St. Lucie County Library System

ArtSpace Procedures

Local artists are invited to display their work at the St. Lucie County Library System. Dedicated art exhibit space is available at most Branch locations. The Library System serves as a community cultural center; showcasing the work of local artists. In this way the Library fulfills its stated mission “to advance knowledge, inspire lifelong learning, and strengthen our Community.”

1. Each Branch has a Program Liaison who handles the art displays. Each branch location has a different configuration which limits the size, shape and number of artworks it can exhibit. The Program Liaison at your preferred location will work with you on dealing with these limitations.
2. Because there are so many talented residents in our community, artists will be limited to one display per year with priority given to artists residing in St. Lucie County.
3. Most branches schedule displays months in advance. We will work with you, as far is possible, so that your art is displayed in a month of your choosing.
4. Aesthetics, craftsmanship, presentation, size and available display space will be considered. Since display areas are fully accessible to patrons of all ages and beliefs, nudity, religious, or politically themed art or the inclusion of symbols of an inflammatory nature is prohibited.
5. A sample of the work to be displayed must be approved by the Branch Supervisor or her designee before the artist can exhibit. Artists who have been denied exhibit space may appeal to the Library Director.
6. At Lewis and Kilmer, exhibits will be displayed for three (3) months from the first of the month until two days before the end of the month, allowing for library closures. No exceptions or extensions.
7. All Art must be displayed in the designated areas.
8. Artists must sign a St. Lucie County Artist Agreement after they have finished hanging their work and shall provide an itemized list of all works on display with the value of each piece. The total value of the art displayed at any single time by an individual artist may not exceed $2,499.
9. Each work of art must have the artist's name, address, phone and email address on the back.
10. All art exhibited must be either gallery wrapped or with side-to-side metal wires for exhibition. On occasion, we will consider either framed of unframed works.
11. Artists bear all responsibility for hanging and removing their art. Staff members can help you get started but will not be available to assist. Ladders and tools to make the most of the gallery system are available onsite.
12. Artists will not alter the library infrastructure in any way in order to display their art.
13. If you wish to provide explanatory text, Library staff will work with you to produce and mount labels. We will accept text on a flash drive, email or print. All labels must be printed and mounted by Library Staff. Artists may not tape, tack or otherwise attach any label to library walls.
14. Artists may leave or display contact information like a business card but cannot display the price of any work. Patrons interested to know more will contact you directly. The Library offers an opportunity to showcase local artists, but does not function as a gallery.
15. The Library would like to display brief biographical information and/or explanatory statements about work exhibited. This is optional.
16. The branch supervisor or her designee will photograph each of the works displayed, maintaining them for the record in digital format.

 05/2018

Operating since 2006, the St. Lucie County Library System’s Book Club in a Box program serves 55 or more book discussion groups each year and has an average circulation of over 300 book kits per year. There are over 200 titles currently available and each year the Library, in collaboration with generous donors, adds 12-15 new book kits.

If you'd like to help this program grow, $150 will cover the cost of a new Book Club in a Box kit. Please note the following guidelines for your donation.

1. Titles selected must meet the same standards and criteria that we use to select all of our books.
2. We invite you to pick a title from our wish list. We always have more books on the list than our budget allows, and would be happy to share it upon request.
3. If you do not find a suitable title on our list, our team of Book Club Kit selectors welcome the chance to discuss and consider your suggestions.
4. Occasionally a book club would like to add a title through the donation of multiple copies already purchased by its members. While this is not our preferred method of expanding our collection we’d be happy to consider such a donation. Prior to donating the books, please discuss your title with the Book Group Coordinator.

We hope you will consider donating the $150 cost of a new kit. Please make your check payable to The Friends of St. Lucie County Library Association.  Should you wish your donation to be acknowledged we would be happy to insert a bookplate in each of the 12 copies of the book.

Collection Management Policy

The St. Lucie County Library System seeks to provide the community with information that satisfies educational, entertainment and recreational pursuits through the purchase and organization of books, periodicals, newspapers, audio and video recordings, e- books, databases and other forms of electronic media.Our stated mission, approved by the Library Advisory Board and the Board of County Commissioners "is to advance knowledge, inspire lifelong learning and to strengthen our community." In support of those goals the Library emphasizes the importance of those materials which have contemporary significance and/or permanent value. Materials are chosen, within budgetary limits, to inform, inspire, and to entertain, to help residents develop new interests, to educate and to satisfy free inquiry. The purpose of the St. Lucie County Library’s collection management policy is to provide a general guide for the selection and maintenance of material collections offered by the library and to emphasize the Library’s commitment to intellectual freedom and unrestricted access to information. The policy offers guidance to Library staff and informs the public about general selection principles.

