Policies & Procedures

It is the mission of the Westborough Public Library to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all members of our community who use our facilities and library services.  In order to ensure that our library is equitable and open to all, to protect the rights and safety of library patrons and staff, and to preserve and protect library materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds, it is important that library users be considerate of the rights of others and use the library in a safe and non-threatening manner.

The Behavior Policy covers behavior on Library property, including the restrooms, meeting rooms, and public spaces. Outside, it includes any areas adjacent to the building: entrances, courtyard, lawns, and parking lots. 

Guidelines for Library Use: 

• Ask for help when needed or if you are not finding the resources you need.
• Be considerate of others.
• Respect the staff, facility, equipment, and materials.
• Be responsible for your children.
• Be responsible for personal belongings; do not leave them unattended.
• Keep lids securely on beverages and enjoy food in designated areas.
• Follow staff directions.

The following activities are not allowed: 

• Interfering with another patrons’ right to use the library or with the staff’s performance of their duties.
• Creating a disturbance by making noise, talking loudly, or engaging in other disruptive behavior including using speaker phone and video conferencing (MGL, Ch. 272, Sec. 41).
• Engaging in conduct or speech which is intimidating, harassing, or threatening to any patron or staff. This includes the use of profanity and hate speech, stalking, staring, unwelcome contact between people, and invasion of personal space.
• Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers).
• The use of drugs and alcohol including but not limited to smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, and all other tobacco products in the library or on library grounds. Persons appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave the library.
• Bringing animals into the library, except those needed to assist a patron with a disability (MGL, CH.272, Sec. 98A) Emotional support or therapy animals are not covered under the American with Disabilities Act and hence, are not allowed. Exceptions may be made during approved library programs that utilize animal ambassadors.
• Misusing the restrooms, e.g. using them as a laundry or bathing facility and improper disposal of diapers.
• Soliciting or canvassing of any kind.
• Non-staff entering staff work areas without permission
• Sleeping. Staff regularly conduct wellness checks and may need to report sleeping for health and safety purposes.
• Running.
• Engaging in sexual conduct.
• Use of the library barefooted, without a shirt, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the library environment. Breastfeeding is not a violation. Exceptions may be made during approved library programs where removing footwear is part of the activity.
• Use of wheeled devices such as skateboards, roller-skates, bicycles, scooters, and shopping carts; devices that are allowed include wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, accessibility equipment, and other similar devices when used for their intended purpose.
• Viewing materials on library computers that are not appropriate for a public setting (See the Library’s Internet Policy for more details.)
• Leaving children 11 years old or younger unattended. An attending individual is defined as a responsible person of at least 16 years of age. (see the Library’s Child Safety Policy)

Those who damage or deface library materials or property may be prosecuted. (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec. 100). Parents can be held liable for damage done by a child under 18. (MGL, Ch. 231, Sec. 85) 

Theft of library materials, use of false identification to obtain a library card, or use of another person’s library card without permission is against state law. Violations may be prosecuted (MGL, Ch. 266, Sec 99)

For the safety of minors in the library, adults unaccompanied by children or teens are asked to remain in the general areas of the library unless they are actively using the materials or services in the children’s area or teen room for purposes not served by the general areas of the building. 

If a child, or anyone otherwise needing close adult supervision, has been left unattended in the library, staff will attempt to locate the caregiver. If the caregiver cannot be located, or if the library is closing, law enforcement will be notified.

Library facilities and grounds are public spaces except where designated staff only, and the library is not responsible for incidental photography, videoing or filming of visitors and patrons of the library. We ask that patrons be respectful of other patrons’ privacy and refrain from taking photographs, audio recordings, or videos of library users without their permission whenever possible.

Enforcement of Library Behavior Policy: 

Library staff and, at the request of a staff member, Westborough Police Officers, are authorized to enforce these rules and regulations and may direct any person who has engaged in or is engaging in prohibited conduct or activity, to leave the library and its grounds. Any person refusing to leave, after having been directed to do so by a staff member or police officer, shall be subject to arrest or prosecution for trespass. 

The Board of Trustees or the Library Director may impose sanctions against any person who has engaged in prohibited conduct or activity within the library or upon its grounds. Such sanctions may include restricting or suspending the individual’s library privileges and/or prohibiting the individual from entering the library or its grounds. 

Any person subject to and aggrieved by the imposition of a sanction may, in writing and within ten days of receipt of the notice of sanction, appeal the decision of the Library Director to the Board of Library Trustees. The decision of the Board, in such matters, shall be final. Any person, after receiving a notice of sanction prohibiting entry to the library or its grounds that enters the library or its grounds shall be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespass.

