I wish to use the Belmont County District Library’s OPLIN (Ohio Public Library information Network) workstations, to access selected OPLIN databases, the
Internet and other special information sources. In order to use this resource, I agree to the following understandings.

1. I agree to show a valid library card, from Belmont County District Library or from some other library, or some other form of identification, at the circulation desk before using an OPLIN workstation.
2. I agree to use OPLIN workstations as an informational resource of the Belmont County District Library. I will not use them for any unauthorized, illegal or unethical purpose; and I will not intentionally create, receive or display text or graphics that may be construed as pornographic,  obscene, or offensive to library customers or staff.
3. I agree to limit my time at an OPLIN workstation to one 1-hour segment per day so that others can also use it; and I agree that during very busy times I will comply with staff requests to limit my time even further. If there is no demand for an OPLIN workstation after my initial hour, I may be able to continue to use that workstation with the understanding another user can replace me at any time following my initial hour.
4. If I have an e-mail account through some other provider, I may access it, but I will not utilize the OPLIN workstations as my primary access to e-mail. OPLIN and the Belmont County District Library cannot supply e-mail accounts to users of OPLIN or of the Belmont County District Library.
5. I understand that most of the information available from the internet is not generated by the Belmont County District Library or by OPLIN. Information available through OPLIN workstations is not warranted by the Martins Ferry Public Library or by OPLIN to be accurate, factual, authoritative or complete. As a library consumer, I will use this information at my own risk. As an individual I will be responsible for determining what I wish to view and access through the internet. I will not hold the Belmont County District Library or OPLIN responsible for offensive or inappropriate materials which may be found in some internet files.
6. I affirm that, if I am under the age of 18 years, I have signed permission from my parents or guardian to use OPLIN terminals, and I agree that I will adhere to my family’s values and wishes in accessing, viewing and printing material from the Internet.

RESOLUTION REGARDING CONCEALED CARRY LEGISLATION (February 3, 2004 meeting).

The Board of Trustees of the Belmont County District Library passed the following resolution:

Where as the Belmont County District Library is a community gathering place for life long learning, and
Where as the Belmont County District Library has children and adults of all ages in their buildings at all times, and
Where as the Ohio General Assembly has enacted legislation that includes an exemption for public libraries as a permissible location for concealed weapons.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Belmont County District Library, does not permit weapons of any kind, either concealed or in plain view, on its property or in its buildings, unless the owner of the weapon is a law enforcement officer, and

Be it further resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Belmont County District Library will post the necessary notification of its status as exempt from Ohio’s Concealed Carry Legislation, as required by the Ohio Revised Code.

Belmont County District Library encourages the use of its facilities for learning, enrichment, and the legitimate use of the Library’s resources and services. In order to preserve that opportunity, we ask patrons to be respectful of each other and behave in a manner that does not disrupt other patrons or staff.

Any behavior that disrupts the orderly use of the Library is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, any behavior that interferes with:

• the use of Library property, materials, and services by other patrons;
• the ability of Library employees to conduct Library business;
• the safety of Library patrons and employees; and/or
• the Library’s materials, facilities, or property. 

Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Leaving unsupervised or unattended children who are unable to care for themselves
• Making unreasonable noise including, but not limited to, loud talking, singing, other loud or disruptive noise, or noise from cell phone or audio/visual equipment usage
• Using profane, obscene, or abusive language
• Making racial, ethnic, religious, gender, or sexual orientation epithets
• Harassing patrons or staff, including without limitation deliberate or repeated language or behavior that is intimidating, hostile, and/or offensive, or that adversely impacts staff work performance or patron use of the Library
• Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing property belonging to the Library, another patron, or staff
• Running or engaging in horseplay
• Lying down or sleeping, including giving the appearance of sleeping
• Littering
• Abusing or improperly using furniture, equipment, or materials
• Soliciting and/or panhandling Library patrons or staff, including but not limited to soliciting money and/or donations, and/or selling or attempting to sell merchandise to Library patrons or staff
• Posting or distributing literature without permission
• Gambling
• Blocking entrance to and exit from the building; monopolizing/obstructing space, seating tables, or equipment to the exclusion of others.
• Trespassing, violating an eviction, entering library property when banned, or remaining on Library property after having been restricted or directed to leave
• Fighting, challenging someone to fight, physical abuse, or assault
• Engaging in or soliciting a sexual act, or indecent exposure
• Improper dress including bare feet, no shirt, and uncovered swimsuits
• Vandalizing Library facilities or equipment
• Being under the influence, possessing alcohol or drugs, selling drugs or alcoholic beverages
• Bathing, shaving, or washing clothes on the premises
• Bringing animals other than service animals to the library
• Smoking, using tobacco, or using electronic nicotine delivery systems or similar products, such as e-cigarettes, in the library or within 50 feet of the public entrance
• Using roller blades, roller skates, skateboards, spiked shoes, cleats, or other sports equipment in the Library or on Library property
• Entering unauthorized workspaces or work areas or other non-public areas
• Taking photographs and/or recording videos of Library staff or patrons without their permission
• Possessing weapons of any kind, either concealed or in plain view, in the Library, unless the person in possession of the weapon is a law enforcement officer
• Violating the Library’s Internet and Electronic Resources policy, or otherwise misusing computers
• Violating other Library policies and/or guidelines
• Violating federal, state, and/or local law
• Engaging in other acts disruptive to patrons and staff 

