Policies, Plans, and Reports

Our Policies

A. The Library will serve all residents of the community and surrounding area.

B. The use of the library or its services may be denied for due cause: failure to return books or other items, failure to pay penalties, failure to pay for damaged or lost materials, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other objectionable conduct on library premises.

A. The library will select and organize for easy of access those books and materials which best meet the needs of the community.

B. The library staff and volunteers will provide guidance and assistance to enable people to find the information they seek.

C. The library will initiate programs to stimulate the use of library materials for the enlightenment of people of all ages. This may be done through publicity, displays and exhibits, story hours, book talks, summer programs, special programs, videos/DVDs and other appropriate mediums either in the library or in conjunction with other community groups.

D. The Library will cooperate with other community groups to determine and meet the needs of the community and to assist them in their programs.

E. The library accepts responsibility for securing information beyond its own resources by borrowing materials through interlibrary loan.

F. The library will loan material to other libraries as requested in keeping with our loan policies.

G. Periodic reviews will be made of library service to determine whether the needs of the community are being met. Services will then be changed and/or modified to meet current demands including library hours.

Background

1.1 The Internet, as an information resource, enables the library to provide information beyond the limits of its collection. These public access computers provide the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from information networks around the world with the library's other resources.

Access Policy

2.1 The Internet is largely an unregulated medium and there is little international, federal, provincial, or municipal control of its users or content. While it offers a wealth of information that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing or illegal.

2.2 The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the internet and is not responsible for its content. Patrons are responsible for the Internet sites they reach and the information they access. Patrons or Guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the internet sites and information accessed by their children. If the librarian notices a user under the age of 18, not accompanied by a parent or guardian, accessing inappropriate sites they will be asked to discontinue such access. If they do not comply with the request they will be asked to leave and may be denied further access to the internet.

2.3 All public access computers, the Internet and other electronic resources provided by the library are available to all Library patrons. Access will be made available on a first come, first served appointment basis. Only parents or guardians may restrict the access of their own children to these resources.

2.4 The Library, and its staff, cannot control the availability of access to the Internet or to specific information sites. The capacity of the Library's Internet provider is limited.

As well, information sites change rapidly and unpredictably. Finally, not all Internet information sources provide accurate or current information. Patrons need to be careful of information for consumers and question the validity of the information received.

Internet Access Procedure

1. There shall be no charge for internet access.

2. The Librarian will register in a log-in-book for each patron's access. Service will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, however if demand warrants, booking for specific times will be made.

3. There will be one hour time limit (one hour = one session).The Librarian records each hour time slot with a maximum of three sessions per day.

4. A person under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian complete a permission form or be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

5. Public access to the internet will be available during regularly scheduled library hours.

6. Fees may be charged to print a file. The fee will be $0.25 per page.

7. Misuse/abuse of terminal/Internet access/rules governing access will result in suspension of privileges.

8. The Nampa Municipal Library is not responsible to damage to a client's disc or computer, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from client use of the libraries computers.

9. User agreement must be completed prior to access.

A. The Library will make every reasonable effort to provide materials, either by purchase or through inter-library loans, which will help to meet its objectives. Materials may include books, periodicals, pamphlets, newspapers, pictures, videos and DVDS.

B. Materials provided will meet high standards of quality in content, expression and format.

C. Materials which are no longer useful will by systematically weeded from the collection, as required or as per PLS's listing.

D. Books and the other materials will be accepted as gifts on the condition that the librarian and/or Library Board have final authority to decide how to use the materials.

E. The library subscribes to the "Statement of Intellectual Freedom" adopted by the Canadian Library Association.

The Library will provide as wide a variety and level of materials as the budget and space allow with emphasis on:

A. Material dealing with the history of this and surrounding areas.

B. Material of current and future interest to all age groups.

C. Material of interest to agricultural, business, educational, health, recreational, cultural, religious and political interests in the area.

D. Material designed for the enjoyment and relaxation of all people in the area.

Review sources which are to be consulted for material purchases are to be online book review sources, book review journals, periodicals, television and/or radio programs, and local newspapers. Patron suggestions for book purchases will also be considered.

Standards which are to be applied to all material purchases are as follows:

A. Varying levels of writing ranging from pre-school interest areas through senior citizen interest areas.

B. Materials which deal with current topics and interests.

C. Materials which add to and support the school curriculum.

D. Materials by authors who are known and popular with the clientele.

E. Most books will be paperback editions as they are least expensive. In the event that a book will be well-used, it may be in hardcover. Other formats such as audiocassettes, videocassettes, cd-rom programs, etc. will be considered depending on cost.

A. A library building should be designed as a community's information and cultural centre, a stimulator of new ideas and a centre for continuing education for patrons of all ages.

B. The library should have a pleasant atmosphere. It should offer to the community a compelling invitation to enter, read, look, listen and learn.

C. To achieve the goal of good library service, the Board Members accept the responsibility to see that public library facilities adequately meet the physical requirements of modern library services.

