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Mission Statement

The Pontiac Free Library strives to provide reading, entertainment, and informational resources for all our patrons in a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. We endeavor to meet the needs of our patrons by providing a well-rounded collection of leisure reading and audiovisual materials as well as reference resources in a variety of formats utilizing the latest technologies, including internet access.

 

Service Statement

The Pontiac Free Library primarily serves the Pontiac Village community of Warwick and surrounding areas of Warwick and Cranston. As a member of the Ocean State Libraries consortium (OSL), the Pontiac Free Library allows full access to its materials and services at no charge to all residents of Rhode Island, as well as other states who pay a yearly non-resident fee of $185.00.

The Pontiac Free Library follows the ALA Bill of Rights in making the use of the library available to any patron without discrimination because of age, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation or physical characteristics.

The library is staffed with friendly and professional people who provide prompt and courteous service to patrons.

Confidentiality rights of all library patrons will be upheld as provided in the ALA Code of Ethics.

In keeping with the mission statement, the library purchases materials in various formats that can be used for recreational, informational or educational purposes. Such materials include books, newspapers, magazines, DVDs, audio books, museum passes, maps, e-books, and online databases.

In addition, the Pontiac Free Library offers programs for all ages, computers with internet access, word processing, and spreadsheet capabilities, The Library web site provides access to the online catalog, library program offerings, and additional online resources.

The Pontiac Free Library is a member of the Ocean State Libraries network.  We abide by the consortium policies with regard to borrowing privileges and the sharing of library materials.

(Approved by the Board of Trustees  of The Pontiac Free Library Association, May 28, 2024)

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Interlibrary Loan Policy

The Pontiac Free Library is a member of the Ocean State Libraries (OSL) Consortium and the Library of Rhode Island (LORI).

Anyone with a library card issued at an OSL library may borrow materials from the Pontiac Free Library.

Inter-library loan service is available to valid library card holders, except those holding local-use-only cards.  Library holdings may be requested via the OSL electronic catalog.  These include materials belonging to any public library in Rhode Island, as well as materials owned by college and university libraries that participate in the Library of Rhode Island network (LORI).  Availability of these items is dependent on the owning library’s policies.  Items not found in the public or LORI libraries can be requested from other colleges and universities in Rhode Island.  If the items are not found, they may be requested from out-of-state.  A one-way shipping charge may be required for out-of-state materials. We do not charge overdue fines for ILL materials returned late. Due date is usually one month, however the date is set by the owning library and therefore may be less than one month. Renewals may be requested.

Pontiac Free Library materials are available for inter-library loan with the exception of items for which reserves are not allowed.

(Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Pontiac Free Library Association on May 28, 2024)

Revised March 8, 2018

Revised March 5, 2021

 

Patron Behavior Policy

The following rules are posted for the comfort, safety, and protection of all who use the library. The staff of the library reserves the right to interpret what is considered acceptable behavior within the library. We ask that all patrons, visitors, volunteers, and staff respect the building and its contents and respect others by maintaining appropriate public behavior. Please remember:

• Appropriate attire must be worn (shoes, shirts, and bathing suit coverups required.)

• As a courtesy to other patrons, and as a privacy issue, cell phone conversations should be taken outside the library.

• Children under the age of 10 must be supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible caregiver. Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior.

• Impaired individuals who might require assistance in an emergency should be accompanied by a responsible person.

• Electronic equipment should not be audible, with or without headphones/earbuds.

• Smoking, strong odors, and powerful fragrances present health issues for some people. You will be asked to leave.
   

The following are not allowed on Library property:

• Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, or use of tobacco in any form.

• Eating in the library is not allowed, except in designated areas. Drinks with covers are allowed.

• The use of profanity or other offensive language.

• Littering. Please use trash receptacles.

• Loud or disruptive behavior of any kind.

• Recording, photographing, or filming persons in the library without prior consent from the library director and from the person(s) being recorded, photographed or filmed.

• Inappropriate use of technology which violates the technology use policy.

• Possession, use of, or acting under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any substance-abuse-related conduct.

• Rearranging, defacing, damaging, destroying, altering, or removing library property.

• Vandalism or deliberate destruction of another person’s items.

• Theft of library materials or personal property. Violators will be prosecuted.

• Verbally or physically threatening, harassing, or assaulting patrons, volunteers, or staff including stalking, staring, or lurking.

• The use of wheeled devices in the library, including skateboards, rollerblades/roller-skates (including “heelys”), bicycles, scooters, and shopping carts. This excludes the use of wheelchairs, walkers, assistive scooters, and strollers. Bicycles should be parked at the bike rack in the parking lot.

• Loitering and sleeping.

• Panhandling, soliciting, or conducting surveys except as authorized by the Library.