The authority and responsibility for the selection of library materials rests ultimately with the Library Director.  By the Director’s delegation, selected library staff who are qualified by reason of education, training, experience and knowledge of community interests has responsibility for the selection of materials. All staff members and the general public are encouraged to recommend materials for consideration.

Material selection for a public library is a complex process requiring a familiarity with community needs; sound judgment and consultation of review journals and other professional tools; an appreciation for cultural diversity, literary merit, historical accuracy and objectivity; as well as a practical understanding of the economic and spatial constraints on the collection. In support of this process and as a basis for building a collection of enduring merit, all acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, are subject to the guidelines listed below. An item need not meet all of the criteria for acceptance. Some materials may be judged primarily on artistic merit, while others are considered because of scholarship, historic value or ability to satisfy the needs of the community.

 

General Criteria

a)    Relevance, present and potential, to community needs: the Library makes a conscious effort to obtain materials pertaining to local matters - civic, cultural, artistic, educational, recreational and historic
b)    Local authorship or production
c)    Current and projected demand
d)    Authority, reputation and significance of the author, publisher and/or producer: no item will be excluded because of the race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, political or doctrinal beliefs or personal history of an author
e)    Accuracy of scientific or historical fact
f)    Overall quality
g)    Literary merit
h)    Insight into human and social conditions
i)    Current and historical significance
j)    Topicality or the importance of material as a document or recording of the times
k)    Relation to the existing collection and other materials on the subject: an effort is made to include significant works to illuminate the different and important sides of  issues
l)    Attention given by critics, reviewers and the public
m)    Reviews from library professional journals and sources
n)    Suitability of presentation for intended audience
o)    Clarity, readability and ease of use
p)    Price as a reasonable value for anticipated use
q)    Space and maintenance requirements
r)    Availability and suitability of physical format for library purposes
s)    In the case of electronic materials, the nature of licensing, technical support, user interface, system resource demands, remote access capabilities and other factors affecting the Library’s ability to make the material accessible to patrons

The Library recognizes that certain materials are controversial and that any item may offend some library user. Selections are made solely on the merits of the works in relation to the goals of building and enhancing a collection that serves the diverse  interests of the community.

Children’s and Young Adult Materials

The Library provides books and other materials suitable for children that are clearly labeled and separate from the adult collection. Young Adult non-fiction, while clearly marked, is interfiled with adult nonfiction. Young Adult fiction does have a designated section, but because of space limitations is frequently adjacent to adult fiction.  Children's and Young Adult material are selected for their merits and not necessarily excluded because of coarse language or frankness. The Library does not deny or limit access to any item because of its content or style. Selection of materials for the Library's collections shall not be inhibited by the possibility that some material may inadvertently come into the possession of children. Responsibility for the reading, listening and viewing of Library materials by children rests with their parents or legal guardians.

Materials Acquired through Interlibrary Loan

The St. Lucie County Library System, via its membership in an interlibrary loan consortium, benefits from the resources of many other libraries throughout the United States. All reasonable efforts will be made to obtain items requested by patrons not in the collection. The Library does not acquire highly specialized or technical materials which can be obtained through interlibrary loan or accessed electronically from non-library sources.

Collection Maintenance

Continual evaluation of library holdings is an essential part of collection development management. To ensure a vital collection of continued value to the community, materials that are judged by the professional staff to have outlived their usefulness are withdrawn. Decisions for removal are based on diminished circulation, physical condition, usefulness and accuracy. Materials which are outdated because of changes in their fields will be discarded unless there is a local demand for historical perspectives on the subject. The Library will retain at least one copy of significant works and works by major authors. Items such as first editions and out-of-print titles of local interest will also be retained for their unique value.

