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Policies

Onondaga Free Library is a public institution that endeavors to provide for its users an environment suitable for reading, study and activities related to library programs and other community activities. To promote this goal, the Board of Trustees of the Onondaga Free Library has adopted the following rules governing the use of the Library.

  1. Patrons must respect the rights of staff and other patrons at all times.
  2. Patrons must not disturb others by engaging in disruptive behavior.
  3. Patrons must not interfere with an employee’s performance of his or her duties. Proscribed behavior includes, but is not limited to: verbal abuse, offensive gestures or language, threats of violence, sexual harassment, downloading, storing, printing, or any public display of illegal material or any material which interferes with the activities of Library staff or patrons, and any activity which contributes to a hostile or threatening environment.
  4. The use of electronic equipment which may disturb other patrons or staff is prohibited in the public areas of the Library. This includes, but is not limited to: cell phones (silence them), audio equipment, and other electronic devices.
  5. Patrons may not engage in any illegal activity on the library premises.
  6. Solicitation of funds, distribution of literature, or sale of goods is forbidden, except by permission of the library director or other staff designated by the library director. Posted notices are limited to those submitted by non-profit organizations.
  7. Use of any tobacco products or other drugs, including but not limited to, e-cigarettes in the library is prohibited.
  8. Weapons of any kind are prohibited on library property.
  9. Gambling, offensive bodily hygiene, rollerblading, skateboarding, sleeping, spitting, or staring at others is prohibited.
  10. Animals may not be brought into the Library unless they are required for a disabled person or are part of an authorized Library activity.
  11. Patrons must not damage or deface library furnishings, equipment, or facilities. This includes no feet on furniture or walls or moving Library furniture.  Library materials must not be damaged or defaced intentionally by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, using paper clips, or removing bindings. Library staff will use their discretion and may charge patrons for damage that occurs to above stated items.
  12. Library materials and property may not be removed from the building without proper checkout or authorization.
  13. Library materials may not be taken into restrooms.
  14. Children under the age of 12 and/or vulnerable individuals are the responsibility of their parents or caregivers and may not be left unattended in the library or on the premises. Vulnerable individuals mean an individual with physical or cognitive impairment who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse or exploitation, and may not comprehend or be able to comply with library policies.
  15. Parents are responsible for overseeing the conduct of their children while at the library, the selection of materials for their own children, and for their children’s use of computer equipment and software within the library.
  16. Patrons are solely responsible for their personal property while at the library.
  17. Patrons are responsible for paying fines, fees, and other charges levied against their accounts in accordance with the Library’s fine policy.
  18. Patrons must follow posted guidelines on the use of electronic resources and equipment. This includes OFL's Internet Policy.
  19. Patrons must observe intellectual property laws, including United States Copyright Laws.

Patrons guilty of violation of the above rules may be removed from the library. Repeated violations may result in the revocation of library privileges. Library personnel will call police when necessary to enforce any of the above rules.

Approved May 2023

Click here to download and print a copy of our Patron Code of Conduct.

Art Exhibit Policy

Onondaga Free Library (OFL) offers art exhibit spaces in order to promote cultural enrichment, education, and lifelong learning within the community it serves. OFL is committed to providing quality art exhibits that reflect a diversity of styles, mediums, viewpoints, expressions, opinions and interests.

Art exhibits are chosen at the discretion of OFL personnel in keeping with the mission of the library.

Application and Approval: Applications for exhibits must be made via the form on our website (www.oflibrary.org/art-exhibits) and will be processed on a first-come, first served basis.

  • Exhibits will be chosen with the expectation that patrons of all ages will have viewing access; therefore, exhibits on display must meet standards established by library personnel. OFL reserves the right to reject or remove an exhibit, part of an exhibit, or change the manner it is displayed for any reason including but not limited to: if it poses a possible safety hazard, is too large or otherwise inappropriate for the display space, creates a maintenance problem, or interferes with the public service or other activities in adjacent library areas. OFL personnel have the final decision on the arrangement of all exhibits.
  • OFL does not endorse the viewpoints or artistic expression of exhibitors, and will not disallow exhibits because of the beliefs or affiliations of those whose work is represented. OFL will not censor or remove an exhibit because some members of the community disagree with its content.
  • OFL reserves the right to cancel displays at any time for any reason.