Approved by the Westborough Library Board of Trustees July 2025

The Westborough Public Library welcomes children of all ages and offers a variety of programs and services designed to foster a love of books, reading, and learning. In addition, the library is committed to providing a warm, inviting, and safe environment for children and families. 

It is important for parents and guardians to recognize that the safety of children left unattended in a public building is a serious concern. Responsibility for the care, safety, and behavior of children in the library rests solely with their parent/guardian or responsible caregiver. 

To ensure the protection and well-being of children, the following policies apply: 

• Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a parent or responsible caregiver aged 16 or older. 
• Parents/caregivers are responsible for their children’s conduct while in the library. 
• Children ages 12 and older are expected to follow library policies and hours of service and must be able to contact a parent/caregiver during their visit. 
• Children whose behavior disrupts the use of the library by others may be asked to leave with their caregiver. 
• Library staff are not responsible for the supervision of unaccompanied children at any  time, during open or closed hours. Staff will attempt to contact a parent/caregiver; if unsuccessful, the Westborough Police Department will be notified. 
• During library programs, if a child is age 5 and under, parents/caregivers must remain within view of the program. 
• During library programs, if a child is ages 6–11, parents/caregivers must remain inside the library. 

Use of the Children’s Room 

The Children’s Room is reserved for children, their accompanying parents or caregivers, and those who wish to browse the children’s collection. To protect the rights and safety of our youngest patrons: 

• The computers, tables, and furniture in the Children’s Room are reserved for children under the age of 12 and their accompanying caregivers. 

○ Parents/caregivers accompanied by children may use Children’s Department computers if no child is waiting, adequate supervision is maintained, and the Library’s Acceptable Use Policy for library computers is followed. 

• Adults and teens not accompanied by a child, and not using the collection, will be asked to relocate to the Adult or Teen areas of the Library. 
• Adults and teens unaccompanied by a child may not participate in activities or programs designated for children.

Use of the Teen Room 

The Teen Room is reserved for teens aged 12 through 18, and those who wish to browse the teen collection. To protect the rights and safety of our teen patrons: 

• The computers, tables, and furniture in the Teen Room are reserved for Teens aged 12 through 18. 
• Adults and any accompanying children, who are not using the collection, will be asked to relocate to the Adult or Children’s areas of the Library. 
• Adults and Children under age 12 may not participate in activities or programs designated for teens

Approved by the Westborough Public Library Board of Trustees September 2025

Meeting spaces at the Westborough Public Library are available to civic, cultural, charitable, and educational groups and organizations that have a substantial connection to the Westborough community and are engaged in activities consistent with the library’s mission. The meeting rooms are not available to businesses or to private organizations. 

The rooms are not to be used for social, partisan religious, partisan political purposes, or for the benefit of commercial enterprises or individual use; you may not solicit for a particular business or cause, or gather personal information from attendees.

Questions of interpretation will be referred to the Library Director. Final determination rests with the Board of Trustees. Permission to meet at the library does not in any way constitute or imply endorsement of the users’ policies, beliefs, or programs by the library staff or Board of Trustees.
 

Regulations for Use

• The applicant is expected to adhere to the stated purpose of the meeting.
• Meetings must be free and open to the public. Attendance is limited to no more than 40.
• Patrons, groups, or organizations may have 2 bookings of meeting space per month and book up to 2 months in advance.
• Failure to cancel a reservation (min. 24 hour notice) will result in suspension of meeting space reservation privileges.
• Patrons must check in at the main floor Circulation Desk before using any reserved meeting space.
• No admission fees can be charged. No collections or donations can be solicited. No items can be sold.
• Meeting spaces may be booked for up to 4 hours maximum.
• Coffee and light refreshments may be provided. No smoking or alcoholic beverages allowed.
• The space must be left in a clean and orderly condition, as determined by library personnel. If it is not, a cleaning charge of $50 per hour will be billed to the applicant.
• Each group is responsible for setting up the room. The library staff will assist if time and staffing allow. Wall hangings may not be removed or disturbed.
• Library staff shall have the right to cancel, reschedule, or transfer meeting room locations or dates that conflict with library sponsored programs and/or special events. In such cases, the library will make its best effort to give advance notice.
• Programs may not disrupt the use of the library by others. Persons attending the meeting are subject to all library rules and regulations.
• Meeting times must be scheduled during normal library hours and end fifteen minutes before library closing. Special permission to meet beyond closing hours may be granted to town boards and committees by the Board of Trustees. However, all exits will be locked at normal closing times. All town Board and Committee meetings shall end by 10:00 pm.
• Any handouts or distributed or exhibit materials are subject to inspection by the Library Director or Board of Trustees, and any press releases, advertisements, or announcements must be cleared with the Library Director (excluding official postings by Town Boards and Committees) prior to distribution or publication.  
• Walk-in use of library space is arranged at Main Circulation or with the Reference Librarian; and is first-come, first-served. All participants must adhere to stated library policies.

