Library Policies
These are the policies adopted by the Library Board of Trustees.
Cell Phone Policy
Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library:
Please turn off your cell phone or switch it to vibrate when you enter the library. You may not use your cell phone in the Wyoming Room, Inner Circle or Children’s Theatre. If you are disturbing others, you will be asked to move to the Read a Latte Coffee Shop or outside of the building.
Clearmont Branch Library, Story Branch Library, Tongue River Branch Library:
Please turn off your cell phone or switch it to vibrate when you enter the library. If you are disturbing others, you will be asked to move to another area, or outside of the building.
Circulation
Click here to read a PDF version of the Circulation Policy
LIBRARY CARDS
Permanent and temporary residents of the Sheridan County trade area are eligible to apply for either a regular or a temporary library card. A valid photo ID may be required. Any photo ID issued by a governmental entity, photo credit card, or a current school activity card is considered valid.
- Children ages 15 and younger may apply for a Regular card (full privilege) when a parent or adult with a library card or a valid photo ID signs the application. The mailing address of the person signing the card should appear on the application.
- Persons ages 16 and older may apply for a Regular card (full privilege.) A valid photo ID and signature are required.
- Persons ages 18 and older who are temporary residents or do not have a valid photo ID may apply for a Temporary Card.
Regular Card (full privilege): A regular card (full privilege) will allow a patron to check out a maximum of 40 items (of which, only 10 items may be media – DVD, CD, or Playaway).
Temporary Card (limited-privilege): A temporary card will be issued with an expiration date of 3 months. A maximum of two (2) items may be charged to a temporary card.
LOAN PERIODS
| Item | Loan Period | Renewals |
| Books & Audiobooks | 14 days | 4 times |
| DVDs | 7 days | 4 times |
| Magazines (back issues only) | 7 days | 4 times |
| Books on the Move Kits | 6 weeks | 1 time |
| Reference Books | In library use only | N/A |
| Wyoming Room Materials | In library use only | N/A |
Current issues of all magazines do not circulate and are available for in-library use only. All back issues of magazines may be checked out for -7- days.
RENEWALS
Materials may be renewed in person, by phone, or online up to 4 times if another person has not placed a hold on the item. New due date is based on the date items are renewed.
RETURNING LIBRARY MATERIALS
Fulmer: Bus loop in front of library on Alger, or, during library hours, the return slot in main entrance wall
CBL: East side of building
SBL: In front of library
TRBL: South side of building
OVERDUES
Notices are sent on items that are overdue via USPS and email. Overdue fees are calculated by our automated system; fees are not charged for days the library is closed. Overdue notices are sent -1- week, -2- weeks and -4- weeks and 45 days from the date the item was due. The third and fourth notice includes a bill for the item with the fourth notice being the final notice and will be sent by USPS only. After 60 days, the overdue account may be turned over to a collection agency. Please contact the library if you believe an overdue notice has been sent in error. Privileges will be suspended for cardholders with charges and/or fees that exceed the limit of $5.00 per library account.
LOST OR DAMAGED LIBRARY MATERIALS
You will be charged the current retail price of the item for a lost or damaged item. If the lost or damaged items are not returned or paid within 60 calendar days of the due date, the account may be turned over to a collection agency. The Library Board of Trustees will determine the dollar amount threshold to be used when sending delinquent accounts to collections. A $10 collection fee will be added to those accounts turned over for collection. This policy becomes effective for materials with a November 1, 2018 due date or after.
HOLDS (RESERVE)
No fee is charged for an “In County” Hold request (Fulmer, Clearmont, Story, Tongue River). Holds may be requested in person, via telephone or online. Hold notification will be made by telephone, email or USPS. Prompt pick-up is essential; items are held for seven days. If you are picking up an item for someone else, you must have that person’s library card with you.
INTERLIBRARY LOANS (ILL’s)
Items that are not available at any of the four Sheridan County Public Libraries may be acquired through ILL. You may complete an ILL request in person, via telephone, mail, email, or online. A standard fee is charged for each item requested. You will also be assessed any additional fees which may be charged by the lending library. Payment is due at the time of pick-up. If item is not picked up, all fees will remain on your account until paid.