Setup, Maintenance and Removal:

  • Exhibits will normally be limited to a period of one month with definite setup and removal dates established in advance. Public display is limited to OFL’s hours of operation.
  • It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to set up and remove the exhibit in accordance with the established schedule. If assistance is required, it is the exhibitor’s responsibility to provide such assistance.
  • Nothing may be attached or adhered to the walls.
    • All work to be hung on the walls must be hung with the gallery system hooks provided by OFL staff. No other method of displaying artwork may be used. At removal, all gallery system hooks must remain in place.
    • Identification/pricing labels must be adhered to the artwork.
  • OFL accepts no responsibility for the protection, possible damage, or theft of any item displayed, exhibited or posted. All items placed on display at the Library are at the owner's risk. Insurance coverage is the responsibility of the owner of the articles or materials displayed. All artists are required to agree to this Art Display Policy which releases OFL from responsibility for any items in the exhibit.
  • OFL bears no responsibility for the storage of any artwork not removed on the day that has been scheduled for removal. OFL reserves the right to remove from the wall any artwork not removed by the artist by the removal date. OFL reserves the right to dispose of items left on the premises for more than thirty days after the agreed upon removal date.

Publicity:

  • OFL’s marketing team will: (1) post your exhibit to OFL’s online event calendar, (2) create a tabloid-sized flyer to be displayed next to the exhibit, and (3) create an 8.5x11'' flyer to be displayed on the first floor of the library. OFL may, but is not obligated to, publicize art exhibits in any of the library’s other print and/or digital marketing materials.
  • The artist must provide an image that is representative of the art exhibit at least 30 days prior to the start of the exhibit. Images must be submitted via an email attachment—.jpg, .png or .pdf file formats accepted.
  • Artists are encouraged to promote their exhibit through invitations and announcements; however any flyers or other publicity materials generated by the artist must first be reviewed and approved by library personnel for accuracy and appropriateness.
  • Receptions/Meet & Greets: If desired, the artist may offer one or multiple receptions/meet and greet opportunities during their exhibit. Date(s) and time(s) must be approved by library personnel 30 days in advance. The library may, but is not obligated, to publicize these receptions/meet and greets. Any invitations issued will be provided and sent by the artist. Receptions must be open to the general public. Any food or beverage served will be provided by the artist. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. The artist will be responsible for the set up and cleanup of the reception.

Sale of Artwork: The exhibitor may sell exhibited artwork. Prices may be posted on artwork or the artist may provide a list of artwork available for sale. Any pieces sold must remain on display for the duration of the show. All sales must be handled directly by the artist; OFL staff are not able to assist in the completion of any sale or to take payment on behalf of the artist.

Click here to download and print a copy of our Art Exhibit Policy.

Approved 12/14/22

YOUR CARD WORKS AT ANY OF THE 32 PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN ONONDAGA COUNTY!

Checking Out

  • Patrons must have their library card or picture ID to check items out
  • Maximum of 50 items can be on a card at one time
  • Of these 50 items, you are allowed a maximum of 10 DVDs, 10 music CDs, 2 Library of Things devices

Loaning Periods

  • Books, audiobooks, music and magazines are loanable for 3 weeks (exception: Lucky Day books are 1 week with 1 automatic renewal)
  • DVDs are loanable for 1 week

Auto Renewals

  • OFL items are allowed 2 renewals, granted 3 days before items are due. Items are ONLY renewed if they are not requested by another patron.
  • Not all Onondaga County Public Libraries allow auto renewals.
  • Check your renewal status by setting up email notification or by calling OFL.

Holds - You can request items to be set aside for you

  • When placing a hold, you have the option of which library you would like to pick it up.
  • Once your request has come in and you are notified via email, phone or mobile text, you will have 7 days to pick the item up
  • You are allowed up to 50 hold requests at one time

Returns

  • You can return most items to any of the public libraries in the county
  • Exceptions include Lucky Day books, Library of Things items and Storytime-to-Go Kits

Fine Policy

  • OFL is now fine free! We no longer charge fines on late items for all our patrons. (Exceptions- LEARN MORE...)
  • Fines must be under $10 to check out materials. Fines of $3.00 or more can be paid online using a credit card or via Paypal.

