BOARD APPROVED September 24, 2024 

Purpose 

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) works to maintain a useful, well-rounded collection to support the library’s mission and meet the needs of residents of the library’s service area. This policy exists to guide librarians in selecting materials and to inform the public about the principles guiding collection development decisions.  

Our Community 

The Huntsville-Madison County community enjoys a unique background and heritage. For the better part of the past century, the Huntsville-Madison County community has been fueled by innovation and technical advancement and has welcomed newcomers from around the world to make our community their home. Consequently, our growing community encompasses a wide range of racial, ethnic, professional and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as a diverse range of religious and political beliefs, lifestyles, and identities. HMCPL’s commitment to education has caused the library to lead the state of Alabama in circulation at our local public libraries as many families rely on our library system to provide access to books and other materials in our collection as well as the many services we provide.  

HMCPL is a ten-branch system with an extensive outreach department that serves all of Madison County, Alabama. For over 200 years, HMCPL has been dedicated to enriching the educational, recreational, and cultural lives of communities in Madison County through materials, information and programs that foster a lifelong love of learning.  

Our Collection 

The HMCPL collection includes a wide variety of formats including the following: 

• Print consisting of books, documents, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets and maps. 
• Audiovisual Media, including videos on DVD and Blu-ray, books on CD and digital audio player, music on compact disc, and streaming audio and video materials. When possible, digital materials are selected in accordance with this policy. However, digital materials may be provided through a content aggregator. As such, the inclusion or exclusion of specific titles in these collections are made by the vendor and may not conform to this policy’s guidelines.
• The library also provides wi-fi access to the Internet. 
• Other formats include multimedia kits, microforms, educational toys, and selected audiovisual equipment. 

Materials may be available in a variety of formats. Factors governing choice of format include anticipated use, ease of access, and availability of technology, if applicable. 

Responsibility 

HMCPL provides free access to materials in a number of formats (print, media, and electronic) to all patrons. It is the responsibility of the library director and staff to curate a balanced collection that meets the needs of our community under the authority of the library board. The director and staff will oversee the acquisition of materials using professional judgment, selection guidelines, and common sense consistent with this policy. 

Library users make their own choices as to what they use based on individual interests and concerns. HMCPL follows accepted principles of intellectual freedom and supports each person’s right to receive information and to decide which items are appropriate for them and their families. Ultimate responsibility for a minor’s use of library materials lies with the minor’s parent or guardian. 

General Selection Guidelines 

HMCPL’s goal is to provide our community with library materials that encourage literacy and instill in patrons a lifelong love of learning. As described in more detail below, the library director and staff shall select materials on the basis of community interest, accuracy of information and literary or educational significance. The library shall not exclude materials solely due to the subject matter dealing with topics deemed controversial at any given time. The library shall not purchase or receive as a donation any book or material that violates applicable laws or regulations.

General criteria for selecting library materials are listed below. An item need not meet all the criteria in order to be acceptable. Criteria include: 

• Public demand, interest or need 
• Contemporary significance or permanent value 
• Prominence, authority and/or competence of author, creator or publisher 
• Timeliness of material 
• Relation to existing materials in the collection 
• Reflecting competing or controversial points of view 
• Authenticity of historical, regional, or social setting 
• Materials on current or historical matters 
• Accessibility for multiple users of electronic formats 
• Costs 

Price, accuracy, and timeliness of information are other factors influencing selection. The library does not typically purchase out-of-print material for the collection, and no attempt is made to purchase all the works by particular authors. As a general rule the library will acquire only works of interest to the layperson. The library does not support educational curricula through the purchase of textbooks. Borrowing materials from other libraries through interlibrary loan is another option available to customers for older or unique materials.

The library welcomes suggestions from the public for materials to purchase. Purchase of such requests is dependent on whether the desired item meets general selection guidelines established here. 

