Item due dates apply to material returned in the library, at the drive up window, or deposited in the book drops in the parking lot. To ensure everyone feels welcome at the library and to increase access to our collections, Wilton Library no longer charges overdue fees for most items with the following exceptions:

Items must be returned to the library within 30 days from the due date to avoid being billed the replacement cost of the item. Accounts owing more than $10 will be prohibited from borrowing library materials until materials are returned, or the balance is brought below that amount.

Most items may be renewed TWICE for a period equal to the original loan period.

The following items may NOT be renewed:

• items on hold for other patrons
• items borrowed from other libraries (except with special permission)
• Kindles and iPod Touch kits
• Museum Passes
• Optelec Portable Magnifier kit
• Quick Pick Books
• Telescope Kit

Items (other than those listed above) may be renewed by phone at (203) 762-6334 or through our online catalog.

In the event that inclement weather necessitates library closings, delayed openings, or early closings, we strive to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.

Please confirm whether we are open before heading out to the library before, during, or after a storm as conditions can rapidly change. If the library closes for a full or partial day, no fines will be charged.

To ensure its patrons may enjoy the Library facilities, materials and services in a quiet, comfortable, safe and secure environment, Wilton Library has adopted, and requires all Library patrons to comply with, this Code of Conduct.

Patrons who do not comply with this Code of Conduct may be asked by the library manager on duty to leave the Library premises. Refusing to do so may be the subject of a police complaint and result in a charge of trespassing. Serious or repeated violations may result in suspension or termination of Library privileges or prohibition of access to Library premises, in all cases as determined by the Library Executive Director or other member of library management. Behavior that is illegal or that threatens the health or safety of other patrons, staff or volunteers will be reported to the police.

General Prohibitions:

• For the benefit of all users, quiet must be maintained in the designated Library study and reading areas.
• Loud talking and unruly behaviors are not allowed in any area of the Library. Use of any electronic device that interferes with the quiet enjoyment of the Library by its patrons is not allowed.
• Any activity that violates federal, state, local or other applicable law or Library policies is prohibited.
• Persons who are ill or exhibit symptoms of illness may be required by Library staff to relocate or leave the premises.
• Interference with or harassment or intimidation of Library staff, volunteers or other patrons is prohibited.
• Smoking, vaping, the use of or transactions in narcotics (including cannabis) or other controlled substances, or the unapproved use of alcohol, are not allowed in the Library.
• The possession of weapons is prohibited (except for law enforcement officers).
• Animals, other than those trained to assist disabled users, are not permitted in public areas of the Library without the express consent of the Library Executive Director.
• Misuse of or damage to Library property, material or equipment is not allowed.
• Patrons without appropriate clothing including a shirt and shoes, or whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other customers or Library staff, may be asked by Library staff to leave the premises.
• All Library material or equipment being removed from the premises must be properly checked out. Library staff may inspect briefcases, handbags and other packages to assure compliance with check-out procedures.
• Personal property must not be left unattended in the Library.
• No solicitation on Library premises is permissible without the express prior consent of the Library Executive Director.

Unattended Children

The Library welcomes children and families to use the Library facilities and services and encourages the independence of its child patrons. Parents and guardians assume all responsibility for the conduct, well-being and safety of their children in the Library regardless of their physical presence in the Library.

Library staff are not responsible for the supervision, safety or well-being of unaccompanied child patrons. Additionally, the following policies apply:

• Children under the age of eleven (11) must be accompanied by an adult who remains on Library premises.
• Children under the age of eight (8) must have an adult with them at all times.
• The staff cannot monitor children leaving the Children’s Library or Library premises, nor is it the staff’s responsibility to know with whom a child is leaving.

Parents and guardians are expected to be aware of the Library’s opening and closing times and that the operating hours might change unexpectedly.

Photography and Recording

• Photographing, filming, audio or video recording or any other forms of recording on Library premises without the consent of the library manager on duty is prohibited. Any consent granted may be revoked at any time upon failure to comply with this Code of Conduct.
• No photos, videos or other recordings of any person (showing their face) on Library premises may be taken without that person’s prior consent.
• All photos, videos or other recordings shall be solely for personal and not for commercial use.
• The Library may utilize photos and videos from Library public programs and events on its website, social media channels, and in Library publications.
• Representatives of the press or other media may not create visual or audio records of events or programs conducted or sponsored by the Library or on Library premises without prior permission from the Library Executive Director or their designee.

