Library Policies

Library Mission Statement: A welcoming place to connect, discover, and grow.

Revised and re-adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, July 11, 2024.

The Louisville Public Library is a welcoming place to connect, discover, and grow. The Library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas, in an inclusive space, with staff who celebrate the diversity of our community. Every Library user may expect to be treated with authentic kindness, acceptance, and professionalism. In addition, Library users may expect:

• A welcoming environment that is clean, safe, engaging, and comfortable
• Helpful and respectful service from friendly, knowledgeable staff
• Accessible library services, materials, and resources that are current, relevant, inclusive, and diverse
• Library resources will reflect diverse viewpoints and will not be excluded based on the ethnic origin, background, gender identity of the creators, or the topics and opinions they present.
• Virtual access to electronic resources, Library information, and account status
• Curated resources, technology, and programs to inspire lifelong learning
• Genuine consideration for patron’s needs as individuals regardless of background and abilities and appropriate assistance to use library resources
• Protection of the confidentiality of individual’s library account information and borrowing history, as provided by the Colorado Library Law (CRS, 24-90-119)
• Expertise of library staff in the selection of materials appropriate for various ages
• No restrictions on the circulation or procurement of library resources due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval, and a commitment to challenge censorship in fulfilling the responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

Revised and re-adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, July 11, 2024.

The Louisville Public Library is an inclusive space that serves as our community living room. Any unlawful or disruptive behavior that significantly interferes with the safe or reasonable use of the Library by other persons is prohibited. In order to foster an environment where all feel safe and welcome, every Library user is expected to:

Act legally and ethically

Examples of prohibited behavior include:

• Abuse, vandalism, or theft of Library facilities, materials, or equipment
• Possessing a firearm on Library premises, in accordance with Louisville City code

• Exhibitionism, flashing, voyeurism, or peeping
• Physical, sexual, or verbal abuse, bullying, or harassment of library users or staff
• Visible drug or alcohol intoxication
• Smoking/Vaping
• Animals except for service dogs

Use Library space, materials, and resources as they are intended

Examples of prohibited behavior include:

• Bathing/washing clothes
• Soliciting
• Running, Skating, including use of skates, skateboards, and scooters

Be considerate and respectful

Examples of prohibited behavior include:

• Excessive body odor/perfume/cologne which causes discomfort to other library users
• Disciplining children in a manner that disrupts the use of the library by others
• Excessive public displays of affection
• Absence of shoes or shirt
• Refusal to leave at closing
• Excessive noise that disrupts other library users
• Obscene language
• Unattended or oversized personal items

Accompany vulnerable library patrons

Comply with other policies and direction from Library Staff

• Patrons who do not comply may be asked to leave the Library and may lose Library privileges

Revised and re-adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, July 11, 2024.

The following summary is taken from the City of Louisville Open Government & Ethics pamphlet. Citizens are encouraged to contact the City Manager’s Office with any questions about the City’s Code of Ethics. A copy of the Code is available at the City’s website and also from the Offices of the City Manager and City Clerk.

Ethics

Ethics are the foundation of good government. Louisville has adopted its own Code of Ethics, which is found in the City Charter and which applies to elected officials, public body members, and employees. The Louisville Code of Ethics applies in addition to any higher standards in state law. Louisville’s position on ethics is perhaps best summarized in the following statement taken from the City Charter:

“Those entrusted with positions in the City government must commit to adhering to the letter and spirit of the Code of Ethics. Only when the people are confident that those in positions of public responsibility are committed to high levels of ethical and moral conduct, will they have faith that their government is acting for the good of the public. This faith in the motives of officers, public body members, and employees is critical for a harmonious and trusting relationship between the City government and the people it serves.”

The City’s Code of Ethics (Sections 5-6 through 5-17 of the Charter) is summarized in the following paragraphs. While the focus is to provide a general overview of the rules, it is important to note that all persons subject to the Code of Ethics must strive to follow both the letter and the spirit of the Code, so as to avoid not only actual violations, but public perceptions of violations. Indeed, perceptions of violations can have the same negative impact on public trust as actual violations.

Conflicts of Interest

One of the most common ethical rules visited in the local government arena is the “conflict of interest rule.” While some technical aspects of the rule are discussed below, the general rule under the Code of Ethics is that if a Council, Board, or Commission member has an “interest” that will be affected by his or her “official action,” then there is a conflict of interest and the member must:

• Disclose the conflict, on the record and with particularity;
• Not participate in the discussion;
• Leave the room; and
• Not attempt to influence others.