D. The Board Members accept the responsibility for securing the funds for needed facilities.

E. Room rental fees are subject to Schedule A of Nampa Municipal Library By-Law.

A. The two prime aims of the library's public relations program are:

    a. To make governing leaders, civic officials and the general public aware of the library's objectives and services and to promote understanding of these goals and services.

    b. To encourage active participation by people of all ages in the varied service of the library.

B. The Board recognizes that public relations involve every person who has any connection with the library. The Board urges its own members and all staff and volunteers to realize that they represent the library in every public contact.

C. The Board recognizes the importance of a vibrant library image and is committed to presenting such an image to the public. The Board realizes that the library must package and sell its services and materials to the public in order to achieve maximum usage.

D. The Board recognizes that relations with the community are most effective if they are regular, consistent and persistent.

E. The Board and the Librarian are expected to participate in community activities and give talks to groups or individuals about library service as required.

F. The Library shall be of as much service to the schools and specialized groups in the community as time and means will allow.

A. It is the policy of the board to co-operate and fully participate in interlibrary loans, which the Library feels will improve services to patrons and is in keeping with the Library's best interest and budget guidelines.

B. As a member library, the Board supports the regional library system and shall continue to co-operate and participate in their operation and services.

C. The Board also recognizes the need for additional co-operation and networking with other libraries, which it deems beneficial to the library.

D. It is the policy of the Board to provide books, upon request and dependent upon availability, in languages other than English through the TRAC and/or the libraries own collection.

E. To provide talking Book Services, upon written approved application from those unable to read or handle conventional print materials.

F. Large Print Books maintained in the libraries collection and/or circulating book blocks are provided for the use of library patrons.

G. Outreach Services: The Library will endeavor to provide an outreach service, upon request, to any patron in the community who, by reason of health, age or unusual circumstance, is unable to visit the library and use its regular services.

H. Other Needs:

Whenever possible, the library will attempt to provide, through its own collection and/or regional resources and subject to availability, reasonable access to high interest, low vocabulary materials for all appropriate age levels, including adult basic reading materials.

A. Patrons guilty of the offences below shall have their names placed on a restricted list and borrowing privledges shall be cancelled until such time as all overdue fines are paid, damaged or lost items are paid for, or library items previously witheld are returned.

    a. Failure to pay overdue library fines

    b. Failure to pay for damaged or lost items entrusted to his care within two weeks of receipt of a letter giving such notice.

    c. The decision of the Board in an appeal is final and not subject to further appeal.

A. When a patron's membership expires they shall be notified once - either verbally or by telephone.

B. Patrons will have three weeks' grace before their library privileges will be cancelled.

C. A patron will not be allowed to borrow beyond the four week grace period unless his membership is renewed.

A. Loan period is three weeks for books/audio books and DVDs.

B. Four items borrowed at any one time.

C. Reserve - Library material may be reserved if requested by patrons at the discretion of the Librarian.

D. The following materials will not be circulated: dictionaries and local history books.

A. It is the policy of the Board to ensure and respect the confidentiality of the patrons and their membership records and to consider any Library records to be confidential in nature.

B. The Board recognizes that all Library records are for the sole purpose of protecting public property and are not to be used to identify the types of materials used by individual library patrons.

C. Library records will be available to local, provincial, or federal Governments, including law enforcement officials with a subpoena, process or order pursuant to the law, provided that the order is in proper form.

A. The library will be open to the public at such times as will be determined by the Board

B. Regular hours of operation will be posted at the entrance of the library, advertised in the local media and made available by handouts to patrons.

C. Regular statutory holidays and all holidays proclaimed by the Village will be recognized.

D. The library may close for special circumstances or during an emergency.

Our Plan of Service

Introduction:

Plan of Service Purpose and Process:

The purpose of our plan of service is to reflect the needs of our community and how the Nampa Municipal Library can assist in meeting them.

Cheryl Novak

Chairperson

Our Vision:

To be a vibrant informational, cultural and social centre for our community.

Mission Statement:

The Nampa Municipal Library will strive to be a safe and inviting centre providing a wide variety of library materials, current technology and programs which will enhance the community's cultural, informational and social needs.

The Nampa Municipal Library Values:

  • Excellent customer service
  • Life-long learning for everyone
  • Intellectual learning
  • Teamwork
  • Accessibility for all
  • A place to enjoy reading and relaxing

Timeline

2020-2015

Library Profile and Statistics:

The Nampa Community Library Started with ten dollars in donations and concern for the local children's access to books. It has developed from a one room community library in the Village Office to a multi-roomed Municipal facility in 1986. Our library is on one level so there is easy access for seniors or anyone with limited mobility. A special area in the library for visitors to be able to socialize or read quietly. This facility also houses the local Family and Community Support Services. The library is also available for small groups for meetings.

The Library is a member of the Peace Library System and participates in resource sharing. Through the Interlibrary Loan Program our members have access to a wider variety of materials. We serve residents from the Village of Nampa and Northern Sunrise County. Public access to use the computers.

