Mission Statement
To provide Walton County residents, visitors and businesses with information to meet their business, educational, and personal needs.
While on library property, library patrons are expected to respect the rights and privacy of others and to respect and properly maintain library property. Patrons shall comply with requests by library staff who may intercede to prevent offensive, disruptive, illegal, or dangerous behavior. Behavior that is unacceptable in all branches of the library include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive noise, running or other boisterous and disruptive behavior
- Audible ring tones, music, or conversations from mobile devices
- Abandoning and leaving unsupervised children in the library under the age of twelve
- Child abuse in any form
- Physically or verbally assaulting, threatening, intimidating, harassing or abusing any other person
- Having open food packages or open drink containers in the library except as authorized
- Bringing in animals, except for those to assist the disabled or law enforcement, or as part of an approved library program
- Gambling
- Soliciting others on library premises
- Smoking in the library or within 15 feet of a library building
- Intoxication resulting from alcohol or drugs
- Mistreatment or vandalism of library facilities, materials, or equipment
- Indecent exposure
- Entering the library without wearing a shirt or shoes, or with bodily hygiene constituting a nuisance to other persons
- Washing clothes or bathing, except for washing of hands and face
- Refusing to leave at closing time
Anyone violating these Rules of Behavior may be asked to leave the library premises.
Anyone failing to leave the premises when requested to do so may be charged with criminal trespass under Florida Statutes, Chapter 810.08 (1)
Approved by the Board of County Commissioners _September 22, 2020
Purpose
The Art Exhibit Policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for the display of artwork in the public library. This policy aims to enrich the library environment, promote cultural and artistic engagement, and support local artists.
Scope
This policy applies to all forms of art displayed within the library, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations.
Policy Statement
The library encourages the display of diverse artistic expressions that reflect the community’s culture, values, and interests. As the library is an inclusive public space open to people of all ages and sensibilities, we reserve the right to decline exhibits that do not align with the library’s mission. Exhibits are on display at the discretion of the Library Director or his/her designee. Additionally, the display of items does not in any way constitute support by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners or the Walton County Public Library System.
Selection Criteria
- Relevance: Artwork should align with the library’s mission and vision and reflect themes of
community, literacy, education, or creativity. - Quality: Artwork must demonstrate a level of artistic quality appropriate for public display.
- Diversity: The library seeks to represent a variety of artistic styles, mediums, and cultural
backgrounds. - Suitability: Artwork should be appropriate for all audiences and free from offensive or
controversial content.
Exhibit and display spaces are available to individuals and community nonprofit groups on equal terms regardless of opinion or affiliation.
Displaying Art
The mounting and displaying of the art may not disrupt the library’s regular services or cause damage to library property, wall surfaces, or any other part of the building. The display will be installed during the library’s normal hours of operations. The artist or designated representative of the artist must install the artwork. The library staff will not be expected to assist in installing the artwork exhibit.
Removal
The artwork will be exhibited for a specific, limited period of time and must be removed at the end of that period. The artist or designated representative of the artist must remove the art by the date specified in the agreement.
Liability
The library will take reasonable precautions to protect displayed artwork but will not be liable for loss, theft, or damage to any artwork during its display period.
Promotional Support
The library may promote artists and their work through programs, events, and social media to enhance community engagement and support.
Sale of Art in the Library
Library personnel will not be involved in the sale of artwork. The library will not act as the artist’s agent in the sale of work. A list of the artwork and the artist’s contact information will be kept at the circulation desk and will be provided to visitors at their request. Sales must be handled by the artist or their representative.
Prices are not to be displayed alongside the exhibits. The library aims to provide a venue for unique collections to be exhibited, to provide a platform for artists to showcase their talents and creativity to the community, and to foster an appreciation for art and collecting without commercial considerations.
