Library Information
Library Information
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Hours
Winter Hours (begin 9/9/06)
Tuesday - 1:00 - 8:00
Wednesday - 9:00 - 12:00; 1:00 - 5:00
Thursday - 1:00 - 8:00
Friday - 9:00 - 12:00; 1:00 - 5:00
Saturday - 10:00 - 4:00
Sunday - closed
Monday - closedSummer Hours
Tuesday - 1:00 - 8:00
Wednesday - 9:00 - 12:00; 1:00 - 5:00
Thursday - 1:00 - 8:00
Friday - 9:00 - 12:00; 1:00 - 5:00
Saturday - closed
Sunday - closed
Monday - closed
Directions
The library is located at 44 Richards Ave., Paxton, MA, which is at the junction of Route 56 and Route 31, adjacent to the town common. For driving directions, try one of the following links.
Policies & Procedures
Assignment Alert
Teachers: Please click on the link below to access the Assignment Alert form. It requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a link to the free, downloadable program is also included. This sheet may be photocopied and used to keep library staff apprised of upcoming students' needs. Completed sheets may be left in the RML box at school, or faxed in using 508-754-0793.
Adobe Acrobat Reader - download site
Bulletin Board PolicyThe bulletin boards are available as a community service, therefore preference is given to Paxton notices. The board is available for notices and information of educational, cultural, intellectual and charitable activities of non-profit organizations. Neither notices of a purely commercial nature nor petitions are posted. Notices larger than 11" by 17" will be posted only as space allows. Notices will be posted for no longer than two months.
Cell Phones and Library TelephoneCell phone usage is not permitted in the library. The library has one telephone line and it is intended for staff use only.
Children's RoomThe purpose of our downstairs room is to provide a reading and play area primarily for children seven and under. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult, an older sibling, or caregiver at least 12 years old. It is hoped that this supervision will encourage a safer and more careful use of the library materials and toys, as well as foster an appreciation for reading together.
Computer UseThe computers in the library are available on a first-come-first-served basis for research using CD-ROM products, Internet, the library catalog or for word processing. Games are available only if the computer is free and only as long as no one else needs the computer for another use. The library reserves the right to limit the amount of continuous time a patron may spend on the computer.
All patrons wishing to use the Internet must sign an Internet User's Agreement which states the following:
- All patrons under 18 must have a parent co-sign the user's agreement.
- All patrons under 12 must have a parent with them while using the Internet.
- It is the responsibility of the parent to assist, advise or monitor their children's use of the Internet.
- All adult patrons must present identification when signing the agreement.
- Patrons are expected to use this resource for legal, ethical and appropriate purposes.
Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to:
- Libeling, harassing or slandering other users
- Destruction or damage to equipment, data, or software
- Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic data or software
- Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material
- Violation of system security
- Displaying computer images that are inappropriate for public viewing
- Individual email accounts and on-line chat are not available
As with other library materials, a child's use of the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. For other uses of the computer, a child must be at least three years old and accompanied by a parent until six years old.Patrons are not allowed to bring a disc from home or to save their files to the hard drive. If they wish to save their work or to download information from the Internet, they may purchase a disc from the library for $1.00. The disc must be stored at the library if they wish to use it again in a library computer.
Copying and PrintingWe provide black & white copies on 8 1/2" x 11" paper on our computer printers at a cost of 10 cents a page. Color copies cost $1.00 per page. Please ask a librarian to show you how to lay out your materials so you will avoid the unnecessary expense of a bad copy.
Interlibrary Loans (ILL) and HOLDSOne of the benefits of being a member of a regional library system is the ability to borrow materials from other libraries. Our librarians will be happy to assist you in requesting a maximum of 3 ILL or HOLDS items at a time. If you wish, you can search our regional catalog to find which libraries own the material you are interested in. Or just ask a librarian for a form to request the item via the ILL or HOLDS system.
ILL and HOLDS items are generally circulated for four weeks and usually cannot be renewed. Each library in the system has its own policy regarding ILL and HOLDS, which can affect the due date. ILL and HOLDS materials are checked out to you when we receive them. The RML librarian will call to notify you when the material is available. It is important that you pick up the material as quickly as possible to ensure you have ample time to use it. The library reserves the right to refuse ILL service to borrowers who fail to pick up or return ILL and HOLDS materials.
If there is a cost associated with borrowing the material -- i.e. processing fee, postage, or a fine -- such costs will be passed on to the patron.
