A. Registration Requirements

The Limestone Township Library District is a tax supported public library. This means that people residing within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Limestone Township Library District pay taxes to support the library. Those people who live within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Limestone Township Library District need pay no additional fee to be eligible to receive their first library card. The jurisdictional boundaries coincide with those of Limestone Township. Library cards are renewed every three (3) years without additional fees provided the library card holder continues to reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Limestone Township Library District, and is a patron in good standing. There is a fee of $1.00 replace damaged, destroyed, lost or stolen library cards. As a resident card holder, the borrower identified on the valid borrower’s card may physically take his or her library card to another library to borrow materials. Those materials are the responsibility of the individual who borrows them, and are subject to all of the fines, rules, and regulations of the lending library. 

Individuals residing beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of the Limestone Township Library District, and not within the boundaries of another public library, and owning no property within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Limestone Township Library District may purchase a one-year non-resident fee card for the price of $135.00. Payment for an annual non-resident card may be paid in full, or may be paid in (2) 6-month payments of $67.50. If an individual chooses to make 2 payments, and the second payment is not made in six months, the patron’s card will be barred until payment is made. This fee entitles the entire family to the same privileges, services, and resources as those residing in Limestone Township, including using their library card(s) at neighboring PrairieCat libraries. 

 If you reside beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of the Limestone Township Library District, but own or lease commercial property within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Limestone Township Library District, upon presentation of a tax bill or a copy of the commercial lease bearing your name(s), you may obtain a library card(s) for the exclusive use of the individual(s) whose name(s) appear on the aforementioned documents (property tax bill or a copy of the commercial lease) without additional payment as is the case with people who reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Limestone Township Library District. 

Adults wishing to register for a borrower’s card at the Limestone Township Library District must bring with them a driver’s license or similar state or federal issued identification with current address as well as a piece of mail, such as a utility or other bill. If the identification does not show the current address, in addition, two of the following forms of identification may be used to establish residency: utility bills, checking account, or voter’s registration card. Adults requesting to renew an expired borrower’s card or replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed borrower’s card need to present a driver’s license or similar state or federal issued identification with their current address.

 Children may apply for a library card once they are aged five (5). Children aged five (5) but under the age of eighteen (18) must have a parent’s signature on any initial application for a library card. Children under the age of sixteen (16) may use the proof of residency provided by their parent. Children sixteen (16) and over may choose to provide their own proof of residency, or use that of their parent. Individual cardholders are responsible for all materials checked out on their library cards. 

B. Eligibility to Borrow

Individuals presenting valid borrower’s cards issued by the Limestone Township Library District are eligible to borrow materials from the Limestone Township Library District when no outstanding fines in aggregate excess of $5.00 have accrued to their card. The library staff may not waive this regulation without the specific permission of the library director; however the patron may request and receive a 24 hour hold on the item(s) he or she wishes to check out to allow the patron to correct the situation which has resulted in loss of eligibility to borrow. Individuals presenting a valid card from another public library in Illinois within as well as outside the PrairieCat Library System may borrow materials from the Limestone Township Library District as a reciprocal borrower. The card must be in the name of the individual presenting the card; the cardholders’ account must be current and in good standing. Revised 3/07; 8/09; 9/13; 7/15 (Amended to District); 8/19; 10/1

The Limestone Township Library District circulates materials in a variety of formats. The following terms of loan are applicable as indicated: Length of Loan Renewals* Holds Books 2 weeks 1 Yes Audiobooks 2 weeks 1 Yes Movies 1 week 1 Yes CDs 2 weeks 1 Yes Periodicals 2 weeks 0 Yes *Renewals will only be granted if no holds have been placed on the item. Renewal periods are for the original check-out time. Materials overdue by more than 10 days are not eligible for renewal and must be returned immediately. Length of loan may be extended at the discretion of the Library Director. 

Reference materials, by their nature, are intended for use in the Library by all our patrons and must be available at all times the Library is open. Consequently, reference materials cannot be checked out of the Library. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the library staff, allowing three day checkout of reference materials. Beyond the three day allowance, checkout of reference materials would be at the sole discretion of the Library Director. Due to their cost and complexity, kits, models, and games must be checked out by an adult ages 18 or older with a valid library card. 

