Libraries

The staff members and volunteers of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System seek to engage, enlighten, empower and inform life-long learners in the Brazos Valley.

Libraries

The staff members and volunteers of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System seek to engage, enlighten, empower and inform life-long learners in the Brazos Valley.

Policies

Carnegie History Center reproduction policies, procedures and fees

The Carnegie History Center (CHC) makes its pictorial material widely available while carefully maintaining the physical and intellectual integrity of the historic materials. Your interests and the preservation of the materials will be assured by observing these policies and procedures.

1. The customer must accept all responsibility for possible copyright infringement arising from the use of reproductions from the CHC collection. The customer must defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Bryan and the CHC, its officers, employees, and agents against all liabilities, damages, expenses, including attorneys’ fees, resulting from any claims and other proceedings by any third party for copyright infringement or any other legal or regulatory cause of action arising from the customer’s use of CHC collection materials. It is the customer’s responsibility to obtain written permission from the copyright holder to use restricted items and to submit the permission, as well as the credit line, to the Carnegie Librarian for approval.

2. All negatives, slides, transparencies, prints, digitized images, and videos are the property of the CHC and may not be copied, duplicated, displayed, or published by the customer without written permission. Neither the City of Bryan nor the CHC grants or transfers any copyright or other intellectual property rights in any materials to the customer by tendering a reproduction regardless of format. Unless otherwise stated, and if the CHC grants the customer’s request for a photo reproduction, permission is granted for personal use or display in a non-public area one time only. If a request for commercial use or publication of a CHC image is made, the Carnegie Librarian may grant written permission for limited use and reproduction in accordance with these policies. All other rights, including those of further publications or editions, are reserved in full by the CHC.

3. The customer must comply with the following requirements for a CHC copyright line on published and displayed reproductions of CHC materials. All published and displayed reproductions of CHC materials require credit given to the Carnegie History Center, include the CHC identification number (e.g. “BHC #####, Carnegie History Center”), and appear next to the image. If the item does not have a unique identification number, list it by title or designated description. Please confirm the appropriate copyright line with CHC prior to publication or display.

4. Alteration, including but not limited to cropping of the original image, is not allowed without written permission of the Carnegie Librarian. The Carnegie Librarian can refuse to allow any alteration of an image if the alteration could be reasonably construed as a distortion, or inaccurate representation, of the subject matter of the photograph. The copyright line for cropped images should read, for example, “Detail from BHC ####, Carnegie History Center.”

5. The CHC reserves the right to require a publication proof prior to final use approval. The customer shall send a copy of any publication containing reproductions of CHC materials to the CHC without charge. The customer shall provide the CHC with the website address for reproductions appearing on websites.

6. The CHC reserves the right to deny copy order requests; limit the number of photographic and digital copies; restrict the use or reproduction of collection materials including rare, valuable or fragile items; ensure that material is reproduced with integrity; and charge special reproduction fees on items involving unusual difficulty in copying or that must be taken offsite to reproduce. Special requests or requests for materials not already scanned are subject to approval by the Carnegie Librarian. Rare and fragile materials will not be scanned without approval by the Carnegie Librarian. No reproductions will be made if materials might be damaged in the process.

7. Photo orders will generally be completed within two to three weeks

Circulation

Library cards

A library card is free to any permanent resident of Brazos County. To obtain a card, a person must show a photo ID, such as a driver’s license and proof of current address. Children under 12, applying for library cards, must be accompanied by parent or guardian with acceptable identification.

The initial card for Brazos County residents is free of charge. A $3 fee is charged to replace a lost card. Only one library card is required for use in the system. It is valid at Clara B. Mounce Public Library, Larry J. Ringer Library and Carnegie History Center.

TexShare cardholders

To be eligible for TexShare card with BCSPLS, you must be a registered patron or staff member at your library, show photo ID, your library card from your home library, and your TexShare Card. TexShare cardholders are limited to 5 items with varied loan periods, based on media type.

Non-resident library cards 

Library cards are issued to out-of-county residents for a fee of $24 a year.

Guest pass

Patrons who do not qualify for a regular library card but wish to use the library computers can obtain a guest pass.

