NOTE: This website does not contain the full details of all of the library's policies. We have included here brief summaries of the policies that are most frequently referred to by staff or patrons. For full policies, see the Marshall Library's Policy binder, available to the public in the reference section, or contact us to be given a copy.
Computer Use
- All patrons MUST provide their library card to a staff person before using the internet. Patrons with over $10 in fines, either on their own record or between all household member records, cannot use the Internet. Children over 16 years old need to have their own library card. A patron without fines cannot "share" a computer with, or use a computer on behalf of, a patron with fines over $10.
- Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult when using the internet. For children over 11, the library cannot act in the place of parents/guardians in providing direct supervision of children as they explore the internet-- the library is not responsible for the content that they view, or their actions online.
- The library reserves the right to ask anyone to stop computer use at any time, for any reason. This includes asking a patron to leave a computer station for viewing inappropriate content. The definition of "inappropriate content" is decided by the staff.
- During busy periods, computer use may be limited to a half-hour, and computer use priority will be given to those using the computers for educational and business purposes rather than social media websites and games.
- The library is not responsible for the distortion or compromising of flash drives, disks, CDs, or other hardware used with the library computers.
- Printing costs ten cents per page, or twenty cents for double-sided and twenty-five cents for color. Patrons must pay for ALL pages printed. Clicking "print preview" and specifying the pages you want to be printed can save you from paying for incomplete or unwanted pages.
Community Room Use
If your activity is allowed under library policy, you may apply to book the community room at the front desk. For-profit groups may rent the room for $20 per hour, or $10 per half-hour. There is no fee for non-profit groups. All groups must provide a refundable $50 security deposit check. Prior day setup for an activity must be pre-approved by the Library Director and is not always possible. We ask that you reserve the community room at least 7 days in advance. Non-public meetings may only use the community room up to four times per year unless this requirement is specifically waived by the Library Director.
Types of Activities Allowed In the Community Room
"The primary function of the community room is to provide a place for library-related programs. When not scheduled for activities related to the library, the room will be made available for use (without a fee) by Marshall area governmental unites for meetings and programs, non-profit (Federal 501(c)3 registered), educational and cultural agencies and community services agencies. The Marshall area is defined as the Village of Marshall, Town of Medina, Town of York, and the Town of Sun Prairie. These meetings must be free and open to the public.
Groups, persons or organizations using the room may not charge admission or solicit donations or contact information. Possible exceptions may be made for a program or educational course requiring a registration fee or tuition. Exceptions may also be made for library-sponsored author, musician or artist visits, where the program may offer materials for sale.
The community room may NOT be used for personal or family activities, or the sale, advertising or promotion of products or services. For-profit organizations are not eligible to schedule activities in the community room for the primary purpose of making a profit from the event being sponsored. For-profit organizations may utilize meeting rooms for educational or charitable purposes ONLY."
Bulletin Boards
Nothing may be posted to the library's bulletin boards, in the lobby or otherwise, without the signed consent of the Director. For-profit postings are strictly forbidden. This includes flyers for garage sales, babysitting, items for sale, etc. Non-profit postings will be reviewed and posted if appropriate. Poster size shall not be bigger than 8 1/2 x 11.
Library Use
- Patrons are expected to use the library in an appropriate manner. Patrons may not disrupt other patrons or staff. Staff may ask anyone at any time to stop disruptive behavior, and to leave the library temporarily or permanently. Patrons who continue to behave disruptively may be banned from the building by the Library Board for a period of time.
- Cell phone conversations and voice chats are not allowed in the library. Please take your calls to the lobby.
- Parental supervision is required for young children in the library. Young children should not be left on their own while their parent uses the computer, browses the DVDs, etc, and parents will be held responsible for any damage done by a child.
- If you have concerns about what your child (of any age) reads or watches, we recommend that you visit the library with them. The library cannot act in the place of parents/guardians in providing direct supervision of children as they explore library media.
Materials Challenges (Censorship)
We agree with the American Library Association's position on censorship/intellectual freedom: “Intellectual Freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive and disseminate ideas.”
A materials challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. Although we do not agree with censorship in principle, individuals can challenge materials by asking for a form at the front desk. This form must be completed in its entirety, after which it will be submitted to the Library Board. The Library Board then decides whether to approve or dismiss the challenge.
Closing Time
Computers will be shut down ten minutes prior to the library's closing time. The front doors will be locked five minutes prior to closing. We have taken these measures in order to allow staff to finish any end-of-day processing or to help patrons still in the library. Please plan accordingly.
School Visits
We welcome class tours and extra-curricular group visits. Please contact us at least 14 days in advance to schedule a school group visit. We will also need you to fill out this form. If your group wishes to use the community room, we will also need you to officially reserve it: please call 608-655-3123. All community room rules and policies will apply, including the $50 security deposit.