Revised and approved by the Wilton Library Board of Trustees, September 13, 2023

The Internet

The Internet is an essential tool to provide access to resources. Wilton Library, as part of its mission, provides Internet access for patrons in several areas of the building via dedicated Internet stations and its Wireless network. The Library does not deny or limit the use of its facilities including Internet access.

Equitable Use

In order to provide equitable access to all users of the Library’s dedicated computers, patrons shall comply with the Library’s time management system.

Internet Access in Adult Services

The dedicated Internet stations in Adult Services provide unfiltered access to the Internet for all Library patrons. Internet stations are available in the adult reference area.

Internet Access in Teen Services

The dedicated Internet stations in Teen Services provide unfiltered access to the Internet.

Internet Access in the Children’s Library

The dedicated Internet stations in the Children’s Library provide filtered access to the Internet. The Library makes no express or implied representation, warranty or guarantee that any filtering system would actually prevent access to any objectionable material. In accordance with state law, children under the age of 12 years must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Wireless Access

Wilton Library’s wireless access provides unfiltered and unmanaged Internet access throughout the Library building as well as the immediate area outside the building. The Wireless network can be accessed by patron devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, phones, etc.).

Internet Security

Patrons are advised to be cautious about transmitting personal or confidential information (e.g., passwords or credit card information). Wilton Library is not responsible for any information input on the Library’s computers or via the Wireless network.

Unacceptable or Inappropriate Use

The Library’s Internet stations must be used in accordance with Connecticut and Federal Laws and Wilton Library’s Code of Conduct. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing (1) patrons may not disrupt, alter or damage hardware, software, or data on Wilton Library computers or network, (2) behavior that is illegal or that threatens the health or safety of other patrons, staff, or volunteers will be reported to the police, and (3) patrons should not behave in such a way as to disrupt or offend other users. Patrons who do not abide by applicable law or policy may be advised to stop their offending or disruptive behavior and/or asked to leave the library.

Revised and Approved by the Board of Trustees, December 18, 2019

Wilton Library is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all library patrons, other users and donors (collectively, “users”). This commitment is in accord with the trust users place in the Library and its staff, with applicable law, and with the professional ethics of librarianship.

Connecticut General Statutes Section 11-25(b) provides in relevant part that:

• Records maintained by libraries that can be used to identify any library user, or link any user to a library transaction, regardless of format, shall be kept confidential, except that the records may be disclosed to officers, employees, and agents of the library, as necessary for the operation of the library.
• Information contained in such records shall not be released to any third party, except (A) pursuant to a court order, or (B) with the written permission of the library user whose personal information is contained in the records.
• No provision of this subsection shall be construed to prevent a library from publishing or making available to the public statistical reports regarding library registration and use of library materials if such reports do not contain personally identifying information.

The American Library Association Code of Ethics states:

We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.

Information Collected

In furtherance of its commitment to privacy and confidentiality, the Library endeavors to collect, use and retain information and records only and for so long as needed for the proper operation of the Library. Personally identifiable information is also collected regarding Library donations and used in connection with the Library’s fundraising activities. The Library does not sell, license or otherwise disclose personally identifiable information on its users to a third party except on a confidential basis to a third party working under contract with the Library or as required by law.

The Library collects information about users directly from users and from automatically collected network logs and cookies. Some information may be retained in backup storage systems, hard copy form or as required by law.

Information collected about a user may be compiled and aggregated with information collected about other users such that the information cannot be used to reasonably identify any individual user. This aggregated information helps the Library evaluate and improve its services and programming, and provide data requested by governmental or library association entities.

Third Party Service Providers

The Library uses third party service providers and technologies that permit users to access content and databases. The Library provides limited information that authenticates a user as a Library Patron entitled to use the service.

The Library seeks to ensure that its agreements with third party service providers address the Library’s policies concerning privacy and confidentiality. However, users who access third party sites are subjecting themselves to the privacy policy and practices of such sites, and the Library is not responsible for how the third parties collect or use a user’s information. The Library encourages users to review the privacy policies of all third-party providers.

