Library Membership and Use Policy

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Updated July, 2026

The Lake Placid Public Library belongs to the entire community. We are committed to providing free access to educational, informational, cultural, and recreational material, programs for all ages, and creating welcoming spaces for learning, discovery, recreation, and connection. 

Library membership comes with both privileges and responsibilities. By using the library, obtaining a library card, or participating in library programs and services, members and visitors agree to help maintain an environment that is safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone. 

This policy explains the shared responsibilities that apply to all library members, visitors, and users of library services. 

What We Ask of Our Members and Visitors 

We ask that all library users: 

  • Treat library staff, volunteers, and other users with courtesy and respect. 
  • Use library spaces in a manner that allows others to comfortably enjoy the library. 
  • Respect library materials, equipment, furnishings, and facilities. 
  • Follow borrowing guidelines and return materials on time, so they remain available to others. 
  • Supervise children in accordance with this policy. 
  • Follow staff directions regarding safety, facility use, and applicable library policies. 

Borrowing Responsibilities 

Library materials are community resources shared by everyone. 

Members with library cards are responsible for: 

  • Returning borrowed materials by their due dates. 
  • Keeping account contact information current. 
  • Responding to notices regarding overdue, lost, or damaged materials delivered through phone calls, emails, or printed mail. 
  • Paying replacement costs for materials that are lost or damaged beyond normal wear. 
  • Accepting financial responsibility for all materials checked out on their library account and for any minor child account for which they have agreed to assume responsibility. 

Members with significant lost book fees, damaged book fees, or other unresolved charges may have borrowing privileges suspended until their fees are resolved. The library will make reasonable efforts to notify members of overdue materials before accounts are restricted. 

Access to borrowing privileges throughout the Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System is governed by system-wide circulation policies as well as those of each individual library. More can be found on their website at cefls.org. 

Expected Conduct 

To ensure a welcoming environment for everyone, library users are expected to engage in activities associated with the normal use of a public library, including reading, studying, attending programs, using library materials and technology, and participating in community activities. 

Thank you for showing respect to others by 

  • Entering the library with appropriate footwear and attire. 
  • Maintaining personal hygiene. 
  • Consuming food and beverages in a limited manner that does not damage materials, furnishings, equipment, or create excessive mess. 
  • Using children’s and teen areas for their intended purpose, which is for young library visitors and their caregivers to work or play quietly and to access collections in those spaces. 
  • Tidying areas of the library that you have used by properly disposing of trash and recycling and placing used library materials on reshelving carts. 
  • Departing the building promptly at closing time. 

Thank you for refraining from 

Disruptive Behavior 

  • Excessive noise, shouting, or disruptive conversations. 
  • Playing personal media without headphones or at a volume audible to others. 
  • Photographing, filming, or recording other library users without their consent in a manner that interferes with privacy, comfort, or normal library use. 
  • Refusing to comply with reasonable directions from library staff regarding safety, facility use, or library policies. 
  • Using profanity, abusive language, or other hostile behavior directed at others such as harassing, intimidating, threatening, or stalking any library user, volunteer, or staff member. 

Unsafe or Illegal Conduct 

  • Fighting, physical aggression, or threats of violence. 
  • Possessing or using weapons except as permitted by law and library policy. 
  • Possessing, using, selling, or distributing illegal drugs or alcohol. 
  • Being visibly impaired in a manner that disrupts library operations or creates a safety concern. 
  • Any activity that violates federal, state, or local law. 

Misuse of Library Facilities 

  • Damaging or stealing library property. 
  • Blocking entrances, exits, aisles, or walkways. 
  • Using restrooms for bathing, shaving, laundering clothing, or other purposes unrelated to their intended use. 
  • Leaving personal belongings unattended for extended periods. 

Solicitation and Distribution 

Without prior approval from the Library Director, visitors and users may not engage in commercial sales, solicitation, canvassing, petitioning, fundraising, or distribution of materials within library buildings. 

Technology and Internet Use 

Visitors using library computers, networks, and internet services must comply with the library’s Internet and Computer Use Policy.  

Children in the Library 

The library welcomes children and families and seeks to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for young library users. 

Responsibility for a child’s safety, behavior, and wellbeing rests with the parent, caregiver, or legal guardian, not with library staff. Parents and caregivers should have a plan for children in the event of early closing, weather emergencies, or unexpected building evacuations. 

Children Under Age 8 

Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent, caregiver, or responsible person at least 14 years old who remains nearby and maintains visual contact with the child. 

Children Ages 8-10 

Children ages 8-10 may use the library independently only if a parent or caregiver remains in the building and is immediately available if needed. 

