Library Policies
The Prince George Public Library strives to create a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for all members of our community, recognizing the need to focus on providing inclusive and respectful spaces. All patrons and staff can expect an environment that is free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment. Thank you for keeping your actions consistent with this Code of Conduct.
View Code of Conduct Hide Code of Conduct
Behaviours that are disrespectful or that interfere with the rights of others will not be tolerated while using the library or when on library property, including:
- Threatening, abusive, obscene or harassing language or behaviour, including making inappropriate or unwanted personal comments about others.
- Boisterous activity such as play fighting, roughhousing, or running.
- Excessive noise including loud conversations and using electronic devices that disturb others.
- Consuming food or drinks in a manner that disrupts others, including strong odours.
- Consuming food or drinks around library computers, or in a manner that may damage library materials, furniture, or equipment. Food waste and leftover wrappers/containers must be placed in the receptacles provided.
- Emitting strong scents or smells that are disruptive to others. 7
- Soliciting, including panhandling, for any purpose without prior written consent from the Library Director.
- Photographing, filming, video or audio recording in the library without prior approval from the Library Director or the Manager of Communications & Engagement when the Library Director is unavailable.
- Adults who are not accompanying a child or teen, sitting or loitering in areas designated for youth.
- Bringing animals into the library other than professionally trained service dogs on a leash that are well-behaved, clean, and healthy.
- Sleeping anywhere in the library or on library property.
- Smoking or vaping in the library, on library decks, in the Library’s Knowledge Garden, or within 6 meters of an entrance.
- Damage or theft of library materials, furniture or equipment, including graffiti.
- Trespassing into staff only areas or emergency exits, other than during an emergency.
- Using skateboards, roller blades, or other sports equipment in the library.
- Ignoring the alarm at the security gates and refusing to return to the service desk when asked to do so by staff.
For your safety and the safety of others:
- Do not engage in illegal activity in or on library property.
- Do not visit the library if you are intoxicated, and do not use any intoxicating substances including alcohol, drugs and drug paraphernalia while on library property.
- Do not smoke or vape in or on library property, on library decks, or in the Library’s Knowledge Garden or within 6 meters of an entrance.
- Refrain from sleeping anywhere in the library or on library property.
- Do not leave personal items unattended in the library. The library is not responsible for the loss of or damage to personal items.
- Bicycles, shopping carts, and other oversized items are to be secured outside the building away from exits and pedestrian routes.
- Consider the ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities of others when accessing the internet in a public space. Do not use any public workstation or personal device to project imagery or audio content that jeopardizes the library’s ability to maintain a safe and harassment-free environment for both patrons and employees.
- Do not wear a mask or clothing/accessories covering your face while in the library. This does not apply to medical masks or face coverings worn as part of a religious garment.
- Do not pull the fire alarm unless there is an emergency situation requiring evacuation.
- In the case of fire or other emergencies, follow all staff instructions.
- No weapons in the library.
- Do not visit the library if you are already suspended due to violations of the Code of Conduct
Violations of any provisions of the Code of Conduct may result in charges for damage or misuse, suspension of some or all library privileges, exclusions from all Prince George Public Library locations, and/or criminal prosecution.
SECTION 5: COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
POLICY 5.13: INTERNET USE
Amended: November 25, 2020
INTERNET USE Policy #5.13
5.13 The Library considers Internet information resources an extension of our material collections.
5.13.1 Free Internet access will be made available at the Library.
5.13.2 Library staff will feature links from the website that offer useful and reliable information to Library users.
5.13.3 Websites reached by means of links posted on the Library’s website may lead to other links not reviewed by staff. The Library takes no responsibility for the results of browsing the Internet.
5.13.4 The Library is not responsible for the content or quality of information retrieved over the Internet.
5.13.5 The same confidentiality standards and procedures that apply to other Library transactions will apply to the use of Internet resources.
5.13.6 Patrons are prohibited from using Library Internet stations for illegal, actionable or criminal purposes or to seek access into unauthorized places. Infringement of copyright is prohibited. The Library assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect damage arising from the use or its connection to Internet services.
5.13.7 The Library reserves the right to limit Internet usage.
5.13.7.1 This limit is based on bandwidth capacity, budget, and other operational requirements.
5.13.7.2 Individual patrons may be restricted from Internet usage based on behaviour as defined in Section 2.2.1.4.
- Due to privacy legislation, the Cardholder is the only person who may use the Card unless signed authorization is given using the “Group Consent Form”. If the “Group Consent Form” has not been signed, a Parent/Legal Guardian can still access the account information for a child under 12 years of age if they provide proof that they live at the same residence as the child and the other Parent/Legal Guardian. Parents/Legal Guardians are responsible for all items and charges incurred on their child's Card until the child reaches 19 years of age.
