The Fountaindale Public Library District provides a Local History Room to serve the needs of the Library and the Fountaindale community. Use of this room is governed by the policy established by the Library Board of Trustees and any applicable rules or regulations adopted by the Library. The Executive Director as the executor of the policy for the Board of Trustees, has discretion in determining what use is “in the best interest of the Library” and is authorized to act accordingly, including limiting the use of the Local History Room by individuals whose activities interfere with Library operations, adversely affect public safety, or cause public disturbances. The Board of Trustees may modify, amend or supplement this policy, as it deems necessary and appropriate.
The Local History Room is available on a walk-in basis or by reservation for the sole purpose of conducting research related to local history and genealogy. Due to limited space, a maximum of two people will be permitted to use the room at any time. Use of the room may be limited to two hours per day. Time extensions will be made possible only if there are no other reservations or individuals waiting for the room.
The use of the microfilm/microfiche reader in the Local History Room is limited to local history and genealogical research.
The Local History room may not be used as a study room or for any purpose other than genealogy or local history research.
Requests for advanced reservations of the Local History Room are accepted no more than 90 days in advance. Reservations can be made on the phone or by visiting the 3rd Floor Desk.
Upon arrival, individuals requesting the use of the Local History Room must check in at the Library’s 3rd Floor Desk.
Local History Room users are asked to notify Library staff when their session is finished. The room will then be inspected for condition.
As Local History materials are often rare and irreplaceable, the Library requests that researchers use great care in handling the materials. Access to items that are in locked storage such as yearbooks, microfilm and special collections may be requested of the 3rd Floor Desk. The Library can provide basic research assistance for drop-ins. Extended one-on-one research assistance will be accommodated with an appointment.
Materials found in the Local History Room are for use within the room and are not available for general checkout or, with the exception of photocopying, for use elsewhere in the Library. Please ask for assistance with photocopying delicate materials at the 3rd Floor Desk.
Individuals and groups may not rearrange Library furniture. Signs and decorations may not be taped or stapled to walls or doors. The use of glue, crayons, paint, markers, tape and other craft supplies is prohibited. The Local History Room is to be left as it is found. No food or drinks are allowed.
Once a room has been vacated for more than 10 minutes, the Library reserves the right to remove the user’s belongings without assuming responsibility or liability thereof.
A microfilm/microfiche reader machine is available in the room.
Not adhering to the Library Conduct Policy may result in a loss of room privileges.
The Library is not responsible for possessions left in the Local History Room or moved by staff to another location.
Any individual using the Local History Room shall be held responsible for willful or accidental damage to the Library building, grounds, collections or furniture caused by the individual or group in accordance with the Meeting Room Policy and Library Conduct Policy.
The Board of Trustees of the Fountaindale Public Library District will review the Local History Room Policy and regulations periodically and reserves the right to amend them at any time. The Board authorizes the Executive Director to waive regulations under appropriate circumstances. The Executive Director is the chief person empowered to make decisions regarding the availability and use of the Local History Room.
Any appeals for changes to, or exceptions to, any portion of the Local History Room Policy will be considered. An individual wishing to file an appeal shall submit it to the Executive Director in writing. The Executive Director will respond in writing.
