Board Bylaws

I. NAME AND LOCATION
The name of the library shall be “Carnegie Public Library”. The library shall be located at 219 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, Ohio.

II. OBJECTIVES
The mission of the Carnegie Public Library is to support and enhance the quality of life for all residents of the user area; by providing free and equal access to information and services, in a variety of material formats; and by meeting the educational, recreational, and cultural information needs of its patrons..

III. POLICIES
The Board of Trustees shall have all of the powers granted to it by law and shall, in open meetings, determine and establish, in accordance with law, the basic policies of the library with respect to (a) the appropriation and budgeting of funds; (b) the establishment and maintenance of libraries and library services; (c) the acquisition, improvement, maintenance, insurance, use and disposition of properties; (d) the hiring, compensation and responsibilities of, and the personnel practices concerning librarians and other employees; (e) the selection, collection, lending and disposition of books and other library materials; and (f) the acceptance of gifts. The policies so determined and established by the Board shall remain in effect until changed or rescinded by further action of the Board and shall be administered by the library staff. The Director shall cause a compilation of all operating policies established by the Board to be prepared and kept up to date and to be distributed to the members of the Board and to members of the library staff and to be kept available to the public generally.

IV. OFFICERS
A. Election: At the regular meeting in January of each year, the Board shall select from its membership a President, a Vice-President, and a Secretary who shall serve for a term of one year commencing February 1st. A nominating committee consisting of the current officers will present a slate of officers at the January meeting. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. At the same meeting, the Board shall elect and fix the compensation of a Fiscal Officer who shall serve for a term of one year. A Deputy Fiscal Officer, who may be a member of the Board of Trustees, may also be elected to serve for one year. Each of said officers shall have such powers and duties as are prescribed by the Revised Code of Ohio or by the By-laws or by special action of the Board from time to time to the extent that these By-laws or said actions are consistent with the law of Ohio.

B. Fiscal Officer: The Fiscal Officer shall be the treasurer of the library funds. Before assuming the duties, a bond shall be executed in an amount and with a surety to be approved by the Board, payable to the Board and conditioned for the faithful performance of the official duties required by the Fiscal Officer. All moneys received by the Fiscal Officer for library purposes shall be immediately placed in a depository designated by the Board. The Fiscal Officer shall keep an account of the funds credited to the Board upon such forms as are prescribed and approved by the Ohio Bureau of Inspection and Supervision of Public Offices and shall render a statement to the Board monthly showing the revenues and receipts from whatever sources derived, the disbursement and the purposes for such disbursements, and the assets and liabilities of the Board, and the relation of the several items of the foregoing to the budget. At the end of each fiscal year, the Fiscal Officer shall submit to the Board a complete financial statement showing the receipts and expenditures in detail for the entire fiscal year. In the absence or unavailability of the Fiscal Officer, the Deputy Fiscal Officer shall act for and perform the functions of the Fiscal Officer for which duties the Deputy Fiscal Officer shall execute a bond in the amount and with a surety in the same amount as that required of the Fiscal Officer. The Fiscal Officer shall be responsible for the safekeeping and preservation of the minutes and official records of the Board. The Fiscal Officer shall be present at all regular meetings and special meetings concerning finance.

C. President: The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board, shall in consultation with the Director determine the agenda for each meeting, and shall, with the consent of the Board, determine the order of business thereat. The President shall sign with the Secretary the minutes of each meeting of the Board. The President shall appoint all committees and committee chairs with the consent of the Board and shall serve as an ex-officio member of each committee. The President shall execute on behalf of the Board and when approved by it all such instruments of conveyance, assignment, transfer, contract, indebtedness or lease as, in order to be effective, must be executed by an officer or member of the Board other that or in addition to the Fiscal Officer, and all written reports, applications and statements which law or governmental regulations require to be executed and filed on behalf of the Board by an officer or member of the Board other than or in addition to the Fiscal Officer or Director.

D. Vice-President: In the absence or unavailability of the President or declination to act, the Vice-President shall have all powers and duties of the President, except as otherwise provided by law.

E. Secretary: The Secretary shall sign the minutes of the meetings of the Board and certificates evidencing resolutions or actions of the Board and, when required, shall attest to the signatures and authority of the President, Vice-President, Fiscal Officer or Director and co-sign instruments and writings executed by any of them.

F. Checks: All checks paying out funds of the library shall be signed by the Fiscal Officer or Deputy Fiscal Officer of the Board and the President or Vice-President or Secretary of the Board.

V. COMMITTEES

There shall be special committees, as the Board shall from time to time determine to be advisable. The purpose and charge of each committee shall be clearly defined in writing. The President of the Board shall be an ex-officio member of each committee, and the chair of each committee shall be a member of the Board appointed by the President with the consent of the Board. Each committee shall have such other members, if any, as the Board shall from time to time determine, which members shall be appointed as the Board shall provide and need not be members of the Board.

Except by express approval or action of the Board no committee shall have (a) more than three members of the Board, or (b) authority to make any decision upon any matter, business or policy, within the power or responsibility of the Board itself. Any report or recommendation of a committee to the Board shall be deemed advisory, only, and no member of the Board, whether or not a member of the committee, shall be bound or controlled by any action, report or recommendation of a committee.

VI. DIRECTOR
The Board shall appoint and fix the compensation of the Director who shall be the chief administrator and the librarian of the library. The Director shall have full charge of the administration and operations of the library in accordance with objectives and policies adopted by the Board and under the direction and review of the Board. The Director shall be held responsible for the care of all buildings and equipment, for public relations, for the employment and direction of the library staff, for the selection, acquisition and disposition of books and non-book materials within the annual appropriations adopted by the Board and subject to the general policies from time to time adopted by the Board. The Director shall keep the Board informed as to the program needs, physical plant needs, the desirable expenditures of library funds and any special achievements or problems requiring action by or approval of the Board. The Director shall present at each meeting a report concerning the work of the library and submit for consideration with recommendations all matters requiring action by the Board, and, to that end, shall consult with the President as to the agenda for each meeting of the Board. The Director shall attend all Board meetings except those at which the Director’s appointment or salary is to be discussed or decided. On an annual basis, the Board of Trustees shall evaluate the job performance of the Director.