The Nampa Municipal Library:

  • Employs one part time librarian
  • Members and others use the computers
  • Hours of Operation Tuesday-Friday 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
  • Have two computer stations.
  • In Person Visits 1,649 Virtual Visits 872 In Library Material Use 101 (2018)
  • Collection of 5,770 (2018)
  • Circulation of interlibrary loans - Borrowed 707 Lent 1,195 (2018)
  • Number of Workstations Sessions 160 Number of public wi-fi sessions 1,244 (2018)
  • Circulations: Adult 906 Young Adult 31 Juvenile 601 Adult non-print 302 Juvenile non-print 42 (2018)
  • Volunteers 26 Volunteer Hours 476 (2018)
  • Has Friends of the Library Group to help with fundraising

Current programs and services:

  • TD Summer Reading Program
  • Monthly social time for seniors
  • Shut In Service
  •  Book Exchange

Timeline

2020-2025

Evaluating the Needs Assessment Data:

Overview of Goals for 2020-2025

  1. Increase Access
  2. Stimulate Imagination: Reading, viewing and listening for pleasure
  3. Create Young Users - Early literacy
  4. Discover Your Roots: Local History
  5. Learn to Read and Write: Adult, Teen and Family Literacy, and Tutoring for High School Students

Timeline

2020-2025

1) Visit a Comfortable Place

Goal: Residents will find the library to be an inviting and peaceful place to interact with others and to access available resources.

Objective 1: To increase the number of people using the library

Objective 2: Each year, all library users will express their satisfaction with the library staff and facility.

Possible Activities and Tasks:

  • Create a comfortable seating area for visitors (coffee area)
  • Develop and maintain a library events website
  • Maintain library newsletter
  • Be a distribution point for local calendar and phonebooks

Resources:

  • Staff can create and maintain a comfortable and welcoming environment
  • Staff can create and maintain an easy to use website
  • Staff and volunteers can mount exhibits and displays

Timeline

2020-2025

2) Stimulate Imagination: Reading, Viewing and Listening for Pleasure

Goal: Everyone will have access to a variety of material and programs to enhance their reading, listening and viewing pleasure.

Objective 1: Each year patrons surveyed will say that the library collection has met their needs.

Objective 2: The number of adults, children, and teens attending library programs to increase.

Possible Activities and Tasks:

  • Display new materials appealingly
  • Summer Reading Program to include preschool children and parents (Read to Me Program)
  • Increase the participants in our monthly book club
  • Bring speakers on travel and local history

Resources:

  • Staff will help plan and present programs
  • Staff will identify partners and establish partnerships
  • Staff will provide training for summer work and volunteers

Timeline

2020-2025

3) Create Young Users - Early Literacy

Goal: Children from birth to age five will have programs and services designed to ensure that they will enter school ready to learn, read, write and listen.

Objective: The community will have the opportunity to develop a love of reading with their small children and will provide caregivers with the opportunity to promote a love of reading to children outside the library.

Possible Activities and Tasks:

  • Hold a successful summer reading program every year
  • Add programs for young readers and non readers

Target Audience:

  • Adults who work with children ages birth to five years old
  • Children ages birth to five years old

Resources:

  • Summer Reading Program
  • Promoting displays of books for young children

Timeline

2020-2015

4) Discover Your Roots: Genealogy and Local History

Goal: Residents will have the support and tools they need to discover their roots through genealogy and local history.

Objective: Library users will express satisfaction with the support they have received on genealogy  and local history.

Possible Activities and Tasks:

  • Promote our vast selection of local history books
  • Continue keeping scrapbooks of local history

Resources:

  • Staff is knowledgeable about print and electronic genealogical resources
  • Staff is knowledgeable about local history books

Timeline

2020-2025

5) Learn to Read and Write: Adult, Teen and Family Literacy, and Tutoring for High School Students

Goal: Adults and Teens will receive the support they need to improve their literacy skills so as to become better community members. High School Students will have access to a tutor to help them pass their grades.

Objective: Each year, everyone who has participated in a literacy program will say that they received the support they needed. High School students will have the help they need to continue high school.

Possible Activities and Tasks:

  • Provide tutoring to students in need
  • Provide literacy tutoring
  • Recruit and schedule trained tutors
  • Provide tutoring for ESL students
  • Provide free books for parents enrolled in literacy classes

Resources:

  • Trained literacy volunteers and tutors

Timeline

2020-2025

Conclusion:

The Nampa Municipal Library understands that this plan is a stepping stone to help achieve its overall goal of being an essential part of the community. It will be able to obtain this goal by:

  • Providing a collection that continues to grow and reflect our patrons' needs
  • Keeping up-to-date technology
  • Offering programming that sparks the imagination of all users
  • Having a facility that is an enjoyable place to be
  • Providing customer service that is friendly, helpful and informative
  • Encouraging life-long learning for everyone
  • Having Volunteers and Board members that are enthusiastic and motivated
  • Secure, sufficient and sustainable funding, along with fundraising to provide excellent library service

Our Annual Report

Check back soon for our 2021 Annual Report!