On the agenda: South Burlington meeting — Surveillance camera (Apr 23)

Library Governance and Nominating Committee
April 23, 2026

Participation Options
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In Person: 5:15 PM | 180 Market Street, Library 2nd Floor
Electronically: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83148399416?
pwd=3FyGowW0tr9sobN7az059tEKduoY1v.1
You can also dial in using your phone: Meeting ID: 831 4839 9416 Passcode: 296388

1. Call to order
2. Review of library exits
3. Additions and deletions to the posted agenda
4. Comments and questions from the public not related to items on the agenda
5. Approval of the Last Meeting Minutes -- ACTION
Documents:
03.26.26 LIBRARY GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE DRAFT
MINUTES.PDF
6. Review of Child Safety Policy
7. Discussion: Policy on Photography and Video Recording
8. Review of Social Media Policies from Other Comparable Libraries
9. Other business
10. Adjourn

Library Governance and Nominating Committee
Draft Minutes
March 26, 2026
The committee held a regular meeting on March 26, 2026 at 5:15 pm, in the Board Room and by Zoom at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83148399416?pwd=3FyGowW0tr9sobN7az059tEKduoY1v.1
Members present: Marty Reid, Chair; Margie Vagt, Anne LaLonde, Donna Swartwout
Also present: Bree Drapa, Library Director; Ted Lenski, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees
1. Call to Order (5:15) The chair called the meeting to order. Bree shared a sign-in sheet for the
Chair and Committee members to mark their meeting attendance.
2. Review of Library Exits (5:15)
3. Additions and deletions to the posted agenda (5:17) Library staff brought our attention to an
incident that relates to the Patron Code of Conduct, the Child Safety Policy, and the Privacy
Policy, so we will add those to our agenda as an action item.
4. Comments and questions from the public not related to items on the agenda (5:19) None,
no member of the public present in person or online.
5. Approval of the last meeting minutes from March 6, 2026 – ACTION (5:19) Donna moved to
approve the minutes, Margie seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
6. Patron Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy, Child Safety Policy – ACTION (5:21) A recent
incident at the Library created an opportunity for us to look at these policies and make sure they
work for our Library. The policies should generally prohibit harassing and disruptive actions,
which are already prohibited in our Patron Code of Conduct. These actions can include
continuing to film or photograph a patron who objects as well as filming or photographing in a
private area within the library. Bree noted that library staff are not afforded the same level of
privacy as patrons.
We remain concerned about the possibility of children being filmed or photographed without
permission and may revisit that issue in a future policy. We also had questions about the impact
of Vermont being a one-party consent state for filming. Anne will reach out to the City Attorney to
ask about these issues.
The policies with changes are at the end of the minutes – the material that is underlined has been
inserted and the material that has been struck out has been deleted.
Patron Code of Conduct: Delete paragraph beginning “Respect everyone’s privacy.”
Add “Respect everyone’s right to use the library. Please refer to our privacy policy.” to
the Code of Conduct as the new second paragraph.

Privacy Policy: Add to the introduction information about the library being a limited
public forum and what that means.
Edit section E: “Video and photographs taken by library staff or agents of the library for
the express purpose…”
Delete section G on photographing, filming, and recording.
Child Safety Policy: Delete sentence on photography, filming, recording those under 18.
Margie moved to recommend approval of these policies as edited. Donna seconded the motion.
The vote was unanimously in favor of recommending the policy changes to the full Library Board.
7. Review of draft circulation policy – ACTION (6:22) Circulation Librarian Sue Meyer had made
a few edits to our draft since the last meeting. Margie moved to recommend approval of the
Circulation and Borrowing Policy as edited. Donna seconded the motion. The vote was
unanimously in favor of recommending the new policy to the full Library Board.
8. Review of social media policy SB employee handbook & communications policy (6:29)
This discussion was tabled. It is not pressing because the SB employee handbook and
communications policy cover social media.
9. Review Library Programming policy (6:30) This discussion was tabled.
10. Other business (6:30)
11. Adjourn (6:31)
Respectfully submitted,
Anne LaLonde
Secretary, Governance and Nomination Committee

