Library Policies

Policy Statement

The Niceville Public Library operates on the principle that the library services should be provided on the basis of equity of access for all. Library users acknowledge by their presence a responsibility to maintain an atmosphere of civility in order to respect and protect the rights of others in the use of the library and its services. Behavior that is disruptive or unreasonably disrespectful or disruptive to others will not be tolerated. Disruptive patrons may be asked to leave the library.

Rules of conduct respect the rights and safety of library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and preserve and protect the library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds.

Regulations

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Any patron who violates the library rules and regulations will be asked to cease the behavior and may be asked by library staff to leave the premises. Failure to comply with the library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and expulsion from the library, or in arrest or prosecution. Violation could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges. Library employees will contact the Niceville Police Department for assistance when warranted by safety concerns.  

Patrons who are asked to leave the premises will typically be welcomed back the following day should they follow the library rules and policies. However, especially grievous violations of policy will be subject to longer expulsions.

Conduct Not Allowed in the Library

• Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or Library policy.
• Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
• Trespassing in nonpublic areas-without permission of an authorized Library employee before, during, or after library operating hours.
• Damaging or defacing library materials or property. Parents can be held liable for damage done by a child under age 18.
• Theft of library materials
• Use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person’s library card without his/her permission
• Cell phone ringers should be turned off inside the library. Extended phone conversations may be disruptive to other library users. Cell phone conversations should be brief and quiet. Longer calls should be taken in the vestibule. Phone conversations are permitted in all study rooms, but consideration must be made for nearby patrons.
• Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices in a manner that disturbs others.
• Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, using abusive language, threatening behavior, or engaging in other disruptive conduct.
• Sleeping is generally not permitted in the library. Library users who doze off for a short time will not be disturbed, but staff may use a loud voice to attempt to wake them should there be any concern of a medical issue, intoxication, or disturbance to other patron such as snoring.
• Rearranging furniture, putting feet up on chairs or tables, sitting on tables, and other inappropriate use of furniture.
• Littering
• Running
• Soliciting or canvassing of any kind.
• Patrons must wear proper attire which conforms to the standard community for public places, including pants, shirts and shoes.
• Obstructing building entrances, exits, and aisles.
• Remaining in the library after announced official closing. Staff will issue a “close time warning” 15 minutes prior to closing at which time computers will automatically shut down. Patrons should allow adequate time for checking out materials and vacating the building by closing time.
• Food delivery is not permitted at the library. The use of food delivery services such as Door Dash must be made outside of the library building. Library staff will not accept food deliveries and will not notify/track down patrons in the library to collect their deliveries. Food and drinks (except bottled water) are not permitted in the library except at approved programs and in the library’s vestibule.
• Pets or animals are not allowed in the library, other than service animals necessary for assisting individuals with disabilities.
• Misusing the restrooms (e.g. using them as a laundry, grooming, or bathing facility). Flushing of any materials other than waste and toilet paper is strictly prohibited.
• Using or storing wheeled devices in the library including bicycles, self-propelled tricycles or scooters, skateboards, and roller skates. Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers are welcome.
• All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by authorized personnel.
• Patrons are responsible for their personal belongings. Library staff are not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.

Please note that items listed above are not an exhaustive list. Library staff may address any other behaviors which interfere with the use and enjoyment of the library by other patrons and/or interfere with Library staff in the performance of their duties.

Rev. 12/18/2025

• Please allow all members the opportunity to contribute to the discussion
• Try to keep the discussion on topic and avoid side conversations
• Please make an effort to include any new members
• Always be respectful of everyone's opinion and contribution
• Members are responsible for keeping track of meeting dates -- Email/phone reminders are done as a courtesy by our staff and should not be solely relied upon
• Any members missing either 3 consecutive meetings OR 5 meetings total will be asked to resign membership if a waitlist exists for that club
• Any member deemed rude or hostile to other club members, including staff, will be removed from the club
• Reader discretion is advised: Clubs are intended for patrons age 18 + and selections may include adult language, descriptions of nudity, violence, adult situations, and triggering topics or circumstances
• Book club items are checked out for 45 days with no renewals. If the item is not returned within 60 days of the due date, you will be charged the replacement cost of the item.

