The Library will be closed Sunday, June 18th in celebration of Father's Day. We will reopen on Monday, June 19th.
The Library will be closed Sunday, June 18th in celebration of Father's Day. We will reopen on Monday, June 19th.
Carol Stream residents aged 13+ can register online for a library card by clicking here.
If you are a resident of Carol Stream and you want to open a new account or need a replacement card, you can bring in a current government-issued photo identification and a document that verifies residency.
Forms of identification include current:
Residency verification documents must be issued within the current year and have applicant’s name on one of the following:
Your Carol Stream Library account will be registered at the following public libraries:
Resident accounts are automatically renewed after a period of three (3) years or until a minor’s 18th birthday.
Residents under 18 years old may have an individual borrower’s card. The parents/legal guardian of residents under age 18 must sign the minor’s application and provide the required residency verification in person.
Resident accounts are automatically renewed after a period of three (3) years or until a minor’s 18th birthday.
When a juvenile account reaches $20 in charges, the borrowing privileges of the responsible party are also blocked until payment is made to bring total under $20.
Non-residents who are not served by another public library may acquire a library card by paying a fee based on property valuation, comparable to the costs paid by residents of the Village of Carol Stream.
Lost or stolen library cards should be reported to the Library immediately to prevent unauthorized use. The cardholder is responsible for all items checked out on their lost or stolen card along with any fines, fees, or damages incurred prior to the date the library is notified.
Library notifications you may receive via email:
Also available: Phone and text notifications
You will need your library card, CSPL mobile app barcode or photo identification in order to check out materials.
You may request to have items placed on reserve (on hold) either in person, by telephone, or through the library’s online catalog via web browser or mobile app.
The Library no longer charges daily fees for overdue materials. However, the Library depends on borrowers returning materials in a timely manner so that others may enjoy them.
Item |
Loan |
New DVDs/Blu-rays Video Games Playaway Launchpads Wi-Fi Hotspots - link |
7 days |
New DVD/Blu-ray sets |
21 days |
DVDs |
7 days |
ALL Books |
21 days |
Borrowing Privileges
When borrowed materials are 14 days overdue or when total charges on an account reach $20, the account will be suspended. The account may be reactivated by returning the overdue materials, or by paying for the lost/damaged/unreturned item.
Lost or Damaged Materials
When materials are lost or damaged beyond repair, the borrowing account is charged the replacement cost of the item.
Collection
When fees on an account reach $25 or more for lost, damaged, or unreturned materials, the account will be referred to a materials recovery service. Collection referrals for Juvenile accounts are made in the name of the Responsible Party.
Automatic Renewals
Borrowed materials will automatically renew two days before their due date UNLESS:
The default method of communication is to have an email sent to let you know whether your items renewed and what the new due dates are. Text messaging is also an option. If you do not have access to these methods, you may call us at 630-653-0755 to check your account or log into My Account.
Request a item for the collection or on interlibrary loan. Email suggestions to questions@cslibrary.org or fill out this online form.
Interlibrary loan
Items that are not available at the Carol Stream Public Library may be requested from other libraries. Patrons will be notified when items are available for pick up at the Carol Stream Public Library. Interlibrary loans are available for Carol Stream card holders only. Patrons are also responsible for any fees charged by the owning library.
Reciprocal borrowing
Carol Stream Public Library participates in the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) which allows participating libraries in Illinois to accept cards from other member libraries. Residents with a valid Carol Stream Public Library account may borrow materials from any other Illinois library that also participates in the program.
The book drop in the parking lot is available twenty-four hours a day for all Library materials. There is also a drop box in the lobby that is available during open hours.
Computer access has changed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check our COVID resources page for information.
Our Adult Services computer lab offers computers with Internet access, Microsoft Office products, and the Library’s catalog. The computer lab also has two iMac computers that have the Adobe Creative Suite.
