Programs & Services Policy

1. Story Hour 

        Story Hour is provided by the library for children 5 & under. The Story Hour program runs from September through May. The Head Librarian is responsible for the type of program presented.  Volunteers and Staff may assist as needed.

2. Summer Reading Program

      The summer reading program is provided by the staff for children in preschool (3 years of age) through the 8th grade. The format of the program is based on Illinois Library Association materials.  Incentives and special programs are provided within budget constraints.

3. Facsimile Service

       Facsimile Service is available to the public. The cost is $2.00 per page.

4. Computer and On-line Access Policy

        As part of its mission to provide current technology and electronic information resources, the staff and library board have worked together to develop the following policies and procedures to help insure quality computer/Internet service to the patrons of the Sparta Public Library.

ANY ABUSE OF THIS POLICY WILL RESULT IN TERMINATION OF ACCESS IN THE FUTURE FOR THE AMOUNT OF TIME DECIDED UPON BY THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR AND LIBRARY BOARD:

  • Computers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for a total of 60 minutes one time per day. However, computers may be reserved for a specific time for research/training/homework purposes. If an appointment cannot be kept, the library staff must be notified immediately. If appointments are habitually cancelled by patron, the director and staff reserve the right to suspend making appointments for said patron.
  • In order to maximize the availability of computers to all patrons, computer usage is limited to one time per day per user.
  • Resident & Non-Resident Users:  To access the Internet or other software applications, users must enter their Sparta Public Library card number and PIN number.
  • Reciprocal Borrowers:  For those users that are reciprocal borrowers (valid library users form other Illinois libraries), may use computers by presenting their home library card. As long as reciprocal borrowers are in good standing with their home library and the Sparta Public Library, they may obtain a guest pass to use the Internet or other on-line resources. Guest passes limit users to 60 minutes per day. No prorated allowances are made for using less than 60 minutes.
  • One-time Visitor Passes:  Users, who do not possess a Sparta Library Card or a library card from another Illinois library, may be issued a one-time guest pass. Visiting users will be required to sign-in at the informartion desk. Guest passes limit users to 60 minutes per day. No prorated allowances are made for using less than 60 minutes.
  • Net 10 Cards:  For individuals who may be visiting Sparta for a short-term period, the library does allow individuals to purchase time to access the computer/Internet. Individuals may purchase a “NET 10” card for $10. This allows the individual to use the library’s computers on 10 different occasions in accordance with the above listed policies.
  • Internet Express:  Visiting patrons and patrons who have already utilized their 60 minute time limit are encouraged to use the library’s Internet Express computer. Patrons ages 17 and above are welcome to use the Internet Express for 10 minutes to check e-mail and surf the Internet briefly. This terminal is first come, first serve. Please be courteous if someone is waiting.Printing is not allowed on the Internet Express terminal.
  • Since the library is dedicated to lifelong learning, users may be able to use computers and Internet services for longer than one hour per day, depending on availability and if the patron is using the computer for homework, job force training, or searching for a job. In order to reserve a computer, patrons must make arrangements with staff prior to sitting down at the computer.Extended computer use is up to the discretion of the library director and staff.
  • Any library patron with overdue fines in excess of $2.00 will lose his/her computer/Internet privileges.
  • No more than two people may work at one computer at the same time. No lounging, looking on, or socializing will be permitted around the computers.
  • Filtering:  A filter has been installed on all public access terminals. This gives the library the flexibility to select Internet content using the same criteria applied as collection development guidelines for other materials. A filtering device does not replace a parents’/guardians’ responsibility to supervise what is appropriate content for minors to access over the internet. The library is not held accountable for information viewed or downloads from the Internet. A filter is not always effective in blocking access to materials in violation of the library’s Internet policy. If an individual is 18 or older, the filter may be disabled.
  • The library staff may assist the patron in how to start the Internet browser, and other basic functions of our particular Internet system. The computer stations are intended for patrons with prior knowledge and some experience using the Internet.
  • Computers are NOT to be TURNED OFF or RE-BOOTED by patrons. Library staff must be notified immediately if there are any problems.
  • NO information can be saved on the library’s hard drive. In the event information is saved on the hard drive, it will be erased by the librarian. Users may download or save to their own thumb drive; thumb drives can be purchased at the information desk for $5.00.
  • Printing Cost:  Patrons are allowed to print documents. Black and white printouts are 30 cents per page. Color printouts are 50 cents per page. Patrons must prepay before printing.
  • In order to avoid technical difficulties and tampering with equipment, patrons can NOT bring their own printing supplies in to be used with the library’s printers. The library does sell resume paper and business card cardstock. The cost is 25 cents per page.
  • Due to the network security loaded on each computer, patrons are unable to load any software or listen to music CD’s.
  • Internet Use by Children:  All students who are age 16 and under are required to have a signed parental permission slip on file with the library. Parents must sign the form in person and provide photo identification for verification purposes.
  • Any student age 17 or under found accessing pornographic material will lose his/her Internet privileges for a minimum of 6 months.
  • The library does not censor or endorse the viewpoints found within information accessed through the Internet. Information on the Internet changes constantly and Internet users must be aware that not all of the information found on the Internet is current, accurate or comprehensive.

5. Photocopy Machine

        The Sparta Public Library will provide photocopy services within copyright guidelines for library patrons and the general public.  The cost per copy will be 50 cents per single-sided copy and $1.00 per double-sided copy.
        The employee working at the desk will be responsible for making copies.  If the library is extremely busy, and the photocopy request is time consuming, the patron may be asked to make arrangements to pick up the photocopied materials at a later date.

6. Patron Complaints

        All complaints regarding the presence or absence of any library material will be referred to the Head Librarian who will discuss the matter with the complainant.  If not satisfied, the patron is requested to state his/her objections in writing on a form which will be provided by the library.  After the form is filled out and returned to the librarian, the complaint and the materials in question will be brought before the Library Board at its next regular meeting for consideration.  A reply will be made to the patron within thirty days of the meeting.  Material objected to will remain in the active collection unless otherwise decided by the Library Board.

7. Other Complaints

            All other complaints can be referred to the Head Librarian who will discuss the matter with the person making the complaint and will take the action she feels is appropriate; If the action taken is not satisfactory to the complainant, the issue will be turned over to the Library Board.