About The Library

A. APPLICATION FOR A LIBRARY CARD

1. The Camarillo Public Library participates in universal borrowing which, according to the California Library Services Act, means “the extension by a public library of its direct loan privileges to the eligible borrowers of all other public libraries.” The library will issue a free card to any applicant if the person has acceptable identification as provided in this policy.
2. Patrons who do not wish to apply for a library card, but who wish to gain computer access, can apply for a user account that allows them to access the library’s public computers.

B. IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR A LIBRARY CARD

The following identification must be presented to obtain a library card:

1. Youth (defined as a person under the age of 18)

a. The address, current photo identification, and signature of the parent or guardian on the application constitute identification. Signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for applicants under the age of 18.

2. Adult (defined as a person aged 18 or older)

a. Current photo identification and proof of current address must be presented before obtaining a library card. Examples of acceptable photo identification include Valid California Driver’s License, California identification card, or other picture identification with current address (hand-written address on back is not acceptable) Passport, Military identification.

b. All Camarillo Public Library cards must be renewed every three (3) years to ensure that patron contact information is up-to-date. Patrons will be prompted to renew by a blocking note that presents itself in any library transaction, such as attempting to borrow materials or placing a hold on an item.

c. Patron identification will be verified by library staff.

C. LIBRARY CARD USE

Once the registration information has been completed, the card is handed to the new borrower to sign. If a child is unable to sign, the parent or guardian may sign for them.

The cards are non-transferable, and it is the patron’s responsibility to monitor the use of his or her own card.

Library patrons must present their library card or current identification to borrow materials or use a public computer. Library card holders are subject to all standard fees incurred including late fees and lost or damaged materials fees.

D. REPLACEMENT CARD

If a card is reported lost or stolen, or it is damaged, a fee of $1.00 is charged for its replacement. An adult can receive a replacement card by presenting a current photo identification. A youth replacement library card will only be issued if the youth is accompanied by a parent or guardian who presents a current photo identification.

E. CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY PATRON RECORDS

California law (including Government Code section 6267) protects the confidentiality of patron records. Because the law does not allow information about one patron to be shared with any other person, even a parent, guardian or spouse, without the written permission of the cardholder, library card applicants will be given the opportunity to give other persons written permission to access their records. Library staff will not provide any information to any party about library patron records unless as specifically allowed by state law.

A. LIBRARY CARDS

To borrow materials, each library patron must have a library account in good standing and present a valid library card or current identification.

B. LOAN PERIODS AND NUMBER OF RENEWALS ALLOWED

1. Books, sound recordings, and magazines check out for 21 days and can be renewed one time. provided no other patron has placed a hold on the item.

2. Up to 10 DVDs per library card can be checked out for seven (7) days and can be renewed one time, provided no other patron has placed a hold on the item.

3. A maximum of 30 total items at a time can be checked out to an account.

4. Electronic materials have varying loan periods based on the digital platform setting of the lending application.

5. Some new materials may have a shorter loan period of 14 days and may not be renewed. Some reference materials may circulate for seven (7) days at the discretion of the Librarian.

6. Renewals may not be available on certain designated items. Staff will alert the patron about any limitations of an item’s ability to be renewed.

C. HOLDS

For convenience, patrons may request that an item be held for future checkout. There is no cost to place a hold on an item. When the item becomes available, the patron will be notified by phone, text message or email. The item will be held for up to seven (7) days. A maximum of ten (10) holds may be active at any given time.

Holds may not be placed on certain items, at the discretion of the Library Director.

D. AUTO-RENEWAL

Borrowed items will be renewed automatically three days before the due date, with some exceptions:

1. Another user has requested it.

2. The item has already been renewed once.

3. The user’s account is blocked due to long overdue items or fees of $5.00 or more.

4. The item is an electronic resource, such as an ebook or eaudiobook.

E. INTERLIBRARY LOAN

If an item is not available to borrow from the library catalog, the item can be requested via Interlibrary Loan from another library system. The request is subject to the availability, policy, and discretion of the loaning system. If held, the item’s loan period may vary and may not be renewable.

F. FINES

Cardholders assume full responsibility for the return of materials, in good condition, on or before the due date noted on the receipt provided at check-out. No fines are charged for materials lost in natural disasters (fire, flood, death of patron) with an accompanying insurance, police or fire report. If a patron does not have proof that materials were lost in a natural disaster, the Library Director or designee will decide whether to assess or waive fines.