*Note: Circulation and fine policies vary among OCPL.  Check your receipt for due dates.

Click here to download and print a copy of our Circulation Policy.

Challenged Materials Policy & Procedure

The patron expresses concern about a particular work.

The patron is directed to the “Request for Reevaluation of a Library Resource” form to fill out and submit to the Library Director. This form specifically asks if this is material they themselves have read/seen or just something that they have heard about. It also asks if they are acting as individuals or making the challenge on behalf of an organization.

Upon receipt of the challenge, the Library Director will appoint a committee of three library professional staff members. The committee will consist of the Library Director, the staff member responsible for the selection of the book, and another staff member. 

The committee will be given time to review the item(s), pertinent reviews, and state or national holding patterns. These are all important considerations. Often books that are called upon for challenge are speaking to/for a minority or marginalized populations.

The committee will meet and discuss before making a recommendation to the Library Director. The committee does not make the final decision, but makes a recommendation to the Library Director.

The Library Director reviews the committee’s recommendation and uses that as a basis to make a decision on the status of the item. They then communicate the decision and the reasons behind it to the patron who made the complaint. The decision will be made within 30 days of receipt of the “Request for Reevaluation of a Library Resource” form. The patron will be notified by letter via mail of the decision. 

If the complainant is not satisfied, then an appeal may be made to the President of the Board of Trustees within 10 days of the date of the letter. The Board will then review the Library Director’s decision and determine if a hearing is merited. If they determine that a hearing is not necessary then the Library Director’s decision is final. If they have a hearing, then that determination is final. A time period of 45 days is required for resolution of an appeal.

  • The item(s) under consideration are not removed from the shelves or taken out of circulation during the challenge process.
  • The receipt and status of any materials challenges will be reported regularly at board meetings.
  • The library will not convene a review committee relative to the same material for a period of 3 years. 

Approved 3/23/2022

Click here to download and print a copy of our Challenged Materials Policy & Procedure.

Library users assume the responsibility for any damage to their personal property that may result from using library materials or from downloading information from library computers.  Onondaga Free Library assumes no liability for any damage to property allegedly caused by library materials or computers and will not pay for the repair of any property allegedly damaged as a result of using library materials or computers.

Computer User Guidelines:

  • A valid OCPL library card in the patron’s name is required.  For visitors from outside Onondaga County, a valid ID can be used to get a guest pass.
  • Patrons must agree to these computer user guidelines each time they log on to our public computers.
  • Children under 7 years of age must have an adult present when using the computers.
  • A maximum of 2 patrons can be sitting at the same computer.
  • All patrons are guaranteed 2 hours of computer use per day. Sessions may be extended in 60 minute increments if no patrons are waiting; please see staff for an extension.
  • Patrons must save files to their own portable drives or via their personal email accounts. All data on all public PCs is permanently erased after each session. OFL does not supply USBs for the purpose of saving patron files. OFL staff can assist with the setup of an email account.
  • One-sided printing is available: B&W 10¢/page & Color 50¢/page

Click here to download and print a copy of our Computer Policy/User Agreement.

Onondaga Free Library is pleased to be able to offer Internet access to the public.  This gateway increases the Library's ability to fulfill its mission of making information available to all.  This document outlines our policy regarding Internet access.  These rules are subject to revision at any time and users are responsible for staying informed about current policy.