 

The Westborough Public Library welcomes tutors and students. The library recognizes the benefit to the students and parents of the community of permitting tutoring within the library, however, the library must manage its limited space and resources in a way that best serves the needs of all users.

The Westborough Public Library does not sponsor, recommend, or assume liability or responsibility for the work and/or activities of tutors who use library space. All arrangements must be made between the tutor, student, and parents.

The following procedures are intended to provide a balance between the use of the library by tutors and their students, and the use of the library by other members of the community.

The Meeting Room (lower level/near Children’s Department) is available for multiple tutors and their students, Monday-Friday from 2:30-5:30 p.m. unless a library program requires use of the space. All meeting room policies are applicable.

ONLY if the meeting room is over capacity or otherwise occupied, are tutors permitted to use designated tutor tables in the Children’s Department (for tutoring students under 12) or on the main floor (for students over 12 years, including adults).

No tutoring is allowed in the Teen Zone or (front) Reading Room.

Tutors and students must be conscious of and not be disruptive to other library patrons.

Parents must adhere to the Library’s Safe Child Policy (by remaining in the library building during tutor sessions for children 12 and under).

The library reserves the right to restrict or ban tutoring at any time without prior notice if space resources are monopolized or if such activities interfere with the use of the library by others.

Revised 02/2019

The purpose of the Collection Development Policy of the Westborough Public Library is to provide guidelines for acquisition and removal of library materials, allocation of resources, and short- and long-range collection development in accordance with the library’s mission.

The Westborough Public Library is a member of CWMARS, an automated resource-sharing network of libraries in Central and Western Massachusetts, and of the Massachusetts Library System. These two organizations provide bibliographic access to local and regional library collections and an efficient delivery system. For patrons with needs outside the scope of Westborough’s local collection or the collections of network libraries, interlibrary loan service is available through cooperative agreements with libraries statewide and beyond.

Responsibility for Collection Development

Ultimate responsibility for allocation of funds and selection and purchase of materials resides with the Library Director in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Library Trustees. Under the Director’s direction, selection is delegated to trained library professionals. 

Library staff exercise judgment, experience, and expertise in the application of the following Selection Criteria, making acquisition decisions as objectively as possible. Evaluation of a work includes the entire work, not just individual parts of the work.  A work’s overall contribution to the collection is a critical determinant for acceptance or rejection.  No single criterion can be applied to all materials, and various criteria carry different weights in different circumstances. Contextual considerations including but not limited to budget, space availability, and interlibrary loan availability, also shape the selection process.

Philosophy, Scope, and Selection Criteria

Philosophy of Selection

The Westborough Public Library (hereafter referred to as: WPL) believes in the philosophy that the Library and its contents are for use, every reader should have access to the item of their choosing and every item should be available to its user. The Library strives to save the time of the reader by maintaining a robust, well-rounded, vetted, and right-sized collection that allows each individual to exercise their right to access information of their choosing. This principle applies to all formats included in the Library’s collection. Additionally, WPL believes in freedom of information for all and does not practice censorship, nor does the inclusion of any item in the collection serve as an endorsement by WPL or the Town of Westborough of either the content or viewpoint presented in them.

Scope of the Collection

The scope of the collection mirrors the Library’s primary responsibility to provide a comprehensive, right-sized, inclusive, and diverse choice of materials in various formats to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of its citizens of all literacy levels and languages including the surrounding geographical area, the CW MARS consortium, as well as neighboring consortiums and partners while ensuring the collection meets our cooperation agreement with the CW MARS Library Consortium.