G. RECOVERING OVERDUE MATERIALS AND COLLECTING FINES

The library will send up to three courtesy overdue notices to a patron, via email or text message, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days after an item is due. A patron’s account is blocked from checking out materials if the item is not returned 28 days after an item is due. At 42 days after the item is due, the item is considered lost and a bill is sent to the patron requesting that the item be returned.

If the long overdue item is not returned upon receiving the above notices, patrons must pay the full replacement cost of the item, plus a processing fee of $10. The full replacement cost of the item is based on the price at the time of purchase as recorded in the integrated library system.

The library uses a collection agency to recover long overdue, lost, and damaged materials once the total amount owed on the account reaches $50.

The Camarillo Public Library endeavors to provide collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the diverse communities it serves. Within this context, the Camarillo Public Library offers public Internet access.

A. INTERNET USE

The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Users should note that not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete or current information.

All Internet access stations and the library’s wireless network are filtered to prevent access to materials deemed by law to be harmful to a minor in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Access for all patrons under age 18 will be filtered. Filtering software may not block all materials users find offensive. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for any and all Internet use by minors. Patrons who are 18 years of age and over may request unfiltered access in only the Adults area, which will be promptly granted by library staff.

All Internet use is subject to Library Code of Conduct Policy which states: “Behavior that is disruptive to others, including staff, is prohibited.” Patrons who believe that their use of the library is inhibited (as described above) should contact library staff at once.

Patrons are expected to adhere to all rules governing the use of the Internet in libraries, including the duration and frequency of sessions. Patrons who violate library policy regarding the use of the Internet, or who behave in a disruptive manner, will be asked to modify their use appropriately or discontinue such usage.

B. WIRELESS NETWORK

The Camarillo Public Library is a wireless zone. Patrons wishing to use the wireless network should inquire with library staff for instructions on how to access the network. Patrons using power cords that could cause a tripping hazard may be asked to relocate in order to remove such risk. The wireless network is filtered to comply with CIPA standards.

C. PRIVACY

The library does not record, save or archive files from an individual patron’s Internet or computer use. Public computers are reset, and data erased at the conclusion of each patron’s session. The library is not responsible for loss or corruption of data, including theft of personal information or damage to personal electronic devices.

As is the case with any electronic media system provided by the City, library patrons should not have an expectation of privacy when using any form of electronic media.

The Camarillo Public Library is open to the general public. The policy ensures that everyone has the right to use library services and resources provided his or her behavior does not unreasonably interfere with the rights of others to do the same.

A. Library Behavior

1. Behavior that is disruptive to others, including staff, is prohibited.

2. Library patrons must be considerate of others in the library and treat other patrons and staff with courtesy and respect, honor other patrons’ privacy, and keep all conversations at a minimum volume. Using harassing or insulting language or behavior will not be tolerated.

3. Personal items must be attended to at all times. Unattended personal items inside or outside library property will be removed and taken to the Lost and Found bin.

4. Per City Council Policy 11.13, Use of Camarillo Library Ancillary Facilities, it is prohibited to use library facilities for campaign purposes or soliciting contributions for political parties, individuals, or groups.

5. Any action recognized as destructive, illegal or dangerous, including carrying weapons is prohibited in the library.

6. All devices, including cell phones must be set to mute or vibrate in the library. All phone calls and voice chat functions are prohibited in the library and must be taken outside or used in areas designated by library staff.

7. Food and beverages (excluding water in a no-spill bottle) may only be consumed in designated areas.

8. If a person creates or emanates a detectable odor that disturbs other library patrons or staff, they will be asked to leave until the situation is corrected.

9. Bicycles, skates, shoes with wheels, skateboards, collapsible scooters and similar means of conveyance may not be used inside the library. Bicycles and scooters must be stored outside at the bicycle rack. Other items listed must be kept with the patron.

10. Smoking or use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, and vaping, are prohibited on the entire property of the Camarillo Public Library, including the courtyard, parking lot, back lawn, and walkways per City of Camarillo Municipal Code 10.44.020.

11. The consumption of alcohol is prohibited on the premises except for special events that have obtained appropriate City approvals.

12. Shopping carts are not allowed in the library designated patio areas or the courtyard area in front of the library.

13. Shirts/tops, pants/shorts/skirts and shoes must be worn in the library at all times.

14. Sleeping or loitering in the library is prohibited.

15. Only service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are allowed in the library. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs or other types of animals used for emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals. No other animals are allowed in the library except with consent of the Library Director for programmed events. The ADA requires that service animals be under the control of the handler at all times.

16. Library restrooms may not be used for bathing, shaving, washing hair or clothes.

17. Furniture without casters cannot be moved. Movable furniture must be returned to its original location. Sitting and lying on the floor is prohibited, except in designated areas or allowed by library staff.