Protection of Information

The Library has physical, administrative and technical measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to the information collected. Although these measures are reasonably designed to be effective, no assurance can be given that these measures will be adequate to maintain the privacy of such information or that such measures will function as intended.

Requests for Personal Information

The Library’s Executive Director, or any person duly appointed in writing by the Executive Director or the Board of Trustees, shall be responsible for handling all law enforcement or similar requests for confidential information. Library staff will immediately refer all such requests to the Executive Director or such designee, and will not release any confidential information until authorized in writing by the Executive Director or such designee. Upon receipt of any such request for confidential information, the Executive Director, or such designee, shall consult with legal counsel as appropriate to formulate an appropriate response.

Amendments

The Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.

Adopted by the Wilton Library Board of Trustees on April 20, 2022.

Wilton Library acquires and presents a wide variety of materials, resources, displays and programs (collectively “Library Materials”) in order to meet the diverse needs of its users, to achieve as balanced a collection as possible, and to represent many points of view. All library materials are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the Connecticut general statutes. The Library welcomes comments, suggestions and expressions of opinion regarding Library Materials.

The Library has established a process for individuals with a vested interest to challenge any library and other educational material, display, or program. As defined by Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322, "Individual with a vested interest" means any individual residing in the town in which the public library is located or the town in which the contract library is located at the time a Reconsideration Form is filed. Therefore, this process limits the consideration of requests to reconsider material, displays or programs to individual residents of Wilton.

An individual with a vested interest who wishes that a specific item, program or display be reconsidered is asked to complete and file a Reconsideration Form. The Request for Reconsideration Form has space for individual's full legal name, address and telephone number. An individual shall not submit a request for reconsideration without this information included.

In accordance with Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322, Wilton Library abides by the following statutory requirements:

• No library material, display or program shall be removed, or programs be cancelled, because of the origin, background or viewpoints expressed in such material, display or program or because of the origin, background or viewpoints of the creator of such material, display or program.
• Library materials, displays and programs shall only be excluded for legitimate pedagogical purposes or for professionally accepted standards of collection maintenance practices as adopted in the Collection Development and Maintenance Policy, The Display Policy, or The Program Policy.
• The materials review and reconsideration process for petitioners to challenge any library material, display or program shall neither favor nor disfavor any group based on protected characteristics.
• Reconsideration requests are not confidential patron records under section 11-25 of the general statutes.
• Any library material being challenged will remain available in the library according to its catalog record and be available for a resident to reserve, check out or access until a final decision is made by the Executive Director.
• Any program being challenged will remain scheduled on the Library's calendar, and any display will remain in place until a final decision is made by the Executive Director.

Review Process

A request for reconsideration of Library Material(s) must be made in writing to the Library’s Executive Director by completing a form which is available at the Library’s public service desks and online. The individual completing a reconsideration form must include specific information about which portion or portions of such material they object to and provide an explanation of the reasons for such objection.

All such requests are treated seriously and courteously. The Executive Director, along with appropriate staff, will evaluate the Request for Reconsideration Form, read the challenged material in its entirety, evaluate the challenged material against the Collection Development and Maintenance policy, evaluate the program against the Program Policy, evaluate the display against the Display Policy and make a written decision on whether or not to remove the challenged material, program or display not later than sixty days from the date of receiving such request. The Executive Director shall provide a copy of their decision and report to the individual who submitted the form.

The Executive Director’s decision regarding the work in question may be appealed in writing to the Executive Director for transmission to the Library Board of Trustees whose decision shall be final.

Upon receipt of an appeal, the Library Board, after evaluating the challenged material under the collection development and maintenance policy shall:

• (A) consult with (i) the Library’s Executive Director, (ii) the State Librarian, or the State Librarian's designee, (iii) a representative of the cooperating library service unit, as defined in section 11-9e of the general statutes, (iv) the president of the Connecticut Library Association, or the president's designee, and (v) the president of the Association of Connecticut Library Boards, or the president's designee,
• (B) deliberate on such request for reconsideration,
• (C) provide a written statement of the reasons for the reconsideration or refusal to reconsider the library material, and
• (D) provide any final decision that is contrary to the decision of the Library’s Executive Director.

