Library Policies

Department of Libraries Model Policies for Public Libraries

Act 150, “An act relating to Vermont’s public libraries,” was signed into law in June 2024. The Act specifies that the Department of Libraries may develop and adopt model policies for free public libraries concerning displays, meeting room use, patron behavior, internet use, library materials selection, and other relevant topics, as well as procedures for the reconsideration and retention of library materials.

To assist public libraries in the development of the materials selection policy and reconsideration procedures that are required to be in place for all public libraries by July 1, 2025, the Department has created a model Collection Development Policy for public libraries that contains both a materials selection policy and procedures for the reconsideration and retention of library materials.

Model Collection Development Policy - Word Version

Model Collection Development Policy - PDF Version

Public Library boards can choose to either adopt this policy, modify it, or develop their own policy on materials selection and procedures for the reconsideration and retention of library materials by July 1, 2025 to comply with Act 150.

The Department strongly encourages boards to seek legal counsel on policy development and compliance, especially if the library is modifying in any way the model policies that have been developed by the Department.

The Department plans to develop additional model policies in the future.

Example Policies from Vermont Libraries

Bylaws

• Arlington (Martha Canfield)
• Middlebury (Ilsley)

Full policies

• Bennington
• Charlotte
• Brattleboro (Brooks)
• Essex Junction (Brownell)
• Hartland
• Middlebury (Ilsley)
• Montpelier (Kellogg Hubbard)
• Shelburne (Pierson)
• Westford
• Williston (Dorothy Alling Memorial)

Behavior/ Conduct

• Bennington
• Brattleboro (Brooks)
• Essex Junction (Brownell)

Bulletin Boards

• Shrewsbury Library (Cuttingsville)

Cell Phone Use

• Morrisville (Morristown Centennial)

Child Safety

• Bennington
• Brattleboro (Brooks)

Computer Use/ Public Access/ Acceptable Use

• Montpelier (Kellogg-Hubbard)

Confidentiality/ Privacy

• Brattleboro (Brooks)

Evaluations

• Library Director Evaluation (McCullough - North Bennington)
• Library Trustee Self-Evaluation (McCullough - North Bennington)

Gifts/Endowment

• Brattleboro (Brooks)
• Middlebury (Ilsley)

Meeting Room Use

• Bellows Falls (Rockingham)
• Middlebury (Ilsley)

Nontraditional Items

• Brownell Telescope Lending Policy
• Chelsea Laptop Lending Policy (PDF)
• Enosburgh Moisture Meter Lending Agreement (Word)
• Enosburgh Snowshoe Lending Agreement (Word)
• Enosburgh Telescope Lending Agreement (Word)
• Haston Snowshoe Lending Policy and Agreement (PDF)
• Moore Free Library Snowshoe Lending Agreement (Word)
• Rochester Library of Things Borrowing Rules and Release of Liability
• Rutland Moisture Meter Agreement and Waiver (PDF)
• Rutland Snowshoe Agreement and Waiver (PDF)
• Waterbury Snowshoe Borrowing Agreement (Word)
  • Snowshoe Use Instructions (Word)
• Waterbury Telescope Lending Policy and Agreement (Word)
  • Telescope Checklist and Use Instructions (Word)

Opioids

• VTLIB Overdose Prevention Program Policy and Procedures Recommendations (PDF)

Personnel

• Charlotte (starts on pg. 14)

Programs

• St. Albans (starts on pg. 13)

Security Camera

• Essex Junction (Brownell)

Social Media

• Essex Junction (Brownell)

Unattended Child

• Williston (Dorothy Alling Memorial)

Video Conferencing

• Williston (Dorothy Alling Memorial)

Volunteers

• Volunteer Agreement Form

(Updated: 12/15/23)