- Loss or theft of the Card must be reported immediately to the Library, in-person, by email, or by telephone. The Cardholder is responsible for all materials borrowed and all charges attributable to the Card before the loss or theft of the Card is reported.
- The Library reserves the right to suspend/cancel the Card in the event of a prolonged overdue bill, unreturned material, or violations of the "Code of Conduct" on the part of the Cardholder agreement. The Card belongs to the Prince George Public Library. On cancellation of the Card, the Cardholder must immediately return the Card and all materials borrowed to the Library and pay all outstanding charges attributable to the Card. Reinstatement of borrowing privileges will be at the Library's sole discretion.
- Materials borrowed by the Cardholder must be returned by Library closing time on the due date shown. The Cardholder is responsible to return material in the same condition as when it was borrowed. The Cardholder will be responsible for the replacement costs of lost or damaged materials, and processing fees attributable to the card. Accounts with outstanding bills of six weeks or more may be referred to a collection agency.
- Cards are renewable. The Card is only valid up to its renewal date.
- The Library is not responsible for damage caused by audio-visual materials (DVDs/CDs) borrowed from its collections. Customers use all audio-visual materials at their own risk and should use caution when playing such materials on their equipment.
- The Library’s BC OneCard users are subject to all the Library Cardholder Agreement - Terms and Conditions as well as Library’s limitations for OneCard users.
- The Cardholder Agreement shall govern the Cardholder's use of the Card and any subsequent library cards issued to the Cardholder by the Library for whatever reason.
Procedures for Reconsideration of Library Materials
- All written complaints are forwarded to the Manager of Collections & Technology.
- The Manager of Collections & Technology, the Collections Coordinator and the assigned selector for that area will read/review/listen to the item, discuss the complaint and when necessary, check with outside review sources. The Manager of Collections & Technology will issue a recommendation to the Library Director who ultimately decides how best to respond to the request while aligning to principles delineated in the Library's Collection Development Policy.
- When the review is completed, the user is provided with a written explanation of the decision within 8 weeks of the complaint being filed.
Challenged Materials
The Prince George Public Library endorses the basic principles of Intellectual Freedom outlined in the following statement of the Canadian Federation of Library Associations:
“Libraries have a core responsibility to safeguard and facilitate access to constitutionally protected expressions of knowledge, imagination, ideas, and opinion, including those which some individuals and groups consider unconventional, unpopular or unacceptable. To this end, in accordance with their mandates and professional values and standards, libraries provide, defend and promote equitable access to the widest possible variety of expressive content and resist calls for censorship and the adoption of systems that deny or restrict access to resources.” (Canadian Library Association Position Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries, amended, 2015).
- The library is not responsible for Items lost or left behind by library visitors. Library patrons should avoid leaving personal items unattended in the library.
- The Lost and Found service is intended only for items found within the library facility. Staff will not store items discovered outside the facility in the Lost and Found.
Anti-racism is the practice of identifying, challenging, preventing, eliminating, and changing the values, structures, policies, programs, practices, and behaviours that perpetuate racism. Many people think racism is not a problem in multicultural Canada, but racism exists in many places, including British Columbia and Prince George. Racism can take many forms and is often implicit in our attitudes, behaviours, beliefs, and values.
The Prince George Public Library draws strength from the diverse communities in Prince George and the surrounding region and celebrates the many people we serve. The Library board and staff seek to address the ongoing issue of systemic racism in all forms, while working with our community members to build a strong, inclusive society. We are committed to developing library facilities, collections, programs, services, and recruitment practices that support a more welcoming organization.
PGPL will take action against racism by:
- Ensuring that all events hosted on library property and all official library communications include an acknowledgement that the library conducts its work on the ancestral lands of the Lheidli T’enneh people.
- Providing regular and ongoing education and development opportunities for library staff that raise awareness of systemic racism, implicit bias, and micro-aggressions, while promoting cultural sensitivity, justice, and inclusion.
- Reviewing and updating library spaces and procedures to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and people of colour are treated with dignity and respect, and that they feel safe and welcome at the library.
- Developing a Diversity Policy that supports the recruitment and development of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour at all levels of the organization and board of trustees.
- Consulting with the public and organizations that advocate for and serve Black, Indigenous, and people of colour.
- Promoting, celebrating, and continuing to build library collections that feature the work and perspectives of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour.
- Creating programs and events that are specifically designed to reach Black, Indigenous, and people of colour.
- Developing programs and events to provide opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and people of colour to share lived experience with library patrons and staff members.
For our next steps, the library commits to developing policies and procedures to support us in accomplishing these goals. We also commit to sharing regular updates on our progress in achieving these objectives.
If you would like provide feedback about the Statement or have suggestions regarding the library's role in combatting racism, please use our contact form.