In addition, patrons must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Suspected illegal activity will be reported to the police. Violations of law may result in a patron being expelled from the Library, arrested, prosecuted, and/or other legal action, as appropriate.

The examples listed above are not a complete list of violations, but instead are intended to provide guidance.

The Director and other Library staff are authorized to determine what constitutes disruptive behavior. 

EATING AND DRINKING IN THE LIBRARY

The Library permits light snacks and beverages in designated areas only. For purposes of this policy, beverages encompasses any nonalcoholic beverage, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice or milk. In addition, a light refreshment is considered to be an edible item that may be served between meals. Examples – small bags of chips, doughnuts, sweet rolls, or pieces of fruit.

Snacks and beverages should be enjoyed responsibly, remembering to recycle or discard wrappers, bottles, and trash and to leave a clean area for other patrons when you leave. If a patron is disruptive while enjoying a snack or beverage, then Library staff and/or security will direct that the patron refrain from that snack or beverage inside the Library. Library patrons may also be asked to remove the item from the library. The Director and other Library staff are authorized to determine what constitutes a snack or beverage and to take appropriate disciplinary action if needed.

Eating is not permitted at any computer in the library. All beverages must have a no-spill lid. 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen items. It is recommended that patrons do not leave personal belongings unattended. 

UNATTENDED CHILDREN

Unattended Children Under 9:

Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library and if they fail to take responsibility for their children’s behavior, library staff will assume that responsibility. Children under nine should never be left alone in one area of the library building while a parent or accompanying adult is using another area. When it has been determined by library staff that a child has been left at the library without supervision, the following steps should take place: Staff will attempt to contact the child’s family to pick them up. If staff is unable to contact the family, the police may be contacted for assistance in locating the abandoned child’s family and caring for the child.

Unattended Children Over 9:

Children over nine, unaccompanied by a parent/adult, who behave in a disruptive manner will be warned and if the behavior continues, asked to leave the library. If the child needs a ride home, library staff will assist the child in contacting a parent or guardian to pick them up.

Youth Left At Closing:

If a child under 16 years of age is not picked up within 10 minutes after closing, and attempts to contact a parent or guardian are unsuccessful, the person-in-charge will contact the local police department to report an abandoned child.

OUTREACH SERVICES

Library patrons receiving outreach services are subject to this Code of Conduct and enforcement of this Code of Conduct. In addition, if any situation arises in which a Library outreach employee feels that a particular environment or situation is unsafe, then the Library may immediately discontinue that outreach service. (Individuals will have the opportunity to request a review of this decision with the Director of the Library or his/her designee, see Appeal Process below.)

EMERGENCIES

In the event of an emergency, patrons shall comply with instructions from Library personnel. It is illegal to carry weapons of any kind, either concealed or in plain view, in the building unless the person in possession of the weapon is a law enforcement officer.  