There are also public computers in the Youth Services computer lab that provide access to a suite of Microsoft Office products, the Library's catalog, and non-Internet games for ages 3 through 10.
Use of the internet workstations requires one of the following:
· A valid CSPL library account according to the Policy on Library Accounts
· A valid library account at another public library that is registered at CSPL, or
· A guest pass from the Adult Services Desk.
The Library uses an automated reservation system to manage use of the Internet workstations. Reservations are made using a valid library account number.
The Library provides free wireless access to the Internet for those users who have a wireless-enabled computer or device. There is no log-in or password required.
Carol Stream residents may also check out a WiFi hotspot for unlimited internet access while away from the Library (see catalog to place one on hold - link).
Computer workstations are networked to a color laser printer. All printouts are $.10/page. We accept cash and credit card payments. When using a credit card, a temporary hold of $20 (up to 200 pages max) will accrue before being charged the exact amount of printing.
For self-serve print in the library or remotely using your own devices, visit our web portal. For either self-serve print method, to release and pay for the print, visit one of our print kiosk towers in the library's Adult Business center. Prints sent remotely are held in the queue for 24 hours before expiring and have a max page count of 200. Visit the Adult Reference Desk for help and/or questions.
The Library has a free public scanner that scans to a USB drive, e-mail, a smartphone, Google Docs, and Fax. The Library also has a copier that allows the scanning of documents to an external USB drive.
Work can be saved temporarily to the workstation during a session. Once the session closes, your work will be removed automatically. If you wish to save your work, bring your own removable data storage device. If you do not have a data storage device, the Library may have data storage devices available to purchase.
Patrons have access to the public use fax machine. The SimpleScan station in the Business Center (located in Adult Services) now has a "Scan to Fax" option which is free to you for both outgoing domestic and international faxes.
The Library has one photo copier for public use. It is located in the Business Center in Adult Services. The copier produces black and white, as well as color photo copies. Black and white copies are $.10/copy and color copies cost $.25/copy.
During tax season (usually January - April), the Library has limited amounts of Federal 1040 and IL-1040 forms and instructions. After supplies run out, the library will print out tax forms for free. However, tax form instructions and publications will cost $0.10 per page. If you need a special form or want to check the availability of a specific form, please call the Library and ask to speak to a Reference Librarian at the Adult Services Desk.
For more information on tax publications, please see our Tax topic page.
Use of the Library's computers and Internet access constitutes acceptance of and agreement to the Technology Resources Policy by a User.
The Library has four Study Rooms and a Conference Room that can be reserved up to one week ahead of time in 1 hour increments. To use the rooms, patrons need to be at least of high school age and present a valid CSPL library card at the Adult Services Desk. For more information, please consult the Study Room Procedures or contact the Adult Services Desk at 630-344-6123. You can reserve a study room or the conference online.
Please note: Exam Proctoring is not available at this time.
The proctoring of examinations is a service offered by the Carol Stream Public Library. The Library will offer proctoring services based on the availability of personnel, facilities, and technology to do so. A non-refundable fee of $10.00 will be charged per test per student, payable at the time of the initial request. A Test Proctoring Request form must be submitted in-person to the Adult Services Desk at the Carol Stream Public Library along with a non-refundable fee of $10.00. The Request Form should be submitted and the fee paid before the exam is scheduled.
Policy Governing Patron Behavior
In accordance with the Illinois Compiled Statutes, (75 ILCS 5/4-7), the Board of Library Trustees of the Carol Stream Public Library has the following powers:
“To make and adopt…rules and regulations…for the government of the Library…” and
“To exclude from the use of the Library any person who willfully violates the rules prescribed by the Board.”
Therefore, the Board of Trustees of the Carol Stream Public Library adopts the following as its policy on patron behavior:
1. The Library Director is delegated the authority to develop and amend as necessary reasonable rules and regulations governing appropriate patron behavior. This Code of Conduct will be available for examination in the Library.
