After hours, all materials can be returned via the library's book drop located at the top of the ramp on Union Street.

 

 

If you would like to talk to a staff member of the Library please feel free to contact by phone or e-mail. The London Public Library is located at 20 E. First Street, London, OH 43140

 

Voice: 740-852-9543 and Fax: 740-852-3691

 

Take Interstate 70 West to U.S. Rt. 42 and go towards London. Stay on 42 until you come to the stoplight at Union Street (McDonalds Restaurant should be on your far right). Turn left onto Union Street and go two blocks. The Library is on the corner of Union and E. 1st Street.

 

Library Address: 20 East First Street, London, OH  43140

 

Phone: 740-852-9543       Fax:740-852-3691

 

Please select the kind of membership you desire and proceed to pay online using a major credit card.  We will contact you by phone or e-mail to confirm payment of your membership or renewal. Memberships run June 1 through May 31 of each year.

 

Student $5.00		(ages birth to 17)
Individual $10.00
Couple $ 15.00		(Include spouse's name)
Family $20.00		(Include family member names)
Silver $35.00		(Include family member names)
Gold $50.00		(Include family member names)
Platinum $100.00		(Include family member names)
Other Amount $$$		(Include family member names)

If you have questions about our online payment option please call 740-852-9543 and ask for Becky Stickel.  If you do not want to begin or renew you membership through our website then please visit the library at 20 E. First Street in London and we will be happy to give you an application form.

We appreciate your interest in becoming a Friend.  100% of your membership goes towards bringing more services and materials to our library. 

You may get a library card at the London Public Library with proof of address.

A parent or legal guardian must register for a minor (anyone under 18).
 

 

Use of this card indicates your willingness to accept responsibilty for items borrowed and fines incurred. Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately to provent fradulent use.  Parents and guardians are responsible for their youngsters' selection of materials.

 These items have a 21 day loan period:

• Books (50 per patron)
• Audiobooks (5 per patron, CD-ROM, Playaways)
• Magazines (5 per patron)

These items have a 7 day loan period:

• DVD Movies (Maximum of 10 per patron)
• Video Games (2 per patron)
• View Players (1 per patron)
• Music CDs (4 per patron)

These items have a 2 day loan period:

• Quickie DVD Movies/Blu-ray (3 per patron, included in 10 DVD maximum)
   

Fines and & Fees

We strongly encourage patrons to return materials by their due date to assure the availability of materials to others. 

 

In the event of a late return, there will be a fine added to the patron's account.  A fine of 10 cents per day per item will be charged for books, magazines, Music CDs and audiobooks.

Damaged or Lost Items:

If a library item is damaged or lost the cost of the item, plus a $3.00 processing fee will be added to your library account. The cost of the item can be acquired by contacting the Circulation Desk at (740) 852-9543.

 

You can check your library account through the Library Online Catalog [15]at Patron Account [16]. 

 

Prints, Copies and Faxes:

Patrons can print or make copies using the Library's computers or copy machines.

Please be familiar with the policies listed below so the Library can maximize its services for you. All policies have been adopted by the Board of the London Public Library.  If you have questions about any of the policies please contact Mike Hensel at henselmi@oplin.org [17] or 740-852-9543.

 

Since all Ohio public libraries receive operating income from a statewide income tax it is the policy of the London Public Library to provide walk-in access to print materials available on site to any Ohio resident.

Such person will be expected to provide proof of a current address and, if possible, a current borrower's card from any other Ohio library. He/She will also be expected to be willing to abide by the rules and policies of the London Library, and to assume full responsibility for all materials borrowed

Adopted: August 14, 1995

 

The London Public Library recognizes each library user's right to privacy with regard to information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.  Therefore, the Library specifically recognizes that its circulation, reserve and other records identifying the names of users with specific materials are confidential in nature.

 

No such records shall be made available to any agency of state, federal or local government, or to any individual not specifically authorized by the Library Director for legitimate purposes, except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.

 

Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the Library's officers will consult with their legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and it there is a showing of good cause for its issuance in a court of competent jurisdiction.  If the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, the Library will insist that such defects be cured.

 

Records of minor children may be provided to their parents or legal guardians. Adopted June 14, 1989, Revised May 15, 1999

 

The London Public Library mission, in part, is to offer access to diverse materials and telecommunication tools to respond to the lifelong information, educational, cultural and leisure needs of the London community. It is within this context that the London Public Library provides connectivity to the Internet via the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN).