VII. MEETINGS

A. Time and Notice:

1. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held on the third Wednesday of each month at such time as shall be agreed upon by the Board. Special meetings of the Board may be called at any time by vote of the Board or by the President or Vice-President. Written notice of each meeting of the Board, together with an agenda or statement of the purposes of the meetings shall be mailed by the Director to each member of the Board, at the address designated by the member, at least five (5) days, but no more than two (2) days before a special meeting.

2. Posted Notice: The Director shall cause a written notice of the time and place of each Board meeting to be posted on a prominent bulletin board in the library at least twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting, except that in the event of an emergency requiring immediate official action the notice shall be posted promptly after the meeting is called.

3. Notice to the News Media: The Director shall notify the News Media of all meetings two (2) days in advance.

4. Executive Session: The Board may hold an executive session only after a majority of a quorum of the Board determines, by a roll call vote, to hold such a session and only at a regular or special meeting. The purpose(s) for holding such an executive session shall be as specified in Section 121.22(g), as amended, of the Ohio Revised Code and the purpose(s) shall be included in the motion to hold the session.

5. Committee Meetings: If and whenever a meeting shall be called of a committee either having authority to make a decision for the Board or having four (4) or more members of the Board, such meeting shall be open to the public in accordance with Section 121.22(g) as amended of the Ohio Revised Code, and the purpose(s) shall be included in the motion to hold the session.

6. Public Participation: The Board of Trustees of Carnegie Public Library encourages attendance at its meetings and solicits the advice and counsel of citizens in planning and operating the library. Meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be open to the public. Any citizen who wishes to present a matter of concern to the Board should do so in writing or by a request to be heard by the Board. A written communication or a request to be heard should be received by the Library Director three (3) days prior to the meeting time. Written communication or requests to be heard received less than three (3) days prior to the meeting time may be heard at the next meeting. The Board reserves the right to limit total participation of all requests to be heard to a maximum of thirty (30) minutes per meeting and the request to be heard of a single individual to a maximum of five (5) minutes per meeting.

Any person may obtain advance notification of all meetings, including the time, place, and purpose of all special meetings, by providing the Fiscal Officer-Treasurer’s office with a request for all or part of this information and a stamped, self-addressed envelope for mailing of this information.

B. Place: All meetings of the Board shall be held in the Main Library, unless another place shall be fixed for a particular meeting by agreement of the Board.

C. Quorum: Four (4) persons, a majority of the full membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, provided that in the absence of a quorum those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without notice, other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.

D. Order of Business: The business conducted at any special meeting of the Board shall be limited to the purposes stated in the written notice of such meeting, unless the transaction of other business shall be approved by all of the members present at the meeting. The order of business of each meeting of the Board shall be determined by the presiding officer, consistent with any expressed desires of a majority of the members of the Board present at the meeting.

E. Monthly Reports: No more than two (2) weeks before each regular meeting of the Board, the Director shall mail to each member of the Board, at the address designated by the member, the following reports in such form as the Board shall from time to time request or the laws of Ohio shall require:

• Agenda;

• Minutes of the previous meeting;

• Financial Report;

• Report of current personnel action for approval;

• Report of library service related matters.

A copy of the financial report as so mailed shall be submitted to the Board at the next regular meeting. At that meeting, the President shall inquire of the members present whether there are any questions or objections to the reports as so mailed or the payments or action therein reported. If no correction, amendments or additions to a report as so mailed is made at the meeting and if no objection to the report is made by a member present at the meeting, or is reported to the meeting as having been made by a member absent from the meeting, the reports and the payments and actions therein reported shall be considered as approved by each of the members present without motion, resolution, or roll call thereof; and the Secretary shall so indicate in the minutes of any meeting.
Any member not present at the meeting when a report is considered may at the first regular meeting at which he is thereafter present voice any objection the member may have to any such report or to a payment or action reported therein and have the member’s objection entered in the minutes of the meeting, but such objection shall not unless by motion, resolution, and roll call, the Board shall otherwise decide. Any report to which an addition, amendment, correction or objection is made at the meeting to which it is submitted shall be approved only by motion or resolution and vote of the Board.

F. Voting: Except when a larger vote is required by law, all actions of the Board shall require the affirmative vote of the majority of the Board members present. When a motion is made and seconded to adopt a resolution authorizing; the purchase or sale of real or personal property, or the appointment of a Director, or the employment of personnel, or the election of an officer, or the payment of any debt, or claim, or the contracting or incurrence of any obligation, or the payment of money, or the transfer of property, or the adoption of the annual budget, or appropriation, or upon the request of a member of the Board, the President of the Board shall call the roll of the members of the Board and enter in the minutes of the meeting the names of those voting “aye” and the names of those voting “nay”.

G. Rules of Order: Where not otherwise governed by law or by these Bylaws, the proceedings of the meeting of the Board shall be in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order, as currently revised and published at the time of the meeting.

H. Records of the Library-Public Information: It shall be the policy of the Board of Library Trustees of the Carnegie Public Library to release for public information, and place copies for public view in the library, the official minutes and financial reports after approval by the Board.

All documents which are Public Records shall be available for review and inspection by any person upon reasonable request to the Director.

Official reports of the Board required by the Ohio Revised Code and the Auditor of the State shall be maintained in the Library and available to the public upon request to the Director or Fiscal Officer, if viewing these records does not infringe on privacy rights of individuals.
Copies of the policies of the Board of Library Trustees and of the adopted Job Specifications and Job Classifications of the library staff, and the current Salary Schedule shall be available to the public and the staff. Working papers of committees and correspondence received by the Board of Library Trustees are not considered public documents.