2. Any patron who engages in any activity that materially disrupts the use of library facilities, collections, or services by patrons or materially disrupts the ability of the staff to perform its duties shall be given a verbal warning that his/her behavior is unacceptable and informed of the consequences should the behavior continue.
3. If, following this direction, the patron fails or refuses to comply, or responds to the request in an abusive manner, he/she will be required to immediately leave the Library property for the balance of that calendar day. If he/she fails to leave, the Carol Stream Police will be summoned.
4. Library personnel will maintain a record of instances in which patrons are required to leave the Library.
5. The Library staff has the right to request to see identification of any person on the premises who is violating Library policies or rules governing patron behavior.
6. Parents or guardians of minors will be notified in writing, whenever possible, after the first recorded instance in which a minor is required to leave Library property, and advised of the consequences of any further recorded instances.
7. Upon the second recorded instance within a four week period in which a patron is required to leave the Library, the Director shall ban the patron from Library property for a period of thirty days.
8. In the event a patron banned from Library property attempts entry to Library property during any such period of exclusion, the police will be immediately summoned to respond to this trespassing violation.
9. In the event the patron persists in abusive conduct or disruptive behavior following a period of exclusion, the Library Director shall report to the Board of Library Trustees to request consideration of a long-term period of exclusion of that patron.
10. The Library is not required to go through the entire intervention process detailed in this policy. Intervention may begin at any step, including immediate involvement of the police and/or banning from Library property, depending upon the severity of the incident or behavior.
11. Any redress for grievance regarding any actions taken by the Library staff to enforce Library public behavior standards must be submitted in writing to the Director. The Director shall respond in writing to this grievance. If the patron does not accept the Director’s response to the written grievance, the patron may submit a written redress for grievance to the Board of Library Trustees. The Board shall review this grievance and provide a written response. The Board’s decision shall be final.
Also see: the Library Code of Conduct
Great effort is taken to make the Library a warm, pleasant and inviting place. The Library staff is committed to the well-being and safety of children; however parents/caregivers must be aware that the Library is a public building, open to all, and as such it is unsafe to leave a child unattended/under-attended. Libraries are not designed or licensed to provide childcare. Parents/caregivers are responsible for the behavior of their children while on Library property. The Carol Stream Public Library’s Policy Governing Patron Behavior and its companion Code of Conduct apply to all patrons regardless of age.
Children eight (8) years of age and under must be attended by a responsible caregiver while in the Library.
The Carol Stream Public Library’s Policy Governing Patron Behavior and the Code of Conduct apply to all patrons regardless of age. Both policies are in place to ensure that all users of the Library experience a safe and welcoming environment conducive to both educational and leisure pursuits. Patrons of all ages are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect for fellow patrons and Library staff and policies, behaving in a manner that does not hinder others from using the Library or Library materials.
Library users who disregard the Code of Conduct may be subject to follow-up action as detailed in the Policy Governing Patron Behavior.
Parents are responsible for being aware of the Library’s hours and for picking up their children on time. Children are encouraged to contact their parents before closing to verify that transportation is available. Children under the age of 16 left unattended at closing time may be deemed at risk. If a child under the age of 16 is not picked up within 15 minutes of the Library’s closing time, the Carol Stream Police Department will be called. Under no circumstances will Library staff transport any child in their personal car or library vehicle to the child’s home or to any other location. [Policy Governing Patron Behavior]
The Library can accept monetary donations on behalf of your loved one. The Library can also be named as a benefactor in a trust or will. For more information, call 630-653-0755.
Library visitors may purchase items from the Friends of the Library Fundraiser Sale. The Library welcomes books, CDs, and DVDs in good condition and in small quantities (one box or less). Bring items for donation to the front desk.
