Library Policies

Approved 10 Feb 2026 by the Board of Trustees. Jump to top

Contents

Borrowing Policies

Library Card Policy

All borrowers must register with the Dunbar Free Library to obtain a library card. Registration can be done in the Library or by submitting a form online (available on the DFL website). A nominal fee will be charged to replace lost Library cards.

Any person that owns or rents property, is the child of an owner or renter, or attends school in Grantham is entitled to obtain a DFL library card at no charge. Employees of the Town of Grantham and the Dunbar Free Library are also entitled to receive a DFL library card at no charge.

Other New Hampshire residents may obtain a Library card upon payment of a non-refundable annual fee of $60 per family. Non-Grantham residents who have paid and/or donated $500 or more to the Dunbar Free Library will be granted lifetime Library privileges at no additional cost.

A parent’s signature is required for all children under the age of 14. In order for a child to get a library card in their own name, the legal guardian agrees to take financial responsibility for any materials taken out on that child’s library card.

Loan and Renewals Policy

The Library loans material from several sources:

  • The Library’s physical collections. The loan period and allowed renewals are shown in the table below. These are the only items included in the Library’s catalog.
  • The Librarians of the Upper Valley (LUV) materials: This rotating collection is shared among multiple libraries.
  • Inter-Library Loans (ILL): These items comes from other libraries.
  • Electronic downloads directly to PCs, tablets and phones. The loan period and renewal information are available directly from the download websites.

In addition to the having patrons borrow directly from DFL’s collection, the Library maintains lists of requests to borrow material:

  • Hold List: Users may log into the catalog and request that an item be held for pickup when it becomes available.
  • Reserve list: The Library also maintains a list of requests for items which are needed at a specific time and for an identified period. For example, book clubs may request numerous copies of a given book.

A patron may borrow up to four items concurrently from the following: Bestseller books, most recent/next most recent magazines. Library staff can restrict the number of other items borrowed concurrently by a patron.

The following table summarizes the standard loan period and number of allowed renewals for various materials available from DFL’s physical collections and LUV’s rotating collection. The Library staff has the authority to extend these upon request based on demand.

Type of Material Loan Period Renewals

DFL Media

Books: New bestsellers

Two weeks

One

Books: All others (including Wonderbooks)

Three weeks

Two

Audio: All CDs, Kobo and audio players

Three weeks

Two

Video: Television series (DVD/Blu-Ray)

Two weeks

One

Video: Other DVDs/Blu-Rays

  • Red (generally PG13 and above)
  • Blue (family)
  • White (pre-school/early elementary)

One week

Two

Magazines: Newest/next newest issue

One week

None

Magazines: Older issues

Three weeks

Two

Other DFL Items

Museum passes

Varies by pass

None

Puzzles and Games

Three weeks

Two

E-Readers (including Kindles)

Three weeks

Two

Wi-Fi hotspot

Three weeks

As available

OWL

Two days

As available

Television with DVD player

One week

Two

Blue-ray player

One week

Two

Yoto

Three weeks

One

Telescope

One week

As available

Radon detector

Three weeks

As available

Kill-A-Watt

Three weeks

Two

Yoghurt maker

One week

Two

Weed wrench

Three weeks

Two

Inter-Library Loan

All items

Two weeks

One

LUV Rotating Collection

Videos

One week

One

Audios

Three weeks

Two

Video Games

Two weeks

None

Overdue Materials Policy

The Dunbar Free Library does not generally charge late fees/fines for items returned beyond the due date. Borrowers will not be held responsible for material losses due to such misfortune as fire or flood.

After the third notification of overdue item(s) is issued, and/or the item(s) is/are determined to be lost or damaged beyond repair, the patron will be issued a bill for the item(s) replacement cost and a $5.00 per item processing fee.

Borrowers with two (2) or more overdue items and no remaining renewal options cannot check out any other Library materials. Any person that has not returned a book borrowed from the hold list at the end of the specified loan period may, after being notified that the item is overdue, be denied use of the hold list for a six month period.

In accordance with NH law, the Library may turn information about excessive and/or egregious overdue items to the police.

Usage Policies

Code of Conduct

The Library strives to maintain an atmosphere that is comfortable, safe and secure for all. Any behavior which interferes with patrons’ use of the Library, creates a risk of injury to anyone in the Library, creates the possibility of damage to Library or patron property, or interferes with the operation of the Library is prohibited.

Library users who do not follow these rules of conduct will be asked to modify their behavior or may be asked to leave. Repeated disregard for the rules of conduct may result in the suspension of Library privileges. Reinstatement of privileges requires a written request for an appointment with the Library’s Board of Trustees.

If you see something that is inappropriate, let staff know so that appropriate responsive action may be taken.

The provisions of the Rules of Conduct are set forth below.