CHECKOUTS
Each card is eligible for 15 checkouts.
(Limit 2 Video Games, 3 Express Shelf items, 2 Wonderbooks, and 1 Launchpad)

LOAN PERIOD
All items are checked out for two weeks, except for 7-Day Express Shelf iitems.

RENEWALS
Most items are eligible for two renewals unless on hold for another patron. Video games may be renewed once. 7-Day Express items are not renewable.

OVERDUES
The Niceville Library does not charge overdue fees. However, any item not returned after 3 overdue notices will be considered lost and the borrower will be billed for that item.

MATERIAL SELECTION AND COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Introduction 

Libraries serve a significant role in preserving the integrity and freedom inherent in the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. They provide a unique educational and societal role by protecting the rights of individuals in a democracy to access ideas, words, books, cultural media, and the arts. Accordingly, library collections must represent the diversity of people and ideas in our society. The context and basis for the Niceville Library's Material Selection and Collection Development Policy (“the Policy") are shaped in part by the American Library Association's definition of Intellectual Freedom as "the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction." Furthermore, The American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement (copies available upon request) are endorsed by the Niceville Library and are integral parts of the Policy. The inclusion of an item in the Niceville Library's collection does not constitute an endorsement of content by the Niceville Library or the City of Niceville. 

Policy Objectives 

The purpose of the Policy is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time. Niceville Library staff uses the Policy in the selection of materials and to acquaint the community with the principles of selection. The Policy will be reviewed and revised as needed. 

Responsibility for Selection

The ultimate responsibility for the selection of library materials rests with the library director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the City of Niceville. Library staff may be tasked with selecting materials; however, the library director has the final authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.

 Criteria for Selection

1. The main points considered in the selection of materials are: 

1. individual merit of each item based on artistic worth, originality of work, the suitability of the content, and contribution to the Niceville Library's collection 
2. meets the needs and interest of the community 
3. popular appeal and demand 
4. suitability or need of material for the community 
5. existing library holdings 
6. representation of diverse points of view 
7. the relevance of the information to immediate social conditions or issues
8. representation of important movements, subjects, genres, or trends 
9. material currency and accuracy
10. constraints imposed by availability, space, budget, and format.

2. Reviews are a significant source of information about new materials. The primary sources of reviews used for collection development include journals such as Publishers Weekly, BookPage, The New York Times Book Review, Library Journal, and other authoritative review sources. 

3. The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title that is in demand. Consideration is, therefore, given to requests from library patrons and books discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the whole work, not on a part taken out of context. 

4. No resource shall be excluded because of the race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, or the social, political, or religious views of the authors. 

5. Teen and young adult resources are selected to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and creative needs of older children, generally defined as 13 through 17 years of age. In selecting resources for teens and young adults, consideration is given to information, diversity, and incidents that reflect the adolescent experience and highlight topics of interest and concern. Much contemporary teen and young adult material deals frankly with current social issues and may include controversial language. The value and impact of such content are examined as a whole because the significance of an entire work often transcends isolated words, phrases, or incidents. 

6. Children's resources are selected to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and creative needs of children, generally defined as newborns to 12 years of age. In selecting materials for children, consideration is given to originality, accuracy, imagination, graphic design, vocabulary, content, diversity, and format to the age of the reader.

Interlibrary Loan

Niceville Library is a member of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative (OCPLC). The OCPLC consists of six city libraries, Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Niceville, and Valparaiso, that share resources and materials to provide information services to all in the Okaloosa County community. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) allows the Niceville Library to obtain materials from libraries outside of the OCPLC network to meet a patron's needs. A patron may request an interlibrary loan whenever material is not available from any of the OCPLC member libraries. The ILL service is accessible to all patrons holding a valid adult OCPLC member library card in good standing. A patron can request up to five items at one time if the publication date is at least six months old. Due to demand, ILL requests for new materials may not be fulfilled. Due dates and renewals for ILL items are set at the discretion of the lending library. Patrons who wish to request a renewal should contact the Reference department at least five days before the due date, but renewals are not guaranteed. All ILL materials requested from the Niceville Library must be picked up and returned to the Niceville Library. ILL materials may take anywhere from 1-3 weeks to be received, and sometimes longer. The lending library also sets the value of the item if it is lost or damaged. Items borrowed via Interlibrary Loan are subject to recall at any time by the lender. 

