All Library Policies are approved by the Bethany Library Association Board prior to publication.
All current Policies in place at Clark Memorial Library are listed below.
Questions about Library Policies may be directed to the Library Director, Gayle Bogel, by telephone at 203-393-2103, or by email at director@bethanylibrary.org
Click on the headings below, or the “+” sign to the right, to expand each section and display the policy information for that section.
Clark Memorial Library’s 3D printing services are intended to provide equitable access to an emerging technology, while ensuring safe, lawful, and ethical use of the 3D printing resources in order to encourage innovation and digital literacy. Read the full 3D Printing Policy here.
Clark Memorial Library is committed in all areas to providing a work environment that is free from harassment. Harassment based upon an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, gender, gender expression, or any other legally protected characteristics will not be tolerated. All employees, including supervisors and other management personnel, are expected and required to abide by this policy. No person will be adversely affected in employment with the employer as a result of bringing complaints of unlawful harassment.
Approved by Bethany Library Association March 2021.
Children Under the Age of Twelve
- The library is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all users. For the safety and comfort of children, a parent or caregiver must accompany and supervise children under the age of twelve (12) while on library premises. This policy is in accordance with Connecticut State Statutes.
- Exceptions may be made during scheduled library programs, at which time the person responsible for the child’s supervision may be absent for the duration of the program but must remain in the building.
Children Age Twelve and Older
- Children aged twelve (12) years and older may use the library unaccompanied by an adult, as long as they follow the guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable behavior set out in the Patron Behavior Policy.
- Library staff does not monitor children leaving the premises, nor is it their responsibility to know with whom a child is leaving.
Approved by Bethany Library Association December 2025.
In accordance with State mandates, Policies Related to Public Act 25-168 Collection Development, Programs, Display, and Reconsideration Policies, our Policies for our Collection development, Displays, and Programming as well as Reconsideration Policies can all be found here.
Community Room Policy
The Clark Memorial Library Community Room is available for reservation. The room holds a maximum of 25 people.
The Community Room is available for free to local government, non-profit, community, and civic groups. For-profit institutions may use the room for a fee, with approval from the Bethany Library Board.
To reserve a room, please read our full Community Room Policy, print and fill out the Application, then come in to reserve the Library’s Community Room for your next event.
Clark Memorial Library gratefully accepts all gifts, donations, endowments, and bequests which are appropriate to its mission and goals. The Bethany Library Association Board has adopted guidelines regarding mission-appropriate gifts. Please read our full Donation and Gifts Policy to understand what books, monetary gifts, and other gifts the Library accepts.
The Clark Memorial Library welcomes everyone to use its collections, services and facilities. At the same time, the library must ensure a calm, safe space hat is conducive to reading, study, research, and learning. library patrons are expected to show courtesy and respect in their use of library resources and facilities.
To that end, the Library Board has developed this Patron Behavior Policy. It will be politely, but firmly enforced by library staff. Those who violate this policy may be asked to leave the library grounds for a period, and in severe cases, may face suspension of library privileges or legal action. The following list of inappropriate behaviors are only examples and are not all-inclusive.
- The violation of any federal or state statutes or local ordinances on the library premises will also be regarded as a violation of library policy. Theft, vandalism or damage to library property such as defacing materials, tables, walls or signs is prohibited.
- Smoking, including vaping and electronic cigarettes is not permitted on library property.
- Selling or soliciting is not permitted without prior library approval.
- Possession of weapons of any kind is not permitted
- Possession or use of alcoholic beverages is not permitted in the library, or on library grounds, except at authorized library functions.
- Behavior that is disruptive, dangerous or offensive behavior to other patrons and/or staff is not permitted. Examples are viewing or displaying information or images that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors, running, jumping, fighting, throwing objects, pushing, shoving, swearing, making obscene gestures, banging on windows, climbing or walking on retaining walls, harassment of other patrons or staff members, rudeness to library staff, rearranging library furniture or materials, placing feet on furniture, and being intoxicated or under the influence of any controlled substance.
- Food and beverages are only allowed in the meeting room. All individuals are responsible, for cleaning up their messes. Patrons need to notify a staff member if a spill occurs.
- Cell phones are permitted; however, conversations must be quiet enough so that other patrons are not disturbed.
- Animals are not permitted inside the library unless they are registered service animals or are involved in a library program.
- Appropriate clothing, including shirts and shoes must be worn in the library.
- All children are welcome and encouraged to visit the library. However, the safety of young children and the rights of other patrons and staff requires that caregivers monitor and supervise the behavior of children in their care. Children under twelve (12) may not be left unattended in any part of the library unless they are attending a program supervised by a library staff member. For additional details, please see the Clark Memorial Library Policy for Children and Caregivers
- Photographing, filming, or audio recording of library users, library staff, and library programs without the relevant individuals’ and the Library Director’s prior written permission is prohibited.
- Using the library for tutoring sessions is permitted. Tutors must check-in with a staff member, who will find an appropriate area for the tutoring session.
- The library is not responsible for any personal belongings left unattended on library property.
Questions regarding the interpretation of any of these guidelines should be referred to the Library Director.
Approved by Bethany Library Association December 2025.
Clark Memorial Library provides access to computers, the internet, Wi‑Fi, and other technology to support the educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community. Use of Library technology or networks constitutes acceptance of this policy and all related Library policies and guidelines. View the entirety of our Policy on Technology and Internet usage here.