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Everyone is welcome at the Library. To maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all users of our Library, the following ‘Rules of Conduct’ apply:
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Library.
- Behaviour which is disruptive, abusive, insulting, harassing or threatening to Library users and staff is prohibited. Anyone who is seen as a threat to the safety or enjoyment of the Library facilities will be asked to leave.
- Any person who steals or vandalizes Library property will be subject to prosecution. Patrons may be required to make available for inspections all bags and carrying cases.
- Shirts and shoes must be worn; roller blades, skateboards, etc. are not permitted.
- Animals are not permitted in the Library. This prohibition does not apply to animals in programs approved by the Library or to animals needed to assist an individual with a disability.
- Entering and leaving the Library must be via designated public entrances and exits.
- Posting notices, soliciting or engaging in any commercial activity must be authorized by the Library Board.
- Parents or guardians are responsible for the supervision of their children. Children requiring supervision are not to be left unattended in or about the Library premises. Staff are expected to intervene on behalf of children in difficult situations. Staff will not under any circumstances drive a child home. Staff will attempt to contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) of abandoned children or children left unattended in or about the Library premises, otherwise the Community Police will be notified.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the following:
Child Accompaniment Policy
The policy of the Galway-Cavendish & Harvey Township Public Library regarding children left unattended in the library states:
“While the Library welcomes children using Library services, parents and guardians of children requiring supervision are reminded that small children should not be left unattended in or about the Library premises.”
Children are the responsibility of their parents/guardians.
Please stay with your small children while you are in the Library and do not leave them in the care of Library staff.
Open Access Policy for Children
Dear Parent or Guardian
The Galway-Cavendish & Harvey Township Public Library is pleased to see children (individuals under the age of 13) develop good library habits at any early age. These include properly taking care of books and other library materials, taking responsibility for materials checked out, and returning books on time, so that others may use them. We urge you to make these good library habits known to your children at the time a Library card is issued.
You should be aware that Library policy permits all children access to all “materials in the system”. As a parent or guardian, if you desire to limit your child’s access to Library materials, you should make this desire known to your child. The Library cannot withhold circulating materials from any patron, regardless of age.
As the parent or guardian, you agree to the following when you sign the Library Registration form:
“I understand and agree that my child (individuals under the age of 13) will have unrestricted access to all Library materials.
By signing this application for Library membership, I understand that a card will be issued to my child and I agree to be responsible for the materials borrowed on this card.
I also agree to be responsible for any loss or damage incurred through the use of a Library card issued as a result of this application and further agree that the applicant will obey a rules and regulations of the Galway-Cavendish & Harvey Township Public Library.
I understand that if I wish to restrict my child’s access to the Library collection, I would not have given my signed consent to this application for Library membership and that I may instead accompany my child and permit borrowing of Library materials using my parent/guardian membership card.”
Rules of Conduct for Children in the Library
- No food or drinks are permitted in the Library.
- Behaviour that interferes with the right of others to use the Library will not be tolerated. (Examples are yelling, fighting or rough-housing.)
- No animals are allowed in the Library except for working animals (eg seeing eye dogs).
- Inappropriate language is not acceptable (eg swearing).
- Staff will warn offenders of these rules once. If the behaviour continues, the person or persons in question will be asked to leave the Library. The parent or guardian will be contacted where possible by staff
- Questions from the public regarding the implementation of these rules will be directed to the CEO by staff.
Patrons who breach library rules or who participate in illegal behaviour will have their library privileges suspended. Patrons who have had their Library privileges suspended may not have access to the Library facility, property or services.
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In the late summer of 1978, a group of concerned citizens felt that there was a need for library services in the Buckhorn area. At the time, Harvey Township did not have a by-law enabling a library board to be established. This group of 25 citizens posted a petition throughout the area that read; “Would you be in favour of and use a Library if established in this area?” Within two weeks the petition had over 500 signatures.
The founding mothers and fathers of our library were Devon Manley, Jean Detlor, Grace Selvage, and Glenna Rome. In the beginning most of the books were donated and we were housed in the Community Centre.
The Library was established in 1978 and first opened its doors to the public in 1979 in the Wintario Room of the Community Centre. The collection was made up of a few hundred books, mainly donations, and was staffed by 20 Volunteers. The room could hold only 3,000 books at the very most. By 1983 circulation was up to 2500 books and the library held 6 children’s programs with over 90 children attending. In 1985, the Main Library, growing and expanding ever more, moved into its present facilities in Buckhorn in a turn-of-the-century two-room school house. By this time a CEO (Chief Executive Officer) had been hired as well as other library staff. The 20 Volunteers had grown to 30.
By 1986 circulation was up to 6800 books and a regular Saturday children’s programs had 550 children attending. 1986 was also the year a branch of the library started in the Cavendish Township Firehall kitchen. The Helen Bowen branch, as it is called today, will be 15 years old next year.
In 1994, after a three-months closure, the Library re-opened its doors into a newly expanded and enlarged building. The new and the old were beautifully blended. The expansion cost $260,000. The Province of Ontario contributed $60,000 through a grant. The remainder was raised locally by all the hard-working Volunteers.
The 1990s were an important time for both the Main Library and the Cavendish Branch. The two libraries were formally amalgamated, which means that both libraries share a common database of material and membership. The 1990s also saw both libraries go on-line.
In 2004, at a ceremony in Toronto, the Buckhorn Library became fully accredited which means that we meet the Library Standards and Guidelines set for libraries in Ontario.
Today the combined libraries have in excess of 17,000 books and are still growing. Over the years these thousands of books, magazines, videotapes, audiotapes, and DVDs, have brought knowledge and entertainment to all residents and visitors of Buckhorn. Our computer section is busier than ever with people surfing the Internet, doing research, and staying in touch with e-mail.
Fundraisers over the years have included fashion shows, pet shows, and at the 10th anniversary of the Buckhorn Art Festival the library was involved in a parade where the library’s float was based on famous characters from children’s literature and was awarded The First Prize and Trophy.
Today the fundraising and volunteering continues. Both libraries hold events such as book sales, flower and plant sales, bake sales, flea markets, and hidden auctions throughout the year. One of our largest fundraisers is the volunteer operated Good Buy Room. The library receives in excess of $20,000.00 a year from this enterprise. Please visit it next time you are in Buckhorn. Hundreds of past and present volunteers are the keys to our continued growth and success.
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