 

It is to be understood by users of OPLIN and the Internet that most of the information available is not generated by the London Public Library or OPLIN. The Library, through OPLIN, provides access to reference databases of general and special periodical materials, readers' advisory services, homework centers to assist students with research assignments, and legislative, historical, and archival materials and information.

 

Information available through OPLIN and the Internet is not warranted by the London Public Library or OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The availability of networked information via the London Public Library does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information. The London Public Library and OPLIN are not responsible for the content of networked information available. The use of OPLIN and the Internet to engage in any activity, which constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited.

 

All users of this service agree to hold the London Public Library and OPLIN harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities, directly or indirectly relating to the use of OPLIN and the Internet, caused thereby or arising there from. In no event shall the London Public Library or OPLIN have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the London Public Library or OPLIN is advised of the possibility of such damages.

 

By using the London Public Library's computer you as a patron agree to the following:

The Library's OPLIN computer accesses the Internet, which is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and Library patrons use it at their own risk. As with other library materials, it is the patron or the parent or legal guardian of minor children who assumes responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library. Parents and children are encouraged to read the accompanying reprint of the pamphlet "Child Safety on the Information Highway," jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association.

 

First time users will receive a copy of this policy and OPLIN access information.

The OPLIN computers are normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, during library hours.

Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 8:30
Friday 9:00 - 6:00
Saturday 10:00 - 5:00
Sunday 1:00 - 5:00

 

Use of the library's computers is on a first come-first served basis. Use is limited to 30 minutes if others are waiting to use a computer. If someone is waiting you are expected to make the computer available within 5 minutes of being informed by Library staff that another person is waiting.

 

The computers will be used for educational, informational and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes. You may not send, receive or display text or graphics, which may reasonably be construed as sexually explicit, or which contain bigoted or inflammatory opinions or which glorify drug use.

 

You are prohibited from using the library's computers to send, receive or display any text or graphics of a nature which the courts have adjudged criminal or which violate commonly accepted standards of decency in the London community.

 

Standard Internet etiquette is to be observed. You are expected to respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting yourself as another user, by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database. The library will assist in investigations of individuals who hack at any computer via the library's network.

 

You may not send or receive email (electronic mail) using the OPLIN server.

You may not use your own software programs on the library's computers. This policy will help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers.

 

To guard further against computer viruses, you will need to ask the library staff for a diskette if you wish to save files. Diskettes are available for $1.00. You may not use your own diskettes. Only diskettes purchased at the library can be used to download information.

 

Software downloaded from the library's computer may contain a virus and you should have virus checking software on your computer. The London Public Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's diskette or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library's computers.

You may not be able to go to the places on the Internet that you want to visit. The reason may be: too many visitors using the host computer the database or resource is limited to a particular institution the host computer has a different address or has closed down the library's internet connection is temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties.

 

Library staff will be glad to assist you in accessing OPLIN and the Internet. Staff cannot provide individual in-depth technical instruction but may be able to suggest search strategies and answer questions. From time to time the Library will offer group instruction for members of the London community.

 

Patrons violating these guidelines will be asked once to stop. If the violation continues the patron will forfeit the privilege of using the computers.

Any issues not covered here fall under general Library operations.

 

Adopted by the London Public Library Board of Trustees October 21, 1996 Revised April 22, 1997

 

General Information:

The Wireless Gateway will be available during normal library hours on the main and bottom floors of the library.  The SSID is London Library Public Access.  The connection is not encrypted and is not secure. Please see our "WiFi Access Brochure" for more information.  There is a known issue with IE 7 and connecting to our hotspot.  Please read these instructions to reconfigure the browser to bypass this issue.  Otherwise you can use Mozilla Firefox and avoid the issue.  Download Mozilla Firefox for free here!  Apple computers may need to download and install Camino to avoid this issue as well. 

 

Policy:

The London Library will provide a free Internet access point or “hot spot” for users with portable computers or devices capable of receiving wireless signals, during normal library business hours.

 

Library staff can provide general information or handouts for connecting your device to the wireless network, but cannot troubleshoot problems related to your wireless device or assist in making changes to your device’s network settings and/or hardware configuration. The Library cannot guarantee that your device will work with the Library’s wireless access points.

 

The library will not be responsible for any information (i.e. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking.

Printers are not available via the wireless connection at this time.   

 

Use of our access points is governed by the London Public Library’s “Wireless ‘WI-FI’ Access Policy” and “Guidelines for use of OPLIN and the Internet Policy.” Adopted: January 9, 2006

 

The London Public Library encourages visits by young children to the Children's Department and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child and the adult who brings the child to the Library. Therefore Library staff cannot be responsible for the care of unsupervised children in the Library.