Children Ages 11 and Older 

Children aged 11 and older may use the library without direct supervision. Parents and guardians remain responsible for their child’s conduct and wellbeing while using the library. 

Library Programs 

Children ages 8-10 may attend library programs without a parent or caregiver in the program room, provided the parent or caregiver remains in the library and reconnects with the child at the conclusion of the program. 

Unattended Children 

If a child appears to be unattended in a manner that creates a safety concern, library staff will attempt to locate a parent or caregiver. If no responsible person can be located, the library may contact law enforcement or other appropriate authorities for assistance and complete an incident report for internal documentation of the event. 

Dogs in the Library 

Dogs are welcome at the discretion of library staff when their presence does not interfere with library operations, programs, or other visitors’ use of the facility.  

For the comfort and safety of all library users: 

  • Dogs must remain on a physical leash at all times. 
  • Dogs must remain under the handler’s control and close to the handler. 
  • Any barking, growling, jumping, or other disruptive behavior is not permitted. 
  • Dogs must be dry and hygienic.  
  • Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and for any damage caused by their animals. 
  • Dogs may not block aisles, entrances, exits, or access to library services. 
  • Dogs should not be left unattended anywhere on library property. 
  • Library staff may require a dog to leave if the animal’s behavior creates a disruption, safety concern, or excessive sanitation issue. 

Addressing Concerns 

Library staff are committed to handling policy violations respectfully, professionally, and with the goal of resolving issues whenever possible. 

Depending on the situation, staff may: 

  • Provide a reminder of the applicable policy. 
  • Issue a verbal warning.
  • Ask a visitor to modify their behavior. 
  • Ask a visitor to leave the library for the remainder of the day. 
  • Temporarily suspend library privileges. 
  • Contact law enforcement when safety concerns or legal violations occur. 

Serious incidents involving violence, threats, harassment, weapons, illegal activity, or repeated violations may result in longer suspensions of library privileges or trespass orders. 

Appeals 

Individuals whose library privileges have been suspended for an extended period may submit a written request for review to the Library Director and Board of Trustees within 30 days of the action. 

The Board will review the circumstances and communicate its decision in writing. 

Library Cards & Borrowing Privileges Policy

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Purpose

The Lake Placid Public Library recognizes that the Lake Placid Central School District includes full‑time residents, property owners, and a significant seasonal and temporary population. This policy ensures equitable access to library services while responsibly stewarding resources funded primarily by local taxpayers. 

Eligibility for Library Cards

Resident Library Card 

A Resident Library Card shall be issued at no cost to any individual who: 

• Resides within the Lake Placid Central School District, or 
• Resides within the Lake Placid Central School District for more than six (6) consecutive months, regardless of voting status or legal domicile, or 
• Owns property within the Lake Placid Central School District and spends a total of at least four (4) weeks per calendar year at that property, which may consist of multiple non‑consecutive visits. 

Resident Library Card holders receive full borrowing privileges, including access to interlibrary loan (ILL) services. 

Residents of Other Library Districts within Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties 

Individuals who reside outside the Lake Placid Central School District but within Clinton, Essex, or Franklin Counties are encouraged to obtain a borrowing card from their home public library. 

Through the Lake Placid Public Library’s participation in regional library system agreements, patrons holding a valid library card from their home library retain full privileges to use and borrow materials from the Lake Placid Public Library in accordance with system policies. 

Temporary Resident Library Card

A Temporary Resident Library Card shall be issued to individuals who: 

• Are staying within or working within the Lake Placid Central School District for more than one (1) month but less than six (6) months, and 
• Can provide proof of a temporary local address (such as a lease, lodging confirmation, or employer verification), and 
• Provide their permanent address outside the district. 

Temporary Resident Library Card privileges include: 

• Borrowing of physical library materials 
• Access to digital collections and electronic resources 
• Use of public computers and in‑library services 

Temporary Resident Library Card conditions and restrictions: 

• Interlibrary loan (ILL) privileges are not available 
• All borrowed materials must be returned on or before the end of the individual’s temporary residency or employment period within the district 

Temporary Resident cards shall expire no later than six (6) months from the date of issue and may not be renewed beyond that time. 

CONVERSION TO RESIDENT STATUS 

Any Temporary Resident cardholder whose stay or employment within the Lake Placid Central School District extends beyond six (6) months shall be eligible—and required—to convert to a Resident Library Card upon presentation of updated proof of residency. 