Gifts and Donations

The Niceville Library accepts gifts of books and other materials ("Donated Materials") with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. Acceptance of Donated Materials does not guarantee that the Donated Materials will be maintained for any length of time or added to the collection. If the Donated Materials are not desired for the collection, the library director may dispose of the Donated Materials as he/she sees fit. The same criteria of selection which are applied to purchased materials are used with gifts and donations. The Library has the right to discard any donations that are in poor physical condition (e.g., brittle paper, water or mildew damage, torn or missing pages). By law, the Library is not allowed to appraise the value of Donated Materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor. Memorial books with suitable bookplates can be arranged for inclusion in the Niceville Library's collection. Specific titles may be requested if the titles meet the criteria of the Policy and are subject to the approval of the library director. 

 Weeding

The Niceville Library maintains a current, attractive, and useful collection through a continual weeding process. Materials that no longer meet the objectives of the Niceville Library (including items that have become damaged or obsolete) will be systematically withdrawn according to the accepted professional practices described in the publication, CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries. Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions. The library director oversees this ongoing process of weeding. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials. 

Challenges

The Niceville Library recognizes that there can be differing opinions and tastes regarding literature and information resources. Selection of materials will not be made on the anticipated approval or disapproval of patrons but rather the principles stated in this Policy, including providing equitable access of information, as it is key to having an informed populace. The Niceville Library takes very seriously all concerns expressed by patrons and attempts to respond as quickly as possible.

A patron with concerns about an item in the Library collection is encouraged to discuss the item with Library Management. They may also request a Statement of Concern form. Upon submission, an in-house committee consisting of the Library Director, Tech Services Manager, Circulation Manager, Reference Manager, and Youth Services Manager will review the form and item in question. The committee will then recommend whether to keep the item in the collection in its current location, move it to a different location within the Library, or remove the item from the collection entirely. Should further evaluation be necessary, the concern will then be assessed by a review board consisting of the Niceville City Manager, the OCPLC Coordinator, and another Okaloosa library director. Once an item has gone through the review process, it may not be challenged again for a period of five years. A patron may not submit more than two challenges within a twelve-month period.

As a matter of policy, no challenged resource which conforms to this Policy shall be removed from the Niceville Library except by order of a court of competent jurisdiction. The Niceville Library supports all members of its community having access to materials that educate and celebrate their histories and their futures. The Niceville Library is not responsible for the content of material read by minors. That responsibility rests with the minor's parents or legal guardians. The selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of minors. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft.

Revised 6/10/2025

Okaloosa library card holders may log on to our public internet computers using the barcode number on their library card. Visitors may receive a guest pass by showing photo ID at the Circulation Desk.

Computers for public use are connected to a high-speed fiber network and have standard Microsoft Office software installed. Customers may use personal USB drives and CDs in the computers.

Free WiFi is available during normal business hours.

The Niceville Library offers:

• 24 Public Use Computers
• 8 Teen Space Computers
• 4 Youth Area Computers
• 4 AWE Early Literacy Computers
• B/W Printing: 10¢ per page
• Color Printing: 25¢ per page

Computer & Internet Policy

Each individual is responsible for his or her appropriate use of the Internet in a public place. Parents or guardians have the responsibility to guide and oversee their children’s computer use and Internet access. Express parental permission may be required for users ages 16 and under. Libraries may additionally require direct supervision of young children.

In order to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all users, customer responsibilities are: 

• Refrain from viewing pornographic content
• Comply with copyright law and adhere to software licensing agreements
• Refrain from streaming or downloading copyrighted materials
• Comply with all local, state, and federal laws including, but not limited to, those concerning fraud, privacy, or obscenity
• Observe the established computer time limits
• Respect the security of the network
• Respect privacy of other customers
• Failure to comply may result in loss of computer access or library privileges in addition to any appropriate legal action, including criminal prosecution

The Niceville Library provides displays and exhibits

Purpose

In correlation with the Collection Development policy the library endeavors to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in Library-initiated displays and exhibits. This may include books, media, and other resources to create points of interest on a variety of topics. Space may be in physical or digital format as a benefit for their communities.

