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The use by individuals or organizations of the Library’s facilities for displays and/or exhibits, other than those which pertain to the Library, is a privilege.
There will be designated areas for bulletin boards, displays and exhibits in each library and division. Announcements, posters, flyers and exhibits will be arranged in these areas only.
One of the important roles of the public library is to serve as a source of information for community programs, events and services. Each library will have a bulletin board for community announcements located in a designated central area.
The following guidelines will assure that announcements submitted for posting will be given fair consideration and ample time and that the bulletin board will be kept current and attractive.
The Library will post notices of educational, cultural and recreational events or services which are sponsored by non-profit organizations. It is not the purpose of the bulletin board to advertise commercial endeavors unless they are specifically related to the Library program. Announcements to be posted must be cleared and dated by a division head or a branch head.Posted materials shall be no larger that 8 ½” X 14” in size.The Library will distribute single copies of announcements to other library branches in the system.The Library will determine the length of time announcements will be displayed based on space available. Notices will be posted no longer than three weeks. Items will be marked with the date to be taken down.The Library will provide limited display space for multiple copies of announcements and brochures from non-profit organizations. Materials to be displayed must be cleared and dated by a division or branch head.Materials, flyers or posters which advocate the election or defeat of a candidate for public office, or which advocate an affirmative or negative vote for or against any proposition, whether political or otherwise, will NOT be posted.The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, possible damage, theft, or return of any item displayed on the bulletin board.
The Library welcomes non-commercial displays of collections of art and other materials of general interest to the community. However, the Library does not advertise commercial endeavors unless specifically related to the goals of the Library.
Displays or exhibits should incorporate books or materials from the Library collection which relate to the objects in the display whenever possible. Local artists and craftsmen are encouraged to exhibit their works. Exhibits must be scheduled in advance with the Head of Circulation at the Main Library, or with the Branch Head of the library which will be hosting the display. Each exhibitor is requested to provide a 9”x12” poster identifying the exhibit and the exhibitor: example, Louisiana Swamp Scenes, by John Smith. Biographical information and the list of works with prices will be available at the Library Information Desk, if provided by the artist. Staff members may not handle the sale of materials.
All works are subject to review by the Director. No artisan, organization or individual shall be permitted to place in the Library any box, receptacle, or canister which solicits donations.
The Library does not assume responsibility, protection, or damage of any item displayed or exhibited. All items are placed in the Library at the exhibit owner’s risk. Exhibitors are encouraged to make their own arrangements for insurance protection if they feel that it is needed for the items they display.
This policy replaces and supersedes the policy issued on August 1, 1993.
Revised June 26, 2007.
Patron’s Statement of Concern about Library Resources
The Library may proctor exams for residents of East Baton Rouge Parish who are registered library cardholders in good standing, subject to availability of authorized staff and facility space.
The Library does not charge fees for this service but greatly appreciates donations in support of the Library’s collections and services.
The Library reserves the right to cancel a reservation for an exam if the staff or the facility is needed for library purposes. If an individual’s reservation is canceled, they will be notified at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting, if at all possible.
A minimum of one week’s advance notice is required before any test will be proctored. All test-taking requirements, including technical requirements, must be received from the issuing educational institution before any tests are taken.
Because of the technical difficulties involved in administering online tests, the Library will not proctor such exams at this time. The Reference and Information Services Division maintains a list of possible proctoring sites for patrons.
Revised on May 27, 2010.
Any use of an Internet workstation and/or the wireless network in the East Baton Rouge Parish Library constitutes acceptance of the Internet Access Policy. Patrons reaffirm this agreement each time they access the Internet in the library.
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the cultural, information, recreational and educational needs of the diverse Baton Rouge community. It is within this context that the East Baton Rouge Parish Library offers access to the Internet and its multitude of resources.
Access to the Internet aligns with:
American Library Association Library Bill of RightsAmerican Library Association Freedom to Read StatementAmerican Library Association Freedom to View StatementsMission Statement of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library.