An “interest” is a pecuniary, property, or commercial benefit, or any other benefit the primary significance of which is economic gain or the avoidance of economic loss. However, an “interest” does not include any matter conferring similar benefits on all property or persons similarly situated. (Therefore, a City Council member is not prohibited from voting on a sales tax increase or decrease if the member’s only interest is that he or she, like other residents, will be subject to the higher or lower tax.) Additionally, an “interest” does not include a stock interest of less than one percent of the company’s outstanding shares.

The Code of Ethics extends the concept of prohibited interest to persons or entities with whom the member is associated. In particular, an interest of the following persons and entities is also an interest of the member: relatives (including persons related by blood or marriage to certain degrees, and others); a business in which the member is an officer, director, employee, partner, principal, member, or owner; and a business in which member owns more than one percent of outstanding shares.

The concept of an interest in a business applies to profit and nonprofit corporations, and applies in situations in which the official action would affect a business competitor. Additionally, an interest is deemed to continue for one year after the interest has ceased. Finally, “official action” for purposes of the conflict of interest rule, includes not only legislative actions, but also administrative actions and “quasi-judicial” proceedings where the entity is acting like a judge in applying rules to the specific rights of individuals (such as a variance request or liquor license). Thus, the conflict rules apply essentially to all types of actions a member may take.

Contracts

In addition to its purchasing policies and other rules intended to secure contracts that are in the best interest of the City, the Code of Ethics prohibits various actions regarding contracts. For example, no public body member who has decision-making authority or influence over a City contract can have an interest in the contract, unless the member has complied with the disclosure and recusal rules. Further, members are not to appear before the City on behalf of other entities that hold a City contract, nor are they to solicit or accept employment from a contracting entity if it is related to the member’s action on a contract with that entity.

Gifts and Nepotism

The Code of Ethics, as well as state law, regulates the receipt of gifts. City officials and employees may not solicit or accept a present or future gift, favor, discount, service or other thing of value from a party to a City contract, or from a person seeking to influence an official action. There is an exception for the “occasional nonpecuniary gift” of $15 or less, but this exception does not apply if the gift, no matter how small, may be associated with the official’s or employee’s official action, whether concerning a contract or some other matter. The gift ban also extends to independent contractors who may exercise official actions on behalf of the City.

The Code of Ethics also prohibits common forms of nepotism. For example, no officer, public body member, or employee shall be responsible for employment matters concerning a relative. Nor can he or she influence compensation paid to a relative, and a relative of a current officer, public body member or employee cannot be hired unless certain personnel rules are followed.

Other Ethics Rules of Interest

Like state law, Louisville’s Code of Ethics prohibits the use of non-public information for personal or private gain. It also prohibits acts of advantage or favoritism and, in that regard, prohibits special considerations, use of employee time for personal or private reasons, and use of City vehicles or equipment, except in same manner as available to any other person (or in manner that will substantially benefit City). The City also has a “revolving door” rule that prohibits elected officials from becoming City employees either during their time in office or for two years after leaving office. These and other rules of conduct are found in Section 5-9 of the Code of Ethics.

Disclosure, Enforcement, and Advisory Opinions

The Code of Ethics requires that those holding or running for City Council file a financial disclosure statement with the City Clerk. The statement must include, among other information, the person’s employer and occupation, sources of income, and a list of business and property holdings.

The Code of Ethics provides fair and certain procedures for its enforcement. Complaints of violations may be filed with the City prosecutor; the complaint must be a detailed written and verified statement. If the complaint is against an elected or appointed official, it is forwarded to an independent judge who appoints a special, independent prosecutor for purposes of investigation and appropriate action. If against an employee, the City prosecutor will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action. In all cases, the person who is subject to the complaint is given the opportunity to provide information concerning the complaint.

Finally, the Code allows persons who are subject to the Code to request an advisory opinion if they are uncertain as to applicability of the Code to a particular situation, or as to the definition of terms used in the Code. Such requests are handled by an advisory judge, selected from a panel of independent, disinterested judges who have agreed to provide their services. This device allows persons who are subject to the Code to resolve uncertainty before acting, so that a proper course of conduct may be identified. Any person who requests and acts in accordance with an advisory opinion issued by an advisory judge is not subject to City penalty, unless material facts were omitted or misstated in the request. Advisory opinions are posted for public inspection; the advisory judge may order a delay in posting if the judge determines the delay is in the City’s best interest.

