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Our Policies

Borrowing Policy

Books, Magazines, Audio Books, and Educational DVDs may be checked out from the library  for 21 days.
Entertainment DVDs and Video Games may be checked out from the library for 7 days.

Downloadable Media such as ebooks, digital music and audiobooks will have different loan periods.

In most cases, a maximum of 100 items may be checked out simultaneously on an Evergreen Indiana library card. There is a maximum limit of 10 DVDs, 10 videos, 6 art and 1 gaming software items per Evergreen Indiana library card. Borrowing limits are calculated at the consortium level and not at the library level.

A patron’s access to materials may be limited due to overdue materials or fines and fees. A patron’s card will be blocked, and no circulation services may be obtained with it if the patron has 15 or more overdue items, or owes $10 or more in unpaid fines and/or fees.

To encourage the prompt return of materials, the Evergreen Indiana libraries have established a schedule of fines and fees as an encouragement for the timely return of materials by their due dates. Overdue materials incur fines of 25¢ per day per item with a $10.00 fine cap per item.

Evergreen Indiana library fines and fees may be paid at any Evergreen library. Patrons may pay all or a portion of overdue fines. A patron’s record will remain blocked or barred until the fines and fees are paid or the patron has resolved the matter with the particular library to restore his or her privileges. A patron may be (or remain) “blocked” if related group or family member cards are “blocked.”

Patrons may have 20 unfilled holds in the system.

Behavior Policy

The library administration will maintain a pleasant and safe place for all persons using and working in the library. Any person who disrupts library operations may be asked to leave the library. Persons who commit illegal acts will be evicted and may be subject to arrest and prosecution under Indiana Code 35043.2.2

Food and Drink may only be consumed in the meeting rooms.

Building and Property Use Policy

Approved by the MCPL Board of Trustees on October 25th, 2015

The MCPL Board, administration and staff are committed to providing patrons with a setting that is conducive to library activities.  It is intended that these will be activities usually associated with public library use and that support MCPL’s policies.  Therefore, any person whose behavior does not support such a setting may be asked to leave MCPL property, resulting in the loss of access to MCPL services and resources.  Decisions concerning acceptable behavior of library patrons will be made by the Director, the Director’s designee or the Board.

The following list, that is by no means complete, includes examples of behaviors for which any patron may be asked to leave the MCPL or MCPL properties or have MCPL services access revoked:

  1. Damage, defacement or destruction of MCPL materials, equipment, facilities or properties.
  2. Any attempt to steal MCPL property, or that of another patron or employee, or to maliciously destroy the property of an MCPL patron or staff member.
  3. Creation of any public disturbance including the use of obscene language; disruptive cell phone conversations, , cell phone camera use, deviant, threatening or abusive behavior, whether in general or directed at any specific person or persons; offensive smells or sounds that constitute a nuisance.
  4. Any prolonged use of the facilities without demonstrated engagement in acceptable MCPL activity.
  5. Eating or drinking outside of the designated areas.
  6. Disorderly conduct on the elevator.
  7. Smoking, use of tobacco products, or electronic smoking devices is strictly prohibited both inside and outside of the MCPL buildings, including MCPL parking lots and entrances.
  8. Possession of alcohol or illegal drugs; public intoxication or illegal drug use.
  9. Possession of weapons including firearms and knives unless otherwise authorized by law;
  10. Possession of objects inappropriate for MCPL use such as shopping carts, suitcases or bags of laundry;
  11. Possession of unauthorized animals;
  12. Gambling, solicitation or sleeping.
  13. MCPL property is not to be used for unauthorized recreational activities such as skateboarding, rollerblading or racing.

Patron Attire

Patrons must wear shoes and shirts in the library.  Babies are exempt.  Members of the MCPL staff will enforce this policy.  When deemed necessary by the staff member(s), the appropriate authorities will be contacted.  Repeat violators and/or those who refuse to leave will be subject to arrest and prosecution under Section 35-43-2-2 of the Indiana Code entitled “Criminal Trespass”.

