TML Policies
The following policies are in affect at Thayer Memorial Library:
Circulation
The circulation policy of the Thayer Memorial Library exists to facilitate the Library’s stated mission of free and open community access to the materials and information contained in the Library’s general collections. Details...
Internet Use
The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information. However, not all information found on the Internet is accurate, complete, current or legal. The Library does not control, monitor or filter the content of the material accessed via the Internet. The Library assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages arising from the use of the information found on the Internet or communications sent through or received by the Library’s Internet terminal. Details...
Unattended Children
The Library is a public building available for the use by all residents of Massachusetts. However, responsibility for the welfare and the behavior of children using the Library rests solely with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (“Parent”). Though staff will always respond with care and concern, they can not assume responsibility for children's safety and comfort when they are left unattended. Furthermore, the staff cannot know if children are entering or leaving the Library with their parents or strangers. Details...
Meeting Room Use
These rooms are provided for the benefit of all and may be used by organizations and applicants, based on availability. The meeting rooms may not be used for illegal purposes. In order to provide the citizens of Lancaster with the opportunity to enjoy the use of these facilities and while also providing uninterrupted Library services, the Board of Trustees of the Thayer Memorial Library has adopted the following policy and procedures regarding the use of its meeting rooms. Details...
To print out a meeting room application, please click here
Volunteers
Volunteers are a valuable asset for any library. In Lancaster, volunteers have been actively serving the Lancaster Town Library since 1862. Volunteers do not replace regular library staff; their efforts support the Library staff. Volunteers contribute important services, at no cost to the Library, through a variety of activities and efforts. The collaboration of volunteers with Library staff creates a community partnership which enables the Library to deliver enhanced services to Library patrons and the Lancaster community.
There are a number of routine and creative tasks available for volunteers. Some will require weekly commitment of two or more hours over many months, other tasks are performed monthly, and still others are special projects of both short and long duration. Not all tasks will be available at all times. Availability depends on the number of volunteers currently working at the Library, the amount of staff time available for training, and the changing needs of the Library. Details...
Confidentiality
The Thayer Memorial Library recognizes that in order to fulfill its mission, library users must not feel constrained in their use of library resources because they fear invasion of personal privacy. The existence of such a possibility inhibits free usage of library resources and facilities and is contrary to the General Laws of Massachusetts.
Confidentiality extends to information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, and include database search records, reference interviews, circulation records, interlibrary loan transactions, registration records, and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services. Details.