The Central Massachusetts Regional Library System (CMRLS) also maintains an extensive audiovisual collection for use by its members. The collection list is available online and you may locate the AV Center materials at the CMRLS homepage (www.cmrls.org). The circulation policies are set by the AV Center and are as follows:
- ADVANCE NOTICE: a minimum of three (3) days advance notice is required to process AV requests
- MEDIA TYPES, LOAN PERIODS, AND ITEMS PER BOOKING:
Videos: 4 for one week or two weeks
Books on Cassette: 2 for 4 weeks
16mm Films: unspecified for one week
please note: your actual due date may reflect a shorter loan period in order for us to allow for transportation time- PICK-UP AND RETURN: all materials must be picked up and returned to Richards Memorial Library
- LATE RETURNS: AV Center charges a re-booking fee of $5./item if materials are returned late.
LOSS OR DAMAGE: patrons are responsible for any loss or irreparable damage to AV Center materials.
Library CardsAll borrowers shall complete borrower registration forms on which is required name, residence and mailing address, and telephone number. Proof of identity shall be required.
In accordance with Chapter 78, Section 7 of MGL, borrower records which reveal "the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using" a library shall be kept confidential and not released as a public record to law enforcement or other agencies and individuals.
A Richards Memorial Library card will be issued for borrowers completing the necessary forms. All patrons should be prepared to show their library cards when borrowing library materials. Replacement library cards cost $1.00 to reissue.
Material DonationsWhen materials are donated to the library, the same criteria that are used in choosing books for purchase shall be applied. If the decision is made not to include the donated material, it will be returned to the donor or included in materials for the next library book sale.
Material LoansAll materials except videos/DVDs
Most materials circulate for a two week loan period. Exceptions include videos and DVDs, which are either overnight or three day loans, materials which have a long list of reserves, and museum/cultural passes which are overnight loans. Current issues of magazines and reference materials do not circulate. Holiday books are loaned for one week only.Patrons are limited to two materials on their first visit to the library. If they are returned on time, there will be no limits on future check-outs.
Renewals Materials other than videos, DVDs, and passes may be renewed for an additional 2 weeks either by phone or in person. Reserved materials cannot be renewed.
Videos/DVDsReserves
Patrons requesting librarian assistance for reserves will be able to reserve 3 items at one time. Patrons may do their own reserves on our in-house computers.
The library offers 2 types of video and DVD loans, one-day and three-day. One-day loans can be distinguished by the empty box on the video shelf. With three-day loans you will find the actual video or disc in the box on the shelf. In both instances, you will need to bring the video boxes to the desk for check-out.
Due Dates
One-day loans will be due before the library closes the following day. It is important that one-day videos that are reserved by a patron for the weekend be returned by noon on Saturday (1:00 on Friday during summer hours or when the library is closed on that particular Saturday).Three-day videos will be due before the library closes three days after the checkout.
Please note: On Saturdays (Fridays during summer hours) all videos and DVDs checked out will be due on Tuesday because the library is closed until then.
Exercise videos are loaned for one week.
Returns
Videos and DVDs may be returned in the outside book drop box when the library is closed. If the library is open, it is important for you to return them inside. We only clear the book drop just prior to opening, so if you leave your video in the drop box when we are open, it will not be checked in until the following day, thus generating a fine.Renewals
Videos may be renewed in person at the library if not on reserve for the weekend. We are unable to do phone renewals for videos.Fines
Fines are charged at the rate of $1./day per video. If the library is closed due to inclement weather all fines are suspended for that day. Our video/DVD collection is funded solely by fines and donations.See Overdue Materials policy for additional information.
Reserves
Up to 3 one-day videos/DVDs per family may be reserved for the weekend. Videos should be picked up on Saturday by 3:30 (Friday during the summer hours) and will be due on Tuesday. All reserved videos not picked up by 3:30 will be put on the shelf and available for loan.Three-day videos cannot be reserved.
To reserve your video and DVD choices you will need to fill in your name and the video numbers on the reservation sheet. Then put your name and Saturday's date on a sticker provided. Place the sticker on the spine of the video box just above the video number. You may pick up your videos at the checkout desk.
Video reservations are offered as a courtesy, not a guarantee.
Memorial ContributionsWhen contributions are made to the library as a memorial donation, acknowledgment will be sent to the donor, acknowledging receipt only. The exception to this will be when the donation is specified to be spent on books. In that instance, the titles, if known, of the books to be purchased will be included in the acknowledgment to the family. All acknowledgments will be made within a month of the receipt of donation.
Meeting AreasLibrary Meeting areas are available to non-profit organizations for purposes consistent with the general objectives of the library. A representative of the organization shall:
- Pre-register for space and time slot.
- Provide an expected schedule of meetings. In the case of Scout groups, this should include the dates and locations of any meetings that will be held elsewhere and the names and phone numbers of leaders.
- Notify us of any changes to the calendar.
- Observe library's policy for unattended children as well as use of children's and juvenile's rooms.
- Be responsible for cleaning area after each meeting, removing trash, wiping down tables, sweeping or wiping floor and storing all materials.
- Observe library closing time, allowing enough time for all participants to leave before library is due to close. Other arrangements can be made directly with Director.
