The Norfolk Public Library 139 Main Street Norfolk, Massachusetts Tel. No. 508-528-3380
Trustees Mary Jo Gothorpe Harvey Boulay Ken Nelson |
Full Time Staff Director of Libraries
Associate Director Children's Librarian
Reference/Information Systems Administrator |
General Information
Community and Library Description
Norfolk is a residential community that has recently experienced rapid growth, but still retains characteristics of a small New England town. The town encompasses 15 square miles and has 10,460 residents according to the 2000 census. The public library has made every effort to keep pace with the growth (265% increase in 30 years) of the community.
The library's primary role is the provision of formal education support services to the student population. A secondary role is to provide popular materials to children of all ages, adults, and retirees.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Norfolk Public Library to serve the educational, informational and recreational needs of the community. In the field of educational services, the Norfolk Library should play a significant role in delivering library and media services in the public schools as well as services to young children, students, adults, and retired persons in the public library. As an informational resource, the library and its staff seek to enhance access to large amounts of materials through active links with other libraries, the regional library system, and the use of electronic information storage and retrieval, as well as development of the Norfolk Library's own permanent circulating and reference collections. In recreational library services, it is recognized that a significant part of the library's very high per
capita circulation is in the area of recreational materials and the library seeks to continue to make available recreational library materials in all relevant media.
Meeting Room
Jeanne D. Hill meeting room use and exhibit space policy
The Norfolk Public Library encourages the use of its meeting room and exhibit spaces by charitable, non-profit and community groups to help meet the educational, recreational, and informational needs of the community. The Jeanne D. Hill Meeting Room is available to the public provided that such meetings/programs do not conflict with regular library service and programs, as library programs are the top level priority. The next level of priority for meeting room use is given to Town boards and commissions.
Based on the democratic philosophy expressed in the Library Bills of Rights, the Library shall not discriminate in permitting use of its meeting room or exhibit spaces based on the content of the program or exhibit. The Library shall endeavor to make its facilities equally available to groups with different or opposing viewpoints.
Groups which reserve and use the meeting room and exhibit spaces are responsible for any damage of misuse of Library property, shall indemnify the Library against damage or injury, and must provide proper supervision at all times. Groups shall comply with the established Rules for Library Meeting Room and Exhibit Spaces (see reverse page) and may be restricted or denied future use of Library facilities upon failure to fully comply.
Jeanne D. Hill room user regulations (approved Dec. 21, 1992)
The Jeanne D. Hill Room is one of the busiest and most heavily used spaces in our Town! We are pleased that so many community groups are able to use this room for a wide variety of purposes. Because the room is used so often and because of the very limited resources the Library has to maintain it, all users are asked to take notice of the regulations below and to follow closely those requirements that apply to your meeting.
1.Take Away All Trash
The Library has no trash disposal facilities. It is extremely important that no food be left in the room because of odors and attraction of vermin.
2. Be Sure All Tables And Chairs Are Clean And Properly Stored After Each Use
This is especially important where food, crafts, or other "messy" projects are undertaken. When paints, glue,, etc. are used, tables must be covered with plastic cloths and the blue nylon tarps must be put down to protect the floor. Wipe up any spills from tables and chairs with the cleaning materials which are in the room, Please check that all furniture is stored before leaving.
3. Stains On Carpet
If there are any stains, especially from food or craft projects, blot them with paper towels and inform the librarian immediately. We will have a professional cleaning company remove the stains to avoid damage to the carpet. A charge will be made of any costs incurred.
4. Vacuum The Room
Please vacuum the carpet so that the next group to use the room will start off with a clean area. There is a vacuum cleaner in the room for this purpose.
5. Use Only Designated Electrical Outlets
There are two outlets in the room: one under the clock and the other near the bathroom. The Library does not have extension cords. No electrical devices which create heat (heaters, soldering irons, sunlamps, etc.) are permitted, If a fuse blows, notify the librarian immediately.
6. No Lighted Candies or Flames
These violate the state fire code! Please use electric candles, etc.
7. Door Must Be Locked
The entry door is not self?locking and must be locked with a key if it has been opened with a key. Please be sure to check this, especially after Library hours.
8. Be Sure The Bathroom Is Clean
There are cleaning supplies in the bathroom. Do not pour paint, glue, or other crafts materials in the sink. If the toilet and sink are used, please be sure they are clean. Report any stoppages to the Librarian.
9. Keep All Exits Clear
All three exits (Main St., to the Library, and Ramp Exit) must have a clear 3?foot wide path and be completely unobstructed at all times,
10. Be Sure All Children Are Released to Parents/Guardians
When an activity involves children, be sure that children remain in the room until parents or other authorized persons arrive to pick them up. This is an important safety issue.
11. Groups wishing to reserve the meeting room must submit a completed application form to the Associate Director. Please allow one (1) week prior to your selected meeting date for the application to be processed. Multiple bookings may be made up to six months in advance. Tentative bookings may be made by telephone (Monday - Friday 9:00 - 4:00), however a written application is required. A confirmation will be returned to the applicant.
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC)
The Norfolk Public Library participates in the Library Incentive Grant and Massachusetts Equalization Grant programs offered through the MBLC and maintains standards required by the MBLC in order to provide the best service to Norfolk Residents.
Southeastern Massachusetts Library System (SEMLS)
The Norfolk Public Library is a member of the Southeastern Massachusetts Library System and the Bridgewater Subregion and utilizes its program of library support services as a means of providing the best possible services to the residents of Norfolk.
SAILS
SAILS is a consortium of libraries that together, through resource sharing, provide library users with a wider range of materials and resources than any single library could provide. SAILS cards may be used at 41 libraries (over 60 branches) in South Eastern Massachusetts.
In addition to walk-in user service, the holdings of these libraries are a part of the database to which Norfolk library patrons have access when searching in the PAC (Public Access Catalog). Most materials located in the PAC may be placed on reserve and will be delivered to Norfolk Public Library. Click here to search the database now.
Get CARDED at the Norfolk Public Library
.....it's a great investment at no charge! A SAILS library card is available to all Massachusetts residents. To obtain a card, positive identification must be presented, including current address. A parent's or legal guardian's signature is required in order for a child to obtain a card.
The Library Collection
New Book Lists
The library boasts of a collection of over 22,000 fiction, non-fiction & large print books for adults and 120 magazine subscriptions. More than 1,400 video tapes, 600 compact discs, and 1,200 books on tape are available.
For Young Readers
The library has an entire section set aside for children. The Children's collection includes approximately 14,000 fiction and non-fiction books, 500 books on tape and 500 video tapes.
Reference Services
The reference area has recently been restructured. It now includes both adult and juvenile reference books arranged in a single sequence to facilitate student research. In addition, the library now has a special area designated for the local history collection.
The Norfolk Library is a member of the Southeastern Massachusetts Library System . Through this library network, staff members can obtain reference information that is beyond the scope of this library. Additionally, books and periodical articles not available through the SAILS system can be requested through inter-library loan.
A photocopier and electronic typewriter are available for patron use. Telefascimile service is also available; details may be obtained at the circulation desk.
Personal computers are also available, patrons may use Word Processing, Speadsheet, or Pesentation Software.
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