Checkout limits

Media TypeLoan PeriodBorrow Limit
Books21 daysUnlimited
Audiobook CDs21 daysUnlimited
Overdrive/Libby e-books/audiobooks21 days3/cardholder
E-Read Texas e-books/audiobooks21 daysUnlimited
DVDs and Blu-Rays7 days7/cardholder
1000 Books Before Kindergarten21 days1/cardholder
Magazines7 daysUnlimited

Late fines

Lost materials 

Charges for lost or irreparably damaged items include the replacement cost of the item plus a $5 non-refundable service charge.

Renewals

Library materials may be renewed once if no holds/reserves are placed on the materials checked out. Renewals may be made by telephone, online or in person.

Holds / reserves 

Patrons may place holds/reserves on library materials. This includes materials owned by Bryan and College Station Libraries. Many books not available in the Bryan + College Station Library System may be obtained through Interlibrary Loan.

Computer lab

Please visit our meeting rooms page to view usage policies and guidelines for the second floor computer lab at Clara B. Mounce Public Library.

Confidentiality of customer records

It is a law in the State of Texas (Texas Open Records Act) and a policy of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System that library transactions are confidential in nature, and that information identifying the names of library users and/or the nature, titles or subjects of the library materials they use will be held in confidence.

All employees of the library have been informed that circulation and other records are not to be made available to any person or to any agency or local, state, or federal government except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena or warrant as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, local, state or legislative investigative power.

Upon receipt of such process, order or subpoena or warrant, library authorities will consult with legal counsel to determine if such process, order or subpoena or warrant is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance. If the process, order or subpoena or warrant is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, such defects must be corrected before the library can comply.

It is further a policy of the Bryan + College Public Library System that no staff member will discuss with any person for any reason the names, reading habits, or inquiries of any library user. Such discussions would be an abridgment of the individual’s right of privacy and a serious violation of library policy.

What this means to each staff member: All library use is confidential.

  • Under no circumstances should a library staff member provide access to circulation records to any individual, even if that individual is a police or enforcement official.
  • Under no circumstances should a staff member discuss with any individual or enforcement official the nature or titles of books read by another individual.
  • Under no circumstances should a staff member discuss with any individual the nature of another individual’s request for information.
  • Any representative of a local, state or federal agency, or any law enforcement officer who requests access to such information must do so through the Library System Director, or in her absence, through the librarian on duty at the adult reference desk.
  • Any official request for access to information must be reported immediately to the Library System Director, or in her absence, through the librarian on duty at the adult reference desk.

Texas Statutes Section 552-124 Exception: Records of Library or Library System.

  • (a) A record of a library or library system, supported in whole or in part by public funds, that identifies or
    serves to identify a person who requested, obtained, or used a library material or service is excepted from
    the requirements of Section 552-021 unless the record is disclosed:
    • (1) Because the library or library system determines that disclosure is reasonably necessary for
      the operation of the library or library system and the record is not confidential under other state or
      federal law.
    • (2) Under Section 552-023; or
    • (3) to a law enforcement agency or a prosecutor under a court order or subpoena obtained after a
      showing to a district court that:
      • (A) Disclosure of the record is necessary to protect the public safety; or
      • (B) The record is evidence of an offense or constitutes evidence that a particular person committed an offense.
  • (b) A record of a library or library system that is excepted from required disclosure under this section is confidential.

When the library has certain activities, contests or programs, we sometimes take photos or video, and we offer an opportunity for members of the public to submit one or more selections of original artwork, writing, photography or other work of authorship.

By submitting this Copyright Release form, you are giving the City of Bryan and the Bryan + College Station Public Library System permission to use your original work under the terms of the form. By submitting this Photo-Video Release form, you are giving the City of Bryan and the Bryan + College Station Public Library System permission to use your likeness in a photograph or video under the terms of the form.

Deed of gifts

The Deed of Gift form is designed to assign legally to The Bryan + College Station Public Library System, on behalf of the Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley History (“Carnegie Center”) materials which you as a Donor are conveying to the Carnegie Center to be administered in accordance with its established policies. The Deed of Gift form constitutes the transfer of legal ownership of the materials and serves to define the terms of the transfer.

It is recommended that, whenever possible, the Deed of Gift form be used to document all in-kind gifts of $250 or more to the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, and for in-kind gifts below that amount which include unique archival materials for which copyright conveyance may or may not be involved.

Donation of gift 

The “Description” portion of this section will be completed by a Carnegie Center representative. The Description of the donation will describe the material being transferred and date received on site.