Revised and re-adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, March 14, 2013.

The Louisville Public Library is a welcoming place to connect, discover, and grow. The Library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas, in an inclusive space, with staff who celebrate the diversity of our community. The purpose of the Louisville Public Library is to provide library and information services that meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the diverse interests of our community.

Responsibility for Selection

The authority and responsibility for the selection of library materials are delegated to the Library Director and professional staff. Purchase suggestions from the general public and staff are encouraged and are given serious consideration within the framework of policies determined by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees.

The library will not restrict or ban the circulation or acquisition of materials based on partisan or doctrinal objections. It is the library's duty to oppose censorship in order to provide information and enlightenment.

The Library Board and the State of Colorado recognizes the extensive knowledge and training of our library staff. Their expertise is invaluable in selecting age-appropriate materials that cater to the diverse needs of our community.

Criteria for Selection

Each library resource is offered to serve the community's interest, information, and enlightenment, and should reflect diverse perspectives. The Library shall not exclude resources based on the ethnic origin, background, or gender identity of the creators, nor based on the topics or opinions expressed in the resources.

The Library provides a wide variety of materials, including books, periodicals, DVDs, musical CDs, books on CD, downloadable audio books and e-books, and electronic databases. Selection of all library materials shall be made in consideration of the following:

• Contemporary significance or permanent value
• Popular demand
• Representation of important viewpoint, trend, or cultural movement
• Author’s reputation, skill, and significance
• Authority of the publisher
• Listing in professionally recognized selection aids
• Favorable reviews in professional, literary, or general periodicals
• Suitability of physical form for library use (size, paper, print, binding)
• Size and extent of the current materials budget
• Relationship to the existing collection
• Holdings of other libraries within the region
• Materials of regional interest
• Present and potential needs of the community

Donated Materials

Donated materials added to the collection must meet the same selection criteria as purchased materials. These items become the property of the Louisville Public Library and the Library retains unconditional ownership.

Withdrawal of Library Materials

Just as care and thought are put into the selection of library materials, equal consideration is given to withdrawing those materials when they:

• Become worn or are in poor condition;
• Are outdated or contain obsolete information;
• Are no longer in demand and are no longer being checked out; or
• Are one of multiple copies of a title that is no longer in demand

Librarians continually review materials to maintain an up-to-date and useful collection. Withdrawn materials will be placed with the Louisville Public Library Foundation for sale, donation, or recycle. Materials are not removed from the collection for the purpose of selling them, nor are they removed due to controversial content without successful completion of a Challenged Materials review.

Challenged Materials

The Louisville Public Library and its Board of Trustees support and adhere to the American Library Association’s guidelines for public access to information as described in:

• The Library Bill of Rights
• The Freedom to Read statement
• The Freedom to View statement

Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials

The choice of library materials by patrons is an individual matter. While anyone is free to personally reject the viewpoints expressed in books and other materials, they may not restrict the free choice of others. Shall a registered patron and a resident of Louisville or Superior object to an item in the Library’s collection they are encouraged to speak to a Supervisor. 

• A request for reconsideration shall be addressed by the Library Director by completing and submitting a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form. 
• Requests for reconsideration can only be made by individuals residing in the library's legal service area.
• A library resource cannot be reconsidered more than once every two years unless the library's policy specifies a longer period.
• Final determinations on reconsideration requests must be made public by the Board of Trustees.
• Library resources cannot be removed, discontinued, or restricted due to a reconsideration request until the final determination is public.
• Written requests for reconsideration are open records under the Colorado Open Records Act and not considered library user records.

Employees, contractors, or volunteers at a public library shall not face termination, demotion, discipline, or retaliation for refusing to remove a resource before it has been reviewed according to the library's reconsideration policy or for making displays, acquisitions, or programming decisions in good faith according to library standards.

Local Author’s Gifts

Colorado authors are invited to donate a copy of their published titles for the Library to consider adding to the collection. Books must meet the criteria required in the Library Collection Policy, above. The Library reserves the right for staff to evaluate the items, then place in the collection, and remove from the collection based on criteria listed in the policy. The Library will accept fiction published within the last 5 years, and non-fiction published within the last 2 years.