18. Fraudulent use of another patron’s library card and/or number for any purpose, including reserving or using library computers is prohibited.

19. Filming and photography in the library should be for personal use only and kept to a minimum to help protect patron privacy. For questions about filming in the library or to schedule a time to film when the library is not in use please contact [email protected].

20. The Children’s and Young Adult areas of the library are designed to meet the needs of young library users. The Children’s and Young Adult areas are available for use by children, teens, and their accompanying adults, and to children’s and young adults’ educators. Adults are prohibited from using spaces designated for youth unless they are accessing collections, accompanied by a minor, request permission from staff, or are seeking reasonable accommodation. Adults in violation of this policy and those not granted permission will be asked to relocate to another section of the library.

B. RULES FOR SUPERVISION OF MINORS

1. Parents, caregivers and teachers are responsible for the behavior of children under their supervision. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible caregiver 12 years old or older. A responsible adult must directly accompany preschool children at all times. Library staff cannot assume responsibility for children at any time. If an unattended child is in the library at closing time, police will be notified and asked to pick up the child. Library staff are not permitted to offer the child transportation home.

C. VIOLATIONS

1. It is unlawful for any person to fail to obey a directive from library personnel to cease and desist from the violation of any regulation, statute, or ordinance applicable to the use of the library. Authorized library staff members shall follow the procedures set out below to enforce the library’s Code of Conduct Policy in a fair and reasonable manner. Authorized staff members, including administrators, security personnel, managers, supervisors, or staff members designated by a supervisor to intervene with patrons in order to ensure compliance with the library’s Code of Conduct Policy.

2. Library staff responding to possible violations may request that patrons identify themselves by presenting a library card or other forms of identification such as a Driver’s License or school identification. A patron who does not comply with the Code of Conduct Policy will ordinarily receive an initial verbal warning from library staff, unless the patron’s misconduct involves actual or potential harm to another patron, staff or library property. Staff will inform the patron involved of the relevant conduct policy and rule(s) and warn the patron that continued violation will result in a loss of library use privileges. If the misconduct continues, or if library staff consider the misconduct sufficiently disruptive, the patron may be asked to leave the library for the remainder of that day.

3. Written notice is not required for initial warnings or suspension for the remainder of a day. If the patron believes that the treatment is unfair, a supervisor or ranking staff member may be called upon to consider the patron’s objection. The supervisor’s or ranking staff member’s decision will be final.

4. When a patron under 18 years of age is to be suspended, staff will offer to notify their parent or guardian of the suspension by telephone, text, or email before the minor patron leaves the library.

D. SUSPENSIONS FOR ONE (1) DAY OR LONGER

1. Some misconduct may result in a patron being suspended for longer periods, from one (1) full day up to a full year, depending upon the severity or repeated character of the misconduct. The Library Director is authorized to suspend patrons from library, and their use privileges, for periods of one (1) full day or longer.

2. Suspension of library use privileges denies the patron access to the library building and grounds, online spaces, phone calls to library staff (unless required by order of the suspension), and all library programs.

3. Violation of the terms of suspension, including trespassing on library property or harassment of staff by phone or in online environments, will be reported to local law enforcement and may be subject to criminal prosecution or other legal action.

4. A Notice of Suspension of Library Use Privileges (see below) will be provided to the patron at the time the suspension is imposed, if possible, or sent to the patron by mail at their last known address. The Notice shall state the rule violation(s) upon which suspension is based and inform the patron of the procedure for requesting review of the suspension by the Library Director.

Following are guidelines for suspension periods, which may vary based on the severity of a patron’s misconduct and on any past non-compliance by the patron regarding the Library Code of Conduct Policy.

E. APPEALS

 1. A patron who wishes to appeal a suspension of one (1) month or longer, may do so within ten (10) calendar days from the date of the Notice of Suspension by making a written request to the Library Director at the library’s address or by emailing the Director at the email address provided in the Notice of Suspension. The library will offer the patron a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the Director. The Director’s decision on any appeal shall be final.

2. For a suspension of one (1) year or more, a panel will convene to review the suspension period. The panel may consist of the Library Director and other official staff within the City of Camarillo. When use privileges of a patron under age 18 are suspended, the patron’s parent or guardian will also be notified and will be provided with a copy of the Notice of Suspension by mail.

To acquire and retain materials available to the public in the Camarillo Public Library. This Policy acts as blueprint for our collection, guiding staff in decision-making regarding the selection, management, and preservation of the collection. It informs the public of the principles guiding our collection development, and it states the Library’s commitment to intellectual freedom and to providing information expressing a variety of viewpoints.