The Internet provides access to a tremendous amount of important and authoritative information. However, Internet resources are not subject to the same selection criteria that the Library uses for other materials. Therefore, users must be aware that some sources on the Internet provide inappropriate, inaccurate, incomplete and out-of-date information. The user must be a prudent information consumer, questioning the source and the validity of the information they find.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is responsible only for data on those pages pertaining specifically to the Library. The Library is not responsible for the availability or content of any external sites linked to these pages, as access points change rapidly and unpredictably. The accuracy and currency of information from all other Internet sites is the complete responsibility of the originating agency.
Users are hereby notified that they are responsible for the access points they reach and for the information they receive. As such, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its connection to the Internet.
Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet. In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), ALL library internet access is filtered, and children’s computers cannot access:
Email, chat rooms or other forms of direct communicationEcommerce sitesChildren under twelve may use the adult computers if accompanied by a parent or guardian. PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO SUPERVISE THEIR CHILDREN’S INTERNET SESSIONS.
East Baton Rouge Parish Library recognizes that the freedom to access information is a fundamental right. However, the opportunity to use library equipment to access the Internet either on a workstation or via the wireless network is a privilege and includes an obligation to act responsibly within the context of broader community needs. As such users must follow all library rules as defined in the Rules of Behavior for Patrons Policy.
In order to access the Internet at the library, the following conditions must also be met:
Respect intellectual property rights and restrictions as provided by copyright law and license agreements for programs and data.Will not engage in illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes or in support of such activities while accessing the library’s Internet. The Library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access to online services. Illegal acts, including hacking may subject violators to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.May not attach other peripherals (CD-Rom drives, printers, scanners, etc.) to the Library’s public computers or library connections and may not install their own software.Files cannot be saved to any library computer’s hard drive. However, users may save files to a USB compatible storage device.Patron USB drives may not be plugged into any staff computer or laptop.Respect the privacy of other users.
Adults, aged 17 and older, can request that any Library staff temporarily disable the filter on a public computer. This will allow unfiltered access for that specific computer session. Users can request any staff member un-filter a specific website permanently; these requests will be directed to our Computer Services department via the Library’s Request for Website Un-filtering form located on the Library’s website.
There are public access computers available for use by patrons at each of the East Baton Rouge Parish libraries. The following guidelines have been developed to provide the many patrons of the library easy and equitable access to the library computers which are available for their use.
Internet access computers and terminals are available to reserve in person on a first-come, first-served basis; the reservation system does not take reservations for specific computers.If a specific computer is not in use, the patron can use that computer by entering his library card number on the initial screen. If all computers are in use, patrons can use PC Reservation to reserve the next available computer.Computers are available for a period of up to 1 hour. If no other patrons are in the queue to use the next available computer, PC Reservation will give users the option to extend their time.All Internet work sessions, including printing, must be finished 15 minutes before closing time. PC Reservation will automatically log out all computers at this time.Users must report problems with the hardware, software or printers to library staff.No more than two persons at a time will be allowed at one computer.Patrons engaging in behavior or activities prohibited by the Internet Access or Rules of Behavior for Patrons policies will have their computer session terminated; and patrons may lose computer privileges.When a computer session is complete, PC Reservation will reboot the computer, removing ALL data and files from the session.Patrons who are residents of East Baton Rouge Parish may print pages of up to a value of $2.00 free of charge. Additional pages will cost 10 cents each for B&W 50 cents for color. All other patrons will be charged 10 cents per B&W and 50 cents for color printed page.Library staff will assist patrons in accessing and using the Internet. Although the staff cannot provide in-depth training, they will answer questions and as time allows help users locate and use resources on the Internet.
The Library’s wireless network is not secure, meaning there are no firewall protections or screening process. Information sent to and from your laptop computer or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.
No guarantee can be made that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
The library does not routinely monitor public computers, but the Library reserves the right to do so when a violation of this policy or illegal activity is suspected, or as a part of our network security procedures. Staff is authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of computers and the network and to enforce the policy as outlined herein. This includes confiscating any removable media, requiring a user to leave a computer or the premises, and contacting law enforcement authorities.
