Camp Verde Community Library Policies & Procedures

Available in your packet is a complete copy of the Camp Verde Community Library Policies & Procedures. These were first adopted in January 1993. In 2014, we began the revision in anticipation of our new library facility by consulting professional organizations’ best practices and pulling from policies adopted by other public libraries across the nation. The 2015 and 2022 revisions were reviewed and approved by the Town’s legal counsel. It is our belief that policies and procedures are in place to back staff up in the event of an unacceptable violation, they are not meant as a list of library rules that must be always followed or we ban you forever from the library. We use professional training, judgement, and common sense to apply library policy. For example: in our Disruptive and/or Inappropriate Behavior Policy we list “lying on the floor” as an example of disruptive behavior. We do not apply this during Toddler Storytime or Yoga classes, there may be other situations when we need it.

From the 83 total pages of library policies and procedures, I would like to highlight a few specific policies to help you better understand what we do. We will go through them in alphabetical order, naturally.

1. Collection Development Policy: Authorized selectors add and remove material in a variety of formats (print, electronic, etc.) to and from the Camp Verde Community Library collection. Choices about which additions and deletions to make are guided by the general principle that the collection should include materials that are of the greatest direct benefit or interest to the community. Within that broad principle, selectors choose materials that are of requisite and appropriate quality, within the constraints of likely demand, relative cost, available space, and potential alternatives. The selection of resources shall be informed by the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement, adopted by the council of the American Library Association (ALA). “The freedom to read is essential to our democracy.” The library supports the rights of individuals to privately read, listen to, and view a range of published thoughts and ideas. No material shall be excluded from the library collection because of the race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, political, or social views of the author.

Library materials are selected in part from competent media reviews, basic lists of standard works, and reviews of existing holdings available in the YLN. Recommendations from the public are welcome. Selection of materials by the LIBRARY does not constitute endorsement of the contents or views expressed in those materials.

The Selection of paper and electronic materials or resources and library programs included in the library collection or calendar is delegated to the Librarian. That selection may be further delegated by the Librarian to professional staff as deemed appropriate. Authorized selectors exercise discretion in deciding which materials to add or remove from the library collection. With the goals of purpose, quality, and economy, the collection of the library will be built to meet the needs and interests of the community following specific guidelines. In particular, selectors are guided by the following considerations:

• Preference is given to material that is relevant and timely rather than archival.
• Consideration is given to providing materials that enrich the resources available in local schools.
• Consideration is given to requests made by patrons.
• Consideration is given to donated items.
• Consideration is given to the official documents or records of the Town.

Selection of materials is made on the basis of the total effect of the materials as follows:

• Relation of work to existing collection
• Popular demand
• Authority of author
• Accuracy
• Topics of current interests
• Standard works of permanent value
• Price, durability, and ease of use
• Basic standard research and reference materials

Library staff evaluate the collection through inventory and maintenance, identifying current strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and saturation categories. Generally, materials are removed from the collection that: (a) lack demand, (b) are obsolete, or (c) are in poor condition from use, age, or abuse. Library staff determine whether such items will be replaced. Patrons may provide input on the selection process by filling out the Materials Request Form and submiting it to the Librarian. Whether the item is purchased for inclusion in the collection, placed on hold for the patron, or requested through Interlibrary loan shall be at the discretion of the Librarian.

• Libraries and librarians make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or may be considered dangerous. Librarians employ objective professional judgment through selection, cataloging, classification, and readers' services to make available the information that library patrons want or need. Cataloging decisions, labels, or ratings applied to restrict or discourage access to materials or to suggest moral or doctrinal endorsement is a violation of the First Amendment and Library Bill of Rights.

2. Confidentiality Policy: It is the policy of the Camp Verde Community Library to ensure the privacy of any patron who uses the services of the library. Information requested and selection of material must remain confidential. Pursuant to Arizona law, and except as provided by law, the Camp Verde Community Library shall not disclose any record or information that identifies a user of library services as requesting or obtaining specific materials or services or as otherwise using the library. Library staff and volunteers will follow the Arizona Privacy of User Records law (ARS § 41-151.22).