Proof of Address

Acceptable documentation may include, but is not limited to: 

• Lease or rental agreement 
• Utility bill 
• Property ownership documentation 
• Employer letter or seasonal employment contract 
• Other documentation deemed reasonable by library administration 

Visitor Access without a Card

Short‑term visitors staying one (1) month or less are welcome to: 

• Use the library space 
• Access in‑library resources 
• Attend library programs 

Visitors without a library card may request that selected library materials be held at the circulation desk between visits, subject to staff discretion and availability, to allow continued in‑library access to those materials during their stay. 

Items held in this manner may not leave the building and are held for a limited period as determined by library staff. 

Administrative Discretion

The Library Director, or their designee, is authorized to interpret and apply this policy in unusual circumstances consistent with its intent and with New York State library regulations. 

Gifts and Donations Policy

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Last updated June, 2026 

The LPPL gratefully accepts donations, which play a significant role in supporting building repairs, furniture and equipment purchases, community programs, and improvements to our collection.  

Financial Contributions 

The library accepts financial gifts through cash, check, PayPal, Benevity.com, electronic wire transfer, or other means as able. As stated in our bylaws, all gifts of stocks/bonds must be sold upon receipt.  

All monetary gifts are recorded in our unrestricted donations account and used at the discretion of the Director and the Board of Trustees to fulfill the library’s mission. The Director is empowered to make purchases below $500 that are aligned with the library’s mission. All other non-recurring expenses require prior authorization by the Board. At the end of each fiscal year, the Board will vote to determine if cash reserves should be spent, rolled over to the next fiscal year for operating and/or capital expenditures, or placed in the endowment.  

Restrictions, if desired, must be provided in a signed letter, according to the New York Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (“NYPMIFA”). These funds are held in a separate ledger fund for tracking purposes. LPPL highly recommends that donors work with the Director and the Board of Trustees to ensure that restrictions align with the mission of needs of the organization and our community.  

Material Donations 

The Lake Placid Public Library may accept material donations. The Director will choose to accept materials based primarily on the condition and usefulness of the item as well as current storage capacity. The Lake Placid Public Library retains full control over all donated materials. Donated items are added to collections or furnishings, given to other institutions, or disposed of in other ways at the sole discretion of the Lake Placid Public Library. No agreement will be made to waive this control.  

The Lake Placid Public Library does not provide pick-up service for donated materials, and all deliveries of donations must be arranged in advance with the Director, or his/her designee.  

Recognition 

The Lake Placid Public Library will acknowledge all donations over $25 in writing. Only in the case of financial gifts will monetary values be assigned. It is the responsibility of the donor to have materials appraised before donating them to the Library. 

Donors who gift over $1000 will be invited to have a plate added to our donor recognition plaque, to be added at the end of the fiscal year, and to be listed in our Annual Report. Additional recognition for significant contributions will be determined in consultation with the Director. 

Memorial Donations 

The LPPL gratefully accepts memorial donations. Memorial donations from friends and family are recorded, and a summary letter is provided to the next of kin. Friends or family who are arranging the memorial donations may commemorate their loved one by working with the Director to purchase a small collection of appropriate books and include gift plates in their front covers. Other restricted uses of memorial funds must be arranged with the Director. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to grant requests to add memorials to the garden and space for material donations is limited (see above). 

Incident Report Policy

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Updated June, 2026

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of the Lake Placid Public Library to create a 

written account of all incidents such as disruptive behavior or vandalism on Library 

property. 

Objectives 

The objective of this policy is to provide documentation that can be referenced to after 

an incident has occurred. 

Procedure 

When an incident takes place: 

  1. The Librarian-in-Charge shall be immediately summoned to the scene of the incident. 
  2. The Librarian-in-Charge and/or his/her designee shall remain at the scene of the incident through its conclusion. 
  3. The Librarian-in-Charge shall record the following facts to be included in a written incident report: 
    • The date and times that the incident began and ended.
    • The name, address, age, and telephone number of all persons involved in the incident (NOTE – where a name cannot be determined, a detailed physical description should be documented including the apparel worn by the person being described) 
    • The names of staff member who witnessed and or were parties to the incident 
    • The names and badge numbers/other identifiers of police and/or other persons responding to a 911 call, with their time of arrival and departure 
    • The number assigned to the police report 
    • Statements and claims made by persons involved in the incident 
  4. In instances of an un-witnessed incident claimed by a member of the public, a Librarian will create an incident report if requested to do so by a patron, noting that no witnesses were available to confirm the alleged particulars of the claimed incident. 
  5. In instances of an un-witnessed incident claimed by an employee, that employee with or without the assistance of his/her supervisor shall complete the incident report. 
  6. A staff member who completes an incident report shall provide the completed report to the Library Director as soon as possible after the incident takes place. 