Once a decision has been made by the library director or the board of trustees on the reconsideration of any library material, such material cannot be subject to a new request for reconsideration for a period of three years. The Executive Director shall summarize the previous decision in response to any new request for reconsideration during that three-year time period.

The Library’s Executive Director may consolidate any requests for reconsideration of the same challenged material, program or display.

The Library is prohibited by state statutes from removing, excluding or censoring any book on the sole basis that an individual finds such book offensive.

Any librarian or staff member of the Library who, in good faith, implements the policies described in Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322 shall be immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed and shall have the same immunity with respect to any judicial proceeding that results from such implementation.

Approved by the Wilton Library Board of Trustees November 19, 2025.

Purpose & Scope of Collection

Wilton Library recognizes the importance of the public library as a place for voluntary inquiry, the dissemination of information and ideas, and promotion of free expression and free access to ideas by residents. Library materials are provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all residents, and represents a wide range of varied and diverging viewpoints in the collection as a whole. All library materials are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the Connecticut general statutes.

Responsibility of Selecting Materials

Selection of materials is made by librarians in adult, teen and children’s services. Librarians are professionally trained to curate and develop a collection that provides resident with access to the widest array of library and other educational materials. Ultimate responsibility for inclusion in the Library's collection rests with the Executive Director who operates within the framework of this policy.

Selection Criteria

Librarians review library and educational material within a public library using professionally accepted standards: material relevance, physical condition, availability of duplicates, availability of age appropriate or grade-level material, and the continued demand of material.

The following additional criteria are considered when selecting items for the collection:

1. Critical Review
2. Literary merit
3. Cost
4. Availability
5. Relation to existing collection and other materials on the subject
6. Public demand, interest or need

Tools for selecting titles include, but are not limited to, professional reviews in trade publications, popular magazines and newspapers, online reviews, and publisher’s catalogs. Patrons may request items be purchased for the collection by completing a request form available on the Library’s website.

Some materials for children and teens might not be considered appropriate by all adults for all readers. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for the reading, listening and viewing habits of their children.

No library material, display or program shall be removed, or programs be cancelled, because of the origin, background or viewpoints expressed in such material, display or program, or because of the origin, background or viewpoints of the creator of such material, display or program.

Digital Collections & Databases

Library materials are provided in a variety of print and digital formats, including digital collections and databases.

Evaluation of Collection

Library collections are constantly being reviewed to maintain quality and relevance. Materials are regularly evaluated and may be kept or withdrawn from the collection based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:

1. Item is damaged or poor condition
2. Item contains inaccurate information or is out of date
3. Item has not circulated for several years
4. Format of the item is no longer in demand

Purchasing of updated, revised editions and replacements are considered upon evaluation of materials. When possible, Library staff will repair a damaged item.

Gifts and Donations

The Library reserves the right to incorporate donated materials into its collection, to sell them in the book sales, or dispose of them. The Library does not evaluate or appraise materials for tax purposes.

Intellectual Freedom and Censorship

The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom adopted by the American Library Association as expressed in its Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements.

Controversial Materials

The collection may include items that are controversial in nature. The Library’s acquisition of such items does not constitute endorsement of their content but rather allows for their free expression.

Material Review & Reconsideration Policy

The Library welcomes comments, suggestions and expressions of opinion regarding Library Materials. An individual with a vested interest who wishes that a specific item, program or display be reconsidered is asked to complete and submit a Request for Reconsideration Form. As defined by Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322, "Individual with a vested interest" means any individual residing in the town in which the public library is located or the town in which the contract library is located at the time a Reconsideration Form is filed. Therefore the Library limits consideration of requests to reconsider materials, displays or programs to individual residents of Wilton. Please refer to the Wilton Library Material Review & Reconsideration Policy for more information on this process.

Approved by the Wilton Library Board of Trustees November 19, 2025.

Purpose

Wilton Library serves as the cultural and intellectual center of Wilton, and recognizes the importance of displays as resources for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas and to promote free expression and free access to ideas by residents. Library displays are provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all residents, and represent a wide range of varied and diverging viewpoints.

All library materials, including programs, are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the Connecticut general statutes.