All patron information records are confidential. For the privacy and safety of patrons, staff and volunteers, personal information will not be given over the phone. Records, which may be required in controlling the use of library materials, are for the sole purpose of protecting library property. Such records are not to be used directly or indirectly to identify personal information or the kinds of materials used by individual library patrons.

3. Disruptive and Inappropriate Behavior Policy: It is the policy of Camp Verde Community Library to discourage disruptive behavior in any part of the library premises. People in the library or on library grounds are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that enables library patrons and staff to accomplish their intended library tasks in a safe, pleasant, and orderly environment.

Disruptive behavior is any behavior likely to (a) interfere with the ability of patrons to reasonably use/enjoy Library resources/services, (b) interfere with effective operation of the LIBRARY, (c) reduce the safety of patrons and Library personnel, or (d) cause damage or loss to Library facilities, furnishing, equipment, materials, or property. Some examples include:

• Use of profanity and/or offensive language
• Rough-housing, running, pushing, throwing, chasing or shoving others
• Creating a disturbance or potentially unsafe situation
• Destroying, damaging, defacing, or illegally removing library materials or property
• Inappropriate displays of affection
• Disturbing or harassing other patrons or staff
• Entering non-public areas without permission
• Criminal activity
• Display of obscene material
• Failure to properly supervise children or individuals with special needs

Failure of library patrons or other persons to comply with direction, requests, or instructions of library personnel regarding this Policy may result in their expulsion from library premises and loss of future library privileges for up to one year.

• Non-alcoholic beverages in closed containers with secure lids are permitted in the library.
• Personal items must be kept with you at all times.
• Guns or other weapons (except on the person of a law enforcement official) may not be brought into the library building, on library premises, or brought to any library programs or activities.
• Smoking is only permited outside in designated smoking areas.
• Only assistance animals accompanied by their owners or animals working in a library program may be brought into the library building.
• Parents, guardians, or caregivers will be responsible for the behavior of children and individuals with special needs while in the library.
• Acceptable behavior, as outlined in the Internet/Computer & Wireless Use Policy will be enforced.

Patrons who are non-compliant with library personnel's requests may be asked to leave the library. If behavior appears to be escalating, library personnel may call the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office for assistance.

4. Library Card Policy: Apply in Person at the library for a resident card or CVCL Temp card or apply online for a temporary card number and PIN that allows immediate access to our Digital Library. The initial Camp Verde Community Library resident card is free and is good at any Yavapai Library Network Library. ID, proof of residency, and proof of mailing address are required to get a permanent library card with full privileges. Any person who does not have a current Yavapai County address may get a temporary library card with limited privileges for use at Camp Verde Community Library only.

• Children 12 years of age and under must have a parent or legal guardian present to get a card. A minor from 13 -17 years of age may get a 3-month temporary card with limited privileges until the parent or guardian comes into the library and gives consent for full access.
• A Library card includes automatic access to the Internet on public Internet computers and to the library’s online resources available from home, school or elsewhere.
• Patrons are responsible for all items checked out on their library card(s).
• Parents/guardians who sign the library card for children under 18 acknowledge and assume responsibility for the use of library cards. This includes sites viewed on and information downloaded from the Internet and all other materials accessed while in the library or checked out

What are Linked Accounts? Linked accounts are a way for users to manage multiple library accounts in the online catalog without needing to log in and out of each of their accounts to keep track of their holds and checkouts. Linked accounts can be linked to a neighbor, friend, partner, child, etc. Plus, set up is in the hands of the user. Check with library staff to learn how to set up linked accounts (note: staff cannot do this for you but will gladly show you how to do it yourself).

5. Library Programming Policy: A library program is a planned interaction between the library staff, volunteers, or third-party presenters and the program participants for the purpose of promoting library materials, facilities, or services, as well as offering the community an informational, entertaining, or cultural experience. It is the library’s goal to offer a variety of programs that reflect the interests of the citizens of Camp Verde and the surrounding area. Library programs must be non-commercial in nature and have a special educational, informational, or cultural value to the community. Programs are not used for commercial, religious, or partisan purposes or the solicitation of business. Library programs shall generally be voluntary, free, and open to the public.