Factors to be considered in removing materials from the collection include:
a)    Physical condition of the material
b)    Items containing misleading or inaccurate information
c)    Multiple copies of titles no longer in demand
d)    Seldom used material not listed in standard bibliographic sources. (e.g. Fiction Catalog, Public Library Catalog, Children’s Catalog)
e)    Subject matter no longer of current interest and lacking historical or literary significance
f)    Non-fiction items that have been replaced by more recent, revised editions

Library Branch Supervisors will supervise all collection maintenance activities and make final decisions related to removal of items from their collections, or designate staff to make these decisions. Removal of worn or outdated materials will be based upon current professional library standards. Before removing the last copy of a title from the collection, Branch Supervisors will send last copies of titles they think should be retained in the collection to the Library Acquisitions Division for review. Discarded materials become surplus property and may be sold by the Friends of the Library for fund raising purposes or discarded in another manner at the Library’s discretion.

Gifts and Donations

A gift for the library collection may consist of (1) library material donations, (2) monetary donations to purchase materials, equipment or support various library activities, or (3) other material donations.

Material Donations

On behalf of the Friends of the St. Lucie County Library Association, Inc., the Library will accept hardcover and paperback books and audiovisual materials if they are in good condition. Donations will be evaluated and, if appropriate, will be added to the collection or put in the Friends of the Library book sale. Proceeds from the book sales are used to supplement Library programs. While donations of quality items are gratefully accepted, neither the Friends nor Library staff can be responsible for the valuation of a gift. We cannot appraise donated materials or indicate a value on the receipt. If desired, the donor may receive a Donation Receipt noting the number and type of materials donated.

Monetary Donations

The Library welcomes support of its activities through gift funds by individuals and organizations. Contributions made directly to the Friends will enable the Library to purchase materials, equipment, or support special programs.

Patron Reconsideration of Materials

Individuals may formally question the suitability of library materials for the collection by filling out a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials (available here or in any branch library) and including their complete name, address and signature. The form will be forwarded to the Selection Review Committee, which will examine the material in its entirety and determine whether retaining the material would be a violation of the guidelines established in this Collection Management Policy. Once a decision has been made regarding the retention or removal of the material, a letter from the Library Director explaining the decision, and the reasons for it, will be sent to the person who submitted the Reconsideration form. The decision and the response will be completed in a timely manner.

The decision of the Selection Review Committee may be appealed by writing to the St. Lucie County Library Advisory Board in care of the Director of Libraries. The Board will consider an appeal at their next regularly scheduled Board meeting to which both the individual and representatives from the Selection Review Committee will be invited to share their views and concerns. The decision of the Board will be final.

The Library Board endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the American Library Association, copies of which are attached to this Policy.
Approved by the Library Advisory Board on December 5, 2013.
Amended and approved by the Library Advisory Board: January 22, 2018

Confidentiality Policy

In recognizing the Library's position of special trust with members of the public, St. Lucie County desires to clarify its policy and responsibilities with regard to confidential information about patrons and patron use of Library resources that comes into the Library's possession.

To the extent allowed by law, the Library Division shall make a reasonable effort to see that information about patrons and their choices remains confidential. For people to make full and effective use of Library resources, they must feel unconstrained by the possibility that others may become aware of the books they read, the materials they use, the questions they ask, or information they are seeking. The awareness of the existence of such a possibility inhibits use of the Library, its resources and facilities.

Therefore, the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners has adopted the following guidelines concerning the disclosure of information about Library patrons. Except in accordance with a proper judicial order, as provided in Section 257.261 Florida Statutes or pursuant to Federal law, the County will not make known the following information:

1. Patron's name (or whether an individual is or has been a registered patron).
2. Patron's address, email address and telephone number.
3. Library's circulation records which would include patron's barcode number and the materials that were checked out.
4. Library's borrower records which would include patron names, addresses, telephone numbers or other information which would potentially identify a patron.

In accordance with Section 257.261 Florida Statutes, this policy does not apply to statistical reports of registration and circulation.

All County employees and Library volunteers shall comply with this confidentiality policy unless directed to do otherwise by the County Administrator upon the recommendation of the County Attorney.

