Suspension of Privileges for Health and Safety Reasons
It is the responsibility of the Somerset County Library to maintain a healthy and clean environment for all Library users and to protect investments in library collections, equipment, and property. In order to fulfill this responsibility, the Library may restrict a user’s ability to borrow materials and/or to visit library facilities when such use may jeopardize the health of library staff and patrons or the cleanliness of library facilities and materials.
Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases, for purposes of this policy, are serious diseases that are capable of being transmitted to other individuals through the air or by direct physical contact between individuals or contaminants.
The library reserves the right to exclude a person with a communicable disease from the library facilities, programs, and functions if the organization finds that such restriction is necessary for the welfare of the person who has the communicable disease and/or the welfare of others within the library.
Influenza Special Cases, Flu Pandemic or other Widespread Illnesses
In the event of any serious outbreaks of influenza or other widespread illness, as determined by the Somerset County Health Department, State of Maryland, United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), or any other authorized public health official, the recommended or mandated protocols for such outbreak will be followed in addition to applicable library policy.
Pest Infestation
Roaches, bed bugs, or other insects constitute such a hazard to collections and to patrons. Any material that shows evidence of insect presence or damage may result in a specific library customer and/or household members having their library facility and collection access suspended. This suspension and notification will be made at the discretion of the Library Director.
Examples of situations where access may be suspended include, but are not limited to:
- Evidence that items on loan to a customer have been returned with insects that are known to be damaging to library materials, or that can result in pest infestations in library facilities, e.g. roaches, termites, and silverfish;
- Evidence that items on loan to a customer have been returned with insects that can result in pest infestations in library facilities, e.g. bed bugs, fleas, or lice; and
- Patrons or patron possessions with evidence of such insects.
Reinstatement
Any customer that has privileges suspended under the terms of this policy may request a re-evaluation of the suspension upon the ability to demonstrate that the situation that resulted in loss of privileges has been resolved.
For reinstatement requests relating to suspensions due to pest infestation, decisions will be made based upon evidence showing that the address in question has been inspected with no sign of infestation or that the residence has been treated. Confirming information may include copies of receipts for treatment, a letter from a licensed pest control company or a written statement from the owner or property manager of a multi-family rental residence. In some circumstances, proof of a change of residential address may also be accepted.