Library staff will be mindful of appropriate age locations in the library, and mindful of the manner in which displays and exhibits are presented is in keeping with the standards and best practices of public libraries nationally, statewide, and regionally.

Staff will make every effort to ensure that displays cover a diverse range of topics and are inclusive of the whole community. The content of displays and exhibits does not indicate Library endorsement of the ideas, issues or events promoted.

Selection Criteria

Library displays are planned, organized, and implemented by library staff and vetted by the Library Reference Manager. The library uses the following criteria in making decisions about displays topics, materials, and accompany resources:

• Community needs and interests
• Historical or educational significance
• Connection to other community, state, or national programs, exhibits, or events
• Relations to library collections, resources, exhibits, programs, and events

Rev. 12/18/2025

Due to the volume of items left at the library, library staff adhere to the following Lost and Found policy:           

• To protect the privacy of our library patron’s printouts, copies, and paper originals left at the library will be disposed of after 48 hours.
• Physical items left behind at the library will be held for 7 days and then disposed or donated.

Rev. 12/18/2025

Due to the high volume of materials returned on a daily basis, the library follows the policy below for mis-returned items, or items that do not belong to OCPLC member libraries and that were not acquired through our Interlibrary Loan program. 

• Library staff will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owning library to notify them that the items have been received.
• Items will be held behind the Reference Desk for up to 30 days from the date the owning library is contacted.
• If the items are not claimed within 30 days, they will be disposed of or donated at the library’s discretion.

Suspension of Privileges for Health and Safety Reasons (Pest Policy)

It is the responsibility of the Niceville Library to maintain a healthy and clean environment for all library users and to protect taxpayers' investment in library collections, equipment, and property.  In order to fulfill this responsibility, the library may restrict a patron's ability to borrow physical materials and/or visit library facilities when such use may jeopardize the health and safety of library facilities, collections, and patrons. 

An example of a situation where the borrowing of physical materials may be suspended includes, but is not limited to: 

• Evidence that items on loan to a patron may have been returned with insects that are known to be damaging to library materials, or that can result in pest infestations in library facilities, e.g. roaches, silverfish, and some types of beetles. 

Examples of situations where access to library facilities may be suspended include, but are not limited to: 

• Patrons or patron possessions with fleas, lice, or bed bugs. 

When evidence of an insect issue is noted: 

• The Library Director will notify a patron of what was found and put a note on the patron’s record. 
• Patrons will be shown the evidence whenever possible. 
• Borrowing privileges of physical materials will be suspended for six months. If the patron can provide evidence that the pest issue has been resolved, the suspension will be lifted prior to the six-month period. 
• The library materials will be discarded at the discretion of the Library Director. 
• The patron may be billed for the damaged items. 

Any patron who has privileges suspended under the terms of this policy may request to have privileges reinstated when evidence showing that the address in question has been inspected with no sign of infestation or that the residence has been treated.  Confirming information may include copies of receipts for treatment, a letter from a licensed pest control company, or a written statement from the owner or property manager of a multi-family residence.  In some instances, proof of a change of residential address may also be accepted. 

Rev. 12/18/2025

The Niceville Library has two study rooms and a small conference room available to the public. The study rooms can fit up to three people comfortably and are equipped with computers that connect to the printer.  The small conference room can fit up to six people comfortably but does not have a computer.  

WIFI is available in all rooms. 

Reservations are made at the circulation department in person or via phone. 

Regulations

• Rooms are available to reserve for anyone 18 years or older. 
• Rooms can be booked for up to two hours per reservation. 
• Rooms can be extended for an additional two hours (during the last 10 minutes), if no one has booked behind them. (Patrons can reserve another room if the one they are currently in is going to be occupied.) 
• Patrons can arrive anywhere between the times reserved.  
• Rooms can be booked up to two weeks in advance. 
• Library staff may cancel a study room reservation due to building conditions, weather conditions, or other special situations.
• Library staff reserve the right to resolve schedule problems by adjusting reservations or schedules. 
• Individuals who repeatedly make Study Room reservations and fail to show without notification of cancellation, or who otherwise fail to comply with this Policy’s regulations, may be subject to having their Study Room privileges revoked.