Selection Criteria for Young Adult and Juvenile Collections

With respect to materials intended for the Juvenile or Young Adult sections, the library will not purchase or otherwise acquire any material advertised for consumers under the age of 18 that contains material that is obscene, sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate to minors.  The library director will provide guidance to staff with respect to acquisitions in conformity with the foregoing criteria and shall have the final decision in acquiring materials pursuant to this policy. For purposes of this policy, the term “inappropriate to minors” is synonymous with “harmful to minors.”  As used throughout this policy, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

“Sexually explicit” means material that visually shows or depicts actual or simulated conduct that includes sexual intercourse, masturbation, breast nudity, genital nudity, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual excitement, or other act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification.  This definition is intended to follow and be consistent with the definition of “sexually explicit” set out at section 13A-12-190(14) Alabama Code (1975), to be effective October 1, 2024. 

“Harmful to minors” means: (a) the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the material, taken as whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors; and (b) the material depicts or describes sexual conduct, breast nudity or genital nudity, in a way which is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community with respect to what is suitable for minors; and (c) a reasonable person would find that the material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.  This definition is intended to follow and be consistent with the definition of “harmful to minors” set out at section 13A-12-200.1(11) Alabama Code (1975). 

“Obscene” means (a) the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; and (b) the material depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct, actual or simulated, normal or perverted; and (c) a reasonable person would find that the material, taken as whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.  This definition is intended to follow and be consistent with the definition of “obscene” set out at section 13A-12-200.1(17) Alabama Code (1975).

“Prurient interest” is defined as a morbid, degrading, or excessive interest in sexual matters.  See “APA Dictionary of Psychology,” American Psychological Association; Roth v. United States, 354 U.S. 476 (1957); “Prurient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prurient.  Accessed 10 Sept. 2024. 

Age-appropriate materials regarding religion, history, biology, or human anatomy shall not be construed to violate these rules.

Gifts 

HMCPL welcomes donations to enhance the collection. Donated items become the property of the library. All donations to the library are accepted on the condition that they may be retained and added to the collections or disposed of at its sole discretion, in accordance with this policy. Monetary donations intended for use in purchasing materials may be accompanied by a suggested subject area, but specific selection decisions will be made in accordance with this policy.  

Placement of Materials 

HMCPL staff will place materials based on suitability of subject, style and content for the intended audience. The library director will provide guidance to staff in interpretation of the policy and deliver the final decision in the placement of materials in accordance with the policy. Library staff may reconsider or reevaluate the placement of materials at any time. The library will not place any materials in the Juvenile or Young Adult section that, in the HMPCL staff’s exercise of reasonable discretion, are sexually explicit, obscene, or inappropriate to minors as such terms are defined above.  Age-appropriate materials regarding religion, history, biology, or human anatomy shall not be construed to violate these rules. 

Withdrawal of Materials 

Materials that are worn, damaged, outdated, duplicated, or no longer used may be removed from the collection. Materials withdrawn from the collection in this manner will be disposed of at the library’s discretion. 

Statements of Concern 

Should a patron of HMCPL take issue with the inclusion of a specific title in the library collection, they may complete and submit a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form. For further details, please see the Statement of Concern policy. https://www.hmcpl.org/policies/concerns 

Updated 9/24/2024

Digital Collection Policy

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) offers an online collection of digitized photographs related to the history of Huntsville and Madison County. This collection is intended for public access. Images and other material from the collection may not be reproduced without permission from HMCPL. It is the responsibility of the user to provide accurate attribution to HMCPL. Some of the material may be copyright protected. Proper credit must be given to the creator if known. The preferred citation is as follows: Courtesy of HMCPL Special Collections: http://digitalarchives.hmcpl.org/. Please refer to the ‘Consent for Usage of Materials from HMCPL Special Collections’ form.

HMCPL is not responsible for the improper or illegal use of any copies of materials from its collections.  It is the user’s responsibility to guard against the infringements of rights that may be held by others and for clearing reproduction rights and copyright restrictions.  HMCPL does not claim to control copyright of all of the pictorial, textual, audio or video materials in its collections.  Special Collections staff will provide such information as the library has, as a service to aid patrons in determining appropriate use of an item.  However, that determination ultimately rests with the patron.  HMCPL provides these materials for non-profit, educational, personal or scholarly purposes.  Transmission or reproductions of protected items beyond that allowed by “fair use,” as defined by courts of competent jurisdiction, requires the written permission of the copyright holders. 

HMCPL gives no exclusive rights for the use of its material.  Permission is granted for a one-time use only.  Any subsequent use of an image requires another written permission of the Library and any other copyright holders. 