Appraised value 

The Donor is advised that if a tax deduction on a gift is to be taken, the Internal Revenue Service has regulations for filing tax-deductible contributions valued at $250 or more. If the value of the donation is greater than $5,000, an independent appraisal is required and the Carnegie Center is required to sign IRS Form 8283 acknowledging receipt of the gift. To be acceptable to the IRS, the appraisal must be made no more than 60 days before the date of the contribution and before the due date of the tax return. The Donor is asked to present the appraisal and completed IRS Form 8283 to the Carnegie Center at the time of the gift. The Form will be returned to the Donor with proper signature.

Disposition of materials

In order to make the most effective use of resources, the Carnegie Center reserves the right to determine the disposition of donated materials.

Terms and conditions 

Although most Donors will have no need to limit access to materials which they are donating, the option of placing reasonable restrictions on access to the materials or a portion of the materials is available to a Donor. The Library System Director for the Bryan + College Station Public Library System will be happy to discuss terms of restrictions with a Donor. Any restrictions on access mutually agreed to will be for a specific period of time and will apply to all researchers.

Copyright interests 

Because assignment of copyright is often complex, the Carnegie Center staff is happy to work with the Donor to clarify questions of copyright control. Copyright in writings and original creations contained in a donated collection is controlled by the individuals or organizations that created them unless the copyright has been conveyed legally to the Donor or other party.

If you, as Donor, control the copyright in all or some of the materials being donated, please check the first box in this section of the Deed of Gift and explain the extent of your copyright control.

If you, as Donor, do not control copyright in any of the donated material, please check the second box.

If you have any information about the holder of the copyright please check the third box and supply as much of the requested information as possible.

Copyright conveyance

The Carnegie Center encourages Donors to transfer any copyright they may control to the Bryan + College Station Public Library System whenever possible. Copyright ownership by the Bryan + College Station Public Library System facilitates use by scholars. If you wish to do so, please initial the first paragraph in the “Copyright Conveyance” section of the Deed of Gift.

Assignment of copyright may be conditional. For example, a Donor may wish to stipulate “Copyright retained during my lifetime” or something similar in the “Limitations” space provided in the Deed of Gift.

Change in provisions 

If a Donor feels that any terms in the agreement should be deleted, the Donor is encouraged to discuss the matter with the Library System Director for the Bryan + College Station Public Library System to verify that the desired change in terms is feasible.

Acknowledgment of receipt of gift 

This section of the Deed of Gift serves to formally acknowledge the receipt of a donation under the terms mutually agreed to by the Carnegie Center and the Donor. The Donor will receive a copy of the Deed of Gift form signed by the Library System Director of the Carnegie Center. Formal acceptance of gifts by the Library System Director of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System serves to complete the donation transaction. The Carnegie Center will also send to the Donor an official receipt for charitable deduction purposes for in-kind gifts valued at $250 or more.

Emergencies

Fire

In the event of a fire in the library, patrons are asked to evacuate the building according to directions of the staff members in charge of the procedure. Patrons are expected to comply in a safe and orderly fashion.

  • Clara B. Mounce Public Library: Exit on the south side (if not affected by fire), and gather at the Fireman’s Statue on the south side. Do not use the elevator.
  • Larry J. Ringer Library: Evacuate as directed and gather at the pavilion on the east side of the library.
  • Carnegie History Center: Exit through the back door and go across the railroad track to the Clara B. Mounce Library lawn or the LaSalle Hotel parking lot. Do not use the elevator.

Weather

In the event of inclement weather whereby the safety of patrons are at risk due to tornadoes or hurricanes, the staff members in charge may direct patrons to safety according to the procedures described in the “Tornado Guide for Libraries.” All three libraries have a battery operated NOAA weather radio. At the advisement of NOAA or local weather broadcasts, patrons will be escorted to designated safe places in the building.

  • Clara B. Mounce Public Library: Proceed down the stairwell to the basement. Do not use the elevator.
  • Larry J. Ringer Library: Seek safety in the windowless staff area directly behind the circulation desk.
  • Carnegie History Center: Gather in the small hallway on the first floor that goes to the restroom. Do not use the elevator.

Staff will insist that patrons not leave the building when it would further endanger their lives. Parents with children at school should remember that all schools have established safety procedures for these conditions and those children are much safer in a building than in a vehicle.

More extensive safety procedures have been developed for each facility. These procedures are on file with the City of Bryan Risk Management Department and are also available for the public viewing at each building.