This policy statement replaces and supersedes the Internet Access policy issued on January 5, 2006 & September 20, 2007.
This policy statement replaces and supersedes the Patron Use of Computers policy issued on February 22,2012, August 14, 2006, June 27, 2007, December 19, 2008 and September 9, 2009.
Revised on June 20,2019.
After the Library is closed and the lights have been turned out, patrons may not park in any of the Library parking lots at night. Library parking lots may not be used after dark at night for outdoor meetings of groups and get-togethers. All library patrons may come into the Library during the time it is open.
Created March 18, 2004.
Registration for an East Baton Rouge Parish Library card is free. The following requirements must be met:
Adults are eligible for an adult library card.
Adults are responsible for all materials checked out on their card and the fines, damages and losses that result while the materials are checked out to them.Residents of East Baton Rouge Parish must show an official picture I.D. and proof of address.Residents of other parishes, who own property in East Baton Rouge Parish, must show an official picture I.D., proof of address, and proof of property ownership in this parish.Residents of reciprocating, neighboring parishes must show an official picture I.D., proof of address, and a form signed by the librarian in their home parish showing that they are in good standing with that library.
Children up to age 11 are eligible for a Child’s Card.Children are not held responsible for overdue library materials. The parent or guardian will be held responsible for the full cost of lost or damaged materials. Library materials more than 60 days overdue will be considered lost. A Child’s Card may be used to checkout materials from the Children’s Collection.Children may receive a library card when the parent determines the child is ready. There is no minimum age requirement.Children may register using the parent’s I.D. with the same requirements as an adult card. The parent must sign with or for the child.
Children age 12-14 are eligible for a Tween Card.A parent or guardian must accept responsibility for overdue fines and lost/damaged materials. Tween Cards may be used to check out materials from the Teen and Children’s Collections.At age 12 or in the sixth grade a child who has never had a card or who has a child card with no charges on it, may register for a Tween Card.Children may register using the parent’s I.D. with the same requirements as an adult card. The parent must sign with the child.
Teens age 15 – 18 are eligible for a Teen Card.Parents of Teens will be held responsible for over due fines and lost/damaged materials. A Teen card can be used to check out materials from the entire library collection.At age 15, a teen who has never had a library card, or a teen who has a Child or Tween card with no fines or charges may get a Teen Card.A teen must show picture I.D. and proof of East Baton Rouge Parish address or have a parent use his identification.A teen who lives out of parish must have a form signed by the librarian in his parish of residence showing he is in good standing.As a courtesy the library provides “computer use only” cards for in-parish and out-of-parish users. In all other instances consult the Circulation librarian.
This policy replaces and supersedes the Children’s Library Card Policy of November 29, 1994 and June 29, 2007.
Revised on December 29, 2008
The Library collects personal information about patrons who register for a library card or program or visit our website, www.ebrpl.com. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library (EBRPL) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patrons and staff, in compliance with federal and state laws, and professional library standards. This confidentiality extends to information sought or received, materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired, and includes database search records, circulation records, interlibrary loan records, and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities or services. Library data is considered an organizational asset and may be accessed and used only by authorized library staff and third-party partners.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library collects two kinds of user information – Anonymous Information and Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
Anonymous Information is information that does not identify specific individuals and is automatically transmitted by an internet browser. This information can consist of:
URL (Uniform Resource Locator or address) of the web page the user previously visitedDomain names and/or IP addressesBrowser version, internet service provider, and mobile device type users are utilizing to access the siteGeographic location from which a user is accessing our siteTime and date of user visit to the websiteThis information is used to learn how individual electronic services and Web pages are used in order to improve website content, better manage network traffic and troubleshoot server problems.
Personally Identifiable Information is information that is voluntarily provided by library patrons, such as their names, email addresses, postal addresses or telephone numbers in order to receive library services, such as registering for library cards, ordering materials, receiving personal responses to questions or being added to specific mailing lists. The Library does not sell or rent this information. In many cases, personally identifiable information is used only on a transitory transactional basis, and the information is not retained beyond the duration of the transaction.