There is a limit of 30 items, which may include up to 10 DVDs per library card that may be checked out at any one time, with the exception of kits, models, and games. Due to their cost and complexity, patrons may check out up to three (total) kits, models, and games at any one time. Patrons are reminded to take into consideration other patrons when deciding the number and format of materials to be checked out. Library staff have the authority to further limit checkouts if the need arises. 

A. Fees and Fines:

The Limestone Township Library District has established, in addition to the schedule for lost or damaged items, the following schedule of fines for overdue materials as well as fees for other services provided by the Limestone Township Library District. Overdue materials: Books: $.10 per day Audiobooks: $.10 per day Movies (DVDs/VHS): $1.00 per day CDs: $1.00 per day Periodicals: $.10 per day Kits/Models/Games: $1.00 per day Overdue fines are only charged for the days the Library is open. Items placed in the Bookdrop after the close of business but before opening the next day of operation will not be considered overdue. This does not apply to items that are already overdue when placed in the Book Return. Patrons with an item or items checked out through interlibrary loan or reciprocal borrowing that become overdue will be required to pay any fines/fees in the amount charged by the institution owning the borrowed item(s). Limestone Township Library District is entitled to collect and keep all fines/fees resulting from overdue item(s) checked out through interlibrary loan or reciprocal borrowing and returned to the Limestone Township Library. 

If overdue reciprocal borrowed item(s) are returned directly to the loaning institution, the loaning institution will enforce the collection of any fines/fees as stated in their own policy manual. Patrons with materials overdue by four weeks will be billed for the cost of the book and library privileges will be suspended until materials returned and fines paid or the materials are paid for in full. After an item has been overdue for 6 months, payment for the item plus a processing fee is required. This enables the library to replace lost items in a timely and cost effective manner. 

The Library does not accept replacement items by patrons for borrowed items that have been lost or damaged, in lieu of replacement costs. See section D. for further details concerning lost materials. Suspension of Library Privileges Form is located in the Appendix. Patrons with responsibility for overdue material in any format which amounts to $50.00 or more are also responsible for any and all collection and/or court costs incurred by the library in its efforts to secure the return of the material.

 Please note that due to transportation difficulties and the number of parts in many of these items, kits, models, and games must be checked out and returned inside the Limestone Township Library. Kits, models, and games returned to another library will be assessed a $5.00 penalty per kit/model/game. 

Also, due to the Bookdrop’s outside location and exposure to extreme temperatures, all AV materials must be returned inside the Limestone Township Library. For each AV item (including, but not limited to, DVDs, Audiobooks, VHS, and CDs) placed in the Bookdrop, the patron account will be charged a $1.00 penalty. Fees Copies: $.20 per page black and white, $.50 per page color. Fax/transmission: $1.25 per page. Faxes are sent only within the continental United States. There is no charge for the cover sheet. Fax/receipt: $1.25 per page. 

While the Limestone Township Library District will make a reasonable effort to contact an individual when time allows, the Library assumes no responsibility for notification of the receipt of a fax for any individual. The fax will be held by the Library for one week and then discarded if not picked up. Internet usage: No charge Scanning: No charge Computer printouts: $.20 per page black and white, $.50 per page color Laminator: $1.25 per foot, rounded to the nearest 6” Binding Machine Materials: $.10 per comb 

B. Interlibrary Loan:

When patrons want material that is not available within the Limestone Township Library, we ask other agencies to provide it. This is the process of interlibrary loan. Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan have a circulation period which is determined by the lending library, not the Limestone Township Library District. 

We are happy to borrow materials from other libraries for you, but we ask that you respect the date by which those materials must be returned to their home libraries. When the Limestone Township Library District is lax in returning materials borrowed through interlibrary loan, the Library can lose the privilege of borrowing materials in that way for any of its patrons. It is crucial, therefore, that materials borrowed through interlibrary loan be returned in a timely manner. Habitual failure to do so may result in individual loss of the privilege in order to preserve the privilege for other library patrons. 