Policy

A. COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

The Camarillo Public Library (“Library”) provides a range of materials in a variety of print and non-print formats to meet informational, cultural, educational, and recreational needs and interests. The Library develops procedures for selecting, evaluating, re-evaluating, and withdrawing materials to ensure that the collection reflects all points of view on current and historical issues, and that materials are available in diverse media formats. The Library endeavors to provide a range of opinions, majority and minority, on all subjects, and does not exclude materials based on the author’s or producer’s point of view. The Library also attempts to avoid collections that reflect inordinate responsiveness to a single point of view.

Individual use of Library materials is a private and personal matter. All patrons are free to reject for themselves materials of which they disapprove; no patron may restrict the freedom of use and access for others. Responsibility for the reading, listening and viewing of Library materials by minors rests with their parents or legal guardians and not with the Library staff. Selection of Library materials is not inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

Books and materials are selected according to intrinsic merit, subject treatment, community interest and contribution to a balanced collection. No single standard of suitability can be applied in all cases. Materials are selected to present a variety of opinions on a subject and are judged as a whole rather than on isolated passages.

In compliance with AB 1825 passing in 2024, the California State Library requires us to adopt the following practices and to include the following statements in our public library collection policies:

1. 1. The collection meets the broad and diverse interests of the community and respects both the library’s autonomy and their specific community needs.
   2. The public library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas.
   3. Library materials should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people, and should present diverse points of view in the collection as a whole.
   4. The right of the public to receive access to a range of social, political, aesthetic, moral, and other ideas and experiences is acknowledged.

B. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

The Russell Fischer Business Collection (“RFBC”) was established in 2012 and offers an exemplary collection of business resources including books, magazines, reference materials and online resources for the purpose of benefiting the business community and residents of the greater Camarillo service area.

The Camarillo Public Library, in partnership with the Ventura County Genealogical Society, houses an extensive genealogy collection. The Ventura County Genealogical Society began collecting items in 1976. The collection includes journals, family histories and Camarillo and California related books. The collection is available for browsing in the Library.

Camarillo Public Library’s Local History Collection features descriptive and historical materials about Ventura County. The collection includes historical information on the cities of Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Moorpark, Simi Valley, and Port Hueneme, in addition to general information about the Ojai Valley and Channel Islands. Highlights include resources on the Chumash, the history of farming in Ventura County, Naval Base Ventura County (“NBVC”), and local sports and attractions. A miniature replica of the historic Camarillo Ranch House is on loan to the collection.

C. RECONSIDERATION OF MATERIALS

The Library welcomes expression of opinion by patrons about the collection or individual titles but will be governed by this Policy in making additions and deletions.

Patrons who request the reconsideration of a Camarillo Public Library material(s) must submit their request in writing by completing and signing the Request for Reconsideration of Materials.

After review, the Camarillo Library Director or designee will communicate a decision and the reason for it, in writing, to the patron who initiated the request for reconsideration.

The Library endorses the American Library Association (“ALA”) Library Bill of Rights, the ALA Freedom to Read Statement and the ALA Free Access to Minors Statement and interprets these statements to include all the Camarillo Library materials regardless of format. Responsibility for the selection and removal of books and other materials resides with the Library Director, who may delegate that responsibility to staff.

The following steps will be used when an individual feels that further action is necessary to address concerns about a Library resource. For the duration of this process, the material in question will remain in circulation in the Library collection.

1. 1.  A concerned patron who is dissatisfied with earlier informal discussion will be offered a packet of materials that includes the Library’s mission statement, selection policy, reconsideration form, and the Library Bill of Rights.
   2.  Patrons are required to complete and submit a reconsideration form to the Camarillo Library Director.
   3.  The Camarillo Library Director, with appropriate professional staff, will review the reconsideration form and the material in question to consider whether its selection follows the criteria stated in the Collection Development Policy.
   4.  Within 15 business days, the Camarillo Library Director will make a decision and send a letter to the concerned person who requested the reconsideration, stating the reasons for the decision.
   5.  The decision of the Library Director is final.

D. WEEDING

Library materials are owned by the City of Camarillo. Outdated books, books no longer of interest or in demand, or worn or damaged copies will be removed. Staff will make every effort to transfer unneeded items in usable condition to Library support groups, or a vendor specializing in discards and donations from libraries that provide revenue in return for surplus materials. Unneeded items transferred to the ownership of a Library support group may be sold to benefit the Library programs and services.

Addendum A: Request for Reconsideration Forms can be picked up in person at the library.