Child Safety Policy

Reviewed by the MCPL Board of Trustees April 24th, 2023

The following child safety policy is intended to ensure an environment that is safe and comfortable for all patrons, and affirm a parent’s/caregiver’s responsibility for their children’s safety. Parents and caregivers must be advised that libraries are public places. In libraries, as in all public places, “stranger danger” is a real concern. Library staff cannot prevent children from interacting with or leaving the library with persons who are not appropriate caregivers.

  1. Children age 10 and under must be supervised (within sight) by a parent/responsible caregiver age 16 or over, unless the child is participating in a supervised MCPL activity.
  2. Children 11 years of age and older may use the library independently, subject to building use policies. Parents/caregivers remain responsible for their children even when they are not present in the building.
  3. Children with suspected communicable diseases will be asked to leave the MCPL premises/property.
  4. Police will be contacted when unattended minors who are unable to get home by themselves are left on the MCPL premises/property at closing. Under no circumstances will a staff member give a child a ride home. In the event that a child is left at the library after closing, two staff members will stay to ensure that child’s safety while police are contacted.
  5. The children’s department is reserved for the use of children age 12 and under, their parent(s) / caregiver(s), and their families. Adults and teens over the age of 12 may use the department to browse the collection or when developmentally appropriate, but will be asked to move to the appropriate section of the library if spending extended time in the department without using the materials.
Collection Development Policy

Approved by the Mitchell Community Public Library Board May 6th, 2021

Mission
Mitchell Community Public Library (MCPL) is a dynamic public resource with a knowledgeable and friendly staff that strives to provide needed materials, relevant services, and up-to-date information. The library strongly supports the concept of lifelong learning— that learning does not begin or cease with formal education, but enhances the quality of life at any age.

Overview
The primary goal of the MCPL collection is to enrich lives and serve the community by providing a broad choice of materials to meet its cultural, informational, educational, and recreational needs.

In support of its mission, MCPL fully endorses the principles of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association. The library upholds the right of every unique individual to secure information, even though the content may be controversial, unorthodox, or unacceptable to others. Materials available in the library offer a wide range of views, expressions, opinions, and interests. Items present in the library collection do not represent an endorsement of content or viewpoint.

The library does not act in place of the parent when it comes to children’s reading/listening/viewing materials. Parents and guardians bear the responsibility for their children’s use of library materials in any format.

Basic Selection Criteria
The following criteria assist staff in selecting items and developing a well-rounded collection. These criteria are applied to all library materials in all formats. The criteria include, but are not limited to:

Community and popular interestFormat and durability
Accuracy and authenticity of informationVariety and balance of viewpoints and subjects within the collection
Timeliness, relevance, and usefulnessCost
Reviews from trade and professional publicationsShelf space

Evergreen Indiana
MCPL is a member of Evergreen Indiana, a statewide library consortium. Member libraries share a combined online catalog, allowing patrons to access hundreds of thousands of library materials owned by other member libraries. Most of these items may be borrowed via interlibrary loan. Guidelines for the selection and loaning of materials differ between member libraries. If the parent of a MCPL minor cardholder wishes to allow their minor child (under the age of 18) to have access to R-rated movies that may be available at some Evergreen libraries, they may authorize access in writing during the library card registration process.

Suggestions and Recommendations
Item recommendations from patrons are encouraged and will be given due consideration in accordance with other selection criteria. MCPL cardholders may submit a suggestion form, which is available at public service desks upon request.

Collection Maintenance
A practical, useful collection is maintained through the continual process of adding and deleting items. Materials may be withdrawn when they become outdated, no longer in-demand, worn/damaged, or in the event of unnecessary duplicate copies. Deleting is performed with the same criteria and judgment as selection.

Requests for Reconsideration
Library administration will review the selection of a specific item upon receipt of a completed Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form from a valid Mitchell Community Public Library cardholder. Determinations regarding Requests for Reconsiderations are made by the Library Director and the MCPL Board of Trustees and will be communicated to the cardholder in writing.

Donated Materials
Donated materials are considered for inclusion in the collection in the same manner as materials that are purchased. Donations are accepted with the explicit understanding that donated materials are not necessarily added to the collection. MCPL reserves the right to discard donations not selected for the collection or give them to the Friends of the Library for book sales.

Responsibility
Selection of library materials is vested in the Director of the MCPL, who may authorize qualified staff to assist. This Collection Development policy provides guidelines and direction to the Director and staff as they select materials.