HMCPL does not allow its images to be used out of context or modified in any way that affects the historical integrity of the image.

The nature of historical, archival and manuscript collections often make it difficult to determine the exact copyright status of an item. Whenever possible, HMCPL provides all known information about copyright owners and other restrictions in the information or metadata associated with digital items. HMCPL provides this information to assist users in determining the copyright status of an item. Ultimately, it is the user’s responsibility to use material according to the terms governing its use.

Although HMCPL attempts to provide thorough descriptive information for each item digitized to assist users in determining the historical importance and cultural context of an item, on occasion it has incomplete information about authors, publishers or other persons associated with the materials in its collection. HMCPL welcomes any comments from anyone who may have additional information about any of the items in the collection, especially copyright owners who are not properly identified, so that appropriate information may be provided to researchers and teachers in the future.

Collections Disclaimer

This material may be protected under U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code) which governs the making of photocopies or reproductions of copyrighted materials. You may use the digitized materials for private study, scholarship or research. Though HMCPL has physical ownership of the material in its collections, in some cases we may not own the copyright to the material. It is the patron’s obligation to determine and satisfy copyright restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in our collections.

For questions concerning copyright information or permission to use HMCPL Special Collections materials please send an e-mail to hhrdept@hmcpl.org.

APPROVED BY LIBRARY BOARD November 19, 2024 

Purpose 

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) will offer displays and exhibits that appeal to a range of ages, interests, and informational needs of the Huntsville-Madison County community. Displays and exhibit materials will be based on the suitability of the subject and style for the intended audience. Acceptance of a display or exhibit topic by the Library does not constitute an endorsement by HMCPL of the content of the display or exhibit, or of the views expressed in the materials on display. The library will not display materials that violate applicable laws or regulations. 

The Executive Director holds the final responsibility for the display of library materials, but employees throughout the library share day-to-day responsibility. Library staff uses the following criteria in making decisions about display topics, materials, and accompanying resources: 

• Community needs and interest 
• Availability of display space 
• Historical, cultural, or educational significance 
• Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events 
• Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits, and programs 
• The HMCPL may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays and exhibits. 

Staff will actively monitor displays to ensure materials included comply with the policy.  However, the Staff and Library Board hold no responsibility for any unapproved changes made by Library users. When such modifications are found, Staff will immediately inform the Executive Director and Branch Manager. 

Examples of unauthorized modifications include, but are not limited to:

• Addition of unapproved materials to a display.  
• Placement of adult materials on displays located in the juvenile and young adult sections of a Library.  
• Removal of materials that an individual finds personally objectionable.

Statements of Concern 

Should a patron of HMCPL take issue with the inclusion of a specific item in a display they may complete and submit a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form. For further details, please see the Statement of Concern policy. https://www.hmcpl.org/policies/concerns 

Distribution of Free Non-library Materials 

HMCPL has a limited amount of space available for the distribution of free literature and displays. Only materials for non-profit organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, or charitable activities in the community may be displayed. HMCPL does not endorse the activities and information contained in these non-library displays and promotional materials. 

Guidelines for the display of nonprofit organization materials and information: 

• Materials must be approved by the Library Department or Branch Manager where the display will be located. 
• Political campaign advertising and notices advocating or promoting partisan political issues will not be allowed. 
• Materials will be displayed for limited periods of time only. Items will be removed at the discretion of the library staff. 
• HMCPL reserves the right to establish time, place, and manner restrictions for the display of materials. The HMCPL also reserves the right to restrict the geographic area from which materials will be accepted and to determine the frequency with which material may be posted for the same group. 

Display Case and Exhibit Policy 

Some locations of HMCPL have display cases and/or exhibit space available for limited use by the public. As an educational and cultural institution, HMCPL will display and exhibit artwork or information of interest and enlightenment to the library community in order to further the following purposes: 

• To increase awareness of the library's resources, including but not limited to library collections, services, events, and activities. 
• To fulfill the library’s mission to empower individuals to create their own futures, explore the universe of ideas, and connect with our community and the world. 
• To highlight eligible non-profit organizations, including the Friends of the Library or Huntsville Madison-County Library Foundation, governmental agencies (groups sponsored by a city, county, state, or federal agency), and individuals engaged in intellectual, charitable, civic, cultural, educational, or recreational activities in Huntsville, Madison and/or Madison County. 
• The cases may not be used for exhibits that are commercial in nature, promote a specific religious concept, encourage partisan politics, or demean groups or individuals. 

For additional information about reserving display cases or exhibit space, request information at the specific branch of interest. 

Approved Date:  11/19/2024

Issuing a library card requires proof of residency as per Huntsville-Madison County Public Library policy.  However, to better serve our community, HMCPL is partnering with local missions and shelters to make allowance for exceptions to this policy.  Huntsville residents who do not have permanent addresses or are temporarily displaced may be issued a library card if they meet the following criteria that are supported by these local missions or shelters:

• First Stop – clients of First Stop may show proof of residency by bringing in a letter provided to them by First Stop administration.  The letter must be current (no older than 2 weeks).
• Salvation Army – residence of the Salvation Army may bring in a proof of residency letter provided by the Salvation Army administration.  The letter must be current (no older than 2 weeks).
• Downtown Rescue Mission – residence of the Downtown Rescue Mission may bring in a proof of residency letter provided by the Downtown Rescue Mission administration.  The letter must be current (no older than 2 weeks).

Updated: 6/7/2023.

Retrieval of Long Overdue Items

Library patrons receive the following overdue notices:

Day 3: First overdue Reminder e-mailed or sent via SMS message

Day 7: Second overdue Notice e-mailed or sent via SMS message

Day 14: Third overdue Bill User for Materials e-mailed and sent 1st class mail; Items set to ASSUMED LOST & billed to patron's account

Damages

Patrons are charged the list price for items damaged beyond repair.

Lost Items

In the event a book or audio-visual item is lost, patrons will be charged the price of the item when purchased by the Library. Lost items may be returned for a refund within 90 days of the receipt date. Patrons must return the item(s) to an HMCPL location along with the payment receipt.

Holds Policy

Holds are made for books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks with a 50 item limit. Holds may not be placed on magazines or comics.

An item may not be renewed if a hold has been placed on it. Patrons will receive notification that their held item is available through email or text. Patrons who do not have an email address on file will need to be called by a staff member.

Materials are held for 7 days.

Other Fees

Headsets

$2.00

Public Computer Printouts (except online computer citations)

$.15 per copy

Photocopies

$.15 per copy

Color Photocopies

$.25 per copy

Microfilm Printer Copies

$.20 per copy

Lost Library Card

$2.00 for replacement of lost card

Lost Booklets, Brochures, etc.

$3.00

Broken Locked DVD Case

$1.50

Lost or Damaged Audio Book Case

$3.00

The Library does not provide city directory information by telephone. Library patrons are required to come to the Library to retrieve such information.

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is pleased to encourage and recognize local writers by featuring their books in the HMCPL Local Author's Collection (physical and digital). The following guidelines ensure that HMCPL adheres to our mission and collection goals while supporting the local writing community.

Local authors must live in the Tennessee Valley counties of Alabama (Colbert, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan).

Due to budget limitations, items for this collection will be accepted as donations and will not be purchased. Books by local authors that have been reviewed in standard sources will be considered for purchase as an addition to the library's general collection. Standard review sources include: Library Journal, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and Publisher's Weekly.

In keeping with with HMCPL's Gifts & Memorial Policy submitted works become the property of HMCPL and will not be returned to the donor. If they are not added to the library collection they will be donated to the Friends of the Library Bookstore.

In order to hold up to library usage, submitted physical materials should be sturdily bound (sewn or glued bindings). Spiral and comb bindings do not wear well, and books with pages designed to be filled in or torn out by the reader are not appropriate.

Submissions must be approved by library selectors before being accepted for placement in the HMCPL collection.

Library selectors cannot meet with individuals to discuss their work, nor can they provide professional reviews, promotions, or marketing of an author's work. HMCPL cannot acknowledge receipt of a submission or notify an author of a final decision.

Please complete the following form(s) for consideration:

Print (Physical) Book Form

Ebook | Audio Book Form

Borrowers Cards

Resident: Issued free to all Huntsville and Madison County residents ages 18 and older. Residents of Limestone County that live within the city limits of Madison and Huntsville are also eligible. Valid at all branches and bookmobile. Identification with correct name and permanent address required. A government-issued photo ID is required, such as a driver's license, passport or student school card. ID can be out of area driver's license combined with a lease, utilities bill, or imprint on a check or deposit slip.

Non-Resident: $20.00 annual fee for individual. $35.00 annual fee for families. Family cards are for individuals sharing a physical address in the same household. A government-issued photo ID with correct name and address is required. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Only Resident and Non-Resident cards for ages 18 and older will have access to request Interlibrary Loan materials.

Young Readers: Issued to youth ages 17 and younger. Parent or guardian must also have a Resident or Non-Resident card and sign a waiver for their child to setup a card. At card setup, the parent or guardian must select the level of access for the Young Reader card. Parent or guardian must be a resident of Madison County or a Limestone County resident living within the city limits of Madison or Huntsville, and must agree to be responsible for all items borrowed by the child(ren). Identification for the adult is required as detailed in the Resident section listed above. Changing the level of access for a Young Reader Card requires the parent or guardian to sign a new waiver.

Young Reader Cards have three levels of access.

• Level 1 Young Reader: Individual may check out from only the physical juvenile collection. No digital downloads access is available. This is the default level of access unless specified otherwise by a parent or guardian on the waiver.
• Level 2 Young Reader: Individual may check out from the physical juvenile and young adult collections. No digital downloads access is available.
• Level 3 Young Reader: Individual may checkout from the physical juvenile, young adult, and adult collections. Digital downloads access is available.

Guest Patron Card:

Issued free to adults ages 18 and older for in-house computer use or room reservation only. Guest patrons may change to a fully-privileged Resident or Non-Resident card when they meet the registration requirements. Upon registration, guest patrons must provide a form of identification as well as the following information: legal name, address, zip code, date of birth, and phone number.

Non-Resident cards expire after one year and will be renewed annually after payment of the out of county fee. Resident cards expire every three years and will be renewed after confirmation of current contact information.

Card Limits

Adult Card – up to 50 items
Young Readers Level 1 -3 Cards - up to 50 items.
Guest Patron Card - No items may be borrowed with a Guest Patron Card.

Check Out Period

All items can be borrowed for a period of two (2) weeks with four (4) renewals unless the item is on hold.

Holds

Holds are made for books, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks with a 50-item limit. Holds may not be placed on magazines, comics, or kits.

Access levels described in the Borrower Cards section will also limit the items that may be placed on hold by a patron. An item may not be renewed if a hold has been placed on it. Patrons will receive notification that their held item is available through email or text.

Materials are held for 7 days.

Updated: 5/20/25

It is the policy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library to identify libraries by the geographic location or neighborhoods served, rather than by named individuals. This will improve participation in and accessibility to the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library by the general public. Under rare and extraordinary circumstances, the Board of Directors of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, in its sole and absolute discretion, may choose to honor an individual for his or her lifetime contributions to the library system by adding the name of such individual to the geographic branch name.

The Board will consider the following factors in making such a naming decision:

• The person considered must be deceased for at least one year before being considered for a library facility name. This restriction permits the Library Board to evaluate the lifetime contributions and accomplishments of the proposed honoree and protects from making decisions in reaction to transitory or emotional considerations.
• The proposed honoree is associated with a myriad of services and has dedicated a substantial amount of energy, time, resources, leadership and/or volunteer service to improve and benefit the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system or the library facility in question. The depth and breadth of the contributions must be obvious and compelling and must reflect a dedication and beneficence to the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library over a great span of time.
• There must be a strong consensus among library users and residents of the surrounding neighborhood to add the name of the proposed honoree to the library facility in question.
• The proposed honoree should reflect the spirit of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library’s mission of free and equal access to information for all.
• The new name should not carry the banner of a transitory cause, no matter how worthy, but rather, reflect the tradition and stability of the Library as an institution. The public’s interest must be served by approving the proposed name.
• Any such action shall be in accordance with federal, state and local law.

In summary, adding the name of a person to a library facility is reserved for the rare individual whose dedication and service to the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system is extraordinary, unique and of the highest quality. The Library Board has sole authority and discretion on naming branches and facilities in its system.

Procedures for evaluating facility naming proposals

1. Any member of the Library Board of Directors or member of the public may propose a name to be added to the geographic name of a library facility. This request shall be submitted in writing to the Library Board of Directors and shall provide supporting documentation, using the factors set forth above, demonstrating the qualifications of the proposed honoree to receive such an honor.
2. If the naming proposal appears to meet the factors set forth above, the Chair of the Library Board of Directors shall place the proposal on the Library Board agenda for general discussion and for public comment at one or more regular or special meetings of the Library Board of Directors.
3. Upon approval of the Board of Directors to proceed, the Board Chair shall schedule a meeting in the branch library facility or elsewhere in the neighborhood served by such facility to obtain direct testimony from members of the public living in the neighborhood of the facility.
4. At any time after giving proponents of the name addition and the public an opportunity to be heard, after obtaining testimony from residents and patrons, and upon proper notice, the Library Board of Directors shall call for a vote on the issue.
5. The affirmative vote by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Library Board shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, be required to approve the addition of a person’s name to a library facility.
6. The Library Board shall, either at the time it approves the addition of an honorific name or in a subsequent meeting, designate the method of display of the name addition. The manner of such display may, in the discretion of the Board, be by exterior building signage, interior plaque, or any other means appropriate to the specific site. The Library Board may choose to assign any cost related to the name change to the proposing party.

Naming of Interior Spaces

Other naming opportunities are available within new buildings or existing buildings undergoing significant renovation and expansion. These opportunities may be identified by the Library Director in consultation with the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Foundation or the Library Board and may include such areas as meeting rooms, auditoriums, reading lounges, special use areas, collections, equipment, gardens and green spaces or other interior and exterior spaces. All naming opportunities shall be subject to Library Board approval.

• Naming opportunities are available for individuals, families, foundations, and corporations making a significant contribution to the project.
• The Library Director, in consultation with the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Foundation, shall be responsible for determining the manner in which the name is recognized (e.g., signage).
• A list of the interior naming opportunities and costs shall be submitted to the Library Board for approval.
• The Library Board must approve the name chosen by prospective donors to ensure that it reflects the tradition of the Library as an institution and that it will maintain the credibility of the Library with the general public. 

Name Recognition of Endowment Funds

The amount required for the Library Board to consider a named endowment shall initially be set at $25,000 but shall be reviewed from time to time by the Library Board. A named endowment may be requested by the donor or may be proposed by the Library Board. The request shall be evaluated by the Library Board for approval, in its sole discretion. The initial minimum investment of $25,000 must be funded within ninety (90) days, or the donated amounts will become part of the general library endowment.

Duration or removal of naming or name recognition

Naming rights in honor of an individual are generally expected to last for the useful life of the space or program; however, as determined in the sole discretion of the Library Board of Directors, the naming associated with a library facility, room, area, or collection shall end under the following circumstances:

• A building, room, area, or collection is to be demolished.
• A building, room, or area changes function to the extent that the purpose for the naming or name recognition is no longer relevant.
• When extraordinary circumstances dictate, in the judgment of the Library Board, the name may be removed to preserve the overall credibility of the Library System. Such removal shall require a 2/3 majority vote of the Library Board. The Library Board shall notify the donor regarding the consideration to withdraw the name and provide a reasonable time, as determined at the sole discretion of the Library Board, to correct the deficiency. In the event the Board votes to remove the name, funds already collected shall not be returned to the donor.

In the case of pledged donations or deferred gifts, the naming agreement may take effect with the first payment, following approval by the Library Board. In the case of failure of the donor to uphold the agreement, the Library Board may withdraw the naming commitment

Approved 11-19-14

In accordance with state law, employees of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library shall maintain confidentiality concerning library use by any individual patron, including registration and circulation records of that patron and information concerning the use of HMCPL by that patron. Consequently, employees should not make registration and circulation records open for inspection except as provided by Section 41-8-10 of the Code of Alabama, 1975.

In accordance with the stated Alabama state codes, circulation and registration records access may be made available to parents or guardians of minor children. 

Any comment or release of information to the public should be made only upon approval from the Executive Director. 

Library Board Updated and approved: 3/19/24

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) presents programs to further our mission and meet the needs of the residents of the library’s service area. This policy exists to guide librarians in selecting and planning programs and to inform the public about the principles guiding programming decisions. Library programs are planned public activities that are initiated by or presented in partnership with HMCPL and take place at a library branch, at locations in the community, or online. Library programs include, but are not limited to: book talks, how-to demonstrations, discussion groups, lectures, performances, storytimes, tours, and workshops.

Program Selection

The selection of program content (including topics, activities, presenters, and highlighted materials) will be made on the basis of public interest and relevance to HMCPL’s mission and strategic plan. Content will not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. Inclusion in a program does not constitute endorsement of program content.

Audience

All library programs are open to the public. Responsibility for the exposure of children to library programs rests with their parents or legal guardians. HMCPL may limit attendance of a program to a specific age group. Pre-registration may be required. Program attendees may be photographed, filmed, or video recorded and their likenesses used by the library in editorial or promotional materials.

Community Partnership

HMCPL sometimes partners with City or County departments, governmental agencies, community organizations, and businesses to present programs. Co-sponsored programs must include participation by library staff to plan program content, provide logistical support, or include information about library collections relevant to the program. Co-sponsorship and collaboration decisions are made on the basis of mutual needs and equitable benefits between the library and potential partners, as well as available library resources. Such programs materials must not endorse or oppose the election of any candidate for public office; endorse or oppose the adoption of federal, state, or local legislation; or promote commercial products or services.

Programming Costs

HMCPL attempts to present programs at no additional cost to participants but may occasionally charge a participation fee to offset the cost of materials used in a program. This fee may be waived at the patron’s request.

Sale of Materials

Materials may be offered for sale at a program by the program presenter or their representative. Eligibility to attend a program shall not be dependent upon purchase.

Statements of Concern

Should a patron of HMCPL take issue with a program, they are encouraged to contact the library director to arrange to discuss these concerns. Should that discussion prove unfeasible or fail to address the patron’s concerns, they may complete and submit a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form available from the director. For further details, please see the Statements of Concern policy.

Approved July 2023

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library utilizes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system in some Library locations to protect the collection of materials and to provide self-check options to customers.

THIS SYSTEM WILL PROTECT THE COLLECTION AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED REMOVALS, ENABLE THE CIRCULATION SYSTEM TO WORK MORE EFFICIENTLY, AND PROVIDE BETTER LIBRARY SERVICE FOR ALL USERS.

The public is expected to enter and leave the Library through the designated entrance and exit gates. The system monitors through bags, briefcases and clothing so there is no need to display parcels, briefcases, etc. for examination before leaving. Personal books and objects will not set off the alarm.

This system will not affect film, data storage devices or any personal objects. There is no danger to health devices such as pacemakers.

Library staff will be glad to answer any questions about the RFID system.

Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) has a right to maintain each of its facilities in a clean, pleasant and safe manner. Every individual has the right to use HMCPL undisturbed and every HMCPL employee has the right to work without undue interference. All HMCPL users and employees should be free of any threat of harm, invasion of property, or gross indignity. It is impractical to address every behavioral situation that may occur in the library. HMCPL employees have the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of HMCPL whenever the rules do not specifically cover certain situations. 

Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver at all times. This also includes any person needing supervision or assistance outside of HMCPL services because of physical or mental conditions. 

 Disruptive conduct including but not restricted to the following is prohibited: 

1. Behavior that unreasonably disturbs others or interferes with HMCPL operations and services including but not limited to: 

• Speaking in a loud voice 
• Playing any audio equipment or device that can be heard by others 
• Running, horseplay, or fighting 

2. Behavior that annoys, harasses, or threatens another person, including but not restricted to the following: 

• Conveying threats of any kind of physical force or harm 
• Using obscene, abusive, or racially charged language 
• Engaging in sexual misconduct 
• Stalking, staring, or invading personal space 

3. Being under the influence or in possession of any intoxicating drug or alcoholic substance on HMCPL grounds 

4. Sleeping in, or using as sleeping quarters (Code of the City of Huntsville 1982) 

5. Drinking uncovered beverages in HMCPL 

6. Using any tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, inside the HMCPL building or on the grounds 

7. Defacing, destroying, or tampering with HMCPL property or equipment 

8. Soliciting funds, panhandling, gambling, selling, advertising or petitioning for contributions, or support 

9. Using restrooms to bathe, shave, or change clothes where it unreasonably interferes with other patrons use or staff use of the restroom, or involves willful and lewd exposure in violation of ordinances and state law (It is not a violation of this rule for a woman to breastfeed an infant or a person to change a child’s diaper.) 

10. Interfering with patrons use of the HMCPL through poor personal hygiene 

11. Failing to wear shirts and/or shoes 

12. Entering HMCPL with animals or vehicles, except as required by persons with disabilities 

13. Leaving unattended persons in HMCPL who seek or need personal assistance for other than HMCPL related services, and where staff has a reasonable basis to be concerned for the safety of the unattended person (Examples may include minor children or persons needing supervision because of physical or mental conditions.) 

14. Failing to observe Internet use guidelines and policy 

15. Entering HMCPL with the intent to cause bodily harm or reasonable apprehension of bodily harm to employees or patrons 

16. Violating any City Ordinance or State Statute while on HMCPL property or grounds. 

HMCPL reserves the right to search bags, briefcases, etc. for HMCPL materials not properly checked out. 

Each person is expected to take full responsibility for his/her personal property. HMCPL is not responsible for personal belongings in HMCPL facilities or on HMCPL property. 

Parents may be notified of incidents involving minor children (under the age of 19) that occur in HMCPL facilities or on HMCPL property. Parents may request a copy of the security report. Minors who are repeat offenders may be denied access to HMCPL. 

HMCPL security or the supervisor in charge first warns anyone violating these rules at the time of the offense. If the conduct continues the offender will be ordered to leave the premises. Staff members or security officers at their discretion will expel patrons without a warning in situations of serious, threatening, or willfully malicious behavior. Failure to observe these rules may lead to revocation of HMCPL privileges, including the right to visit the buildings and grounds. Repeat offenders or persons ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing. Trespass warnings exceeding six months may be appealed to the Library Board by submitting an appeal in writing to the Executive Director.

Approved Date: 1/28/25

BOARD APPROVED July 16, 2024 

The role of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) is to provide opportunities that will allow individuals to freely examine subjects and make their own decisions. 

The library supports each person’s right to receive information and to determine what is appropriate for them and their families. As a result, the library will not remove specific materials solely because they may be controversial at the time or objectionable to some. 

The HMCPL board and Executive Director are aware that customers may take issue with the inclusion of specific items, programs, or practices, and they welcome the expression of concern by patrons. Patron concerns will be dealt with promptly and courteously as detailed in the following process. 

Concerned patrons may complete and submit a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form https://hmcpl.org/concerns

The patron submitting the request must be a resident of Madison County or live within the city limits of Huntsville or Madison and hold a valid Resident borrower's card in good standing (fees under $15 and unexpired). 

Because of the extensive time involved in addressing a Statement of Concern, each patron may file no more than three (3) Statements of Concern in a calendar year. Please note if the title of concern is the only copy in the library catalog and is checked out at the time of the statement of concern, the timeline for review will be impacted until the item is available for review. During the review process the title of concern will remain available in the collection.

Digital materials may be provided through a content aggregator. As such, the inclusion or exclusion of specific titles in the collections are made by the vendor and the Library's ability to make changes for a digital title may be limited.

The following procedure will be followed when a Statement of Concern About Library Resources form is submitted: 

• The Executive Director will appoint a committee comprised of library staff and/or library foundation board members to study the request and determine if the material meets the Library's selection criteria. The committee will prepare a written recommendation of its findings. 
• The Executive Director will consider the committee's recommendation and will respond in writing to the person who submitted the request. 
• In the event the person who initiated the statement of concern is not satisfied with the decision of the committee, he/she may request in writing within five (5) working days of receipt of the decision that the matter be forwarded to the Library Board for final review. 
• The Executive Director will present the statement of concern to the Library Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Based on the information presented, the Library Board will make a final determination of the matter. 
• The Executive Director will send a written response detailing the Board's decision to the person who submitted the request. 

If materials are challenged pursuant to this policy, no additional Statements of Concern will be considered for the same materials for a period of three (3) years.

Updated 7/15/2025