Use of library space for a program by a third-party does not imply endorsement, support, or co-sponsorship by the library of the activities that take place or of the beliefs of the groups using the library space. The library’s participation in and/or support of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program, or the views expressed by participants. The library and its employees will not be liable for the content of any program presented by a third party.

The library’s philosophy of open access to information extends to library programming. The library does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or any other characteristics protected by local, state, and federal law.

5. Posting and Display Policy: Community postings must be approved by the Library Director or designee. Priority is given to information related to Camp Verde Community Library, the Town of Camp Verde, Yavapai Library Network members, non-profit entities supporting reading, education or literacy, and other non- profit groups providing civic or social services. The library will consider displays of educational, cultural, civic, or recreational nature on a first-come, first-served basis or as space is available.

Library staff create new book and media displays each month, or sometimes every other month when we get too busy to keep up with it, to highlight a particular theme or bring attention to materials that may otherwise be overlooked. Many of the themes are taken from a national or international calendar of interesting or unusual holidays and celebrations. We have done themed displays since moving into our new building in 2016. Over the years, various themes have included May the 4th Be with You (Star Wars), Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans, Healthy Eating, Active Living, Christmas Crafts and Gifts, Lonely Books (books that are in danger of being weeded), Asian/Pacific Islander month, Banned Books, Pulitzer & Nobel Prize Winners, and many more. Some are creative ideas from the library profession. Some displays are in support of a larger program we are hosting such as the Smithsonian Water|Ways Exhibition or the Coalition Against Human Trafficking exhibit. Other displays are put together due to requests from community members and/or staff such as Science Geeks – Periodic Table month and Read with Pride. The few times that we purchase materials specifically for the display are when we are supporting a grant-funded program such as Smithsonian Voices and Votes Exhibition or the Community Connect Ready, Set, Bank financial literacy program. The display is usually found on the first floor of the library, just past the lobby. It is our normal practice to draw material from every area of the library for each display. If there are titles that support the theme, we draw from

• adult fiction and nonfiction
• teen fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels, and manga
• children's fiction and nonfiction, picture books, multi-media materials
• audio-visual materials, DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks

The materials on the library displays do not constitute an endorsement by the library or library staff of the content of the material or the policies or beliefs of the author/creator. The library complies with Camp Verde Community Library Policies & Procedures including AZ Revised Statutes governing the display of materials in public spaces.

The library has recently begun offering community members the opportunity to vote on next month’s themed display or offer a suggestion of their own. Take the library display poll for the coming month. Polls close on the 15th of each month to give staff time to plan and prepare the display.

We purchase - in as neutral a manner as possible - and may display materials that are as diverse in content as the individuals we serve. One of the jobs of the library is to offer the content of our culture, usually vetted by various reviews or through patron requests. Library materials are available for you to choose or not choose. We do not push any point of view on you any more than we would want you to push your point of view on others.

6. Unattended Children & Individuals with Special Needs Policy: The library welcomes and encourages patrons of all ages to use its facilities and services. However, the library shall not be responsible for unattended children or care for individuals with special needs. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children and/or individuals with special needs in the library rests with their parents, legal guardians, or other authorized and designated caregivers.

Children under the age of 5 and any individual with special needs who require support must always be accompanied by an adult or responsible caregiver 16 years of age and up while in the library or on library grounds. Children between the ages of 5 and 10 must always have an adult or responsible caregiver present in the building. The parent, guardian, or caregiver must remain in the building during the time a child 10 or younger is attending a program. Children aged 11 and over may be in the LIBRARY unattended if interacting appropriately.

The library is a safe environment for families to explore the world. The library does not come between parents and their children. We offer tools to parents and children to stay connected. We encourage parents to read with their children and talk about books together. Parents have the right to oversee the reading of their children, and only their own children. We are not, according to law, "in loco parentis." That means the enforcement of family rules isn't up to us. It's up to the parents. Parents can see what their children check out through linked accounts or restrict their minor’s account by placing a PIN on the child’s card. With this option the child cannot use the card without the parent being present or the parent giving them the PIN. Both options are available at any time for parents to add.