Current Incident Report Template to Print and Complete

Book Donation Policy

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Thank you for thinking of the Library and for supporting our mission to provide a welcoming, relevant, and well‑cared‑for collection for our community. We value the generosity of our donors and offer the following guidelines to help ensure that book donations align with our collection needs, available space, and staff capacity.

Book Donation Policy

The Library accepts book donations that support our mission and meet the same selection standards used for purchased materials. These guidelines help us steward donated items responsibly.

General Principles

  • Donations are accepted at the discretion of the Library.
  • All donated materials become the property of the Library upon acceptance.
  • Donated materials are evaluated using the same criteria as purchased materials, including condition, relevance, currency, and community interest.
  • The Library cannot guarantee that donated items will be added to the collection.

Donation Arrangements

  • Book donations must be approved in advance or accepted during designated times, as determined by library staff.
  • Donations must be brought inside during open hours.
  • For the safety of staff and patrons, items may not be left on the porch, outside the building, or placed in the book drop.

Items left unattended may be declined, recycled, or discarded if they are unsuitable or unsafe to process.

Materials the Library May Accept

The Library may occasionally accept:

  • Popular fiction and nonfiction, cookbooks, children’s books and others that may be of interest to library patrons or visitors
  • Items in excellent, clean condition, free of damage, mold, or strong odors
  • Popular DVDs

Acceptance depends on current collection needs, available space, and staff capacity.

Materials the Library Cannot Accept

The Library is unable to accept:

  • Books with yellowing pages, water damage, mold, or a musty smell
  • Materials stored in basements, attics, garages, sheds, or unheated cabins
  • Textbooks, magazines, outdated encyclopedias, dictionaries, and thesauri
  • Audiobooks and music CDs
  • Materials in poor, unsafe, or unsanitary condition

These items cannot be safely added to the collection or reused by the Library.

Evaluation and Disposition of Donations

All accepted donations may be:

  • Added to the circulating or reference collection
  • Used for programs, displays, or outreach
  • Rehoused or gifted to partner organizations or little free libraries
  • Offered to other libraries or nonprofit organizations
  • Recycled or discarded if they are not usable

The Library reserves the right to determine the use or final disposition of all donated materials. Items added to the collection may later be withdrawn due to wear, damage, or changes in relevance.

Large or Special Donations

Because of limited space and staff capacity:

  • Donations that require extensive sorting, storage, or special handling will be declined
  • Donations with restrictions on use, retention, or display cannot be accepted

Receipts and Valuation

  • Written acknowledgments of receipt are available upon request.
  • The Library cannot assign monetary value to donations.
  • Donors are responsible for obtaining any appraisals needed for tax purposes.

Other Options for Used Books

If your books are not a good fit for the Library, there are many other excellent ways to give them a second life.

Local Options

  • Local thrift stores often welcome popular books in clean, good condition.
  • Little Free Libraries around town are a wonderful way to share books with neighbors.
  • Recycling at the transfer station is available free of charge for books that are damaged or contain inaccurate information. Please remove hard covers before recycling.

Online Resale Options

Some newer or popular titles may have resale value through large online services:

  • BookScouter – Lets you scan ISBN barcodes and compares buyback offers from multiple major book buyers.
  • World of Books – Accepts bulk shipments of selected ISBN‑based titles and offers free shipping for accepted items.

Availability and pricing depend on the title, edition, and condition of the book; not all books will be accepted.

Board of Trustees By-Laws 

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(last updated March 24, 2026) 

  1. GOVERNING BODY – BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

The Library shall be administered by a Board of five-nine Trustees elected by the qualified voters of the Lake Placid Central School District for a full term of five years. The elections shall be in such a manner that expirations of terms shall be staggered evenly over a five-year period. To fill a vacancy caused by death, resignation or removal, the Board of Trustees shall appoint a new Trustee until the next election.  At that time, the Trustee must run for the remainder of the unexpired term. 

  1. OFFICERS 

Officers shall be elected at an annual organization meeting and shall consist of a President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. The board may elect a Secretary if a Trustee is interested in serving. The term of office shall be one year, but officers may serve until successors are elected. 

The President shall preside at all meetings, appoint all committees, call meetings, and generally perform the duties of presiding officer.  The Vice-President has like powers should the President be absent or unable to perform those duties. The Treasurer will review monthly abstracts, bank statements, and reconciliation reports. All sitting Trustees are eligible to vote. If no Secretary is elected from sitting Trustees, the Director will ensure that meeting notes and minutes are recorded and published for each meeting.     