VIII. AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended at any meeting by the affirmative vote of a majority of the full membership of the Board of Trustees, provided that a notice of the proposed amendment shall have been given with the notice of the meeting.

APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES, July 21, 2010
 

Members

Bob Bloor, President
Sarah Wilson, Vice President
Debbie Wynn, Secretary
John Fisher
Rosanne Lyle
Colleen vanLeeuwen
Larry Walton

Minutes

A More Complete History

Libraries in East Liverpool Prior to 1900
There were two attempts to bring libraries to the community of East Liverpool in the 1800's, one was successful the other was not.

Will Thompson, famous songwriter, owned a music store in East Liverpool, now the Pottery City Galleries, and decided to open a reading room where the young men of the community could congregate. It was opened February 1, 1888, in a large room of the Thompson Music Store. It was well stocked with local newspapers and journals and became known as Philharmonic Hall. The project would probably have been successful but a group of businessmen decided to take over the project and charge dues ($1.00 per year) to members. Will Thompson insisted that the room was rent free and that he would not charge for heating or electricity. He stipulated that all the money was to be channeled back into more reading materials. The reading room was opened to the public, "subject to reasonable limitations, seasonable hours and good behavior." Due to a classic case of "too many cooks" the project only lasted for about a year.

In 1896 the Trades and Labor Council rented a room from the same Will Thompson which would serve as a library. J. J. Weisand, Charles J. Miles and H. E. Porter were this libraries commission. It had 2,500 volumes and periodicals.

Andrew Carnegie Contacted
In the Spring of 1899 T.Y. Travis and M.E. Miskall quietly wrote to the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who had spent many summers in East Liverpool with relatives, asking him for a donation of a library for East Liverpool. On July 15, 1899 the East Liverpool Review ran an announcement in its paper that Andrew Carnegie sent a letter on June 30th stating that he would donate $50,000 for the building of a library, providing that the city would provide the lot and $3,000 a year for maintenance of the library. This was the first that the public had learned of any possibility for a permanent library. East Liverpool and Steubenville were the first communities in Ohio to receive donations for libraries from Carnegie because he had lived in or visited relatives who lived in them.

There was a law that gave the city the authority to levy a tax of one mil to establish a library. The property value in East Liverpool at the time was over $3,000,000. This gave them the maintenance money for the library. The Board of Education also donated $800 per year.

In August 1899 the Bradshaw Farm property was advertised for public sale. Twenty men each advancing $1,000 purchased the property for $20,000 with it to be held in trust until the city could purchase it.

In November 1899 5 men went to Pittsburgh to see Andrew Carnegie and accept his offer and report that they had purchased property and secured the maintenance of the library once built.

Construction of the Library
In 1899, following a visit by Andrew Carnegie and his donation for the building of the library, a Library Commission consisting of six leading city citizens was appointed.
The original commission consisted of Colonel J.N. Taylor, George Peach, G.P. Ikirt, F.D. Kitchel, J.H. Brookes and W.L. Smith. After the commission was appointed the library was almost a memory before it was started. There was public outcry over the members of the commission. No one involved in the planning or efforts to get the library were on the commission; in fact two members of the commission were opposed to the project, J.H. Brookes and Colonel John N. Taylor. The nest day at a meeting of council it was proposed that the property be divided into lots and sold, but at the next meeting F.D. Kitchel resigned and Attorney T.Y. Travis, who had helped send the letter to Carnegie, was appointed. This allowed the climate to settle and the process proceeded to the next step.
Plans were submitted for the building from many sources and some were favored more than others. Rumor was that the plans of a Mr. Ousley of Youngstown would be chosen because of who he knew on the commission. It was therefore decided to number the plans and vote not knowing who the plans were submitted by. The vote was 3-2 in favor of a plan submitted by A. W. Scott of East Liverpool. Colonel Taylor, who had wanted the Ousley plan, resigned over the vote. Will L. Thompson was appointed in his place on the commission. The contract was given to Harvey McHenry.

Construction began in 1900. The two story building is very ornate and still holds its beauty today. It is a focal point of the East Liverpool downtown area. It was built of Roman mottled buff-brown brick trimmed with white tile. There were 21 rooms not including the vestibule (entryway) or dome. Milligan Hardware furnished the plumbing, electrical, tile, marble and ironwork (including the stairs), the lobby of ceramic mosaic, the wainscoting of Italian marble and the solid brass hardware. Lewis Brothers provided the furniture for the reading rooms, including 28 tables, 14 dozen chairs, shelving for 5,000 to 6,000 books, several dozen chandeliers fitted for both gas and electric light. A large chandelier hung from the upper ceiling and was fitted with 12 electric lights with room for candles between.

John J. Purinton and Thomas Collins were appointed to the commission filling the expired terms of J. H. Brookes and G.P. Ikirt.

Staffing and Stocking the Library
As the library neared completion donations of good, worthwhile books were requested.
The first librarian hired to run the library was Gertrude A. Baker of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, a graduate of a preparatory school in Los Angeles, California and a library course in Albany, New York. At the time of her hiring she was the editor of the "Cumulative Index". Mr. & Mrs. William Streets were hired as custodians and would reside in quarters provided in the building. When the library opened Mary A. Hall was appointed assistant.

Dedication and Opening
On May 8, 1902 at 3pm in the afternoon the library was dedicated and officially opened to the public. At this time the 2,505 volumes from the other city library were transferred to the Carnegie Library.

The following is an excerpt from "The Reviewing Stand" an article in the Review of Saturday May 7, 1932 by Tom Jones. Taken from transcripts of the original dedicatory event.