Exceptions

• A library proctor or library employee that organizes programs may exceed the two hour/two-week rule and choose the room they need. 
• The rooms may be “marked out” for special events/programs, e.g., AARP tax aid. 

Use of Study Rooms

• Study room activities must begin and end at the time specified in the reservation.
• No food or drinks, allowed other than water. 
• Study Rooms must be left clean, and in the same condition as found.
• Study Room activities must not interfere with or disturb other users or Library staff.
• No messages will be taken by Library staff for non-Library organizations or individuals.

Rev. 12/18/2025

All teens are required to have an active library card and an emergency contact form on file.

AGE RESTRICTIONS:

• The Teen Space is reserved for students age 13 - 17. No exceptions.
• Adults may enter briefly to locate a book for checkout or to pick up their child, but may not stay in the Teen Space.

FOOD AND DRINK:

• Absolutely no food or drinks allowed at the computers.
• Snacks and water only allowed at the tables.  Sodas and colored drinks of any kind are not allowed.
• Teens are expected to clean up after themselves.

BEHAVIOR:

• Teens are expected to show respect for all library staff, library property, and all visitors to the facility.
• Teens are given the privilege of talking in conversational voices and sharing music as long as it does not disturb others.
• The teen logged on to a computer in the Teen Space must be the one using the computer.
• Two teens may work together on a project at a computer, but large groups around one computer are not allowed.  
• The following behaviors will not be tolerated:
  • Offensive, foul or abusive language
  • Verbal or physical disrespect for other teens or anyone in the library
  • Horseplay of any kind
  • Personal displays of affection (inappropriate for a public space)
  • Any behavior that could damage library property or interfere with the safety of others

Failure to follow the above teen space policies can result in being trespassed from the library and the city complex by the Niceville Police department.

OUTSIDE/CITY COMPLEX:

• Students/Teens may not congregate outside the front doors of the Library.  Any kind of shouting or horseplay near the front doors or inside the lobby is not acceptable.
• Bikes, skateboards, or scooters may not be ridden inside the city complex.
• Students/Teens are expected to walk while inside the complex. No running or horseplay is allowed.

• Tutors utilizing library space must abide by the rules of this policy and the Study Room Use Policy.
• Tutors must provide their own supplies.
• The library telephone may not be used to make or cancel appointments; no messages may be conveyed through staff.
• Tutors are responsible for the behavior of their students and must ensure that noise levels do not disturb other patrons.
• Tutors may not publish or distribute advertisements or letters indicating the Niceville Library as their place of doing business or otherwise imply Library sponsorship of their activities.

Rev. 12/18/2025

All children are welcome and encouraged to use our library. However, please remember that parents and caregivers are responsible for the supervision of their children in order to provide a quiet and safe environment for all users.

Be aware that, although the City and the library staff work very hard to keep the library a safe place for all, the library is a public building and is open to everyone. Therefore, your personal supervision is your child's best safeguard.

• Young children must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of Youth Services and in visual contact with the child.
• Any child under age 11 may not be left unattended in the Youth Services area. All children ages 11 & up that are unattended/unsupervised by a parent or other adult must be able to function independently.
• For safety reasons, jumping from or standing on the furniture is not allowed.
• Children are expected to walk and talk quietly while in the library. If your child is disturbing others, please be considerate and remove him/her from the area, especially during library programs.

Computer Use

• Library cards provide access to our internet computers. If you wish to restrict your child's access, please notify staff at the Circulation Desk.
• Children using the juvenile computers must sign in.
• There is a 30-minute time limit when someone is waiting.
• Children under the age of 3 must use a computer with an adult.
• Anyone visiting objectionable and/or offensive websites will be asked to leave and will be suspended from computer use.

Class or Group Visits
Any group visit shall be scheduled during the operating hours of the library and must be scheduled in advance. Visits may include library tours, use of reference materials and computers, and/or story times. Supervising adults must accompany the group.