Library Policies & Strategic Plan
Mission Statement
The mission of the Town Hall Library is to offer all people a welcoming, accessible, and attractive gathering place conducive to learning, research, enlightenment, and enjoyment. Through innovative programming, relevant collections and responsive services, the Town Hall Library aspires to be an information-based community center, which supports life-long learning and the joy of reading.
Strategic Plan
After careful consideration of gathered data, community perspectives and growing needs, the planning team members are pleased to share Town Hall Library’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.
1. Serve as a Vibrant Community Hub: The Town Hall Library welcomes everyone and provides inclusive opportunities for learning, connection, and enrichment across all ages and abilities.
2. Expand Outreach and Visibility in the Community: The Town Hall Library provides our community members with the information they need to understand, utilize, and appreciate the library’s offerings.
3. Ensure Organizational Sustainability and Staff Excellence: The Town Hall Library delivers high-quality services by investing in staff, culture, and infrastructure.
Patron Responsibilities & Conduct
The Town Hall Library has an obligation to its patrons to maintain an atmosphere conducive to reading, study, research, and the pursuit of life-long learning opportunities. Library patrons are expected to use the library, including its facilities, grounds, resources and materials, in a responsible, appropriate, and courteous manner. It is a patron’s responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a public nuisance, the patron may be restricted from the library and from the use of the library facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time after being instructed to do so by the staff will be subject to the law. Failure to comply with this policy may result in the loss of library use privileges.
Policies & Procedures:
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Library Use
This policy outlines the rules of conduct required to use the library, including expectations of children & parents and allowance of food & beverage in the Library. Failure to comply may result in a loss of library use privileges.
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Library Card Policy
As a member of the Bridges Library System, the Town Hall Library serves all residents and taxpayers of Waukesha and Jefferson Counties. This policy details library card eligibility, card procedures and card agreements.
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Circulation Policy
This policy covers getting a library card, renewing your card, cardholder responsibilities, what happens if items are returned late or damaged and cardholder perks like interlibrary loans, placing holds, Library of Things and more.
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Space & Meeting Room Usage
Town Hall Library has areas designed to meet a specific need. This policy outlines those areas and provides in depth information on using and reserving the McBroom Community Room.
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Makerspace
Makerspaces are collaborative, creative spaces where patrons can make, learn, and share using a variety of tools and resources. This policy covers the guidelines for space and equipment usage including the user agreement and release of liability form.
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Library Services
The library provides materials and resources for the information, entertainment, intellectual development and enrichment of the people of the community. This policy outlines how we will accomplish that.
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Library Board and Conflict of Interest
These policies cover board responsibilities and ensure that the financial interests of the members of the Library Board of Trustees do not conflict with the public trust.
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Electronic Meetings Policy
This policy outlines the use and importance of electronic meetings in allowing a wider range of participants to attend and monitor the meeting who might not otherwise be able to make it to a physical location.
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Volunteers and Friends of Town Hall Library
These policies cover how volunteers are considered, assigned, managed and valued at Town Hall Library, including the Friends of Town Hall Library.
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Donations and Recognition
This policy outlines in-kind and monetary donations accepted by the Library and the donor recognition efforts of the Town Hall Library Foundation.
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Collection Development and Reference Services
These policies detail Town Hall Library develops our collection using professional standards. It also includes information about interlibrary loans, withdrawals, collection challenges and reference services. Library staff provide appropriate and impartial service to all patrons.
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Program Policy
Programming supports our mission of connecting people with ideas and information. This policy explains how program topics, speakers and resources are chosen and shared with the public.
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Public Relations Policy
This policy explains the importance of public relations and how the Town Hall Library Board of Trustees fosters growth.
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Video Recording & Photography Policy
This policy outlines the authorization of video recording and photography at the Library, including our photo/video permissions during Library programs and events.
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Public Computers and Internet Access Policy
This policy outlines how to use the Library's computers, wireless internet, and print/copy services responsibly. It explains the Library's rules about online safety and appropriate use, including the internet use agreement.
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Bulletin Boards, Artwork and Display Case Policy
This policy details the purpose, regulations and criteria for the Library’s bulletin board, artwork and display cases.
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Emergency Closings and Safety Policy
This policy covers incidences where Town Hall Library may decide to close the Library and the procedures taken in such cases.
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Privacy of Library Records and Library Use
The Town Hall Library protects the privacy of library records and the confidentiality of patron use of the library as required by laws. This policy covers those legal requirements, rules and responsibilities.
All of the library’s policies shall be subject to review and revision by the library board at least every five years. Individual policies will be reviewed or added as needed. Policy Manual was adopted by the Town Hall Library Board of Trustees 12/11/2000 and fully reviewed February 2021.