• Any consensual or non-consensual sexual acts including touching, obscene actions, or indecent exposure.

• Carrying, possessing or displaying weapons is prohibited with the exception of security personnel and police officers carrying service weapons.

• Using restroom for bathing, shampooing, or doing laundry.

• Animals are not permitted inside the Library, except service animals, unless authorized by the director.

• Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request.
   

People failing to follow these rules may be asked to leave the Library and will lose their privileges.  Action will be taken should anything interfere with another’s ability to use/enjoy the Library, or should it endanger one’s safety or health. Offenders may have their access to the Library limited for a period of time or indefinitely. Individuals who habitually violate these rules or threaten or endanger others may be banned from the Library. Library staff will enforce all Library rules and, if necessary, call for police assistance. Unlawful activities will be reported to the police.

(Approved by the Pontiac Free Library Association Board of Trustees, May 28, 2024)

 

 

Click here for Computer and Internet Policy

 

Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room Policies and Procedures

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1. Any organization or non-profit group (user) wishing to use the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room must complete the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room application form at least 7 days (Monday-Saturday) from the requested scheduling date. The application must be completed by an adult (18+) who assumes responsibility for the organization or group’s compliance with the rules and regulations of the Library, for the conduct of attendees of the organization or group’s program, and for the care (or any damage to the room or its contents) and cleanliness of the Library Meeting Room. Any organization, group, or non-profit group will hold harmless the Board of Trustees, or any of its employees for personal injury or property damage arising out of the use of the premises (inside or outside).

2. The Library reserves the right to conduct programs at any time. A Library sponsored program has priority over other uses of the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room. In the event of a scheduling conflict users will be given as much notice as possible.

3. Maximum room capacity of 107 people will be observed at all times.

4. In case of an emergency of any kind the user must immediately notify a Library staff member.

5. Smoking including vaping is not allowed in the building at any time. Open flames, flame devices, candles or theatrical smoke is not permitted.

6. The user of the Pontiac Free Library Meeting room is responsible for setting up the room as well as returning the room to its original condition. The user may bring refreshments, but is responsible for cleanup, discarding all cups, cans, food, etc. in the receptacles provided. Alcoholic beverages and narcotics are prohibited. When the meeting is over, the user is responsible for turning off the lights in the Pontiac Free Meeting Room and notifying Library staff that the meeting has ended.

7. The Library does not provide projectors, laptops, extension cords, sound equipment, or any other audio-visual equipment.

8. Noise level must be kept low as to not disturb patrons using the Library.

9. The Library is not responsible for equipment, clothing, or any other items/materials left on its premises at the close of the meeting.

10. In certain cases when the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room is being used during off hours the users may not enter the main Library area, basement, or the Director’s office. Only he Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room, kitchen area, and usage of the public rest room is permitted.

11. The Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room may not be reserved more than 3 months in advance.

12. All publicity for the meetings held in the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room must carry the name of the organization or non-profit group sponsoring the meeting.The Library will not be identified as the sponsor.

13. Organizations or non-profit groups may not use the name and/or address of the Pontiac Free Library as the official address or headquarters of the organization or non-profit group.

14. Organizations or non-profit groups using the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room for minors must provide adult supervision at all times.

15. No group or organization using the Meeting Room will be discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, age, disability status, and familial status.

16. After reviewing the application, the Director will notify the applicant in writing the availability of the room.The Meeting Room cannot be used/occupied without prior written approval from the Director.

17. If for any reason the applicant needs to cancel the use of the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room the applicant is to notify the Director as soon as possible.The Director reserves the right to cancel the usage of the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room due to any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.

18. Use of the Meeting Room is only available during the Library’s normal hours of operation unless the organization or non-profit group (user) is grandfathered due to prior arrangements made before 2022.

19. Any usage of the Meeting Room held during regular Library hours must end at least 15 minutes prior to the library closing.

20. No admission fee may be charged, contributions’ solicited, or dues collected. The Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room cannot be used for profit making, fund-raising or commercial activities unless it will benefit the Library and it is approved by the Library. Meetings held in the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room will be open to the public unless grandfathered due to prior arrangements made before 2022. Political campaigning, including request for signatures for nomination papers or petitions, is not permitted.

21. The Library does not in any way accept responsibility or endorsement for the content of the print, non-print (any format), verbal or visual material provided by any organization or non-profit groups using the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room.
    
    The Board of Trustees, through its designated agent, the Pontiac Free Library Director, reserves the right to withdraw the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room privileges, from an individual, group, or any organization not following its policies and procedures.  The Board may also refuse the use of the Pontiac Free Library Meeting Room by an individual, group or any organization if its use would interfere with normal Library operations.

 

(Approved by the Pontiac Free Library Association Board of Trustees, SA 6/23.)
 

 

Click here for the Meeting Room Application Form.

 

Long Range Plan 2024-2029
Pontiac Free Library

OUR COMMUNITY

The nationally registered historic village of Pontiac, a community of approximately 9,630 residents, is situated in the northwest corner of Warwick. Pontiac is geographically separated from the rest of the city by Route I-95, the Warwick Mall and by the Pawtuxet River Valley. Water power created by dams on the Pawtuxet River led to industrialization of the district in the 19th century. The first mill in Pontiac opened in 1810. During the Civil War, fabric manufactured by the local mill was used for uniforms for soldiers. Factories replaced mills as railroads were built and steam technology came into use.

In the village of Pontiac, workers settled in homes clustered around the mill. The community continues to be made up of single and multi-family homes on quiet residential streets.  The Pontiac Free Library, All Saints Church, and a small city park with recreational facilities, and the historic Pontiac train station line one side of Greenwich Avenue and form the village center. Today, a recently constructed hotel occupies part of the mill property.  Future plans for the Pontiac Mill complex may include its potential development for commercial and residential use.

There are three apartment complexes and an assisted-living facility within a half-mile radius of the village. These apartments are occupied mainly by the elderly and people with disabilities. These residents, along with families living in the village and nearby neighborhoods of Warwick and Cranston, comprise the major portion of our library’s patrons.

In order to fulfill the needs of those living in our community and to meet changing needs, we must provide access to current information technology, an informed staff, and special programs for preschool, school age children, and adults. Educational and recreational materials offered in a variety of formats should be available for all.
 

GOALS TO BE ACHIEVED

1.     Services

2.     Community outreach

3.     Technology

4.     Staff development

5.     Funding

6.     Evaluation

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1. SERVICES

To improve services for our users:

OBJECTIVES

1. Conduct a survey of our patrons as to which services and hours of operation would best serve their needs.Use this information to determine how to best allocate our limited resources.

2. Investigate the feasibility of expanding library hours.

3. Continue to increase our collection of electronic resources.

4. Continue to develop our collection of Large Print books for the visually impaired.

5. Reconfigure the space to better meet changing library services.

 

2. COMMUNITY OUTREACH

To reach more members of our community:

OBJECTIVES

1. Increase use of the library by providing programs of interest to all age groups.

2. Increase our online presence through the use of social media, library website, etc.

3. Encourage use of the library by students, tutors, and homeschooling families.

4. Continue to make our meeting room available for voting and community groups. 

 

3. TECHNOLOGY

STATEMENT OF GOALS

Recognizing that technology has become essential to every aspect of library service, the Pontiac Free Library will continue to provide our patrons with access to current technology and to evaluate the adoption of emerging technologies as appropriate for our library.

OBJECTIVES

1. Upgrade our in-house computer equipment and printers as needed.  We currently have, 7 desktop computers, 3 laptop computers, 2 networked color laser printers, 1 ipad and 1 VDI for catalog searching, and a 3-in-1 printer/scanner/fax machine.

2. Track emerging technologies and analyze how best to integrate them into our services.  Research the experiences of other small libraries that provide e-book readers, tablets, etc. to patrons to determine if such services are applicable to our library.

3. Provide additional support on an annual basis for the Ocean State Libraries E-Zone collection expansion as appropriate for our budget.

4. Expand our online presence. Improve and update our library website and social media presence using Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X (a.k.a. Twitter).

5. Offer technology training for our patrons.  Schedule training workshops and tutorials with OSL trainers or other qualified instructors.

6. Encourage staff education and training in new technologies.  Encourage staff to attend training workshops offered by OSL and O.L.I.S.  Schedule times when staff who have received training are able to train others in-house.
    

4. STAFF DEVELOPMENT

To continue to support the improvement of staff professional skills:

OBJECTIVES

1. Encourage staff participation in professional workshops.

2. Provide training sessions for staff members in utilizing new technologies.

3. Assess the type of skills needed by the director and staff in this changing library environment to provide the basis for training current employees and for new hires.
    

5. FUNDING

To increase our funding to reach the above goals:

OBJECTIVES

1. Hold additional meetings with the Bank of America Trustees for Pontiac Library and keep them informed of the need for increased funding.

2. Continue to pursue grant opportunities.

3. Research and pursue alternative funding sources and fundraising opportunities.

4. Support fundraising efforts.

 

EVALUATION

As rapidly developing technologies are changing the nature of public libraries, it is difficult to project which services will be needed in 3 to 5 years.  The library board and staff will make an annual review of the progress made towards meeting the goals put forth in this plan.  Each objective will be assessed as to whether it has been completed or whether or not it is still relevant to our mission.  Any adjustments or changes to the Long-Range Plan that are deemed necessary will be made at that time. 
(Approved by the Pontiac Free Library Association Board of Trustees, SA 8/23.)