Requests for Removal
The library welcomes citizens’ expressions of opinion concerning artwork displayed at the library. Requests to remove materials will be considered within the context of the policies set forth in this document. Anyone who wishes to request that a specific item be reconsidered for inclusion in the display is asked to complete and sign the Request for Reconsideration form, located at all library
locations. The request will be reviewed by the Library Director and a written response will be given within ten (10) business days. Formal procedure will have the request escalated to the Library Advisory Board, then the Walton County Board of County Commissioners in the event the requestor deems the response unsatisfactory. The item in question will not be removed during the reconsideration process
Purpose
The Collection Development Policy outlines the philosophies that create and shape the Walton County Public Library System’s collection, the practices that maintain it over time, and the guidelines that help the collection respond to community needs while protecting the collection from societal and political pressures. The Collection Development Policy ensures that over time, Walton County Public Library System’s collection will remain on course, reflecting the needs of Walton County residents, while creating unique experiences of meaning and inspiration for the individual customer.
The Walton County Public Library System fully endorses the principles documented in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association. The library upholds the right of the individual to secure information, though the content may be controversial, unorthodox, or unacceptable to others.
Scope of Collection
The Walton County Public Library System collects materials, in a variety of popular formats, which support its function as an information source for the needs of a diverse, growing population. The collection also serves the general educational interest, recreational, and entertainment needs of the public, and reflects the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity of the community. Library staff regularly evaluate the collection to ensure its relevance. Collections focus on high interest and materials that meet the needs of the community.
Widespread interest and usage are the most powerful influence on the Library’s collection. Selections are made to provide depth and diversity of viewpoints to the existing collection in appreciation for each patron of the library system. The Library provides materials to support each individual’s journey, and does not place a value on one customer’s needs or preferences over another’s.
The Library System upholds the right of the individual to access information.
Materials for children and teenagers are intended to broaden their vision, support recreational reading, encourage and facilitate reading skills, supplement their educational needs, stimulate and widen their interest, lead to recognition and appreciation of literature, and reflect the diversity of the community and our world. The reading and viewing activity of children is ultimately the responsibility of parents or guardians, who guide and oversee their own children’s development. The Walton County Public Library System does not intrude on that relationship.
Selection Criteria
Collection development staff use their training, knowledge, and expertise along with the following general criteria to select materials for the collection:
- Relevance to interest and needs of the community
- Extent of publicity, critical review, and current or anticipated demand
- Current or historical significance of the author or subject
- Relevance to the existing collection’s strength and weaknesses
- Reputation and qualifications of the author, publisher, or producer, with preference generally given to titles vetted in the editing and publishing industry
- Suitability of format to Library circulation and use
- Date of publication
- Price, availability, and Library materials budget
Patron Recommendations
Patrons may request items the Library does not own. Each request will be reviewed for inclusion in the collection using the selection criteria.
Requests for Reconsideration
The Walton County Public Library System selects materials using established criteria and full consideration of the varying age groups and backgrounds of customers. Requests for removal of items from the collection can be made by filling our Request for Reconsideration form, located at all library locations. The request will be reviewed by the Library System Manager and a written response will be given within ten (10) business days. Formal procedure will have the request escalated to the Library Advisory Board, then the Walton County Board of County Commissioners in the event the requestor deems the response unsatisfactory. The item in question will not be removed from circulation during the reconsideration process.
Collection Management
The Library’s collection is an ever-changing entity. As items are added, others are reviewed for their ongoing value and sometimes withdrawn from the collection. Great care is taken to retain or replace items that have enduring value to the community. Decisions are influenced by patterns of use, capacity of each location, holdings at other locations, and condition of materials as listed in the Criteria for Weeding and Withdrawal listed below.
Criteria for Weeding and Withdrawal
The following criteria are used in selecting materials for withdrawal: - Damage or poor condition
- No longer relevant to the needs and interest of the community
- Infrequent use and lack of demand
- No longer accurate
- Available elsewhere including other libraries and online
Withdrawn items will be disposed or donated to the affiliated Friends of the Library groups.