Members of the public may be mentioned by name on the website, for example, in public meeting agendas and minutes, library event descriptions or photos, as bidders on public projects or as contributors to Web page content.
Library data regarding customers’ past use of the Library and its services may be used through third-party partners to enhance the customer’s library experience. The Library has used and may continue to use third party tools and services, such as Google Analytics, Adwords, and Facebook Ads, to help deliver targeted information and services. These tools provide reports which aggregate data, such as the number of clicks on advertisements. The aggregate data reports are available only to authorized library staff and authorized partners who need this information to perform their duties and develop or maintain services.
The Library does not track website visitor activity on the internet outside of www.ebrpl.com, but partners we work with may use information automatically collected by www.ebrpl.com and combine it with data they collect elsewhere for the Library’s targeted advertising purposes. For example, mobile device type from our Google Analytics may be used by a Third-party partner when they’re developing our Google Adwords campaign. Third-party partners may gather information about patron visits to sites outside of www.ebrpl.com. In cases where patrons leave the Library’s website to visit one of its partners’ websites, they are encouraged to learn about the privacy policies of the websites they visit.
Third-Party Policies:
LocalHopEBSCO (EDS)GovolutionLibrary ElfPrinterOn
If you do not want to be contacted by us in the future with any communications other than circulation notices or reservation alerts, let us know in writing by mail or email:Systems LibrarianEast Baton Rouge Parish Library7711 Goodwood BlvdBaton Rouge, LA 70806e-mail at: websupport@www.ebrpl.com
Patrons are entitled to view the information maintained in their library accounts. Basic account information is accessible through the online catalog, and more detailed account information can be obtained by contacting the Library.
For more information, please visit or call your local EBRPL branch location and inquire with the Circulation Department. Questions may also be emailed to circulation@www.ebrpl.com.
The EBRPL is committed to data security and the data quality of Personally Identifiable Information that is either available from or collected by our website/ILS (Integrated Library System) and has taken reasonable precautions to protect such information from unauthorized access to information it maintains. The Library operates “secure data networks” protected by industry standard firewalls and password protection systems. These measures are intended to prevent corruption of data, block unknown or unauthorized access to our systems and information, and to provide reasonable protection of private information in our possession.
The Library does not retain information longer than is necessary to complete related transactions or services. Computer session information is limited to computer IP address, library card number, location, time, and length of the session. No other information about the session is retained. All work and related information entered by a patron is deleted after the computer session is terminated.
Documents printed on library copiers are kept for a maximum of 20 minutes after being printed and used only in the event that a customer’s document does not print properly. If the document prints properly, users can request that their document be removed from the print queue sooner. Any unprinted documents remaining in the queue system at the end of the day are automatically deleted. Privacy of credit card information is covered in the Card Holder Data Policy.
The confidentiality of a patron’s library use is taken very seriously by public libraries. As a result of the USA Patriot Act, public libraries strive to protect the privacy of patrons that they are afforded by law, while responding to legitimate national security concerns. Personally identifiable information may be released only to a law enforcement agency after presentation of a court issued subpoena or search warrant and/or under the provisions of the USA Patriot Act. Librarians may be forbidden from disclosing that certain records have been requested or obtained by law enforcement officials as stipulated by the USA Patriot Act.
The American Library Association USA Patriot Act and libraries.Resources to opt out of some general data collection via Ad Choices, Do Not Track, Network Advertising Alliance, Google Ad Settings, and the Facebook Ad Preferences Panel.LSA-R.S.44 Public Records Laws
Approved on August 15, 2019.
The presentation of programs for the public is an important aspect of the Library goal of providing information and enrichment to the patrons of the Library. Programs are planned for people of all ages – from preschool storytimes, special activities for school age children and young adults, to enriching programs for adults and the elderly. The Library provides a diverse range of programs, including lectures on literary and historic topics, hands-on workshops on crafts and cooking, and presentations on special interests and needs of members of the community.