VIOLATIONS

The Board of Trustees authorizes the Director, other Library staff, and Library security officers to enforce this Patron

Code of Conduct consistent with this policy. The rules of public behavior will be prominently posted in the Library and will be made available electronically, and patrons who violate this Code of Conduct will be given notice of their violation. A violation may result in a patron’s expulsion from the Library, restriction from the Library, suspension of Library privileges, and/or arrest and criminal prosecution or other legal action, as appropriate. When necessary the Library will work with law enforcement authorities to prosecute actions for criminal behavior against the Library, its patrons, and staff. Although the Library reserves the right to require anyone violating the Code of Conduct to leave Library property, the Library generally will follow these steps when a violation occurs:

• Library staff and/or security officers will verbally bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission that violates this Patron Code of Conduct or related Library policies and ask the individual to change his or her behavior to conform to the rules.
• If such change is not evident or forthcoming, Library staff and/or security officers will direct the individual violating this Patron Code of Conduct or related Library policies to leave Library property (which includes both the building and the premises). In some situations, a violation may result in an individual being directed to leave Library property (Step 2) without the patron having been given a verbal warning under Step 1, including, for example, in situations when a patron’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption (for example, when engaging in a physical fight, etc.), or based on the severity or frequency of the violation. (Individuals will have the opportunity to request a review of this decision with the Director of the Library or his/her designee, see Appeal Process below.)
• Failure to leave Library property (which includes both the building and the premises) when directed may result in intervention by the police and/or security officers and a possible charge of criminal trespass per Section 2911.21 of the Ohio Revised Code.
• Individuals who violate this Code of Conduct may be restricted from the Library for varying periods of time, depending on the severity or frequency of the violation. If restricted for more than one day, the Library will give written notice of the violation and restriction, either in person at the time of violation or by mail if possible. With respect to juveniles, any such notice of restriction will be sent to the juvenile’s parent or guardian. Individuals who have been so restricted will be required to meet and discuss the violation with the Director before being readmitted, with juveniles being required to bring a parent or guardian to any such conference.

The Director, other Library staff, and/or security officers may, in their discretion, call the police for assistance as needed. The Library reserves the right to enforce this Code of Conduct consistent with safety, health, legal, and other relevant considerations, and the Library will comply with all applicable laws.

In addition, patrons must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Suspected illegal activity will be reported to the police. Violations of law may result in a patron being expelled from the Library, arrested, prosecuted, and/or other legal action, as appropriate. 

APPEAL PROCESS

A patron who has been expelled or restricted from the Library, or whose Library privileges have been suspended, will have the right to a review of this decision by a Panel of three, consisting of the Director of the Library and his/her designees. To schedule a review, a patron should contact the Director at (740) 633-0314 or in writing at 20 James Wright Place, Martins Ferry Ohio 43935 within five weekdays from the date of the notice of restriction or other action and request a meeting to discuss the restriction or other action. The Panel will schedule a meeting in order to review the restriction or other action. Juveniles who have requested a review are required to bring a parent or guardian to the meeting with the Panel. Pending the review/appeal process, a restriction or other Library action will remain in effect.

After this review, a patron may appeal the decision of the Panel to the Board of Trustees. To appeal this decision, a patron must submit, within five weekdays from the date of the decision, a written statement explaining why the decision of the Panel should be overturned, with any supporting documentation or evidence to be considered. This appeal must be submitted via mail to the Board of Trustees at 20 James Wright Place, Martins Ferry Ohio, 43935.  The Board of Trustees will promptly schedule and resolve the appeal. 

Adopted 7/26/2022

Policy for the Selection of Library Materials

People of a free nation, in order to make wise choices, to develop intellectual competence and to function as thoughtful and clear-thinking citizens, must have available a large body of reliable information, opinion and thought on issues and question influencing themselves, their community and their nation. The Belmont County District Library, through its Main Library in Martins Ferry, its five Branch Libraries, and its bookmobile service, has the responsibility of providing such library and information service to people of all ages, all educational levels, and in all areas of Belmont County and its surrounding communities. The staff and Board of Trustees view each person and element of our service population as equally needful of such library service.

It is impossible for most people to acquire personally the necessary collection of books, periodicals, audio and video materials and electronic information due to limitations of space, finances and knowledge of what is available. Because every citizen in a free society has the right of equal access to such materials, adequate, free and impartial public library service is an indispensable part of every community. Every member of the community must have free use of such library services and resources. It is not the role of the Belmont County District Library, or of any library serving the public, to make decisions regarding who will be served and whose access to public library materials and services will be restricted or limited. Such decisions are the role of individuals and, in the case of minors, their parents.

Within the limitations of budget and space, the role of the Belmont County District Library is to provide books, periodicals, audio, video and graphic materials, electronic information sources, and other types of library information on all subjects in which residents of Martins Ferry and Belmont County may claim an interest or for which they may have a need.