Selection Criteria:

Any item selected for inclusion into the Library’s collection is based on but not limited to the following criteria:

• Contribution to the diversity and scope of the collection
• Suitability of subject and style for intended audience
• Effectiveness and suitability of format in communicating the content
• Format and content to the intended audience
• Needs and interests of the public
• Requests by library users
• Popular appeal
• Available space
• Attention by critics and reviewers
• Contemporary significance
• Accessibility of material
• Physical Format
• Quality of production
• Impact on materials expenditure plan
• Product longevity and repairability

Content criteria:

Items in the Library’s collection are measured against but not limited to the following content criteria:

• Authority
• Objectivity
• Clarity
• Currency
• Representation of diverse points of view
• Receipt or nomination for awards
• Reputation or significance of one of the creators of the work
• Published evaluations or reviews
• Accuracy and timeliness
• Consideration of the work as a whole
• Sustained interest
• Relevance and use of the information
• Effective characterization
• Authenticity of history or social setting

Special Collections

All circulating collections, including the Library of Things, are included within the scope of the collection development policy, and follow the guidelines contained within. 

While the circulating collections of print, nonprint, and audio/visual materials and resources are not repositories for historic or local collections, WPL does house a separate, non-circulating local history collection that has its own collection scope. Please see the separate policy for the Westborough Center for History and Culture.

Local Authors

An effort is made to acquire titles by Westborough authors, artists, and producers that are published by mainstream publishers and whose work fits within our collection development guidelines. Titles that are self-published are not added to the collection unless there is a compelling reason to do so (valuable local content, high local interest). Local authors’ works are integrated into the general collection and are subject to regular collection maintenance standards.

Children and Teen Materials

The library collects print and audiovisual materials to stimulate creativity and to satisfy children’s and teens’ needs for information. The materials are organized for easy access, given the varied capabilities of children and teenagers. As stated in Access to Libraries for Minors: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, the library recognizes parents and legal guardians as the parties responsible for the reading and viewing habits of their children – and only their children. The selection of materials for the adult collection is not restricted by the possibility that children may obtain materials their parents or guardians consider inappropriate.

Requests for Purchase

The library welcomes requests for purchase of materials; however such requests will be subject to the same criteria for selection as other considered materials.

Nonmonetary Gifts

The Westborough Public Library will consider donations to its collections. All gifts will become the property of the Westborough Public Library and are evaluated according to this policy’s Selection Criteria. Donations that are not added to the collection may be given to the Friends of the Westborough Public Library for their book sales to benefit the library.

For gifts of art, photography, non-print items, or other specialty items, please contact the Library Director to discuss your donation. No conditions may be imposed relating to any gift after its acceptance by the library.

The library does not appraise gift materials for tax purposes. Staff will, upon request of the donor, provide a written receipt for gifts, indicating the approximate number/quantity and general description of materials donated.

Collection Maintenance

The Library has the responsibility of maintaining the collection by means of replacing and withdrawing items. Shelving capacity must be maintained to ensure that collections remain accessible, attractive, and easy to browse. Withdrawing items on a regular basis ensures that library shelves are not overcrowded, difficult to navigate or unsafe.

Library Staff review the existing collection on a regular basis to assure its quality and continuing usefulness to library patrons.

Damaged or lost items which still meet selection criteria may be replaced at the discretion of responsible Library Staff members. Items that require extensive or costly upkeep may be deselected. 

Deselection of Library Materials 

The library collection is kept viable by the regular removal of outdated, unused and low circulating items, items in poor condition, or items that no longer serve the mission of the Library. In the deselection process Library Staff evaluate the quality of the collection using data analysis and professional best practices. 

Library Staff will use the following methods and resources to determine items for deselection:

• Collection analysis using collection and circulation data
• Professional guiding practices such as the CREW method for deselection
• Selection Criteria in this Collection Development Policy
• Library Mission and strategic plan

Removed materials are handled in compliance with legal requirements regarding the disposition of public assets.

Requests for Reconsideration of Library Materials, Programs, or Displays

The Westborough Public Library subscribes to the principles of intellectual freedom, which allow for every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. The library provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may be explored. Please see Guiding Principles section below for more information.

Library staff frequently create themed displays to highlight different parts of collections in response to cultural and educational events and trends. The staff also schedules programs and events that help meet the library mission, vision, and values and support the collection in providing free access to expressions of ideas of various viewpoints.

If a resident library card holder in good standing wishes to express concern about, or objects to particular library materials, displays, or programs the library staff will ask the individual to complete a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials and Displays Form,” or  “Request for Reconsideration of Library Programs Form” which is available as an appendix to this document. Upon submission of a completed reconsideration form, the Library Director will review the objected item, display, or program, meet with appropriate staff to evaluate the original decision, and review the complaint. The Director will make a written ruling on the request, based on the Collection Development Policy and the Statement of Concern, and respond to the concerned patron in addition to reporting the request to the Board of Trustees. If the patron who submitted the request is unsatisfied with the Library Director’s determination, the patron may submit a written appeal to the Board of Library Trustees. The written ruling will then be discussed at a Library Trustees meeting, and the Library Trustees will vote on the ruling at that time. The Trustees’ decision is final. Requests for Reconsideration for the same title, display, or program will not be considered for three years from the date of submission.