The Library’s programs and workshops serve several functions. The Library benefits greatly from these activities. People attending these programs broaden their interests, learn new skills, interact with other people, enjoy entertainment, discover new areas of interest, and find that the Library is filled with information on a tremendous range of subjects – in the form of books, magazines, videos, CD’s and recorded books. The programs open doors for a tremendous diversity of people; the Library, its staff and its collections support their interests and provide them with unending opportunities for new interests, knowledge, and skills.
All library locations include meeting rooms. The purpose of the rooms is to provide space for library programs. When the rooms are not being used for library programming, they are made available to community-based, non-profit organizations for meetings of the groups.
Library staff members at all levels and in all locations devote many hours to developing programs and to making the public aware of library activities.
Listed below are some of the criteria staff members should consider when planning programs for any age group.
The subject of the program should reflect an interest of people in the community.The level of the presentation should be suitable to the anticipated audience.There should be a wide diversity of programs at each library and throughout the Library system.Guest speakers must be carefully selected by Library staff for their knowledge of the subject and their ability to convey information to those in attendance.
Occasionally we have persons who are involved with commercial organizations, particular schools, or institutions, and persons who represent a special interest, who seek to present information to the public at the Library about their organization, its services, or the issues with which it deals. Although this information may be of value or interest, the underlying purpose of these programs is to gain community recognition of their institution and its services, or for the person himself.
Those who sometimes want to make presentations at the Library include attorneys, members of religious organizations, agents of health care groups, investment brokers, realtors, individuals selling cosmetics, and insurance representatives.
The Library does not allow a representative of such an organization or an individual to arrange such activities or to use the Library or its meeting rooms to present such information to the public.
For further details on the use of the Library meeting rooms, see the Library’s Meeting Room Policy.
Each Library should plan programs to meet the needs of the patrons of that Library.
Any activities or programs presented at the Library must be planned by the Library. Those presenting programs must be invited to participate by the Library. The Library staff member should include a number of persons representing various aspects or points of view on the topic, such as a professionals or specialists who provide services in this area, and community members who have been involved with the issue.
Any staff member who wishes to present a program must submit a description of the program that is being suggested to the Branch Librarian. If the Branch Librarian feels that the program meets the Library guidelines and is appropriate for the community served, the Branch Head should submit the information about the program to the Head of Adult Services, Teen/Young Adult Services, Children’s Services, or Reference Services. This information should be submitted to the appropriate Division Head on the Program Planning Approval Form.
If approved by the Division Head, the Branch Librarian should proceed with plans for the program.
This policy was revised on June 26, 2007.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is a public agency supported by the taxes of the citizens of the parish, and they have the right to expect an atmosphere conducive to study, reading, and the legitimate use of library materials and services. To foster such an environment, visitors must act in a considerate and appropriate manner.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is a community service organization that provides access and connects people to information, resources, materials, technology, and experiences to make a positive difference in their lives.
All are welcome at the library. Library visitors are required to follow all library policies and conduct themselves in a considerate and appropriate manner. Parents, guardians, or designated caregivers are responsible for their child’s personal safety and behavior at all times.
The Code of Conduct applies on ALL library property and everywhere the library provides in-person, telephone, or virtual service. Library employees will enforce the Code of Conduct in a consistent and impartial manner. Those who do not comply may be asked to leave the library premises. Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in the suspension of library privileges. Suspension lengths will vary depending on frequency and severity of violations. Violations of local, state, or federal laws or ordinances will be reported to law enforcement.
Library visitors are expected to:
Respect other library visitors and library staffRespect library property, equipment, and materialsObey the lawFollow directions from library staffBehaviors and activities including, but not limited to, the following examples are prohibited by the Code of Conduct.