Internet Access & Computer Use Policy

Adopted by the Mitchell Community Public Library Board on April 24th, 2017
Updated March 27, 2023

The Mitchell Community Public Library (MCPL) is a dynamic public resource with a knowledgeable and friendly staff that strives to provide needed materials, relevant services and up-to-date information.

The library strongly supports the concept of lifelong learning – that learning does not begin or cease with formal education but enhances the quality of life at any age.

To support its mission, in addition to the standard library services, MCPL offers to its users computers, free access to the Internet, free WiFi, and one-on-one assistance with basic computing using the library computers as well as using any personal devices.

Terms of Use
All users of the library computer equipment and electronic resources, including Wi-Fi service, are expected to use them in a lawful, ethical and responsible manner.  Patrons agree to:

  • Pay for all printouts.
  • Respect copyright and licensing agreements for the electronic resources used.
  • Provide identification and/or library card information when using library computers.
  • Minors only: Provide library card information or have a guardian present to approve computer use.

Unacceptable use of library computer equipment and electronic resources will result in suspension or termination of the user’s access to these resources. Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to:

  • Accessing sites containing child pornography or display on the computer any images of child pornography.
  • Violating federal, state or local obscenity laws including the viewing or printing of sexually explicit materials.
  • Engaging in unlawful conduct, such as fraud, harassment, theft or any criminal activity.
  • Misrepresenting themselves online, using demeaning or threatening language, or attempting to engage in sexually explicit chat or messaging with anyone.
  • Abusing, modify, or harm computer equipment and/or electronic resources.

Filtering
As the recipient of e-rate funding, the Library must comply with the requirements of the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). All Library computers are filtered. In addition, the computers designated for the use of minors have restricted access to the Internet.

Adults cannot use the computers for minors and minors cannot use the computers designated for the use of adults.

A Special Note to Parents: The library believes that the Internet should be available to minors under the age of 18. In accordance with CIPA, filtering software is used; however, filters are not foolproof. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide the necessary supervision to ensure that their child uses the Internet in an appropriate and safe manner.

Users’ Confidentiality
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and information access by third parties can occur. However, the MCPL treats information in its user files and transmission logs as confidential.  Such information will be released only for an administrative need or as required by law. Operating systems and software application programs may be limited for security, management and budgetary reasons.

The Library reserves the right to inspect and/or observe the use made of its equipment and resources for the purposes of enforcement of these policies. Unlawful use, misuse or abuse of computer equipment or materials will result in the suspension or termination of the user’s access to these resources.

The Internet access and computer use policy will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees on an annual basis.

This policy is consistent with MCPL policies on material access, collection and use. The Library will be the sole arbiter of what constitutes a violation of this policy.

Staff use of computers is governed by guidelines found in the MCPL Personnel Policy.

Limitations of Use
The MCPL may place limitations on computer usage to allocate access as equitably as possible or for administration purposes.

Distributing Materials Policy

Distributing Material, Canvassing, Performing or Speaking on Library Property

The Mitchell Community Public Library (MCPL) recognizes and supports the public’s rights to free speech that includes presenting speeches, distributing petitions or other information, and advocating views or positions. However, the Mitchell Community Public Library also has an obligation to provide library services to the public in an environment where access and privacy are maintained and where safe and unobstructed ingress and egress to Mitchell Community Public Library property is provided. Therefore, the Mitchell Community Public Library prohibits non MCPL groups speaking, canvassing, performing, or distributing information on Mitchell Community Public Librarygrounds.

Note: This policy pertains to the use of the Mitchell Community Public Library grounds and not the inside of the Mitchell Community Public Library buildings. Persons wishing to reserve a designated meeting space on Mitchell Community Public Library property should refer to the Meeting Room policy.

Solicitation

Solicitation is not permitted on MCPL property. Library vendors such as book publishers are not considered solicitors.

Finance and Investment Policy

Approved by the Mitchell Community Public Library Board December 28, 2020
Revised January 23, 2023

Board of Finance
The duly appointed members of the Mitchell Community Public Library (MCPL) Board are the fiscal body of the library and thus constitute the “Board of Finance.” The members serve without compensation. (IC 5-13-7-5, IC 36-1-2-6)

Annual meeting
The MCPL Board of Finance shall meet annually after the first Monday and on or before the last day of January to elect a President and Secretary, review the written report of the investments made by the Library during the previous calendar year, and review the investment policy of the Library.