Gifts and Donation of Materials
The Walton County Public Library System accepts donations of books and other materials. The Library retains the authority to accept or reject gifts. Library staff and/or representatives of the Friends of the Library groups make all decision as to the use, housing, and final location of donations and gifts. The Library does not evaluate or appraise materials for tax purposes. The Library will not accept conditional gifts and donations as the items will be subject to weeding and withdrawal.
Approved by Walton County BCC: 10/26/2021
Library Cards
Walton County residents can obtain a library card by showing proof of their current address. Patrons must provide proof of their permanent address on an annual basis. Students currently enrolled at Northwest Florida State College or the Walton County School District, active-duty military members and their immediate family, Walton County property owners, and City of DeFuniak Springs, City of Freeport, City of Paxton, and Walton County employees do
not have to be residents of Walton County to obtain a free library card and must provide proof of enrollment or employment on an annual basis. All other non-residents will be charged a $35.00 annual fee for a library card. Seasonal visitors may purchase a temporary six-month card for $25.00. Household family members of a non-resident cardholder may obtain an additional card for $5.00 each annually, not to exceed the expiration date of the primary non-resident cardholder. Non-residents holding a “lifetime” card that was in issuance between 1985 and 2008 may continue to use that card without further payment.
Check-out Limits
Patrons with a valid Walton County Public Library System library card in good standing may borrow items from the Walton County Public Library System. A card in good standing will have no unpaid charges for lost or damaged items and less than $25.00 in fines. Patrons may check out a maximum of twenty (20) items.
New Materials
Patrons may have a maximum of five (5) NEW materials with a limited checkout period of two (2) weeks with no renewals. NEW material will be marked with a NEW sticker on the spine.
Books, Audio Books, DVDs and Music
Books, audio books, and music are loaned for a period of two (2) weeks.
Video Games
Patrons may have a maximum of two (2) video games at a time for a period of two (2) weeks.
Interlibrary Loans
Patrons may have a maximum of five (5) Interlibrary Loan items checked out. The loan period is determined by the lending library. All fees charged to Walton County Public Library System by the lending library for late, lost, or damaged Interlibrary Loan items will be charged to the patron.
Hotspots, Chromebooks, Tablets, Kits, and Equipment
Hotspots, Chromebooks, tablets, kits, and other equipment are loaned for a period of two (2) weeks.
Reference Materials
Normally, reference materials must be used in the library and cannot be checked out. In special cases the Branch Librarian may permit reference materials to be loaned out for no more than three (3) business days.
Renewals
Books, audio books, music, DVDs, video games, hotspots, Chromebooks, tablets, kits, and equipment and may be renewed one (1) time only for an additional two weeks. Items that have pending holds are not renewable. Renewals for Interlibrary Loans are at the discretion of the lending library and may be requested by library staff
Overdue Materials
Patrons with overdue materials marked as lost may not check out additional items until the overdue items are returned or until restitution is made. The replacement cost for lost items is the price listed in the computerized circulation system for the item in question.
Fines
No fines will be charged for books, audiobooks, music, tablets, kits, and DVDs. Hotspots, Chromebooks, and equipment will incur a late fee of $2.00 per day with a maximum fine of $25.00. Interlibrary loan fines will be determined by the lending library.
Holds
Patrons may have ten (10) items on hold at a time. Reserved items are held for three (3) full business days after the patron has been notified, or after multiple attempts to notify the patron are unsuccessful.
Lost or Damaged Materials
Any materials that are lost or deemed damaged by library staff will incur a replacement cost added to the patron’s library account. The replacement cost for lost items is the price listed in the computerized circulation system for the item in question. In the event that the lost or damaged item is not the complete material, the exact price to replace the item will be charged. Replacement items will not be accepted in lieu of payment.