We can accept:
We cannot accept:
The Circulation Department maintains a Lost and Found for personal belongings left behind or mistakenly returned to the Library. If a misplaced item contains identification, every effort will be made to contact the owner. In instances when this is not possible, the Library will hold the article for 14 days. Patrons are asked to contact the Circulation Department to inquire about missing items. The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended anywhere on Library property.
Carol Stream Public Library
Library Accounts Policy
(Approved 8/19/15, Revised 9/15/21)
1. General Information
Illinois Compiled Statutes states, “Every library … shall be forever for the use of the residents and taxpayers of the village…subject to such reasonable rules and regulations as the library board may adopt in order to render the use of the library of the greatest benefit to the greatest number of such residents and taxpayers.” (75 ILCS 5/1-3)
Current government-issued photo identification and residency verification are required to open a library account and to obtain a new or replacement library card. Resident accounts do not expire until you move from your current residence. Applicants under the age of 18 require a parent/legal guardian’s signature to open a library account.
The Accountholder agrees to comply with all Library rules and policies and accepts responsibility for all use of card(s) issued under his/her signature.
A valid library account is required to check out, renew, and reserve library materials. A valid account is defined as:
Through a Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement with the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS), residents with valid Carol Stream Public Library accounts may borrow materials directly from any library participating in the Reciprocal Borrowing Program in the State of Illinois.
2. Confidentiality
Carol Stream Public Library complies with the Library Records Confidentiality Act (75ILCS 70/1). The registration and circulation records of the Library are confidential information. No person shall publish or make available to the public any information contained in those records, unless:
3. Lost Cards
Lost library cards should be reported to the Library immediately to prevent unauthorized use. The accountholder is responsible for all items borrowed on their lost card along with any fees for damages incurred prior to the date the library is notified.
4. Suspension of Privileges
Borrowing privileges may be suspended. Reasons for suspension include but are not limited to:
The Library reserves the right to enforce its policies through use of collection agencies, civil actions and/or criminal prosecution.
5. Temporary Residents
A person temporarily residing in the Village of Carol Stream for a minimum of thirty (30) consecutive days may be issued a temporary virtual library account with an expiration date set to ninety (90) days upon approval of application. This account allows 24/7 access to the Library’s online resources. Photo ID and verification of temporary Carol Stream address is required.
6. Non-Residents Who Own Property in Carol Stream
Persons who reside outside the Village of Carol Stream and pay taxes to the Carol Stream Public Library are eligible for a library account. One account will be issued per tax parcel and expire one (1) year from date of issue. Photo identification and verification of ownership are required. 75 ILCS 5/4-7 (12).
7. Non-Resident Accounts
The Board of Trustees is empowered to extend the privileges and use of the library to persons who are not served by a public library and to impose a non-resident fee for such services comparable to the cost paid by residents of the Village of Carol Stream. (Eligibility as defined in 23 ILAC 3050 and 75 ILCS 5/4-7 (12)).
8. Institution Special Borrowing Accounts
Accounts may be issued annually to institutions such as Schools, Government Agencies or Non-Profit Organizations located within the Village of Carol Stream for use of Carol Stream Public Library resources and services that directly benefit the mission of the organization. The institution agrees to be responsible for all fees incurred and must provide a list of authorized users limited to classroom instruction or research staff. Photo ID and verification of institution’s and applicants’ addresses are required.
9. Business Special Borrowing Accounts
Accounts may be issued annually to Businesses located within the Village of Carol Steam for use of Carol Stream Public Library resources and services that directly benefit the mission of the business. The Business Owner agrees to be responsible for all fees incurred and may provide a list of up to five (5) authorized users. Photo ID and verification of the business and applicants’ addresses are required.
10. Reciprocal Borrower Accounts
Reciprocal borrowing privileges are extended to a holder of a library card that is issued from an Illinois library that participates in the Reciprocal Borrowing Program. Reciprocal borrowers must present a library card issued by their local public library and current government-issued photo identification. Library privileges will be granted for one year or less dependent upon verification of eligibility and expiration date of card at home library. Some restrictions may apply.