Treasurer
The MCPL Board of Finance shall annually elect a Treasurer. The Treasurer may be either a member of the Board of Finance or an employee of the MCPL. However, the Library Director may not also be the Treasurer.

The Board may fix the rate of compensation for the services of the Treasurer. (IC 36-12-2-21)

The Treasurer:

  • Is the official custodian of all library funds;
  • Is responsible for the proper safeguarding and accounting of all library funds;
  • Shall issue warrants approved by the library board in payment of expenses lawfully incurred on behalf of the library; and
  • Shall make financial reports of library funds and present the reports to the library board every month.

The Board may prescribe the powers and duties of the Treasurer consistent with this chapter. The Treasurer may be removed by the Board at any regular or special meeting by a majority vote of the entire membership of the Board. The Board may elect a successor Treasurer if a vacancy occurs in the office.

The Treasurer shall give a surety bond for the faithful performance of the Treasurer’s duty and for the accurate accounting of all money coming into the Treasurer’s custody. The bond must be:

  • written by an insurance company licensed to do business in Indiana,
  • for the term of office of the Treasurer,
  • in an amount determined by the library board,
  • paid for with the money from the library fund,
  • payable to the State of Indiana,
  • approved by the Board,
  • and deposited in the office of the recorder of the county in which the library district is located. (IC 36-12-2-22)

Deposits
All funds received by the MCPL shall be deposited in one or more designated depositories within three days of receipt or when deposit amount exceeds $500, whichever comes first.

All public funds of the MCPL shall be deposited in the designated depositories located in the territorial limits of the library district. (IC 5-13-8-9)

Investments
The Treasurer is authorized to invest library funds as approved by the Board in the following (IC 5-13-9);

  1. Securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Treasury or fully guaranteed by the United States and issued by
    • The United States Treasury;
    • A federal agency;
    • A federal instrumentality;
    • A federal government sponsored enterprise. (IC 5-13-9-2 (A)(1))
  2. Securities fully guaranteed and issued by the following:
    • A federal agency;
    • A federal instrumentality;
    • A federal government sponsored enterprise (IC 5-13-9-2 (A)(2))
  3. Repurchase agreements
    • Such vehicles may be used as outlined in IC 5-13-9-3.
  4. Money Market Mutual Funds
    • Such vehicles may be outlined in IC 5-13-9-2-5.
  5. Deposit Accounts

Prohibited Investments
The MCPL may not purchase securities on margin or open a securities margin account for the investment of MCPL funds. (IC 5-13-9-9)

In addition, the MCPL may only place its funds in investment vehicles that are in accordance with Indiana Code. (IC 5-13-9)

Interest earnings
All interest derived from an investment shall be receipted to the funds of which they are a part. (IC 5-13-9-6)

Electronic Transfer of Library Funds (EFT)
Pursuant to the provisions of IC 5-13-5-5, the Library Director and Treasurer are authorized to institute electronic fund transfer for the transaction of library financial affairs, including the payment of wages to library employees via electronic funds transfer, including direct deposit.

The Treasurer will maintain appropriate documentation for the transactions so these may be audited as required by statute. The Treasurer’s signature will be on the letter of authorization for transfers which will be forwarded to the financial institution. (IC 5-13-5-5)

Meeting Room Policy

Approved by the Mitchell Community Public Library Board on June 28, 2021

Mitchell Community Public Library (MCPL) provides access to meeting rooms that may be reserved by individuals, groups, and organizations. All users of MCPL meeting rooms must adhere to MCPL’s Building Use Policy and the responsibilities and guidelines outlined in this policy.

In granting use of library meeting rooms, MCPL does not imply endorsement or support of the purpose(s), activities, views, or expressions of individuals, groups, or organizations.

At its own discretion, MCPL may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on the use of its meeting rooms. To ensure equitable access, MCPL may restrict continuous ongoing reservations for any single group or individual if such reservations regularly deny other groups or individuals’ use of meeting spaces.

