Policies & Accessibility

Patron Rights and Responsibilities

All visitors and staff are expected to know and abide by the policies below!
Contact us with questions!

Accessibility Statement

General

The Trinidad Carnegie Public Library strives to ensure that its services are accessible to people with disabilities. Trinidadpubliclibrary.org has invested a significant amount of resources to help ensure that its website is made easier to use and more accessible for people with disabilities, with the strong belief that every person has the right to live with dignity, equality, comfort and independence.

Accessibility on trinidadpubliclibrary.org

Trinidadpubliclibrary.org makes available the One Click Accessibility plugin that is powered by a dedicated accessibility server. The software allows Trinidad Carnegie Public Library to improve its compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0).

Enabling the Accessibility Menu

The TrinidadPublicLibrary.org accessibility menu can be enabled by clicking the accessibility menu icon that appears at the top left corner of the page. After triggering the accessibility menu, please wait a moment for the accessibility menu to load in its entirety.

Disclaimer

Trinidadpubliclibrary.org continues its efforts to constantly improve the accessibility of its site and services in the belief that it is our collective moral obligation to allow seamless, accessible and unhindered use also for those of us with disabilities.

Despite our efforts to make all pages and content on Trinidadpubliclibrary.org fully accessible, some content may not yet be fully adapted to the strictest accessibility standards. This may be a result of not having found or identified the most appropriate technological solution.

Here For You

If you experience difficulty with content on Trinidadpubliclibrary.org, require assistance with our site, or wish to discuss a perceived accessibility issue, please contact us during normal business hours and we will be happy to assist.

Patron Rights

Rights

The library is for everyone’s enjoyment. Trinidad Carnegie Public Library supports the rights of each individual to:

A clean, comfortable, safe and pleasant environment
Free and equal access to information
Friendly, courteous and respectful service
Privacy for patron records and use of the library except for instances detailed in Colorado Revised Statute 24-90-119
Use of the library without discrimination
Use of the library undisturbed without threat of harm, invasion of property, or interference

Security and Safety

Trinidad Carnegie Public Library will take necessary measures to protect the patron's right of access, ensure the safety of patrons, staff, and materials at Trinidad Carnegie Public Library. Measures include, and are not limited to:

Requesting adjustment to behaviors to meet reasonable expectations of staff and community norms
Removing persons from facilities due to causing a disturbance to others. Removal may range from leaving for the day to permanent suspension
Using monitoring devices in locations for safety and theft concerns
Working with local law enforcement to handle situations as deemed necessary
The library is not a place of refuge from law enforcement after being accused of committing an illegal act. Library staff will contact the police if the situation occurs.

Library Use - Environment

Environment

Unacceptable use of Trinidad Carnegie Public Library includes and is not limited to:

Harassment and/or acting abusive, in any manner towards other Library patrons and staff
Blocking or in any way interfering with the free movement of Library staff or patrons in or on the Library premises
Engaging in disruptive conduct including loud talking to others or in monologues, snoring, running, pushing, fighting, staring at another person with the intent to annoy, or inappropriate, lewd and/or immoral conduct
Using profane, obscene, or abusive language, including epithets directed at race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics
Engaging in sexual activity, peeping, stalking or public exposure on Library premises
Using computers and/or internet to display sexually explicit and/or lewd materials, including but not limited to materials which are obscene, pornographic and/or inappropriate or harmful to minors
Panhandling or soliciting. Solicitation of contributions or signatures and conducting of surveys except those directly relating to the Library are prohibited unless approved by the Library Director
Petitioning, canvassing or selling merchandise anywhere on Library premises unless approved by the Library Director
Carrying a weapon, explosives, fireworks, or other dangerous devices into the Library, unless authorized by law
Sleeping in or on Library premises is discouraged due to safety concerns
Laying on the floor or sitting on stairs is not permitted as it poses a safety hazard to other library users attempting to navigate the building
Impeding passageways with personal property
Loitering on Library premises, thereby creating a nuisance to those who are trying to enter or exit the building or use Library resources
Possessing bodily hygiene that poses a health risk

Library Use - Facility

Facility

Unacceptable use of Trinidad Carnegie Public Library includes and is not limited to:

Stealing, damaging, defacing, destroying, or vandalizing Library materials, premises, supplies, or equipment
No person shall purposely conceal Library materials on their persons or among their belongings. The Library reserves the right to inspect all bags, briefcases, backpacks, and other such items when the staff has reason to believe this rule has been violated
Using restrooms for bathing or washing of clothes, or any other illicit activity
Eating or drinking in the building.
Entering non-public areas without permission
Violating the Library’s Computer and Internet Policy
Remaining inside the Library before or after posted hours of operation

Library Use - Personal Safety

Unacceptable use of Trinidad Carnegie Public Library includes and is not limited to:

Leaving any child unattended under the age of 10
Parents or other legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children in the Library.
Leaving personal property unattended
Smoking on Library property is prohibited
Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances in or on the Library premises
Bringing animals into the Library building except those in Library programming, services animals (as defined by ADA law), or animals used by law enforcement
Leaving animals tied up/unattended on Library premises
Improper dress, including not wearing shoes or a shirt
Bringing bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, or other types of transportation into the Library building

Privacy Policy

Colorado Library Law

An interpretation of Colorado Library Law, CRS 24-90-119, Regarding the Privacy of User Records:

A public library may not disclose patron records or information about library use unless:

As a supplement to the requirements above, at Trinidad Carnegie Public Library we uphold the following:

Needed for library operations
The user consents
Required through subpoena or court order
A custodial parent/guardian has access to a minor’s library card or authorization number
Absolutely no private information of any sort should be given to a patron without first verifying a current photo ID.
When a library account has expired, you must check a current photo ID before updating the account.
In the case of juvenile patrons under the age of 18, a staff member may choose to ask the child at least 2 questions about their account (phone number, address, birthday, etc.) If they answer correctly, that child may use their account.
If a patron is allowed to use their family member’s account, they MUST have the physical library card present with them and there must be a note on the account. OR, the patron may choose to check out materials for their family member on their own card. This is applicable to holds as well.
Police officers should have a warrant to access patron’s information.
Patrons have the right to use the library privately—no one else should know when the patron visits the library, what they check out, how often, etc. Inquiring parties should never be told the history on a patron’s account, what they have checked out, or when/if they have used the library facilities or services
If staff members are absent, no information should be given about their whereabouts or their usual schedule. All staff phone numbers, addresses and other personal information should be kept confidential.

Considerations for Children

The Trinidad Carnegie Public Library does not monitor or restrict what children read, listen to, or view. We encourage parents and caregivers to be involved in and aware of what their child borrows from the library. Parents are ultimately responsible for all materials borrowed on their child’s library account until they reach 18 years of age. Library staff will work with the parents and child to ensure access to view their account. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact our Library Director. For more information please read the following information from the American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/access-library-resources-for-minors

Security Camera Policy

General Camera Policy

Carnegie Public Library seeks to strike a balance between guarding patron privacy while ensuring reasonable standards of safety and security. The library's primary objective in using security cameras is to protect the safety and security of patrons and staff. Property is a secondary concern. Cameras are situated to monitor selected entrances and exits, service areas, and areas of the building that are out of the line of vision of Library staff. Cameras may also be used to provide security in areas where valuable materials are shelved.

Conditions on Security Camera Use

Signs will be posted at all public entrances stating that security cameras are in use.
Security camera footage is confidential and secured in a controlled environment.
Security cameras are not monitored continuously by library staff.
Security cameras will not be placed in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Security cameras are not positioned to intentionally identify a person’s reading, viewing, or listening activities.
Only library staff who have designated authority can access security camera information.
Security camera footage will not be available to the general public. If library staff receives a request, such request will be referred to the Library Director.
Law Enforcement officials will have access when pursuant to a subpoena, court order, or as permitted by law.
Images may be shared with other library staff to identify person(s) who have been suspended and to take appropriate action based thereon.
Security camera footage will not be retained longer than 30 days. This retention period may be enlarged or shortened at the direction of legal counsel or as required by law.

Personal Responsibility - Security Cameras

The use of security cameras by the Carnegie Public Library does not supplant the requirement for patrons and staff to exercise personal responsibility as it pertains to their own safety and the security of personal property. Security cameras will not be monitored on a continual basis, and should not be relied upon to prevent, detect, or deter criminal or mischievous behavior. Carnegie Public Library is not responsible for loss of property or personal injury.

Related Sources

Websites:

Colorado State Library Quick Guide for C.R.S. 24-90-119

Donation Policy

Gifts and Donation Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Gift and Donation policy is to establish guidelines for receiving and managing physical and monetary donations to support operations, programs, and services of the Trinidad Carnegie Public Library, ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

The Trinidad Carnegie Public Library welcomes gifts of library materials and monetary donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, and other entities that support the library's mission, vision and values. Donations may be accepted from both residents and non-residents of the Las Animas area.

Types of Monetary Donations Accepted

Unrestricted Donations: These donations provide the library with the flexibility to allocate funds where they are most needed.
Memorial or Honorary Donations: Donors may donate in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special occasion or individual. The library will acknowledge these donations appropriately.

Investment and Use of Funds

Donated funds will be invested and managed in accordance with established financial practices. Funds will be used to support the library’s mission, programs, and services.

Physical Donations

The decision to add gift materials to the collection will be handled in the same manner as if the items were purchased, as follows:

Staff will evaluate the materials according to the selection criteria identified above.
Staff will recommend the addition of items meeting the selection criteria to the Library Director.

What kind of donations are accepted?

We prefer no more than one box per visit.
Items should be newer than 10 years old.
Items should be in good condition.
Please no older media such as VHS, cassettes and albums
Please no encyclopedias, textbooks or reference books.

Why are donations being limited?

Sad to say, most donated books are not suitable for reselling. They must be recycled. The cost of recycling is high.
Space is at a premium in our library. Allocating space is becoming increasingly harder.
Sorting donations requires a lot of time for staff to sort, evaluate and maintain.

What happens to books that I donate?

Some may be added to the library collection.
Some may be used to supplement prize giveaways for various events.
Some will be taken to Books & More.
- The resulting revenues will be used to support the library’s mission, programs, and services.
Items that cannot be managed in one of these other options will be recycled.

The library may not use all donated material in the collection and donated material becomes property of the library once relinquished.

Recognition and Stewardship

Trinidad Carnegie Public Library is committed to recognizing and expressing gratitude for donations.

Donors will be recognized at appropriate levels based on the total amount of cumulative donations.

Discretion to Decline Donations

The library reserves the right to decline donations that are not aligned with its mission, have restrictions that cannot be honored, or may compromise its integrity.

Legal and Tax Considerations

Donors are encouraged to consult with their financial and legal advisors regarding tax implications of their donations. The library does not provide tax advice to donors.

Trinidad Carnegie Public Library is a municipality and is not considered a 501c3.
The Friends of the Library is a 501c3 and can also accept donations including monetary donations.

Contact Trinidad Carnegie Public Library