Carol Stream Public Library Borrowing Policy
(Approved 8/19/15, Revised 10/21/20, Revised 8/18/21)
General Information
All members of the community may share equally in the use and enjoyment of library materials. People of all ages may use materials from most Carol Stream Public Library collection. The Library respects the right and responsibility of a parent/legal guardian to determine which library materials are appropriate for their children.
General guidelines for use of library materials include:
Replacement Costs
Carol Stream Public Library reserves the right to bill an account for replacement cost of overdue, lost or damaged material.
Notices will be sent reminding patrons to return overdue materials. Failure to receive notices does not absolve responsibility or liability for replacement costs.
Borrowing privileges are suspended due to overdue materials or bills exceeding our current threshold. Current thresholds are posted on our website.
Library accounts with charges in excess of $25 for lost, damaged or unreturned materials are transferred to Unique Management Services for recovery and an additional referral fee is charged to the account. Please be advised that charges incurred on a juvenile account are payable by the parent/legal guardian.
Service charges, in the amount equal to the bank’s current fees, will be billed to patron accounts for checks returned to the Library for insufficient funds.
Theft, Damage, or Failure to Return Library Materials
Taking materials from the Library, including but not limited to books, media, and equipment without proper checkout is a crime. Theft, damage, or failure to return Library materials in the amount of $50.00 or more is subject to the provisions of the Criminal Code of the Illinois Compiled Statutes. (720 ILCS 5/16-3 (c))
Resource Sharing Services
Carol Stream Public Library maintains membership in Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) and cooperates in reciprocal borrowing and interlibrary loan. The Library reserves the right to limit the number of items or restrict reciprocal borrowing access to specific collections.
Carol Stream Public Library Technology Resources Policy
Approved November 2008. Amended April 2010, July 2015, August 19, 2015 and December 15, 2021
The Carol Stream Public Library provides access to the Internet and other technology to be used to: learn about the technology; obtain information; create content; communicate with others; and carry out other appropriate tasks. All library equipment is the property and responsibility of the Carol Stream Public Library.
The purpose of this policy is to define appropriate use of the technology resources at the Carol Stream Public Library by library users and includes technology and resources accessed with equipment in the Library, loaned by the Library and/or via the Library’s wireless internet connection.
Wireless Internet access is available throughout the Library building, to users who have the necessary devices and software, via an open, unsecured network.
Staff will provide a limited amount of basic guidance to computer users. If a patron requires further assistance or instruction, one on one computer appointments can be arranged at the Adult Services Desk. One on one computer instruction is dependent on staff availability.
Use of the Library’s computer and Internet access constitutes acceptance and agreement of this Policy by a User.
Responsible Use
Library technology users must use the Library’s technology resources responsibly. Reliable and safe access to the Library’s technology resources requires that users accept their responsibilities to behave in ways that protect the community, and by so doing they also preserve their own access.
Use of the Library’s technology resources shall be guided by the following principles:
Use of the internet workstations requires one of the following:
Access by Minors
Parents or legal guardians, not Library staff, are solely responsible for monitoring which Internet or other technology resources are appropriate for their own children. It is the responsibility of parents to warn their children of the inherent dangers of disclosing or disseminating personally identifiable information.
Minors, 8 years of age and under, must be under the direct supervision (within eyesight) of their parent or legal guardian when using any Library computers.
Use of the Internet computers is limited to the workstations in the Youth Services Department for minors between the ages of 9 – 13 years, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. As space and availability permits, adults who have young children with them may use Youth Computers to remain in the Youth area with their children.
Filtering:
As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), the Library has implemented content filtering on the public Internet station(s) in the Youth Services Department in an effort to minimize access to visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, and other materials that are “harmful to minors.” Use of this software is not a guarantee that all sites considered objectionable have been filtered.