Disrespectful, Unsafe or Disruptive Behavior (including but not limited to)
Activities or behaviors that may result in injury or harm to self or othersPhysical or verbal harassment of library staff or visitors including inappropriate personal comments, staring, or sexual advancesLanguage or gestures that are abusive, profane, threatening, or vulgarInsufficient supervision of childrenPossession of guns, knives, weapons, or items which could be used as weaponsUse of fire, open flames, or heat-producing devicesBringing animals into the library, except for service or assistance animals or as part of a special programInterfering with or blocking the free passage of othersWearing insufficient clothing for a public space – all library visitors must wear shoes and shirtsBodily hygiene or scent so strong as to constitute a nuisance to othersExcessive noise, including from an electronic device playing audio without earphonesInappropriate Use of Library Privileges or Property (including but not limited to)
Activities or behavior that may result in damage to library property or property of othersEntering non-public areas in the library without authorizationUsing library spaces, furniture, or materials in any manner other than intendedBringing shopping carts, skateboards, skates, scooters, bicycles, etc. into library facilitiesSoliciting, petitioning, canvassing, or distributing written materials without prior approval from designated library staffConsuming food or beverages outside of designated areas or around library computers or equipmentUse of tobacco products or electronic smoking devices in library facilities or within 25 feet of a library entrance, or within Independence Park, which includes the Plaza and parking lot of the Main Library at GoodwoodPersonal hygiene activities such as bathing, shaving, or washing clothesLeaving personal property unattended. The library is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen itemsUse of parking lot, or leaving a vehicle in the parking lot, before or after hours of operation. Abandoned vehicles will be towed after three unsuccessful attempts to contact the ownerIllegal Activity (including but not limited to)
Verbal, physical, or sexual harassment of library visitors or employees, including intimidation, threats, or stalkingAny act of sexual misconduct, including indecent exposure, voyeurism, or sexual contactViewing or printing child pornographyDisplaying or distributing obscene materialEngaging in physical altercations including assault and fightingPossession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs. Persons appearing to be intoxicated or on drugs will be asked to leaveTheft or vandalismNoncompliance with Library Employees (including but not limited to)
Ignoring requests or disobeying the reasonable directives of library employeesFailing to exit at closing or during an evacuationThe East Baton Rouge Parish Library Rules of Patron Behavior Policy was adopted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board of Control November 3, 1998.
Revised December 29, 2008.
Revised September 9, 2009.
Revised August 20, 2015.
Revised June 16, 2016.
Revised on February 20, 2017.
Revised on November 17, 2022.
Revised on May 18, 2023.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library welcomes the use of its facilities and services by children of all ages. Many services and programs are offered to make the Library enticing to children, to encourage them to visit the Library and to develop a love of books, reading and libraries.
Young children are not safe when left unattended in the Library. The staff cannot know if the children are leaving the building with parents or strangers.
The safety and welfare of young children left alone in the Library is a serious concern of the Library Board of Control and the administration. Young children who are left without supervision may become bored, tired, hungry or frightened. They may become disruptive to the many people who use the Library as a place conducive to study and reading.
For the protection and well-being of children who enjoy our libraries and to prevent undue disruption of normal library activities, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board of Control has adopted the following rules. Library supervisors and staff have been authorized to enforce these regulations, effective immediately.
Children age eight and younger may not be left unattended in a branch or division of the Library. A responsible person – an adult or mature adolescent at least 12 years old – must accompany them. Responsible parties not attending a Library program with children eight and younger must remain in the Library.Parents, guardians and assigned chaperones/childcare providers are responsible for their children’s behavior while in the Library; and must remain within physical reach of the child at all times.Children age nine and older may use the Library unattended, but must abide by all policies and procedures adopted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library concerning behavior, conduct and demeanor.Staff members are not allowed to assume responsibility for any child in the absence of an adult, even for a very short time.This policy statement replaces and supercedes “Policy on Unattended Children” dated October 29, 2003.
Revised on August 10, 2006.