 

DVD Selection & Purchasing Criteria & Policy

These guidelines are procedures to be used by Library staff when purchasing or deciding the inclusion of DVD’s into our collection. These guidelines are intended to be practical and specific. Policy on developing our various media collections is outlined in the Library’s Collection Development Policy document. Policy sets the direction of our collection, procedure and guidelines are how we implement the policy. These guidelines have been reviewed and approved by the Library Advisory Board

Price:  limit of $50 per DVD.  Anything over this amount must have 2 outstanding written reviews, meet ratings criteria and is purchased at the discretion of the Library Manager.

DVDs rated G, PG or PG-13: must have at least 2 stars or bones in Videohound, rogerebert.com or Video Librarian or a positive review in Library Journal or 60% or higher aggregate rating among "Top Critics" on rottentomatoes.com.

DVDs rated R: must have at least 3 stars (or bones) in Videohound, rogerebert.com, or Video Librarian; or 75% or higher aggregate rating among Top Critics on rottentomatoes.com.  At the discretion of the Collection Development Committee, we may also purchase R-rated, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress award winners if other criteria are met. Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and other national and international award winners will be considered for purchase on a case-by-case basis if other criteria are not met.

Unrated DVDs: When available, older movies, TV shows both old and new, and series from commercial, cable and educational sources may be purchased. To be considered for purchase, these items must have at least 3 stars in Video Librarian or a 60% or higher aggregate rating among Top Critics on rottontomatoes.com.  

New movies: If the movie in the theater was PG or PG-13 and changes were made, making it now unrated, we will consider on a case-by-case basis if the movie is requested.  

Adult DVDs other than above: will be purchased on a case-by-case basis.

Unrated children’s DVDs: The DVD must have at least 2.5 stars (or bones) in Videohound, rogerebert.com, or Video Librarian; or a 60% or higher aggregate rating among "Top Critics" on rottentomatoes.com.  If not found in those sources we will consider based on title, studio and popularity.

Foreign Language Films: must meet criteria stated above.  These will be purchased sparingly.

Rowan Hussein, Collection Development Librarian
Susan Jacob, Library Director
Approved by the Library Advisory Board, July 7, 2014
Revised and approved by the Library Advisory Board, October 17, 2016

Interlibrary Loan Guidelines

The St. Lucie County Library provides interlibrary loan service (ILL) to enhance and extend resources available to its users. ILL is a cooperative service agreement between libraries to make items in their collection available to the patrons of other libraries.  Because the St. Lucie County Library System cannot purchase or subscribe to every useful resource, ILL is an essential service to meet the information needs of its users.

Procedures

Fair Warning

Please note that the use of ILL involves the policies and regulations of other institutions which are beyond the control of the St. Lucie County Library, particularly those related to replacement fees for lost or damaged items. Patrons are advised to read the section titled “Overdue Fines and Replacement Costs” carefully before using this service.

Loan Period and Renewal of Items

Loan periods are 2 weeks from the date the item is picked up. Renewals may be granted at the discretion of the lending library. Request for renewals should be submitted at least 4 days prior to the due date. If the renewal is not granted by the lending library, the item must be returned by the due date to avoid the overdue fine of $1 per day. 

Eligibility and Limits on Interlibrary Loan Borrowing

Because ILL involves items owned by other institutions and because of the labor the service requires, certain restrictions and limits apply to ILL borrowing.

1. ILL is available to St. Lucie County Library adult cardholders whose account is in good standing, that is, not blocked or barred.
2. Patrons are limited to 3 active requests at any one time. Active requests include items currently on loan and items currently being searched for.
3. Patrons who fail to return items, repeatedly return items late, return damaged items, or fail to pick up requested ILL items will not be eligible for ILL borrowing.

Materials Available for Borrowing

Books, audio-visual materials, and copies of periodical articles or other documents that we do not own, including items in our catalog with records that show no holdings.

Materials Not Available for Borrowing

Any item currently owned by the Library, including items checked out, reference items, and items on order.

Because other libraries do not lend them out, we will not request college textbooks or items less than a year old.

Cost

While the Library will attempt to obtain items without charge, there are times when an item can only be borrowed from a library that charges a fee for lending it, or for making a copy of the requested document. In these cases the Library will contact the patron and ask if the fee is acceptable. If the patron agrees to be responsible for the fee the Library will borrow the item and the patron will reimburse the Library for the fee when the item is borrowed.  Once charges have been incurred on a patron's behalf, the patron is responsible for the amount he or she has agreed to even if the item is not picked up.

