This information should help you get the greatest use from the library. Boscawen residents over six are entitled to a card, and out-of-town cards are available for a small fee. The signature of a parent or guardian is required for children under 14. Your library card is necessary to check out materials or to use our public access computers. Borrow as many books as you like, and four movies at a time. Everything checks out for two weeks, and you can call or e-mail to renew your items.
The Boscawen Public Library maintains the confidentiality of library records in accordance with New Hampshire and federal law. Parents of minor children must understand that under state law, all patron records are confidential. The issuance of a separate card to a minor entitles the child to the same privacy as an adult. The Boscawen Public Library encourages parents to be aware of what their children are withdrawing from the Library.
In keeping with the Library's ideal of the free and respectful exchange of ideals, patrons are expected to treat each other and staff well. All persons entering the Library should wear appropriate clothing. Shirt and shoes are required. Cell phone conversations infringe on the right of other patrons to a quiet library experience. Restrict cell phone use to emergency situations. No food or drink is allowed in the Library. Only service animals may enter the Library.
The library trustees intend to have the library open for its scheduled hours with very few exceptions. When the town administrator makes the decision to close the town offices, the library closes at the same time. In the event of an extreme weather forecast, the town administrator will contact the library director to advise that the town office will not open on that day, and the library will close as well. Patrons will not be charged for overdue materials for the time the library is closed.
Children under six shall not be unattended. A child is unattended if he is in the library without a responsible adult over the age of 18. Children over six should know how to reach a parent or guardian. Parents should be aware of the closing time of the Library and should arrange to pick up their child before the Library closes.
Computer use: If another patron is waiting to use the computer, time is limited to one half hour. Library patrons may not manipulate any library computer settings. This prohibition includes downloading software and storing files on library computer hard drives. A first offense will receive two weeks' suspension of computer privileges. Malicious damage may result in criminal charges. All patrons using library computers are expected to act in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner in accordance with the laws of the United States. They should understand that information may contain illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or offensive material. Patrons have a right to expect that the Library will make a reasonable effort to protect privacy. All Internet work stations are located in public areas and images on the screen may be visible to a wide audience. Internet users must respect the rights and sensitivities of others.