Materials in the Belmont County District Library collection should furnish information, education, inspiration and enjoyment for persons of all ages and educational levels. Such materials should reflect the full range of thought on issues and ideas and should be selected for their intrinsic value by the professional personal and published reviews, through expert knowledge by staff and outside consultants, by awareness of issues, dialogues and trends in the public arena, and through the immediate and recurring needs of the Library’s users.

It must be understood that the inclusion of any material in the collection of the Belmont County District Library does not imply support for, or opposition to that material’s viewpoint by the staff or board of the Library. What we have in the Library reflects reality, and for this reason some of it will be controversial or offensive to some. The collection of any public library, like the public that it serves, is diverse, multifaceted, contradictory, changing and inclusive. Its richness is the richness of society at large; and its importance is directly related to its availability to all who choose to make use of it.

This policy which guides the selection of books and other library materials for the collection of the Belmont County District Library includes ideas expressed in the American Library Association statements entitled Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read; and in the Film Library Association’s statement entitled Freedom to View.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Martins Ferry Public Library, November, 15, 1994.

Revised by the Board of Trustees of the Belmont County District Library, September 26, 2023.

The Belmont County District Library Board of Trustees and staff understand that the library, acting in the best interest of the community, will add materials to its collection or present programs with topics that may be deemed controversial. For this reason, we have developed a standard procedure for public complaints against library materials or programs.

• Step 1: Pick up a Request for Consideration form at the Circulation Desk.
• Step 2: Fill out the form. No comment will be considered without inclusion of name, address, and phone number. You may return the completed form to the Circulation Desk or via mail to:

Belmont County District Library
Attn: Director
20 James Wright Place
Martins Ferry, OH 43935

• Step 3: The Library Director and/or Board of Trustees will evaluate the item in accordance with the Materials Selection and other Library Policies and decide as to whether or not any action will be taken concerning the material or program.
• Step 4: A response letter from administrative staff will be mailed to the complainant within 30 days.

Note: The library recognizes that some materials/topics are controversial and may offend some patrons. Decisions regarding materials selection or program development will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but will be decided based on the principles set forth in the Materials Selection and other Library Policies.

Note: The responsibility for the use of library materials and/or services by children rests entirely with their parents or legal guardians. At no time will library staff act in the place of a parent or guardian. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that they may come into the possession of children.

Download a copy of the Request for Reconsideration Form here.

Notary Public Policy for Belmont County District Library
Locations: Martins Ferry, Bethesda, Bridgeport, Powhatan Point, Shadyside and Victoria Read at Flushing

The Belmont County District Library provides free notary service. Although notaries are available at all locations, we cannot guarantee that a notary will be on staff at all times. We suggest you call ahead to verify if a notary will be present and available.

You are required to have proper identification.

Notaries adhere to the Ohio Revised Code: Section 147.
Documents we will not notarize:

• Mortgage and Housing Refinance documents
• Final Wills
• Notary Protests
• Homeland Security I-9 Forms
• Foreign documents written in any language other than English
• Titles without buyer address and name (state law requires this section complete, regardless of circumstance)

We reserve the right to refuse notarizing documents for any legal reason or reason pertaining to library operation.

NOTE: In the State of Ohio, we cannot certify documents. We will not certify copies of birth certificates, marriages, death certificates, divorce, or naturalization certificates.

Belmont County District Library
By-Laws of the Belmont County District Library Board of Trustees

Article 1 – Name and Mission

Section 1. The name of the body shall be the Board of Trustees of the Belmont County District Library. This Board is organized under Section 3375.19 of the Ohio Revised Code, and derives its authority from Section 3375.40 and other relevant sections of the Ohio Revised Code.

Section 2. The mission of the Belmont County District Library shall be appended to these by-laws and shall be revised from time-to-time by the Board of Trustees as appropriate.

Article II -Meetings

Section 1. Organizational Meeting: It shall be held in the month of January each year as an organizational meeting for the purpose of election of officers and other such business as may be deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees.

Section 2. Regular meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. or at times, dates and locations as the Board directs.

Section 3. A Records Commission shall consist of the Board of Trustees and the fiscal officer. The commission shall meet at least once every twelve months and shall be responsible for overseeing the Library’s compliance with the Ohio Records Law as described in Chapter 149 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Section 4. Special meetings shall be held at the call of the President, the Director, or on the written request of two members of the Board. To call a special meeting, the Fiscal Officer, Director or Secretary of the Board must give three working days’ notice to all Board members in writing. If the special meeting is of an emergency nature, twenty-four hours notice, either orally or electronically, must be given.