Library-sponsored activities will receive priority scheduling at all times and MCPL reserves the right to reschedule or cancel reservations when needed to accommodate library needs.

Acceptable Use

  • Meeting rooms of varying capacity may be requested and reserved, subject to availability, using the library’s application process.
  • Educational, civic, cultural, or charitable organizations may use library meeting rooms for non-commercial and non-profit purposes.
  • Local businesses engaged in employee or organizational activities may be permitted to use the meeting room at the discretion of the Library Director.

Restrictions

  • Meeting rooms may not be used to generate profit, to sell products or services, or to recruit potential partners or customers. Solicitation, campaigning, and fundraising are prohibited.
  • Rooms are not available for social functions such as parties, reunions, showers, or receptions.
  • Groups may not meet more than 4 times per month.

Terms

  • Library staff coordinate meeting room scheduling based on completed reservation forms. The library will make every effort to offer fair and equitable meeting room access in the event that groups request a room for the same meeting time.
  • Reservations may be made up to two months in advance. The person reserving a meeting room serves as the contact person for the group. A current MCPL card in good standing must be held by the contact person.
  • The meeting room is available only during hours that the library is open. All groups must vacate the library fifteen minutes prior to the library closing.
  • Setup and cleanup are the responsibility of the group and must be done during the reserved time. The room must be returned to its original setup unless prior permission is given by the Director. The contact person is responsible for any damage incurred by members of the group.
  • Light refreshments may be served. Alcohol is prohibited on library property.
  • An adult must oversee any group with participants under the age of 18.

Meeting room reservations will be cancelled if the library is closed for weather-related or other emergencies; or in the event of inappropriate or disruptive activities among group attendees.

If you would like to reserve a meeting room, please contact the Library at 812-849-2412 or submit your inquiry through the Contact Us Form.

Patron Confidentiality

Evergreen Indiana Patron Record Confidentiality Policy

This policy establishes the guidelines for the protection of personally identifying information

contained in library records or accessible within the library or through its computer systems.

  1. Evergreen Indiana Patron Record Confidentiality Policy
  2. This policy establishes the guidelines for the protection of personally identifying information
  3. contained in library records or accessible within the library or through its computer systems.
  4. A “Patron Record” is defined as information created, received, maintained, or stored by a library, in any format, that:
    • identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials and/or information from a library, including database search records, or
    • identifies a library patron by name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, or any other similar manner, or
    • otherwise links a library patron with identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.
  5. A “Member Library” is an Indiana library that by means of executing the Evergreen Indiana Membership Agreement has joined the Evergreen Indiana Consortium. For the purpose of this Patron Record Confidentiality Policy, “Member Library” shall be interpreted to include the Indiana State Library.
  6. Only the authorized staff members, independent contractors, and other authorized agents of Member Libraries shall access Patron Records, and such access shall occur only as needed when acting within the scope of duty in the administration and maintenance of the Evergreen library system and in administering library transactions.
  7. Staff of Member Libraries shall not disclose or release Patron Records to any person other than the patron named in the record (i.e. the library card holder), unless the requestor is also the person who signed to accept financial responsibility for the card holder. The requestor must present the library card or current ID to receive this information.
  8. Disclosure or release of a Patron’s Records to a third party shall only occur upon the Member Library’s receipt of a valid subpoena, court order, signed written consent of the patron, or other legal process, unless such disclosure falls under the access permissions noted in provision #3.
  9. In the event of the receipt of a valid third party Patron Record request, a Member Library shall only disclose or release the Patron Records of a person whose library membership originated in its particular library. No single Member Library shall disclose or release the Patron Records of any person whose library membership originated with a different Member Library.March 10, 2009
  10. The Member Library’s Director and/or Board, along with legal counsel when necessary, shall be responsible for determining whether or not a third party Patron Record request is valid and should therefore be satisfied.
  11. In the event a third party Patron Record request is received by a Member Library that is not the Indiana State Library, a copy of the subpoena, court order, signed written consent of the patron, or other legal process shall be forwarded to the Indiana State Library along with a notation whether or not the request was fulfilled.
  12. In the event the Indiana State Library is presented with a valid third party request for Patron Records, the Indiana State Library will contact the Member Library with which the library patron initiated membership, and the Indiana State Library and Member Library shall coordinate the disclosure or release of Patron Records, as appropriate.
  13. Any Evergreen patron requesting by telephone a list of items checked out on a specific card must use the barcode number. Library staff shall not give out any specific information without the Evergreen barcode number; staff may only give out the number of items due and the due date.
  14. For purposes of compiling statistics, borrower information linked with specific item information shall not be displayed or listed.
  15. Each Member Library is responsible for ensuring its staff are aware of and comply with these privacy policies.