"With a throng in attendance at the designated hour of 3 o'clock the structure and its contents were then turned over to Mayor William C. Davidson by John J. Purinton, a member of the board of directors of the library. Previously what composed the former library that had functioned in the city had been transferred by D.M. McLane to Mr. Purinton.
Interspersed with special music addresses were made by these three men and W.E. Wells and Professor R.E. Rayman, then superintendent of the East Liverpool Schools. The meeting at the outset had been called to order by George Peach, president of the board of directors of the institution. He presented Dr. J.G. Taggart. pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church, who made the prayer preceding the formal program that had been prepared.
Mayor Davidson in a brief address, expressed the hope that the institution would meet all of the demands expected of it and that it would prove a blessing to the people. On behalf of the city he accepted it as part of the activities with in.
Mr. Wells noted: "The hope of the nation lies in the education of its youth and we have the right to hope that the refining and elevating influences of this storehouse of knowledge and the achievement of our people may be the nobler, their lives purer and their ideals higher by reason of it."
Superintendent Raymen declared upon this occasion that the inception of public libraries was not originated in the United States and pointed to the fact that there were many in Egypt, Greece, Germany and other foreign countries before they were noted in this country. "The library has always been a source of great educational help but most strikingly has this been true since 1876 when 100 librarians met in Philadelphia to consider plans for their work." he said.
D.M. McLane presented to the Carnegie Library directors at this dedication the books that had formed the old library in the city. They consisted of 2,505 volumes with 1,000 periodicals and copies of the city papers for the past 3 years.
"This building was erected and the books in it bought to be used," asserted John J. Purinton as he accepted the volumes and periodicals from the old library, "They are not to be looked at and admired. If we add to the public school- the bulwark of our liberty-the free influence of free libraries we shall broaden our political greatness."
Upon the evening of the dedication the building was thrown open for inspection to the public. The large chandelier in the center of it near the upper ceiling with its 12 electric lights and with room for candles between them excited great interest. Each desk in the reading rooms was provided with double-light chandeliers. In all there were 28 tables within it for initial use, while it was outfitted with 14 dozen chairs that had been made of quarter-sawed oak.
The design of the entrance to the building with its wainscoting of Italian Marble with Tennessee base and the tiled floors elicited much favorable comment. Miss Gertrude Baker and Miss Mary Hall assumed the duties of librarian and assistant.
Soon thereafter those in charge of the two libraries wound up the day in a mutual gathering. The following were selected as the initial directors of the institution. W.L. Thompson, president; J.J. Weisand, vice president; John J. Purinton, secretary; George Peach, W.L. Smith, G.Y. Travis, A.V. Gilbert, Thomas Collins and Walter B. Hill. From this beginning the institution assumed functioning form.

A year later the librarian, Gertrude Baker, reported that there were 5,992 volumes and 2,081 members. "No effort has been made to increase the membership as up to the present time there have been loaned more books each month than were actually in the library." she stated.

History
The library had extreme financial problems for many years due to a continual lack of city funding. By 1931 however, it became eligible for county funding and has thrived with county and state funding ever since.

In 1907 the local Historical Society set up a museum in the West Room of the second floor and then later expanded to include pottery displays in the East Room displaying works from over 50 local potteries. Harold Barth was curator of said museum. The museum and pottery displays remained on the library's second floor until the 1970's when it was boxed up and removed to await the opening, in 1980, of the Museum of Ceramics in the former Post Office Building. The collections, owned by the Ohio Historical Society, became the core of the collection for the museum with many items also being distributed throughout the museums of Ohio.

In 1916 the statue of the Civil War Soldier which had been erected in 1890 in "the Diamond" and moved to the City Park (no longer in existence) in 1909 was moved and placed in front of the library. It would stand here until 1942 when it was removed and re-erected in its present location at the soldiers cemetery in the Riverview Cemetery overlooking the Ohio Valley. With his back to St. Clair Ave. he faces the former Confederacy.

During World War I the upper East Room of the library was used by the Red Cross for service project work such as rolling bandages.

In 1924 the local Rotary Club purchased a quantity of children's books and donated them to the library and canvassed the local class rooms encouraging the youth to visit the library to read them and write essays on them. The winner would attend the theater and have dinner at the expense of the Rotary Club.

During the depression of the 1930's the library saw a great growth of circulation reaching 200,000 per year

By 1936 the staff was increased to 4. Previous to this time the budget constraints had limited the staff to the two librarians and the custodial staff.

In 1940 there were 25,000 volumes but none were catalogued. An attempts was made by Gertrude Osterlin but when she left the Carnegie employ the project was abandoned. In 1950 with 36,000 volumes the Board of Trustees hired Kenneth Emerick to perform the cataloguing duties. He worked until 1955 when Beatrice Davidson was hired to continue the job. 4,000 volumes were added annually. By the mid 1960's there were 75,000 volumes, all catalogued. By 1975 it was up to 120,000 volumes.

During World War II the library took part in the Ohio Victory Book Campaign, an effort to provide good reading material to the service men. More than 3,000 books were collected in 6 weeks.

After the War, 1n 1946, a children's summer reading program was begun. It was not unusual for over 1,500 children to register in the Summer.

In 1956 the library received a donation of 250 microfilms of the local newspaper dating back to 1885. This has continued to this day. The microfilm is a great resource to those doing research.

In 1962 Librarian Frances Jones stated concerning the library's growth, "It has been able to grow because it has been comparatively free from censorship and pressure groups. A good library is not a stagnant place without change, but is constantly adjusting to the spirit of the times. A library is not a storage house, but is rather like a power house serving as a dynamo to provide inspiration and knowledge." Succeeding directors have endeavored to keep the library changing with the times.

By the mid 1970's the staff had expanded to 7 plus several student helpers and the custodian.

In 1980 the Library building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1995-6 saw the unionization of the library personnel (16 including the custodian). the coming of OPLIN ( Ohio Public Libraries Information Network) has seen a great expansion of the library's technology. The state provided one computer and a T1 line for the library and the library board has approved the installation of another 11 computers for public access for word processing, research and Internet access.

