HPL Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Huntington Public Library to collect, preserve, promote, and make available materials and technologies to serve the changing informational, educational, professional, cultural, and recreational needs and interests of the community. Approved by the Board of Trustees, February 2010 

Viewpoints Policy

The Library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of individuals or groups who conduct or attend meetings at the Library or otherwise use the Library's meeting rooms.

Library Bill of Rights

The Huntington Public Library affirms that it is a forum for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies will guide its services:

• Books and other library resources will be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials will not be excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation.
• The Library will provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials will not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• The Library will challenge censorship in the fulfillment of its responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
• The Library will cooperate with all persons or groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
• A person's right to use the Library will not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. Onsite use of all Library services, information resources and equipment will be made available to both residents and non-residents. The Library may occasionally give preference to district residents when a service is in high demand.
• The Library will make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public it serves on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
• Unless specifically Board approved, the Library will not charge fees for the use of services or equipment. All fees must be approved annually and will be presented to the Board of Trustees at their organization meeting.
• The Board of Trustees will not adopt policies, nor will the Library administration approve any procedures that create unnecessary barriers to the access of Library services and resources.

Internet and Computer Use Policy

The Huntington Public Library does not control or monitor information being accessed from the Internet and cannot be held responsible for content, accuracy, quality, or use of the information obtained. As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to electronic resources is the sole responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.

Failure to use any electronic workstation appropriately and responsibly may result in the loss of library privileges. Parents and legal guardians should be aware that use of electronic resources is governed under local, state and federal law. Unlawful activities may be handled with appropriate legal action.

Users under the age of 18 need written permission from a parent/legal guardian to use the Internet.

Meeting Room Policy

The use of the meeting rooms is granted to community groups and organizations whose aims are library connected: educational, cultural or informative. All meetings shall be non-exclusive and open to the general public. HPL programs and HUFSD groups shall receive primary consideration and shall have calendar priority in developing the schedule. The person requesting use of the meeting room shall be a resident or taxpayer of HUFSD. Except for library sponsored events, no fees may be charged by the user group and no products or services sold. State, local and library regulations shall be complied with at all times. See our Meeting Room Application for more detailed information.

Unattended Children Policy

The library offers many programs to help children enjoy their visits, develop a love of books, reading, and libraries. But when children are left unattended for several hours when no library programs are being offered, they become bored and disruptive. Young children are not safe when left unattended in the library. The staff cannot know if the children are leaving the building with parents or with strangers. For the protection and well-being of children who enjoy our library, the following policy has been established:

Parents, not library staff, are responsible for their children who are using the library. Children aged seven years or younger must be accompanied by a parent or a parent designated caregiver. Children aged eight or older who are visiting the library should be able to contact a parent or caregiver, if the need arises.

Parents will be notified when their children are left unattended and require supervision. If library staff cannot contact the parent, proper authorities will be notified.

Patron Behavior Policy

The Huntington Public Library supports the rights of individuals to:

• Use the library without discrimination
• Receive friendly, courteous and respectful service
• Have free and equal access to information
• Have a clean, comfortable and pleasant environment
• Use the library undisturbed without threat of harm, invasion of property, or interference

Patrons shall engage in reading, studying, using library materials or similar activities associated with the use of a public library. Any person not so engaged may be required to leave the library premises. All library patrons are expected to respect yourself, respect others, and respect library property. Library personnel and security guards will enforce these rules. Patrons not complying will be asked to leave.

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