Adopted by the Evergreen Indiana Executive Committee on March 10, 2009.

Bylaws

BY-LAWS

MITCHELL COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD

Article I.

Identification

Section 1. The name of this Board is the “Board of Trustees of the Mitchell Community Public Library,” hereinafter referred to as “the Board.” The Mitchell Community Public Library will be hereinafter referred to as “the Library.”

Section 2. Geographical boundaries of the Library and taxed library district include the Marion, Bono, and Spice Valley Townships.

Article II.

Authority and Purpose

Section 1. The Board shall govern the Library, a municipal corporation and Class B library organized under the public library provisions, according to the purposes and authority set forth in IC 36-12, as amended, and such other Indiana and general laws as affect the operation of the Library.

Section 2. Members of the Board (Trustees) shall serve without compensation, except that the Treasurer may be paid, per IC 36-12-2-21. A Board member may not serve as a paid employee of the public library.

Section 3. Necessary travel and/or meal expenses of any Board member incurred in the interest and business of the library may be reimbursed out of library funds, per policy or board resolution. Such travel on behalf of the Library shall be approved by the Board.

Section 4. The Board may engage legal counsel as needed for legal advice. The President of the Board or the library director may request the legal opinions of legal counsel for any matter which comes within the jurisdiction of the Board, and shall report the opinion to the Board.

Article III.

Personnel

Section I. The library board shall select a librarian who holds a certificate under IC 36-12-11. The Board shall fix the compensation of the director. The director, as the administrative head of the library, is responsible to the Board for the operation and management of the library, per IC 36-12-2-24(a).

Section 2. The director shall have the power to write and enforce administrative regulations or procedures governing the Library which logically stem from adopted and approved Board policies. Such regulations or procedures shall be consistent with the policies of the Board.

Section 3. The director shall be held responsible for the care of the building(s) and equipment, for the employment and direction of the staff, for the efficiency of the library’s service to the public, for the administration of the long range plan and short term goals, and for the operation of the library under the financial conditions set forth in the annual budget.

Section 4. The director shall attend all library Board meetings, except those at which her/his appointment, salary, or performance is to be discussed or decided.

Article IV.

Conflict of Interest

Section 1. Board members, in the capacity of trust imposed upon them, shall observe ethical standards with absolute truth, integrity, and honor.

Section 2. Board members shall promote a high level of service while observing ethical standards.

Section 3. Board members shall avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of library users, colleagues, or the institution.

Section 4. Board members will not use the library for personal advantage or the personal advantage of friends or relatives.

Section 5. Board members will declare any conflict of interest between their personal life and their position on the Library Board and avoid voting on issues that appear to be a conflict of interest. It is incumbent upon any Board member to disqualify or recuse himself/herself from voting immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists.

Section 6. If the possibility of a long-term conflict of interest exists, the Board member shall complete the Uniform Conflict of Interest Disclosure annually. (Form 236 at: https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=8264)

Article V.

Nepotism

Section 1. The Library will not employ the spouse, child, parent, or sibling of the Director or these relatives of any member of the Board.

Section 2. No immediate family member of a current staff member will be considered for a position wherein one member would have supervisory duties over the other.

Article VI.

Amendments

Section 1. These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the Board by majority vote of the members.

Section 2. Amendments shall be proposed one month in advance of voting, and a copy provided to each Board member at least 15 days before the meeting.

Section 3. Amendments may be proposed by any member of the Board.

Section 4. The amendments for each year shall be sent to the Indiana State Library upon submission of the Annual Report.

Article VII.

