Donation Policies

Donations Policy
FCPL is grateful to accept and welcomes donations of books and media to the library. All items donated must be in good clean condition; otherwise they will not be accepted. Non-cash charitable contributions forms are available at the donor’s request.

The following is a list of what NOT accepted:

·         Textbooks

·         VHS tapes

·         Encyclopedias

·         Coloring or activity books

·         Books that are older than 3 years past publication date

A limit of one manageable size bag or box can be donated at a time. In accepting a gift of materials, the library reserves the privilege of deciding whether items donated should be added to collection. In some cases, library materials, though of value in itself, may be; (1) a duplicate of an item which the library already has a sufficient number; (2) outdated-interesting, but not of sufficient present reference or circulating value to the library; and (3) in poor condition- which would not justify the expense of processing it, i.e. cataloging and preparing it for circulation.

The library accepts gift materials with the understanding that items which are useful to the library collection will be retained, and other items are either sold in the book sale fundraisers by the Friends of the Library, or disposed of in whatever manner deemed appropriate.

The library retains unconditional ownership of donated materials. Materials may be added or discarded without consulting the donor. Since the library is actively used, and sustains losses through theft, mutilation and wear, no guarantee can be made that any gift will be a permanent part of the collection.

Thanks for remembering us and donating your well-loved books!

Library Patron Code of Conduct
Patron conduct must at all times be conducive to the comfort and safety of library users and staff and the protection of library property.  The following are examples of conduct not allowed on the library premises. These provisions are examples only. Any behavior that disrupts the orderly use or operation of the library is prohibited.  Patrons engaging in conduct adversely affecting the comfort and safety of Library users and staff and library property may be subject to Enforcement whether the conduct is included in these examples or not.  The term “Library premises” includes the facility and grounds controlled and operated by the Library.

1. Loud or disruptive conversation that inhibits the use of the Library by others is prohibited. Talking on cellular phones is discouraged.  Cell phones and pagers should be set to vibrate or turned off before entering the Library.
2. Audio equipment must be used with earphones that make the sound inaudible to others. If sound is heard despite the use of earphones, the user must reduce the volume or turn the equipment off.
3. Disorderly, disruptive or inappropriate conduct, use of abusive, obscene, or profane language, and sexual or lewd misconduct are prohibited on Library premises. Verbally or physically threatening or harassing Library users or staff (including following them around the building or prolonged staring) is prohibited. The free movement of persons into or out of the Library may not be impeded.
4. No Library property or materials may be stolen, destroyed, damaged or defaced. No material may be removed from the Library without being checked out appropriately. Library furniture, fixtures, equipment or decoration may not be moved from its proper place without permission. Behavior that may damage or alter the Library’s computer equipment, software or data is prohibited.
5. Clothing must adequately cover the body and may not display offensive images or language. Shirts and footwear (other than cleats) must be worn at all times in the Library.
6. Use of the restrooms for bathing, shampooing or doing laundry is prohibited.
7. Smoking in the Library or in the area immediately adjacent to any entrance or the use of smokeless tobacco in the Library is prohibited.
8. Consumption of alcoholic beverages on Library premises except for Library authorized events or functions are prohibited as is the use of illegal drugs on Library premises.
9. Distribution and posting of printed materials in the Library must be in accordance with Library policy. (Such materials must be submitted to Library Administration.) Panhandling, solicitations for charitable, religious or other purposes, and selling tickets or merchandise of any kind are prohibited in public areas of the Library, except for Library book sales and other fundraising events conducted by other Library organizations. Obtaining signatures on petitions and surveying Library users are restricted to the Library lobby and exterior of the building.
10. Animals are not permitted in the library. However, service animals assisting people with disabilities, animals used by law enforcement agencies, or animals used in Library programming are permitted in the library. Pursuant to section 413.08, F.S. Library staff are permitted to remove any animal, including services animals, that are out of control, not housebroken, or if the animal’s behavior poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others. Emotional support animals are not permitted in the Library.  Animals may not be left unattended outside the Library.
11. The recreational use of bicycles, rollerblades, skates, skateboards and wheeled footwear is prohibited on Library premises.
12. Briefcases, handbags, backpacks and other packages are subject to security inspection.
13. Damaging or stealing property of a Library user or staff member is prohibited.
14. Entering non-public areas of the Library is prohibited, except if accompanied by a Library staff member or with proper permission.
15. Possession of any weapon within the Library premises by anyone other than a law enforcement officer is prohibited, except for as permitted by state and federal law.
16. As provided by County Ordinance 2024-03 photography, videotaping, or any kind of recording in the Library is not permitted, unless prior approval has been given by the Library Executive Director or designated representative.
17. Remaining in the Library after closing, or when requested to leave during emergency situations or drills is prohibited.
18. Any activity within the Library premises that violates federal, state, local or other applicable law, ordinance or regulation is prohibited.
19. Children under the age of 10 must be supervised by a responsible caregiver while in the Library. Anyone unable to care for themselves or follow library rules may not be left unattended. Library staff are not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised minors or individuals unable to care for themselves.
20. Adults not accompanying children or using children’s materials may be asked to relocate from designated children’s or teen areas.

ENFORCEMENT

1. This Code of Conduct will be enforced in a fair and reasonable manner.  Anyone who observes violations of this policy may report them to a Franklin County Staff person, who will take the appropriate action.
2. Policy enforcement is the responsibility of the library staff on duty. Patrons may be asked to leave the library if they are in violation of the Code of Conduct. If necessary, library staff may contact law enforcement or emergency services for assistance.

3.      Violators of this Code of Conduct are subject to suspension or restriction of their Library privileges and/or eviction from all Library premises for a period from one day to one year.

1. Following review of the circumstances of the violation, the Library’s Director or designee will issue a written notice to the customer informing the customer of the duration of any suspension, restriction, and/or eviction that is imposed.  The determination relating to suspension, restriction, and/or eviction will depend on the nature of the offense, the extent of damage or disruption caused any history of prior infractions of the Library’s Code of Conduct and other relevant circumstances.
2. Persons committing criminal acts on Library premises, or using Library resources in violation of the law, including acts of theft or vandalism, will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Adopted by the Franklin County BOCC September 3rd, 2025.

Note: Policy is subject to change based on the official decision(s) made by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners, Emergency Management and the County Coordinator.