Patrons with an item(s) checked out through interlibrary loan that become overdue will be required to pay any fines/fees in the amount charged by the institution owning the borrowed item(s). Limestone Township Library District is entitled to collect and keep all fines/fees resulting from overdue item(s) checked out through interlibrary loan. 

C. Holds:

Patrons may place materials on hold which are not immediately available for patron use, but are in the collection of the Limestone Township Library District, or are in Prairie Cat member collections. When materials placed on hold are available to the patron who has placed the hold, the library will notify the patron via the settings in the patron account (which may include automated phone, email, or text message). The specific title of the material will not be stated to anyone other than the library patron who placed the hold. If the patron is not available to the phone, a message will be left. The date of the message will be noted on the material(s) and held for the patron for a period of six days. If the patron does not pick up held material(s) within six days, the item will be checked in and processed for the next patron hold, or returned to the lending library. Relay of the message to the appropriate person in the household, and prompt retrieval of the material, are the responsibilities of the patron.

D. Lost and/or Damaged Materials:

Materials borrowed via any mechanism are the responsibility of the library patron.

Replacement cost (not original purchase price) is the responsibility of any patron who borrows and loses any library material in accordance with the following schedule of terms: 

1. Retail replacement cost of any item which is lost or damaged beyond repair and for which a current price can be found including a $5.00 per item tech processing fee.

2. Average replacement cost for any item which is lost or damaged beyond repair for which a current price cannot be found. Current average prices including a $5.00 tech processing fee are: Hard bound books $30.00 Soft bound books $20.00 Audiobooks $80.00 Cassette/CD replacement $15.00 (Each disk) CDs $65.00 Movies $25.00 Periodicals $25.00 

3. Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan which are lost or damaged are charged to the patron according to the bill provided by the lending agency. 4. Minor repair (in-house) $3.00 5. Refunds will not be made for lost items previously paid for and later found and returned to the Library.

 Revised 3/07; 8/09; September 1, 2013; Amended to District, 7/15; 8/19; 5/2020

A. Electronic networks and the Library’s Mission

Libraries make it possible for citizens to have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. As a member of the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET), The Limestone Township Library District is committed to networking which represents good public policy by maximizing the use of the resources of all types of libraries. Every library user benefits from expanded access to information beyond the four walls of a single library building. The Limestone Township Library District and all ILLINET libraries use electronic information networks such as the Internet for a variety of purposes: 

1. access to shared automation systems that provide bibliographic access to the collections of the local library and libraries in the region and across the state 

2. access to the wealth of information resources available via the Internet 

3. access to general and specialized shared licensed databases available to ILLINET member libraries through regional and statewide cooperative programs. 

B. Requirements for Use

To use the computers, adult patrons aged 18 and older with library cards must have their current library cards with them and present the cards to the staff member. Use is limited to patrons in good standing, i.e. no outstanding fines in aggregate excess of $5.00 have accrued to their card, including charges for lost or damaged materials. Adult patrons aged 18 and older without library cards may use the library’s computers at no additional charge after presenting a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license; state/military/student I.D, or passport as well as sign a Computer Use Agreement Form which will be placed on file, and must comply with the same computer reservations, time limits, codes of conduct, and other rules outlined in these policies. Persons must be at least twelve (12) years of age in order to use the public access computers without parental supervision, and must have a Computer Use Agreement Form on file signed by both child and parent or legal guardian. Parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) may request a Computer Use Agreement Form at the Circulation Desk. The Computer Use Agreement Form must be completed at the time of request at the library. Children under the age of twelve (12) may use the computers with direct supervision from a parent or legal guardian. Parents or guardians are responsible for what any minor accesses through the computer, with or without parental supervision. 

C. Reservations and Time Limits

Usage is limited to one hour time blocks, however the patron may continue to use the computer in 15 minute intervals until another patron wishes to use it. All patrons shall log-in at the Circulation Desk prior to use. Use is determined on a “first come, first served basis”. Only 2 patrons are allowed at a terminal at one time. Both patrons must be registered at the desk. 

D. Fees

$.20 per page black and white $.50 per page color 

E. Use of Equipment and Networks

The Limestone Township Library District requires that library patrons using electronic information networks such as the Internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use. 