Renovations
1950-1961
During the renovations of the 1950's the custodian's home was removed and replaced with a Trustee Meeting Room (the Board Room), and a historical display area. The basement area under the rotunda was excavated to give space for a stack room, leaving more space on the first floor for the circulating volumes. New shelving was installed for the ever expanding collection and new reading room furniture was purchased. A new circulation desk and circulation system were installed. In 1958 the tile dome was replaced and in 1959 the exterior was steam cleaned. In 1961 the rear entrance was remodeled. The administrative offices were moved to the basement replacing the area previously occupied by the historical displays. A teen area was created on the main floor where the offices had been. Cost of these renovations covering 12 years was $75,000.

1990
The library saw extensive renovations in the 1990's. Included in these renovations were the installation of an elevator and handicap accessibility to comply with the ADA. All shelving was replaced and the Non-Fiction and Reference collections moved to the second floor to the vacant rooms. This would be the first time in the history of the library that the second floor was used as part of the library proper. All the furniture from the renovations of the 1950's was replaced. Oak tables were refinished and used in the reference and non-fiction departments. New lighting was installed throughout the library. The Board Room was eliminated and an employee lounge installed along with the elevator shaft. The administrative offices were expanded. A Local History/Community Meeting Room was installed in one half of the stack room under the rotunda area. A complete new air conditioning system was installed. The old one had not worked in several years. A new circulation desk and computerized circulation and catalogue system were installed. The circulation desk now sits in approximately the same position as the original desk. Cost of the renovations which took place over a 3 year space of time when the library remained open to the public was approximately $1,300,000.

The circulation desk has occupied a variety of locations on the library's main floor. Originally located in the rotunda area it was moved in the 1950's to the left and right of the main lobby, one side for check-out the other for check-in. In the 1970's the two desks were combined on the left side of the lobby. In the 1990 renovations the newly designed desk was positioned in approximately the same location as the original desk.

Library Staff
The Directors:
Gertrude Baker 1902-1906
Harriet Goss 1906-1914
Mary Hall 1914-1955 (assistant from 1902-1914)
E. Frances Jones 1956-1963
Beatrice Davidson 1963-1984
Robert W. Toth 1984-1988
Dr. Linda Delowry-Fryman 1988-1993
Paul Rohrbaugh 1994-1995
Gretchen Persohn 1995-1998
Theodore R. Allison 1998-2004
Melissa A.W. Percic 2004-Present
 

Charges
It is cheaper to use the library today, in 2009, than it was in 1962.*

1962 2009
Fines .05c/day adult ($.35 in 2008 dollars)
.02c/day juvenile .10c/day all materials
except videos & DVDs which are $1/day/title
Rentals
(new releases) .03c/day no charge
Loss of card .25c for a duplicate ($1.79 in 2008 dollars) $1 for a duplicate
Reserves .07c/notification no charge
Loss of Book replacement cost of book replacement cost of book
Interlibrary Loan .15c/title no charge
Non resident
Out of State Card $2/year ($14.29 in 2008 dollars)
$1/six months
$3/family/year ($21.43 in 2008 dollars) $5/year tri-state area resident
$20 deposit for temporary resident
Audio Visual Films: 16mm .01c/minute B&W
Films: 16mm .02c/minute Color
Filmstrips: .25c/can
Records: .25c/title Videos: no charge
Cassettes: no charge
CD's: no charge
DVDs: no charge

*CPI Conversion factors found at http://oregonstate.edu/cla/polisci/sites/default/files/faculty-research/... [12].

Appropriate Behavior Policy

To maintain an atmosphere appropriate for work, study and enjoyment for all library users and staff, the following policy on behavior in the Carnegie Public Library of East Liverpool has been established. Library staff will courteously, but firmly, enforce this policy.

Appropriate library activities include: browsing for materials, reading, thinking, quiet conversation, homework, writing reports and researching. If library games, puzzles, computers or audio-visual equipment are available, they are to be used quietly, so as not to disturb others. Group study of up to four at one table and quiet tutoring of one or two students is permitted. Group study by, or tutoring of, more students at one time, or any other group work which creates enough noise to disrupt other patrons, must be conducted in the meeting room, following meeting room policies and procedures.

Inappropriate activities include:

1. Loud or boisterous behavior,

2. Conversation that is disturbing to other patrons or employees,

3. Profanity or other abusive language to other patrons or employees,

4. Abusing library furniture, equipment or materials,

5. Running in the building,

6. Harassing others, either verbally or through actions, harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations, impeding access to the building, etc.,

7. Fighting on library property,

8. Using tobacco in any form while inside the library building,

9. Possession, sale or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances on library property,

10. Eating or drinking in the library.

11. Sleeping in the library.

12. Buying or selling of any kind, or soliciting for personal gain or charitable purposes,

13. Using radios, other personal listening devices or cell phone rings and alerts at a level that can be heard by others,

14. Skateboarding, rollerblading and like activities anywhere on library property,

15. Distributing literature, taking surveys, or asking individuals or employees to sign petitions or similar activities,

16. No animals are permitted in the library other than guide dogs and the like,

17. Shirts and shoes are required,

18. Using emergency exits at times other than during an emergency,

19. Moving furniture or putting feet on furniture,

20. Loitering,

21. Inappropriate public displays of affection,

22. The handicapped entrance and elevator are restricted to adults and handicapped patrons only.

Patrons who are behaving inappropriately or disruptively will be warned that the behavior must stop. If the behavior is not immediately corrected, the person will be requested to leave the premises. For serious violations, patrons may be asked to leave even if they correct the problem. Anyone who does not leave after being told to do so will be considered a trespasser and will be treated accordingly, including involving the police. Habitual abusers of library rules may have library privileges restricted for a period of time. A minor (anyone under 18 years of age) who creates chronic problems may be required, for up to three months, to bring a responsible adult when visiting the library who will remain with him or her in the library.

These rules have been adopted for the comfort and protection of all those using library materials and services. The Library staff will courteously, but firmly, enforce them. We ask your cooperation in maintaining a pleasant atmosphere, conducive to the effective use of the library.

Adopted Oct. 20, 1999, updated February 17, 2010

Computer Use

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Internet access is available on selected public computer terminals for all users of the Carnegie Public Library of East Liverpool, Ohio.