We are not always able to notify authors when their materials are or are not added to our collection. If an item is selected, it will appear in our catalog within two months. Authors are encouraged to have friends and neighbors check out their work! 

Revised and re-adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, July 11, 2024.

Foundations of the Computer Use Policy

The Library is committed to the principles of intellectual freedom and the freedom to access information from a variety of sources. The library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas; the public has the right to access a range of social, political, aesthetic, moral, and other ideas and experiences through a public library.

The Internet is an information resource that allows public library users access to a wide variety of information. Library staff cannot control the content of the constantly changing Internet. Some information may be outdated, incorrect, or biased. Users may find some content is personally offensive.

Use of the Internet by Children and Teens

Parents and designated caregivers are responsible for their minor children’s behavior while using computers at the Library. All Children’s and Teen computers are filtered. Filtering software is not perfect, however, and it may not block everything that might be considered objectionable. For more information, see the Children’s Services Division Policy: Computer & Internet Use.

Copyright

U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S.C.) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by principles of fair use. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including music, electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the users; the Louisville Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Disclaimer

Users access the Library computer hardware, software and documentation at their own risk. The Louisville Public Library is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damages to the user's drives, data etc., or electronic transactions of any type which are related to the public use of Library computer resources.

Unacceptable Use of the Library’s Computers

• Disruptive behavior in the vicinity of workstations
• Destruction of, or damage to, equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users
• Interference with or disruption of network users, services, or equipment
• Unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
• Violation of computer system security or integrity
• Using the networks to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the Library's networks
• Propagation of computer worms or viruses
• Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others
• Violation of software license agreements
• Violation of copyright laws
• Violation of network usage policies and regulations
• Falsification of one's age to gain access to Internet sites
• Distribution of unsolicited advertising
• Violation of another user's privacy
• Viewing sexually explicit material
• Violation of federal, state, or local laws

Consequences of Violating the Computer Use Policy

Violators may lose their library privileges. They may also be subject to criminal prosecution or other legal action.

Revised and re-adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, July 11, 2024.

Promotional displays of library materials at the Louisville Public Library are designed to support the library’s mission of being a welcoming place for the community to connect, discover, and grow. The library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas; the public has the right to access a range of social, political, aesthetic, moral, and other ideas and experiences through a public library. Displays are a creation of library staff on a variety of topics using materials in the library collection and can include books, digital materials, and signage. To create displays, library staff use the following criteria:

• Introduce visitors to the Library and community resources
•  Support of the Library’s mission and strategic plan
• Community needs and interests
• Historical, educational, or artistic significance
• Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events
• Promotion of diversity and inclusivity in our community and the perspectives of marginalized groups

In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing displays, and may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays. The Library will strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in Library-initiated displays, as well as offer displays that appeal to a range of ages, interests, and information needs. The Library does not accept responsibility for ensuring that all points of view are represented in any single display.

Library displays will not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely because they may be considered controversial. A display in the Library does not constitute an endorsement by the Library or City of Louisville of the content of the display, or of the views expressed in materials on display.

Employees, contractors, or volunteers at a public library shall not face termination, demotion, discipline, or retaliation for refusing to remove a resource before it has been reviewed according to the library's reconsideration policy or for making displays, acquisitions, or programming decisions in good faith according to library standards.

Adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, July 11, 2024.

The Louisville Public Library is a welcoming place to connect, discover, and grow. The Library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas, in an inclusive space, with staff who celebrate the diversity of our community. The Library seeks to display work created by artists from diverse backgrounds as well as artwork in a variety of mediums and formats. In alignment with its role as a community gathering place, the Library makes its exhibit and display space available to organizations engaged in educational, recreational, cultural, civic or charitable activities as scheduling permits. Artists seeking to display artwork at the library must submit a complete application to Library staff to be reviewed by a selection committee.  Preference will be given to exhibits and displays created by Louisville and Superior residents, non-profit organizations, and students attending Louisville and Superior schools.

Commercial goods and services of interest to the local community may be displayed or posted at the discretion of the Library Director or designated staff member, contingent upon available space and the demonstrated needs of the community.

The Library does not endorse the beliefs or viewpoints of topics that may be the subject of exhibits. The Library Director reviews proposals for exhibits and displays if questions arise concerning acceptance criteria. The Library reserves the right to refuse any exhibit or display proposal.

