facilities.

• To ensure a safe and pleasant environment for all patrons at the Westminster Public Library, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult or otherwise qualified caretaker (as determined by library staff). An adult or responsible group leader must also accompany classes of children attending the library for the purpose of research, tours or programs. The adult/caregiver(s) must remain with the child throughout the visit.
• Staff is not responsible for the safety or supervision of an unattended child under the age of 12. Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the parent or legal guardian of the child to pick up a child who is left unattended or is asked to leave the library because of unacceptable behavior. The library also reserves the right to notify the Westminster Police, or Social Services if the parent/guardian cannot be reached. At College Hill, Front Range Community College Security may also be notified.
• If a patron under the age of 18 has been left at the library at closing time, the library staff may try to notify the parents or legal guardian. If no one can be reached, Front Range Community College Security may be notified if the patron is at the College Hill Library. At both the Irving Street Library and College Hill library, the Westminster Police may also be notified. In the event the police are notified, the police may inform a nearby patrol to pick up the patron to transport the patron to a safe location. The Westminster Dispatch number is 303-658-4360.

Library staff may make exceptions to any of the rules listed above, at their discretion.

College Hill Library & Irving Street Library Hours

Monday through Wednesday
9 am to 8 pm

Thursday through Friday
9 am to 5 pm

Saturday through Sunday
1 to 5 pm

Revised and approved by CAO in March 2014. Library hours updated August 26, 2022.

Wireless access at the College Hill Library is provided by Front Range Community College. The primary intention of this network is to provide wireless access for FRCC students, but it may be used by members of the public visiting the library also.

Requirements

• The library's wireless network is open to all visitors. No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords are required.
• You will need a notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device with wireless networking enabled. le to purchase a variety of external notebook/laptop pc cards and USB devices. The manufacturer or supplier of your equipment, or local technology merchants can help you find the right product for your notebook/laptop computer or other device.

Network Settings

Use the software that came with your wireless card or computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library's wireless network. Library staff members are not able to provide technical assistance or configure your equipment to connect to the service. Patrons are responsible for knowing how to utilize wireless hot spot services.

Network name (SSID) - Search for the wireless network called: "Wolfnet" and connect.

Coverage Areas

We have tried to make wireless access as available as possible throughout the building, but you may encounter some "dead" spots where wireless reception may be limited. If you have trouble accessing the Internet or staying online please move to a different location within the library.

Limitations & Disclaimers

• The FRCC Student wireless network is unsupported and there are no guarantees of availability or bandwidth.
• The FRCC Student wireless network is not a secure network and no encryption of transmitted data is provided. Information sent to and from your notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software. The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of your traffic across the wireless network, for files on your laptop resulting from connection to the wireless network, or for ensuring the security of your laptop/notebook computer or other wireless device. It is your responsibility to ensure adequate and up-to-date virus protection.
• Printing is not available through the wireless network in the library.
• No guarantee can be made as to the compatibility of your equipment with the library's wireless network or that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
• Library staff members are not able to provide technical assistance or configure your equipment to connect to the service. Patrons are responsible for knowing how to utilize wireless hot spot services.
• By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the Library's Internet Acceptable Use policy. This policy states the limitations of Internet access, your responsibilities for using that access, and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses.

Database Access

For purposes of accessing our databases, your laptop will be treated as if you are on a workstation outside the library and you will need to log in with your library barcode and PIN.

Updated: August 2022

The Library's wireless network is open to all visitors free of charge and without filters. Below are some guidelines to help make your wireless experience at the library successful.

Requirements

• The library's wireless network is open to all visitors. No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords are required.
• You will need a notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device with wireless networking enabled. If you are not sure if your notebook/laptop computer or other device has this functionality, please check with the manufacturer or supplier of your equipment.

Network Settings

Use the software that came with your wireless card or computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library's wireless network. Patrons are responsible for making modifications to the settings on their own laptop/notebook computers.

Network name (SSID) - Search for the wireless network called: "library" and connect.

Coverage Areas

We have tried to make wireless access as available as possible throughout the building, but you may encounter some "dead" spots where wireless reception may be limited. If you have trouble accessing the Internet or staying online please move to a different location within the library.

The wireless network is also available on the library patio and may be available in portions of the park near the library.

Limitations & Disclaimers

• Library staff members are not able to provide technical assistance or configure your equipment to connect to the service. Patrons are responsible for knowing how to utilize wireless hot spot services.
• Printing is not available through the wireless network in the library.
• No guarantee can be made as to the compatibility of your equipment with the library's wireless network or that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
• The wireless Internet access we offer is unfiltered and unsecured.
• By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the Library's Internet Acceptable Use policy. This policy states the limitations of Internet access, your responsibilities for using that access, and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses.
• Information sent to and from your notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of your traffic across the wireless network, for files on your laptop resulting from connection to the wireless network, or for ensuring the security of your laptop/notebook computer or other wireless device. It is your responsibility to ensure adequate and up-to-date virus protection.

Database Access

For purposes of accessing our databases, your laptop will be treated as if you are on a workstation outside the library and you will need to log in with your library barcode and PIN.

Updated: October 2008