Nonresident UseAs a participant in the Library Incentive Grant/Municipal Equalization Grant (LIG/MEG) program administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Richards Memorial Library must comply with requirements regarding use of its collection that are specified in Massachusetts Regulations (605 CMR 4.00).
The Richards Memorial Library extends reciprocal borrowing privileges to residents of the Commonwealth who reside in communities that offer state certified library services. Such reciprocity is no longer possible when a library ceases to provide services or reduces its hours below a reasonable level for the size of the community it serves as determined by the MBLC.
It is therefore the policy of Richards Memorial to discontinue borrowing privileges to residents of communities that terminate library services or reduce hours of opening below the state requirement for the size of that community, except when such action is taken for cause beyond the community's control such as fire or natural disaster.
The Richards Memorial Library continues to extend access to its materials for use in the library for all Massachusetts residents as required by 605 CMR 4.0(1) which states that "all residents of the Commonwealth shall have access to its reading and reference rooms under the same conditions as the residents of the community."
Once a library is recertified, an immediate reinstatement of borrowing privileges will be provided to all affected borrowers.
Overdue MaterialsWith the exception of videos and DVDs, fines will not be charged on overdue materials. In lieu of fines, there will be a donation jar on the desk so patrons who wish to may donate to the library. Funds collected from these donations will be deposited in the bank account known as the "Richards Memorial Library Memorial Account." Fines on videos and DVDs will be $1.00 per item per day overdue. Funds collected from video and DVD fines will be used to purchase new videos and DVDs and processing materials.
Overdue notices will be sent on materials that are three weeks overdue. Patrons will have one week to return materials before a processing fee of $1.00 per item is imposed. Patrons with materials that are six weeks overdue will be sent a letter that includes replacement cost of the materials and notification that their library privileges are suspended. One week after receipt of the letter, a $5.00 per item processing fee will be imposed. All materials must be returned or replaced and all fees and fines paid before privileges are reinstated. Suspension of privileges may be extended to include immediate family members.
Patrons will be charged the cost of materials that are lost or damaged.
See Material Loans for additional information regarding video and DVD fines.
Patron BehaviorPatrons are expected to comply with all rules, regulations and policies of the Richards Memorial Library and conduct themselves in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of Richards Memorial Library by other patrons.
The following activities are not allowed in the library:
- Eating or drinking
- Playing of audio equipment so that others can hear it
- Smoking
- Carrying a weapon into the library unless authorized by law
- Bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a patron with a disability
- Misusing the rest rooms
- Talking loudly, making noise or engaging in other disruptive conduct
- Interfering with another person's use of the library or with the library personnel's performance of their duties
All patrons are expected to comply with the library's policies regarding:
- Unattended children
- Appropriate dress
- Appropriate use of the computers
After offending behavior has been brought to the attention of the offender and improvement has not occurred within a reasonable period of time, the Director may suspend or limit library privileges for any of the above reasons.Library privileges will be limited or suspended for the following reasons:
- Damages, stealing, or failing to return library materials
- Failing to pay fees or fines
- Threatening to harm or harming staff or patrons
SolicitationSolicitations or sales at the library or on library grounds will be allowed only by community-based groups for nonmonetary items as space permits. Exceptions will be special events to be held for the sole benefit of the library.
Unattended ChildrenThe Richards Memorial Library welcomes children to the library and hopes that they perceive it as a warm, inviting, and enjoyable place. Library staff is here to provide you and your child with library services. However, the staff's duties cannot include looking after the safety of children or monitoring their behavior. Therefore, the following guidelines have been established:
- Children aged 7 and under must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a parent, another adult or a designated mature teenager. By "supervise" we mean that a parent is with the child at all times and is insuring that the child's behavior does not present a safety hazard to himself/herself, to other patrons, or to library property; and that the child's behavior does not interfere with the use of the library by others.
- Children 8 to 10 may be left unsupervised in the library for up to one half-hour so long as they are able to abide by the library's rules.
- Children aged 11 and over may be left unsupervised so long as they abide by the library's rules.
- Children exhibiting disruptive and inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave the premises for a period of time from one day up to a week at the discretion of the Director. Parents of repeat offenders will be notified of behavior problems and the action taken.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
VolunteersRichards Memorial Library Welcomes and appreciates volunteers. However, volunteers must be trained and supervised, thus creating a burden on staff and a cost to the library. Therefore, the library reserves the right to screen potential volunteers on the basis of ability, readiness, skill, and character. Because of staff time involved in training, a minimal six month commitment of service may be required with a minimal weekly commitment of two hours. Thus a volunteer can be accepted only within the needs and time constraints of the staff.
Contact UsWe appreciate any helpful comments and suggestions on our website or the library. At the present time we are unable to answer reference questions or handle questions relating to the circulating of materials.
Phone & Fax: 508-754-0793