  • Internet access is a privilege extended to the public by Onondaga Free Library. This policy applies to both public access computers and computers brought onto OFL premises. Library staff reserves the right to end any computer session at its discretion.
  • The library's Internet access may be used for legal purposes only. It is the responsibility of the user to acquaint themselves with what constitutes legal/illegal behavior on the Internet.  By using the access provided, the user agrees to indemnify Onondaga Free Library from any action taken against it as a result of the user’s illegal behavior.
  • Library patrons shall not use the library's Internet resources in any manner that violates library policy, federal, state or local laws.
  • Personal software shall not be installed or used without staff permission.  Library computers are not set up for gaming, chatrooms or instant messaging. Web-based e-mail is acceptable, but the library does not provide online services such as AOL, MSN, etc.
  • The Internet is a largely unregulated, global information structure that contains material which is offensive to some and in some cases is unsuitable for children. Onondaga Free Library supports the Constitutional right of free speech and does not censor any Internet content except for computers in the children’s area. Only parents and guardians, not the library staff, may restrict children from Internet access or other library resources. It is solely the responsibility of parents to monitor the Internet usage of their children.
  • The library prohibits the downloading, storage, printing or any public display of any material which interferes with the activities of library staff or patrons, or any activity which contributes to a hostile or threatening environment.
  • It is the responsibility of patrons to educate themselves regarding the use and navigation of the Internet.  The Library will provide pointers to materials within the library and to files and tutorials on the Internet to assist in this education.
  • By using the Internet access that Onondaga Free Library provides, you indicate agreement with the policies in this document and any additional policies posted at the Internet access terminal.

Approved June 28, 2006


Click here to download and print a copy of our Internet Policy.

Protecting user privacy and confidentiality has long been an integral part of the mission of libraries. Both New York State law and the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution provide guarantees of confidentiality and privacy. The library protects the privacy and confidentiality of children as well as adults. Confidentiality of library records is covered in NY CLS § 4509 (2001).

Onondaga Free Library collects only that personally identifiable information about users that is needed for the functioning of the library and its website. Privacy and confidentiality protections are part of our library procedures. The library retains personally identifiable information about users only as long as it is needed for library functions.

Onondaga Free Library does not disclose or distribute users' names, postal addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, borrower records, computer use records or other personal information to outside parties unless required to do so pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by law. The library will examine any such process, order, or subpoena to determine that a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Onondaga Free Library Board of Trustees endorses "Privacy: an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights" amended by the American Library Association Council July 1, 2014.


Onondaga Free Library Board Policy

Privacy Policy adopted 3.23.22. Review date 3.23.25


Your Privacy and the OFL Website

The Onondaga Free Library Board of Trustees and staff are committed to protecting the privacy of our website users. However, your privacy cannot be guaranteed. The USA Patriot Act of 2001 (Public Law No: 107-56) increases the likelihood that the activities of library users may be under government surveillance without their knowledge or consent. For more information on the USA Patriot Act, go to the Patriot Act page at the American Library Association's web site .

The following discloses our information-gathering practices in regard to users of our web site.

You should know that we keep statistics on web site visits and use the aggregated information to improve the content and usability of our site.

When you visit the Library's web site, the web server automatically logs and stores:

  • The address (IP number) of the computer you are using.
  • The type and version number of the browser you are using.
  • The type of computer and operating system you are using.
  • The date and time of your visit, and how long you stay.
  • The Internet address of the Web site that referred you to our site.

The logs are used for internal statistical analysis and are then discarded.

Please note: Our web site contains links to external sites not maintained by, or under the control of, Onondaga Free Library. The library cannot be responsible for your privacy when you disclose information to outside websites. It is your responsibility to protect your personal information.

Cookies

"Cookies" are often used by websites in order to recognize a returning user. "Cookies" are not in use by the Onondaga Free Library Website.


Email Addresses

We do not automatically log email addresses. If you voluntarily give us your email address (or other contact information) in order to subscribe to our newsletter, ask for information, or for any other purpose, we will not distribute or disclose your personal information for non-library purposes to outside parties unless required by law.


OFL Website “Contact Us” Form and info@oflibrary.org

When you use the “Contact Us” form on our website, or email us at info@oflibrary.org,  you voluntarily give us your email address. It is used only to contact you with the answer to your question. The questions and answers may be archived for a period of time in case they need to be referred to for follow-up help. They are later discarded. 

 From time to time, we may use visitor information for new unanticipated uses not previously disclosed in this privacy notice. If our information practices do change, we will post the policy changes on our site to notify you and provide you with the ability to opt out of these new uses. If you have any concerns about how your information is used, please contact us.


Onondaga Free Library
4840 W. Seneca Tpke
Syracuse, NY 13215
(315) 492-1727
info@oflibrary.org


Compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Act (COPPA)

As a non-profit agency, Onondaga Free Library is not subject to the provisions of COPPA. However we want to inform users about it. Onondaga Free Library encourages parents and teachers to be involved in children's Internet activities and to provide guidance whenever children are asked to provide personal information online.