The following activities are unacceptable: 

1. use of electronic information networks for any purpose which results in the harassment of other users, 

2. destruction of, damage to or unauthorized alteration of the library’s computer equipment software, or network security procedures, 

3. use of electronic information networks in any way which violates a Federal or State law, 

4. use of electronic information networks in any way which violates licensing and payment agreements between [this library] and network/database providers, 

5. unauthorized duplication of copy protected software or violation of software license agreements, 

6. violation of system security, 

7. behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to overuse of computer equipment which serves to deny access to other users. Computers may be used by no more than two (2) persons at a time. Any CD-ROMs or other software provided by the library must be loaded by a staff member. No other software programs or files may be downloaded to the library computers. Patrons are encouraged to use their own discs or USB drives if files need to be saved.

F. “Global” vs. “Local” Resources

Most resources available via the Internet and other electronic information networks are “global” resources rather than “local” resources. The Library does not and cannot control the information content available through global resources such as information obtained from outside sources via the Internet. Internet resources enhance and supplement resources that are available locally within a library. Library users must be aware that this library does not exercise control over information obtained via the Internet and must keep in mind the following points when evaluating information obtained via the Internet: 

1. Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable and may or may not be obtained from a reliable source. 

2. Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be accurate. 

3. Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be current and up to date. 

4. Links to information on the Internet may not always be valid, and particular information sites on the Internet may sometimes be unavailable and this unavailability often occurs unpredictably. 

5. Certain information obtained via the Internet may be considered controversial by some library patrons. The Limestone Township Library District urges library patrons to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet. Library staff may be available to assist patrons in making judgments about the reliability or currency of certain types of Internet information sources, but are unable to provide definitive analysis of particular sources due to the extremely large variety and volume of information available via the Internet. This library is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from a library patron’s use of Internet information resources. 

G. Patron Assistance and Instruction

The Limestone Township Library District’s staff may provide assistance to patrons in the use of electronic information networks as time and staff knowledge permits. Printed and online documentation and instructions are available at or near points of service. Formal instruction in particular aspects of electronic information network use may be available. 

H. Children’s Access to Electronic Information Networks

The Limestone Township Library District supports the right of all library users to access information and will not deny access to electronic information networks based solely on age. This Library recognizes that the electronic information networks such as the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, age eighteen (18) or older as listed on the permission sheet. Parents, or legal guardians, are expected to remain in the library building to monitor and supervise their children's use of the Internet. Library staff is unable to monitor children's use. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic network safety. 

I. Damages

Persons using computers will be held responsible for the cost incurred as a result of damage from the misuse of computer hardware and/or software to be determined by discretion of the Library Director. Parents or Guardians of minors that cause damage will be held responsible for cost incurred. Library staff may, at any time, terminate a patron’s use of any computer due to disruptive or destructive behavior. The Library Director may revoke a patron’s computer privileges for an unlimited amount of time if deemed necessary. 

Revised 3/07; 8/09; 10/13 Amended to District: 7/15

The Limestone Township Library District is dedicated to providing access to knowledge and information through reading, writing and quiet contemplation, and providing for patrons the right to use materials and services without being disturbed or impeded and providing patrons and employees with a secure and comfortable environment. The Public Library Act provides the Board of Library Trustees with the general power to carry out the spirit and intent of the Act in establishing and maintaining the Library and providing library services, and the specific power to “exclude from the use of the library any person who willfully violates an ordinance or regulation prescribed.”

The Board of Library Trustees of the Limestone Township Library establishes its code of conduct as follows: 

Section 1. A patron who engages in any activity which materially disrupts the use of library facilities, collections or services by patrons or materially disrupts the ability of the staff to perform its duties shall cease such activity immediately upon request by library personnel. 

Section 2. In such instances involving minors, identification will be requested and the incident may be reported to the parent or guardian. 

Section 3. If, following a request, the patron fails or refuses to comply, or responds to the request in an abusive fashion, he or she will be required to leave the library premises immediately for the balance of that calendar day. If he or she fails to leave, the police will be summoned. 