  • Threatening the safety or rights of another person (including staff), including but not limited to violent or disorderly behavior, threats, harassment, use of abusive or threatening language or gestures, profanity and intimidation is prohibited.
  • Sexual advances or sexual harassment, unwanted physical contact, following or stalking in the Library building or grounds are prohibited.
  • Obstructing doors or pathways, or intentionally blocking or preventing the movement of another person, is prohibited.
  • Excessive public displays of affection or poor personal hygiene may result in removal from the Library,
  • Disturbing the peace, including yelling, excessively loud conversations or loud talking intended to disrupt others, is prohibited. When making or taking telephone calls in the Library, patrons should exercise good judgment and take care not to disturb other Library users.
  • Visitors are expected to treat Library materials and equipment with respect. Misuse, stealing, defacing or otherwise intentionally damaging Library or patron property is not allowed.
  • Personal property should not be left unattended. Neither the Library nor its staff is responsible for patrons’ personal belongings while in the Library.
  • Appropriate attire, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times in the Library. Roller skates, skateboards and other similar devices may not be used in or on Library premises.
  • Seating is limited to one person per chair.
  • No running, pushing, shoving, or throwing objects; congregating in or around doorways, inside or out; or congregating around computer workstations.
  • Smoking (including the use of all forms of electronic cigarettes, including without limitation, vapes, e-cigs, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)) is prohibited. Possessing or consuming alcohol in the Library or on Library property is prohibited, unless locked in a vehicle. The use of illicit drugs is prohibited. Any medication brought into the Library should be in its original packaging. Library users must not be under the influence of any controlled substance or intoxicating liquor, beverage or substance.
  • No petitions are allowed in the Library.
  • Patrons must not display obscene materials on computer screens.
  • Library users are required to comply with the reasonable direction of a Library staff member. This includes following staff directives to leave (or remain in) the building during an emergency or drill.
  • Conducting business activities is permitted within the Library premises unless it interferes with other patrons.
  • Other examples of prohibited behavior include:
  • Interfering with the free passage of Library staff or patrons in or on Library premises, (without limitations) by placing skateboards, backpacks or other objects that impede free passage.
  • Selling, soliciting and panhandling in the Library building or on the Library property, unless approved by the Library Director.
  • Habitual sleeping, noisy sleeping and lying on the floor and tables. Bringing in sleeping bags, bedrolls, luggage, shopping carts and large camping backpacks. (Small backpacks, book bags, briefcases, laptops and purses are permitted.)
  • Entering non-public areas in the Library without escort or permission.
  • Loitering at entrances to the Library.
  • Refusing to relinquish computer equipment or other Library resources after scheduled period of use has expired.
  • Using false ID to obtain a Library card or use of another person’s card without permission.
  • Any action deemed by Library staff to be disruptive to safely using the Library’s resources.
  • Acting or attempting to act in violation of state, federal or local law, ordinance, regulation or Library policy.
  • Packaging for food and beverages must be disposed of responsibly.
  • Materials may not be removed from the Library without proper authorization
  • Strollers/carriages and bicycles are not allowed in the building. Please do not park such items on the walkways or at the entrances. An outside bike rack is available.
  • Prior written consent of any Library patron is required to film and/or photograph them. If the photographer/videographer intends to use Library patron images on social media or in any other public forum, notice of that intent must be provided when consent is requested. Filming, photographing or posting images of minors requires the written consent of their legal guardian.

Harassment Policy

The Dunbar Free Library prohibits harassment by anyone in the Library. Offensive, intimidating, threatening, or otherwise unwelcome comments or conduct based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law are not allowed on Library premises. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:

  • Written or spoken derogatory terms about gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, or sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law;
  • Slurs and epithets;
  • Unwelcome jokes;
  • Insults;
  • Threats of physical violence or harm to a person’s property;
  • Display or circulation of materials, items, or images that are degrading or disparaging to individuals or groups based on the characteristics listed above;
  • Any other unwelcome conduct or pejorative comments directed at a person or group because of a particular protected characteristic (i.e., gender, race, age, etc.).

These types of conduct are prohibited regardless of the intent of the person(s) engaging in the conduct.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, physical, and non-physical conduct of a sexual nature. when:

  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment;
  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting that individual, or for awarding or withholding favorable employment opportunity, evaluation or assistance; or
  • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance at work, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

In addition, this policy prohibits a wide range of inappropriate behaviors including, but not limited to, the actual coercion of sexual relations, unwelcome comments, jokes, innuendos, sexually suggestive materials, and other unwelcome sexually oriented actions.

While it is not possible to list all of the types of conduct that might violate this policy, but the following are some examples:

  • Unwelcome sexual advances, whether they involve physical touching or not;
  • Sexual epithets, jokes, vulgarity;
  • Written or oral references to sexual conduct;
  • Gossip regarding an individual’s sex life;
  • Comments regarding an individual’s body;
  • Comments about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess;
  • Displaying or forwarding sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, electronic images;
  • Leering, staring, whistling, grabbing, pinching;
  • Sexual flirtation or gestures
  • Brushing against someone’s body;
  • Suggestive or insulting comments; and
  • Inquiries into or discussion of one’s sexual experiences.

Children in the Library Policy

The Library Staff cannot assume responsibility for unattended children.