Section 5. A quorum necessary for the conduct of business shall be four trustees with Robert’s Rules of Order serving as the governing structure for the Board except as provided by these By-Laws. One of those present shall be an officer of the board.

Section 6. The Director, in collaboration with the Fiscal Officer and the President of the Board, shall prepare an agenda before the regular Board meeting. The agenda items for each regular meeting shall include, but not be limited to:

• Roll call
• Adoption of Agenda
• Minutes
• Director’s Report
• Fiscal Officer’s Report
• Public Comments
• Announcements, Presentations, and Correspondence
• Old Business
• New Business
• Committee Reports
• Adjournment

Section 7. Posting: To conform to the Ohio open meeting statute (See section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code), all meetings shall be announced by notifying local media. Any person may upon request be notified by e-mail or postal mail by providing a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Section 8. Executive Session: The Board may enter into executive session for purposes as described in the Ohio Open Meetings Act. (I.e. Certain personnel matters, the purchase of property, pending or imminent litigation with the library’s attorney)

An executive session may only be held at a regular meeting, and must always begin and end in an open meeting.

The motion to hold an executive session shall state the specific purpose of such a session, and the motion must be approved in an open meeting in a roll call vote by a majority of the quorum of the board. The Board of Trustees may not vote or take official action in an executive session.

Section 9. Public Participation: Time is set aside at each regular meeting agenda for public participation from the audience. Those wishing to speak must complete a public comments form or tell the Board President prior to the start of the meeting. Speakers must identify any groups or organizations for which they will speak in an official capacity. Those who have filled out the form and wish to address the board will be recognized in the order in which they signed in. Public comments must be addressed to members of the board. All visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the orderly completion of the meeting.

Comments shall be limited to specific operations and services of the library. Comments about a specific staff member must be limited to a written format to protect the staff member and the commenting member of the public from possible defamation of character and/or slanderous comments. Comments regarding a specific staff member will be referred to the Personnel Committee for their review and recommendation when it is deemed appropriate.

The main purpose of board meetings is to conduct the business of the library. In order for the board to fulfill its obligation to complete the meeting agenda in an efficient fashion, a maximum of 10 minutes of public participation is permitted at each meeting. The board president may limit by time the comments of each public participant and will do so by announcing the time limit at the beginning of the meeting, and applying the time limit equally to all participants. Signed written comments of any length will be accepted.

Article III     Membership

Section 1. Appointment: The Belmont County District Library is a county district library under the control and management of the Board of Trustees consisting of seven members. Four Board Members shall be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and three by the Judges of the Common Pleas Court. They shall serve without compensation for the term set forth by Ohio Revised Code 3375.22.

• A trustee must be a qualified elector of the library’s service district.
• A trustee appointed to complete an unexpired term or to succeed another trustee shall be appointed by the same board or officers that appointed his or her predecessor.
• In general trustees are guided in the performance of their duties by the most recent edition of the Ohio Public Library Trustee’s Handbook.

Section 2. Filling vacancies & Re-appointment: An ad hoc committee of the Board of Trustees shall recommend re-appointment of a trustee or a new candidate to the full board to fill a vacant trustee position. Appointments will be recommended to the appointing authority following a Resolution passed by two-thirds vote of the Board. See Ohio Revised Code 3375.22.

Article IV     Officers

Section 1. The officers of the Board of Trustees shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Fiscal Officer. Each officer shall be elected at the organizational meeting and shall hold office for the term of one year, or until his or her successor shall be elected. All officers of the Board shall hold full voting privileges except the Fiscal Officer.

Section 2. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board, authorize calls for any special meetings, appoint all committees, execute all documents authorized by the Board, serve as an ex-officio voting member of all committees, and generally perform all other duties associated with the office. The President shall, with the Secretary, sign the minutes of each meeting of the Board.

Section 3. The Vice-President, in the event of the absence of the President, or of a vacancy in that office, shall assume and perform the duties and function of the President.

Section 4. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all meetings of the Board, and shall perform such other duties as are generally associated with the office.

Section 5. The Fiscal Officer, or his or her designated representative, shall be the disbursing officer of the Board, co-sign all checks, and shall perform other such duties as are generally associated with the office. The Fiscal Officer and his or her designated representatives shall be bonded as required by the Board of Trustees. The Fiscal Officer does not have voting privileges as granted to all other Board officers.