Overdue Fines and Replacement Costs

1. Fines for overdue Interlibrary Loan items are $1.00 per day, per item, with a maximum overdue fine of $10.00.
2. Replacement costs for damaged or lost items are determined by the lending institution, and may amount to many times the actual value of the item. It is not uncommon for academic libraries to use a default replacement fee of $100 or more per item.
3. Once the St. Lucie County Library System has been invoiced by the lending institution and has paid the replacement fee for an item that has not been returned on time, a bill for the replacement fee will be added to the patron’s account and the account will be barred until the bill is paid.
4. This bill cannot be cancelled, even if the item is later returned. Since the item can no longer be returned to the lending institution the patron is free to keep the item, but the patron’s account will remain barred until the bill is paid.

Copyright restrictions on copied materials

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of the specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, and later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement.

Internet & Computer Use Policy

St. Lucie County provides access to computers and the Internet as part of the Library's mission to support access to information for its citizens. Access is made available equally to all users with a library card at no charge. The County assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the connection to or use of the Internet because public computers are neither private nor secure.

Information on the Internet
The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. However, not all information available via the Internet is accurate, current or complete. Users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment in evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.

Compliance with Laws, Policies and Procedures
Users of any St. Lucie County Library System computer equipment must comply with Federal and State laws, Library procedures and policies, and the terms of applicable contracts, including software licenses. Examples of applicable laws and policies include the laws of libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity and child pornography, the Florida Computer Crimes Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act which prohibits "hacking" and similar activities. Users who engage in electronic communications with persons in other states or countries or on other systems or networks may also be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions and the rules and policies of those other systems and networks.

Material Harmful to Minors
St. Lucie County has installed a content filter intended to block pornographic materials that could be considered "harmful to minors" if within the view of children and teens under 17. This filter is turned on for all public computers and may unintentionally block appropriate sites and/or not block materials that users might find offensive. However, if an appropriate site has been unintentionally blocked, a written request may be submitted to library staff to remove the block using the Request for Reconsideration of Access to a Website form. Computers designated as "Children's" or "Teen" have additional content filters to block sites related to social networking, gambling, violence, etc.  Any person 16 years of age and older will have access to the same public computers as adults unless a parent or legal guardian has submitted a written request to limit access to children's computers. Upon written request by a parent or legal guardian, children less than 16 years of age will have access to the same public computers used by adults. Use of an adult filtered computer does not relieve the patron from abiding by Library procedures or State and Federal laws, including displaying materials that could be considered "harmful to minors."

Parental Control
Parents or designated guardians who wish to limit or restrict the access of their own children should personally oversee their use of the internet and other forms of electronic information. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the internet with their children in relation to their family values and boundaries and to monitor their children's use of the Internet at the library. Minors who visit the library without a parent or guardian are responsible for their own decisions and behaviors. Please visit Internet Safety for Kids & Parents.

Violations
Violation of the laws, policy and procedures that govern the use of the Library's computers and Internet resources may result in loss of the privilege to use these resources. Any illegal activity involving the library's computer or Internet resources will be reported and is subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities. St. Lucie County reserves the right to terminate a computer session at any time to anyone suspected of violating Library policy and procedure, Federal, State or local laws.

The Library Director is authorized to determine if the violation warrants suspension or termination of a user's access to library computers. The Library Director will provide a written notice of the suspension or termination to the patron and parent or legal guardian if under the age of 18. This decision may be appealed to the County Administrator or designee by filing a written appeal within 15 days of the notice of suspension or termination of the user's access. Upon receipt of the appeal, a time and place to hear the appeal shall be established and the patron provided 15 days notice of the hearing. The decision of the County Administrator shall be final.

The County Administrator is authorized to establish appropriate procedures to implement this policy.