Fiscal Year 2023 Library Statistics

Fiscal Year 2023 Library Statistics show that activity at the library is inching back toward and, in some cases, exceeding pre-COVID numbers. Specifically, we see increases in Total in-Library Activity, Total Library Program Attendance, and Total Library Room Use. These numbers demonstrate the non-traditional nature of our public library – its use as an active community and meeting center.

• We capture traffic count via an electronic monitor at the front door, taking the daily total and dividing it in half.
• Total number of patrons: as of July 30, 2023 = 4,316 (inactive patrons are purged annually by the YLN per State Library data retention schedules).

Library statistics allow us to compare Library Room Use and program attendance by community groups vs. library-lead programs.

• Room uses by community groups=581 Room use by library=1,015
• Community program attendance=2,190 Library program attendance=14,674

Many children’s, teen, and adult programs are planned and/or led by library staff and volunteers. Library programs are free and open to the public, eliminating as many barriers to access as possible. We will highlight how these programs and activities support the 5 Key Initiatives identified through our Community Assessment and mentioned at the outset of this presentation.

Key Initiative 1 Community Culture = civic engagement through volunteerism – recruitment, retention, and appreciation; build common ground between the Town, Tribe, and Latin communities through programs and signature events

• Storytime – several volunteers who have been vetted through the Town’s background check process have stepped up to do our weekly Storytime. The volunteers sign up for a particular week via our volunteer management system, pick the book to read, plan the activity and/or snack. We do our best to post each week’s featured story on social media the day before or earlier, so families can decide if they want to participate.
• Many adult programs are also planned and or lead by library staff and volunteers. Two of our most popular programs are Music in the Stacks and Open Mic Mondays. Both programs are planned and facilitated by volunteers with weekly support, setup, and cleanup from library staff.
• We are approached often by community members who want to facilitate programs at the library. Some examples include Quilt Club, Chess Club, Stamp Club, Dungeons & Dragons Gameplay, Pokémon Card Game, Bible Study, Tai Chi for Health, Natural Health Alternatives, Sew Along with Allyn, Our Friday Art Group, Open Book Club, Verde Valley Photographic Society, Fly Fishers of Arizona – all these and more are led by community members with support, setup, and cleanup from library staff.
• We developed two new volunteer opportunities and successfully recruited volunteers to participate in – 1) Home Delivery of library materials; 2) the fledgling Adopt-a-Plot program whereby community members adopt, plant, and maintain a specific outdoor space on library grounds.
• Since 2017, the library has hosted AARP Tax Aide volunteers, a hardworking group trained to prepare and file tax forms for low-income community members.
• Our Spanish Outreach Library Specialist partnered with the PECPAF board to introduce El Dia de Los Muertos celebrations in Camp Verde last year. Plans are underway to continue and expand this signature event with family workshops at the library leading to the culminating event celebrating aspects of the Latino culture in our community.

Key Initiative 2 Family Support = focus on youth leadership; integrate the love of STEAM and love of reading into quality out-of-school learning experiences; support adult/continuing education, workforce, and professional development