Section 4. Library personnel will record instances in which patrons are required to leave the library in a ledger maintained by the Library for that purpose. Upon the third recorded instance in which a patron is required to leave the library premises within a thirty-day period, the Director shall bar the patron from use of library premises for a period of thirty days. Parents or guardians of minors will be notified in writing after the third recorded instance in which a minor is required to leave the Library and advised of the consequences of any further recorded instances. 

Section 5. Parents wishing to appeal such action may do so upon written request to the Board of Library Trustees. 

Section 6. In the event a patron barred from the use of the Library attempts entry to the Library during any such period of exclusion, the police will be summoned and informed of the prior action. 

Section 7. In the event the patron persists in abusive conduct or disruptive behavior following such a period of exclusion, the Director shall report to the Board of Library Trustees such conduct following prior exclusion and the Board will consider a long-term expulsion of that patron. 

Reviewed 8/20/2009; Amended to District 2015

I. A brief description of our public body is as follows: 

    A. The Limestone Township Library District is dedicated to providing the best possible library service to the community it serves. 

    B. An Organizational Chart is below.     

    C. The total amount of our operating budget for FY 2020-2021 is: $341,300.00. Funding sources are     property and personal property replacement taxes, state and federal grants, fines, charges, and donations. 

    D. The office is located at this address: 2701 West Tower Road, Kankakee, IL 60901. 

    E. We have approximately the following number of persons employed:

• Full-time: 3
• Part-time: 9 

  F. The following organization exercises control over our policies and procedures: Limestone Township Library District Board of Trustees, which meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room. 

• Members: President: Darcy Stomberg; 
• Vice President: Libby Wasser; 
• Secretary: Jill Whalen; 
• Treasurer: Gary Dahn;
• Trustees: Mary Beth Matz-Dorsey; Tricia Coffman; Dana Krippel 

G. We are required to report and be answerable for our operations to the Illinois State Library, Springfield, Illinois. 

• Its members are: State Librarian, Alexi Giannoulias (Secretary of State); 
• Director of State Library, Greg McCormick; 
• and various other staff. 

II. You may request the information and the records available to the public in the following manner: 

A. Use Request Form below. 

B. Your request should be directed to the following FOIA Officers: 

•     Lynne Noffke, FOIA Officer, (lnoffke@limestonelibrary.org) or 
•     Gary Dahn, FOIA Officer (gdahn@limestonelibrary.org). 

C. You must indicate whether you have a “commercial purpose” in your request. 

D. You must specify the records requested to be disclosed for inspection or to be copied. If you desire that any records be certified, you must specify which ones. 

E. To reimburse us our actual costs for reproducing and certifying (if requested) the records, you will be charged the following fees: 

•     There is a $1.00 charge for each certification of records. 
•     There is no charge for the first fifty (50) pages of black and white text either letter or legal size; 
•     There is a $.25 per page charge for copied records in excess of 50 pages; 
•     The actual copying cost of color copies and other sized copies will be charged. 

F. If the records are kept in electronic format, you may request a specific format and if feasible, they will be so provided, but if not, they will be provided either in the electronic format in which they are kept (and you would be required to pay the actual cost of the medium only, i.e. disc, diskette, tape, etc.) or in paper as you select. 

G. The office will respond to a written request within five (5) working days or sooner if possible. An extension of an additional five (5) working days may be necessary to properly respond. 

H. Records may be inspected or copied. If inspected, an employee must be present throughout the inspection. 

I. You may appeal the decision of the FOIA officer to the Limestone Township Library District Board of Library Trustees. 

J. The place and times where the records will be available are as follows: 

• 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday 
• Limestone Township Library, 
• Director’s Office 

III. Certain types of information maintained by us are exempt from inspection and copying. However, the following types or categories of records are maintained under our control: 

A. Monthly Financial Statements 

B. Annual Receipts and Disbursements Reports 

C. Budget and Appropriation Ordinances 

D. Levy Ordinances 

E. Operating Budgets 

F. Annual Audits 

G. Minutes of the Board of Library Trustees 

H. Library Policies, including Materials Selection 

I. Annual Reports to the Illinois State Library 

J. Adopted Ordinances and Resolutions of the Board

IV. 

Aetna Transparency in Coverage