Internet access is provided by the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN), a network linking all public libraries in Ohio with the goal of providing equity of access to global information for all citizens. Access to the Internet is compatible with the Carnegie Public Library's endorsement of the American Library Association's Bill of Rights, Code of Ethics, and the library's mission statement.

The Internet offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. It is, however, an unregulated medium with a highly diverse user population. The Internet contains material that some might find offensive or disturbing. The Carnegie Public Library has no control over the information that can be accessed through the Internet and is not responsible for its content.

Library patrons are responsible for the information accessed by their children.

Only parents may restrict the Internet resources chosen by their children.

Parents are advised to supervise children's use of the Internet.

Sources on the Internet do not always provide accurate, complete or current information.

As with any material provided by the library, the user must take responsibility in questioning the validity of the information found. The library does not warrant information available through the Internet to be accurate, factual, legal, or complete.

Users may not use the library's computers for any of the following:

* Unauthorized entry into any other computer or network
* Any action which violates copyright
* Any action which interferes with the use of information sources
* The sending, receiving, or displaying of text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene
* Any action that seeks to invade the privacy of individuals
* Any action that destroys, alters, prevents, or interferes with computer-based information
* Any activity that violates local, state, and/or federal laws
* Commercial activity
* Political lobbying
* Disrupting the use of the Internet by others
* Library staff will make every effort to offer searching suggestions and answer some questions, but they cannot provide in-depth training on Internet and personal computer use. Some staff members have extensive knowledge of the Internet; others have less experience. Because of scheduling, staff members who are knowledgeable about the Internet may not always be available.

Any patron found to have violated any of the above will lose all Internet privileges.

Officially adopted by the Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees on October 23, 1996.

Computer Use Policy

1. The library provides computers for public use, but does not provide instruction in the use of the computer or use of any specific web sites.
2. A patron must present a library card in good standing in order to use the computers. There must be no more than $2.00 in unpaid charges on the patron’s card. A patron who cannot pay their entire balance initially may make payments in increments of $1.00 each time they wish to use the computers, until their balance has been paid in full.
3. Computers are checked out for use in half-hour time periods. A patron may use a computer for an unlimited time period while no other patrons are waiting, but may be asked to finish their session any time after a half-hour has elapsed if other patrons are waiting to use the computers.
4. Once a patron has been asked to vacate because of other waiting patrons, a period of one half-hour of non-use must elapse before they will be afforded the one half-hour expiration period again. They may get on any computer as soon as it is free, but if the half-hour has not elapsed they may be requested to vacate if another patron wishes to use the computers.
5. Patrons waiting to use the computers may wait in either the nonfiction room or the reference room on the 2nd floor. They may not stand near the computers or around the 2nd floor railing.
6. There is normally one user per computer. Staff may make exceptions for two people to sit at one computer. Space and the privacy of other patrons do not allow for more people to be gathered at one computer. Standing behind or beside seated computer users is not permitted for anyone, including members of the user’s party. Others in the user’s party may wait in either the nonfiction room or reference room on the 2nd floor, or on the first floor.
7. A patron wishing to move to another free computer must alert the staff so that the correct expiration time is recorded. Otherwise, the patron may be requested to vacate the computer based on the recorded expiration time of the previous patron.
8. Computer use for each day ends one quarter-hour before the closing of the library.
9. Staff do not type documents for patrons or complete online forms or account registrations.
10. Staff may provide assistance with printing when possible but cannot necessarily modify print formatting or correct printing errors. Patrons must pay for all pages which they print.
11. Patrons may listen to audio content from the web only by bringing in their own headphones or earbuds. Listening to audio openly for all patrons to hear is not appropriate.

Display Cases

The library display cases are used primarily for the promotion of library materials, programs, and services, and preference shall always be given to library needs. When they are not otherwise reserved, the cases are available for the display of materials from community organizations or personal collections.

Requests for display space will be made on the Display Case Reservation Form, and approved by the Director. Groups or individuals may reserve the display case up to 6 months in advance, but may not reserve the display case for more than one four-week period at a time; requests for space are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Displays will stay up at least one week and no more than four weeks.

Organizations wishing to display materials must be non-partisan, preferably with an open membership. Government, health, welfare, educational, and cultural agencies shall be given preference over special-interest groups. A personal or private collection must be both of interest and acceptable to the general public.

The following categories of exhibit material are specifically excluded: commercial exhibits; partisan political exhibits; and exhibits advocating a position on ballot issues, except library issues. The library reserves the right to approve the content and arrangement of all exhibits.

The presence of a particular display in the library does not necessarily indicate that the library either advocates or endorses the viewpoints of exhibits or exhibitors.

The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft, of any item exhibited or displayed. Items are placed on display in the library at the owner's risk. All exhibitors will sign a form that releases the library from any responsibility for exhibited materials.

Distribution of Free Materials/Community Information

The library will provide at its discretion limited space for the distribution of community information materials, free handouts or the posting of flyers, notices, and posters, which present current and relevant news about nonprofit educational, cultural, public interest and recreational services.

Materials promoting business or commercial ventures, political campaigns or viewpoints, or doctrinal beliefs will not be accepted for distribution. Personal sales or advertisements, or job postings will not be accepted for distribution. Petitions will not be accepted unless first approved in a resolution by the library board and found to benefit the library.

Distribution or posting of community information materials does not necessarily indicate the library's endorsement of the issues or events promoted by the materials.

Due to limited space available for community information materials, only a limited quantity can be accepted, and will only be made available for a period of one (1) month.

Large posters and announcements are not accepted for display. No signs will be posted on the library entrance doors.

Community information materials cannot be returned once given to the library for distribution.

The Library Director shall make the final determination as to whether materials comply with the guidelines for distribution. Adopted January 19, 2005, updated April 16, 2008.
 

Donations

The Carnegie Public Library accepts donations of materials. As many used items are not appropriate for inclusion in the library’s collection because of age, condition or duplication of materials already owned, the Director or designee will determine the acceptability of any donations for the library. Generally, items published fewer than 5 years ago make the best donations.