Membership

Section 1. Members of the Board shall be appointed pursuant to IC 36-12-2-9, and as follows:

Class B library (town/city, township, multiple townships, public library)

TrusteeAppointing Authority
Trustee 1 – IC 36-12-2-9(1)County executive / County Commissioners
Trustee 2 – IC 36-12-2-9(2)County fiscal body / County Council
Trustee 3 – IC 36-12-2-9(3)School board
Trustee 4 – IC 36-12-2-9(3)School board
Trustee 5 – IC 36-12-2-9(3)School board
Trustee 6 – IC 36-12-2-9(4) (IC 36-12-2-10(1), 11(b1), 12(1), 12(1), or 14(1))County Council
Trustee 7 – IC 36-12-2-9(5) (IC 36-12-2-10(2), 11(b2), 12(2), or 14(2))County Commissioners

Article VIII.

Officers

Section 1. Officers of the Board shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer per IC 36-12-2-22 and IC 36-12-2-23.

Section 2. The officers shall be elected by ballot at the January meeting for a term of one year per IC 36-12-2-23.

Section 3. Vacancies in office shall be filled by ballot at the next regular meeting of the Board after the vacancy occurs.

Section 4. Any officer may be removed by the Board at any regular or special meeting by a majority vote of the entire membership of the Board.

Section 5. The duties of the officers shall be such as by custom and law, including IC 36-12-2-22 et seq. and the rules this Board usually devolve upon such officers in accordance with their titles.

Section 6. The President shall preside at Board meetings, appoint committees deemed necessary, certify all bills allowed by the Board, and oversee that the Board sign the Accounts Payable Voucher according to the State Board of Accounts accounting requirements for the payment of money, enforce the observance of these rules, and perform such other duties as pertain to the office of the President and are necessary to carry out the wishes of the Board. [See IC 36-12-2-21 for more information. Election and duties of the Treasurer are detailed in IC 36-12-2-22].

Section 7. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of the latter.

Section 8. The Secretary shall record all the proceedings of the Board and countersign all warrants on the Treasurer for the payment of money; shall certify the rate of taxation as determined by the Library Board to the County Auditor, and see that the levy is properly made and recorded; shall keep a record of attendance at Board meetings, and if any member is absent without reasonable excuse from six consecutive meeting for any cause other than illness, it shall be the duty of the Secretary to inform the appointing authority that the member is not serving the best interest of the Library and should be replaced by someone who will take an active part in the work.

Section 9. In addition to the duties outlined in IC 36-12-2-22, the Treasurer shall be responsible for and keep a detailed account of receipts and expenditures and be responsible for monthly reports and an annual report of receipts and expenditures and shall sign all warrants approved by the Board.

Article IX.

Meetings

Section 1. The Board shall meet monthly on the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 pm. The Board shall set the meeting days for the year at the first annual meeting. The January meeting shall be the annual meeting, per IC 36-12-2-23.

Section 2. The full Board and its officers constitute the Board of Finance and shall meet annually in January, after the first Monday and on or before the last day of January to review finances and depositories per IC 5-12-7-5 et seq.

Section 3. Regular, special, and executive session meetings will be publicized and conducted in accordance with the Open Door Law of Indiana (IC 5-14-1.5).

Section 4. Special meetings may be called by the President, or upon written request of two (2) members, for the transaction of business as stated in the call, per IC 36-12-2-23. Notice stating the time and place of any special meeting and the purpose for which called shall be given each member of the Board at least 2 days in advance of such meeting and to the local media 48 hours in advance, excluding holidays and weekends, per IC 5-14-1.5-5.

Section 5. Four (4) library board members, who are present in person, constitute a quorum for the transaction of business per IC 36-12-2-23.

Section 6. Order of business shall be:

  • Call to order
  • Approval of minutes
  • Approval of financial report
  • Old business
  • New business
  • Other matters of concern
  • Adjournment

Section 7. Robert’s Rules of Order, latest revised edition, shall govern the parliamentary procedure of the Board.

Section 8. Addressing the Library Board:

The Board of Trustees has one (1) regular business meeting on the fourth Monday of every month (check the MCPL website for confirmation of dates and times). While regular business meetings are open to the public, there is no public comment period, and the Board is not required by law to hear public comments when conducting the business of the Library.