  • Children who are age 10 and older may visit the Library by themselves and are subject to the policy regarding acceptable behavior in the Library.
  • Children who are age 9 or below must be accompanied by the “responsible adult” that brought the child to the Library. This person must be a parent/guardian, teacher, or assigned child-care giver over the age of 16.
  • Children who are ages 6 to 9 years old may be left without supervision in the children’s area for a maximum of 15 minutes.
  • Children under age 6 must be supervised at all times by the parent or an adolescent at least 12 years old.

Unattended children who are present 15 minutes before the Library closes will be asked to phone a parent to pick them up. If no parent is available, the police will be notified.

Computer Usage Policy

Library personnel do not continually monitor computer usage. DFL does not utilize content filters or privacy screens on its computers.

The Library’s computers are situated in a manner that makes their screens visible to others. Accordingly, the Library prohibits the display of information or images on the Library’s computer terminals that are disruptive or offensive to other patrons based on prevailing community standards. Library personnel will decide whether the content meets this threshold, and may ask a patron to remove displayed content or stop using the computer if they deem that the content is inappropriate.

Patrons are responsible for any malicious damage that they cause to the computers or peripheral devices (e.g., monitors, printers, mice) and the police will be notified. Parents are responsible for any malicious damage that their children cause to the computers or peripheral devices (e.g., monitors, printers, mice) and the police may be notified.

Computer use is limited to one hour when other patrons are waiting to use a computer.

Patrons who use the Library’s computers should feel free to ask Library Staff for help or advice.

Weapons Policy

New Hampshire law permits the possession of firearms in the library. The Trustees hope that patrons use common sense when bringing firearms into the Library.

The Library requests that no weapons or explosives, either concealed or visible, be carried while within the Library building. Even those who have permits to carry a concealed weapon are asked not to do so within the Library. Duly sworn Law Enforcement Officers are exempt from this request.

If a staff member staff or other patrons feel threatened or uncomfortable due to the presence of a weapon, the staff may report the situation to law enforcement so the police can determine the lawfulness of such weapons being carried.

Any person who uses a weapon in the Library to intimidate or threaten a patron will be immediately reported to the police.

Collection Policies

Collection Development Policy

The Library Director is responsible for selecting items to be added to DFL’s collections. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context. Materials are selected based on the individual merit of each item; popular appeal/demand; suitability of material for the clientele; existing Library holdings; and budget.

Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, and will not be influenced by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children. Responsibility for the reading decisions of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no Library material will be sequestered due to the content.

A useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the Library Director.

Gifts and Donations Policy

The Library appreciates gifts and donations. Due to the limited space available in the Library, most used books are not accepted. If you believe that a book has unique value or should be added to the Library’s collection, please contact the Library Director.

Memorial gifts of books and other materials may be accepted if appropriate and needed. The same selection criteria which are applied to purchase materials are applied to gifts. Books may be accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book. Specific memorial books can be ordered for the Library upon request of a patron if the item meets the Library’s established criteria. The Director will make a book selection if no specific book is requested.

Library personnel may not appraise the value of donated materials, although it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items at the time of donation if requested by the donor.

Monetary donations may be given to the unrestricted general fund or with the understanding that they be used for a particular purpose. Checks are recommended as the Library does not have the ability to accept donations via credit/debit charges or electronic transfer.

Reconsideration Policy

Grantham residents, 16 years of age or older, may request that material be withdrawn from the Library or moved to a different area. During the reconsideration period the challenged item will remain part of the Library collection.

The procedure for reconsideration is:

  1. The requester must submit a written “Request for Reconsideration of Library Resource” form, which is available in the Library. All questions/information must be completed. Each individual item requested for reconsideration requires a separate form.
  2. The request form will be reviewed by the Director who will respond to the inquiry in writing no later than 25 business days from the date of form submission.
  3. The requester may appeal the decision by notifying the Board of Trustees in writing within 45 calendar days of the rendered decision. In this case, the Board will reconsider the request at an upcoming Board of Trustees meeting to be held within 90 business days of the appeal notification.
  4. The Board’s decision will be communicated in writing to the requester within 15 business days of their decision. The decision of the Board is final and the item will not be eligible for reconsideration within three (3) years from the date of the final decision.

Additional Policies

Privacy Policy

New Hampshire library patron information and records are confidential and protected by state law, specifically RSA 201-D:11. This information will only be released to third parties (including parents) when required by law. The Library maintains the following user-specific information:

  1. The name, address, telephone number, and signature of each person with borrowing privileges.
  2. For children under the age of 14, the Library also keeps a record of the user’s age as well as the name and signature of the parent or guardian authorizing the borrowing privileges.
  3. A record of unpaid fines, including the user responsible for the fine and the item from the collection associated with the fine.

The Library maintains the following records about patron borrowing:

  • A cumulative record of all items checked out by patrons. (The software that DFL uses maintains this information and we are not able to disable this capability.)
  • The Library also keeps statistical information about usage which does not identify specific Library users.

Per NH law, all library records related to a minor’s current borrowing of printed library materials and audio-visual materials such as DVDs and CDs, shall be available to the parent or legal guardian of the minor, when requested by the parent or legal guardian.