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) went into effect on April 21, 2000. It places parents in control over what information is collected from their children while online. The law applies to operators of commercial websites and online services directed to children under 13 that collect personal information from children, and operators of general audience sites with actual knowledge that they are collecting information from children under 13. On our website we do not knowingly collect information from children under the age of 13.

 The Federal Trade Commission has set up a page called Children's Online Privacy, a special webpage to help you learn more about COPPA and online privacy. The site is designed for kids, parents, businesses, and educators.

In the event that the library offers contests, a special newsletter, or other activities aimed at children under 13, parents will be asked to submit the contact or other information on the child's behalf.

The library does not require anyone to disclose more information than is reasonably necessary to participate in an activity.

If you have concerns about how your information is used, please contact us.

Onondaga Free Library
4840 W. Seneca Tpke
Syracuse, NY 13215
(315) 492-1727
iinfo@oflibrary.org

Purpose

Onondaga Free Library uses social media tools as an important enhancement to communication, collaboration and information exchange between staff, library users and the general public.

Library social media offerings may include information regarding library programs, services, collections, news and projects, as well as useful and entertaining information.

This policy governs the use of social media in three areas: employee use, public use, and the publication of comments on social media.

Social media is defined as any online forum that allows users to share information. Social media may include, but is not limited to, blogging, instant messaging, social networking sites, wikis, posts, and community reviews.


Employee Use

When staff uses social media, behavior and content is not only a reflection of the staff member, but also of the Library. This policy complements, rather than overrides, any existing requirements that staff act professionally, respectfully, and honestly.

Employees may participate on social media sites while on work time if they have an authorized business need and it is approve by the Library Director or designee in advance.

Employees are prohibited from creating new social media accounts without prior approval. Decisions regarding new social media outlets and accounts are made by the Library Director and the Marketing Department, who oversee all such accounts. All content is subject to being reviewed, edited or deleted by the Library Director and Marketing Department.

The use of any Onondaga Free Library logo on a social media site must be approved by Library Administration and should be obtained directly from the Marketing Department, not copied from another account or webpage.

All library-sponsored social media accounts must have a minimum of two administrators, one of whom should be the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator. Staff who wish to contribute content or participate in the library’s social media accounts should contact the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator, who will review guidelines and training with the staff member.

Ongoing Use Evaluation

The role and use of social networking services in relation to the goals and purposes of Onondaga Free Library will be evaluated periodically by the Marketing Department and Library Administration and may be terminated at any time without notice to subscribers.


Public Use

Onondaga Free Library assumes no liability regarding any event or interaction that takes place by any participant in any Library-sponsored social networking services, and does not endorse content outside of the pages maintained by Onondaga Free Library.  Participation in the library social media services implies agreement with all Library policies, as well as the Terms of Service of each individual third-party social network service.

The library reserves the right to use any posts on library social networking sites in public relations and marketing materials.

Users are encouraged to protect their privacy by not posting personally identifying information, such as last name, school, age, phone number, or address.

As with more traditional resources and the Internet, Onondaga Free Library does not act in place of, or in the absence of, a parent/guardian and is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent/guardian may place on a minor’s use of social media sites.


Comments on Social Media

By posting a comment you agree to indemnify Onondaga Free Library and its officers and employees from and against all liabilities, judgments, damages, and costs (including attorney's fees) incurred by any of them which arise out of or are related to the content that you post.

The library reserves the right to monitor content on all their social sites, and to modify or remove any comments or postings that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, defamatory, illegal, or in violation of copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property right of any third party, or otherwise inappropriate.

Forums and messaging may not be used for commercial purposes or for political activity.

Approved March 24, 2021

Click here to download and print a copy of our Social Media Policy.

Pandemic restrictions (noted in red) in effect until further notice.

  1. Onondaga Free Library’s community room may be used by non-profit organizations, civic-oriented groups, or clubs for lawful activities. For-profit use is subject to approval of the Board of Trustees. One individual 18 years or older must be responsible for implementing the rules regulating the community room and signing the meeting room policy.

