Privacy provisions in Maine law protect the confidentiality of patron records maintained by Maine public libraries, the Maine State Library, the Law and Legislative Reference Library, and libraries of the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System and Maine Maritime Academy.

Maine’s Patron Privacy Law

Introduction

It is the policy of McArthur Library to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

Definitions

Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Access to Inappropriate Material

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the McArthur Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the McArthur Library staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Information Technology Coordinator or designated representatives of the Adult Services Team who are on the reference desk at the time the inquiry comes from the patron.

Adoption

This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of McArthur Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on March 14, 2016.

McArthur Library recognizes its responsibility to provide a space for our patrons to study, read, use computers, select materials from the collection, do homework, and attend programs/meetings.

The primary rules for patrons of all ages:

• Be respectful to all patrons, property, McArthur Library staff, and security staff;
• Cooperate with the requests of all McArthur Library and security staff.

McArthur Library is a privately owned non-profit entity. The following is expressly Prohibited in the Library or on Library property:

• Usage of any drugs, including marijuana and needles;
• Smoking, vaping, usage of alcohol or tobacco;
• Open containers of alcohol;
• Open tobacco or marijuana products such as rolling devices;
• Weapons (knives, guns, martial arts devices, electronic weapons, etc);
• Filming without express permission of the Library staff.

We ask that you:

• Remember that this is a shared space – many are trying to read, study or work;
• Have only closed drink containers at the public computers;
• Do not eat food (other than small snack items) anywhere within our building (unless at specific events that allow food);
• Walk while inside our building;
• Use a quiet voice;
• Keep your clothes and shoes on at all times;
• Remember that public computers and restrooms are designed for the use of one person at a time (unless it is a family, caregiver, or parenting situation);
• Clean up after yourself;
• Do not behave in a way that is disruptive to the use of the Library by others. This can take many forms, as defined by staff. See below for more details.

Disruptive behavior is not allowed – this could include but is not limited to:

• Being under the influence of legal or illegal substances;
• Bodily / clothing odors that are disturbing to others;
• Sleeping / snoring;
• Cell phone use near other patrons, including taking calls on speaker phone;
• Destruction or misuse of McArthur Library property, building, equipment, materials, and resources;
• Swearing, running, fighting, or rough physical contact;
• Harassment of or threatening behavior to others in any way;
• Loitering in stairwells or on the grounds of property;
• Solicitation of any kind;
• Failure to comply with the Computer Use and Internet Safety policies – this may include accessing websites that cause a disruption for other patrons;
• Any behavior that could result in injury to oneself or others; such behavior includes, but is not limited to, open sores or persons who have a contagious disease;
• Any actions that consciously or unconsciously violate or restrict the rights of other patrons.

Restroom Cleanliness: Patrons are expected to use library restrooms in a sanitary and respectful manner. Deliberate actions that create unsanitary or hazardous conditions — including but not limited to intentionally clogging or flooding fixtures, or leaving behind biohazardous materials (e.g., blood, feces, or used needles) — are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate removal from the premises and/or suspension of library privileges.

Special note on age-designated areas of the Library:

• The safety of all Library patrons is very important, especially the youngest and most vulnerable;
• The Children’s Room downstairs is only for the use of children and families. Adults who are not accompanied by children (other than those browsing the collection) will not be permitted in the Children’s Room;
• The Teen Space upstairs is only for the use of those between the ages of 13 and 18 (or adults browsing the Young Adult collection). Anyone outside of these ages will not be permitted in the Teen Space;
• Both of these rules apply during all hours the Library is open. The Library staff can make exceptions to these rules for specific situations.

Anyone who breaks any policy within this document may lose privileges and/or access to McArthur Library for these periods of time:

1st offense – 1 week
2nd offense – 1 month
3rd offense – 6 months
4th offense – indefinite

Disruption or refusing to follow the above rules will not be tolerated, and more serious incidents may result in immediate escalation to longer periods, regardless of whether it is a first offense.

If you are not permitted in the building and do come in, your ban will increase to the next level.

After 6 months following an indefinite ban and/or loss of specific privileges (i.e. access to public internet), a patron can appeal this decision with the Director. Library patron(s) will be required to meet with the Director and/or senior staff to review the appeal and hear suggestions and intent for continued appropriate usage of the Library. Whether reinstatement to privileges will be granted will be dependent on the situation. At any time, individuals may be permanently and officially trespassed from the Library premises by the Biddeford Police Department, if staff feels the situation warrants such a decision. Refer to or request our Policy on Indefinite Bans for additional information.

McArthur Library recognizes that children, especially younger children, have short attention spans and may be unable to remain quietly in the Library for long periods of time. Accordingly, caregivers of children may be asked to discontinue their activities (for instance, usage of public access computers) to attend to the needs of young patrons.

Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver age 12 or older. Adult attention and companionship ensures that children will not feel frightened, anxious or vulnerable while here. Children under the age of 9 years old must not be left unattended in any part of the building without their caregiver present. Refer to or request our Safe Child Policy for additional information.

Library and security staff have complete and final discretion in applying this policy.

Approved by the McArthur Library Association’s Board of Trustees on August 12, 2025

McArthur Public Library welcomes children and hopes to provide an inviting, educational and fun atmosphere.  In order to address the safety and enjoyment of all library users please be advised of the following:

Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver age 12 or older. Adult attention and companionship ensures that children will not feel frightened, anxious or vulnerable while using the library.  Children under the age of 9 years old must not be left unattended in any part of the library without their caregiver present.

Staff members may not take responsibility or provide supervision for children except at library sponsored programs designed for them.  Library staff cannot take responsibility of minor (for our purposes, defined as 15 years of age or younger) children left at the library at closing time.  A staff member will wait 15 minutes after closing with a minor.  After that time library staff will contact the police for protective custody.

Parents—and only parents—have the right and responsibility to restrict access of their children—and only their children—to library resources. Parents who do not want their children to have access to certain library services, materials, or facilities should so advise their children. Librarians and library governing bodies cannot assume the role of parents or the functions of parental authority.

Library staff members do not monitor anyone’s use of the library including material selection and the use of computers.  For more information on computer use, please refer to our Computer Use Policy or equivalent policy.

Adults who are using the Internet or other library services and programs must supervise and provide guidance for children 15 or under who are accompanying them. Internet use is limited to 30 minutes when adults are accompanied by a child of this age. The library also reserves the right to prohibit Internet use, and/or ask the adults and the children (15 years old or younger) to leave if unacceptable behavior persists.

Approved by the Board of McArthur Library on September 8, 2016

For details on McArthur Library’s policies on borrowing materials, please see our Library Resources and Services guide.

As part of our mission to serve the community, the McArthur Public Library offers the following meeting room spaces without charge. 

1. Small Group Meeting Room on the first floor adjacent to the Circulation desk (accommodates up to 5 people)
2. Community Room on the first floor (accommodates up to 75 chairs, theater-style) Important note: The Community Room has a mobile divider wall. This wall should NOT be operated by anyone other than a library employee. Your group or any individual may be liable for any costs required to repair damages to this wall if you attempt to operate (open or close) it. If the wall is closed, you can utilize the door that is built into the wall. Upon your arrival, if you find the wall to be closed (and you would like it open) or vice versa, you must ask a library employee for assistance. We reserve the right to book the space on the other side of the wall concurrently, so it’s possible there may be other meeting room users on the other side. This wall is designed to be sound-resistant, but not completely sound-proof.  Functions held in the Community Room are expected to be free and open to the public; the Director must approve any other use before a room reservation is confirmed.
3. Wolfahrt Room on the second floor (accommodates up to 15 people)

For details on McArthur Library’s policies on collection development, please see our Collection Development Policy.

McArthur Library maintains a community information area that includes brochure racks and wall space for posters and flyers. As space is very limited, the Library also maintains an electronic bulletin board both in the Community Information Area and as a link from the Library’s website.

This policy covers both physical and electronic postings. In all instances, informational postings with regard to Library programs and events take priority over other postings, which will be displayed physically, provided space is available, and posted on the electronic bulletin board.

Postings of time-sensitive events or those of limited duration will take priority in allocation of wall space over those of a more lasting nature, as will those for more local events and organizations over statewide or national events or organizations.

The posting of materials or brochures does not constitute an endorsement by the Library of the sponsoring organization’s activities or beliefs.

It is the responsibility of Library staff to maintain the Community Information Area.

General guidelines for inclusion of materials in the Community Information Area follow:

1. Only materials for non-profit organizations will be considered.
2. The sponsoring organization and basic contact information must be clearly indicated on posters and brochures.
3. While events and information of a political or religious nature are permitted, campaign literature is not.
4. Commercial advertisements will not be considered for inclusion.

Any exceptions to this policy will be made at the discretion of the Director and must be considered within the context of the Library’s mission.