Approved by the Library Advisory Board: January 13, 2026
Approved by the Board of County Commissioners: February 10, 2026
Walton County Public Library System materials can be checked out at no charge with a valid library card. We do not charge overdue fines for non-equipment items returned past their due date. Cardholders will receive an invoice for the full cost of any item that is not returned within 14 days of its due date. Cardholders will also be charged for materials that are lost, damaged, or returned incomplete.
In order to keep a library card in good standing, accounts must have a balance of less than $25 and no charges for replacement items. If an account has a balance of more than $25 or a charge for a replacement item, the cardholder will temporarily lose borrowing privileges until the materials are returned and/or the fines/fees are paid.
| Resident card | $0 |
| Non-resident card – 6 months | $25.00 |
| Non-resident – 12 months | $35.00 |
| Additional non-resident family card | $5 |
| Replacement card | $1.00 |
Lost, damaged, or unreturned items | initial purchase price of item |
| Late equipment fees | $2.00/day |
(Chromebooks, hotspots, telescopes, microscopes, projectors, other equipment)
Black and white printing and copying $0.10/page
Color printing and copying $1.00/page, $0.50/half page
Faxing $1.00 first page, $0.50 each additional page
Incoming faxes $0.10/page
Notary services $0
Meeting Room usage fee $25
Approved by Walton County BCC: 10/26/2021
Introduction
The Walton County Public Library System (WCPLS) is committed to providing a safe and productive environment for all library patrons, including access to the internet. To ensure the responsible and safe use of the internet within the library premises, WCPLS has established this Internet Safety Policy.
Filtered Internet Access
WCPLS provides filtered internet access through its Wi-Fi network and library computers. The purpose of these filters is to protect minor patrons from access to inappropriate, explicit, or harmful content in accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (Pub. L. 106-554). Library users should be aware that it is impossible for any filter to be 100% effective in blocking all content it is intended to block. The filter may also inadvertently block some websites that do not contain such material.
Patrons over the age of 18 can ask library staff to temporarily disable the filters for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Filters will not be disabled for patrons under 18 years old.
Responsibility of Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising the internet usage of their children while at the library. Library staff cannot act as a substitute for parental supervision.
By allowing their children to use the library’s computers or connect to the Wi-Fi, parents and guardians are acknowledging their responsibility for monitoring their child’s online activities and ensuring they adhere to this Internet Safety Policy.
Acceptable Use
Patrons are expected to use the internet in a manner that respects the rights and privacy of others. Engaging in any behavior that is disruptive, offensive, or harmful to others is strictly prohibited.
Patrons must use library internet resources for legal and ethical purposes. No library user shall use a library computer or internet for any unlawful activity, and/or for unauthorized activity, including but not limited to:
- Viewing, printing, or distributing obscenity or child pornography, or materials harmful to minors, asdefined and prohibited by Chapter 847, Florida Statutes;
- Intentionally disrupting or interfering with other computer or network users, services, orequipment; unauthorized use of a public computer (i.e., use of another person’s login credentials orappropriating another person’s internet session), including hacking, as defined and prohibited byChapter 815, Florida Statutes;
- Using, disclosing, or disseminating personal identification information of a child without theauthorization of a Parent/Caregiver;
- Mishandling, damaging, or attempting to damage computer equipment or software; tamperingwith computer or network settings;
- Interfering with computer network/system operations, integrity, or security;
- Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostileenvironment;
- Stalking, harassing, sexually harassing, or threatening physical violence as described in the LibraryAcceptable Behavior Policy; and
- Using internet access to transmit or display materials harmful to minors, obscene, threatening orharassing materials, unsolicited email, or online harassment through use of email, messaging,texting, images, or any other electronic means.
- Making unauthorized copies of information protected by copyright. Unauthorized copying ordistribution of copyrighted materials without the permission of the copyright holder is prohibited by17 U.S. Code, section 107. Legal responsibility of unauthorized copying lies with the library user.