  2. • Groups may use the community room more than once a month upon request to the Library Director, with approval of the Library Director and/or Board of Trustees.
    • Room reservations end 15 minutes prior to library closing time.
    • Due to parking capacity, community room use may be restricted at the discretion of the Director and/or the Board of Trustees.
    The community room cannot be reserved more than 30 days in advance.
    • The community room may be reserved for up to 3 hours per day. Requests for longer times must be approved by the Library Director or designee.
    • Up to 3 active reservations can be made by the same individual/group.
    • Room reservations will be cancelled 15 minutes after the reservation start time if individual/group has not arrived or notified the library of late arrival.
    • After 3 no call/no show reservations, new reservations made by same individual or group will be on a first come, first serve basis.
    • In the event of the library closing due to inclement weather or other emergency reason, all activities will be canceled.

  3. The community room is available for programs only during regular library hours or upon arrangement with the Director and at the discretion of the Board of Trustees. The programs must not disrupt library users.

  4. All programs must be open to the public. Therefore, events such as birthday parties, showers, reunions, business meetings or parties, organizational trainings, and other personal celebrations are not permitted.

    • Community Room capacity is limited to 30 people to ensure social distancing.
    • To accommodate social distancing requests, groups of 8 people or larger may request use of community room vs. small meeting rooms for private group meetings.
    • Please allow up to 2 business days for all reservation requests.

  5. No publicity of any meeting or event in the library may be released until the reservation has been confirmed by the Director or designee in writing. The library reserves the right to publicize any or all programs. However, this right does not obligate the library to publicize an event or provide publicity for a group requesting the use of the meeting rooms. Meetings or events held in the library may not be publicized in a manner that suggests library sponsorship or affiliation. Groups and organizations may not use the name, telephone number, or address of the library for the official address or headquarters of their organization. Banners, literature, photographs, or signage may not be placed anywhere in the library without the Director’s permission.

  6. A $50 refundable deposit is required when the kitchen is used or when food is brought into the community room. Organizations using the community room are responsible for setting up chairs, tables, and equipment as needed, and for restoring normal placement after meetings. Nothing may be hung on the walls. A normal amount of cleanup and housekeeping is expected by users, and they will be accountable for any damage. The user of the room is responsible for trash and must take from the premises all trash that is brought, created, or left in the usage of the room.

  7. Priority for use of the facility is as follows: 1) Onondaga Free Library events, 2) Onondaga Town government uses, 3) Not for profit groups in the Town of Onondaga, then other not for profits in the area, 4) Profit making organizations.

  8. Fees for use by FOR PROFIT groups:

    • $100 for 1-3 hours
    • Payment must be received 10 days prior to the event and fees are non-refundable.

  9. Granting permission to use the library community room does not imply library endorsement of the aims, policies or activities of any group.

  10. A representative of the organization requesting the use of the community room must sign below; this signature represents acceptance of responsibility for all conditions listed above.

 

Approved September 22, 2021

 

Visit our meeting rooms page to learn how to request the use of any of our meeting rooms.

