Library Policies

Introduction

1. PURPOSE

Public libraries are all about access to services. Materials and resources are acquired, organized, and made freely available to users. Space is provided for people to meet and interact with other community members, both formally and informally. In order to insure equitable, responsible, and safe access to both the facility and its materials, the Board of Trustees of Mahopac Public Library has adopted a number of governing policies and procedures.

These policies are reviewed on a regular basis. As circumstances warrant and issues arise, new policies may be added and existing policies may be revised or deleted. Library users are encouraged to express their opinions about these policies to the Library Director.

2. LIBRARY HISTORY

Mahopac Public Library began in a classroom at Lakeview School in 1952. Later, the Library Association rented space on the second floor of Erickson’s Ice Cream Parlor and, in 1967, the Association purchased the whole building—approximately 5200 square feet of space on two levels plus another 2000 square feet of basement storage. Even then, the space limitations were apparent. In 1976, a capital campaign was undertaken. However, it fell short of its goal and, in lieu of the proposed expansion, some structural renovations and enhancements were made. The open-air porch on the second floor was enclosed, new windows were installed, and an enclosed entry was built.

During the 1980s, space concerns took a back seat to the need for a secure financial foundation. In 1987, the effort to create a tax-based, school district public library was achieved.

The 1990s saw renewed interest in space and technology. In 1991, the Board of Trustees authorized another renovation. This time, the roof was replaced, air conditioning was installed, new carpeting was laid, and the interior of the building was repainted. In 1995, the Library became a member of the Mid-Hudson Library System’s automated circulation system.

Changing demographics (new families with young children, immigrants, retirees), an expanding population, and a fluctuating economy once again placed pressure on the library’s building. Beginning in 1994, the Board began exploring the possibility of a new facility, undertook a feasibility study, retained the services of an architect and a construction management firm, and finally put the issue before the voters. In October 2000, residents of Mahopac Central School District approved a 7.9 million dollar bond issue in order to build a 30,000 square foot library on the site of Erickson’s Ice Cream Parlor.

On October 17, 2000, voters in the Mahopac Central School District approved a $7.9 million bond issue for the construction of a new library facility on its present site. The new facility opened to the public on March 23, 2004 and was officially dedicated on April 28, 2004.

3. VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE STATEMENTS

VISION STATEMENT

Mahopac Public Library, as the Heart of the Community, will set the standard
of excellence for Library service in Putnam County that combines 21st century technology with a neighborhood touch.

MISSION STATEMENT

Mahopac Public Library will enrich the lives of all residents of its community by
providing ease of access to cultural, informational, and recreational resources.

VALUES STATEMENT:

Mahopac Public Library values
· its patrons and is responsive to the community’s present and future needs.
· excellence in service, providing a well-trained staff that serves its patrons in a helpful and friendly way and in a manner that respects their privacy and rights.
· intellectual freedom and encourages the free exchange of information of all kinds.
· access to a variety of resources in a variety of formats.
· lifelong learning, offering a broad range of programs and services for people of all ages.
· collaboration, working with other organizations in order to expand programs and services or to add new ones.
· being a welcoming, comfortable place, an intellectual, social, and cultural center.

Policy Adopted: April 23, 2003
Revised: February 28, 2007