Library employees are protected by Chapter 78, Section 33, of the General Laws of Massachusetts: Policy for Selection and Use of Library Materials and Facilities, which states that no employee shall be dismissed for the selection of library materials when the selection is made in good faith and in accordance with the standards of the American Library Association. In addition, the Westborough Public Library will not discipline an employee who has selected materials in good faith and in accordance with ALA standards.

Guiding Principles

In the interest of protecting the individual’s right to have access to materials, the library recognizes the guiding principles of the following documents:

The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution

The American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association’s Access to Digital Resources and Services: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association’s Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors; An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

The Freedom to Read Statement (A Joint Statement by the American Library Association and the Association of American Publishers)

Approved by Board of Trustees 03/2026

A current library card is required to borrow library materials. 

• Library card application forms are available at the Circulation Desk on the main floor, in the Children’s Department, and on the library website.
• The application form must be completed by the applicant or by the applicant’s parent or legal guardian.
• Applicants for a library card, with the exception of children, are required to show proof of address.
• Services, rules and regulations will be explained at the time of registration.

Rev. 2024

Loan Periods

Adult & Children’s DVDs, CDs, and Magazines: 2 Week Loan – 2 Renewals

Adult New Books & DVDs: 2 Week Loan – 1 Renewal

Adult, Teen & Children’s Special Collections: 2 Week Loan – No Renewals

Special Collections Include: 

• Breakout Books 
• Board Games & Puzzles 
• VOX Books 
• Playaway Launchpads 
• Teen Summer Reading 
• Library of Things Items Including Hotspots 

Adult, Teen & Children’s Books (Print & Audio): 4 Week Loan 2 Renewals

For the quickest circulation experience, please bring your C/W MARS library card with you.  Library material may alternatively be checked out with a valid ID and/or confirmation of multiple account details, but we encourage you to bring your card. 

Hold items may be picked up by any member of a household with a valid library account (unless otherwise noted on patron account).   

Borrowing Limits
There will be no limit on the format of items checked out aside from the 50 item limit imposed by the CWMARS network with the few exceptions being listed below.  

• Breakout Books 1 per card 
• Library of Things Items 1 per card 
• Hotspots 1 per household 

The library reserves the right to add a limit to a special collection or format as needed.  Items with a special limit will be clearly marked. 

Revised 2024

Massachusetts residents may apply for a library card in person at the Westborough Public Library or any mobile station established during special events. They may also apply for an eCard online that can be updated to a physical card by coming into the Westborough Public Library in person with the eCard number, ID and proof of address.

Westborough Public Library cards are free to Massachusetts residents and are valid for two years unless otherwise noted. Non-residents working in Westborough may obtain a library card free of charge with proof of employment in Westborough (letter from employer on letterhead; business card; pay stub).

Children 11 years old or under need a parent or guardian’s approval and both should be present at the time the library card is issued. The parent or guardian must provide their proof of address.

Replacement cards are available free of charge.

In order to get a Westborough Public Library card, applicants need to provide proof of current address. Acceptable proof of address includes but is not limited to:

• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License with current address
• Valid Massachusetts State Identification Card with current address
• Utility bill dated within the last 30 days
• Letter verifying residency and mailing address dated within the last 30 days from a social service provider, temporary employer that provides housing, or a short-term residence.

In the case of children and teens under 18 years of age, proof of address of a parent or legal guardian is acceptable. Teens 12 years and older can also provide proof of address using communication from their school.

If any adult, teen or child is unable to provide the above means of identification and address verification, they will receive a card with limited access until they can complete the necessary forms. In the case of address verification, the library will mail a postcard to the address provided. When they return the postcard to the library, it may be used as proof of mailing address and to obtain a full access library card.

A post office box or business address is not acceptable as proof of residency but may be used as a mailing address.

Unique Applicants for Library Cards

Institutions may apply for a library card. A verification letter from the institution (on official letterhead) with an administrator’s signature is required for the organization to receive a card. Institutional library cards are kept at the Westborough Public Library and the institution must provide a list of authorized users.