Users should be aware:
The Library does not monitor, nor have control over, the information available through the Internet, and the Library cannot be held responsible for the content of, or information accessed through, the Internet.
Sanctions
Unacceptable use of the Library’s Internet connection will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet privileges and may result in the loss of other Library privileges as well. Illegal acts involving Library computer stations and Internet use may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. Use of the Library’s Internet connection can be traced to individual users, subject to the Library Records Confidentiality Act.
(75 ILCS 70/1 et. Seq.).
Downloading
Patrons wishing to save their work must provide their own removable data storage device. If the patron does not have a data storage device, the Library may provide data storage devices when available. No work may be saved to the hard drive.
Grievance Procedures:
Any redress for grievance regarding any actions taken by Library staff to enforce the Policy must be submitted in writing to the Director. The Director shall respond in writing to this grievance. If the patron does not accept the Director’s response to the written grievance, the patron may submit a written redress for grievance to the Board of Library Trustees. The Board of Library Trustees shall review this grievance and provide a written response. The Board’s decision shall be final.
Indemnification by Users
All users agree to defend, indemnify, and hold the Library harmless from any liability or expense, including attorney fees, resulting from use of the Library’s technology resources by the user or caused by the user. Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LIBRARY BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY INJURY, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO USERS OF LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES, WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES ARE DIRECT OR INDIRECT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGE TO A USER’S PERSONAL EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE, OR DATA, OR LOSS OR INVASION OF THE USER’S PRIVACY IN THE USER’S COMPUTER ACCOUNTS, PROGRAMS, OR FILES, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGE OR INJURY RESULTS FROM AN ACT OR OMISSION OF THE LIBRARY OR ITS PERSONNEL ARISING FROM USE OF THE LIBRARY COMPUTER STATION OR INTERNET CONNECTION
The Library reserves the right to revise these policies at any time. All revisions will be posted in the Library. The user is responsible for staying informed of any and all revisions. Any grievances will be addressed according to the policies identified herein.
Policy Governing Patron Behavior | Library Use by Children and Vulnerable Adults | Grievance Procedures
Carol Stream Public Library Code of Conduct:
The Code of Conduct for the Carol Stream Public Library, in conjunction with the Policy Governing Patron Behavior, seek to ensure that all users of the Library experience a safe and welcoming environment conducive to both educational and leisure pursuits.
Patrons are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect for fellow patrons and Library staff and policies, behaving in a manner that does not hinder others from using the Library or Library materials. More specifically, all patrons are expected to:
Additional Standards:
Library users who disregard the Code of Conduct may be subject to follow-up action as detailed in the Policy Governing Patron Behavior.
Policy Governing Patron Behavior:
In accordance with the Illinois Compiled Statutes, (75 ILCS 5/4-7), the Board of Library Trustees of the Carol Stream Public Library has the following powers:
“To make and adopt…rules and regulations…for the government of the Library…” and “To exclude from the use of the Library any person who willfully violates the rules prescribed by the Board.”
Therefore, the Board of Trustees of the Carol Stream Public Library adopts the following as its policy on patron behavior:
1. The Library Director is delegated the authority to develop and amend as necessary reasonable rules and regulations governing appropriate patron behavior. This Code of Conduct will be available for examination in the Library.
2. Any patron who engages in any activity that materially disrupts the use of library facilities, collections, or services by patrons or materially disrupts the ability of the staff to perform its duties shall be given a verbal warning that his/her behavior is unacceptable and informed of the consequences should the behavior continue.
3. If, following this direction, the patron fails or refuses to comply, or responds to the request in an abusive manner, he/she will be required to immediately leave the Library property for the balance of that calendar day. If he/she fails to leave, the Carol Stream Police will be summoned.
4. Library personnel will maintain a record of instances in which patrons are required to leave the Library.
5. The Library staff has the right to request to see identification of any person on the premises who is violating Library policies or rules governing patron behavior.