Enforcement
Library staff members are authorized to intervene if they observe violations of this Internet Safety Policy. Violation of this policy may result in the suspension or revocation of internet access privileges within the library. Additionally, illegal activities may be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Questions and Reporting
If patrons have questions about this Internet Safety Policy or require assistance with internet use, they should ask library staff for guidance. Patrons who encounter inappropriate content or have concerns about the library’s internet resources should immediately inform library staff.
Disclaimer
Library users should be aware that internet sites may contain inaccurate, misleading, illegal, outdated, and/or potentially offensive material. Library users must accept responsibility for the information they retrieve through their internet usage. The Walton County Public Library System does not endorse the viewpoints or ensure accuracy of any information obtained through the Internet. The library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of the library’s technology resources to access the internet.
Approved by Walton County BCC: December 19, 2023
The Walton County Public Library System maintains a meeting room for library-sponsored programs that support the Library’s mission. Walton County Administration may approve the use of a county facility by civic, religious, or other organizations for a fee in connection with temporary, short-term, or non-regular activities by these groups. In general, the policy prohibits use of county facilities or equipment for gambling or other illegal activity, commercial or personal gain, programs in violation of state statutes, events involving the serving of alcohol, or fundraising and rallies by political groups. Nonprofit political forums including all parties with the intent of informing of educating the community are allowed. Board of County Commissioners approval is required for repetitious use for a period of more than three (3) months. Any use of the Library’s meeting rooms shall be in compliance with the Walton County Board of County Commissioner’s Use of Facilities Policy.
- General Conditions of Use
- Using the Meeting Room
- Library-sponsored programs and County-sponsored meetings and programs will be given higher priority in scheduling the use of the meeting room.
- The Library’s meeting room may be used by educational institutions for programs whichcomply with the meeting room guidelines at no charge.
- The Library’s meeting room may be used by individual, civic, religious, or other organizations for private use at a rate of $25 for up to four (4) hours and $50 for more than four (4) hours per day.
- Uses of the meeting room shall not interfere with the operation of the Library, such as those uses that produce excessive noise, a significant safety hazard, or a significant security and/or safety risk, will not be permitted.
- Hours Available
- The Library’s meeting room is generally available for use during the Library’s regularly scheduled hours of operation. Special arrangements may be made for certain programs or groups to use the meeting room when the library is closed.
- Using the Meeting Room
- Reservations
- Before an organization schedules use of the Library’s meeting room, a representative of that organization will pay the fees and complete an application form, which will be kept on file at the Library. (see attached application form)
- Reservations must be made at least twenty-four (24) hours before the requested meeting date.
- Reservations will not be accepted more than three (3) months before the requested meeting date.
- Organizations will be asked to notify the Library of cancelled meetings at least twenty-four(24) hours before the scheduled meeting.
- Walton County Board of County Commissioners’ approval, upon County Administrationrecommendations, shall be required for repetitious use.
- Rules and Regulations
- Equipment
- If available, audiovisual or other equipment owned by the Library may be used by groups using the meeting room.
- Library furniture and equipment may not be loaned for use outside of the library.
- Food Service
- Prior arrangements must be made with library staff to use the kitchen facilities.
- Light refreshments (e.g., water/tea/coffee, cookie, muffins, etc.) may be served with the understanding that users of the meeting room are responsible for providing their own equipment and supplies, including bottles water for preparing coffee or tea. Users of the meeting room are also responsible for cleaning the kitchen after use and removing garbage and trash from the building and grounds. Failure to comply will disqualify users of the meeting room from using the facility in the future.
- Refreshments may not be taken from the meeting room to other areas of the Library.
- Setup and Cleanup
- Preparations before a meeting and cleanup after a meeting must be done within the time period for which the room is reserved.
- Users of the meeting room must leave the room in the same condition in was found. If it is necessary for Library staff or custodial staff to clean up following a meeting, the organization reserving the room will be charged a cleanup fee based on the amount of staff time required to clean the room.