  1. Onondaga Free Library’s small meeting rooms may be used by non-profit organizations, civic-oriented groups, or clubs for lawful activities. For-profit use is subject to approval of the Board of Trustees. One individual 18 years or older must be responsible for implementing the rules regulating the meeting room and signing the meeting room policy.
  2. Up to 3 active reservations can be made by the same individual/group.
    Meeting rooms may be reserved up to 7 days in advance. Meeting rooms may be reserved for up to 3 hours per day. 
    Room reservations end 15 minutes prior to library closing time.
    Room reservations will be cancelled 15 minutes after the reservation start time if individual/group has not arrived or notified the library of late arrival.  After 3 no call/no show reservations, new reservations made by same individual or group will be on a first come, first serve basis.
    In the event of the library closing due to inclement weather or other emergency reason, all activities will be canceled.
  3. Meeting rooms are available for programs only during regular library hours or upon arrangement with the Director and at the discretion of the Board of Trustees. The programs must not disrupt library users.
  4. All programs must be open to the public. Therefore, events such as birthday parties, showers, reunions, business meetings or parties, organizational trainings, and other personal celebrations are not permitted.
  5. No publicity of any meeting or event in the library may be released until the reservation has been confirmed by the Director or designee in writing. The library reserves the right to publicize any or all programs. However, this right does not obligate the library to publicize an event or provide publicity for a group requesting the use of the meeting rooms. Meetings or events held in the library may not be publicized in a manner that suggests library sponsorship or affiliation. Groups and organizations may not use the name, telephone number, or address of the library for the official address or headquarters of their organization. Banners, literature, photographs, or signage may not be placed anywhere in the library without the Director’s permission.
  6. Organizations using meeting rooms are responsible for setting up chairs, tables, and equipment as needed, and for restoring normal placement after meetings. Nothing may be hung on the walls. A normal amount of cleanup and housekeeping is expected by users, and they will be accountable for any damage. The user of the room is responsible for refuse and must take from the premises all refuse that is brought, created, or left in the usage of the room.
  7. Priority for use of the facility is as follows: 1) Onondaga Free Library events, 2) Onondaga Town government uses, 3) Not for profit groups in the Town of Onondaga, then other not for profits in the area, 4) Profit making organizations.
  8. No use of the library telephones is permitted.
  9. Granting permission to use the library meeting room does not imply library endorsement of the aims, policies or activities of any group.
  10. A representative of the organization requesting the use of the meeting room must sign below; this signature represents acceptance of responsibility for all conditions listed above

Approved May 26, 2021

Click here to download and print a copy of our Meeting Room Policy.


Visit our meeting rooms page to learn how to request the use of any of our meeting rooms.

Onondaga Free Library (OFL) is pleased to be able to offer a Teen Gaming Station for youth (ages 12-17). OFL offers gaming to promote 21st century learning with new technologies. Through gaming, the library seeks to meet the recreational and entertainment needs of its patrons, promote social interaction, and offer programming for teen users. These rules are subject to revision at any time and users are responsible for staying informed about current policy. To keep the use of the gaming equipment fair for all, this gaming station policy must be followed. Failure to follow these rules will result in loss of library gaming station privileges. The patron is responsible for any damages to any of the equipment that occurs during use. An invoice will be generated and attached to the library card holder for any/all damages.

  • Teen Gaming Station is for OCPL card holders ages 12-17 only.
  • Teen Gaming Station is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Patrons must sign in at the Reference Desk to reserve the gaming station.
  • Gaming sessions are limited to 1 hour. If no one is waiting to use the system, play may continue. Time limits may be suspended for organized library programs. Anyone using the gaming station must be willing to end the game when requested by library staff.
  • Controllers can be checked out from the Reference Desk and are not allowed to leave the library. To check out a controller, patron library card must be in good standing – fines under $10. Limit two controllers per card.
  • Teens may play games and gaming systems they personally own on the library's equipment; however, the games must be rated E (everyone) or T (teen). M (mature) is not allowed. The participant accepts all responsibility for their own equipment and such events as damage, theft, or breakage. If playing a game brought from home, patrons are still subject to the 1 hour time limit and must reserve the gaming station at the Reference Desk.
  • Gamers will be asked to respect others and keep the volume and noise level low. This includes no vulgar, foul, or inappropriate language or actions. If an individual or group of gamers creates a disturbance that limits the effective use of the library by others, they will be asked to correct their behavior, disband, and/or leave the building as appropriate. If patrons do not keep within these guidelines they will lose gaming privileges for the day. If there are continued problems, further action will be taken.
  • Gaming System will be shut down and all controllers must be returned to the Reference Desk 15 minutes before library closes.

Approved February 2020

Click here to download and print a copy of our Teen Gaming Station Policy.

Onondaga Free Library is pleased to be able to provide quality virtual programming on a number of virtual meeting platforms. This document outlines our policies regarding virtual programming. These rules are subject to revision at any time and users are responsible for staying informed about current policy.  

