Circulation Policy

Checking Out Books, etc.

If you have a library card in good standing, you may check out up to 25 items, including 5 movies.

All items check out for two weeks.  Items are not due on days we are closed.  

Fees & Fines

Books overdue will accumulate a fine of 5¢ per day until they are returned.  The maximum fine for an overdue book is $1.00.

Items that are more than 31 days overdue are deemed "lost." If the materials are not returned or replaced, patrons will be charged for the cost of replacing the missing materials and a hold will be placed on the patron’s account until 1) the item is found and returned, 2) cost of the lost material is paid, or 3) a suitable replacement is purchased for the library on behalf of the patron. A suitable replacement is one in new or like-new condition, without damage or marks, and approved by the library staff.

Ebook and Downloadable Audio Books

In accordance with circulation policies and guidelines established by OK Virtual Library, the online resource repository used by Oklahoma public libraries as a part of the Overdrive consortium, the circulation guidelines and policies pertaining to eBooks and downloadable or streamable audiobooks are those set by the OK Virtual Library. 

Bike Locks

You can check out one bike lock at a time.

Bike locks are for single-day use only and are intended for the patron to use to secure their bike or scooter while they are using the library.

Unattended Child Policy

Rules and Expectations

The Library is not responsible for supervising children.

Children under the age of 8 must have a caregiver near and in visual contact with the child. The assigned caregiver must be a responsible person at least 16 years of age and must carry emergency contact information. An exception would be children attending a library program without a caregiver in the room. However, the caregiver is expected to remain in the library building and immediately join the child at the end of the program. Most library programs encourage caregivers to attend with their child(ren).

If a child in this age group is found unattended, library staff will attempt to locate the caregiver in the library and inform them of this policy. If the caregiver cannot be found, library personnel will attempt to contact the caregivers identified by the child and/or listed on the child’s library account.  If they cannot be reached or if library staff deem it appropriate for any other reason, the police will be called for assistance.

Children age 8 and older may use the library on their own. However, parents are still responsible for the actions and well-being of their child(ren). Patrons, including children of any age, may be asked to leave the library if they are using inappropriate behavior. If a child 8 and older is not able to leave the library on their own, they should not be in the library without a caregiver.

These age limits provide library staff and caregivers with a general guideline for determining whether or not it is appropriate for a child to be left unattended in the library.  Each child is different and matures and develops skills at their own pace.  With that in mind, the library has developed a set of behavioral guidelines for children in the library to complement the age limits.  Regardless of age, please ensure your child can successfully complete the following tasks before they are left unattended in the library:

• Tell library staff their full name and the full name and telephone number of their caregiver;

• Browse shelves for books without pulling books onto the floor, pushing books to the back of the shelves, or placing materials where they do not belong;

• Use the restroom independently, including being able to use the restroom key to unlock the door;

• Use the library quietly and independently with little assistance from staff (i.e. we can help your child locate books, but they must be able to sit quietly and enjoy the books without adult assistance).

Children who do not have transportation present fifteen minutes before closing time will be asked for telephone numbers of guardians who can pick them up at the library. If a minor child is not picked up at closing, library staff will call the Bristow Police Department.  Library staff will wait with the child until a caregiver or police unit arrives.

Library Card & Computer Use

All children under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian with a photo ID present to sign up for a library card. All policies regarding restriction of cards based on overdue materials, fines, or expired cards will be upheld for children of all ages.

Computer Use Policy

In order to use a computer or Chromebook, patrons should have a library card in good standing. Adults without a library card may show staff their photo ID to obtain a guest pass. Minors without a library card will be allowed on a public access computer only with consent from a parent or guardian.

Public access computers are available on a first come, first served basis. If all computers are in use, patrons may request to be placed on the reservation list for the next available computer. 

Patrons may not download or install software to Library computers. Patrons using public access computers may download data to an external device, but must provide their own devices. 

Patrons must use headphones or earbuds when sound is playing on a computer or other device. Adult patrons must supply their own headphones or earbuds. Headphones are available to purchase at the circulation desk.

The Library, to the best of its ability, will erase all patron data from public computers. 

Internet Use Policy

Unacceptable use of the Library’s computers and/or wifi include, but is not limited to: 

• Displaying, viewing, storing, printing, or sending any harassing material. 

• Accessing pornographic web sites or storing or viewing sexually oriented images.

• Intentionally introducing a virus or virus-like program onto a library computer or network. 

• Using software in such a manner as to violate copyright laws.

• Participating in any illegal activities. 

• Loading, downloading, or using any software that may be harmful to the Library’s computers or network.

• Using a library card or credentials that belong to someone else in order to use a library computer.

Patrons who fail to abide by these guidelines may be restricted from Internet access and/or use of the Library’s public access computers for a minimum of 30 days. General library privileges may be suspended depending on the severity of the violation.

Filtering

As required by law, all library Internet is filtered in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.  The library uses a technology protection measure (or “Internet filter”) on all computers with Internet access. It is used to assist in preventing access to sites which violate Oklahoma State Statutes Title 21, §1021 and Title 21, §§ 1040.75-21-1040.80, otherwise known as “harmful to minors law.”

As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h), blocking is applied to visual depictions of materials deemed obscene or child pornography or to any material deemed harmful to or inappropriate for minors (as those terms are defined in the U.S. Code).

The library may also use the filter to block certain categories of sites for the protection of the network and PCs (for example sites that use malicious code to “hijack” a computer’s settings or install spyware).

Behavior Policy

The library is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all users and staff. Our enforcement of rules is designed to preserve access to services while maintaining a safe environment. Behavior that disturbs others’ use of the library, creates an unsafe environment, impedes work of library staff, or creates a risk of damage to library property is not allowed. Library staff have the authority to enforce these rules, and users are expected to comply with staff instruction.

The behavior policy is in effect for the library building, the Learning Lab, and park unless otherwise noted.

Unacceptable behavior in the library includes, but is not limited to:

• Violations of federal, state, or local laws

• Harassment - physical, sexual, or verbal abuse of library users or staff, including profanity, hate speech, and unwelcome contact

• Destruction of library facilities, equipment, or materials

• Being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol of illegal drugs

• Smoking (including any tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and electronic smoking devices) within 25 feet of library entrances

• Fighting, physical assault, or threat of violence

• Shouting or making noise at a volume that disturbs others

• Running, throwing, pushing, climbing, or other horseplay

• Use of wheeled devices (such as skateboards, roller skates, wheeled shoes) within the Library or Learning Lab. Park use is permitted.

• Wearing inappropriate attire

• Bringing an animal into the library that is not a service animal or part of a library-approved program

• Soliciting

• Stalking

• Sleeping or laying on the floor

• Post or distribute materials that are not approved by the library

• Carrying a weapon in the library unless authorized by law

Covered drinks and snacks are allowed in most areas of the library with the exception of the computer area and the Choska Talfa room. Hot food items and messy food is not allowed except as part of a meeting or library program.

Any user found in violation of the above rules may be asked to leave the library and could have library privileges suspended. Failure to comply with a request to leave the premises will result in the filing of trespassing charges with local law enforcement. Any violations of the law will be reported to local law enforcement.