- Prohibited uses of Facility – Property, facilities, and equipment shall not be used for the following purposes:
- Programs involving any form of gambling or other illegal activity;
- Use for commercial or personal gain, unless specifically approved in advance by the Board;
- Programs in violation of Florida Statutes;
- Events where alcohol is served or consumed;
- Fundraising activities and rallies by political groups (Nonprofit political forums which include all parties and are intended to inform or educate the community are allowable.)
- Miscellaneous Rules
- All attendees of meetings must adhere to the Library’s Behavior Policy
- The number of attendees must not exceed to posted room capacity.
- Smoking is not allowed in the Library.
- Hazardous materials (e.g., paints, solvents, explosives, etc.) are prohibited.
- Organizations may not use the Library for their address.
- Organizations may not store their property at the Library.
- Publicity for a meeting or program must not imply endorsement or sponsorship by the County or the Library. Organizations will supply the Library with a copy of publicity (or proposed wording of publicity) at the time of application.
- Organizations using the meeting room must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and are responsible for providing reasonable accommodations as requested.
- Displays may not be affixed directly to the walls or the meeting room without prior consent. Library fixtures may not be removed from the room.
- The Library is not responsible for equipment or materials owned by a community group and used in the library. Such equipment may not be stored at the library.
- The Library reserves the right to limit or prohibit at any time the use of the meeting room spaces which represent a threat to the health or safety of library users, or the orderly use of the library.
- Use of the meeting room does not imply Walton County or Library endorsement of the viewpoints expressed by the participants in the programs.
- Equipment
- Damages and Liability
- Any individual, group, or organization using the meeting room shall be held responsible for and shall reimburse the County for any and all willful or accidental damage to the Library building, grounds, collections, or equipment caused by the group or organization, its member, or those attending its program.
- Any individual, group, or organization holding a meeting in the Library must fully release and discharge Walton County and its employees or representatives from any and all claims from injuries, including death, damages or loss, which may arise or which may be alleged to have arisen out of, or in connection with the meeting.
- Failure to abide by the Library’s meeting room policy and rules of conduct may result in the cancellation or refusal of future reservations.
Purpose
The Library Program Policy will ensure that library programs are events that promote the use of library materials, facilities, or services, and/or offers the community informational, entertaining, or cultural experiences. As an integral component of library service, programs will be planned for the interest and enlightenment of the whole community, and the library will strive to offer a variety of programs that reflect the broad range of the community’s interests.
Program Content
Programs will be designed to:
a. Expand the library’s role as a community resource
b. Stimulate interest in and use of the library
c. Promote interest in reading
d. Promote an awareness of contemporary issues while continuing to maintain impartiality and
sensitivity
e. Promote the communication of ideas and information through social interaction
f. Provide an entertaining, enjoyable, and educational experience
g. Attract non-users and reflect the need to connect programs with library resources as part of the process of creating lifelong library users
Ultimate responsibility for programming at the library rests with the Library Director, who administers programming under the authority of the Board of County Commissioners. The Library Director may delegate the task of program development and management to appropriate library staff. The Library Director or designee maintains the expertise, training, and authority to interpret and guide the presentation of programs in accordance with library policy.
Program Development
Library staff utilize collections, expertise, services, and facilities in developing and delivering
programming. The following criteria is considered when making decision about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:
a. Relation to library mission and goals
b. Community needs and interests
c. Availability of program space
d. Treatment of content for intended audience
e. Presentation quality
f. Presenter background/qualifications in content area
g. Budget and staffing considerations
h. Relevance to community interests and issues
i. Historical or educational significance
j. Connection to other community programs, exhibits, or events
The library draws upon community resources and actively partners with other community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, and individuals to develop and present programs.
Professional performers and presenters that reflect unique or specialized expertise may be hired for library programs; performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background of views, or because of possible controversy.
Public Access
Library programs shall be free and open to the public and anyone may attend. All participants must follow the Library Acceptable Behavior Policy. The library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to library programming. The hosting of a program does not constitute an endorsement by the library of the content of the program, or the views expressed by participants and presenters.