180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV

PATRON CODE OF CONDUCT
Show respect for everyone around you: Behavior that is harassing or disruptive,
unwelcome by other patrons or staff, infringes upon the rights of others using the
library, or disturbs the proper activities of its staff and patrons, is not permitted.
Respect everyone’s right to use the library. Please refer to our privacy policy.
Enjoy the library and leave it as you found it: All drinks should have lids and meals
should be eaten elsewhere unless authorized by prior arrangement. Snacks are
permitted in the library as long as surfaces are cleared and trash disposed of.
Use the Internet responsibly: Changing settings, damaging computers or systems,
installation of software is not allowed. Be respectful: Your screen is visible to
others.
Be safe: Keep your shoes on. Avoid running. Keep common walkways clear.
Animals are not permitted in the library, with the exception of service animals or
those authorized by prior arrangement.
Stay with your children: The Library assumes no responsibility for the care and
supervision of children. Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by a
caregiver who is at least sixteen years old. Parents and/or caregivers are
responsible for the safety, supervision and conduct of their children and youth
while in the building or on library property regardless of whether they accompany
the child to the library. Child Safety Policy
Respect everyone’s privacy: Photographing, filming, or recording children under
18 in the library is not permitted without written permission from a parent or
guardian. Ask for verbal permission before photographing, filming, or recording
adult patrons and staff.
The library assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.
Abide by federal, state, and local laws and policies.
This Code of Conduct encourages behavior that supports the library’s mission to
strengthen our community with resources, information and opportunities to learn,
share and grow. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it impinges on the rights
of others, causes damage to buildings or equipment, or is hazardous to self or
others. For code of conduct violations, library staff have the authority to suspend
library privileges, ask patrons to leave, and may summon police if necessary.
Offenders may be banned from the library.

180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV

PRIVACY POLICY
The Library is committed to your privacy and confidentiality in accordance with the American
Library Association’s Code of Ethics, http://www.ala.org/tools/ethics. In order to set up a library
account, we must obtain certain information and authorized Library staff may access it for the
purpose of performing library work. We make every effort to avoid collecting personally
identifiable information. We do not sell or lease user information.
Pursuant to Vermont law (22 V.S.A. § 172), except under limited circumstances, all information
about individual South Burlington Public Library users shall be strictly confidential.
https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/22/004/00172
Public libraries are considered to be limited public forums under First Amendment law. This
means that they are open for specific expressive activities rather than unrestricted public
discourse. Public libraries may therefore impose reasonable, viewpoint-neutral regulations
consistent with their intended purpose of providing quiet study and access to information. To
protect the First Amendment rights of all users of the Library, the Library’s policies place time,
place, and manner restrictions to maintain safety and continuous library operations.
A. In pertinent part, Vermont law provides: A library's patron registration records and patron
transaction records shall remain confidential. Unless authorized by other provisions of law, the
library's officers, employees, and volunteers shall not disclose patron’s records except:
(1) with the written permission of the library patron to whom the records pertain;
(2) to officers, employees, volunteers, and agents of the library to the extent necessary
for library administration purposes;
(3) in response to a valid and enforceable court order, subpoena, or other binding legal
demand; or
(4) to custodial parents or guardians of patrons under age twelve.
B. Decisions regarding disclosure of information and records will be made by Library leadership
and legal counsel as needed. Information about library patrons and how they use the library is
not made available to law enforcement agencies unless a proper court order in good form has
been presented to the library or officers claim exigent circumstances and take legal
responsibility.
C. Library staff will generally not provide information about library users’ physical presence in
the library, including information about youth and children.
D. Surveillance cameras are used only to enhance the physical security of the library, its
property, staff, and patrons. Footage shall not be disclosed excepting the limited circumstances
outlined in section “A” of this policy.

