Library Policies:
> The Hope Community Library offers free unsecured Wi-Fi for any patron using a personal device, such as smart phone, tablet, laptop, etc inside or outside the library. There are 2 desktop computers for patrons to use during open hours in the library. Internet and computer usage is collected electronically, such as connections and sign ins, and is reported to the state in an annual survey.
> Middle school and high school patrons with a library card and correct permissions may use the computers unsupervised by parent or guardian. Elementary patrons with a library card and correct permissions may use the computer while supervised directly by parent or guardian.
> If there is are patrons waiting to use computers time will be limited to 30 minutes per patron. If there is no one waiting time will not be limited.
> Computer privileges may be suspended at any time by any staff member due to inappropriate or destructive behavior. Reinstatement will be determined by the library director.
> The computers are connected to a color printer. Any pages sent to wireless printer will be at the expense of the patron, 10¢ for each black and white print and 25¢ for each colored print.
Revised and Adopted 2/26/2025
Checkout Limits:
10 items total
3 DVDs at a time
*Family cards can ask to up the limit per child.
Checkout periods:
2 weeks for books
1 week for DVDs
2 weeks for Inter Library Loans
Overdue Fees:
10¢ per day item is late with a maximum fine of $1.00
Renewals:
If you are nearing the due date call 785-366-7219, email hopelibrary@tctelco.net, or stop by the library in person and we can renew your checkouts as long as there is no wait list for the item(s). As of 2/1/25 you can request to renew materials on line via NorCat Account at https://nckls.bywatersolutions.com/ after logging in to your account.
Lost/Damaged/Overdue Items
If items are returned with in two day of due day you will not accruing late fees.
If an item has not been returned after 30 days it will be considered lost and you will be sent a bill for the replacement cost. You will have the option to pay for the replacement or return in good condition and pay overdue fine. If a book is returned damaged beyond repair you will be billed for the replacement cost. You will continue to receive over due email or notices until account is settled.
New Library Members
New members are only allowed to check out 3 items at a time for the first 3 months as a trial. No books may be inter-library loaned during trial period. If accounts are in good standing at the end of the 3 month trial you will be allowed to check out the full limit.
Revised and Adopted 2/26/2025
Public access to the Internet and online services have become an integral part of the library’s programs and services. The intent of this policy is to meet the provisions of the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act, as well as provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding online computer use of Internet accessible computers.
The purpose of the Internet Safety Policy is to implement and enforce technology protection measures to: ensure that no minor has access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene; and ensure that no person has access to visual depictions that are child pornography or obscene while using a public access computer.
Developed under the direction of the Board of Directors, this Internet Safety Policy was discussed and adopted during an open meeting of the Library Board on July 21, 2015. This policy supersedes all previous Internet Safety Policy statements of the library and is effective immediately.
This policy document will be reviewed by the Board of Directors at least every three years.
Legal Requirements
The Internet Safety Policy complies with the applicable requirements of subsection (b) and L. 2013, ch. 98, sec. 1, and amendments thereto, commonly known as the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act (KS-CIPA).
The library has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure or other process that blocks or filters online access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene as defined in L. 2013, ch. 98, sec.1.
Supervision and Monitoring
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled only for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the library staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.
Patrons who encounter web sites which they believe should be blocked but which are not, or who are prevented from accessing web sites which they believe should not be blocked may submit a complaint. This should be given in writing to the staff member in charge and include the URL of the site in question and whether the request is to block or unblock it. Staff shall examine the site and determine whether it should be blocked or unblocked. If the technology protection measure being used is a regional service, the information and recommendation shall be forwarded to the appropriate regional staff.
Complaints about enforcement of this policy or observed patron behavior which violate this policy shall also be submitted in writing to the library director, providing as much detail as possible.
The library shall inform patrons of the provisions of this policy, including the standards used and procedures for complaint, by making the policy available on the library’s web site.
Revised and Approved 4/9/2025
> The Library shall observe holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. From time to time the director or board may designate other days as special holidays.
> For weather closings, the library follows USD 481. If the school closes due to weather the library will also close. However, if we do not open till after noon of that day we will re-evaluate the weather and determine if we will open or not.
We post closings on our Facebook page. We try to determine as early as possible if we will be open or not.
Revised and Adopted 2/26/2025
The purpose of the policy is to specify the types of donations the library will accept and how these donations will be handled.
Book Donations
The library accepts gifts of library materials including but not limited to DVDs and books.
All books will be evaluated in accordance with the Hope Community Library Collection Management Policy.
In most cases, usable materials that the Library does not add to their shelves will be added to the sale shelf and eventually added to the annual sale held during the Hope Heritage Festival. Money raised at this book sale will be used to benefit the library and its programs.
In the case of a donation of a collection of materials, the library will work with the donor to determine the location and maintenance of the collection. The library may not be able to or wish to agree to the donors’ requests with regard to issues such as keeping collection together, additions to collection, expenses with upkeep or general issues with shelf space.
If any items are left as donations but not accepted by the library they will be disposed of or sold by the library. The proceeds will go towards library services and programs.
Equipment & Furniture Donations
In general the library does not accept equipment or furniture donations unless it is an item we are in need of. If the library is to accept a donation of equipment or furniture, it must be up to date, in good repair and fit the needs of the library.
If any items are left as donations but not accepted by the library an attempt to return the items will be made. If the items are unsuccessfully returned they will be disposed of or sold by the library. The proceeds will go towards library services and programs.
Monetary Donations
The library accepts gifts on money in any amount.
The donor may specify how they wish the money to be spent by the library such as:
- A particular type of library material, service, or activity
- A particular item of furniture or equipment
All monetary gifts received by the library will be processed within five business days of receiving the money. All donors of monetary gifts will be sent acknowledgement of donation within ten days or receiving the money.
Revised and Adopted 4/9/2025
The Kansas Public Library Standards identify library service levels corresponding to service populations. A Gateway library (fewer than 500 people) provides an access point with trained personnel where users can be connected to information services meeting their personal and professional needs. Emphasis is placed on (1) supplying recreational reading and viewing needs through current materials, (2) public access to online information resources, and (3) regional resources.
- Recreational reading needs are met by providing contemporary books of interest to the community, including a varied selection of fiction and non-fiction, for readers of all ages. Based on area demographics, emphasis is placed on large print books for adults. An effort is made to acquire all the books in any series for uninterrupted reading. The adult collection does not include mass market paperback books; the children’s collection includes only hardcover books with no pop-ups, flaps, spiral binding, etc. Recreational viewing needs are met by providing family friendly DVDs.
- Patron computers are provided for use in the library by the public. Middle school and high school youth with a library card may use the computers unsupervised by a parent or adult legal guardian. Younger children with a library card must be directly supervised by a parent or adult legal guardian using the computer for the first time during a 30 minute session. Permissions must be given and approved in Koha. The library offers free unsecured Wi-Fi 24/7 for anyone using a personal device (i.e. smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) inside or outside the premises.
- Regional resources are provided through the rotating book collection supplied by the North Central Kansas Library System, and statewide interlibrary loan.
Revised and Adopted 4/9/2025
The purpose of the collection development policy is to ensure the information provided in our library is current and useful to patrons. It is also to ensure the material available are relevant to the publics needs and wants and to help broaden knowledge and promote recreational reading.
New materials will be purchased according to and in consideration of:
- Availability of shelf space
- Patron requests or anticipated popular demand
- Format and durability
- Relationship to existing materials in collection such as a series
- Potential Appeal and Trends
- Significance to the area and history
- Date if publication
- Price and available budget
Materials including books and DVDs will be removed if it is:
- Damaged
- Now obsolete or outdated
- Worn beyond use but may be replaced if still continuing to circulate regularly.
- No longer circulating or used for reference purposes regularly, approximately 5-7 years with no check outs
Books removed from our shelves will be placed on our sale shelf and used in the annual book sale in September. If items are not sold in the annual sale other arrangements such as donating or discarding of items will be considered. If the sale shelf has room items will be put there first. If items are too damaged they will be discarded.
Gifts/Donations
The Hope Community Library does accept donations of books and DVDs. Not all donations the library accepts will necessarily be added to the shelves based on the above criteria. Once donated the items become the possession of the Hope Community Library and we will determine what to do with them. If we do not add the material to our collection it will be added to our sale, donated to NCKLS, or discarded. If you would like your donated items back please make arrangements before you leave to collect any unwanted items.
Revised and Adopted 4/9/2025