Exhibit spaces and bulletin boards

The Bryan + College Station Public Library System offers free use of the library’s exhibit spaces and bulletin boards. The Library exhibit spaces are available to organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities.

The Bryan + College Station Public Library System does not endorse the viewpoints of those whose works are represented in our collection, nor does the library endorse the beliefs or viewpoints of topics that may be the subject of library exhibits.

The Bryan + College Station Public Library System endorses policies set forth in the Library Bill of Rights:

  • Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
  • Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
  • Maintains that exhibit space should be made available “on an equitable basis, Regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”

Criteria for the exhibit spaces and the bulletin board are listed below:

  • Groups within the community served by the library are eligible to request use of the exhibit spaces for a period of one month. Display materials should fit inside the display case.

Fines and fees

Fines and fees are set by the Bryan City Council.

Late Fine Amnesty Program

The Late Fine Amnesty Program reinstates the accounts of patrons who have been previously blocked due to late fines, regardless of how long they have been blocked. It will waives any unpaid fines those patrons have accumulated, and eliminates all late fines on materials going forward. Fees will still be charged to patrons for lost or damaged materials.

Fees

  • Lost materials: Charges for lost items include the replacement cost of the item plus a $5 non-refundable service charge.
  • Damaged materials: Charges for irreparably damaged items include the replacement cost of the item plus a $5 non-refundable service charge. Charges for partially damaged items are determined by the Technical Services department of the Library, based on amount of time spent and materials used in repairing the item.
  • Returned check: Charge for returned checks is $15. Use of the library system shall be restricted until charges are paid. Charges shall be paid in cash or a money order. A personal check shall not be accepted.
  • Replacement library card: The initial card for Brazos County residents is free of charge. A $3 fee shall be charged to replace a lost card.
  • Non-resident library cards: Library cards shall be issued to out-of-county residents for an annual fee of $24 valid for one year from the date of payment.

The Library System Director or their designee shall work with patrons to resolve disputed library fines. Circumstances, such as long-term hospitalization, deployment, fire, theft, or natural disasters may warrant a reduction or waiving of fees and fines.

Gifts to the library system

Please visit our Donations and Giving page for information and policies regarding gifts to the Bryan + College Station Public Library System.

Interlibrary Loan

Please visit our Interlibrary Loan page for information and policies regarding the Bryan + College Station Public Library System’s participation in the Texas State Library and Archives Commission Interlibrary Loan program.

Computer use, internet and wireless network

  • Warning: Adults who are viewing pornography on library computers in an area where there are children may be in violation of Texas Penal Code Sec. 43.24 SALE, DISTRIBUTION OR DISPLAY OF HARMFUL MATERIAL TO MINOR. Any illegal internet activities will be reported to local law enforcement, and internet privileges will be immediately and permanently revoked.

Internet disclaimer

The internet is a global electronic network which enables the library to provide information to patrons beyond the library’s collection. It includes useful ideas, information and opinions from around the world. In offering internet access, the library cannot control:

  • Accuracy and validity of the information
  • Availability of links users would like to visit
  • Materials you may find offensive

Many sites carry information you may find controversial, indecent or inappropriate. Users are responsible for the access points they reach. Parents are encouraged to work with and supervise their minor children’s internet sessions.

Policies

Before using the library system’s resources, users must acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • Use of library computers is conditional upon the user behaving in an appropriate manner and following all other library policies. Patrons must use their own library card to use the computers.
  • Computer terminals are open to the public, so users should be cautious about accessing or storing sensitive data, such as private documents or personal financial information.
  • Computer equipment must be used as installed. Users may not add, delete or change anything on library computers. The library will not reconfigure computers to gain access to any specific Internet Service Provider.
  • The Bryan + College Station Public Library System is not responsible for internet usage or access, or for any liability that may occur as a result of using library computers. This includes, but is not limited to, loss of privacy, disclosure of personal or financial information, loss of data or any related damages.
  • The library will not tolerate users who damage or abuse computer equipment. This includes removing equipment, deliberately installing harmful programs such as viruses or worms or otherwise inflicting physical damage on any of the computer hardware.
  • Using Bryan + College Station Public Library System computer equipment or internet access for illegal, criminal or other unauthorized purposes is a violation of the Library’s internet Usage Policy and will not be tolerated.

Failure to observe any part of the above agreement may result in the loss of all Bryan + College Station Public Library System privileges and/or criminal prosecution or other legal action. All illegal internet activity will be reported to local law enforcement.