Employees, contractors, or volunteers at a public library shall not face termination, demotion, discipline, or retaliation for refusing to remove a resource before it has been reviewed according to the library's reconsideration policy or for making displays, acquisitions, or programming decisions in good faith according to library standards.

Re-adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, July 11, 2024.

Photography and videography are allowed in the Library’s public spaces as long as they are not disruptive to Library operations, patrons, and staff.  All visitors must comply with the Library’s Code of Conduct, including the prohibition against excessive noise that disrupts others library users. Library staff members may stop any photography or video recording that interferes with the library’s ability to conduct business, that compromises public safety or security, or that violates the Library’s Code of Conduct, City ordinance or State or federal law.

Images taken in the Louisville Public Library or during activities sponsored by the Library may be used in our promotional and instructional materials.  

Adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, December 2, 2021.

Programming at the Louisville Public Library is designed to support the library’s mission of being a welcoming place for the community to connect, discover, and grow. Library staff who plan programs are guided by the library’s mission and strategic plan and supported by Colorado CRS 24-90-122, Standards for Decisions Regarding Library Resources. Programs at the Louisville Public Library serve many functions in the community:

• Introduce patrons and non-users to Library and community resources
• Provide opportunities for learning and entertainment
• Expand the visibility of the Library within the community
• Support the City of Louisville’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Highlight collections

Program Selection

Programs are selected and planned by designated Library staff, using the following criteria:

• Support of the Library and the City’s mission and strategic plan
• Community needs and interests
• Historical, educational, or artistic significance
• Relation to Library collections, resources, and exhibits
• Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events
• Promotion of diversity and inclusivity in our community
• Representation of traditionally marginalized voices
• Presentation quality
• Presenter background/qualifications in content area
• Availability elsewhere
• Cost and budget considerations

The choice to attend a Library program is an individual matter. All patrons may choose to not attend programs that they disagree with, but they may not restrict the free choice of others to attend programs. Library programs will not exclude topics solely because they may be considered controversial. Programs in the Library do not constitute an endorsement of the views expressed by the Library or City of Louisville. The library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas; the public has the right to access a range of social, political, aesthetic, moral, and other ideas and experiences through a public library.

Unsolicited offers from individuals or organizations to present programs will be evaluated by the same standards used by Library staff when planning Library programming. 

Employees, contractors, or volunteers at a public library shall not face termination, demotion, discipline, or retaliation for refusing to remove a resource before it has been reviewed according to the library's reconsideration policy or for making displays, acquisitions, or programming decisions in good faith according to library standards.

Adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, July 11, 2024.

The Louisville Public Library is a welcoming place to connect, discover, and grow. The Library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas, in an inclusive space, with staff who celebrate the diversity of our community. Volunteers are an integral part of this mission. Each volunteer becomes a member of the Louisville Public Library team and assists staff in creating an exceptional experience for our patrons and community.

Applicants:

• A volunteer is an individual, 13 years or older, who assists with work done at the Louisville Public Library without remuneration.
• Student interns are middle school, high school, or college students who perform work as part of an authorized school program to earn academic credit, or Scouts working on advanced awards.
• Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the consent of their parent or legal guardian.
• Volunteer applicants under the age of 18 will provide two adult, non-relative references in addition to their application.
• The City will conduct criminal background investigations on all Library volunteers 18 years of age and older.
• A City Volunteer application, references and background investigation will be cleared by Human Resources before a volunteer can begin work at the Library.

Additional Information:

• The services of volunteers are intended to supplement and support, not replace, the work done by library staff. No volunteer will perform all of the tasks required of a paid library position.
• Volunteers shall serve the Louisville Public Library without compensation from the City or the Library.
• Volunteers will work directly with library staff members to receive training. All volunteers will be assigned one primary staff member to check in with regularly, however any staff member may offer guidance to any volunteer. 
• There will be no formal evaluation process for volunteers.  
• Anything created while performing your duties as a volunteer and while under the direction of Library staff is owned by the City of Louisville.
• Volunteers consent to the City’s use of photos taken of them at the Library.
• Neither the City of Louisville nor the Louisville Public Library will provide medical, health, accident, workers’ compensation benefits, or any other type of insurance coverage for volunteers.
• Volunteers will not be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits for injuries sustained while functioning as a Library volunteer.
• Nothing in this policy shall be deemed to create a contract between the volunteer and the Louisville Public Library or the City of Louisville.
• Both the volunteer and the library staff have the right to terminate the position at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.
• An individual who is an employee, contractor, or volunteer at a public library shall not be subject to termination, demotion, discipline, or retaliation for refusing to remove a library resource before it has been reviewed in accordance with the public library's policy for the reconsideration of library resources or for making displays, acquisitions, or programming decisions that the employee, contractor, or volunteer believes, in good faith, are in accordance with the standards specified.
• View the full City of Louisville Volunteer Policy.