• The COVID epidemic killed all momentum we had gained with our Youth Advisory Council. This past year we have re-formed, re-branded, and re-engaged a group of teens who named themselves, Verde Youth Action Alliance with the goal of learning about civic engagement. The work on this project has been a collaboration between the library, economic development, Yavapai Apache Nation, and volunteers and supports key initiatives 1 and 2.
• After a summer hiatus, VYAA will begin the Fall season with the following items on their agenda:
  • Atend League of Cities and Towns
  • Perform a survey of their peers
  • Host a Halloween after party at the library
  • Help with GameCon
• Our Teen Librarian has been a partner in Yavapai Apache Nation’s annual Earth Day event for several years now. A group of teen leaders sponsored by the library has assisted YAN in a variety of ways each year bringing the next generation of servant/leaders into this important event, one that supports key initiatives 1 and 2.
• Our popular cooking classes for children are a collaboration between the library and Home 4 New Beginnings, a local nonprofit aspiring to teach children how to garden, harvest, cook, and take care of their kitchen.
• We recently offered a grant-funded series of programs to help parents and kids learn how to stand up to bullying, how to listen to their gut feelings, and how to know what’s right and wrong.
• STEAM Time – is planned by our Children’s Librarian and Children’s Clerk with the Clerk, a retired elementary school teacher, leading the lesson each week. Each new series of STEAM topics are posted on the Kids & Family page of the library website and in the library. With these ongoing activities and the recent hiring of our new AmeriCorps VISTA STEAM worker, we expect to increase our participation in quality informal STEAM learning experiences throughout the community.
• 1-2-1 Tech Time w/Wendy and our grant-funded series of technology classes provide access to continuing education, workforce development, and professional development. We did several series of Tech classes ranging from basic computer use, Internet safety, and email use to using Microsoft Office products for beginners and advanced users.
• Our grant-funded Affordable Connectivity and Community Connect programs provided resources to help seniors learn safe online banking practices, to save money on their monthly Internet bill, and allowed us to provide hotspots and laptops for adults to checkout.
• Additionally, the library fully supports the presence and work of the Camp Verde Adult Education Center on the first floor of the library. Together, we provide countless opportunities for adults to continue their education, increase their career choices, improve their job skills, and successfully complete their citizenship applications.
• You can check out Act One Culture Passes, free passes to visit Arizona’s arts and cultural centers with your library card and qualify for free State Park passes when you participate in summer programs.
• GameCon is a signature event for Camp Verde Community Library. Created by our Teen Librarian, for one day in November we transform our library into a gaming convention with a variety of gaming opportunities for all ages and interests. From board games, card games, and role-playing games to video game tournaments and active outdoor games, GameCon is about getting together with friends, making new friends, and having a good time right here in Camp Verde.

 

Key Initiative 3 Information Access = focus on effective communication between local government and community members; increase community partnerships through meaningful involvement

• Library staff continue to be actively involved in developing social media policy, standards, and best practices. We have improved our use of social media to inform the community, are responsible for posting emergency information for the Town, and submit press releases weekly to the local media. Library staff routinely add programs, events, and news articles to the Town website and calendar of events.
• The Library Director presented “Citizen Engagement with the Town of Camp Verde” to the Council and community on July 6, 2022 – highlighting the eNotify option on the Town website where community members can sign up to receive emails in areas of interest to them.
• The Library Manger worked with Camp Verde Elementary School to develop an effective Tutoring program to improve reading capacity and comprehension for 3rd Graders needing additional support. A team of volunteers dedicated to this project was recruited and trained to align the tutoring program with educational requirements. After a successful pilot program in the Spring, the program will be starting again with the Fall semester.
• Yavapai County Health Department partnered with our library to bring several series of Tai Chi for Health classes to seniors in our community.
• U of A Cooperative Extension has worked with us in a past couple of years on two fronts: 1) Color me Healthy Moving and Eating Healthy, a 9-week series of classes for parents and preschoolers; 2) Master Gardeners certification classes
• Northern AZ Audubon Society has presented Birding 101 workshops and provided bird feeders for our children’s garden.
• Camp Verde Tree Advisory Committee partners with the library for fundraising events that help fund their projects that maintain Camp Verde’s Tree City USA designation.
• We partner with Parks & Recreation, Community Development, Economic Development, and Camp Verde Dark Sky committee to facilitate Dark Sky events with Astronomers of the Verde Valley, fulfilling one of the requirements needed to maintain Camp Verde’s Dark Sky community status.
• Our partnership with Friends of the Verde River continues. First with the installation of the Butterfly Waystation then as the host of the Smithsonian Water|Ways Exhibition, and currently as we make progress on the rainwater catchment cistern and learning garden at our library.

Key Initiative 4 Community Health = engage health professionals to provide support groups and access to reliable information; train on emerging health issues and partner with healthcare providers to offer affordable services

• Teen Game Night, Teen Musician Mechanics, Teen Study Hall, and Cubing (with Rubik’s cubes), and similar
• programs – are planned and lead by our Teen librarian. Some of the most important aspects of these programs
• include relationship building and healthy social interactions that are so vital to teen mental health.
• through the American Library Association’s Connecting you to Coverage grant the library earned certification as a Counselor Designated Organization with staff trained as Certified Application Counselors to assist people in choosing the best healthcare option and signing up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
• Through the Association of Rural Small Libraries and Color, the library participated in a grant-funded Community Testing Program offering free confidential COVID tests at the library.
• The library regularly hosts the annual Lions of Yavapai Mobile Eye Care clinic providing eye exams and prescription glasses at no cost to eligible community members and then facilitates the distribution of those eyeglasses.
• We support Parks & Recreation’s Blood Drives with marketing materials at the library and via social media and recently hosted a successful Red Cross blood drive at the library.
• Our meeting rooms are reserved for regular meetings of a Grief support group, a Caregivers support group, and Medicare informational workshops.

Kay Initiative 5 Social Issues = consider engaging a social worker to provide support groups, access to information and a culture of acceptance in a trusted environment

• A few years ago, we hosted a training day for library staff to introduce The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preven�ng Conflict, and Serving Everyone by Ryan Dowd. Library staff had the opportunity to complete the online training provided by the State Library.
• Our staff at the PC Helpdesk regularly help patrons who need assistance signing up for Social Security benefits, accessing legal documents and aid, connecting with incarcerated family members, and looking for community resources. We created a list of resources and emergency phone numbers that are posted in the restrooms as well as a handout with local assistance for clothing, food, housing & utilities, transportation, and more.
• Our Children’s Library hosts an average of 18 supervised family visitations per month for a total of 810 participants in 2023. The library provides resources such as Park Activity Kits, Family Games, and suggested activities to assist families in interacting with their children.

2013 – 2023 Summer Reading Program Statistics

At first glance, the Summer Reading Program Signs-Ups show that we had a dramatically lower turnout of children participating in summer reading programs at the library when comparing 2022 to 2023. However, Summer Reading Program In-Person events for 2023 were more than double what they were in 2022. So, what’s up?

This is the first summer that our Children’s Library did not require parents to register their children in order to participate in a summer program or event. We decided to make access easier for people visiting, for grandparents bringing their grandchildren, etc. by dropping the sign-up requirement and focusing on what is important – welcoming all families to the library. The Summer Reading Program In-Person Event Attendance bears this out as total attendance in 2023 is over 3 times that of 2022.

About the YLN, YLN Annual Report FY2021-2022

Camp Verde Community Library has been a member of the Yavapai Library Network (YLN) for years. The YLN is a consortium of 57+ public, academic, K-12, and museum libraries in Yavapai County. The benefits of membership are many, as you can see on page 90 in your packet of the YLN Annual Report. It is due to our partnership in the YLN providing access to over 1 million titles, numerous digital and online resources, and high-quality, cost-effective shared systems and professional development that we can leverage our dollars to bring such a diversity of programs and events to our local community.

• Total number of physical items available: as of July 30, 2023 = 28,308 (items not checked out in the past 2-3 years are culled from library shelves through an extensive weeding, evaluation, and inventory process so this total may increase/decrease annually)
• Total number of online resources available: audiobooks, e-books, e-comics, e-learning, e-links, e-movies, e-music, e- resources, e-support, e-zines. See our Digital Library for details.
• Note: As our program and resource selections change, it is best to check the library website for updates. Community Library | Town of Camp Verde, AZ

Library Director/Library Manager Job Descrip�ons

You will find the job descriptions for Library Director and Library Manager in your packet.

• The Director is an exempt position, 22 on the salary plan with a range of $82,783 to $120,035.
• The Manager is an exempt position, 17 on the salary plan with a range of $64,863 - $94,051.

A few years ago, as the Town began its budget planning season, Town Leaders asked each department to show potentoal workforce needs for 1-5 years out. Projectoons for the library included potentoally adding 8 more open hours/week, adding a Spanish Outreach Library Specialist, a Library Manager, and 3-4 Library Clerk positions to keep up with community demand and increasing opportunities for library services. The Library Manager and Spanish Outreach Library Specialist positions were approved by the Council in June and July 2022 respectively, with funding allocated in the FY2023 budget. Both positions are vital to the success of the library in addressing the 5 key initiatives identified in the community assessment.

And what shall I say further? For time would fail me to tell of Alice, Carson, Jaye, Joy, Katie, Letty, Lisa, Nicole, Sally, Sharon, Wendy, and Zack and all the wonderful gifts that they bring to their positions at the library. We are people with a passion for contributing to the health and success of our community in every aspect of the work we do at the library. It’s why we are drawn to the profession in the first place.

Handouts/Fliers

• Tools for Parents & Caregivers: This flier, based on library policy, was created to make information relevant to parents and caregivers easily accessible instead of pointing you to the entire library policy.
• 13-3501 Definitions: The Miller Test (Miller v. California, 1973) is the primary legal test for determining expression that constitutes obscenity. Here are the criteria:

(1) whether the average person applying contemporary community standards would find the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest;

(2) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law; and

(3) whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

This is a statement from the Town’s legal counsel:

“The Town takes all allegations regarding violation of state law seriously. The Town has reviewed claims that A.R.S. Sections 13-3506 and -3507 have been violated with regards to recent library displays. The Town has no information at this time to support any violation of these statutes. The Town Council is reviewing its library catalogues and displays in accordance with policy. Any concerns regarding illegal activities may also be provided to the Town Marshall’s Office for closer inspection.”

Materials that can be sold at bookstores, and purchased through publishers, are not obscene or harmful to minors when added to the library's collection. Libraries buy perfectly legal materials, often based on patron requests. What we buy we sometimes display. Just as they do at bookstores. We will continue to provide materials that meet diverse interests, and tell the stories of and information needs to all in our community. Removing materials that do not align with one person’s beliefs is unconstitutional. Unless the material has been found by a court to be obscenity, child pornography, or in the case of minors, material deemed “harmful to minors,” any content-based decision to remove the material from the public library will be deemed unconstitutional unless the government can demonstrate that the removal meets the standard of strict scrutiny. Usually, this law applies to the Internet, and we abide by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and have strict filters on our public and wireless Internet.

ARS 13-3501 Definitions

Closing Comments

Tonight, you have had the opportunity to hear the facts of the policies and procedures that govern the operation of Camp Verde Community Library. Clearly, we are a community-centric organization that goes above and beyond traditional library services to bring new opportunities to our community. We support the traditional Western values of independence, the right to govern ourselves, and to make our own choices. Camp Verde Community Library dedicates its resources to providing library services that are forward-thinking while honoring the tradition of warm hospitality and the can-do attitude that built the library and the Town of Camp Verde. It is our mission to connect people of all ages and walks of life to the expanding world of information, ideas, and creative experiences through free and equitable access to library resources. All are welcome at the library!

As librarians, we stand for the principles of Intellectual Freedom – the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expression of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom leads to autonomy and the moral capacity to make our own choices. We cannot do this without access to information.

Intellectual freedom is not a principle that is exists only in the United States or the Western World. It is actually encoded as the freedom of opinion and expression in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948.

Article 19 States: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

It is a Human Right!

Thank you for your kind attention to all of these maters. We are always open to ideas and suggestions that improve our ability to do what we do. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about Camp Verde Community Library policies and procedures, we invite you to stop in and have a conversation with us. Our contact information is available on the table with the other handouts.

Additional Materials Referenced in this Presentation:

• Materials Request Form
• Freedom to Read Statement
• Library Bill of Rights & Freedom to Read Statement
• Get to Know Your Library
• Welcome to Camp Verde Community Children’s Library
• Tools for Parents & Caregivers
• Need Help? Guide to Resources in Camp Verde and the Verde Valley
• Yavapai Library Network Annual Report 2022