Library Policies

Checkout Periods and Item Limits

The Library allows 25 items to be on a member's account at any one time. This can be any combination of materials, but there are limits for specific item types.

*Items may be renewed only when no hold is in place for the title. 

Contacting the Circulation Staff

Members may contact the Circulation staff by phone at 415-393-0101 during Library open hours or anytime via email at circulation@milibrary.org

Renew Materials

Items may be renewed online, by phone, or in person at the Circulation Desks.

Holds Requests

Materials in the collection may be requested and held for pickup at the Circulation Desk on the 2nd floor. Members may place holds for items that are checked out or may request that an item on the shelf or in the basement be held for them. Items that are not in the library's collection may be requested through Interlibrary Loan.

Lost Material Fines and Account Suspension

Replacement fines are applied when materials are lost, damaged, or exceed the maximum loan period, plus a processing fee. Library privileges are suspended when fines and/or fees total $30 or more.

Updated June 16, 2021

Mechanics' Institute Library supports intellectual freedom and the freedom to read consistent with the U.S. Constitution and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. However, Mechanics' Institute receives federal E-rate funding subject to the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). CIPA requires libraries to adopt an Internet safety policy that includes use of a "technology protection measure," i.e., filtering or blocking software that prevents access to images that are obscene or pornography. The Library provides access to the Internet in support of the educational and research goals of the Institute. Members and staff are responsible for using these resources in an ethical and lawful manner. If you have any questions regarding Library policy, we encourage you to speak with a librarian for information and clarification.

• Internet resources, computer databases and all installed software are available on an equal basis to all members.
• Time restrictions are imposed to insure equal access for all members.
• There is no age restriction to using Internet workstations for research; however, we encourage parental supervision of minors.
• Members access the World Wide Web at their own discretion and are responsible for their activities on the sites they reach.
• The Library supports and respects each member’s right to privacy. Members should keep in mind, however, that electronic communication, by its nature, could become public.

Because the Library is a public place, it reserves the right to end an Internet session if a member displays text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as inappropriate for viewing in a public setting, or if a member sends messages that may be construed as harassment of an individual or group. Repeat offenses will result in suspension of Internet access in the Library.

Specific Prohibitions - Users may not:

• Add files or applications to the Library computers’ hard drives.
• Alter or attach equipment other than headphones and USB drives to the Library’s computer hardware.
• Change software configurations or computer settings.
• Represent themselves as other persons for the purposes of fraud or other illegal activity.
• Use any Library workstation or Library’s Internet connection for commercial, illegal, or criminal purpose, including accessing computer systems for which the user has not been granted access.
• Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.

Updated October 2024

Mechanics’ Institute’s mission is to create opportunities for people to enhance their lives. We value the rich diversity of our community and have adopted the following rules of conduct to provide for members who wish to use the Institute’s services and facilities, whether in person or online, without unnecessary and inappropriate interruptions or disturbances, to promote service of members’ interests by the Institute’s staff, to ensure the safety of members and staff, and to maintain the security of Mechanics’ Institute property.

Disruptive Behavior or Language

• Threatening, abusive, derogatory, aggressive, or harassing language or behavior is not allowed. 
• Speaking in loud voices or engaging in prolonged conversation that disturbs other users in non-designated areas is prohibited. 
• Members must be fully clothed, including wearing footwear, at all times. 
• Sleeping is prohibited.

Mechanics’ Institute Property

• Intentional damage, misuse, or theft of Mechanics’ Institute’s property, materials, and equipment is prohibited and may be punishable by law. 
• Property of Mechanics’ Institute, including equipment and library materials, must be used in the building only, unless checked out per Institute policy.
• Using furniture or other Institute property for purposes other than intended use is prohibited. This includes sleeping on desks, propping feet on the tables, or using chairs as a step stool.

Personal Property

• Personal items should remain with the owner and not left unattended. Personal items are not the responsibility of Institute staff.
• Personal items such as backpacks, shopping bags, and electronic device cables may not be placed in a way that obstructs aisles, stairs, or exits. 
• Objects larger than a carry-on bag (approximately 14”H x 8”W x 24”L), such as luggage, large backpacks, or oversized duffel bags may not be brought into the building without prior permission from building management. 

Library, Chess Room

• Eating and/or drinking anything in a paper or plastic disposable cup or open top container is prohibited in the library and in the chess room, except during designated special programs and events. Beverages in closed top, resealable containers is acceptable.
• Use of cellphones, laptops, tablets, or other electronic devices to engage in phone conversations or virtual meetings is prohibited in the library and in the chess room.
• Headphones must be used to watch video or to listen to audio in the library and the chess room.
• Headphones and other devices are prohibited during chess tournaments.

Building

• Children under the age of twelve years should not be left unattended.
• The presence of animals, other than certified service animals, is prohibited.
• Persons under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs are not allowed in the building.
• Smoking is not permitted inside the building or within 15 feet of the lobby entrance.
• Photographing, filming, or audio/video recording on Institute property by members or guests is prohibited without prior written approval from the CEO or Director of Operations.
• Unreasonable use of restrooms, including laundering and bathing, is not allowed.
• Soliciting is not permitted in the building.
• Full size bicycles or other similarly sized modes of transportation are not allowed in the building. Skateboards, folding bicycles, collapsible scooters, roller skates, or other smaller devices may be carried into the building but should not be rolled. These devices  must remain folded and at the side of the owner at all times.
• Personal belongings should not be left unattended in the common areas.

Compliance

• Members and guests must leave the premises at the direction of a staff member.
• Members experiencing bouts of cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or other similar symptoms related to the possible spreading of germs may be asked to wear a mask during visits.
• Violations of the rules of conduct may result in the suspension and possible loss of membership privileges. Unlawful activities will be subject to official disposition by law enforcement agencies.

The Library recognizes that some materials are controversial in nature and that any given item may offend some members. Selection of material on a particular subject is made on the basis of the principles stated in Mechanics' Institute Library Collection Development Policy, not on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval.

Members may request reconsideration of any material in the collection. They must complete the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form and submit it to the Library Director. Final authority and decision rests with the Library Director.

The Library appreciates materials donations from members. Most donations will be added to our sale table and proceeds will be directed to the library, supporting collection development and library operations. A limited number of donations may be added to the library’s collection; staff reserve the right to refuse donations that have not been pre-arranged with the Acquisitions Librarian.

Materials which may be added to the collection must meet the following criteria:

• New condition
• Recently published (this requirement may be waived for rare or high value materials, at the library selector’s discretion)
• Subject in our areas of Special Collections (e.g., Californiana History, Chess Books and Journals, Industrial Expositions and World’s Fairs, Civil War and Western Americana)
• Do not duplicate materials already in the library’s collection

Donations received are considered the property of the Library for addition to the collection or disposal and are not returned to the donor. Upon request, a letter of acknowledgement for donations received will be mailed to the donor. The total number of items by format is noted in the donation letter. The Library does not assign a monetary value to the donation for the donor’s tax purposes.

The Library also accepts donations of eBooks and eAudiobooks from members that meet the same criteria as for print books listed above. In addition, the person making the donation needs to provide the library with proof they have copyright ownership or copyright clearance for the electronic resource donated and send a copy of the resource in Adobe EPUB format or a sound file in MP3 format.