  • Virtual programs are a free service extended to the public by Onondaga Free Library. Onondaga Free Library virtual programs may be hosted on Zoom, Facebook Live, Google Meet, Youtube Live, or any other virtual meeting platform designated by library staff. 
  • Any member of the public is welcome to attend any age-appropriate virtual program. Community groups, organizations, or other interested parties may approach the library to co-host a virtual program. Acceptance of all such requests are at the sole discretion of the Director or designee.
  • Library patrons shall not participate in any virtual program in any manner that violates library policy, federal, state or local laws. As all virtual programming is made available via the Internet, it is the responsibility of the user to acquaint himself/herself with what constitutes legal/illegal behavior on the Internet. By attending an Onondaga Free Library virtual program, the attendee agrees to indemnify Onondaga Free Library from any action taken against it as a result of the attendee’s illegal behavior.
  • Onondaga Free Library supports the Constitutional right to free speech and will not impose restrictions on what is said or shared during the course of a virtual program. At the same time, the library will take a strong stance against the unwanted or unlawful sharing of disruptive, objectionable, or harmful material, including but not limited to, images or videos used as part of virtual backgrounds or shared via a virtual meeting platform’s chat function. 
  • Library staff reserves the right to end any virtual program at their discretion, or to eject any attendee from a virtual program if they fail to adhere to the policies outlined herein. 
  • For those programs presented in partnership with an outside organization or party, no publicity of any virtual program may be released until the program details have been confirmed by the Director or designee via email. The library reserves the right to publicize any or all virtual programs. However, this right does not obligate the library to publicize an event or provide publicity for any group acting as a program co-presenter. Virtual programs hosted in partnership with the library may not be publicized in a manner that suggests library sponsorship or affiliation. Groups and organizations may not use the name, telephone number, or address of the library for the official address or headquarters of their organization, with the exception of the link to the virtual program. Banners, literature, photographs, or signage may not be placed anywhere in the library without the Director’s permission.
  • It is the responsibility of those attending a virtual program to educate themselves regarding the function and navigation of the specific digital platform on which the program is hosted (eg. Zoom, Facebook Live, Google Meet). Onondaga Free Library will make every effort to provide video tutorials and point to other Internet-based resources to assist in this education.
  • Onondaga Free Library reserves the exclusive right to record any or all virtual programs. Library staff will inform all program participants when recording takes place. At the same time, in order to protect the privacy of all meeting attendees, the library strongly discourages the recording of all virtual programs by any attendee, either on their local computer or via an external device such as a tablet or smartphone.
  • By participating in a virtual program presented by Onondaga Free Library, you indicate agreement with the policies stated in this document and any additional policies posted or verbally transmitted during a virtual meeting. 

Approved January 4, 2021

Click here to download and print a copy of our Virtual Programming Policy.

OFL staff may take photos, videos and record audio of people enjoying the library’s many services and events. These images may be used for publicity purposes in print and electronic media, or ultimately published on the Internet.

*If you do not wish your image to be published, please notify a staff member.

To protect and promote the well-being of our community, Onondaga Free Library will be a smoke-free and tobacco-free premises. All forms of tobacco, including chewing tobacco, vaporizers and electronic cigarettes, are prohibited. Premises includes all indoor and outdoor spaces including entryways, the garden, walkways, sidewalks, and the parking lot. Patrons and visitors who are smoking off library premises will dispose of cigarette butts and other smoking waste in an appropriate manner.

This policy applies to all patrons, employees, and visitors. Patrons and visitors who fail to comply with this policy may be asked to leave the premises and may be subject to banning from the library.

Approved March 27, 2019

Click here to download and print a copy of our Smoke-Free Premises Policy.

OFL maintains a regular schedule of hours open to the public.  It may become necessary to close the library, shorten hours or cancel programs when emergency conditions pose a safety hazard to the public and staff or prevent basic library functions. The decision to close the library or cancel scheduled programs is based upon one or more of the following:

  1. Severe weather and/or road conditions that cause hazardous traveling, such as significant snow or ice accumulation, extreme (subzero) temperatures, or blizzard conditions.  
  2. Failure of vital building services, extended power failure, condition of the building or its equipment.
  3. General health/safety emergency or other circumstances in which other governmental entities are closing.

The Library Director shall make the decision to close. If the Library Director is not available, the Assistant Director will decide.

Emergency closings are announced in as many ways as possible given the  circumstances  of  the  emergency  and  may  include  the  library  website,  library  answering machine, signs on doors, announcements on social media and on the following news outlets:

CNYCentral.com (channels 3 & 5)
LocalSYR.com (channel 9)
TWCNews.com (channel 10)