Library Policies

Any Sprague resident may obtain a library card with proof of address, such as a driver’s license, or utility bill and photo identification.

Card holders are responsible for the damage or loss of all borrowed materials. The library reserves the right to charge a $1.00 fee for a replacement library card.

Responsibility of Parents

The responsibility for library materials chosen by a child and permission to use the computers is with the parents or guardians of the child and not with the library staff. It is also the responsibility of the parent or guardian to see that any replacement fees incurred by the child for lost or damaged items are paid. A parent or legal guardian must sign permission for children under the age of 16 to receive a library card. To do so, a parent or legal guardian must come into the library (during library hours) with proper identification. Children who have permission to use the library computers without a parent present, must use their library-issued card at all times.

Loan Procedures

All audiobook and printed materials (except for reference, special collections, and “New”) will be loaned for a period of three (3) weeks. Renewals are typically limited to two (2) times for most materials (providing the item is not needed to fulfill another patron’s hold/reserve), or at the discretion of the Library Director. This applies to both the Children’s, YA/Teen and Adult sections. This will ensure that materials will be available for circulation to all patrons. DVDs and “New” materials will be loaned for two (2) weeks. Renewals are typically limited to (1) renewal, (providing the item is not needed to fulfill another patron’s hold/reserve), or at the discretion of the Library Director.

The suggested number of total items that a patron may check out on his/her own card at one time is ten (10) from the Adult and ten (10) from the Children’s and/or Young Adults’ library. This limit may be increased at the discretion of the Library Director.

Lost Materials

Materials will be noted as lost if overdue more than 30 days and patrons are responsible for the full replacement cost of the item. If the patron cannot locate or find a suitable replacement on their own, the library will purchase the replacement at the patron's cost. Patrons who repeatedly lose or return damaged items that are not replaced within the specified time, risk having their lending privileges reduced or rebuked, at the Library Director's discretion.

Children Supervision Policy

Sprague Public Library joyfully welcomes all its library patrons. We are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all our library patrons and the library staff. To maintain this environment, we kindly request that children be accompanied by an adult or guardian during library hours and while attending library programs. Sprague Public Library and its staff shall not be responsible for children who are left unattended during library hours or library programs.* Thank you for your cooperation and continued support of the Sprague Public Library.

*Please refer to Connecticut General Statute Section 53-21a that follows

2011 Connecticut Code

Title 53 Crimes

Chapter 939 Offenses Against the Person

Sec. 53-21a. Leaving child unsupervised in place of public accommodation or motor vehicle.

Sec. 53-21a. Leaving child unsupervised in place of public accommodation or motor vehicle. (a) Any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of twelve years who knowingly leaves such child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to the child's health or safety, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

(b) Any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of twelve years who knowingly leaves such child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation, which holds a permit issued under chapter 545 for the sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption on the premises, for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to the child's health or safety, shall be guilty of a class D felony.

(c) Any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of twelve years who knowingly leaves such child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle between the hours of eight o'clock p.m. and six o'clock a.m. for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to the child's health or safety, shall be guilty of a class C felony.

Computer Usage and Internet Safety Policy

In fulfilling our commitment to provide informational, educational, and cultural enrichment for the Sprague community and its visitors, the Sprague Public Library offers free computer and internet access to all Library patrons. The internet is a global and unregulated information network. As such, it allows patrons to access information and images beyond the scope of the Library’s selection criterion. The Library cannot control the information accessible through the Internet and is not responsible for its content. Sprague Public Library’s Internet Safety Policy is designed to promote access to the Internet while protecting children from exposure to inappropriate material, as well as the public from unlawful access to and use or disclosure of personal information, and unauthorized access to legally restricted areas.

Computer Usage

Library workstations are intended for the informational, recreational and educational use of Library patrons. The restriction of a child's access to internet-accessible computers is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. The computer workstations and Library network may not be used for illegal activities. Any activities intended to disrupt network services or equipment, change computer settings, or access restricted data are not allowed. The Library reserves the right to end any computer session at any time for any reason. The violation of these rules may result in either the temporary or permanent loss of computer privileges. Per page printing fees are collected by the Library in order to cover the cost of printer supplies and maintenance. The Library assumes no responsibility for loss of data, or for damages sustained by any patron connecting their own flash drives or electronic devices to a Library computer, or for any liability that may occur from patron use of a computer or the Library’s network.

Internet Filtering

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) [Pub. L. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)], the Library filters all its computers, and all access to the internet through its network, to protect against access to obscene visual depictions, child pornography, and/or other material harmful to minors, as required by law. The term "obscene" as defined in 18 USC Section 1460. The term "child pornography" as defined in 18 USC Section 2256. The term "harmful to minors" as defined in 47 USC Section 254 [G].

Filtering software is by its very nature imperfect, therefore, the Library has chosen to employ the minimum level of filtering that will allow for CIPA compliance. The filter may unintentionally block sites that have legitimate research value and fail to block objectionable content. Library patrons should be aware that internet filtering software installed for CIPA compliance should not substitute for individual judgment and/or parental involvement and oversight. Library staff is allowed to unblock individual websites for adults and minors.

Library staff may disable filtered internet access to persons 18 or older who request it for bona fide research or any other lawful purpose. Filters will not be disabled on the public computer in the children’s room.

Inappropriate Network Usage

Library staff will oversee use of the Library's online computer network and access to the Internet by all patrons in accordance with this policy. However, the Library is not and cannot be responsible for maintaining the privacy or confidentiality of personal or personally identifiable information provided by a user to a third party via the Internet. Unauthorized access to the Library’s computers, databases, network, hardware or software settings is prohibited. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors. Damage to the Library's computer resources is also prohibited. Users must comply with applicable copyright laws and licensing agreements. Violation of these rules may result in the loss of Library privileges.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring

The Library affirms and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and caregivers to monitor and determine their children’s access to Library materials and resources, including those available through the Internet. For this reason, parents or caregivers may request that their child (defined as individuals under 18 years of age by Connecticut State Statute) be restricted from using Library computers at any time. Ultimately, parents or caregivers are responsible for the internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. To assist parents, the Library has available on-line and in print the pamphlet, Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online which is available through the Federal Trade Commission website (https://www.ftc.gov/kidsonline). Parents are encouraged to review this information with their children.

Public Access

Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public.

Internet access in the Library is available on computers that are located in open public areas and are subject to supervision. Staff is available to assist patrons who need help finding information on the Internet. The Library reserves the right to engage in monitoring activities, both electronic and non-electronic, at its sole discretion and without further notice unless otherwise restricted by law. Such practices may include, but are not limited to, those for the purpose of monitoring the nature and quality of our services, and the security and the conduct of people on our premises.

Disclaimer: The Sprague Public Library makes no warranty, expressed or implied, for the timeliness, accuracy or usefulness for particular purpose of information accessed via the Internet.

Closing Policy

For the safety of our staff and patrons, the library may be closed during inclement weather. The decision to close will be made by the town First Selectman and Library Director and will be posted on our website and/or Facebook page whenever possible. When in doubt, patrons should contact the library by phone for the latest closings and delays (860-822-3012).