The library reserves the right to refuse any donations.

The library does not assess the value of donations or gifts. Upon request, a receipt verifying the number of items donated will be provided.

Donations that are not added to the library collection are either disposed of or sold by the Carnegie Public Library in an ongoing or annual sale.

Donation of Monies or Funds
Monetary gifts may be donated to the Carnegie Public Library.

Money donated to the library for gift books or memorials will be deposited in a legally established special revenue fund or the General Fund. Items purchased become the property of the library and may be disposed of accordingly. Gifts of this type will be acknowledged by letter from the Director or designee.

Adopted February 17, 2010
 

Public Records Policy

In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and applicable judicial decisions Carnegie Public Library maintains open records

• containing information stored on a fixed medium (such as paper, electronic – including but not limited to email – and other formats);
• is created or received by, or sent under the jurisdiction of a public office and
• documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations or other activities of the office

Public records are to be open to the public at all reasonable times with exceptions only as provided for in the Ohio Revised Code.

A poster of the Open Records Policy will be posted in a conspicuous place in the library.

As required by Ohio law, records will be organized and maintained so that they are available for inspection and copying within a reasonable period during regular business hours. The length of time necessary to supply records may depend on the number of records requested, where the records are stored, and other factors.

Any denial of public records requested must include an explanation, including legal authority. If the request for records was in writing, the denial will also be in writing. If portions of a record are public and portions are exempt, the exempt portions are to be redacted and the rest released.

Copies will be made available by authorized library personnel within a reasonable period of time. Those seeking public records will be charged at the standard rate for library copies. If copies are to be mailed, the requestor must pay for the postage and the cost of the copies in advance.

Although no specific language is required to make a request, the requester must at least identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the public office to identify, retrieve, and review the records

The Carnegie Public Library would prefer to have requests in writing with the requester’s name and contact information so that staff members can clarify the scope of the request and notify the requester when copies have been made. However, the requestor may decline to supply his/her identity and purpose in requesting open public records.

Approved October 17, 2007.
 

Book Discussion

Are you interested in being part of a book discussion group? The group is meeting on the first Wednesday of  each month at 12:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Please call the library at 330-385-2048 and ask for Melissa. (Any persons may participate in the book discussions, but it must be known that some material may be adult orientated.)

June 5     Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

There are no meetings in July or August. The September - June list will be posted in June.

Computer Lab

The library has a computer lab on the second floor with 8 general use computers. Productivity software is available on all computers. We require a library card in good standing (no overdue materials or fines) to use computers. Users must abide by the following Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Internet access is available on selected public computer terminals for all users of the Carnegie Public Library of East Liverpool, Ohio.

Internet access is provided by the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN), a network linking all public libraries in Ohio with the goal of providing equity of access to global information for all citizens. Access to the Internet is compatible with the Carnegie Public Library's endorsement of the American Library Association's Bill of Rights, Code of Ethics, and the library's mission statement.

The Internet offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. It is, however, an unregulated medium with a highly diverse user population. The Internet contains material that some might find offensive or disturbing. The Carnegie Public Library has no control over the information that can be accessed through the Internet and is not responsible for its content.

Library patrons are responsible for the information accessed by their children.

Only parents may restrict the Internet resources chosen by their children.

Parents are advised to supervise children's use of the Internet.

Sources on the Internet do not always provide accurate, complete or current information.

As with any material provided by the library, the user must take responsibility in questioning the validity of the information found. The library does not warrant information available through the Internet to be accurate, factual, legal, or complete.

Users may not use the library's computers for any of the following:

* Unauthorized entry into any other computer or network
* Any action which violates copyright
* Any action which interferes with the use of information sources
* The sending, receiving, or displaying of text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene
* Any action that seeks to invade the privacy of individuals
* Any action that destroys, alters, prevents, or interferes with computer-based information
* Any activity that violates local, state, and/or federal laws
* Commercial activity
* Political lobbying
* Disrupting the use of the Internet by others
* Library staff will make every effort to offer searching suggestions and answer some questions, but they cannot provide in-depth training on Internet and personal computer use. Some staff members have extensive knowledge of the Internet; others have less experience. Because of scheduling, staff members who are knowledgeable about the Internet may not always be available.

Any patron found to have violated any of the above will lose all Internet privileges.

Officially adopted by the Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees on October 23, 1996.

Computer Use Policy

1. The library provides computers for public use, but does not provide instruction in the use of the computer or use of any specific web sites.
2. A patron must present a library card in good standing in order to use the computers. There must be no more than $2.00 in unpaid charges on the patron’s card. A patron who cannot pay their entire balance initially may make payments in increments of $1.00 each time they wish to use the computers, until their balance has been paid in full.
3. Computers are checked out for use in half-hour time periods. A patron may use a computer for an unlimited time period while no other patrons are waiting, but may be asked to finish their session any time after a half-hour has elapsed if other patrons are waiting to use the computers.
4. Once a patron has been asked to vacate because of other waiting patrons, a period of one half-hour of non-use must elapse before they will be afforded the one half-hour expiration period again. They may get on any computer as soon as it is free, but if the half-hour has not elapsed they may be requested to vacate if another patron wishes to use the computers.
5. Patrons waiting to use the computers may wait in either the nonfiction room or the reference room on the 2nd floor. They may not stand near the computers or around the 2nd floor railing.
6. There is normally one user per computer. Staff may make exceptions for two people to sit at one computer. Space and the privacy of other patrons do not allow for more people to be gathered at one computer. Standing behind or beside seated computer users is not permitted for anyone, including members of the user’s party. Others in the user’s party may wait in either the nonfiction room or reference room on the 2nd floor, or on the first floor.
7. A patron wishing to move to another free computer must alert the staff so that the correct expiration time is recorded. Otherwise, the patron may be requested to vacate the computer based on the recorded expiration time of the previous patron.
8. Computer use for each day ends one quarter-hour before the closing of the library.
9. Staff do not type documents for patrons or complete online forms or account registrations.
10. Staff may provide assistance with printing when possible but cannot necessarily modify print formatting or correct printing errors. Patrons must pay for all pages which they print.
11. Patrons may listen to audio content from the web only by bringing in their own headphones or earbuds. Listening to audio openly for all patrons to hear is not appropriate.