Approved by the Westborough Library Board of Trustees 6/25/2025

Purpose: The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items that complement the Westborough Public Library’s mission to ignite curiosity, facilitate lifelong learning, and connect our community. 

Patrons who borrow a Thing agree to abide by the Westborough Public Library’s Library of Things Lending Agreement. 

Eligibility to Borrow a Thing: Patrons must be 18 or over to sign the Library of Things Lending agreement to borrow a Thing or have signed consent from a parent or guardian if they are under the age of 18. 

Patrons must have a valid CWMARS Library card in good standing (i.e. library account is not blocked by unpaid fees of $10.00 or more and/or lost materials and not expired). 

Please refer to the Library of Things Lending Agreement for a complete list of borrowing terms and conditions. 

The Library of Things Collection falls within the scope of the Westborough Public Library Collection Development Policy. Please refer to the Collection Development Policy for further information about the Library of Things Collection. The Library of Things is not intended to be comprehensive and the library is limited by a finite amount of storage space for these items.

Approved by the Westborough  Public Library Board of Trustees December 2025

 

Purpose 

The following policy pertains to official and non-official posting to social media services and using posting tools by staff members of the Westborough Public Library (“Library staff”). The Library permits the use of social media sites as a means to disseminate information from the 

Library to the members of the public. Consequently, the Library has both an expectation and a responsibility regarding the integrity and presentation of information posted on its social media sites by employees both officially and personally through any and all content that is attributed to the Library. 

Definitions 

“Social media service/account/site/technology” means internet services/products that can be used/adapted for the distribution of information with a profile/page that can be followed by the public (ex. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, etc.). “Posts” or “postings” means the content, information, articles, pictures, videos or any other form of communication posted on a social media site, including responding to submissions/feedback from the patrons in both public and private forums. 

Guidelines for Library Social Media Accounts/Posting 

1. The establishment of Library social media accounts and technology is subject to approval by the Library Director. 

2. Posts made on any social media service shall, in some way, adhere to the Library’s mission statement. 

3. Employees representing the Library on social media sites shall conduct themselves at all times as a professional representative of the Library. 

4. Any employee authorized to post items on any of the Library’s social media accounts shall review and be familiar with the social media site’s use policies and terms and conditions, as well as the Library Social Media Policy. 

5. Any employee authorized to post items on any of the Library’s social media sites shall not express their own personal views or concerns through such postings. Postings shall only reflect the views of the Library. Any questions regarding appropriate post content should be brought to the Library Director or Assistant Director. 

6. Posts made in error or in violation of any portion of the social media policy may be deleted. 

7. The Library’s social media provides a limited public forum with terms of use. At the discretion of the Library Director and/or Library Staff, comments from the public may be deleted/hidden based on the following criteria: 

● Comments or content not topically related to the particular site, post, or article being commented on. 

● Profane, obscene, or vulgar language or content 

● Comments or content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, or any other category protected under the state and federal anti-discrimination laws 

● Comments or content that is threatening or harassing; Sexual comments, content, or links to sexual content 

● Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity 

● Information that may compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems 

● Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party, including patron records 

● Protected health information 

● Content or comments that express opinions or discuss issues before a board or committee, for which such communication by a majority of board or committee members might be construed as violating Open Meeting Laws 

● Other information that is not public record or is otherwise privileged from public disclosure. 

Guidelines for Non-Library Account Social Media Posting by Library Employees 

1. All library employees must be mindful that there is a greater risk that their comments or conduct while participating in social media (both officially and personally) may have a direct impact upon the integrity of their department and the public’s perception of the Library as a whole. Furthermore, there is a greater likelihood that the public will view their 

conduct/comments as representative of the Library, even when personal disclaimers are made. 

2. No personal post should be made on work time unless said post is intended to positively promote or highlight a library service, program, or initiative. 

3. Any complaints or concerns Library employees have regarding internal Library operations, including patron and staff interactions, should be properly addressed and mediated without an online audience. 

Approved by the Westborough Public Library Board of Trustees January 2026

Library users who wish to make or use copies of historical images and/or materials held in or on the website/databases of the Westborough Center for History and Culture must abide by the following policies.

1. Anyone who copies or reproduces materials from the Library collection should be aware of Title 17 and especially the provisions of Section 108 of the U.S. Code (Copyright Law) and takes full responsibility for complying with it. A librarian can help point users to resources that can aid in determining a work’s copyright status. The responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright must be assumed by those wishing to reproduce the images or materials for publication in any form.