180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV

E. Video and photographs taken by library staff or agents of the library for the express purpose
of library publicity and marketing will be permitted with the verbal approval of adults and
written approval for children and youths under age eighteen.
F. Public computer records will not be saved after a computer session is closed down. In the
event that any future changes in Vermont law conflict with this policy, the law will supersede
those portions of the policy that conflict. The Library also endorses the American Library
Association’s Library Bill of Rights, http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill.
Questions or concerns should be directed to the Library Director in writing.
G. Public photographing, filming, or recording children under 18 in the library is not permitted
without written permission from a parent or guardian. Ask for verbal permission before
photographing, filming, or recording adult patrons and staff.

180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV

CHILD SAFETY POLICY
The South Burlington Library welcomes patrons of all ages to enjoy library facilities and
services. Parents and/or caregivers are responsible for the safety, supervision and
conduct of their children while in the building or on library property regardless of
whether they accompany the child to the library.
• Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied at all times by a parent or
caregiver who is at least 16 years old and able to attend to the child’s needs.
Patrons ages 10 and up may use the library unaccompanied by an adult or
caregiver.
• Children of all ages are subject to the Patron Code of Conduct.
• Parents/caregivers are responsible for monitoring use of the internet and library
collections for their children.
• Library staff will not provide information about the physical presence of children or
youth in the library as noted in the Library Privacy Policy.
• Photographing, filming, or recording anyone under 18 in the library is not
permitted without written permission from a parent or guardian.
If a child age 9 or under is alone within the library building at closing, library staff will
attempt to call a parent/caregiver. If staff cannot reach a parent/caregiver, and a period
of 15 minutes after the library has closed has elapsed, the person in charge will call the
South Burlington Police to assume responsibility for the child. Two staff members will
remain with the child inside the library until a parent/caregiver or police arrive. Library
policy will be explained and a copy of the written policy will be given to the
parent/caregiver. Under no circumstances will library staff transport or take a child
away from the library building.

180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV

DRAFT CIRCULATION & BORROWING POLICY
The South Burlington Public Library’s circulation policy is designed to help patrons access materials and
ensure the smooth and equitable circulation of Library resources to all.
Authorized Users
The Library upholds privacy and confidentiality for all patrons. No one other than the cardholder will be
able to use a library card unless the cardholder has expressly listed them on their library card application
as an authorized user.
Who Can Get a Library Card
South Burlington (SB) residents over the age of 5 and SB property owners may get a library card at no
cost with proof of a South Burlington address. Acceptable forms of proof include a driver’s license, lease,
tax bill, mail, online bill, etc. Cards are issued for a period of 5 years for adults age 18 and over. Residents
receive full access to physical & digital resources, museum & parks passes, Homecard privileges,
purchase requests, and interlibrary loans. Individuals age 16 and over may check out items from the
Library of Things with a signed waiver. See the Library of Things Borrowing Policy.
Cards for children ages 5-11 require the signature of a parent or guardian who is a SB resident. Their
cards expire on their 12th birthday.
Cards for youth between the ages of 12-17 do not require an adult’s signature and expire on their 18th
birthday. Pursuant to Act 150, Sec. 3. 22 V.S.A. § 172 of the Vermont Statute, youth 12 and over also
have the right to decide if their parents or guardians may access their library activity.
Individuals residing in SB on a temporary basis may be issued a card good for 6 months. These cards
have a limit of 4 items checked out at any given time. These cardholders do not have access to
interlibrary loans or Homecard privileges.
Individuals who work in SB may get a card good for one year with proof of employment. This card
permits full access to physical & digital resources, but no passes, interlibrary loans, purchase requests, or
Homecard privileges.
Nonresidents who don’t live in a town included in the Homecard system may purchase a library card for
$35 for one year for access to physical materials only. They are not eligible for digital services, passes,
interlibrary loans, or Homecard privileges.
Organizations such as childcare centers and group residential settings may get a card good for one year
for organizational use with proof of SB location. The card allows for borrowing physical materials only. It
is not eligible for digital services, passes, interlibrary loans, or Homecard privileges.
Patrons Should Bring their Library Cards to the Library
The Library prefers that patrons bring their library card every time they visit the Library. Library staff may
ask for ID if the card is not available. If a library card has been lost, a new card can be made for a $1
replacement fee.