 

Consequently, it is expected that all children under age 10 are accompanied by a parent or designated responsible adult while in the Library and that said adult be responsible for the child's behavior and safety while in the Library. Likewise if a young child is attending a Library program the parent or responsible person is expected to remain in the Library throughout the program.

Adopted: December 11, 1995
 

Collection Development Policy

General Information:

1.1 Purpose of the Collection Development Policy
The purpose of the Collection Development Policy is to give library staff and patrons a clear understanding of the criteria involved in the acquisition and management of the library’s materials for the fulfillment of its general mission statement.   It will also clearly define the library’s service area, demographics and specific formats that make up the library’s circulating and non-circulating materials.

1.2 Purpose of the Library
The purpose of the library is to provide traditional and contemporary library services, materials and programs to the residents in the London City School District in an unbiased and professional manner.

1.3 Library Mission Statement
The London Public Library provides traditional and contemporary library services to all.

1.4 Library Goals
To remain a vital informational center to the residents of London, OH and its school district
• To provide contemporary and popular materials in a variety of formats according to customer demand, market trends and availability
• To provide a diverse selection of materials and informational resources to meet the general needs of the community’s  informational needs
• To utilize technologies for library services and programs in accordance to its technology plan
• To expand or add library collections as community needs increase or change
• To provide a collection of high quality and service through regular inventory, weeding and repairing services
• To evaluate the library’s collection development policies and procedures on an bi-annual basis to insure the quality of workflow, service and product

1.5 Clientele to be Served
The London Public Library is located in London, Ohio which is the county seat of Madison County, primarily a rural area.  A 2010 estimated population for the city is 9,904 (US Census Bureau).  Its current service district is the London City School District with 2009 statistics showing that 15,863 individuals live within the district’s borders. The library is a Carnegie library, built in 1905 and currently has nine full-time and seven part-time employees. 

Its yearly budget is $850,000 with 52% of those funds coming from the State of Ohio through the Public Library Fund, while 42% comes from a local operating levy.  The remaining 6% comes from service fees (overdue fees, interest on bonds and etc.)  The library has seen a regular increase of 3-6% each year in the number of items it circulates. 
The community’s demographics in regards to gender and age are similar to national averages.  The male population makes up 46.9%, while females come in at 53.1 %.  The percentage of individuals that are 18 years and over is 74.4%.  According to findings from the U.S. Census Bureau, 89.2% of London’s residents are white with only 6% being African American.  Other ethnicities include Asian, American Indian and Hispanic all of which fall below the 1% margins.  All demographic information was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau website, 2012.
The library’s demographics reveal there are roughly 9208 registered card holders.  74% of cardholders are over the age of 18 while 16% fall in the teen range of 11 to 17 years of age.  The remaining 10% are children 10 and younger.  Male patrons make up roughly 35% of the library’s cardholder base with 65% being female.

1.6 Intellectual Freedom Statement
The London Public Library believes in the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read, Freedom to View and the Library Bill of Rights in conjunction with the Ohio Revised Code, Federal laws such as CIPA, and local guidelines or levels of community acceptance (ALA Bill of Rights, 1996).  Copies of the ALA documents mentioned may be obtained online at http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif [18].

The London Public Library offers a collection that is diverse in nature and does not in any way try to support specific ideas, beliefs or viewpoints through its selections.  The goal of the library is to have a broad collection of materials while offering the latest releases and contemporary fiction and non-fiction titles.  Library cardholders have complete access to all library materials regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.  “Parents and guardians are responsible for their youngster’s selection of library materials,” as stated on each library card.  Access to the internet and information online is addressed in the library’s Use of OPLIN and the Internet policy.

Materials Selection II:
2.1 The Selection Process
In order to assure that the London Public Library maintains a relevant and consistent collection that reflects its mission statement and the general needs of the community, the library will follow a process of selection.  The library recognizes that selection of its materials is a “discerning and interpretive process” based on human understanding, professional resources and community insight.  The library’s collection is broken up into several sub-collections which are maintained by designated library staff members.  These designated staff members will utilize community input, market trends and professional tools to assist in evaluating materials for each sub-collection.  The selection of available materials for the library’s collection should also follow the guidelines as stated in the library’s “goals” as mentioned in section 1.4 of this document.

