Using the Library

The library will serve all residents of the community. Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; or sexual orientation.

The use of the library may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return library materials or to pay penalties, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other illegal, disruptive, or objectionable conduct on library premises.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Austin Memorial Library adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that assures equal access to employment opportunities and access to all library facilities, activities, and programs. The library has completed a self-evaluation study and a compliance plan, both of which are available for review. Every attempt will be made to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities and the library welcomes input from persons with disabilities about ways the library can more completely serve them.

Questions about ADA compliance and complaints or suggestions about accessibility of library facilities, activities, and programs should be addressed to the library director.

Public Participation in Library Decision Making

Citizens are welcome at any open meeting of the library board either as observers or to present information and concerns to the board. Any member of the public who wishes to speak to the board is asked to register upon arrival, indicate group affiliation (if speaking on behalf of anyone other than self), and to limit comments and general information to five minutes. Library administration and the board welcome written documentation to support or restate information and concerns, but written documents are not required. Any group or individual wishing to place a library-related item on the official agenda for action should contact the library director one week in advance.

When public information-gathering forums are planned, care will be taken to schedule forums at times that are convenient to potential participants. If necessary, several forums may be scheduled to allow maximum input into library service decisions.

Telephone calls, letters, and visits to the library director are encouraged and the director maintains an open door policy. Appointments to meet with the director are encouraged, but not required. The library director or appropriate staff will respond to letters and telephone calls within five workdays. Comments placed in the library’s “Tell Us What You Think” box will receive a personal response, if desired.

Hours of Operation

The Austin Memorial Library will be open a minimum of 55 hours each week. The library director, with the approval of the City of Cleveland, will determine days and daily hours of operation.

The library will close on holidays established by the City of Cleveland and at other times deemed necessary by the library director with the approval of the City of Cleveland. Except in case of emergencies, notice of closings will be posted in the library two weeks in advance and will be reported to the local news media.

Regularly scheduled hours of operation will be established to best meet the needs of library users and will be evaluated by survey and/or public input on a regular basis.