FEES
REPLACEMENT LIBRARY CARDS
There is a $1.00 charge for replacement library cards. If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the library as soon as possible so that your old card can be canceled.
Fines: 10 cents per item per day overdue; maximum fine per item is $3.00
Interlibrary Loans (ILLs): $2.00 per borrowed item requested.
Missing Components: A fee is charged if an item is returned with a missing component (i.e. container, cover, tape, etc.).
| Audio case: | $3.00 |
| DVD case: | $3.00 |
| Other components: | Replacement cost |
Item Replacement Costs: The current retail price will be billed to your account. If current retail price cannot be determined, then a flat charge shall be assessed:
| Library Card: | $1.00 |
| Fiction hardback: | $25.00 |
| Fiction paperback: | $15.00 |
| Non-Fiction hardback: | $30.00 |
| Non-Fiction paperback: | $25.00 |
| Books on CD or Playaway: | $40.00 |
| DVD: | $25.00 |
| Magazines: | $5.00 |
If item is returned in good condition within six months after payment has been made, the replacement fee will be refunded.
SUSPENDED PRIVILEGES
Library borrowing privileges will be suspended for accounts with balances of $5.00 or more.
Patron Code of Conduct
The purpose of the Sheridan County Library System is to provide free, open and equal access to ideas and information to all members of the community. To help promote a safe, healthy and pleasant environment, the Library Board of Trustees has endorsed the following code of conduct.
Library patrons are asked to respect the rights and property of others, and to refrain from conduct that disrupts the library, endangers themselves or others, interferes with the library business of other patrons or staff, or is illegal. This may include any activity that results in damage or disruption of library equipment or services.
A patron who is disruptive will be notified that the behavior is inappropriate. If the behavior continues, the patron will be asked to leave the library property. If the patron refuses to leave, local law enforcement officials will be called. Disruptive behavior on the part of a library patron may result in the denial of the individual’s access to the library and its services.
Collection Development
Click here to read a PDF version of the Collection Development Policy.
Fees
Click here to read a PDF version of the Fees Policy.
Fines:
10 cents per item per day overdue.
Interlibrary Loans (ILLs):
$2.00 per borrowed item requested (payable at time of pick-up; fee will be charged to patron’s card if item is not picked up). NOTE: Patron will be assessed any other fees which may be charged by the lending library.
Replacement Library Cards:
There is no charge for your first library card. However, there is a $1.00 charge for each subsequent replacement card issued.
Faxes:
Per page for black and white faxing
$1.00
Printing Charges:
| Per page for black and white printing | $0.10 |
| Per page for color printing | $0.25 |
Wyoming Room:
| Research fee for the first hour of work | $5.00 |
| Research fee after the first hour | $25.00 |
| Per scan requested to be sent via email | $0.25 |
| Per page for black and white printing | $0.10 |
| Per page for black and white printing | $0.25 |
| Per photograph (either color or black & white) | $5.00 |
Missing Components:
| CD ROM case | $3.00 |
| DVD case | $3.00 |
| Other components | Replacement Cost |
Item Replacement Costs:
The current retail price will be billed to your account. If current retail price cannot be determined, then a flat charge shall be assessed:
| Fiction hardback | $25.00 |
| Fiction paperback | $15.00 |
| Non-Fiction hardback | $30.00 |
| Non-Fiction paperback | $25.00 |
| Books on CD or Playaway | $40.00 |
| DVD’s | $25.00 |
| Magazines | $5.00 |
If patron finds an item within six months after payment has been made, the replacement fee will be refunded. Library borrowing privileges will be suspended for accounts with balances of $5.00 or more.
Internet
Public Internet access is available at Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, Clearmont Branch Library, Story Branch Library, and Tongue River Branch Library in Ranchester.
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Sheridan County Public Library System endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the Sheridan County Library community. It is within this context that the Sheridan County Public Library System offers access to the Internet.
The Sheridan County Public Library has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and library patrons use it at their own risk.
There are information resources, which you may personally find controversial, offensive, or inappropriate. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. You need to be a good information consumer, questioning the validity of the information you find.
Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library Public Filtered Internet Terminals:
Unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, youth through the age of 17 years may only use the library’s filtered Internet terminals. For youth up to 12 years of age filtered Internet terminals are available in the Children’s Library. For youth 12 – 17 years of age filtered Internet terminals are available in the young adult area, Teen Central. Patrons are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. Internet filters are not perfect and do not filter 100% of web sites that contain obscene material.
Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library Public Non-Filtered Internet Terminals:
Adults 18 and over are restricted to Internet terminals in the reference area. Youth under the age of 18, accompanied by a parent or guardian, may use the Internet terminals in the reference area.
Branch Library Internet Terminals:
For individuals who would like to filter their, or their child’s, access to Internet sites, a list of web sites offering filtering capability is available at the desk. As with all Internet resources, the library assumes no control over, or responsibility for, the content of web sites, nor for the effectiveness of Internet search engines and their filters. Patrons are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. Internet filters are not perfect and do not filter 100% of web sites that contain obscene material.
Inappropriate Use of Library Computers:
As there are people of varying ages, backgrounds and interests using the library, it is inappropriate to use library computers to view obscene material. Any patron who views these materials will be asked to close all inappropriate web sites and cease viewing such sites from library computers. Any repeat offense will be grounds for suspension of Internet and/or library privileges. It is unlawful to view child pornography as well as other material that is harmful to juveniles in violation of Federal, State or local laws. Any suspected criminal activity using library computers shall be immediately reported to the police. Materials obtained or copied on a library Internet connection may be subject to copyright laws which govern the making of reproductions of copyrighted works. Violation of the copyright law is considered an inappropriate use of the library Internet connection. The library is not responsible for ensuring that proper copyright protection procedures are followed.
Internet Hot Spot
The Sheridan County Public Library System offers wireless Internet connectivity at the Fulmer Library and Branch Libraries for patrons who have an Internet capable device. The Library has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. If library staff believes a person’s use of the network is detrimental to transmission speeds, that person shall be asked to cease use. It is inappropriate to view obscene material using a Library Internet connection. Any patron who views these materials will be asked to close all inappropriate web sites. Any repeat offense will be grounds for suspension of Internet and/or library privileges. It is unlawful to view child pornography as well as other material that is harmful to juveniles in violation of Federal, State and local laws. Any suspected crime using a Library Internet connection shall be immediately reported to the police. Patrons agree to abide by policies and rules governing the use of a Library Internet connection. Materials obtained or copied on a library Internet connection may be subject to copyright laws which govern the making of reproductions of copyrighted works. Violation of the copyright law is considered an inappropriate use of the library Internet connection. The library is not responsible for ensuring that proper copyright protection procedures are followed.
Meeting Rooms
Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library: Meeting rooms in the library provide space for library-sponsored and co-sponsored programs, and for other meetings and programs of an educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable nature.
The following rules govern the use of meeting rooms:
- Library-sponsored activities are given preference when reserving any meeting room.
- The public meeting rooms are not available for private parties.
- The public meeting rooms are not available for commercial purposes. Commercial activities include sales, advertising, or soliciting sales leads for commercial products or services.
- The meeting rooms are only available during the hours the library is open to the public. All meetings must conclude at least 15 minutes prior to the closing time of the library.
- All meetings must be non-secretive, open to the public and free of charge. Meeting rooms may be reserved by individuals/groups for educational studying or tutoring purposes but reservations are limited to a maximum of 4 hours at a time.
- Hardware such as a Laptop, LCD projector, and TV/DVD player are available for use by groups. Prior arrangements must be made for the use of the equipment. Damage due to misuse of this equipment is the responsibility of the group using the equipment. The library does not provide any office supplies for meetings.
- Organizations holding meetings will be held responsible for any damage to rooms or contents. Each group shall be responsible for setting up and cleaning up after use. Rooms must be left in a neat and orderly condition.
- Food is permitted in the Inner Circle but not in the Carnegie, Fulmer, or Loucks meeting rooms.
- Organizations must complete a scheduled meeting before reserving any future meetings; standing reservations are not permitted.
- Alcohol is not permitted on library property unless approved in advance by the Library Board of Trustees and the City of Sheridan.
- Neither the name nor the address of the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library may be used as the official address or headquarters of an organization.