Material reconsideration

The choice of library materials by library users is an individual matter. While an individual may reject materials for himself/herself, he/she cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials by others.

Recognizing that a diversity of materials may result in some requests for reconsideration, the following procedures have been developed to assure that objections or complaints are handled in an attentive and consistent manner.

Addendum 1: Procedure request for reconsideration

Any individual expressing an objection to or concern about library material should receive respectful attention from the staff member first approached. This staff member should use his or her own best judgment in attempting to answer the concerns or clarify the situation. If the individual is not satisfied with the explanation received, the staff member should offer the options of speaking with a supervisor or filling out a “Request for Reconsideration” form. They may ask for reconsideration in the following manner:

  1. A “Request for Reconsideration” form must be completed and returned to a staff member at the appropriate service desk. The staff member will give the form to the supervisor, who will forward a copy of the form to the Library System Director. The Library System Director may respond in writing to the individual, advising them that there will be reconsideration of the item, and enclosing a copy of the Selection Policy of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System.
  2. The Library System Director will appoint an ad hoc committee including but not limited to the appropriate supervisor and the selector for the subject area to reconsider the item. The supervisor will send the reviewers copies of the form and any reviews that the supervisor has located.
  3. The reviewers will put their comments in writing to the appropriate supervisor prior to meeting to discuss the title.
  4. The supervisor will convene a meeting of the reviewing committee, compile the comments, and forward the comments and reviews to the Library System Director, along with a recommendation.
  5. The Library System Director will then make a decision regarding the disposition of the material. The Library System Director will communicate this decision, along with the reasons for it, in writing to the individual who initiated the request.

Material selection

Description of community served

Bryan, College Station and Brazos County are centered in an area bounded by the metropolitan areas of Dallas-Fort Worth, 170 miles north; Austin, 103 miles west; San Antonio, 166 miles southwest; and Houston, 95 miles southeast. Approximately 75 percent of Texas’ population resides within 200 miles of Bryan and College Station.

Bryan, College Station and Brazos County have a combined population of more than 225,000 people. The two cities have separate city governments and have an interlocal agreement for the operation of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System.

Ethnic population categories as stated in the 2021 census projections show 54.4% identify as White, not Hispanic or Latino; 11.5% as Black or African American; 27% as Hispanic or Latino; 0.7% as American Indian or Alaska Native; 5.9% as Asian, and 2.3% as other. The groups do not add to 100% because some people reported more than one category.

Bryan and College Station is the home of Texas A&M University. The university boasts more than 73,000 students and offers extensive intellectual and cultural advantages to the community.

Service statement

The Bryan + College Station Public Library System provides free library service to all citizens of Brazos County. We attempt to fill the informational, recreational, cultural and educational needs of our users, and to encourage the public to partake of our services. We continually try to find ways of expand our services to more people so that we can serve every possible kind of library user. In this effort, we provide materials old and new, classic and ephemeral, orthodox and unorthodox, in many media, including several forms of print, video and recordings.

Authority and responsibility for the maintenance of library collections

It is a function of librarians to select and to discard library materials and offer advice on their use. They are fitted for this task trough training and experience. However, they must of necessity work within limitations of space and budget. And although they try to inform themselves as well as possible, they must work within limitations of knowledge. Selection and withdrawal processes are, therefore, cooperative, and we welcome advice and suggestions from members of the community, Library Board members, or authorities in various fields. Librarians, however, are responsible for judging the needs of the collection and they must make the final choices.

Final authority for the collections rests with the Library System Director.

Withdrawal of materials from library collections

Materials are regularly discarded from the collections. They are withdrawn because they are out-of-date, so badly worn or damaged that they cannot be bound or mended, because it is more cost effective to replace them, or because they are once-popular materials that are no longer used. Space, the cost of replacement and the appearance of the collection are factors in these decisions.

Freedom to read, see and hear

We believe it is essential, in a free society, for all citizens to have access to all library materials. Therefore, no restrictions are placed on what anyone may read, see or hear in the collection of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System. Individuals or groups occasionally question items in library collections. Although we understand and appreciate their concerns, we take the position that the risk of not providing access to information and ideas is greater than the risk of providing it. Information, graphics and text accessed on the internet are not considered a part of the library collections.

Sometimes suggestions are made regarding the restriction or removal of certain library materials, and we, therefore, wish to enunciate the following principles:

  • Controversial materials: In an effort to provide our patrons with diverse sources of information and the widest possible range of ideas and viewpoints, we acquire some controversial materials. Some of this material may be offensive to individuals or groups because of perceived profanity, social economic and political ideas, religious viewpoints and the background of the author, the kinds of information provided or other reasons. Acquisition or use of any item does not imply approval or endorsement of the contents.
  • Age: Anyone, of any age, who is eligible for a library card may have the use of any item in the library, and is not to have to that privilege limited by any staff member. If parents wish to deny their children access to certain materials, they may take that responsibility themselves.
  • Labeling: Labeling of materials is subjective, therefore we do not subscribe to this practice.

We are willing to re-examine our position on any item in the library’s collections. In order to deal with objections to any item in the library’s collections, a procedure has been established. No item is to be removed or restricted — because of a complaint — except in accordance with this procedure.

Meeting rooms

Please visit our meeting rooms page to view usage policies and guidelines.

Memorials

Please visit our donations and giving page for information and policies regarding memorial gifts to the Bryan + College Station Public Library System.

Patron rules of conduct

The Library Advisory Board and the staff at the Bryan+College Station Public Library System hope that the people who use our libraries will find the facilities a welcoming place to be. We expect visitors to respect others, to respect our property, to make safety a priority, and to obey the law. Visitors may be asked to leave the library temporarily or permanently if their behavior is in breach of our rules.

Respect others

  • Talk quietly and take long phone calls outside.
  • Be aware of things you are doing that are disturbing people around you, like making excess noise, swearing, or taking up more than your fair share of space.
  • Keep aisles clear.
  • Keep your belongings close to you.
  • No inappropriate displays of affection.
  • No lying on floors or furniture.
  • No displays of offensive materials on library computers.
  • No commercial solicitation, selling, or panhandling.
  • No political campaigning unless part of a formal library program.
  • No posting or handing out of flyers without staff approval.
  • No harassment of others, including correcting others’ behavior.
  • No possessing, being under the influence of, or using alcohol or controlled substances on library premises.
  • No strong odors (caused by either poor personal hygiene or excessive use of perfume or cologne) that are offensive to a person of normal sensibilities.

Respect property

  • No smoking on library property.
  • No food or drink in the library except for designated areas.
  • Handle materials with care.
  • Use equipment and furniture properly.

Stay safe

  • All children are the responsibility of their parents not of the library.
  • Children age 9 and under must be with an adult.
  • Children ages 9-11 must have an adult in the library.
  • Children 12 years and older do not need parental supervision.
  • No pets are allowed in the library. Service animals must be properly identified as a working animal and must be under control.
  • No running, climbing, or throwing things.

Obey the law

  • Public lewdness – TX Penal Code 21.07 and 21.08
  • Destruction of library property – TX Penal Code 28
  • Criminal Trespass – TX Penal Code 30.05
  • Theft of library, staff or customer property – TX Penal Code 31.03
  • Reckless display of harmful or obscene content – TX Penal Code 43.22 and 43.24
  • Unlawfully carrying or displaying weapons – TX Penal Code 46.02
  • Making offensive gestures, cursing or using obscene, abusive, profane, or threatening language – TX Penal Code 42.01
  • Voyeurism and peeping – TX Penal Code 42.01 (a) (11) (c)
  • Making bomb threats against library property or from library property – TX Penal Code 42.06
  • Child abuse – TX Family Code 261
  • Copyright Title 17, U.S. Code

Individuals failing to leave when requested by library or law enforcement officer may be charged with criminal trespass under Texas Penal Code 30.05. Criminal activities that occur on library property will be reported to law enforcement. In most situations, a customer banned from the library may appeal the ban to the Library Advisory Board. However, a customer who commits criminal acts on library property may be banned from all library locations and such evictions will not be subject to appeal.

Resolution

The Bryan City Council passed a Resolution in 2007 establishing and providing for the addition and revision of policies and procedures for the Bryan + College Station Public Library System.

Safe child policy

The Bryan + College Station Public Library System welcomes children of all ages. Children are important and deserve attention, supervision, positive interaction and love. We provide materials, services and programs for the benefit of children in our community. We are dedicated to providing a welcoming, fun and safe environment for all library customers.

The safety of children in the library is a serious concern to library staff and the Library Advisory Board. The libraries are public buildings and as such, anyone can enter them. Library staff have many duties to perform in order to serve all library customers. They cannot monitor the whereabouts of customers, including children. Staff cannot assume responsibility for the care and safety of unattended children in the library. Parents and responsible caregivers are expected to provide supervision for children in the library.

We especially want children to have positive experiences in the library. Children left unattended in the library may become frightened or anxious. An unattended child may wander through the building and encounter hazards such as stairs, electrical equipment, doors, or furniture. An unattended child might be tempted to leave the building with a stranger. An unattended child could get mixed in with a school group and become lost. An unattended child could become ill. Emergency situations can occur in public buildings, requiring evacuation. An unattended child could panic and become lost in the building. It is for the safety of each child that the Bryan + College Station Public Library System has adopted this Safe Children Policy. Parents and caregivers are expected to ensure a pleasant and safe experience for the children in their care by abiding by this policy.

For the purpose of this policy, responsible caregiver is defined as the person who accompanies a child to the library and attends to the child while in the library. Responsible caregivers may be a parent, guardian, adult relative, teacher, day care staff, adult baby sitter, or sibling at least age 16. The responsible caregiver must have information to be able to contact a parent or guardian if needed.

Children under age 9

Must have a responsible caregiver within sight and conversation distance at all times. The caregiver is expected to supervise the child and ensure that the child’s behavior is not disturbing to other library customers.

Children ages 9 – 11

Must have a caregiver present in the library during the entire time that they are using library resources. The caregiver must be readily accessible if staff should require assistance with the child. The caregiver should clearly inform the child about his/her location in the library before leaving the child alone.

Children ages 12 and older 

May be present in the library unaccompanied by a responsible caregiver. The child must have information to be able to contact a parent or guardian if needed. Unaccompanied children who disturb other library customers or become otherwise disruptive may be asked to leave the library if their behavior is not acceptable after a reasonable warning.

3D printing

The Bryan + College Station Public Library System (“Library”) and Byrd Technical Institute (BTI) are partnering to offer free public use of 3D Printers available to those who have BTI Training Additive Manufacturing Certification cards, subject to the requirements of this 3D Printer Policy (“Policy”).

  1. The 3D printer may only be used for lawful purposes and may not be used in violation of local, state, or federal law, including but not limited to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
  2. No one is permitted to use the printer to create objects that are:
    1. unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others, including weapon accessories (See: Patron rules of conduct policy);  
    1. items that are obscene or are deemed inappropriate for the library environment (See Computer, Internet and Wireless policy); or
    1. objects larger than 5″x5″x5″.
  3. The 3D printer may only be used by individuals six (6) years of age and older.
  4. The Library reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel any 3D print request without notice.
  5. The Library cannot guarantee item quality, stability, or suitability for a particular purpose.  The Library cannot guarantee confidentiality of designs.
  6. Items printed from the 3D printer that are not picked up within three (3) days become the property of the Library.  Library may prohibit patron’s future use of the 3D printer.
  7. Patrons may only use the printer under the direct supervision of a Library staff member.
  8. No more than one (1) object can be printed per week, per patron.
  9. Certification 1 patrons can only use preloaded images established by the Library and BTI.  All other patrons (Certification 2 and higher) are responsible for designing their own creations and preparing them for printing.
  10. Print times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed.

Indemnification

BY USING THE LIBRARY’S 3D PRINTING SERVICES, YOU AGREE TO RELEASE FROM, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS THE LIBRARY, BTI, AS WELL AS THEIR OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, BOARD MEMBERS, AGENTS, AND REPRESENTATIVES, FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL SUITS, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LOSSES, EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES), SETTLEMENTS, AND JUDGMENTS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR 3D MODEL, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY CLAIMS FOR PERSONAL INJURY AND INFRINGEMENT OR MISAPPROPRIATION OF ANY COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK, OR PATENT.

Disclaimer of Liability and Warranty

By using the Library’s 3D printing services, you agree to assume the risk of, and acknowledge that the Library and its affiliates  disclaims all liability for, any and all injuries (including death) resulting from use of 3D models created using equipment owned by the Library.  You also agree that 3D models possess certain inherent weaknesses and limitations and may not be suitable for all applications, including, without limitation, those for which they are designed and intended.  You further agree to assume the risk of, and acknowledge that the Library and affiliates disclaims all liability for, damages or claims for infringement of intellectual property rights arising from your use of the Library’s 3D printing services.

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