Persons wishing to address the Board directly at an open meeting must request to be placed on the agenda. This request must be received in writing (either in letter or email form, with the subject of the request clearly stated and contact information included) no later than five (5) days in advance of the meeting date. This request must be addressed to the Library Director (requests addressed to Board members will be automatically refused and discarded). A request for addressing the Board is not an automatic approval to be placed on said agenda. The Director is to notify the Board President of all proper requests and a decision will be made as to the merits of said requests before placement on the agenda.

If accepted for placement on the agenda, the person will be notified with a confirmation and allowed a maximum of five (5) minutes to present to the board. Persons deviating from the identified subject matter as provided in the initial request will be reminded of the subject matter as identified in the agenda and asked to redirect or to cease further comments. The board may or may not respond to comments made, but all comments will be taken under advisement for further study.

Article X.

Committees

Section 1. Special committees for the study of special problems may be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Board, to serve until the final report of the work for which they were appointed has been filed at a regular library Board meeting.

Section 2. No committee will have powers other than advisory unless, by suitable action of the Board, it is granted specific power to act. All committee reports and/or recommendations shall be submitted in writing upon request. Reports of committees shall be signed by at least two members thereof.

Section 3. Committees may have citizen members, as deemed appropriate for their purpose by the Board.

Article XI.

Indemnification of Board Members

The Board shall protect the Library from loss by maintaining the following insurance policies:

  • Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability
  • Commercial insurance for property, general liability, electronic data processing, equipment, and valuable papers
  • Employee Practices Liability for the Director and the Board

Article XII.

Policies, Plans, Rules, and Regulations

Section 1. In addition to operating in accordance with these Bylaws and the laws of the State of Indiana, the Board shall adopt policies, plans, rules, and regulations to govern its operations, and may affirm policies, plans, rules and regulations proposed by the Library Director for the management and administration of the Library, as required by 590 IAC 6-1-5(e) and 590 IAC 6-1-5(j). The library adheres to applicable federal, state, and local laws. These include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Federal Employment law
  • Indiana laws governing municipal corporations
  • Indiana library law (IC 36-12)
  • Indiana public library standards (590 IAC 5)
  • Indiana Library and History Department law (IC 4-23-7)
  • Local building, health, and safety codes

Section 2. All of these policies, plans, rules, and regulations shall be compiled and organized in a manual to be known as “The Policies, Plans, Rules, and Regulations of the Mitchell Community Public Library.”

  • Staff manual
  • Library Policy Manual
  • Strategic Plan 2018 – 2021 (includes technology plan)
  • Indiana State Library Trustee Manual: IN the Public Trust
  • Indiana Library Law – IC 36-12: www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title36/ar12/

Federal laws:

Article XIII.

Review of Bylaws

Section 1. A review and update of library bylaws is required by public library standards at least every three years (590 IAC 6-1-4(g)). The secretary shall affix the date of review to the bylaws for audit as well as indicating the action in the minutes.

Adopted by the Library Board of the Mitchell Community Public Library on Monday, May 24th, 2021. The date of next review for the MCPL Board Bylaws is April 22, 2024.

Get Your Library card

Your First Card Is Free!

Any resident or property owner in Marion, Bono, or Spice Valley (S) townships in Lawrence county, IN, is eligible for a Mitchell Community Public Library Card. If you do not reside in the Mitchell Community Public Library service district please speak to an employee about library card solutions that fit your situation.

Your first card is free, but there is a $2 fee for a replacement card.

You must apply for your card in person at the library. Children under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian with them to apply for a library card.

To apply, please bring the following:
  • One form of Photo ID:
    • Valid state driver’s license or ID card
    • Valid Government issued ID
    • Valid college or university ID
  • One of the following as Proof of Address:
    • Valid voter registration card
    • Computer generated bank statement or government  notification issued in applicant’s name within last 30 days
    • Computer generated utility, credit card company, doctor  or hospital bill, issued in applicant’s name within last  30 days
    • Change-of-address confirmation from the United States  Postal Service showing prior and current address of  residence (A P.O. Box is not acceptable as a  residence address)
    • Property tax receipt issued in applicant’s name (from  current tax year)
    • Any postmarked piece of mail (addressed to you) that  has been sent within the last 30 days

2022-2027 Long Range Strategic Plan