Display Cases

Display Cases

Meeting Room

Meeting room facilities are available at the library. The primary purpose of the library community room is to provide facilities for library related activities. Organizations and groups are welcome, although the room is not to be used for commercial (business) or purely social purposes. The room should be used for meetings that are open to the public. When use of the room is needed, call 330-385-2048x103 to schedule a date and time for using the room. Advance requests are encouraged as the room is popular. No charges are made for use.

Check our event calendar for programs. It has library programming listed as well as community organization meetings taking place at the library.

Outreach Programs

Carnegie Public Library provides several outreach programs for the local community. Inquiries should be directed to the  Librarian responsible for the program.

Homebound

The library has a program for delivering materials to patrons in the city of East Liverpool who can not travel to the library.

There are no age requirements. This program is for children who may be sick for an extended time, parents who are confined to their homes or for any patrons who may have a disability or inability to be active outside their homes.

The materials are delivered once every two weeks, unless there is a holiday or special circumstance. We are happy to try to obtain books that we may not own through our interlibrary loan system

Nursing Home Loan

The library provides books for the nursing homes in the area. A number of books are provided on a rotating basis; however, if you have a relative with specific reading needs in one of the nursing homes, you can request extra books for them. For more information please contact Tom Marlatt, 330-385-2048x106, at the library.

Preschool Story Time

This story time allows children 3-6 years of age to interact with other children for 45 minutes of sharing books, songs, crafts once each week for 6 weeks.

Numbers are limited to 20 children.
Children attend these sessions alone. Parents are welcome to wait in the library.

Story Times: Wednesday 10:00 am.
Sessions begin April 3. Sign up starts March 25.

Upcoming programs will appear in our Events Calendar.

Summer Reading Club

2013's program theme is "Dig into Reading!" 

We are asking that you bring a non-perishable food item to any Wednesday program you attend. The Salvation Army is donating their space to us this summer and as a thank you, we would like to help them by donating food. The donation of food is not required to attend a program.

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
We are continuing our reading challenge for dedicated readers through the summer. We will be assigning a specific chapter book each week and having a “readers only” meeting to talk about what we liked or didn’t about the book selected. We will also allow time to share other books worth reading. Students only - and oh yeah, did I mention the snacks?

Thursday, June 20, 1 p.m.
Tunnels by Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams
This book can be picked up June 10. All other books will be passed out at the prior meeting.

Thursday, June 27, 1 p.m.
Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Ohio author Marlane Kennedy

Thursday, July 11, 1 p.m.
Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan

Thursday, July 18,  1 p.m.
To be determined by the readers.

OTHER HAPPENINGS

*COUPON GAME
Enter a drawing for a weekly prize by answering the question on the coupon.  Ask for Details in the Children's Room.

*Stuffed Animal Contest
Thursday, June 13, 11a.m.

Bring a stuffed animal to the library to try for a prize! Prizes will be awarded for the Coolest, Most Huggable, Most Colorful, Silliest, Scariest, Best Dressed, Most Loved, Most Cheerful, Biggest, and Smallest animals registered, as well as, the Judges Choice.
Registration will begin at 11 a.m., and will end for the judging to start at Noon. Prizes will be announced at 12:30 p.m. One entry per child. Animals can be picked up immediately after the publicity photos of the winners are taken.

Winners of the 2012 Stuffed Animal Contest.

*Toddler Time

For children birth to 36 months. Introduces toddlers and one care giver to the joys of language with one half hour of nursery rhymes, songs, and stories once weekly for six weeks.
Program Times: Monday 6 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.
Sessions begin June 3 & 4
Sign up begins May 28

*Pool Party
- at the Cartwright Pool/Thompson Park. Details will be announced later.
Date: To be announced
Time: 4-7 p.m.

Library Hours:
Monday AND Thursday 9a.m. - 7p.m.
Tuesday AND Wednesday 9a.m. - 5p.m.
Friday AND Saturday 9a.m. - 1p.m.

**We will again be asking for a $2 donation at the time of sign up. This money will be used entirely to defray the cost of the on going summer programming. Additional donations will be happily accepted. Arrangements will be made for those unable to afford the initial expense.

Tax Forms

We now have federal forms and booklets. We do not carry all forms but if we don't have the form you need you may be able to print it from the IRS website (10¢ per page). Individual assistance is available from the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

If you are in the library and wish to print or copy forms or publications, please remember that the cost is 10¢ per page. We are an official tax form distribution location in Columbiana County (at no cost to you); however, we do not carry all forms, and we occasionally run out of those we do. If you choose to print or copy forms or publications, you must pay for them.

We have some Ohio State tax forms available at the library.  Forms are also available at www.irs.gov [18] for Federal forms and Ohio forms are at http://www.tax.ohio.gov/ [19].

Toddler Time

This time for children birth to 36 months introduces toddlers and one caregiver to the joys of language with one half hour of nursery rhymes, songs and stories once each week for 6 weeks.

Children MUST be accompanied by a caregiver who will stay with them.

Program Times: Monday 6:00 pm, Tuesday 10:00 am.
Sessions begin April 1 and 2. Sign up starts March 25th.

Upcoming programming will appear in our Events Calendar.

Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi)

Carnegie Public Library offers free wireless access (Wi-Fi) in public areas.

Connecting to the Library's Wireless Network

• You must have a computer or other device equipped with an 802.11b-compatible wireless card.
• Using your computer's network utilities, look for the wireless network named "Library."
• The "Library" wireless network does not require a password to connect.

Limitations and Disclaimers Regarding Wireless Access

• The Library's wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within three hundred feet.
• Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network.