In accordance with its charter the Library Governing Board of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library has adopted on this 20th day of December, 2012 the following policy for the purpose of:
Compliance with the statutory mandates set forth in La. R.S. 14:91.2Protecting children from contact with persons who have been convicted of sex offenses where the victim was under 13 years of ageRegulation:
Effective January 1, 2013, persons who have been convicted of sex offenses where the victim was under the age of 13 (referred to as “sex offenders” for purposes of this policy/regulation) are restricted in their access to public library property, as follows:Due to the building configuration of the following specific three libraries, Sex Offenders are not allowed to use the Delmont Gardens Branch, Pride-Chaneyville Branch, or the River Center Branch. Sex offenders are allowed to use the Main Library, Baker Branch, Bluebonnet Regional Branch, Carver Branch, Central Branch, Eden Park Branch, Fairwood Branch, Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch, Jones Creek Regional Branch, Scotlandville Branch, and Zachary Branch Libraries of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. At these libraries, their access is restricted as follows:Children’s Areas – No sex offender shall be physically present in any area of the library designated as a “children’s area” or “young readers’ area.”Peak Children’s Hours – No sex offender shall be physically present on public library property during peak hours of children’s use of the library.During the school year, peak hours are defined as 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, except on early dismissal days in which peak hours are defined as 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.During the summer, peak hours are defined as 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.Peak hours of children’s use also include hours during which children’s programs are scheduled. A schedule will be posted on-line and at the entrance of the library facility.Loitering within 1,000 feet – No sex offender shall loiter within 1,000 feet of public library property.Employment – No sex offender shall apply for, work for, or otherwise provide services to a library branch as an employee, contractor, sub-contractor, or volunteerLibraries On/Within School Property – According to R.S. 14:91.2C, sex offenders are not allowed on or within 1,000 feet of school property without the permission of school authorities. Of the libraries which sex offenders are allowed to enter, the following libraries are on or within 1,000 feet of school property:
Carver Library720 Terrace StreenBaton Rouge, LA 70802
Eden Park Library5131 Greenwell Springs RoadBaton Rouge, LA 70806
Sex offenders will only be allowed access to these libraries if they first obtain permission to be on school property. If they obtain this permission, the same restrictions as in section A of the policy apply.
Alternative channels of access to public library resources include:Access to the other branches as outlined above, andAllowing a surrogate to check out library materials from these branches on the sex offender’s library card.Electronic access to library resources via the Library’s website, www.ebrpl.comExceptions to these restrictions are:Police station/courthouse/polling station – There shall be no violation of this regulation if the sex offender is reporting to a police station, courthouse, or polling station that is within the restricted area.With special permission – There shall be no violation of this regulation if the sex offender has requested and has been granted written permission to be physically present on public library property from the library branch director or his designee, and the sex offender complies with any special restrictions contained within the permission.The Library Director shall be responsible for developing and implementing administrative and management procedures in furtherance of the policies stated herein. Recommended procedures include, but are not limited to, the following:Background checks – Implement procedures to provide that library employees, contractors, sub-contractors, and volunteers who will interact with children or will be required to work in the restricted areas may be subject to criminal background checks.Configuration – To the extent possible, each library branch shall be arranged in a manner to ensure that areas devoted to children and young readers may be easily supervised by library staff, and such areas are segregated from other library resources and facilities.Notice – Implement procedures to ensure adequate public notice of each library branch’s times and dates of peak children’s hours and children’s programming. Adequate notice may include posting such information in a prominent location near the library’s entrance and on the library’s website.Surrogate – Implement procedures to allow sex offenders to authorize a surrogate to check out library materials using the sex offender’s library card.Enforcement – Implement procedures to update policies, where necessary, and enforce policies regarding unattended children.The Library Director and members of the public are invited to make recommendations to the Library Board to improve this regulation or suggest legislative changes that will allow public libraries to more effectively achieve the public purposes set forth herein. Those recommendations, along with any supporting documentation, should be submitted annually to the Library Board by or before September 1, Attention: Spencer Watts, Library Director.Authority NoteAct 693 of the 2012 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature amended and re-enacted R.S. 14.91.2. The effective date of the Act is January 1, 2013