• Library users may bring their own scanners or photographic equipment (including phone cameras) into the Westborough Center to make copies of images or materials. In some cases, materials may already be available in digital form through the Library website or digital repository, and a librarian can help users determine if they are.

• Library users may photocopy materials from the Westborough Center, but must ask the permission of a librarian to remove any non-circulating item from the room in order to do so.

• The Library reserves the right to prohibit the photocopying or reproduction of historical images or materials if doing so will harm the original in any way.

• The Library may refuse a request to reproduce images or materials, or may prohibit the copying of materials by library users, if doing so puts an undue burden on library staff or other library users in any way.

• The Library requests that a credit line that reads, “Courtesy of the Westborough Public Library, Westborough, Massachusetts” accompany images used in any publication, exhibition, or other public display, along with a link to the home page of the Westborough Public Library in the case of electronic publications.

• The person requesting the reproduction agrees to hold the Westborough Public Library harmless from any and all claims and expenses arising from the use of the reproduction or copy.

Approved by the Westborough Public Library Board of Trustees, April 2021.

Mission

The Westborough Public Library collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to sources that document the history of Westborough and its inhabitants, government, environment, businesses, institutions, and organizations. The aim of this collection is to provide resources for town residents and researchers to explore the personal, historical, and cultural heritage of Westborough and its environs in meaningful and creative ways.

Collection Statement

The emphasis of the Westborough Center collection is to encourage and facilitate exploration of Westborough’s history, culture, community, and setting. Relevant areas of collecting include Westborough’s history, government, environment, settlement, residents both past and present, industry, commerce, recreation, education, and geography, as well as the history of its civic, religious, cultural, and social organizations.

The collection supports activities related to research, exhibits, community outreach, organizational events, publications, and enhanced enjoyment of Westborough and its surroundings, among others. The collection mainly serves the general public, but also supports the research activities of scholars, professionals, and students of all ages.

Primary Areas of Collecting

Primary areas of collecting include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Materials that record the history, development, and the current state of affairs of the Town of Westborough. Images of Westborough sites and individual residents are an important part of this collection.
• Personal manuscripts and other materials that record the history and experiences of Westborough individuals and families.
• Records that chronicle the history of Westborough organizations and institutions.
• Materials that record and represent the social and cultural heritage of past and present ethnic, immigrant, and religious groups in the community.
• Materials that contribute to a better understanding of the area’s geography, demographics, architecture, and other facets of Westborough’s environment.
• Materials that record and provide context for understanding the life and lives of Westborough residents, both past and present.
• Materials that provide instruction in the practice of local history, genealogy, preservation, oral history, exhibits, museums, and similar topics related to the work that goes on in the Westborough Center.

Acquisitions from any time period and in any language may be considered. The geographic scope of the collection focuses specifically on Westborough and its environs.

Current strengths of the collection include the history of settlement and early families of Westborough, historical photographs, genealogies of Westborough families, maps of Westborough and surrounding areas, historical Westborough newspapers, records that document the military service of Westborough residents, the history of select churches, and information about historically significant Westborough residents, such as the Rev. Ebenezer Parkman, Eli Whitney, and Esther Forbes.

The collection is currently weak in documenting the history, culture, and lives of Westborough’s immigrant and ethnic groups, the development of commerce and agriculture in town, and the activities of town organizations and institutions. Donations to the collection that focus on these subject areas are especially welcome.

Formats

Formats collected include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Atlases
• Audio recordings
• Biographical dictionaries
• Books
• Broadsides
• Brochures
• Census records
• City and county histories
• Digital files
• Ephemera
• Government documents
• Institutional or organizational records
• Manuscripts
• Maps
• Newspapers
• Organizational directories
• Pamphlets
• Periodicals and journals
• Personal papers: account books, diaries, financial records, letters, memoirs
• Photographs
• Scrapbooks
• Serials
• Social media
• Town directories
• Video recordings
• Websites

Three-dimensional artifacts will not be added to the collection unless, in rare instances, they are a critical part of a donated collection, deemed appropriate for inclusion in the overall collection, and can be properly stored and displayed. In most cases, the Westborough Historical Society or the Westborough Historical Commission are more appropriate destinations for such items.

Selection Criteria

• Relevance to the history of Westborough and surrounding areas.
• Suitability of the subject to the Westborough Center collection.
• Available space to house the materials.
• Non-duplication of material within the collection.
• Authenticity and completeness of record.
• Quality of the physical form of material.
• Ease of use for patrons.
• Ability to store, display, or otherwise care for the item properly.
• Cost to preserve, store, and process.
• Security requirements to store and/or display.
• Lack of restrictions by donor.

Donations

The Westborough Public Library welcomes donations to its historical collection. Each donation to the collection will be recorded in a donor file that will contain a copy of the Deed of Gift and all correspondence and memoranda relating to the transaction. All donors must complete a Deed of Gift in order to establish the transfer of ownership of donated materials (and copyright, if appropriate) to the Library. The transfer to the Library of the copyright owned by donors in individual items makes it easier for the Library and its users to use the items in unique and creative ways. Once the Deed of Gift is signed by the donor, the donated material becomes the unrestricted property of the Library.

The Library reserves the right to refuse an offered donation. The Library will not accept material that shows damage from mold, mildew, water, insects, smoke, or dirt, as such material can harm other items in the collection. The Library may also refuse a donation based on the Selection Criteria.

The Library reserves the right to decide how the donated material will be displayed or stored, how the material may be used by the public, and how long the material will be retained.

Donated materials may be scanned and placed on the Internet for viewing or otherwise reformatted. They may also be moved from the Westborough Center collection to other sections of the library, sold, transferred to another library, or discarded.

The Library will not, and cannot, conduct any monetary appraisals for donors nor give tax advice. If donors plan to take a tax deduction for their donations, they should consult a tax accountant or attorney. Any monetary appraisals are the responsibility of the donor and should be conducted before transferring materials to the Library.

Access

The Westborough Center is open for public use during normal Library hours. Every effort is made to make the collection as accessible to the public as possible. Irreplaceable, fragile, and valuable materials in the collection are non-circulating, as are select reference works, and must be used inside the Westborough Center. Users of non-circulating items must consult with a librarian before removing them from the Westborough Center for any reason. Non-circulating materials may be locked away in order to ensure their long-term future use, but they can easily be accessed through the help of a librarian and in some cases are available as images online.

Policies regarding photocopying and the reproduction of items are spelled out in the Reproduction Policy for Historical Materials. Anyone who copies or reproduces materials from the collection should be aware of Title 17 and especially the provisions of Section 108 of the U.S. Code (Copyright Law) and takes full responsibility for complying with it. A librarian can help point users to resources that can aid in determining a work’s copyright status. Library staff may refuse to allow the photocopying or reproduction of fragile material.

Reappraisal and Deaccession

From time to time, the Local History and Genealogy Collection will be reappraised, and the deaccession of some materials may take place. The Library will offer the deaccessioned materials to other institutions if appropriate, sell the items, or discard them.

Approved by the Westborough Public Library Board of Trustees, April 2021.

The Westborough Public Library in its role as a community information resource provides access to the internet via library computers and wireless (Wi-Fi) access. The library does not control and does not monitor any information accessed through the internet for either accuracy or content. The individual user is the ultimate judge of the value of accessed information. In the case of minors, responsibility rests solely with their parents or legal guardians.

The Westborough Public Library subscribes to the position adopted by the American Library Association that the use of filtering software on library internet workstations blocks constitutionally-protected speech and is inconsistent with the United States Constitution and federal law.

Patrons are cautioned that the Library’s internet connection is not secured and any information entered or transmitted could potentially be intercepted or viewed by another party. Users should exercise caution in transmitting personal information.

Acceptable Use

Internet resources are to be used in a responsible manner consistent with educational, informational and recreational purposes. Patrons of all ages are expected to use the computers in a responsible manner  in conjunction with the Patron Behavior Policy.

Unacceptable Use

Library computers and Wi-Fi may not be used for any illegal activity including, but not limited to:

• Damaging or altering computer equipment, systems or software.
• Displaying, printing or sending any material that is illegal, libelous, threatening or harassing.
• Downloading or installing any harmful program defined as, but not limited to, spyware, viruses, Trojans, malware or any other illegal utility on any computer.
• Deliberately displaying obscene images (a violation of Massachusetts General Law c272 sec 31).
• Accessing unauthorized computers or systems for unlawful purposes (“hacking”).
• Violating copyright or trademark laws, software licensing agreements or intellectual property rights.

The Library is not responsible for damage to users’ equipment, for any loss of data, or liability that may occur from use of the Library’s computers, internet, or Wi-Fi.

The Library reserves the right to terminate an internet or public computer session at any time. Violations of this policy may result in loss of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

All public computers are available for 2-hour sessions with unlimited logins as long as no one is waiting.  *due to COVID-19 computer use time is limited. Please adhere to time limit set by computer session*

Westborough Strategic Plan