  1. MEETING 

The annual meeting shall be held to coincide with the beginning of the fiscal year. 

Other meetings shall consist of one per month, the dates to be determined by the will of the majority. 

The Director shall notify all the members in advance of the meeting. 

When it is impossible or impracticable for any Trustee or Trustees to be in personal attendance at any regular or special meeting of the Board, the Trustees in attendance may confer with those not in attendance by means of a telephone call or video conference, and the votes recorded by such means shall be valid. 

  1. QUORUM 

A majority of the total membership on the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of those in attendance at any meeting will carry any motion. A tie vote will lose a motion. The presiding officer has a vote on all motions. 

  1. FISCAL YEAR 

The financial affairs of the Lake Placid Public Library shall be conducted on a fiscal year basis beginning July 1 and ending June 30, the same as the Central School District. 

  1. DIRECTOR 

The Director shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees, pending Civil Service certification. The Director shall have charge of the administration of the Library under the direction and review of the Board. He/She shall be responsible for the employment and direction of the staff, for the service to the public, for adherence to the policies of the Board and for the care of all Library property.  It shall be his/her duty to attend all meetings of the Board, unless excused by the President. 

  1. ORDER OF BUSINESS 
  1. Call to Order 
  2. Approval of Minutes
  3. Approval of Bills
  4. Financial Reports
  5. Director’s Report
  6. Old Business
  7. New Business
  8. Public Comments as Needed
  9. Adjournment
  1. AMENDMENTS 

These By-Laws may be amended by a majority vote of those in attendance at any meeting at which there is a quorum, providing due notice of the proposed change has been mailed to each Trustee at least five days prior to the meeting. The notice shall state the proposed change. 

  1. INDEMNIFICATION 

Every Trustee, Officer, Director and staff member of the Lake Placid Public Library shall be indemnified by the library to the full extent that such indemnification may be lawful under the New York Not-for-Profit corporation law. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other right to which such person may be entitled. The Board will always carry Director and Officer Insurance. 

AMENDMENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BY-LAWS OF THE LAKE PLACID PUBLIC LIBRARY 

  1. ENDOWMENT 

The Endowment Fund Agreement entered into between the Lake Placid Public Library and the Adirondack Community Trust on June 5, 2002, for the establishment and administration of a Lake Placid Public Library Endowment fund did not contain any restriction or limitations on the withdrawal of funds from the Endowment fund.  At the June 18, 200, meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Lake Placid Public Library, with a majority present, a resolution was adopted providing that a 2/3’s vote of the Board of Trustees would be required in order to withdraw up to, but not exceeding, fifty percent (50%) of the Lake Placid Public Library Endowment Fund, and that there be required a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees in order to withdraw over fifty percent (50%) and up to one hundred percent (100%) of the Lake Placid Public Library Endowment Fund. This Amendment recognizes that IRS regulations requiring ultimate authority for grant distributions rests with the Board of Trustees of ACT, as set forth in Paragraph “5” of the ACT Organization Fund Agreement establishing the Lake Placid Public Library Endowment Fund; which Amendment Agreement was executed by its duly authorized officers effective as of October 3, 2002, and adopted by Resolution to be part of the Lake Placid Public Library By-Laws at the October 22, 200, meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Lake Placid Public Library, with a quorum present and voting. 

*Note: Adirondack Community Trust changed its name to Adirondack Foundation in 2013. Adirondack Foundation is now Adirondack Community Foundation as of 2025. 

  1. INVESTMENT / ACQUISITION POLICY  

All gifts of stocks/bonds must be sold upon receipt. The proceeds are to be deposited into an interest-bearing account. Unsolicited monetary gifts will be used for the enhancement of the library collection or put toward capital building improvements. Twenty percent (20%) or more of all unsolicited and undesignated monetary gifts will be placed in the Endowment Fund at the discretion of the Board of Trustees and twenty percent (20%) or more of all unsolicited and undesignated monetary gifts will be used for the purchase of books for the Library’s collections. Regarding non-monetary gifts, the Board of Trustees reserves the right to keep, sell or dispose of the donated items, as needed for the greatest benefit of the Library. (June 2003) 

At the December 20, 2016 meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Lake Placid Public Library, with all members present, a resolution was adopted to accept the proposal to release the Lake Placid School District Treasurer of his duties as Treasurer to the Lake Placid Public Library. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint a Board Member as Treasurer and include the Treasurer as an office to be voted upon at the annual meeting, along with President and Vice President. The Treasurer will now be a voting member of the Board of Trustees.