Principles and Criteria

Library displays provide access to content that is relevant to the research, independent interests and educational needs of residents.

Librarians are professionally trained to curate and develop displays. Displays may be created or curated by librarians or staff members, or by members of the public or community groups.

Library staff consider criteria including but not limited to items that correspond with Library programming, highlight a particular genre, or authors in the collection. Displays will also be created to celebrate holidays or national observances, and share information from community organizations.

Intellectual Freedom and Censorship

Displays may include items that are controversial in nature. The Library’s inclusion of such items does not constitute endorsement of their content but rather allows for their free expression.

The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom adopted by the American Library Association as expressed in its Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements.

Material Review & Reconsideration Policy

The Library welcomes comments, suggestions and expressions of opinion regarding Library Materials. An individual with a vested interest who wishes that a specific item, program or display be reconsidered is asked to complete and submit a Request for Reconsideration Form. As defined by Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322, "Individual with a vested interest" means any individual residing in the town in which the public library is located or the town in which the contract library is located at the time a Reconsideration Form is filed. Therefore the Library limits consideration of requests to reconsider materials, displays or programs to individual residents of Wilton.

No library material, display or program shall be removed, or programs be cancelled, because of origin, background or viewpoints expressed in such material, display or program.

Please refer to the Material Review & Reconsideration Policy for more information on this process.

Approved by the Wilton Library Board of Trustees November 19, 2025.

Purpose

Wilton Library serves as the cultural and intellectual center of Wilton, and recognizes the importance of programs as resources for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas and to promote free expression and free access to ideas by residents. Library programs are provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all residents, and represent a wide range of varied and diverging viewpoints. Library programs provide access to content that is relevant to the research, independent interests and educational needs of residents.

All library materials, including programs, are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the Connecticut general statutes.

Definition of a Program

A Library program is a virtual or in-person event, sponsored by Wilton Library and planned by Library staff for the benefit of community members.

Roles & Responsibilities

Programs are curated by Library staff in adult services, teen services and the Children’s Library. Ultimate responsibility rests with the Executive Director who operates within the framework of this policy.

Program Selection

Programs are curated on the basis of furthering the Library’s mission to serve as the cultural and intellectual center of Wilton, and to inform, enrich, connect and inspire our community. Librarians are professionally trained to curate and develop programs.

Program Development, Coordination and Supervision

Programs may be developed or curated by librarians or staff members, or by members of the public or community groups. They may involve community partners as well as outside presenters, facilitators or performers. They may take place either at Wilton Library, or as a Wilton Library-sponsored program in another location.

In the event of a co-sponsored program, supervision of the program may be shared by the co-sponsoring organization; however all Wilton Library-sponsored programs must abide by this policy regardless of where they are hosted.

Program Access

All programs are open to the public and may require advance registration. For programs requiring registration, walk-ins are welcome if space allows.

Virtual Programs

Some programs may be offered virtually. They may be entirely virtual, or hybrid, which includes a virtual option for an in-person program. Live virtual programs require advance registration. Registered participants will receive via email a link to log on to the program.

Program Materials

Certain programs may require additional materials which will be either distributed ahead of time, or upon arrival at the program.

Program Evaluation

Library staff will consider data such as attendance and patron feedback when evaluating programs. This data will help to inform future programming decisions.

Intellectual Freedom and Censorship

Programs may include topics that are controversial in nature. The Library’s inclusion of such topics does not constitute endorsement of their content but rather allows for their free expression.

The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom adopted by the American Library Association as expressed in its Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements.

Material Review & Reconsideration Policy

The Library welcomes comments, suggestions and expressions of opinion regarding Library Materials. An individual with a vested interest who wishes that a specific item, program or display be reconsidered is asked to complete and submit a Request for Reconsideration Form. As defined by Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322, "Individual with a vested interest" means any individual residing in the town in which the public library is located or the town in which the contract library is located at the time a Reconsideration Form is filed. Therefore the Library limits consideration of requests to reconsider materials, displays or programs to individual residents of Wilton.

No library material, display or program shall be removed, or programs be cancelled, because of origin, background or viewpoints expressed in such material, display or program.

Please refer to the Material Review & Reconsideration Policy for more information on this process.

Approved by the Wilton Library Board of November 19, 2025.