2.2 Criteria for Selection
The library recognizes that the general selection of materials is a human process that is steered by the library’s goals to the fulfillment of its mission statement and is assisted or influenced by various professional tools and community input.   The following are several criteria for the selection of materials.
• All library materials must fall into collections/formats already established by the library, unless a request for a new collection/format has been established by the library director. 
• Titles should have a professional review (but is not required) concerning their content and worth, and must assist the library in meeting its collection development goals as stated in section 1.4.
• All titles must show that they meet the attended audiences, the budget allotment, and adhere to the space requirements and restraints of each sub-collection
• All titles must be bought with a publishing date within the last two years of the time it is being purchased unless it has historical, consumer value or cannot be purchased in a current edition (DVD and audiobooks are excluded from these criteria.)

2.3 Responsibility for Selection
The designated staff for each sub-collection is the secondary collection developers (SCD) for the library’s collections. They will be responsible for interpreting, accessing and seeking recommendations, referrals, and reviews on specific titles and passing them onto the library director or library services manager who will then order the materials from the appropriate vendors.  The director and the library services manager are the primary collection developers (PCD) for the London Public Library.  They will oversee the development of all sub-collections to make sure that each collection is being developed in accordance to the Collection Development Policy. 

2.4 Format of Materials
• Books: The London Public Library purchases both non-fiction and fiction titles that cover a broad range of subjects and genres for adults, teens and children.  Formats include traditional hardcover, paperback and online digital through the Ohio eBook project.  These titles also include reference materials and are subject to meet criteria as defined in the library’s Collection Development Policy.  The library does participate in some standing orders of popular materials but primarily selects items through the SCD staff members.  Select titles may consist of multiple copies (see Weeding and Duplicates in section 3.4). 
• Periodicals: The London Public Library subscribes to a broad range of magazines, journals and newspapers for informational and entertaining purposes.  Newspapers are selected primarily on locality and popularity.  The library only holds two week of newspapers before sending them to a recycling process.
• Audiobooks: The London Public Library purchases only select popular fiction and non-fiction titles as determined by a PCD.  Currently, the library only purchases audiobooks in CDROM format, Playaway devices and online digital formats through the Ohio eBook project.  The library will only purchase one title per format.
• Movies: The London Public Library purchases a broad selection of recreational and educational movies for adults and children based on market trends, pop culture and popularity.  These movies are purchased in DVD/Blu-ray or Playaway View formats and may consist of multiple copies (see Weeding and Duplicates in section 3.4).  The library will only purchase materials rated G, PG, PG-13, R and Unrated.
• Music Discs:  The London Public Library purchases a diverse selection of musical titles in CD-ROM and downloadable formats through online services. Titles will be based on market trends, pop culture and popularity.  The library will only buy musical titles that do not have Parental Advisories Labels.  However, an exception may be made under the discretion of a PCD if there is a popular musical title that does not have a clean version available but still adds artistic value to the collection. 
• Large Print:  The London Public Library purchases only select popular titles of adult fiction and non-fiction in hardcover or paperback formats based on market trends, pop culture and popularity. 
• Electronic Databases:  The London Public Library subscribes to a variety of online databases in addition to the databases provided by the Ohio Public Library Information Network.  Each database must meet a general need that is not already available through the OPLIN selection.  
• Video Games: The London Public Library purchases video games in only the Xbox 360, Wii and PS3 formats.  Game selections will be based on market trends, pop culture and popularity that are either rated for “Everyone” or “Teen”.  The library does not purchase games rated “Mature”.

2.5 Limits of the Collection
Though the library strives to select a broad range of materials covering as many subjects, as well as genres and formats as possible, it is bound by space, as well as budgetary restraints.  In light of these restrictions the library will continue to evaluate the purpose, feasibility and structure of each collection as community needs or market trends shift in effort to assure that it is providing the best selection of materials available to it community members.  Recognizing that the library is unable to hold the endless volume of materials available to patrons it will actively participate in an interlibrary loaning process to assist in the provision of materials (please see Interlibrary Loan and Procedures in section 3.2).

Other Considerations III:

3.1 Library Cooperation
The London Public Library recognizes that in order to fulfill its mission statement it must work alongside other organizations on a local, state and in some cases national level.  The library will facilitate a general level of cooperation or sharing of its collections through various satellite programs as designated by the Outreach Coordinator and Library Director.   The library will also work with local school systems to understand the informational needs of their students for future collection development, as well as temporary collections for specified school assignments and programs.  The library will also work with local organizations to recognize specific informational needs that may be provided through its collections and future development.