Approved by the Library Advisory Board May 3, 2010
Approved by the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners May 11, 2010

Procedures

1. Computer sessions cannot be started 30 minutes or less before closing time.   
2. The library system has Adult, Teen and Child computers in different combinations at different locations. In general, patrons 16 and older may use Adult or Teen computers and children 15 and under may use Teen or Child computers, though age restrictions vary depending on the availability of Teen and Child computers. Parents are referred to the Internet & Computer Use Policy (please see above) for securing exceptions to the age limitations.
3. All library computers are filtered for “adult” content (i.e. harmful to minors). If a site is inappropriately blocked, a patron may request in writing to have it unblocked.
4. If you need assistance or have any questions, please ask a staff member. Library staff are not able to provide in-depth computer assistance, but will answer questions and, as time allows, help users locate and use Internet resources.
5. Users shall refrain from the use of sounds and visuals which disrupt the ability of other Library patrons or the staff to use the Library and its resources. Images generally deemed harmful to children or that create an environment that prevents other patrons from comfortably using the library may not be displayed. Public computer users must be respectful of others near them. Cell phone use at the computers is discouraged, but may be permitted for brief periods and at low volume if directly related to a computer-related task. Headphones that are audible to others may not be used at the computers.
6. Reservations for Adult computers are for 45 or 60 minutes depending on the branch. Additional time in increments of 15 minutes will be granted if no one is waiting. If another patron reserves time on a computer in use, additional time will not be granted. Sessions for Teen and Child computers are 30 minutes. 
7. Express PCs may be available for 30-minute sessions at some branches.
8. No more than two people may use a computer at one time.
9. Black and white printing is available from all computers at 10 cents per page. Color printing is available at Kilmer, Hurston, Lakewood Park, Lewis and Morningside branch libraries for 50 cents per page.
10. To ensure the user’s privacy, computers will reboot at the end of each session and delete all user files, browsing history, and any other record of the session. Patrons are strongly encouraged to save their work on personal storage devices or to online storage solutions. Because of possible power outages or equipment failures, work should be saved regularly during a work session.
11. Patrons using the library’s computers and peripheral equipment are expected to abide by the rules of the library, including the Internet & Computer Use Policy and the Library System Code of Conduct.

Users may not:

1. uninstall, delete or modify Library hardware or software configurations
2. attempt to circumvent data protection or security measures including filters
3. move or change the arrangement of Library computers and peripherals
4. run, install or share virus programs
5. use the network to make unauthorized entry into other information or communication services or resources
6. damage computer equipment or software
7. degrade system performance

The St. Lucie County Public Library reserves the right to terminate a computer session at any time to anyone suspected of violating Library policy, federal, state or local laws based on observation by library staff. A warning statement may be issued if use is terminated for the first violation of library policy. The Library Director or designee will determine if a violation, or continued violation, of library policy has occurred that warrants suspension or termination of a user’s access to library computers.

Library Card Registration Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish eligibility requirements and general guidelines for obtaining a St. Lucie County Library System borrower’s card. 

Policy Statement

The St. Lucie County Library System issues library cards to facilitate the loan of materials and use of its public computers. The formal identification of patrons assists the Library in its record – keeping and helps establish legal responsibility for items borrowed with a card. Library cards are issued based on the user’s relationship to St. Lucie County, though a person’s right to use the library shall not be denied because of age, sex, race, religion, disability, national origin, or resident status. 

Procedures

The St. Lucie County Library System offers free resident adult and youth cards, and for-fee nonresident cards. All registrations and card renewals must be finalized in person.

Resident Adult Borrower’s Cards: The Library will issue free cards to St. Lucie County residents and business owners. Adult cards are issued to applicants who are at least 16 years old.

Applicants must present a photo ID and proof of St. Lucie County residence or ownership.

Acceptable photo IDs include:

1. Florida driver’s License
2. Florida state ID
3. Temporary Florida driver’s license or Florida state ID (only acceptable with additional form of photo ID or if the temporary has a photo on it)
4. Non-Florida state-issued license or ID
5. Passport or passport card
6. Military ID
7. International driver’s license
8. Non-US driver’s license or permit
9. U.S. federal government-issued ID with an identifying number
10. A picture ID from any school or educational institution in St. Lucie County

Additionally, if your photo ID does not include a valid St. Lucie County address, you will need one of the following documents verifying a St. Lucie County address:

1. A student ID from any school or educational institution in St. Lucie County
2. St. Lucie County voter registration card
3. A recent utility bill/check book in patron’s name with a St. Lucie County address
4. Registrant’s name and address in the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s database
5. Registrant’s business license in St. Lucie County
6. St. Lucie County vehicle registration or proof of insurance
7. Official rent receipt, rental agreement, lease or contract
8. Mail postmarked within the last 30 days (if none of the above is available)

Exceptions may be granted at the supervisor’s discretion.

