a.      Starting on March 1, 2023, Hopkins District Library will go fine free for all materials except Wifi hotspots. This policy affects all patrons borrowing HDL materials (through Lakeland Cooperative or MeL), not just Hopkins residents. This policy does not affect items borrowed at HDL from other libraries that still charge fines (through Lakeland Cooperative or MeL).

b.      Overdue Items
Patrons are still responsible for returning items by their due date. In accordance with the Lakeland Cooperative circulation policies, patrons will be notified of overdue items by phone/email/mail (currently 5 days after the item is due). Patrons will be billed for items not returned (35 days overdue for most items). Once the item is returned in good condition, any associated replacement fees will be removed from the patron’s account.

Hopkins District Library, in keeping with a commitment to lifelong learning and community enrichment, is committed to offering access to emerging technologies that can be afforded and feasibly presented by the library. One such technology is 3D printing, and the library’s intention in providing access to a 3D printer and other makerspace tools is to inspire community members to further their learning and experiences with digital and physical design.

• Only designated Library staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printer, with the exceptions of patrons who have earned and received permission from the Makerspace supervisor. Patrons must receive training in other makerspace tools before being allowed to use them.
• The 3D printer/makerspace may be used only for lawful purposes and may not be used to create material that is:

-Prohibited by local, state, or federal law

-Unsafe, or potentially unsafe or harmful

-obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment

-In violation of intellectual property rights

• The library reserves the right to refuse or limit any 3D printing/makerspace request.
• Costs may be assessed by Makerspace supervisor or library director based on time and materials required (educational value will be taken into account when considering fees).

• Patrons must sign a Mobile Hotspot Borrowing Agreement before the first time they check out a mobile hotspot
• Patrons must be 18 years of age or older.
• Patrons must have a Hopkins District Library card and must be in good standing with fines and fees below $10.
• Patrons must present a valid photo ID at the time of checkout.
• Mobile Hotspots must be returned at the Circulation Desk. The hotspot device should be placed within the nylon case and all components should be placed within the plastic case, including original instructions and completed survey.
• Mobile Hotspots may be checked out for one (1) week.
• Overdue Mobile Hotspots will be deactivated within five (5) days and may be deactivated as soon as they are overdue.
• The Mobile Hotspot can provide Wi-Fi Internet access for up to fifteen (15) devices simultaneously.
• Patrons are responsible for internet access performed by minors.
• Patrons may only checkout one (1) hotspot per household at a time.
• Do NOT return hotspot in the dropbox. Doing so will result in a $10 charge.
• Hotspots may be placed on hold by one patron per household. Due to potential high demand, patrons must wait one (1) week after returning a hotspot to check out another.

-        It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those which are unorthodox or unpopular with the majority.

-        Publishers, librarians and book sellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation contained in the books they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what books should be published or circulated.

-        It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to determine the acceptability of a book on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.

-        There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.

-        It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept with any book the prejudgment of a label characterizing the book or author as subversive or dangerous.

-        It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people's freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large.

-        It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, bookmen can demonstrate that the answer to a bad book is a good one, the answer to a bad idea is a good one.
NOTE: "Books" as used in this statement include all kinds of materials acquired for library use.

-        Issued May 1953 by the ALA and the Association of American Publishers
Adopted by the ALA Council June 25, 1953; revised January 28, 1972

-        The Library as a community center encourages community use of its meeting room. The Library does not charge a fee for the use of this room.  If any group fails to abide by this policy, they may forfeit their right to use the library meeting room again.  The Library reserves the right to refuse the use of meeting rooms at any time.

-        Eligible groups:  The meeting room may be reserved for use by educational, civic, cultural, community, professional, or government groups.

• In accordance with the Michigan Public Accommodations Act, these tax-supported facilities may be used only by those groups whose membership is open to all without restriction based on race, sex, religion, etc.
• Religious Groups may use the room for non-sectarian or interdenominational meetings or programs. No religious ceremonies may be conducted in the Library.
• Political Groups may use the room for non-partisan or bi-partisan programs of an educational nature.
• Commercial or profit making organizations may not use the room except when sponsoring educational programs of a non-profit nature which are open and free to the general public. Reservations for such groups will be referred to the Library Director for approval.

-        Reservations:  Meeting room is only available during regular library hours.  No more than forty (15) people may use the meeting area at one time.  Library functions have priority over all outside groups.  Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations may be made in person, by phone, or via e-mail.  Rooms may be reserved for continued regular meetings at the discretion of the Director.

-        Use of the meeting room/area:  Those who reserve the room promise to provide adequate supervision of the group and any attendee’s children. · Groups must converse quietly, so to not disturb others in the Library. Children who disrupt others in the Library proper must remain with their parents in the meeting room.  Rooms and any library equipment must be left clean and the furniture and chairs returned to their original placement.  Material on the shelves is for display only and should not be handled.   The cost for replacement or repair of Library property will be the responsibility of the using group.   Light refreshments are permitted.  Smoking or use of alcoholic beverages is not allowed.  No fund raising or admittance fees are allowed unless pre-approved by the Library Board. (Such as sponsored activities of the Library, City or Townships).

-        The Library bulletin board is to be used for posting or notices:

• Library business or activities
•  Public service items of educational or cultural interest to the community.
•  Items that benefit patrons.

-        All notices intended for posting on the Library bulletin board must contain the following:

• Name of organization or person requesting the posting.
• Address and telephone number of organization or authorized representative.

-        Notices may be removed after two weeks, when no longer timely or when space is required for more current notices.

-        Notice size can be restricted if deemed necessary to maximize available space.

-        The Library does not necessarily advocate or endorse the viewpoints of organizations permitted to post notices on the Library bulletin board. The Library accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to any item accepted for postings.

-        Solicitation of the public or the staff is not permitted on Library property by the public or members of the Library staff. Solicitation is defined as the sale or distribution of merchandise, sales materials, tickets, insurance, coupons, magazine subscriptions, political campaign material, and anything not connected with the work of the Library.  The only exceptions to this policy are the following:

• When authorized and directed by the Board of Trustees, which benefit the entire community.
• Fundraising projects conducted by the Friends of the Hopkins District Library