3.2 Interlibrary Loan and Procedures
Because the London Public Library is limited on what it can physically hold on its facility, it will engage in an interlibrary loaning process with the SEO Library System, which is part of the Ohio State Library network.   Library staff will request an interloan by filling out an ILL form on behalf of a patron if the circumstances meet these criteria. 
• The item is deemed missing, lost or has been withdrawn from the library’s collection
• The patron has not exceeded more than $9.99 on their account because of library related fees or fines
• The item falls into one of the formats or sub-collections that the library is currently offering and servicing.
• The item will not constitute an additional cost to the library with the exception of overdue fees or fines due to a material loss, in which case will be passed on to the patron.

3.3 Gift Donation and Memorial Policy
The London Public Library welcomes donations of materials to be added to its collections.  All items will be evaluated by the same criteria that new/purchased materials adhere to, including the library’s Donated Materials Policy for entrance to the library’s collections.  If a donated item does not meet the criteria or is not viable for the library’s collection, it will be donated to the Friends of the London Public Library to be placed in the book sale.  Individuals making a donation will be asked to fill out a Library Donation Form at which time a price will be issued (by the donor) on the value of each donation.   The library also graciously accepts memorial gifts to be added to the collection.  Requests for a memorial gift must be handled by the library director.  Once a gift has been accepted by the library, it will issue a memorial plaque to be placed on the inside of the front cover. 

3.4 Weeding and Discarding Policy
The library recognizes that weeding plays a vital role in the process of managing library collections.  Below is a list of criteria that will be used to assist library staff in evaluating materials during the weeding process.  Only staff members designated by the library director can weed the library’s collections.
Basic Criteria:
• Item is damaged beyond general repair
• Multiple copies of an item are no longer needed to maintain general circulation
• The information provided in the item is no longer current or accurate
• The item has a low circulation rate
• A collection has been phased out due to format availability or to make room for new emerging collections or formats

3.5 Replacement and Duplicates Policy
The library will only replace a lost or damaged item if the item is deemed vital to the general diversity of the collection and/or if the item still has a high circulation rate.   If the item is no longer accurate but the subject matter is vital to a diverse collection, an updated version or alternate item of the same subject matter will be purchased.  The library will only purchase up to six copies of the same title for DVD movies and  three copies of popular fiction that have a high circulation rate or holds list.  The rate for obtaining additional copies is 1 copy per 10 holds.  All other items will only be purchased as single titles.

3.6 Public Requests
The library is open to take public requests for specific materials, as long as the request falls into a current library collection.  Each request must be submitted by filling out a Materials Request form found at the library’s service desk.  All requests will be subject to the same criteria that all materials must follow in order to enter the library’s collections.  Once the item has been reviewed by a PCD or SCD, the individual will be notified of the library’s decision to purchase or not to purchase the item.  The requesting patron will also be added to the item’s holding list if indeed the library has decided to purchase the item.

3.7 Reconsideration of Library Materials
The library follows a thorough process of evaluating library materials to assure a diverse and contemporary collection that meets the general needs of its stakeholders.  It in no way indorses any particular view point or belief as mentioned or perceived by the materials made available in its collections.  If a patron finds a particular item in the library’s collections offensive, it is their right to request a “reconsideration” of library materials since it is a public collection.  In the event of a complaint, the individual must first meet with the library director and then fill out a “Reconsideration of Library Materials” form found at the library’s service desk.  After the form has been received, the director will evaluate the request and then issue a response within three business days.   If the initial response is not accepted by the individual who filed the complaint, then they have the right to repeal the response to the library board within 30 days.  Once the board has reviewed the request and initial response they will issue a final verdict and all decisions at that point will be finalized.

3.8 Reevaluation of Collection Development Policy
The London Public Library will reevaluate the Collection Development Policy during the month of November every two years or as issues arise.  The reevaluation process will be conducted by the Primary Collection Developers.  Any changes will then be announced to the complete library staff by the first week of December and will go into effect the first of the New Year.

 

 

Weekly Story Times and Play Dates will resume at the London Public Library beginning September 13th.  Toddler Time, which is geared to ages 18 months to three years of age, will be every Tuesday at 10am and will feature stories, music, puppets, and finger-plays to enrich your child.  Preschool Story Time will be Tuesdays at 11am and is geared toward children ages 3 to 6 years of age.  Children will not only have music and dancing with their stories but also a weekly craft activity.  Finally, all children age six and under are invited to the London Public Library’s weekly Play Dates beginning on Thursday, September 22^nd at 10:30am.  Play Dates allow the young ones to meet and interact with other library lovers with parents and caregivers close-by.