6. Parents or guardians of minors will be notified in writing, whenever possible, after the first recorded instance in which a minor is required to leave Library property, and advised of the consequences of any further recorded instances.
7. Upon the second recorded instance within a four week period in which a patron is required to leave the Library, the Director shall ban the patron from Library property for a period of thirty days.
8. In the event a patron banned from Library property attempts entry to Library property during any such period of exclusion, the police will be immediately summoned to respond to this trespassing violation.
9. In the event the patron persists in abusive conduct or disruptive behavior following a period of exclusion, the Library Director shall report to the Board of Library Trustees to request consideration of a long-term period of exclusion of that patron.
10. The Library is not required to go through the entire intervention process detailed in this policy. Intervention may begin at any step, including immediate involvement of the police and/or banning from Library property, depending upon the severity of the incident or behavior.
11. Any redress for grievance regarding any actions taken by the Library staff to enforce Library public behavior standards must be submitted in writing to the Director. The Director shall respond in writing to this grievance. If the patron does not accept the Director’s response to the written grievance, the patron may submit a written redress for grievance to the Board of Library Trustees. The Board shall review this grievance and provide a written response. The Board’s decision shall be final.
Approved 12/15/21 (Replaces Policy 5.1.a Policy on Library USe by Children, approved 8/19/13.)
Library Use by Children
The Carol Stream Library work diligently to create a welcoming and safe environment for all our patrons, and especially for children and their families.
The Library staff is committed to assisting children and adults with informational needs and providing a space where people can create, search, play and learn.
The Carol Stream Public Library’s Policy Governing Patron Behavior and its companion Code of Conduct apply to all patrons regardless of age.
Children--Safety
Parents and caregivers must be aware that the Library is a public building, open to all, and as such it is unsafe to leave a child unattended or under-attended.
Parents and caregivers are solely responsible for their children while they are on Library property regardless of whether the parent or caregiver is in the library. Libraries are not designed or licensed to provide childcare, nor does the library act in loco parentis (in place of parents).
When the safety of an unattended or under-attended child is in doubt, or if the library is closing, library staff will attempt to contact the caregiver before calling 911. In the case of an immediate safety concern, staff will contact 911 immediately and then attempt to contact the caregiver.
Children, Age 8* and Under
Children, age eight (8) and younger, must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver (age fourteen (14) or older) who has been designated by the legal guardian to care for the child. Children under age eight (8) must be in sight of the parent/caregiver at all times. Library staff are happy to retrieve resources from other areas of the Library required by parents/caregivers.
*Age eight (8) and under is the age designated for Early Childhood Education Certification.
Children, Age 8 and Under – Programs
Some Library programs require that the parent/caregiver accompany the child. For all other Library programs, parent/caregivers of children eight (8) years of age and younger must remain in the Library and be readily available, returning to the program area by the end of the session.
Children, Age 9 and Up
Children, age nine (9) and up, are welcome to use the Library, unsupervised, if their behavior is in accordance with the Library’s Policy Governing Patron Behavior and its companion Code of Conduct.
For safety’s sake, parents/caregivers should make sure their children are sufficiently mature enough to observe proper conduct when visiting the Library by themselves. Parents/Caregivers are further advised that if children cannot follow the Code of Conduct, they may be asked to leave the Library. The Library shall notify the parent in writing, whenever possible, of incidents involving an unattended child.
Library Use by Vulnerable Adults*
The Library seeks to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all community members, and is concerned for the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults using the Library. A parent, guardian or caregiver over the age of 18 must be responsible for monitoring the activities and managing the behavior of vulnerable adults during their Library visits.
If a vulnerable adult is able to understand and follow the Code of Conduct and can care for their own needs, they are welcome to be in the Library unattended. They should have contact information to reach their parent or caregiver for transportation home or in case of emergency
During library hours, when the safety of a vulnerable adult is in doubt, library staff will attempt to contact the caregiver before calling 911. In the case of an immediate safety concern, staff will contact 911 immediately and then attempt to contact the caregiver.
