Public Services – 330
Approved by the Board of Trustees November 20, 2025

St. Joseph Public Library
Public Services Policy

The St. Joseph Public Library is a public space open to anyone, with or without a library card. All branches of SJPL provide access to library collections, public restrooms, public service computers, and free WiFi internet. All locations are ADA compliant. All policies noted are available on the SJPL website at https://sjpl.lib.mo.us/policies/.

Patron Behavior
All patrons are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on library property or attending a library program. 302 – Behavior Policy details appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. 304 – Harassment & Discrimination Policy, 342 – Weapons Policy, and 303 – Filming and Photography Policy outline SJPL’s intention to create a positive environment for staff and patrons. SJPL follows ADA guidelines regarding service animals, as dictated in 322 – Pets & Service Animal Policy. In an effort to protect patron privacy and open library access, SJPL adheres to 326 – Public Assembly, Petitioning and Distribution of Literature on Library District Property Policy and 332 – Social Media Policy. For public health or safety reasons, a patron’s use of library materials or facilities may be restricted, as dictated in 334 – Suspension of Privileges for Health & Safety Reasons Policy.

Policies for Minors
At SJPL, minors are anyone age 17 years and younger. The safety and security of minors is taken seriously by the staff at SJPL, but the responsibility to supervise a minor using the library rests with the minor’s parent or legal guardian. Minors under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or designated caregiver at all times, as stated in 338 – Unattended Minors Policy. All minors must have a signed informed consent form on file to access library public service computers, as found in 310F – Internet Consent Form. 316 – Restricting Access to Online Materials for Minors dictates how the library protects minors from accessing pornographic material on library public service computers.

Library Materials, Programs, and Displays
The library is committed to providing the community with a variety of materials and resources. 301-Display Policy and 325 – Programming Policy outline the kinds of displays and programs a patron may see at SJPL. Patrons can check out many of the materials in our collection with a library card. The responsibilities of a library card holder are stated in 314 – Library Card Policy. Institutions are also able to request library cards using form 308F – Institutional Letter & Card Application. Some materials may be restricted for in-library-use only or have reproduction restrictions. A patron should see 340 – Use of Photographs and Photographic Reproductions Owned by the St. Joseph Public Library for more information. Materials that cannot be obtained at SJPL or consortium libraries might be available through interlibrary loan, see 306 – Interlibrary Loan Policy. For library card holders who are unable to leave their homes, SJPL offers library by mail, which can be applied for using the form 312F – Library by Mail Application.

Library Services
Many of the services at the library are provided to patrons free of charge. Public service computers with internet access are available for patron use at all branches, and use is contingent upon adherence to 328 – Public Computers and Internet Policy. Meeting spaces may be available for reservation at SJPL locations. The requirements and expectations to use those spaces are outlined in 318 – Meeting Room Policy. Proctoring services may be available and are outlined in 324 – Proctoring Guidelines.

Additional resources may be available at specific branches. Notary service is available by appointment at the Carnegie, Downtown, and East Hills branches. At the Downtown branch, patrons can work with a staff member to create 3D designs and models. See 336 – 3D Printer Policy.

While most services at the library are free, some of the services may have a discretionary fee. These fees help cover the costs of offering these services and are listed below:

• Black and white photocopies or prints are $0.10 per page, except for printing from microfilm, which is $0.25 per page.
• Color prints and photocopies are $0.25 per page.
• Scanning: first four pages are free, then $0.25 per page.
• Faxing is available at the Downtown and East Hills libraries. Outgoing faxes are $1.75 for the first page, then $1.00 per subsequent page and SJPL does not assume responsibility for proper receipt of the fax. The library does not accept incoming faxes.
• Items can be submitted for lamination at the Downtown Library at $1.00 per page.
• Research requests from people living outside the St. Joseph Public Library district are $10.00 for thirty minutes of research, with a maximum research time limit of two hours for $40.
• Replacement library cards are $1.00 each.

*Previous Approval Dates: September 25, 2025; July 30, 2023