Youth Borrower’s Cards: The Library will issue free youth cards to applicants who are at least 4 years old and younger than 16 years old in the presence of the parent/guardian/responsible adult who is a resident of St. Lucie County. 

1. This adult must sign the application and agree to be responsible for the appropriate use of library privileges.
2. By signing for a youth borrower’s card the adult signer agrees to be financially responsible for any items checked out and any type of fees incurred by the use of the card.
3. Only one adult parent/guardian/responsible adult may sign and be listed as the responsible party on a youth card account.
4. If a different adult wants to sign for a child who has an existing account, that adult will need to agree to take over responsibility for the existing account. The adult will need to fill out an application for the child in care of themselves and any existing fines owed will need to be paid at that time.

Exceptions may be granted at the supervisor’s discretion.

General Exceptions: Free Borrower’s Cards may also be granted to the following individuals regardless of residence.

1. Students enrolled in a school located in St. Lucie County (school ID required)
2. Teachers in the St. Lucie Public Schools (with proof of employment)
3. Instructors at Indian River State College (with proof of employment)
4. All employees of the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners and of city governments within St. Lucie County
5. Adult and young adult St. Lucie County Library volunteers

Other exceptions may be granted at the supervisor’s discretion.

Non-Resident Borrower’s Cards: All non-County residents who wish to borrow materials or use the Library’s proprietary databases from home (but do not meet the previously stated criteria) are welcome to become Library members. Each membership requires an annual fee of $25.00 and the individual must present a photo ID as described above and proof of residence in their home county.

Card owners are responsible for all materials charged out on their library cards and are advised to report lost or stolen cards as promptly as possible.

The Library Manager or her designee may revoke a patron’s library privileges for violation of library policies, subject to appeal to the Library Advisory Board.

  

Approved by the St. Lucie County Library Advisory Board on 10/19/2015. Amended and approved on 01/22/2018.

Library Program Guidelines

The St. Lucie County Library System will present programs that are informational, educational, cultural and recreational to County residents of all ages.

These programs will often be presented in cooperation with local authors, experts, agencies and institutions, as well as other public and private resources.

Programs will be coordinated by Library Staff and planned to meet the interest and needs of community members of all ages and will represent the wide range of ideas and views contained in our materials collection.

The Library holds a variety of programs to:

(1) expand the Library’s role as a community resource
(2) introduce customers and non-users to Library resources
(3) provide entertainment
(4) provide opportunities for lifelong learning
(5) expand the visibility of the library

Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Library Manager, who, in turn, delegates the authority for program management to designated professional library staff.

In planning programs, the Library’s staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:

(1) community needs and interests
(2) availability of program space
(3) treatment of content for intended audience
(4) presentation quality
(5) presenter background/qualifications in content area
(6) budget
(7) relevance to community interests and issues
(8) historical or educational significance
(9) connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
(10) relation to Library collections, resources, exhibits and programs

In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partners with other community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, and individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs for programming.

All Library Programs must be free and open to the public. All Library programs are designed to encourage equal participation by all who might wish to attend. Therefore, we make it a practice to not present programs that involve a materials fee.

No individual or organization who presents a program at the library is allowed to sell their product or service or collect names, addresses, and phone numbers of attendees during their presentation or during their time at the library.

Exempt from this are authors, film makers or performers who come to speak about published books they have authored, perform songs they have recorded, or show a film they have produced. Before or after the presentation, the author, filmmaker, performer, or his/her representative may unobtrusively sell copies of the published or recorded work.

Presentation at the library of any specific idea, strategy, financial plan or investment does not constitute an endorsement. Organizations or business affiliation will be used by the Library in our promotion of programs. This also does not constitute endorsement, merely acknowledgement.

Occasionally and with the approval of the County Administrator or his/her designee a facility use fee may be waived or reduced for organizations executing a written partnership agreement with the County/Library to provide needed or desired services in lieu of the facility use fee. As stated in the County’s Facilities Use Policy (adopted 4/3/2012), the estimated value of such services or other contributions shall be similar to the value of fees being waived or reduced. All such partnership agreements must be negotiated annually with the Library Manager or his/her designee.

Reviewed by the Library Manager February 2017