*A vulnerable adult is functionally, mentally or physically unable to care for themselves beyond normal assistance with Library services. For their safety, it is recommended they be accompanied by a caregiver when visiting the Library.
Any redress for grievance regarding any actions taken by Library staff to enforce Library public behavior standards must be submitted in writing to the Director. The Director shall respond in writing to this grievance. If the patron does not accept the Director’s response to the written grievance, the patron may submit a written redress for grievance to the Board of Library Trustees. The Board of Library Trustees shall review this grievance and provide a written response. The Board’s decision shall be final.
Social Media Comment and Terms of Use Policy
Adopted 5/20/20 by the Carol Stream Public Library Board of Trustees
PURPOSE
Carol Stream Public Library (CSPL) uses social media to advance the Library’s mission to provide the community with exceptional services, enrichment opportunities, and diverse resources in a welcoming environment. Our intended audience is people residing within our official service area. The purposes of Carol Stream Public Library-sponsored online social networking are:
SCOPE
This policy applies to any web application, site, or account created or maintained by CSPL which facilitates the sharing of opinions and information about library related subjects or issues. For the purposes of this policy, social media includes formats such as blogs, instant messaging, texting, social networking, and media sharing sites.
PROVISIONS
By posting any comments, posts or other materials on Carol Stream Public Library’s social media pages, you give the Library permission to reproduce, distribute, publish, display, edit, modify, delete and otherwise use your submissions for any library-related purpose in any form on any media.
By posting content, the user agrees to hold harmless and indemnify CSPL and CSPL’s officers and employees from and against all liabilities, judgments, damages, and costs (including attorney’s fees) which result from or relate in any way to the user’s postings, opinions, or comments.
Comments containing any of the following content will not be permitted on CSPL’s social media sites and are subject to removal and/or restriction by CSPL:
A comment posted by a member of the public on any CSPL social media site is the opinion of the poster only, and publication of a comment does not imply endorsement of, or agreement by, CSPL, nor do the comments necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of CSPL.
CSPL reserves the right to deny access to CSPL social media sites for any individual who violates the CPSL’s social media policy, at any time and without prior notice.
All comments posted to any CSPL website or social media site hosted by a third-party (ex: Facebook, Twitter, etc.) are also bound by the third party host’s terms of use. CSPL reserves the right to report any violation of the third party host’s terms of use to the third party host with the intent of that host taking appropriate and reasonable responsive action.
Users who enter private or personal information on CSPL social media sites do so at their own risk, and CSPL is not responsible for any damages resulting from the public display of, or failure to remove, private or personal information. This policy and terms of use may be amended from time-to-time, without further notice.
DISCLAIMER
Comments and opinions expressed in external links appearing in posts are the views of that organization and may not reflect the official position of Carol Stream Public Library, its officers, or its employees.
PRIVACY
The Library may occasionally refer to or respond to public comments made on social media. However, it will not collect, sell, or knowingly transfer to any third party any personally identifiable information related to social media engagement with the Library unless otherwise required by law. Please be advised that each social media platform has its own privacy policies and should be carefully reviewed.
COPYRIGHT
Photo and video content on the Carol Stream Public Library System online social networking sites is governed by a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA).
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
All CSPL websites and social media sites must adhere to applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.
Any content posted to a CPSL website or social media site that is related to CSPL business may be a public record subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Content related to CSPL business must be maintained in an accessible format so that it can be produced in response to a request.
The Illinois Local Records Act may also apply to certain website and social media content. CSPL will preserve records required to be maintained pursuant to a relevant records retention schedule for the required retention period on a CSPL server in a format that preserves the integrity of the original record and is easily accessible.
E-discovery laws may apply to CSPL website and social media content. Therefore, content must be able to be managed, stored, and retrieved to comply with these laws.