Revised and re-adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, July 11, 2024.

Youth Services staff strives to create a welcoming, inclusive, and accepting environment for youth and families regardless of background or abilities. If there’s anything we could do to improve our environment for you and your family (including possible accommodations, programming suggestions, or book purchase suggestions), please reach out to a youth services staff member to share your feedback.

Use of the Children's Area and Teen Loft

The Children's area (grades 6 and younger) and The Teen Loft (grades 6-12) are specifically designed to foster an environment where Children, Teens, and Families feel safe and welcome. The computers in the Children's area are intended for the use of children or the caregiver accompanying them. The computers and seating in the Teen Loft are intended for the use of teens. Adults without youth in their charge may be asked to use other areas of the Library. All patrons are subject to the Louisville Public Library Code of Conduct.

Collection Access

The entire collection is open to all patrons. Library staff is not responsible for an individual's selection of materials. Parents or legal guardians have the right and responsibility to restrict access to Library resources for their children only. They should inform their children of their expectations and visit the Library with them if they are concerned about choices.

The library will not restrict or ban the circulation or acquisition of materials based on partisan or doctrinal objections. It is the library's duty to oppose censorship in order to provide information and enlightenment.

Each library resource is offered to serve the community's interest, information, and enlightenment, and should reflect diverse perspectives. The library will not exclude resources based on the ethnic origin, background, or gender identity of the creators, nor based on the topics or opinions expressed in the resources.

Confidentiality of Library Records

State law mandates that libraries cannot reveal information concerning a patron's record or use to anyone except the Library card owner. This means that a parent, guardian, or caregiver cannot access information about a child's records unless the child is physically present or the parent/guardian/caregiver has the child's Library card or account number. The owner of a Library card may designate another person to pick up items they have placed on hold. A parent can also name an alternative person to pick up holds if they do so in the child's presence.

Keeping Children Safe

The Children's Services Division is committed to serving children; however, staff members cannot supervise children. Parents and caregivers are reminded that the Library is a public building, and standard safety practices should be followed. In order to provide for the general welfare of children and the benefit of all people using the Library, children under the age of nine must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver.

Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while using the Library. Children nine and older using the Library independently should not be left for long periods and should know how to reach a caregiver.

If a child is unattended at closing, staff will attempt to contact their parents by telephone. If a caregiver cannot be reached within 20 minutes, staff will contact the Louisville Police Department. Two staff members will wait with the child until an officer arrives.

Class or Group Visits

Class visits with teachers or supervising adults are welcome. Please get in touch with Children's Services at 303-335-4821 to make arrangements. 

Revised and re-adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, July 11, 2024.

Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA") and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”), the City of Louisville will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.

Employment: The City of Louisville does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the ADA and Section 504. 

Effective Communication: The City will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in the City of Louisville’s programs, services, and activities, including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments. 

Modifications to Policies and Procedures: The City will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities. For example, individuals with service animals are welcomed in the City’s offices, even where pets are generally prohibited.

Architectural Barriers: The City will take all required action to provide access to its buildings and facilities to individuals with disabilities.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of the City, should contact the ADA Coordinator as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event. Please note that depending upon the nature and circumstances of the requested aid, service, or modification, additional advance notice may be required. If you have specialized needs or require more information, please contact the ADA Coordinator.

Neither the ADA nor Section 504 require the City to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. 

Complaints that a program, service, or activity of City is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to ADA Coordinator. 

The City will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy, such as retrieving items from locations that are open to the public but are not accessible to persons who use wheelchairs. 

ADA Coordinator Contact Information:

City Manager's Office
City of Louisville
749 Main Street
Louisville, CO 80027
Phone: 303.335.4533
Email: Info@LouisvilleCO.gov

Si requiere una copia en Español de esta publicación, por favor llame a la Ciudad al 303.335.4528