Section 6. Vacancies in office shall be filled by vote as a regular meeting of the board as soon as possible after the vacancy occurs.

Article V     Committees

Section 1. Ad hoc or temporary committees may be appointed and charged with specific tasks by the board president as required; such committees are automatically dissolved upon completion of the assigned tasks. Trustees and other committee members are appointed to committees by the president of the board. Committees serve an advisory role and make recommendations to the board; a committee has no other power, unless, by suitable action of the board, it is granted a specific power to act. All committee members are subject to approval by a majority of the board. In general, committees will work in conjunction with the director and fiscal officer.

Article VI     Governance

Section 1. The Board shall hire and fix the compensation of a qualified Director who shall serve as the chief executive and administrative officer of the Library. The Director will have a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited institution. In this capacity, the Director shall be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Library. The Director shall recommend to the Board the appointment and specify the duties of all the other staff and shall be held responsible for: the proper direction and supervision of the staff, the care and maintenance of library buildings and property, the adequate and proper selection of materials and information in keeping with the stated policies of the Board, the efficient and prudent provision of library service to the public, and its financial operation within the fiscal limitations as determined by the Board of Trustees. The Director shall be expected to attend all meetings of the Board and to meet with all committees unless otherwise agreed to with the President and committee chair.

Section 2. The Board shall appoint and fix the compensation of a qualified Fiscal Officer who shall serve, under the Board’s review and at its discretion, as the chief financial officer of the Library. In this capacity, the Fiscal Officer shall be responsible for the day-to-day fiscal operations of the Library. The Fiscal Officer shall be responsible for the certification of Library monies, collected or in the process of being collected, and the appropriate expenditure of these monies. The Fiscal Officer shall be the treasurer of all Library monies and shall deposit all monies received according to the statutes of the State of Ohio. A full financial accounting of Library receipts and disbursements, as determined by the Board, shall be made by the Fiscal Officer at the regular meeting of the Board.

Section. 3 The Board, collectively, shall serve as the policy making body of the library. Additionally the Board shall assume those powers given it by relevant sections of the Ohio Revised Code 3375.40 and shall perform such other duties as are generally associated with this office. The policies approved by the board shall remain in effect until changed or rescinded by further action of the board. These policies shall be administered by library staff. The Business Office shall maintain a file of all policies established by the board for consultation and distribution as directed by the board and required by law.

Section 4. Members of the Board are expected to be regular and timely in their attendance and performance of duties of the position to which they have been appointed. Failure to do so may result in notification of such conduct by the President to the appropriate appointing authority.

Section 5. In order to speak with a consistent voice, all news of Board actions or statements by the Board released to the media shall be made by the Board President or Library Director speaking for the Board. No one Board member, other than the President, shall speak for the Board unless directed to do so by a majority of Board members voting at a scheduled Board meeting.

Article VII     Ethics

The Board of Trustees subscribes to the statement of principles promulgated by the American Library Trustee Association as listed below, and is bound by applicable statutes of the Ohio Ethics Law and the rulings of the Ohio Ethics Commission.

ETHICS STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES

• Trustees in the capacity of trust upon them shall observe ethical standards with absolute truth, integrity and honor.
• Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interest might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of library users, colleagues, or the institution. ORC 3375.35 states that “No member of a board of library trustees shall have any pecuniary interest in any contract entered into by such board.”
• It is incumbent upon any trustee to disqualify himself/herself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists.
• Trustees must distinguish clearly in their actions and statement between their personal philosophies and attitudes and those of the institution, acknowledging the formal position of the board even if they personally disagree.
• A trustee must respect the confidential nature of library business while being aware of and in compliance with applicable laws governing freedom of information.
• Trustees must be prepared to support to the fullest the efforts of librarians resisting censorship of library materials by groups or individuals.
• Trustees who accept library board responsibilities are expected to perform all the functions of library trustees.

Article VIII – Amendments

Section 1. Amendments to these by-laws must be presented in writing and read at a regular meeting of the Board. They may be adopted at any subsequent meeting of the Board by two-thirds affirmative vote of the Board.

Article IX – Indemnification

Section 1. Members of the Board of Trustees are covered by the library’s Director’s and Officer’s Liability Policy, including their liability resulting from either institutional or individual lawsuits.

Approved at the Board of Trustees meeting on July 22, 2014.

Revised at the Board of Trustees meeting on June 22, 2021.

Revised at the Board of Trustees meeting on November 18, 2025.