180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV

The Homecard System
South Burlington Public Library (SBPL) is a member of The Homecard System, a cooperative lending
program of 30 libraries in northwestern Vermont. Eligible SB residents may use their valid SBPL card at
any member Homecard library for access to library collections, programs, and services. Materials must
be returned to the library from which they were borrowed and are subject to the lending policies of that
library.
Borrowers with Homecard privileges from other Homecard libraries may borrow materials from SBPL by
presenting a valid, unexpired card that includes a Homecard code from their home library.
Loan Periods & Limits
Most physical items are loaned for a period of three weeks, with the following exceptions:
•
•
•
•
•

Museum & Parks passes – 1 day
Telescope – 3 days
Cookbook Club book – 3 days
Library of Things items – 2 weeks
Book Club Kits – 6 weeks

There are no limits to the number of items a patron may borrow, with these exceptions:
•
•
•

Library of Things – maximum of 3 items checked out to a patron at any given time
Museum & Parks passes – one pass checked out per family per day
Interlibrary Loans – maximum of 3 checked out to a patron at any given time

Renewals
With the exception of the items listed above that have different loan periods, materials may be renewed
up to three times, provided no one else has placed a hold. Items will be automatically renewed on their
due date if there are no holds requested for the item. Patrons may choose to renew in person, by phone,
or by emailing [email protected]. Patrons may also renew online by logging onto their
account using their barcode and password.
Returns
Materials may be returned to the main Circulation desk or the outside drop box. Interlibrary Loans,
Library of Things items, Yoto players and cards, and Playaways must be returned directly to the Library at
the Circulation Desk.
Holds/Reserves
Patrons may place a hold on an item by phone, email, in person, or by logging into their online account
for material that is currently checked out to another patron. Patrons may also place holds on currently
available titles to be held for pick up. Patrons will be contacted when the item is ready for them using
the contact method specified in their library card account. The item will then be checked out and placed
on the holds cart for 7 days, at which point the hold expires. If it is not picked up before that time, library
staff will check it back in.
180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV

Museum & Parks passes may be reserved by SB residents for a specific day by calling, emailing or
stopping by the Library. Passes must be returned before the Library opens the next day.
Interlibrary Loan
SB residents may request materials published more than 6 months ago and that SBPL does not own
through the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) program. Nonresidents will be referred to their home library for this
service. A maximum of three ILL requests at one time is allowed for each patron, and it may take up to
two weeks to receive the items. These requests can be made via the online form under Services >
Interlibrary Loan or in person at the Library.
New Materials Request
SB residents may request that the Library consider purchasing a new item published in the last 6 months.
Requests may be made in person or by phone or email. A request does not guarantee the Library will
obtain the item, and new requests that are purchased may take several weeks to arrive.
Overdue/Lost & Damaged Items
South Burlington Public Library does not charge overdue fines for any materials except for Museum &
Parks passes. For those, patrons will be charged $5/day if a pass is not returned on time and $50 if the
pass is lost.
The Library charges patrons for unreturned, lost or damaged materials. The cardholder is responsible for
all costs associated with their borrowed items. Patrons are sent a reminder 3 days before an item is due
and are notified again when the item is 7 and 14 days overdue. Patrons with items overdue by more than
21 days will have their accounts restricted at SBPL and at Homecard libraries until items are returned.
Items overdue more than 60 days are considered lost and will result in the patron being billed for the
replacement cost plus a $3 nonrefundable processing fee per item. Once lost items are returned or paid
for, the patron’s account will be cleared and unrestricted.
The Library accepts payment in cash, check (payable to South Burlington Public Library), or credit card.
Payment may be made in person, by mail (checks) or over the phone by credit card. The Library is unable
to accept online payments. Payments for lost items cannot be refunded if they are found later.
Replacement copies of lost or damaged materials are not accepted in lieu of payment unless prior
arrangements have been made.

180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV