Below is a list of some of our most commonly referenced policies. All policies are adopted by the Berkeley Public Library's Board of Trustees. Physical copies of policies are available for review at the library upon request.  

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• General Policies provide the library's hours, observed holidays, and describe general use of the library including basic restrictions/limitations. 

• Facility Use Policy & Application defines public use of library facilities including meeting rooms and includes limitations and restrictions.

• Circulation Policy provides details on the lending of library materials including through interlibrary loan and reciprocal borrowing. See also: the Library's Loan Rule Chart 

• Donations Policy gives valuable information if you're thinking of giving materials or monetarily to the library. 

• Reference & Readers' Advisory Policy insures all patrons receive the same level of assistance when requesting information, books, and referral service. 

• Technology Policy provides information and restrictions for the public use of library equipment including WiFi, public computers, and more. 

• Collection Development Policy is an important document that describes both how materials will be chosen to add to the library's collections as well as how library staff manage the maintenance and weeding of those collections. See also the 'Request for Consideration' form.  

• Homebound Policy describes the library's effort to ensure the homebound within Berkeley have access to materials and services. 

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In addition, the Berkeley Library also strongly supports the following from the American Library Association (ALA): 

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Freedom to Read Statement 

Freedom to View Statement

Library Bill of Rights

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