Policies

Internet Policy 

In carrying out its mission to promote an enlightened citizenry, enrich personal lives, encourage continuous self-education and serve the community as a center of reliable information, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County endeavors to develop collections, resources and services to meet the information needs of county residents of all ages. It is within this context that the Library offers access to the Internet.

The Library provides access to a variety of reference databases and other resources which are appropriate to the mission of a public library, including general and special periodical materials, readers’ advisory services, homework and testing centers to assist students with research assignments, and legislative, historical and archival materials and information.

The Internet is an unregulated global electronic network in a constant state of development. Library patrons use it at their own risk. While there is wonderful information on the Internet, there is also material that is controversial and/or offensive. The Library’s home page provides links to sites for children (Kidsville) and young adults (TeenXtreme) selected by local staff to be appropriate for the age group. Library computers are filtered in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) but patrons should be aware that no filtering system is completely effective and there may be times when information is “over-blocked’ or “under-blocked.” The Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet , which changes rapidly and unpredictably. Users should be aware that information on the Internet originates from a variety of sources and may not always be accurate, complete, current or unbiased.

Internet computers are located in public areas shared by patrons of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities; the library expects patrons to recognize this and refrain from accessing potentially obscene or disturbing web sites. The Library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images that violate state and federal law.

To ensure the safety and security of patrons using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of electronic communication the Library encourages patrons to guard against the disclosure of personal information over the Internet. Personally identifiable information concerning minors may not be provided over the Internet without the permission of a parent or guardian. To further protect minors parents should establish basic safety rules to keep minors from supplying their full name, address, phone number, social security number, etc. to anyone on the Internet. Minors should know never to arrange a personal meeting with someone by computer and to be aware that not everyone on the Internet is truthful. Additional information about Internet safety is available in the brochures Child Safety on the Internet and Teen Safety on the Internet.

The use of the Internet to engage in any activity which constitutes a violation of local, state and/or federal laws (including U.S. copyright law) is strictly prohibited. Use of the Internet for unauthorized, malicious or unethical purposes is not permitted.

Users must agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the Library’s pamphlet, “Internet Access Procedures & Restrictions.”  Failure to follow these rules and regulations may result in loss of Library privileges and civil or criminal charges. Acceptable uses of Internet computers and resources will be determined by library staff.

Internet Policy (PDF)>>>

APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES APRIL 28, 1997

AMENDED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SEPTEMBER 11, 2003

AMENDED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES JUNE 10, 2004

Library Use Policy

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (PLYMC) is a free, inclusive, and welcoming space for everyone. The PLYMC Library Use Policy serves three primary purposes:

1.  To create an environment that is welcoming, comfortable, respectful, safe, and conducive to Library use by all patrons and staff.
2. To protect the rights and safety of all Library patrons and staff members.
3. To protect Library materials, facilities, and property.

To ensure a safe, comfortable environment within the Library, all patrons and visitors must treat others with dignity, courtesy, and respect. The following behaviors are not permitted:

1. Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, local, or other applicable law or Library policy.
2. Engaging in any behaviors or acts deemed by Library staff to be disruptive or problematic to the use or operation of the Library.
3. Per Library Board Policy 721, engaging in any of the following, all of which are disruptive to operation of the Library: a
   1. Any form of sale, distribution, petition, or solicitation of any kind, whether personal, commercial, or political.
   2. Posting or distributing unauthorized literature.
   3. Blocking or obstructing any path, throughway, staircase, etc.
   4. Unauthorized speeches of any kind.
4. Disregarding instructions given by Library staff.
5. Harassment, bullying, or threatening behavior.
6. Leaving any person who is not capable of understanding or following Library rules, regardless of reason, unattended while in the Library or on Library grounds.
7. Carrying firearms or any deadly weapons as defined in Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.11 (except by law enforcement officers).

PLYMC assumes no liability for the security of or potential damage to the personal possessions of patrons.

Library Use Policy >>>

Photography in Libraries Policy>>>

Registration Procedure for Culinary Literacy Center Programs

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is dedicated to providing a high-quality and accessible culinary education experience for its patrons. Programs in the Culinary Literacy Center at Main Library are very popular, and the Library looks forward to welcoming both new and returning guests to kitchen classes.

Effective January 1, 2024, a 48-hour notice is required for canceling registrations in the Culinary Literacy Center. This procedure is essential due to the Library’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and the limited space for kitchen classes.

Registered participants should promptly notify Main Library if they are unable to attend a kitchen program. Providing a timely notice allows the reserved spot to go to someone else. If a participant registers for and misses two classes with less than a 48-hour notice within a three-month period, they will be ineligible to attend any kitchen class for the following three months.

Additionally, there will no longer be a waitlist available for programs in the Culinary Literacy Center. Registration will open on our website when there are cancellations.

Registration Procedure for Culinary literacy Center Programs >>>