- The Library Director is authorized to deny use of the library meeting rooms to any group that is disorderly or violates these regulations.
- The Sheridan County Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to waive any of the above regulations.
Any group wishing to use the meeting rooms will be asked to have a representative read and sign the Meeting Room Policy and ascertain that their group meets the necessary criteria.
click here for a Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library Meeting Room Reservation form.
Non-Smoking
Click here to read a PDF version of the Non-Smoking Policy.
The purpose of the Sheridan County Library System is to provide free, open and equal access to ideas and information to all members of the community.
To help promote a safe, healthy and pleasant environment, the Sheridan County Library Board of Trustees endorses a no-smoking policy, including electronic or battery-operated devices, in the building and on the grounds of the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library.
Smoking, as defined above, is not permitted in the Clearmont Branch Library, Story Branch Library, and Tongue River Branch Library. The policies of each building’s governing board — Story Library Board, Ranchester Town Council and Clearmont Community Center Board — shall determine whether smoking is permitted on the grounds outside each library.
Public Access to Records
Policy
Public access to and inspection of records kept by the Sheridan County Public Library System – including the Sheridan Fulmer Public Library and all branch libraries – shall be accomplished in full compliance with the Wyoming Public Records Act, Wyoming Statute §16-4-201, et seq.
Procedure
- Any individual or organization may request public records, including electronic public records, in the possession and control of the Sheridan County Public Library System.
- All requests for public records for any part of the Sheridan County Public Library System must be submitted, in writing, to the Sheridan County Public Library System Director, who is the Designated Public Records Person as provided for under the Public Records Act, as amended by Senate File 57 (Senate Enrolled Act 72) from the 2019 Wyoming Session Laws. The Library System Director will designate an alternate Public Records Person at times when the Director is unavailable.
- In responding to requests for public records, all library system employees will strictly maintain patron privacy, as protected by Wyoming Statute §16-4-203(d)(ix), which provides that the custodian of public records must deny requests for “Library patron transaction and registration records except as required for administration of the library or except as requested by a custodial parent or guardian to inspect the records of his minor child.”
- All employees will sign a “confidentiality of patron privacy” agreement at the time of hire.
- The Library System Director or designee will direct all requests with subpoenas, court orders, or search warrants to the County Attorney.
- The business office will retrieve the records as instructed by the Library System Director or designee.
- Time frame for production of public records for inspection will be governed by the Public Records Act, as amended by Senate File 57 from the 2019 Wyoming Session Laws.
- No physical records may be removed from the library. At the time of inspection of the public records, the requester of the public records may request printing or photocopying of any of the public records he or she inspects. The reproduction will be completed by the Library System Director or his designee, provided payment is submitted pursuant to the library’s schedule of fees.
- Requests for inspection or copies of public records, including electronic public records, that require more than two (2) hours of staff time to assemble, collate, display and/or copy will be charged $30/hr in addition to any photocopying or printing fees required by paragraph 8.
Unattended Children and Disruptive Behavior Policy
The Sheridan County Public Library System welcomes the use of its services and facilities by Children. The Library encourages parents to consider the safety and well-being of their children and the needs of other library users of all ages.
Staff members are committed to:
- Helping children find materials for school work and recreational reading.
- Providing an environment that encourages study and exploration.
- Planning short programs that inform and enrich.
Staff members are also committed to the well-being and safety of children. However, library facilities are not designed or licensed to provide basic child care needs. Any public place may be unsafe for a child who is left unattended for long periods of time or who is left stranded after library closing hours.
Children Five (5) years of age or younger, must have a parent/guardian/care-giver in the immediate vicinity or within visual contact of the child at all times. A non-parent care-giver must be at least Sixteen (16) years of age to care for children Five (5) years of age or younger.
Children Six (6) through Nine (9) years of age are welcome to use the library as long as a parent/guardian is in the library.
Children Ten (10) years of age and older, who carry emergency contact information for their parent/guardian, may use the library on their own.
Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library, whether or not the parent or authorized caregiver is present. If a child is disruptive, staff will follow current policy as outlined in the “Patron Code of Conduct”. If the disruptive behavior continues, staff will attempt to contact the parent/guardian to pick up the child immediately. If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, staff may call the police for assistance.