The library reserves the right to set age limits for children’s programs. Participation in all other programs shall not be restricted because of age, gender, race, background, or beliefs. Minors’ access to library programs is the responsibility of their parents or legal guardian(s).
Registration may be required for planning purposes or limited spacing. Registration information may not be used for any commercial purpose. Press releases and public notification of programs will be approved by library staff and may be distributed through the Walton County Public Information Officer.
The library reserves the right to use video or photographs taken of programs and participants for
internal use, publication, and in library promotional outlets. Participants with disabilities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act may request reasonable accommodations that do not result in a fundamental alteration of the services or constitute an undue burden on the library at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the scheduled program.
Non-Commercial
Library programs must be non-commercial in nature. Although a businessperson or other professional expert may present a program, the information should always be generic. No solicitation for business purposes is permitted. With prior approval of library management, presenters may sell their authored publications during a program and are responsible for the handling of all sales. The sale of all other products at a library program is not allowed.
Program Funding
Programs may incur expenses for promotional materials, supplies, staff training, speaker’s fees,
honorariums, travel expenses, etc. The library will ensure the appropriate funding will be budgeted each year to facilitate effective implementation of programs for the public.
The library welcomes expressions of opinion concerning programming. Concerns must be first addressed with library staff. Those who wish to continue their request for review of library programs may submit the Request for Reconsideration form. Requests for review of programs will be considered in the same manner as requests for reconsideration of library materials as outlined in the library’s Collection Development Policy.
Approved by Walton County Board of County Commissioners: September 11, 2023
Purpose
The Tutoring Policy ensures that tutoring services are delivered in a safe, respectful, and professional manner, while also maintaining the integrity and mission of the library as a public space for all. The policy outlines guidelines for the provision of tutoring services, sets clear expectations for both tutors and students, and ensures compliance with all library policies.
Scope
The Walton County Public Library System provides quality library services and resources necessary to meet the educational, recreational, cultural, business, and other information needs of library users. As part of our mission to provide services, spaces, materials, and experiences that promote innovation, exploration, creativity, literacy, and learning for personal growth and limitless opportunities, tutoring will be supported on the premises in accordance with this policy.
- Tutors, students, and parents/caretakers must comply with existing policies governing behavior in the library, including the Acceptable Behavior Policy.
- The library does not sponsor, recommend, or assume liability or responsibility for the work and/or activities of tutors who use library space. Tutors may not distribute or disseminate advertisements, letters, fliers or business cards identifying the library as their place of doing business or implying library sponsorship of their activities.
- Tutors may not solicit on library premises.
- The library’s Acceptable Behavior Policy mandates that children under the age of twelve (12) may not be unsupervised while in the library. Parents of children under the age of twelve (12) receiving tutoring are strongly encouraged to remain in the library during tutoring sessions.
- Tutors shall work with a maximum of two (2) students per session per table. The library is not to be used as classroom or office space, but as a safe and quiet workspace for students to receive instruction in order to be academically successful.
- Public space in the library shall be available for use by tutors on a first-come, first-served basis. Areas may not be available if being used by others or needed for library programs or activities. Reservations cannot be made for specific areas and there is no exclusive use of areas in the library. Study rooms may be requested for tutoring.
- The Library Director or his/her designee shall have the right to terminate any tutoring session that violates any portion of this policy.
- It is the responsibility of tutors to establish communication with their students, and not to instruct the students or their parents to contact the library regarding their work. The library staff shall not take or deliver messages to students or their tutors.
- Tutors working with students at the end of the library day are asked to finalize work fifteen minutes before closing time to allow time to gather materials and exit the building before closing. Tutors who routinely cause delays in closing may not be permitted to continue using the library for tutoring.
- No money may be exchanged in the library for tutoring service.
Approved by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners December 10, 2024.
After reviewing the Meeting Room Policy, book the Coastal Branch Library meeting room HERE
Book the Freeport Public Library study rooms HERE